FEATURED REVIEWS
BARREN CROSS - Hotter Than Hell! Live (Retroactive re-issue)
Fourth Barren Cross album Hotter Than Hell! Live from 1990, like most live albums, is a frustrating mix of good and bad. Read Full Review >>
DELIVERANCE - Learn (Retroactive re-issue)
Each Deliverance album owns its unique standout qualities, and Learn proves no exception with its at times moody and melancholic and others progressive technical metal sound. Read Full Review >>
DIE HAPPY - Die Happy (Roxx Records re-issue)
Die Happy arrived with great expectations- after all, its lineup comprises four of the five original Vengeance Rising members in bassist Roger Dale Martin, drummer Glen Mancaruso and guitarists Doug Thieme and Larry Farkas. Read Full Review >>
DIE HAPPY - Volume II (Roxx Records re-issue)
Die Happy stepped up its game with the 1993 release of its aptly entitled Intense Records sophomore album Volume II. Read Full Review >>
FEARLESS - Chronicles Of Ancient Wisdom
Describing its sound (accurately I might add) as ‘rich melodies, epic choirs and orchestras blended with heavy metal in a theatrical feeling’, Fearless came together in 2010 prior to signing with Heart of Steel Records for its 2013 debut EP Ancient Wisdom. Read Full Review >>
PARADOX - Ruler (Retroactive re-issue)
It reveals in Paradox a group musically mature beyond its years in presenting with eight equally goods songs of high energy, technical heavy metal that walks a fine line between that of the melodic (although wisely avoiding hair metal territory) and power kind (noting the occasional neo-classical influence). Read Full Review >>
SLAVES WAGE - Heaven Or Hell
Slaves Wage further impresses as a musically joining of straightforward heavy metal and blues based hard rock with a strong eighties influence, albeit not without leaving room for outside the box moments in the form of doom and even modern metal. Read Full Review >>
SONIC DIVIDE - The Other Side
When Adelaide, Australia based Sonic Divide independently released its self-titled debut full length in 2013, the melodic rock and AOR aesthetics were right on ‘from the lushly textured complexion of the songwriting to the throwback sound drawing upon the best aspects of the seventies and eighties to the impeccably flowing track listing’ (as noted in the 90% Angelic Warlord review). Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
FIERCE HEART Sign With Dark Star Records For Sophomore Album, War For The World:
Press Release / FIERCE HEART who just signed with Dark Star Records are back and have created what is looking like a career milestone, the fantastic new full-length album War For The World.
The first single from the album, “Built For Speed”, can be streamed above.
Slamming drums courtesy of the inimitable Nick Forchione and thundering bass by way of Antonio Acevedo complement the soaring and soulful vocals of Robert Reynolds. Plus, a brand new guitar inspiration from maestro Rex Carroll to round out the package, but then they went a step further! Digging into the old catalog to offer a fresh take from the 1985 sessions, re-recording of one of their classic live staples, “Out For Blood” is a bonus track done specifically to re connect with the fans that have hung with the band all the way from the early days.
This record has just about everything you could ask for: inspired performances from all the guys, fabulous songs, radio hits, soaring vocals, searing guitars, sing along anthems, and thereʼs even a glorious power ballad “Lost Inside Your Love.” All boxes check, check, double checked, and checked again!
War For The World from FIERCE HEART will be available exclusively on Dark Star Records / Sony / Universal
Lots of great projects are being planned, including touring coast to coast, Thanks to Dark Star Records connections, also 2 songs from the new FIERCE HEART album will be featured in the 10 year anniversary re release of the movie Hellweek directed by Eddie Lengyel.
FIERCE HEART is back, and ready to rock your world!
Fierce Heart lineup:
Bob Reynolds - Lead Vocals
Rex Carroll - Guitars
Antonio Acevedo - Bass
Nick Forchione - Drums
About FIERCE HEART:
In 1985, Atlantic Records released the debut album from FIERCE HEART. Fronted by the extraordinary talents of guitar icon Rex Carroll, the band received high praise in the music press, Guitar Player Magazine, Billboard, Kerrang, Metal Forces and Guitar For The Practicing Musician.
Then in 1986, Rex Carroll formed the successful group WHITECROSS and also played in the critically acclaimed band KING JAMES, while the new singer for FIERCE HEART, Robert Reynolds, headed up the band GRAVE DANGER from L.A.
Following the original Atlantic album release, AOR BLVD Records contacted Rex for an official, sanctioned re release. This project became a springboard, with a performance that followed at the Melodic Rock Festival. FIERCE HEART was the surprise hit of the festival with fans turning out in droves, demanding the permanent reformation of the band and a new album.
Dark Star Records online: https://darkstarrecords.net & www.facebook.com/darkstarrecords
FIERCE HEART online: www.fierceheartband.com & www.facebook.com/FierceHeartBand
STRYPER, Even The Devil Believes Details Revealed:
Press Release / STRYPER are set to return on September 4, 2020 with their new album, Even The Devil Believes. While the band is known for their Christian faith, their decades plus career in heavy metal has made them much more than just a ‘Christian metal’ band. Sure, that is part of who they are, but at the end of the day, they are simply a long-running and well-respected heavy metal band with a late-career rebirth that has proved their enduring talent and musical skills are well intact.
A lyric video to the first single from the album, “Blood From Above”, can be streamed above
“We’re incredibly happy to write a new chapter in the book of STRYPER,” says vocalist/guitarist Michael Sweet, who has served as the band’s primary songwriter since its inception in 1983. “This album was recorded during the pandemic, and I believe the message pertains to the times we are living in so perfectly. It’s a recording of hope and inspiration and a light in the darkest of times.”
Filled with the band’s signature riffs, harmony-laden melodies and positive themes, the 11-track project is STRYPERS’s first studio album that features Perry Richardson (FIREHOUSE) on bass and background vocals.
“Perry helped take things to a new level for us,” Sweet says. “We’re honored to have him with us.”
Sweet revealed that the band members delivered focused determination, a collaborative spirit and spot-on execution for the new record. The result is a collection of remarkable songs that leaves a strong impact on listeners.
“It has an energy unlike any other album we’ve done,” he asserts. “We even pulled a song from the past that has never been heard or released, and by doing so we brought a little bit of 1989 back into the mix.”
Standout tracks include “Blood From Above,” “Make Love Great Again,” “Do Unto Others,” “How to Fly”, “Divider,” and the heart-stirring ballad “This I Pray.”
“The music and lyrics are rock-solid,” says Sweet. “God really blessed this one and hopefully it will bless everyone who hears it as well.”
When it comes to groundbreaking bands in the Christian metal genre, STRYPER is renowned for its distinctive brand of “heavenly metal,” extraordinary crossover success and venerable endurance. The group ascended to prominence in the 1980s with Billboard Top 40 hits like “Calling on You,” “Honestly,” and “Always There for You” and had maintained a global fan base since.
STRYPER’s career album sales exceed 10 million worldwide, including 1986’s multiplatinum release “To Hell with the Devil.” The band also made history when it notched two songs simultaneously in MTV’s Top 10 with videos “Free” and “Honestly.”
Today, some 35+ years after emerging from the southern California nightclub scene, the foursome continues to record, tour and perform for loyal fans around the globe. Comprising three original members including brothers Michael Sweet (lead vocals, guitar) and Robert Sweet (drums), Oz Fox (guitar) and newest band mate, seasoned bassist Perry Richardson, the group finds itself creating their finest, most powerful music yet.
Even The Devil Believes track listing:
1. “Blood From Above”
2. “Make Love Great Again”
3. “Let Him In”
4. “Do Unto Others”
5. “Even The Devil Believes”
6. “How To Fly”
7. “Divider”
8. “This I Pray”
9. “Invitation Only”
10. “For God & Rock ‘N’ Roll”
“11. Middle Finger Messiah”
FRONTIERS SRL online: www.frontiers.it/index.php & www.facebook.com/frontiersmusicsrl
STRYPER online: www.stryper.com & www.facebook.com/Stryper
ROXX RECORDS Announce Debut Album From WE ARE RESOLUTE, “Shine The Light”:
Album release: July 31, 2020
Press Release / Roxx Records is excited to announce this next release as we continue our working relationship with Dale Thompson of BRIDE. For this next chapter we are bringing you a limited edition CD pressing of his latest work with Michigan’s very own WE ARE RESOLUTE as we release the bands debut full-length album entitled Shine The Light.
WE ARE RESOLUTE is a lot more than just Dale Thompson though, the band features the talents of Bryan Carman handling all the guitars and bass and John Mokma handling all the drums! All three together equals another blistering project fronted by powerhouse Christian rock vocalist Dale Thompson.
Shine The Light features 10 brand new tracks. Check out the first single “Mad At God” now and pre order your copy today: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/we-are-resolute-shine-the-light-w-a-r-2020-bride
Shine The Light track listing:
1. “Inside”
2. “Chasing Shadows”
3. “Crazy”
4. “Shine The Light”
5. “Your Enemy”
6. “Don’t Listen”
7. “Why I Cry”
8. “Mad At God”:
9. “Kingdom Of Heaven”
10. “We Will See Him”
WE ARE RESOLUTE online: www.facebook.com/weareresolutemusic
FEATURED REVIEWS
RED SEA - Blood (Roxx Records re-issue) - SEVEN MONTHS AGO
One of the few bands from the period to restore faith in all things metal and hard rock was Red Sea and its dynamic spring of 1994 Rugged Records debut Blood. Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
STRYPER Announces “Even The Devil Believes” Single:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:
Openly Christian hard rockers STRYPER will release "Even The Devil Believes", the first single from their forthcoming album, on Friday, June 26. The single cover artwork can be seen above.
A week ago, STRYPER front man Michael Sweet described the song in an Instagram post as "metal," "powerful," "relevant" and "life changing." He added: "It is most definitely one of the best tracks we've ever recorded and it couldn't come at a better time."
STRYPER's new LP will be released in late 2020 via Frontiers Music Srl. Most of the recording sessions for the disc took place at SpiritHouse Recording Studios in Northampton, Massachusetts with engineer Danny Bernini.
Among the other tracks set to appear on the LP is "For God And Rock & Roll".
Last September, Sweet told The Metal Voice about the musical direction of STRYPER's follow-up to 2018's God Damn Evil: "It's gonna be aligned with the last album, but taking it a step further. We're gonna do some things where people are gonna hear it and go, 'You've gotta be kidding me,' that's gonna surprise and shock people in a really good way. It's gonna be a metal album — it's not gonna be a pop album or pop-rock or glam metal and all these silly terms. It's gonna be a metal album. And we're gonna really pull some things out of the hat, man, and try to blow people's minds."
Formed 37 years ago, STRYPER is the first overtly Christian metal band to go mainstream. The group's name comes from Isaiah 53:5, which states: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
STRYPER's albums include To Hell With The Devil, Second Coming, No More Hell To Pay, Fallen and the aforementioned God Damn Evil.
Sweet's tenth solo album, "Ten", was released in October via Rat Pak Records in North America and Frontiers Music Srl in Europe.
FRONTIERS SRL online: www.frontiers.it/index.php & www.facebook.com/frontiersmusicsrl
STRYPER online: www.stryper.com & www.facebook.com/Stryper
NEWS BRIEFS
* TRUE STRENGTH Update from guitarist Ryan "The Archangel" Darnell (Facebook - May 29, 2020):
“I am happy to officially announce the three new band members of TRUE STRENGTH that have already recorded and will be appearing on our new album, The Mighty Hand Of Yahweh:
• Chris Lee Faulkenberry - Drums
• Takis Koroneos - Lead Guitars
• Marco Bravi - Keyboards
“Many have asked what happened with Pastor Brad and TRUE STRENGTH, as he was originally supposed to be the lead guitarist on this new album; unfortunately, we were unable to work things out because of scheduling issues. We wish our brother Pastor Brad all the luck and support in his ongoing service to Christ!
“Please welcome our new members to the TRUE STRENGTH family!”
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
THE WAYMAKER Premier “The Waymaker” Official Video:
Press Release / The Waymaker, the new metal sensation from Sweden and Finland is here! Featuring Christian Liljegren (NARNIA, AUDIOVISION, DIVINEFIRE, GOLDEN RESURRECTION), Jani Stefanovic (SHAKIAH, SOLUTION 45, THE WEAKENING, MISERATION, DIVINEFIRE, ESSENCE OF SORROW, etc) and Katja Stefanovic (solo artist), the group will be releasing its self-titleddebut full-length album via Melodic Passion Records in September.
A video of a song off the album entitled “The Waymaker” can be viewed above.
THE WAYMAKER was formed in summer of 2019 by vocalist Christian Liljegren & guitarist Jani Stefanovic. Jani & Christian were both involved in DIVINEFIRE, who did five studio albums between 2005-2011 and reached a huge popularity, especially in Japan & South America.
THE WAYMAKER line-up was completed when the talented and soulful Katja Stefanovic joined the band. Katja is a very talented vocalist and composer and she has done several solo albums in Finnish and English.
The band delivers bombastic Scandinavian melodic metal with virtuous guitar playing and powerful male & female vocals from all members, as Christian, Katja & Jani share lead vocal duties in THE WAYMAKER.
All members have a long musical background and experiences from touring and recording worldwide, but one common goal have been to take the listener on a musical journey, where the music and the message is THE WAYMAKER in this time. We live in a chaotic world where it is hard to find peace and your place. The WAYMAKER wants to deliver music with a heavenly hope and guidance to as many as possible.
If you listen to the music you hear influences from YNGWIE MALMSTEEN’S RISING FORCES, STRATOVARIOUS, MASTERPLAN & KAMELOT.
It is always hard to break new ground but THE WAYMAKER delivers Scandinavian melodic metal with a new twist! It is very powerful but still a dynamic production handled by Jani Stefanovic and Multi Grammy, Gold & Platinum Award winning Thomas Plec Johansson (GATHERING OF KINGS, SOILWORK, NOCTURNAL RITES, DIVINEFIRE and many more).
On the debut album THE WAYMAKER have recorded their version of the classic STRYPER song “Soldiers Under Command” from 1985, where you hear guitar work from Jani Stefanovic and NARNAI axe man CJ Grimmark.
On the drums we find Alfred Fridhagen, a powerhouse metal drummer who has played in REINXEED and GOLDEN RESURRECTION.
THE WAYMAKER debut album is a killer with no filler! The band is very excited to meet the media and fans and of course to perform live worldwide. THE WAYMAKER is here to stay and show the way of new exciting Scandinavian melodic metal for the people!
Sound Pollution in Europe, North America & Australia
King Records in Asia
Voice Music in Brazil
Icarus Music in Argentina
THE WAYMAKER line up:
Jani Stefanovic - Guitars, Bass, Keyboards & Vocals
Katja Stefanovic - Lead & Backing Vocals
Christian Liljegren - Lead & Backing Vocals
THE WAYMKAKER online: https://thewaymakerband.com, https://facebook.com/thewaymakerband & https://instagram.com/thewaymakerband
NEWS BRIEFS
* TRYTAN, “It’s War” official video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZX6WeESFWs
The song comes off the group’s 1987 debut album Celestial Messenger.
* Old Mans Mettle online interview with WYTCH HAZEL vocalist and guitarist Colin Hendra: https://oldmansmettle.com/2020/04/22/colin-hendra-of-wytch-hazel-on-christian-discontent-robin-hood-outfits-and-valve-amps
ARTIST COMMENTARY
Vocalist Chaz Bond in regards to the next BIOGENESIS album, Rise Of The Phoenix (Facebook - June 13, 2020):
“I have been quiet lately so I want to give you BioGenesis fans some background on this next album Rise Of The Phoenix. Most of you know by now that this will be a concept about a central character and his journey from strong follower to sceptic.to full non believer in Jim Jones and his now famous Cult known as the Peoples Temple. We know the tragic story but what about those who lived to tell the story? Many of them even lost loved ones in the tragedy... how did they deal with the grief as well as the traumatic experiences they were forced to witness?
“As tragic as you can imagine, yet many of these survivors have not only gone on to rebuild their lives but some of them have become a powerful voice to speak out against the often deadly brainwashing Cults and Cult leaders that are out there preying on those who are susceptible to walking into such traps. The fictional character on this album is based on those real life survivors… the emotions they went through along the way... the loss and pain they unfortunately were forced to endure. However, despite all of that, the story is about how they were able to survive then overcome the mental and emotional trauma moving forward. The way I see it, if these brave people can over come what they have, most of us, myself included, really have nothing to whine about. On The other hand, those of you who have already suffered a lot, I pray that God can use this story of rising from the ashes to help you to give you hope and strength to not only carry on but to thrive along the way.
“So who remember the song "In The Darkness I Dwell"? It was featured on A Decadence Divine in 2017. What you guys and gals don't know is that this is actually the very first song that I wrote about this character. What you also do not know is that I actually wrote the lyrics back 2012. That is when I felt God leading me to write the story that I am now working on. Bio was going to finish a new album at the time then the next record was going to be the concept. At first I was going to come up with a fictional name for the Cult and still have it 95% based on the Jim Jones tragedy. However, fast forward to October 2019, when I finally got the chance to begin writing this album. Suddenly all 5 of the band members decided to leave, and that was just the first thing that was thrown at me. Many hurdles and challenges have had me under attack since then but rather than allowing it to break me, all that did was show me that there is a reason God has lead me to write this and I will either get it done or die trying.
“BIOGENESIS has always been about exposing evil and offering a light in the darkest of places. Bio didn't back down back then and Bio isn't backing down now. If you don't get it then maybe the message isn't meant for you, and you should thank God that you are one of the lucky ones to never experience such horrible tragedy, but that doesn't mean that there are not those who need to hear the message!
“Right now I am still writing the lyrics .Please be patient as I believe that this will be the most powerful thing to ever have been written by my hand...all glory to God.”
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
MICHAEL SWEET: 'There's No Stronger Solution To Our Worldwide Turmoil Than Jesus':
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.com:
Michael Sweet of openly Christian hard rockers STRYPER says there is "no stronger solution to our worldwide turmoil than Jesus."
Less than a week after George Floyd's death at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, cities across the U.S. are bracing for more violence-marred protests in the coming days, with some calling in the National Guard to beef up overwhelmed forces. The unrest comes as the coronavirus pandemic and its resulting economic crisis enter a new phase in the the country.
On Sunday (May 31), Sweet took to his Instagram to write: "There's no better answer, no greater example, no stronger solution to our worldwide turmoil than #Jesus - all of the things that we need now - grace, mercy, patience, love, forgiveness, salvation are there for us. This world needs Jesus now more than ever. We continue trying to figure things out on our own but that's not going too well is it? To quote a @Stryper song that so perfectly applies to our times – 'Christ is The Lover of your soul, and He wants to give you all you need - so freely Surrender, open up onto His majesty'. By His Strypes we are healed"
Formed 37 years ago, STRYPER is the first overtly Christian metal band to go mainstream. The group's name comes from Isaiah 53:5, which states: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
STRYPER's albums include To Hell With The Devil, Second Coming, No More Hell To Pay, Fallen and God Damn Evil.
Sweet's tenth solo album, Ten, was released in October via Rat Pak Records in North America and Frontiers Music Srl in Europe.
STRYPER online: www.stryper.com & www.facebook.com/Stryper
NEWS BRIEFS
* “Crows And The Hawk”, official lyric video from MESSENGER: www.youtube.com/watch?v=AW3I-UQ5lbg
Further details from the group:
America and the world need racial harmony. With the racial tensions we have right now, we must bring our issues into terms that will help us handle the problem. We need to understand ourselves and each other with harmony as the goal. One race - the human race. "He made us to embrace, He made us to enjoy - each other!"
FEATURED REVIEWS
RESURRECTION BAND - Colours (Retroactive re-issue) - THREE YEARS AGO
Colours in my opinion might not be the best Resurrection Band album but is no doubt in the thick of things in ranking a notch below Rainbow’s End, Innocent Blood and Lament. Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
STRYPER, New Album Tentatively Due In September:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:
STRYPER front man Michael Sweet spoke to 80's Glam Metalcast about the bands recently completed new album, which is tentatively scheduled for a late 2020 release via Frontiers Music Srl.
"It's a great album," he said (hear audio above). "There's 11 tracks on it. I get poked fun at for saying it's our best album. I say that with every album, but I really believe that with every album; I think that we're getting better as we go, and each album, I think, really literally gets better. And we're honing in and perfecting our craft and getting better at what we do. And I'm excited about this one. This is a really exceptionally great album. It's got a really great feel to it. We have a new bandmate on the album, (bassist) Perry Richardson. He's put on a lot to the table in terms of the groove and the foundation with his bass playing and also with his vocal harmonies. And I can't wait for everyone to hear it."
As for a possible release date for STRYPER's new music, Sweet said: "From what I understand, the album is gonna come out in September. It was originally gonna be released in October, and they moved it back earlier to September, which is great. From what I understand, I think the first song from the album (will be made available) sometime in June. And believe it or not, we're planning on doing a music video - unless something happens that we don't know of or that's out of our control [that] we're not aware of - and it's gonna be really cool, man. I can't wait for people to hear it and see the reaction. It's a great one. It's gonna be fun to get out and play these songs live when we can and are able to do that."
Most of the recording sessions for STRYPER's new disc took place at SpiritHouse Recording Studios in Northampton, Massachusetts with engineer Danny Bernini.
Among tracks set to appear on the LP is "For God And Rock & Roll".
This past September, Sweet told The Metal Voice about the musical direction of STRYPER's follow-up to 2018's God Damn Evil: "It's gonna be aligned with the last album, but taking it a step further. We're gonna do some things where people are gonna hear it and go, 'You've gotta be kidding me,' that's gonna surprise and shock people in a really good way. It's gonna be a metal album - it's not gonna be a pop album or pop-rock or glam metal and all these silly terms. It's gonna be a metal album. And we're gonna really pull some things out of the hat, man, and try to blow people's minds."
Formed 37 years ago, STRYPER is the first overtly Christian metal band to go mainstream. The group's name comes from Isaiah 53:5, which states: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
STRYPER's albums include To Hell With The Devil, Second Coming, No More Hell To Pay, Fallen and the aforementioned God Damn Evil.
Sweet's tenth solo album,Ten, was released in October via Rat Pak Records in North America and Frontiers Music Srl in Europe.
Frontiers SRL online: www.frontiers.it/index.php & www.facebook.com/frontiersmusicsrl
STRYPER online: www.stryper.com & www.facebook.com/Stryper
NEWS BRIEFS
* “Dead Mens Bones”, third ‘social lockdown’ video from ATKINS MAY PROJECT: www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7JW6CdDxu8
The group also recently completed an online interview at Metal Brothers: http://metalbrothers.es/entrevistas-interviews/interviews/interview-with-atkins-may-project
FEATURED REVIEWS
RECON - Behind Enemy Lines - FOUR YEARS AGO
With its name short for both reconnaissance and reconciliation, Recon arose out of the ashes of defunct Southern California bands De Roque, Prophet and Seventh Thunder when founding members guitarist George Ochoa, vocalist Vett Roberts and drummer John Christianson formed a partnership. Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
RECON, Behind Enemy Lines Roxx Records Gold Disc Edition & Vinyl Re-issue:
Album release: July 31, 2020
Roxx Records is ready to bring you another killer (and FINAL) reissue pressing of the classic Christian Metal release from RECON, Behind Enemy Lines.
Behind Enemy Lines has been a much sought after release for Christian Metal fans around the world. Originally, the vinyl was only released in Europe on a limited pressing in 1990, and then Roxx Records did a limited vinyl reissue in 2015 to celebrate the albums 25th anniversary. That pressing was limited to only 300 pieces, 100 orange and 200 black. That wasn’t enough as we have heard you all ask for more RECON vinyl!
So here you have it, the third and final overall chance to get a copy of this classic album on vinyl as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Behind Enemy Lines. This pressing will be very special and also even more limited then all the other versions of this one. As a part of the Limited Run Vinyl series, we will be pressing only 200 copies on a very cool camouflage splatter pressing!
Not enough for you well we will also be giving this one the special Gold CD treatment to Behind Enemy Lines, which will also be a one-time pressing of only 500 pieces.
The first 50 orders will receive a free Behind Enemy Lines sticker.
RECON burst on to the metal scene in 1988 with a 4-track cassette-only demo, which was the norm back when file sharing was mix tapes sent through the mail to and from tape traders. The band soon followed this up with two classic tracks that were released on the Regency Records compilation, California Metal 2. Then, in 1990, Intense/Frontline Records released the power metal of the band’s full-length debut, Behind Enemy Lines.
Behind Enemy Lines track listing:
1. “In The Beginning”
2. “Lost Soldier”
3. “Ancient Of Days”
4. “Choose This Day”
5. “Dreams”
6. “Take Us Away”
7. “Holy Is The Lord”
8. “Alive”
9. “Eternal Destiny”
10. Behind Enemy Lines”
Behind Enemy Lines Gold Disc Edition pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/recon-behind-enemy-lines-cd
Behind Enemy Lines camouflage vinyl pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/recon-behind-enemy-lines-camouflage-lp
Behind Enemy Lines CD + camouflage vinyl pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/recon-behind-enemy-lines-camouflage-lp-cd
NEWS BRIEFS
* ATKINS MAY PROJECT, "When The Bell Tolls" (Social 'Lockdown video 2): www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TyCGqAK8WI
* New demo track from EVANS & STOKES, “Into The Badlands”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AqHL8GcHGU
The song is scheduled to appear on the groups upcoming untitled fourth album.
FEATURED REVIEWS
MESSIAH - Final Warning - TEN YEARS AGO
Messiah is a particularly obscure group, getting its start in Texas in the mid-seventies as a tribute band prior to moving to Detroit and independently releasing two albums: the full length effort Final Warning (1984) and EP Going Insane (1986). Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
ATKINS MAY PROJECT Premier “The War In-Between” Official Video:
ATKINS MAY PROJECT, the band featuring original JUDAS PRIEST singer Al Atkins and Christian guitarist and music artist Paul May, released its new album The Final Cut on April 10, 2020.
A ‘Social Lockdown’ video to the song “The War In-Between” can be viewed above.
Atkins and May previously created three records - Serpents Kiss (2011), Valley Of Shadows (2012) and Empire Of Destruction (2014) - available on Gonzo Multimedia. There are enough doses of melody and metal madness to entice all fans of the genre, and while it is solid, honest, working-class heavy metal, it also has its roots in contemporary metal with some fine axe-work and killer choruses.
This marriage of metal mayhem has earned them stunning reviews from the world's press and has seen them gain a steady momentum of fans globally since their initial release back in 2011.
A compilation album, Anthology, arrived in 2015. The effort featured a previously unreleased bonus track, a cover of Phil Collins’' "In The Air Tonight".
Atkins is the co-writer of several PRIEST songs, which are included on the band's first two albums, Rocka Rolla and Sad Wings Of Destiny, both of which eventually went gold. Atkins co-penned the heavy metal classic "Victim of Changes", which was a combination of Rob Halford's song "Red Light Lady" and Atkins' own "Whiskey Woman". He also co-wrote "Winter", "Never Satisfied", "Dreamer Deceiver" and "Caviar and Meths".
In 1989, Atkins released his debut solo album, Judgement Day, to great acclaim. But it was Heavy Thoughts and Victim Of Changes (the latter being his collaborative album with ex-JUDAS PRIEST drummer Dave Holland) that brought him strong sales and critical acclaim around the world.
May gained initial renown for his work in A.N.D., another traditional metal act with which he recorded three albums in the early to mid nineties, in addition to having appeared on over 50 albums in both the mainstream and Christian arenas.
The Final Cut track listing:
1. “The Revealing”
2. “The Final Cut”
3. “When The Bell Tolls”
4. “War In Between”
5. “Treading Water”
6. “Buried Alive”
7. “Fighting Man”
8. “Dead Men’s Bones”
9. “Stranger In A Strange Land”
10. “The Cold Wind Blows”
11. “Masquerade”
ATKINS MAY PROJECT online: www.atkinsmayproject.com & www.facebook.com/Atkins-May-Project-Official
MESSIAH, Final Warning & Going Insane Vinyl Re-issues On Sonic Age Records:
Album release: July 10, 2020
MESSIAH's only full-length album is widely regarded as one of the greatest Christian metal albums of all time. Featuring iconic artwork and a blend of great classic heavy metal, it became through the years a highly sought after collector's item. Thanks to the Christian metal guru, Matthew Hunt and his great label Retroactive Records, which originally reissued this classic on CD ten years ago, we were given the license to reproduce the album on vinyl in three different colors, in a limited to 500 units reissue.
The vinyl comes with a bonus song, a rare version of "Final Warning" that originally appeared on the hard to find compilation Talent N' Texas that featured promising Texas rock bands from the early 80s. The vinyl also comes with a special insert that features detailed band story, song lyrics and a foreword by the Retroactive boss, Matt. Get ready for one of the most breathtaking Christian metal releases of all time.
Make sure you grab your copies, which you can order in 3 different versions:
A) Black vinyl (limited to 200 copies!)
B) Trans/Purple Splatter vinyl (limited to 200 copies!)
C) Trans Violet/Red Marbled vinyl (Sonic Age Store exclusive - limited to 100 copies!)
Comes in 180 gr vinyl.
Final Warning track listing:
Side A:
1. “Who's To Blame”
2. “Outta Control”
3. “Where Are You”
4. “The Choice”
5. “Heavenly Metal”
Side B:
1. “Mistaken Identity”
2. “Keep Searching”
3. “Lucifer”
4. “Final Warning”
5. “Final Warning” (1981 version bonus track)
Final Warning pre-order: https://sonicagerecords.com/_shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=68141
MESSIAH's last release is an EP that succeeded their classic album Final Warning and is another amazing Christian metal release. The original EP that was released on vinyl back in 1985, is most likely the rarest Christian metal album of all time with only a handful of collectors owning a copy. Thanks to the Christian metal guru, Matthew Hunt and his great label Retroactive Records which originally reissued this classic on CD ten years ago, we were given the license to reproduce the album on vinyl in three different colors, in a limited to 500 units reissue.
The vinyl comes with three bonus songs, which are taken from the demo '79 by the band. The vinyl also comes with a special insert that features detailed band story, song lyrics and a foreword by the Retroactive boss, Matt. Get ready for one of the most breathtaking Christian metal releases of all time.
Make sure you grab your copies, which you can order in 3 different versions:
A) Black vinyl (limited to 200 copies!)
B) Gold/Black Marbled vinyl (limited to 200 copies!)
C) Cristallo Yellow vinyl (Sonic Age Store exclusive - limited to 100 copies!)
Going Insane track listing:
Side A:
1. “Going Insane”
2. “We Will Rock”
3. “Heavenly Metal”
4. “Where Are You”
Side B:
1. “Evil Lies”
2. “Lucifer” ('79 Demo)
3. “Final Warning” ('79 Demo)
4. “You'd Better Say A Prayer” ('79 Demo)
Going Insane pre-order: https://sonicagerecords.com/_shop/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=68140
NEWS BRIEFS
* “Blind Sided”, new single from MESSENGER: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikcj2jA5Tls
The song comes off the group’s upcoming third album In To Win.
* New song from VOX HEAVEN, “Gates Of Paradise”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QDt-k7i2mc
FEATURED REVIEWS
MESSENGER - You Choose - EIGHT YEARS AGO
Everything about You Choose, the fall of 2012 sophomore release from Arlington, Virginia based Messenger, screams of classic hard rock meets traditional heavy metal: An assertive joining of bludgeoning guitars, subterranean bass lines and tenacious drumming that allows for a surpassing heaviness but an element of accessibility at the same time. Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
MESSENGER To Release New Single, “Blind Sided”:
Arlington, Virginia based classic hard rock meets traditional metal act MESSENGER announce the May 15, 2020 release of its new single, “Blind Sided”.
Further details from lead vocalist and guitarist Frank Clifton Herring, ‘Vlad (Gurin - guitarist) and I collaborate on songwriting by sharing riffs and concepts to tackle and try. With this song, Vlad had created a cool hard rock opening guitar riff and an array of verse and chorus changes. It struck me a certain way when I heard it. It’s like something coming at you from somewhere you didn’t expect. You are rolling along one way, then you get hit by something else equally interesting but it’s a change’.
“Blind Sided”, according to the group, ‘hits hard as a rock song describing the challenges that we face when our plans are interrupted by unexpected circumstances. The changes that are in this song are representative of those upsetting changes in our futures.’
MESSENGER plans for “Blind Sided” to be the second track on its upcoming thirteen-song album to be entitled In To Win, which per Herring ‘will be hard rock/heavy metal on a wide spectrum from straight rock to thrash. We just opened up and let it out for this one’.
In previewing the single, I hear by far the heaviest MESSENGER track to date, with a full on rhythm guitar sound backed by a skillful guitar solo and spot on production. If “Blind Sided” is any indicator of things to come, In To Win represents a highly anticipated release.
Angelic Warlord described the group’s 2008 debut I’m Talking To You (80% review) as ‘a throwback sound that hearkens back to the eighties’. However, by throwback ‘we are not necessarily referring to the fluffy hair metal that was prevalent at the time but rather a heavier and more muscular side to the decade’ or more specifically a ‘joining of guitar driven hard rock (similar to Rez Band) and old school heavy metal (not unlike Saint)’.
Also graded at 80% is the Messenger 2012 sophomore album You Choose, which ‘screams of classic hard rock meets traditional heavy metal: An assertive joining of bludgeoning guitars, subterranean bass lines and tenacious drumming that allows for a surpassing heaviness but an element of accessibility at the same time’.
MESSENGER online:
www.MessengerRock.com
www.YouTube.com/MessengerOnline
www.Facebook.com/MessengerMetal
www.Instagram.com/MessengerRock
www.Twitter.com/MessengerMetal
www.Reverbnation.com/MessengerMetal
www.MessengerMetal.com
SUNBOMB Completes Work On Debut Album:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:
Last year, L.A. GUNS' Tracii Guns and STRYPER's Michael Sweet announced that they were collaborating on a new metal project called SUNBOMB. The band, which apparently also features former L.A. GUNS drummer Shane Fitzgibbon, recently recorded its debut album, to be released via Frontiers Music Srl.
During an appearance earlier today (Tuesday, May 5) on SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation", Guns stated about the musical direction of SUNBOMB: "I love black metal. I love black metal more than I love a lot of other things. Because black metal has a certain element of Randy Rhoads in it that people might not really identify that, but I always have. There's something about the double picking and the way the chords are structured and the weight of the music.
"The SUNBOMB record is really kind of like (L.A. GUNS' 2019 album) The Devil You Know times three," he continued. "It's more on the heavy side of The Devil You Know album. And Michael Sweet, he's a really fantastic metal singer."
When host Eddie Trunk pointed out to Guns that Sweet - being the front man of the most successful openly Christian hard rock band of all time - is likely not much of a black metal fan, Tracii corrected him: "I think he is." The guitarist went on to say that he and Michael are able to work together without butting heads about religion or politics. "You have the biggest non-believer and the biggest believer," he said. "But that's the kind of guys we are - I'm able to separate the beliefs from the music; they're not one and the same. And Michael and I have talked about it. I'm an open-minded person and I respect [other people's perspectives]."
When Tracii first broke the news of SUNBOMB's existence in a March 2019 tweet, he described the project's debut LP as "the metal record I would have made when I was 17 years old."
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."
Frontiers SRL online: www.frontiers.it/home & www.facebook.com/frontiersmusicsrl
KEN TAMPLIN, An Axe To Grind Re-issue On Girder Music:
Album release: June 30, 2020
While many fans and critics have often touted KenTamplin’s work with SHOUT (In Your Face) and MAGDALLAN (Big Bang) as his best releases, the series of solo albums he released between 1990 and 1995 were quite impressive as well, particularly the self-titled album in 1993 and this gem, An AxeTo Grind which was originally released in 1990 under the moniker of Ken Tamplin & Friends. We have included 3 additional bonus tracks which will now come on this Gold Disc CD along with a 12 page booklet in jewel case format. The Vinyl will include as many songs as we can possibly fit on it. One thing is for certain, it will be a translucent blue with white/black splatter and will come with lyrics liner notes and a wonderful write-up from our friend Johnathan "Doc" Swank. Both the CD and vinyl are going to be treasures to own and your speakers are about to explode.
To fans of Christian hard rock and melodic metal from the late 1980’s and early ‘90’s, KEN TAMPLIN needs no introduction. His extremely dynamic vocal range and powerful delivery, combined with his ability to produce smartly constructed and lavishly mixed compositions, resulted in memorable music- music which certainly raised the quality meter to the highest levels within the Christian market at the time and simultaneously garnered credibility for Christian hard rock and melodic metal worldwide. Most critics would agree An Axe To Grind was his most diverse record to date when it was originally released in 1990, and the talents he employed were quite remarkable (Lanny Cordola along with new sensation Scott Van Zen on guitars, Chuck Wright on bass, Roger Mielke on keyboards and Ken Mary on drums, among others). Furthermore, many of the musical ideas and styles on Axe… later showed up in some form or another on the legendary Big Bang album. In that regard, the songs here stand up well on their own merit - have held up well over time = and are therefore rightfully deserving of new life and a fresh listen as part of Girder Records Legends Of Rock series.
An Axe To Grind players:
Ken Tamplin (SHOUT, JOSHUA, MAGDALLAN) – Lead Vocals & Guitars
Scott Van Zen (FOX / ESPN / MTV / VH1) - Guitars
Lanny Cordola (Giuffria, HOUSE OF LORDS, MAGDALLAN) - Guitars
Joey Tafolla (JAG PANZER) - Guitars
Mark St. John (KISS, WHITE TIGER) - Guitars
Chuck Wright (HOUSE OF LORDS, QUIET RIOT) - Bass
Ken Mary (HOUSE OF LORDS, CHASTAIN, IMPELLITTER) - Drums
An Axe To Grind track listing:
1. “Livin' For My Lord”
2. “The Continuing Saga Of Screwtape & Wormwood”
3. “Going All The Way”
4. “Never Give Up”
5. “Music Box”
6. “Not Alone”
7. “Goin' Home”
8. “Bouree In E Minor”
9. “Straight Between The Eyes”
10. “I Hear Cryin'”
11. “Armageddon”
12. “Holdin' On/The Chase”
13. ”Take 'Em Back”
14. “Believin' (Is The Hardest Part)”
15. “All The Things You Are”
An Axe To Grind bonus tracks:
1. “When Secrets Cry Out Loud” (SHOUT/TAMPLIN - At The Top of Their Lungs)
2. “Little Liar (Luci)” (SHOUT/TAMPLIN - At The Top of Their Lungs)
3. “Take Em Back” (John Jacobs and the Power Team Soundtrack)
An Axe To Grind Gold Disc Edition pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/ken-tamplin-axe-to-grind-3-bonus-tracks-gold-disc
An Axe To Grind limited run vinyl pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/ken-tamplin-axe-to-grind-limited-200-run-vinyl-shout-magdallan
An Axe To Grind CD + vinyl pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/copy-of-ken-tamplin-axe-to-grind-limited-200-run-vinyl-cd-shout-magdallan
ARTIST COMMENTARY
Dale Thompson in regards to the recording process of the next BRIDE album, Here Is Your God (Facebook - May 4, 2020):
“Here Is Your God, this is the title for the new Bride album. Now we want to share with you a bit of our writing process. We have been writing for over a year on some of the songs and spent about 3 months recording them. The recording process is a different now than it used to be. With Dale living in New Zealand, we can no longer get together as an entire band to record. Dale continually writes lyrics and Troy continually writes music; it is putting it together that is interest. The first thing we want to share with you is what Troy does.
“After Troy records a basic guitar riff in his home studio, he sends it to Dale who tries to fit lyrics to it. After a few transfers of the song back and forth, they will agree to pursue the song or decide to nix it. We don't want to share the entire minutia of the early writing process because that might make you wander how we ever pull a song together.
“For those who present order or contribute Bride has set up a special site for you to listen to the demos and song writing process. You do not have to have an account to do this. For those who sign up for this you will receive the link to hear the music. Each of these songs is music only. Everything you hear will be what Troy sends to Dale after the song has received the green light for Troy to finish the music. The drums you hear will be electronic for now and there may be some bass guitar and other instruments that Troy thought Dale would need to hear to start the vocals; but it will be sparse.
“This can be compared to an artist who draws their first picture in black and white before putting the color on the canvas. So you will have the first draft of all the songs in their most basic stage. The music by itself may not make sense structurally, since it will be difficult to pick out where the vocals will be; that is what Dale gets to do later in the process. In a couple of weeks, I will post more that continues to show the writing process.
“So pre-order at www.bridepub.com and start enjoying the writing process that Bride goes through.”
FEATURED REVIEWS
ATKINS MAY PROJECT - The Final Cut
The catch phrase introduced by Atkins May Project in support of its 2011 debut full length Serpents Kiss - how ‘extreme opposites have come together’ with the goal of proving that (figuratively speaking) ‘good and evil can work together’ - continues to hold true with the spring of 2020 release to its fourth full length album The Final Cut. Read Full Review >>
BARREN CROSS - Atomic Arena (Retroactive re-issue)
The fact Barren Cross’ 1988 Engima Records sophomore album Atomic Arena has been a high-ranking mainstay on Christian metal ‘best of lists’ underscores its significance to the greater hard music community. Read Full Review >>
BARREN CROSS - State Of Control (Retroactive re-issue)
If you want a straightforward heavy metal album with a bit of diversity, third Barren Cross full-length State Of Control from 1989 should absolutely be on your radar. Read Full Review >>
DENY THE FALLEN - Symptoms Of Eternity
In ultimately walking a fine line between old school and the modern, Deny The Fallen could not be more different than the Sacred Warrior power metal Parra and Johnson gained initial renown, but the group is also not so far removed as to alienate Sacred Warrior fans either. Read Full Review >>
GUARDIAN - Miracle Mile (Retroactive re-issue)
It adds up to a work in Miracle Mile that when placed alongside Fire & Love can be suggested is the more creative and varied effort when factoring its better material. Read Full Review >>
LORDCHAIN - The Shadow Project
In past reviews, I describe Lordchain as straightforward hard rock and metal with occasional groove and modern overtones. Read Full Review >>
SAINT - Time’s End (Retroactive Records Gold Disc Edition re-issue)
The 1986 Pure Metal Records sophomore Saint album Time’s End was special for more than just its classic to traditional metal sounds. Read Full Review >>
SAINT - Too Late For Living (Retroactive Records Gold Disc Edition re-issue)
Arguably the better of the first three Saint albums, the 1988 Pure Metal Records released Too Late For Living stands apart for a lot of reasons, but mostly from featuring what in my opinion is the group’s most talented lineup with holdovers bassist Richard Lynch and vocalist Josh Kramer joined by newcomers guitarist Dee Harrington and drummer John Perrine. Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
PARADOX, Ruler Re-issue On Retroactive Records:
Album release: June 26, 2020
Press Release / Music critics might argue as to what city should be labeled “the heavy metal capitol of the world.” Hollywood, London, New York, San Francisco, Tampa. The debate goes on. If you ask touring metal bands, though, there is a consensus that this title should belong to none other than San Antonio, Texas. Citizens of this Central Texas city love their heavy metal and especially their fist-pumping, screaming and yelling loud hard rock concerts. This is the city where PARADOX was born. In 1987, they burst upon the scene with this 8-song album-on-cassette called Ruler.
It introduced the metal world to the shredding, soloing and controlled feedback of lead guitarist Fernando Hernandez. He was backed by rhythm guitarist and heart of the band, John Vidaurri, who was also the busiest member. He and his wife, Liz, would book the gigs, procure the fashion, the makeup and all that went with making a band look metal. Liz was the official band photographer, and she also would help with their hair and choreograph their onstage moves.
Brothers Galicia provided the backbone of the rhythm section. Bassist Phil Galicia III added great background vocals, played some keyboards and even handled the artwork for the band. His little brother, Efrain, played drums like a madman, swirled his hair around like Tommy Lee, and was still in high school during this exciting time for the band.
Manuel Castillo was the band’s front man, which spilled over to leading the band spiritually, hosting rehearsals in his garage, preaching from the stage and, in an unusual move for a power metal band, he would whip out the flute for a prog-metal number during their concerts. He mixes the fervor of Keith Green with the showmanship of JETHRO TULL’s Ian Anderson. What other metal singer can you say that about?
Sporting long hair, mascara and spandex like the rest of the late ‘80s metal scene, PARADOX mixed the power metal of IRON MAIDEN, MANOWAR or DIO with the melodic metal sensibilities of STRYPER, QUEENSRYCHE or even KISS.
The riffs pulsate with a musical muscle workout while the giant hooks grab the listener by the throat and almost force them to sing along.
One thing that cannot be lost on this band is the lyrics. No matter what side of the God or church fence you find yourself on, PARADOX has powerful, bold lyrics that match the passion of a revivalist preacher and the theology of a pastor.
Tunes like “We Are the Temple” and “Ruler” were worship songs at full volume. “Last Race,” “Long Live the King” and “Stand Up for Jesus” were pastoral anthems for believing metal heads. The latter even name dropped STRYPER and BLOODGOOD. How cool is that? “Can’t You See” and “You Must be Saved” were pleas to the unconverted to come to Jesus. It doesn’t get more blunt and in-your-face than that.
It’s easy (and true) to say that it’s a shame PARADOX didn’t get the international record deal shared by their peers (like SACRED WARRIOR, WHITECROSS and Barren CROSS enjoyed), but there were thousands of metal heads who did buy the Ruler and Power & Glory albums on cassette. It is those fans who will most appreciate this re-release and re-kindling of the fire that is PARADOX (can you say “new material coming soon?”), but those just now discovering the band will no doubt rejoice, too.
Ruler track listing:
1. “Long Live The King”
2. “Singing All Night”
3. “We Are The Temple”
4. “Ruler”
5. “Last Race”
6. “Can't You See”
7. “Stand Up For Jesus”
Ruler CD pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/paradox-ruler-legends-remastered-new-cd-2020-retroactive-for-fans-of-recon-sacred-warrior
Ruler vinyl pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/paradox-ruler-legends-remastered-new-black-vinyl-2020-retroactive-for-fans-of-recon-sacred-warrior-pre-order
Ruler CD + vinyl bundle pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/paradox-ruler-legends-remastered-new-cd-vinyl-bundle-2020-retroactive-for-fans-of-recon-sacred-warrior-pre-order
STRYPER Completes Mixing New Album:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:
Openly Christian hard rockers STRYPER have completed mixing their new album for a late 2020 release via Frontiers Music Srl.
On Friday (April 24), STRYPER front man Michael Sweet took to his social media to write:
"I could not be happier to be able to say that the new @stryper album is officially mixed! It sounds killer! Big, fat, bold and spicy - wait till you hear it! Thank you @dannyb413 for making it happen and now it goes onto @alexsaltz to be taken to another level. I already have 5 favorites that are on repeat. I'm pretty sure they’ll be yours as well. Coming soon to a system near you - The Y&B Attack is alive and well #heavymetalmusic #guitarlove #musicproducer #loudandproud"
Most of the recording sessions for STRYPER's new disc took place at SpiritHouse Recording Studios in Northampton, Massachusetts with engineer Danny Bernini.
Among tracks set to appear on the LP is "For God And Rock & Roll".
This past September, Sweet told The Metal Voice about the musical direction of STRYPER's follow-up to 2018's God Damn Evil: "It's gonna be aligned with the last album, but taking it a step further. We're gonna do some things where people are gonna hear it and go, 'You've gotta be kidding me,' that's gonna surprise and shock people in a really good way. It's gonna be a metal album - it's not gonna be a pop album or pop-rock or glam metal and all these silly terms. It's gonna be a metal album. And we're gonna really pull some things out of the hat, man, and try to blow people's minds."
Formed 37 years ago, STRYPER is the first overtly Christian metal band to go mainstream. The group's name comes from Isaiah 53:5, which states: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
STRYPER's albums include To Hell With The Devil, Second Coming, No More Hell To Pay, Fallen and the aforementioned God Damn Evil.
Sweet's tenth solo album, Ten, was released in October via Rat Pak Records in North America and Frontiers Music Srl in Europe.
Frontiers SRL online: www.frontiers.it/index.php & www.facebook.com/frontiersmusicsrl
STRYPER online: www.stryper.com & www.facebook.com/Stryper
NEWS BRIEFS
* Mega Jeff McRocmack's Music World online interview with Jimmy P. Brown II: HERE
* NORTHERN FLAME new album update (Facebook - April 30, 2020):
“Here are some good pieces of news in the midst of this difficult period: The mixing of our second album is taking place right now ! Anders Höglund @ Midas Studios has done a great job so far recording the drums earlier and now mixing everything.”
* TRYTAN pre-production video for upcoming album Blood Of Kings: www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3Ft01f73Po
FEATURED REVIEWS
BARREN CROSS - Birth Pangs - SIX YEARS AGO
Barren Cross, with its second live album from December 2013 entitled Birth Pangs, puts them all to shame. It starts with how Birth Pangs includes the groups full performance from its 2012 Elements Of Rock show in Switzerland and places all 18 tracks onto 2 CD’s. Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
PROJECT AEGIS Releases Studio Video For “Collide & Spark”:
Press Release / Ulterium Records presents a new April 2020 quarantine studio video for "Collide & Spark," the first PROJECT AGEIS charity song from 2013. "Collide & Spark" is an all-star charity track for sale with 100% of the income going to The Bridge Bunch, an organization dedicated to serving the homeless population of Nashville, TN, in the United States.
The song was composed by THEOCRACY vocalist and songwriter Matt Smith. It features vocals by Nils K. Rue (PAGAN’S MIND), Henrik Båth (DARKWATER), Elin Redin (END OF SEPTEMBER) and Smith, as well as a guitar solo by Markus Sigfridsson (DARKWATER, HARMONY, ALL THINGA FALLEN).
Matt says: "After the success of “Angel In the Ashes” and “And the Rest Is Mystery”, I thought it was too bad we didn't have a similar video for “Collide & Spark” - especially after we saw that several people thought there were only two PROJECT AEGIS songs.
“Then, with everyone being sequestered at home, I thought, ‘Well, why don’t we just do a video now?’ Thankfully Nils, Henrik, Elin and Markus were on board. Enjoy, and please help us spread it around- remember, every cent from the sale of this song goes to feed Nashville's homeless via The Bridge Bunch, and given the recent tornado damage and now the pandemic, they could really use the help. Stay safe out there, and God bless!"
"Collide & Spark" can be purchased at:
iTunes: https://music.apple.com/us/album/collide-spark-single/1456108563
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Collide-Spark/dp/B07NDJVFQ7
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1i0cgTEuFXAK4Ezz95UI4q?si=tC-iy0YySJOldHtMLa7Gqw
Bandcamp: https://ulteriumrecords.bandcamp.com/track/collide-spark
NEWS BRIEFS
* IMAGES OF EDEN, “Autumn Is Burning” official video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4g-vMCOqJOI
The song comes off the Phoenix, Arizona based melodic metal bands upcoming album Angel Born.
* Question Mark demos released by NEAL MORSE:
“This is the demo for what became the Question Mark album. You will see that this was demoed as a single piece that was altered later when Neal got with Mike (Portnoy- drums) and Randy (George- bass). This was an album that eventually had a lot of other contributions from people like Steve Hackett, Roine Stolt, Jordan Rudess and Neal's brother, Alan … but this version is all Neal! And as a bonus, there was another song that Neal had, that he demoed at the same time, called “The Way." It's also included in this collection”
The Question Mark demos can be purchased at: https://nealmorse.com/product/question-mark-demos
* “Given U p For Lost”, official lyric video from SIGNUM REGIS: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtiaQTOfSw0
The song is scheduled to appear on the power metal bands upcoming untitled EP, which is scheduled for release by end of the year.
FEATURED REVIEWS
KERRY LIVGREN - Collector’s Sedition (Director’s Cut) - THIRTEEN YEARS AGO
Collector’s Sedition (Director’s Cut), the latest solo release from guitarist/keyboardist Kerry Livgren, had its beginnings in the material Livgren put together for Kansas’ 2000 reunion album Somewhere To Elsewhere. Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
SLAVES WAGE Announce New Album, Heaven Or Hell:
Arlington, Texas based metal and hard rock band Slaves Wage signed with Sancrosanct Records for the March 1, 2020 release to its fourth full-length album Heaven Or Hell.
Further details about the group from its press material:
“All band members are Christians and their love for all things heavy and their Lord prove to be a match made in Heaven. Their hope and prayer is that their songs will in some way help all who listen find the answers to their questions, solutions to their problems, peace for a troubled mind and, most importantly, a relationship with the God who so loved us that He gave His only born Son, Jesus Christ, that we might experience what life was really intended to be (John 3:16; John 10:10)! God bless you all and stay tuned for more from SLAVES WAGE!”
Heaven Or Hell was recorded and mixed by Russell Hollar, while mastering was handled by Gary Long (both at Nomad Recording Studio). Graphic arts and design attributes to Jan Yrlund of Darkgrove Design.
SLAVES WAGE released its self-titled debut EP in March of 2007 prior to following up with full-length efforts in Faith Says and Wisdom’s Call in 2010 and 2015, respectively.
SLAVES WAGE lineup:
Jeff Saenz - Lead Vocals & Guitars
James Johnson - Guitars
Xavier Sierra - Bass
Pedro Cortes – Drums
Heaven Or Hell track listing:
1. “The Eternal Triumvirate (Part 1)”
2. “Push”
3. “Heaven Or Hell”
4. “I Feel You”
5. “Cry Out”
6. “The Eternal Triumvirate (Part 2)”
7. “Doom”
8. “Soul Slave” (featuring vocalist Daniel Bas of Becoming Sons)
9. “All Alone”
10. “The Stone”
11. “The Eternal Triumvirate (Part 3)”
SLAVES WAGE online: https://slaveswage.net/home & www.facebook.com/slaveswage
NEWS BRIEFS
* New solo album update from NEAL MORSE (Facebook - April 14, 2020):
“As you know, I am currently working on a brand new solo album, preparing demos to send to Mike (Portnoy - drums) and Randy (George - bass), who will be able to work on it from their home studios given the current travel restrictions. It reminded me of how I made (previous solo) albums like Testimony, One, ? and Sola Scriptura.
“I recently discovered the demos from some of those albums, which have never been released before, and so today, I’m making the two hours of Testimony demos available for download from: https://nealmorse.com/product/testimony-demos
“Hear the music exactly as the musicians first heard it!”
* “Ring O Roses”, demo version to new song BY STAIRWAY: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACPhlNHFjHs
* New STRYPER album update from Michael Sweet (Facebook - April 17, 2020):
“I’m so thankful to say that I’m officially done tracking my lead vocals and guitar solos for the new Stryper album. It may very well be our most important album, an album (that is) filled with hope and inspiration. Stryper has always worked so hard to be a light in the dark, now more than ever and in such desperate times.
“No matter what, never lose faith or stop believing that God has a plan. He holds the whole world in His hands. This new album was recorded during an incredibly difficult time, yet through this time, we’ve produced our best and most powerful album to date. Coming soon on Frontiers Music srl.”
FEATURED REVIEWS
ATKINS MAY PROJECT - Serpents Kiss – NINE YEARS AGO
It’s not everyday you come across a metal album that has this much class, let alone that wears it as well as Serpents Kiss, the fall of 2011 full length debut from Atkins / May Project. Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
LIAISON Re-issues On Girder Music:
Album release: June 19, 2020
Press Release / LIAISON was an arena rock band with big hair that was cast in the same mold as ALLIES, DEF LEPPARD, SHOUT and IDLE CURE. LIAISON was signed to Frontline by Brian Tong. Bill Baumgart produced the band’s first 2 albums, and on Urgency was even listed as a member of the group. Hard Hitter was produced by Tim and Larry Melby. The real core of LIAISON, however, were in fact the Melby brothers (Larry and Tim), who grew up in a Christian home in Watford City, North Dakota, where they listened to Phil Keaggy and other contemporary Christian music acts throughout their childhood.
The hard rocking 1989 self-titled debut features “You Are His Main Concern”, which elevates the near perfect AOR with its metal guitar assault and a tasteful sax solo. On 1991’s Urgency, the group attained a grittier sound, rocking even harder than the debut - featuring massive background vocals and an in- your-face gospel message. The song “Friend to the World” incorporates elements of the BEATLES’ “Eleanor Rigby.” The Melbys attain their finest hour on 1992’s Hard Hitter, on which they adopt the near-metal hard rock sound of bands like GUARDIAN. Indeed, Tony Palacios plays guitar on the album, along with Oz Fox and Lanny Cordola. “Attitude” and “Violent Burning” encourage believers to remain strong and endure tests that come their way.
The band perfected the AOR sound and dominated the radio charts with six hits off their three albums. We’re pretty sure you’ll find a picture of Liaison next to the term “ear candy” in Webster’s Dictionary. All three albums contain sweet, sweet melodic hits with big choruses, charging guitars, and pitch perfect vocals. All three albums have been given the “collector’s treatment” re-mastered to perfection by Bombworks Sound’s, Rob Colwell, and part of the Legends of Rock series. We assure you these classics are must-have purchases! Limited to just 500 copies, get yours now.
Liaison sampler: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpGEQ3NVdvo
Urgency sampler: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEPKDl9vpdY
Hard Hitter sampler: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFrCsSJMYig
Liaison track listing: “When The Kingdom Comes Down”, “You Are His Main Concern”, “Go And Sin No More”, “Man With A Mission”, “The Way, The Truth, And Life”, “Kick It Down”, “The Light Is On”, “He Lives”, “Give Me One Day At A Time”, “You’ve Got My Heart In Your Hands”
Liaison pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/liaison-30th-anniversary-edition
Urgency track listing: “Urgency”, “Ocean View”, “Luwenda”, “Listen Up”, “The Hardest Parts The Waiting”, “He Smiled”, “Lay Our Weapons Down”, “Free Will”, “All I Have To Offer You”, “Friend To The World”
Urgency pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/liaison-urgency-cd
Hard Hitter track listing: “Hard Hitter”, “Attitude”, “Up At Night”, “Steal, Kill And Destroy”, “Who Can Heal The Pain”, “Whatsoever You Sow”, “Wicked Ways”, “Violent Burning”, “As Far As The East Is From The West”, “My God Is A Rock”
Hard Hitter pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/liaison-hard-hitter-cd
NEWS BRIEFS
* Online interview with ATKINS MAY PROJECT guitarist Paul May at Ramzine: http://ramzine.co.uk/interviews/delivering-the-final-cut-with-paul-may/
* “Social Distancing (A Capella)” from Matt Smith (THEOCRACY): www.youtube.com/watch?v=znpEUFWYS-I
FEATURED REVIEWS
THEOCRACY - As The World Bleeds - NINE YEARS AGO
As The World Bleeds, the third Theocracy release from the fall of 2011 (also on Ulterium), maintains the same musical leanings while building upon the strengths of its predecessors: And that is by taking the group’s trademark qualities - the catchy chorus hooks, epic arrangements, multi-layered vocal melodies and intricate (at times progressive based) songwriting - to the next level. Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
TRYTAN, Spring Of 2020 Update:
As noted on Facebook (March 29, 2020):
The New TRYTAN Blood Of Kings album is coming soon. Stock up on some TRYTAN Sylentiger stuff in preparation for the new release. We’re working on a Sylentiger “Making of-Track by Track DVD also, with back stories, interviews, live footage & more!
The recording of Blood Of Kings album 95% complete. There’s one guitar instrumental that remains to be recorded & some misc. keyboard, vocal & texture stuff. Final touches! Hopefully we should be wrapping everything up and mixing it down in 6-8 weeks. It should be out by the end of summer and include drummer Eric Gillette, bassist Jim LaVerde and a few awesome guest artists.
This week we received our first look at the new Blood Of Kings album cover from Scott Waters (No Life Til Metal Graphics), and it looks amazing!
New re-mastered Sylentiger Gold CD & limited splatter vinyl is out & available at: https://boonesoverstock.com/search?q=trytan
New Sylentiger merchandise is out & available at: https://christianbandshirts.com/?s=trytan&post_type=product
The brilliant & gifted Scott Waters is also helping us completely redo the cover for the debut TRYTAN album Celestial Messenger, which will be re-mastered, reissued & available on CD & limited vinyl through Retroactive Records
Plus in 2021 & beyond:
Two more TRYTAN albums are on the way:
The 4th TRYTAN album The Heart Of The Dragon and our 5th studio album, Decopolis.
On top of that our WorldLight Music Group label will be releasing the 1st Studio album from EMANATE called Celebration Core And Ore and a live DVD. More updates coming soon.
TRYTAN online: www.facebook.com/Trytan-Prog-Rock-Metal
NEWS BRIEFS
*New single from ERIC CLAYTON & THE NINE, “The Space Between Us”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Bp1iewKZkE
The song comes off the group’s upcoming debut album A Thousand Scars.
* Classical music piece “Ave Maria” (J.S. Bach/Gounod) performed by SIGNUM REGIS: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjuMYGn8KiQ
* KEN TAMPLIN, live stream testimony: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wpfe5FBF000
FEATURED REVIEWS
SONIC DIVIDE - Sonic Divide - SIX YEARS AGO
Musically, Sonic Divide walks a fine line between melodic rock, commercial hard rock and AOR. The groups press material, as a result, lists MSG, Toto, Boston, Journey and Bon Jovi as points of reference- and rightly so! Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
GUARDIAN, Miracle Mile Re-issue On Retroactive Records:
Album release: April 26, 2020
Press Release / Teaming up with Dino and John Elefante (KANSAS/MASTEDON/Pakaderm Records) for 1991’s Fire & Love album was a game-changing move for GUARDIAN. The album was an overwhelming hit with fans, in regular rotation on MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball, and the band turned into the consummate road warriors with extensive U.S touring throughout 1991 and a European tour with STRYPER in 1992.
With all the touring, the band made the decision to move, families and all, from Los Angeles to Nashville in order to take things to the next level. Not content to make their third album Fire & Love Part 2, GUARDIAN reflected on two years of touring, all their success, and began to dream of what album number three might be like.
Bassist David Bach was influenced by a movie that featured a turn-of-the-century carnival that had terrifying and mystical effects on the towns it visited. Bach was also fascinated with the religious tent revivals from the same period that had such a profound effect on the U.S. landscape. He began envisioning an album that combined the two elements, with snake oils, side shows, carnivals, and deep spirituality. The rest of the band bought in to this concept, and Miracle Mile was born.
The album demonstrates a band locked in as a cohesive unit, being fun, imaginative, and creative in ways that pushed them far beyond anything they had ever done. Miracle Mile built off bands like TESLA, EXTREME and GIANT but was distinctly GUARDIAN. Miracle Mile is the band’s undisputed Sgt. Pepper, their Appetite for Destruction, their Back in Black. This is the band’s defining moment, at the top of their game.
Re-mastered versions to the tracks “Dr. Jones & The Kings Of Rhythm” and “Curiosity Killed The Cat” can be streamed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPRKLKE-k7k & www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WjHVnmhKI4
Miracle Mile track listing:
1. “Dr. Jones & The Kings Of Rhythm”
2. “Shoeshine Johnny“
3. “Long Way Home”
4. “I Found Love”
5. “Sweet Mystery”
6. “Let It Roll”
7. “Mr. Do Wrong”
8. “Curiosity Killed The Cat”
9. “Sister Wisdom”
10. “The Captain”
11. “You & I”
12. “Do You Know What Love Is”
Miracle Mile Gold Disc Edition pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/guardian-miracle-mile-new-gold-disc-edition-cd-2020-retroactive-records
Miracle Mile vinyl pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/guardian-miracle-mile-new-12-splatter-vinyl-black-7-vinyl-2020-retroactive-records
Girder Music To Re-issue ROCK POWER PRAISE, Volume 1: The Hymns:
Album release: April 30, 2020
What the world needs right now is hope. Something to believe in. They need Jesus.
Across the world right now people are worried, confused and scared. Maybe you are one of those people. Maybe you just received information that you don't know what's going to happen to your job or if you'll even have a job. Maybe you're worried about what the future might bring. While we all laugh at the toilet paper memes, as each day goes by, many are losing hope. Well, there is good news. There is an answer. His name is Jesus. And ... we couldn't think of a better time in history to reissue an album of praise in rock format. ROCK POWER PRAISE Vol. 1 was originally released in 1990 on Pakaderm Records. It was the first installment of a 3 album series, the others being Vol. II: Christmas Hymns and Vol. III: Traditional Gospel Hymns. This album is a light in the darkness. It's a stunning display of God's goodness and grace. It's powerful, it's full of praise and it absolutely rocks. Most of all, it's a perfect display of the HOPE that so many need right now. When you listen to this album, as I am right now, you will be moved.
Usually the tracks on the album are an afterthought - something labeled 1-10 after the album description, something on the back of the CD. ROCK POWER PRAISE - Volume 1 is an extreme exception. Not only does it contain some of the greatest hymns of our day such as “Old Rugged Cross”, “Amazing Grace” and “Nothing But The Blood”, they are also sang by some of Christian Rocks greatest vocalist, including Jamie Rowe of GUARDIAN, Mike Lee of BARREN CROSS, Scott Springer of HALO and of course John Elefante of KANSAS and MASTEDON. After all this project was originally released on John and Dino Elefante's Pakaderm Records so it's got that Elefante stamp all over it. If you love MASTEDON, KANSAS, GUARDIAN, BARREN CROSS or HALO, you are going to love this album.
Volume 1: The Hymns track listing:
1. “The Old Rugged Cross”, Gregg Lancer
2. “He' Got The Whole World In His Hands”, Jamie Rowe (GUARDIAN), John Elefante (MASTEDON)
3. “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”, Sara Tennison (PETRA_, RICK CUA
4. “We Need Jesus”, Scott Springer (HALO), Coni Elefante, Michelle Elefante, Victoria Rowe
5. “Holy, Holy, Holy”, Jamie Rowe (GUARDIAN)
6. “Nothing But The Blood Of Jesus”, Mike Lee (BARREN CROSS)
7. “Amazing Grace”, Mike Hadley
8. “Go, Tell It On A Mountain”, Russell Painter
9. “When We All Get To Heaven”, Mike Lee (BARREN CROSS_
10. “I Have Decided (To Follow Jesus)”, Gregg Lancer
Volume 1: The Hymns pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/rock-power-praise-volume-1-cd-legends-of-rock-2020-edition-guardian
FEATURED REVIEWS
NORTHERN FLAME - Glimpse Of Hope - THREE YEARS AGO
Northern Flame took the power metal world by storm with the June of 2014 release of its full-length debut Glimpse Of Hope. The problem, however, is that Angelic Warlord did not become aware of this until early 2017 due to the album falling beneath our radar. Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
ATKINS MAY PROJECT Announce New Album, The Final Cut:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:
ATKINS MAY PROJECT, the band featuring original JUDAS PRIEST singer Al Atkins and Christian guitarist and music artist Paul May, will release a new album, The Final Cut, in April.
Audio snippets of two songs from the disc, "When The Bell Tolls" and "Dead Men's Bones", are available below.
Atkins and May previously created three records - "Serpents Kiss" (2011), "Valley Of Shadows" (2012)and "Empire Of Destruction" (2014) - available on Gonzo Multimedia. There are enough doses of melody and metal madness to entice all fans of the genre, and while it is solid, honest, working-class heavy metal, it also has its roots in contemporary metal with some fine axe-work and killer choruses.
This marriage of metal mayhem has earned them stunning reviews from the world's press and has seen them gain a steady momentum of fans globally since their initial release back in 2011.
A compilation album, "Anthology", arrived in 2015. The effort featured a previously unreleased bonus track, a cover of PHIL COLLINS' "In The Air Tonight".
Atkins is the co-writer of several PRIEST songs, which are included on the band's first two albums, Rocka Rolla and Sad Wings Of Destiny, both of which eventually went gold. Atkins co-penned the heavy metal classic "Victim of Changes", which was a combination of Rob Halford's song "Red Light Lady" and Atkins' own "Whiskey Woman". He also co-wrote "Winter", "Never Satisfied", "Dreamer Deceiver" and "Caviar and Meths".
In 1989, Atkins released his debut solo album, Judgement Day, to great acclaim. But it was Heavy Thoughts and Victim Of Changes (the latter being his collaborative album with ex-JUDAS PRIEST drummer Dave Holland) that brought him strong sales and critical acclaim around the world.
JUDAS PRIEST bassist Ian Hill penned the foreword to Al Atkins's autobiography, titled Dawn Of The Metal Gods: My Life in Judas Priest and Heavy Metal. The book, which was written with Neil Daniels - a freelance rock writer and heavy metal fan who befriended Atkins during the writing of Neil's book The Story Of Judas Priest: Defenders Of The Faith (Omnibus Press) 0 was released in 2009 via Iron Pages.
“When The Bell Tolls”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE-81Ipd7to
“Dead Men’s Bones”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQx3KETP-O4
The Final Cut track listing:
1. “The Revealing”
2. “The Final Cut”
3. “When The Bell Tolls”
4. “War In Between”
5. “Treading Water”
6. “Buried Alive”
7. “Fighting Man”
8. “Dead Men’s Bones”
9. “Stranger In A Strange Land”
10. “The Cold Wind Blows”
11. “Masquerade”
ATKINS MAY PROJECT online: www.atkinsmayproject.com & www.facebook.com/Atkins-May-Project-Official
NEWS BRIEFS
* STAIRWAY to re-issue The Demo Sessions EP:
The original run sold out in 3 days and some of you missed out. So, things are now in motion and the STAIRWAY, The Demo Sessions EP will be with us this week.
The Demo Sessions EP features early STAIRWAY demos from the 1980s and live tracks from 1993, with a brief written explanation on each track. Don't expect the latest quality, some were recorded 30 years ago - these are the original, un-remixed cuts taken directly from cassettes found in a box of STAIRWAY stuff. They are as they are, in all their glorious naivety!
Again, limited to a small number of duplicated copies, so get in while they are available. We have tried to keep the price as keen as we can, with standard shipping.
The Demo Sessions EP is available for order at: https://stairwaymusicstore.bigcartel.com/product/stairway-the-demo-sessions-re-issue
MINI REVIEWS
Roland Bühlmann - Crucial
We expected yet another predictable instrumental rock album when presented with opportunity to review Crucial, the May of 2019 third album from Switzerland based and Christian multi-instrumentalist Roland Bühlmann, but we found ourselves awarding high marks in nearly all of our criteria. Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
DELIVERANCE, Learn CD & Vinyl Re-issue On Retroactive Records:
Album release: May 26, 2020
Press Release / The fifth release by the L.A.-based metal band DELIVERANCE, coming out in 1993. Learn is slower to mid-paced, filled with brooding, heavy riffs, distinctive bass lines, and vocals that at times recall Geoff Tate of QUEENSRYCHE, Eric Clayton of SAVIOUR MACHINE, and at other times, DREAM THEATER. And, while you can hear musical influences on the album, DELIVERANCE was synthesizing them to create their own expressive landscape.
Learn is a full-on metallic muscle flex of heavy metal. The music is thick, intentional, confident, and crunchy. While early albums sped through from beginning to end, Learn is determined to make the journey as enjoyable and delicious as possible - so no need to rush! This is the definition of epic, progressive heavy metal and it continues to be a high point in the DELIVERANCE catalog and an album treasured by fans.
Learn track listing:
1. “Time”
2. “1990”
3. “Learn”
4. “Who Am I?”
5. “Renew”
6. “The Rain”
7. “Reflection”
8. “In The Will”
9. “Desperate Cries”
10. “Sanctuary”
Learn CD pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/deliverance-learn-new-cd-2020-retroactive-pre-order
Learn vinyl pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/deliverance-learn-new-black-vinyl-2020-retroactive-pre-order
Roxx Records To Release Sophomore MICHAEL Album, II:
Album release: April 17, 2020
Press Release / Roxx Records has done it again! We are super stoked to be bringing you the second album from MICHAEL! Wait are you saying. What are you talking about Bill and Scott, there was no second album from MICHAEL after The Battle Rages On?’ Well guess what? There Was!
This album has NEVER and we repeat NEVER been released before in ANY format whatsoever! So you are hearing this song as a world premier as no one has EVER heard this album before! Check out this brand new track (above) from MICHAEL entitled Lost At The Cross.
Now check out the story behind this long lost and never before released album in the words of vocalist and guitarist Shane Freeman:
“Shortly after the release of The Battle Rages On life happened for MICHAELl. Drummer Dennis Raymond left the band to focus on his family and was replaced by former STUTZ drummer Vaughn Zajicek. Shortly after, keyboardist Todd Waites was forced to leave as his job moved out of state. Finding a replacement seemed futile so the band decided to move forward as a power trio. The song writing was geared to be more guitar oriented to fill the void where the keys once sat.
“II was completed and studio time was booked just a week prior to entering the studio to cut the album. Mike Slone left for medical reasons, leaving just myself and Vaughn. We decided to march on and complete the recording, no matter what. Vaughn handled the drums and did everything else. We even hit up former STUTZ lead player Jerry Roelke to play a solo. After the album was tracked, Vaughn and I decided to go our separate ways. MICHAEL was officially over and this recording would never see the light of day, until now! Thanks to Roxx Records this release finally gets a proper pressing I’ve always believed in Isaiah 60:22: When the time is right I, The Lord will make it happen”
-Shane Freeman, March 2020
This brand new release is being released on CD in a very limited physical CD pressing of only 300 copies. This CD has been immaculately put together with Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound, completely re-mastering this never before released album. It also features a killer 12-page booklet in a jewel case with brand new artwork and layout designed by Scott Waters of No Life Til Metal Graphics.
Official release date for this package is April 17th; and if you preorder now until release date you can get it for the introductory price of $11.99
II track listing:
1. “Fire In Me”
2. “Lost At The Cross”
3. “We Don’t Care What They Say”
4. “Kick Down The Walls”
5. “You Need Some Faith”
6. “No”
7. “We Got A Prayer”
8. “Will You Love Me?”
9. “When You Feel The Love” (bonus track)
10. “Movin’ On” (bonus track)
11. “Crucified” (bonus track)
12. “Grace” (bonus track)
II pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/michael-michael-ii-2020-never-released-album
THE WAYMAKER, New Band Featuring Christian Liljegren & Jani Stefanovic:
Press Release / Today, Friday 13th, when the world is in chaos, the world needs a Waymaker. The new metal sensation from Sweden and Finland is here, featuring Christian Liljegren (NARNIA, AUDIOVISION, solo artist, ex-DIVINEFIRE, GOLDEN RESURRECTION, etc), Jani Stefanovic (SHAKIAH, SOLUTION 45, THE WEAKENING, MISERATION, ex-DIVINEFIRE, MEHIDA, ESSENCE OF SORROW, etc) and Katja Stefanovic (solo artist).
THE WAYMAKER was formed in summer of 2019 by vocalist Christian Liljegren & guitarist Jani Stefanovic. Jani & Christian were both involved in DIVINEFIRE, who did five studio albums between 2005-2011 and reached a huge popularity, especially in Japan & South America.
THE WAYMAKER line-up was completed when the talented and soulful Katja Stefanovic joined the band. Katja is a very talented vocalist and composer and she has done several solo albums in Finnish and English.
The band delivers bombastic Scandinavian melodic metal with virtuous guitar playing and powerful male & female vocals from all members, as Christian, Katja & Jani share lead vocal duties in THE WAYMAKER.
All members have a long musical background and experiences from touring and recording worldwide, but one common goal have been to take the listener on a musical journey, where the music and the message is THE WAYMAKER in this time. We live in a chaotic world where it is hard to find peace and your place. The WAYMAKER wants to deliver music with a heavenly hope and guidance to as many as possible.
If you listen to the music you hear influences from YNGWIE MALMSTEEN’S RISING FORCES, STRATOVARIOUS, MASTERPLAN & KAMELOT.
It is always hard to break new ground but THE WAYMAKER delivers Scandinavian melodic metal with a new twist! It is very powerful but still a dynamic production handled by Jani Stefanovic and Multi Grammy, Gold & Platinum Award winning Thomas Plec Johansson (GATHERING OF KINGS, SOILWORK, NOCTURNAL RITES, DIVINEFIRE and many more).
On the debut album THE WAYMAKER have recorded their version of the classic STRPER song “Soldiers Under Command” from 1985, where you hear guitar work from Jani Stefanovic and NARNAI axe man CJ Grimmark.
On the drums we find Alfred Fridhagen, a powerhouse metal drummer who has played in REINXEED and GOLDEN RESURRECTION.
THE WAYMAKER debut album is a killer with no filler! The band is very excited to meet the media and fans and of course to perform live worldwide. THE WAYMAKER is here to stay and show the way of new exciting Scandinavian melodic metal for the people!
The album is planned for release in August 2020 through:
Sound Pollution in Europe, North America & Australia
King Records in Asia
Voice Music in Brazil
Icarus Music in Argentina
THE WAYMAKER line up:
Jani Stefanovic - Guitars, Bass, Keyboards & Vocals
Katja Stefanovic - Lead & Backing Vocals
Christian Liljegren - Lead & Backing Vocals
THE WAYMAKER online:
Website https://thewaymakerband.com
Facebook https://facebook.com/thewaymakerband
Instagram https://instagram.com/thewaymakerband
Label https://melodicpassion.com
Pre-order https://preorder.melodicpassion.com
NEWS BRIEFS
* INNERSIEGE debut first single off upcoming second album Fury Of Ages, "Power. Metal. Glory.”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS3d3Ry9gfc
*New video from JOSHUA’S CREED, “The Sky Is Falling”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yfmj6Omw_eA
* “When It Bleeds”, new single from SONIC DIVIDE: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nPipSs9n3M
The song comes off the groups upcoming Melodic Revolution Records sophomore album The Other Side, which is scheduled for release on March 31, 2020.
* BIOGENESIS, new album update (Facebook - 03/05/20):
“For those of you who missed the live feed here is the NEWS... The new 2020 chapter of BIOGENESIS will begin with a new concept album that will be titled Rise Of The Phoenix. The concept will be inspired by the 1970's Cult lead by Jim Jones known as The Peoples Temple. This very dangerous and deadly cult made very dark history when it's leader manipulated and brainwashed over 900 followers and convinced them to commit "Revolutionary Suicide".
“However, there were a few who managed to escape and survive the awful tragedy. This album will follow a fictional character who's experiences both during and after are inspired by real life testimonies of survivors of the Cult. Some lost family members to the tragedy and yet not only were they able to rebuild their lives but many have become stronger than ever while becoming a warning voice for others who might be susceptible to getting into a Cult.
“This story will take you through the manipulation, awakening, tragedy, survival and ultimate redemption of the central character. He was blind, he was awakened, he suffered horrible consequences.
“However, he chose God in the end. He survived and he chose to rebuild his life and speak out against that which tried to destroy him...However he is stronger than ever - a thousand steps into darkness - one step back into the light. We can ALL overcome no matter what we've been through or where we've been, no darkness is too dark, from ashes to glory... Rise Of The Phoenix.”
ARTIST COMMENTARY
Martin Luther in regards to his approach as he faced the plague ‘Black Death’ (The Annotated Luther, Volume 4: Pastoral Writings, page 404):
"I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence.
“If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me, and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me; however, I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely as stated above. See this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and does not tempt God."
FEATURED REVIEWS
MICHAEL - The Battle Rages On (Roxx Records re-issue)
Good news is that despite its long out of print and hard to find status, The Battle Rages On was re-mastered (by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound) and re-issued on Roxx Records in the fall of 2019 with the original 12 songs and 3 live bonus tracks. Read Full Review >>
PASTOR BRAD - Three Nails
Not unlike his previous parody cover albums Storm The Gates (2016), Storm The Gates 2 (2017) and Highway 2 Heaven (2018), the February of 2020 released fourth installment in the series, Three Nails, finds Pastor Brad reimagining mainstream metal and hard rock songs with ‘lyrics that honor Jesus Christ and proclaim the Good News of the Gospel loud and proud!’ Read Full Review >>
PERPETUAL PARANOIA - Between The Altar & The Cross
Between The Altar & The Cross, the December of 2019 Retroactive Records sophomore release of multinational act Perpetual Paranoia, does not cleanly fit within any specific style guidelines. Read Full Review >>
SAINT - The Calf
Salem, Oregon based Saint has been giving traditional metal enthusiast’s class leading performance since its mid-eighties inception. Read Full Review >>
SARDIS - Viral
With its accent on adept production, proficient musicianship and consistent songwriting, Joplin, Missouri based Sardis again separates from the independent pack with the December of 2019 release to its sophomore EP Viral. Read Full Review >>
SIGNUM REGIS - The Seal Of A New World
Power metal through and through, Senec, Slovakia based Signum does not fail to meet expectations with its European take on the form. Read Full Review >>
SILOAM - Sweet Destiny (Retroactive Records Gold Disc Edition)
Few bands capture the late eighties to early nineties commercial metal and hard rock sound like multi-national act Siloam. Read Full Review >>
TRYTAN - Sylentiger (Retroactive Records re-issue)
As one might imagine, there was significant fan fair not to mention exceedingly high expectations (perhaps unrealistically so) as it pertains to the Trytan 1990 sophomore effort Sylentiger. Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
BARREN CROSS Re-issues On Retroactive Records:
Album release: April 15, 2020
By the time 1988’s Atomic Arena was released, fans had already been whipped into a feeding frenzy with the song “Deadlock” being included on the massively popular California Metal compilation. The song demonstrated a significant leap forward from anything the band had ever done. Fans were demanding more, and it’s hard to believe BARREN CROSS could have delivered a more perfect album than Atomic Arena. Most noticeably, the songwriting had matured with topics including abortion, suicide, cults and substance abuse – all presented in a skilled manner.
Now signed to Enigma Records the band was label mates with RATT, SLAYER, POISON, and STRYPER, while MTV’s embrace of the album’s opener “Imaginary Music” showed that’s exactly where they belonged. Mike Lee’s charismatic Dickinson-influenced lead vocal style was perfect for an album that featured dominating fast-fingered shredding guitar work, resounding monster bass lines, and drums that pummeled the heart and soul of the most dedicated heavy metal fan.
Yes, Atomic Arena was special and that’s why the album was voted #11 on Heaven’s Metal magazine’s Top 100 Christian Metal Albums of All-Time. The 2020 reissue has been re-mastered to perfection and comes with deluxe packaging. This is the ultimate reissue for one of Christian metal’s ultimate albums.
A re-mastered version to the track “Imaginary Music” can be streamed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M_4DKeN3hg
Atomic Arena track listing: “Imaginary Music”, “Killers Of The Unborn”, “In The Eye Of The Fire”, “Terrorist Child”, “Close To The Edge”, “Dead Lock”, “Cultic Regimes”, “Heaven Or Nothing”, “King Of Kings”, “Living Dead”
Atomic Arena pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/barren-cross-atomic-arena-new-cd-2020-retroactive-records-must-have-remaster
Remember those metal cassettes in your collection that had the song titles worn off, and even if you weren’t religious you prayed that it would play just one more time for fear it would wear out? 1989’s State Of Control by BARREN CROSS was that cassette in many-a-metal fan’s collection. Along with STRYPER and GUARDIAN, BARREN CROSS was one of the few bands that actually appealed to metal fans who didn't shop in Christian bookstores for their music. With the band’s third release, they once again expanded their lyrical content to tackle real-life issues like racism and relationships.
Mike Lee shows more diversity with this vocal performance by channeling his inner Bruce Dickinson with a raspy voice and the operatic vocals showing only for the higher notes and choruses. The impact of producers John and Dino Elefante is significant with State… adding even more AOR pitch-perfect choruses in the background that gives this melodic heavy metal album its fair share of commercial appeal. One thing is for sure, the album includes exquisite rhythm parts, amazing solos, and everything you expect from elite heavy metal which is why it came in at #32 on the CMR Top 100 Christian Metal Albums.
The 2020 Retroactive Records reissue is a collector’s dream featuring a 16-page insert and a brilliant re-master (finally!). And, as a special treat for fans, this reissue includes both bonus tracks, “Your Love Gives” and “Escape in the Night.” Few metal albums impacted the scene and the kingdom like State Of Control. Enjoy!
A re-mastering version to the track “The Stage Of Intensity” can be streamed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlwK8bu-UaQ
State Of Control track listing: “State Of Control”, “Out Of Time”, “Cryin' Over You”, “A Face In The Dark”, “The Stage Of, “Intensity”, “Hard Lies”, “Inner War”, “Love At Full Volume”, “Bigotry Man (Who Are You)”, “Two Thousand Years”, “Your Love Gives” (bonus track exclusive to original release on Benson Records), “Escape In The Night” (bonus track exclusive to original release on Enigma Records)
State Of Control pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/barren-cross-state-of-control-2-bonus-new-cd-2020-retroactive-records-must-have-remaster
Nearing the end of relentlessly touring the Atomic Arena album, and having only two releases under its belt, BARREN CROSS pulled into the International Ballroom in Pico Rivera, CA to record this game changing live release. For many, BARREN CROSS defined “heavy metal” and Hotter Than Hell! Live only confirmed that conviction. Studio albums are supposed to be produced, calculated, and pristine. Live albums are supposed to let the band breathe and let the musician’s talent and expertise shine though with no filters. That’s exactly what happens with Hotter Than Hell! And that is why the band comes across like a full-throttle freight train - louder and more theatrical with an elite vocal performance and exquisite shredding guitars creating a metallic landscape making any metal fan feel compelled to instantly shoot up the Dio metal horns. The album also give bassist Jim LaVerde the chance to thump his bass into oblivion, wielding his axe to some very memorable moments.
Also included are two songs not found on any other BARREN CROSS release - “Opus To The Third Heaven” which is an all-out band jam and might be their most artistic and creative venture ever. The second unreleased track is “King Jesus & Blues Jam” which is a bluesy metal romp with non-stop soloing and elite axemanship. What cannot be denied is the sheer quality of every song on this live album as it includes 14 of the most important metal anthems that impacted the lives of metal fans in the 1980’s.
The 2020 Retroactive Records reissue gives this powerful album the deluxe treatment it deserves with an expanded booklet and a brilliant re-master that allows the magic of the original release to impact the listener more powerfully than ever before. So never forget, “He's the rock, the great I Am, the reason why we sing, he's the King of Kings, the master of all things, the power and the source, the everlasting force.”
A re-mastered version to the song “In The Eye Of The Fire” can be streamed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5sklmloAJ4
Hotter Than Hell! Live track listing: “Imaginary Music”, “Dying Day”, “Killers Of The Unborn”, “Close To The Edge”, “Going Nowhere”, “Dead Lock”, “Opus To The Third Heaven”, “King Of Kings”, “In The Eye Of The Fire”, “Rock For The King”, “Light The Flame”, “Terrorist Child”, “King Jesus & Blues Jam”, “Give Your Life”
Hotter Than Hell! Live pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/barren-cross-hotter-than-hell-live-new-cd-2020-retroactive-records-must-have-remaster
Girder Music Announces HALO Re-issues:
Album release: May 31, 2020
A bulldozer is equipped to push large quantities of dirt, refuse, trash and rocks. When you listen to the 1990 debut of HALO, it feels like a bulldozer of hard rock ready to bully and push through darkness and despair. That’s what fueled HALO (Heavenly Angelic Light Orchestra) to tour non-stop in order to reach people with the good news. With angelic AOR choruses, relentless and driving guitars and a tightness you could only expect from a band together for a decade, the debut HALO album checks all the boxes for a classic that transcends any rock and roll era.
The band launched way back in 1980, and were together for close to a decade before a chance meeting at a PETRA concert. Bob Hartman (PETRA) was not supposed to have time to meet HALO. Providence intervened, and the band handed Bob a cassette with some music. The band would later get an infamous call from Hartman, who invited them into his home studio to record a 4-song demo, later presenting it to John Elefante of Pakaderm Records. This debut album would wow fans of AOR and classic rock as the perfect fit for fans of DEF LEPPARD, PETRA, WHITEHEART, GIANT and MASTEDON!
This 30th Anniversary Edition has been re-mastered by audio guru, Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound, so you know this 2020 Girder Records re-master rates as must-have ear candy. Hard-to-Get for decades, don’t delay and grab this limited 30th Anniversary Edition.
Halo track listing: “Jesus Music”, “Lord Of All”, “Good Feeling”, “Soul Searcher”, “Sky Rocket”, “Lose To Live”, “Sing (Of His Glory)”, “Language Barrier”, “Time To Run”, “Timeless”
Halo pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/halo/products/halo-halo-cd
ELITE definition: “a select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group or society.” When 1991’s Heaven Calling hit the shelves, it reflected the band’s relentless commitment to touring, ministry, and elite rock music. With over a decade of experience, the band was ready for an album that pulled “IT” all together, and the band’s sophomore album did not disappoint. This is pure, unadulterated 90's AOR in all it’s glory! American Christian Rock produced by the great John Elefante (KANSAS) and released on the epic, Pakaderm Records, fans knew to expect greatness from the band who had been mentored by none other than Bob Hartman (PETRA).
Girder Records has busted down the vault to bring you the best bonus tracks possible to reload this classic album like never before. Released to the public for the first time ever, you will hear a short intro from John Elefante introducing the band, the track “Saved By Grace” in both AC (worshipful) and CHR (rocking!) formats. BUT, the real treasure is the inclusion of 27 minutes worth of interview from lead singer, Scott Springer who delves deep into insider band details that are worth the price of admission all by itself! With close to 80 minutes of music and bonus tracks, it gets even better with a 2020 re-master from Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound. If you love bands like PETRA, WHITEHEART, JOURNEY and MASTEDON then this HALO is a must-have!
Heaven Calling track listing: “Jacob's Dream”, “It's Your Decision”, “Saved By Grace”, “Heaven Calling”, “Thy Will Be Done”, “Secret To Love”, “Climb The Mountain”, “Eye Of The Storm”, “Man From Galilee”, “My Buddy”
Heaven Calling bonus tracks: “Intro To HALO” (by John Elefante), “Saved By Grace” (Adult Contemporary Mix), “Saved By Grace” (Christian Hit Radio Mix), “Interview 1” (Scott Springer/Halo), “Interview 2” (Scott Springer/Halo)
Heaven Calling pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/halo/products/halo-heaven-calling-cd
NEWS BRIEFS
* “Glory And The Power”, new single from WEAPONS OF GOD: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPaEXzI77MM
* Official live video from DIVINER, “Set Me Free”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw1oOvj9LRA
* TRYTAN update (Facebook - February 22, 2020):
“The brilliant & gifted Scott Waters is going to help us completely redo the cover for the 1st Trytan album Celestial Messenger- it will be re-mastered, reissued & available on CD & limited vinyl through Retroactive Records
“We have the new Trytan Blood of Kings album well under way- it should be wrapped up and out by the end of summer with Eric Gillette on drums and keys and Jim LaVerde on bass and a few really awesome guest artists!
“Plus in 2021 & beyond, two more Trytan albums: the 4th, The Heart of the Dragon and 5th, Decopolis”
* WHITECROSS 2.0, “Signs Of The End” with guest vocalist Dave Roberts: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWqDAuTaz9I
FEATURED REVIEWS
THE NEAL MORSE BAND - The Similitude Of A Dream - TWO YEARS AGO
Neal Morse is throwing another bone to those who prefer epic length concept albums with The Similitude Of A Dream, the fall of 2016 Radiant Records sophomore release of The Neal Morse Band. Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
MICHAEL SWEET & TONY HARNELL To Team Up For 'Tour 1987' In May:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:
STRYPER front man Michael Sweet and former TNT singer Tony Harnell will join forces for the "Tour 1987" in May.
Sweet said: "I'm excited to officially announce that I'm going on tour this spring, full-band electric, with my good friend Tony Harnell, and special guest Moriah Formica! Our first round of dates are listed below. More dates to come...."
Tour dates:
May 14 - Charlotte, NC - Amos'
May 15 - Hopewell, VA - The Beacon Theater
May 16 - Rocky Mount, VA - The Harvester
May 20 - Niagara Falls, NY - Evening Star Concert Hall
May 22 - Teaneck, NJ - Debonair Music Hall
May 23 - New Bedford, MA - The Greasy Luck
May 24 - Ottawa, ON - The Brass Monkey
May 26 - Toronto, ON - The Rockpile
May 28 - St. Charles, IL - Arcada Theater
May 29 - Chesterfield, MI - Diesel Concert Lounge
May 30 - Versailes, OH - BMI Speedway
Sweet previously called Tony "truly one of the most underrated singers of all time." He added: "He's always been one of my favorites and is an incredibly nice, humble guy to boot."
Sweet's tenth solo LP, aptly titled Ten, was released last October via Rat Pak Records in North America and Frontiers Music Srl in Europe. The follow-up to 2016's One Sided War features an all-star guest lineup that includes Jeff Loomis of ARCH ENEMY, Todd La Torre of QUEENSRŸCHE, Andy James, Tracii Guns of L.A. GUNS, Rich Ward of FOZZY, Joel Hoekstra of WHITESNAKE, Gus G. of FIREWIND, Howie Simon, Ethan Brosh, Marzi Montazeri of EXHORDER, Will Hunt of EVANESCENCE, John O'Boyle, Mike Kerr and Ian Raposa of FIRSTBOURNE and more.
SAINT Gold Disc Edition Re-issues On Retroactive Records:
Album release: March 31, 2020
On Heaven’s Metal Magazine’s Top 100 Christian Metal Albums of All-Time, music critic Chris Gatto calls the dark, apocalyptic metal of 1986’s Times End, a landmark release. With lyrics like “He wakes in darkness, the stench of burnt flesh fills the air, his chewed up body, the rats are crawling everywhere,” these songs became the anthems of a new generation. The artwork had demons rising from the sea and had many questioning if Times End was safe to listen to. The music inside was even more dangerous than the artwork - forceful, technical, filled with crunchy distortion and sinister guitar tones attached to unforgettable hooks.
Thankfully, the answer was a definitive NO! SAINT was dangerous and unsafe - acknowledging the real presence of evil and darkness in the world, and directing us towards the light. Times End was nothing less than a metallic freight train that came out of nowhere and floored fans left and right. The album is still crushing metal fans daily in 2020, which is why this Retroactive Records reissue offers elite packaging and a fresh re-master from the ground up. This is THE definitive reissue of this classic album - so “Don’t miss the end of the world, it’s the greatest show on earth, most everybody’s got their tickets, and they’ll really get their money’s worth.”
Time’s End track listing:
1. “In The Night”
2. “Island Prisoner”
3. “Space Cruiser”
4. “Through You”
5. “Time’s End”
6. “Primed And Ready”
7. “Destroyers”
8. “Phantom Of The Galaxy”
9. “Steel Killer”
Time’s End pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/saint-times-end-new-gold-disc-edition-cd-2020-retroactive-pre-order
Coming in at #20 on the Christian Metal Realm’s 100 Greatest Christian Metal Albums, SAINT’s 1988 release of Too Late For Living (Pure Metal Records) put out a beacon for metal fans, “Red alert star craft approaching everybody put on your gear” and metal heads took heed. The band’s third release combined powerful, hard driving heavy metal with convicting and engaging apocalyptic lyrics that sounded nothing like what your pastor wanted you listening to! Back in 1988, your mom might be hiding your WHITEHEART cassette from you (too rocky, right?), but your sure as heck weren’t gonna let her find your Saint cassette!
The songs on Too Late For Living became instant life anthems that sustained the souls of angst-ridden, alienated youth across the globe. While much of Christian metal served up a platter of cheesy lyrics, SAINT’s lyrics were like none other - speaking Good News with confidence and authority - just what we needed. It wasn’t long before we were singing every word, to every song- even in our sleep. Too Late For Living found a way into the DNA of Christian metal fans, striking a chord with and meeting the needs of a generation who wondered if anyone understood. With a 2020 fresh re-master from the ground up, and elite packaging we promise this is THE ultimate and definitive reissue for SAINT fans. Yes, it’s that amazing! So, don’t you stop fighting, armor up starpilot!
Too Late For Living track listing:
1. “Too Late For Living”
2. “Star Pilot”
3. “Accuser”
4. “The Rock
5. “On The Street”
6. “Returning”
7. “The Path”
8. “Through The Sky”
9. “The War Is Over”
Too Late For Living pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/saint-too-late-for-living-new-gold-disc-edition-cd-2020-retroactive-pre-order
Introducing WHITECROSS 2.0:
As announced on Facebook (February 15, 2020):
We are so stoked to announce WHITECROSS 2.0!
From his teenage years, Rex Carroll had an inward desire to form a rock band that would play great music but at the same time reserve all the honor and praise to God.
Growing up playing guitar in local cover bands, Carroll was well versed in the sounds of all the rock groups from the 60’s through to the 80’s and wanted to create his own version of the 80’s rock sound. One day Scott Wenzel came to see him at the local music store for guitar lessons. Scotty had started a Christian rock group of his own but couldn’t find anybody to play guitar. When he met Rex, it was a natural fit; Scotty had a raw rocking lead vocal style that was often compared to the group RATT. Drawing on Rex’s influences from the styles of DEEP PURPLE, SCORPIONS, WHITESNAKE and so forth, WHITECROSS was born and began crafting a hard rocking sound full of raging vocals and burning guitars.
When the first album was released in the spring of 1987, nobody had any idea it would do as well as it did. All the retail stores in America ran out of stock and were re-ordering the album as fast as it could be printed. And just like that, the band started playing gigs all over the country every weekend. Then Steve Taylor called and invited the band to open his tour in the spring of 1988. Once that happened, there were so many invitations to play shows the band was basically on tour full time. The premise of the group was always to play a great rock and roll show; then Scotty would give a message and an invitation for people to find salvation through Jesus Christ with a simple “sinner’s prayer”.
It was never easy and always hard. Driving around the country in an old Chevy van and taking turns driving through the night to make it to the next gig was tough, and there was never enough money to make ends meet. But there were some high points along the way: selling out the Roxy theatre in Hollywood in the fall of 88, headlining at Cornerstone festival in 1990, being the first Christian rock group to visit Guatemala City in 89, and always seeing lives changed by the power of the gospel.
After 34 years together, the band was at a crossroads. Different goals, different personalities, and different directions finally called for a parting of the ways between Rex and Scott.
New vocalist Peter Stenlund was recruited to bring in a fresh attitude and a new sound. The incredible 2019 trip to Nagaland, India was a total confirmation of the new direction and so this will be the new style of the band for the foreseeable future. The band itself sounds better than ever, but the mission statement has not changed. Namely, to honor God through great melodic hard rock music and reach a desperate world with a message of good news through faith in Jesus Christ.
Out of a tremendous respect for the history of the band and Scott Wenzel’s enormous contributions, the unanimous agreement of the band is to honor the WHITECROSS legacy by referring to the new version a little differently. Therefore, the new band lineup will be referred to as:
WHITECROSS 2.0
The same band, same guys, same songs, and new vocalist are here to rock your world! In fact, they’re writing new songs for a brand new album recording this summer - stay tuned!
It has been an incredible run from the beginning until now, and WHITECROSS 2.0 continues to move forward into new things! Coming to the Capstone Festival will be fantastic for the band, and it’s full speed ahead from there. Please remember to pray for the band as they seek to fulfill God’s calling on their lives to use their music to spread the word around the world, and be sure and come see them when they are in your city! God’s very best blessings to all of you! - WHITECROSS 2.0 / Feb. 2020
Tickets: http://bit.ly/CSTONETIX!
WHITECROSS online: www.facebook.com/Whitecrossmusic
NEWS BRIEFS
* BRIDE has revealed the title to its new album, Here Is Your God. Vocalist Dale Thompson posted a recent update (Facebook - February 18, 2020):
“Tonight I will be recording more Bride vocals for our newest project "Here Is Your God" this is a hard and heavy album musically and lyrically. Troy is blazing on guitar and I am in good form vocally. The songs are writing themselves and this is a good sign of the Holy Spirit at work. The anointing is great and we could not be more thankful to be used of vessels of mercy and live and instruments of peace after all of these years.”
* Vocalist and guitarist Terry Friesen plans to begin recording the second MIDNIGHT WORSHIP album this fall, while he hopes for an early summer release of the next SOMBRE HOLIDAY album, which will complete the story that began on 2017 predecessor The Sea Of Distance.
* IMAGES OF EDEN, Angell Born recording update (Facebook - February 17, 2020):
“Well, it has been a ride getting this album recorded but we are officially to the point to where all instrumentation has been tracked. At this time, Gordon (Tittsworth) is hammering through the vocals as we prepare for (not one but...) 2 video shoots and several photo shoots in Phoenix next month.
“At this stage, the inevitable question we often get is, "If you are almost done recording, then it should be out soon, right?" Well, not really because many "post-recording" steps need to take place before it hits the streets. It will need to be mixed and mastered, then we need to schedule a release date with the label, Pavement Entertainment (since there are only certain/ limited slots/ dates available) THEN the material needs to go to all radio/ press/ retail/online distributors THEN we need to start promo about a month in advance, THEN.... the release (and a tour... or "tours"). So, we are hoping for late summer/ early fall release, but we will keep you posted!”
* The Prog Report online interview with Matt Smith (THEOCRACY): https://progreport.com/project-aegis-releases-and-the-rest-is-mystery-charity-single
FEATURED REVIEWS
XINR - Beyond Woodward (Stormspell Records re-issue) - TEN YEARS AGO
What this reviewer hears is an “old school metal vibe” that brings to mind the earlier material of Barren Cross, Saint, Bride, Messiah Prophet and Philadelphia. Yes, a bit rough around the edges at times (at least production wise) but solid musically in that XINR knows how to craft a quality song with enough hooks to draw you in with repeated listen (there is barely a skip button in the first ten tracks). Read Full Review >>
Angelic Warlord Top 25 Albums Of 2019:
Angelic Warlord recently uploaded an article in which it outlines (what in its opinion) is the top 25 metal and hard rock albums released in 2019. Read the full article: HERE
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
PROJECT AEGIS, “And The Rest Is Mystery” Official Video:
Press Release / Ulterium Records is proud to announce the release of "And the Rest Is Mystery," another all-star charity track for sale under the PROJECT AEGIS name, with 100% of the income going to Legacy Music, a nonprofit organization that provides music lessons and instruments to children and teens from difficult backgrounds. These include depression, anxiety, and trauma; physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; psychological disorders; and substance and alcohol abuse. Some of their students are foster youth, and others have been rescued from human trafficking.
"And the Rest Is Mystery," which is over nine minutes in length, was composed by THEOCRACY songwriter and vocalist Matt Smith, and features vocals by Neal Morse (THE NEAL MORSE BAND, TRANSATLANTIC, FLYING COLORS, ex-SPOCK’S BEARD), Daniel Heiman (DIMHAV, ex-LOST HORIZON, HEED, HARMONY, CRYSTAL EYES), Dimhav, ex-Lost Horizon, Heed, Harmony, Crystal Eyes), Leah McHenry (LEAH) and Smith, as well as instrumental support from Smith’s THEOCRACY band mates Ernie Topran and Val Allen Wood. The artwork was created by Markus Sigfridsson (Darkwater, Harmony, ALL THINGS FALLEN).
Purchase "And the Rest Is Mystery" here:
Bandcamp: https://ulteriumrecords.bandcamp.com/track/and-the-rest-is-mystery
iTunes: https://music.apple.com/us/album/and-the-rest-is-mystery-single/1497107753
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Rest-Mystery-Project-Aegis/dp/B0845MHR3C
"And the Rest Is Mystery" composed, produced, mixed and mastered by Matt Smith. © 2020 Theocracized Music (ASCAP)
Girder Music Announce MASTEDON Re-issues:
On Gold Disc CD and Splatter Vinyl:
The 2020 Girder Records reissue encapsulates all the magic of the original release for the ultimate in re-mastered and re-loaded reissues and included 3 bonus tracks, “Wasn't It Love” from the California Metal release as well as 2 live tracks from Cornerstone 1991.
The 1940’s animated Disney character, Dumbo became a hit sensation as a cruelly named elephant who was ridiculed for his large ears. But Dumbo wasn’t your average elephant and used those massive ears for wings and he could fly! Fast-forward to 1989, when John and Dino Elefante formed the rock band MASTEDON and showed the world that Dumbo wasn’t the only elephant who could fly! With larger-than-life melodic hooks and a steady stream of hard rock heroics the band’s debut album, It’s A Jungle Out There! took flight and AOR fans could not get enough.
Owning Pakaderm Records, running a recording/producing studio, and working with bands like BRIDE, PETRA, THE BRAVE, BARREN CROSS, GUARDIAN and more, the ex-KANSAS duo had a revolving door of rock music stars around at any given time. Not a band as such since it's very much musicians who were around the studio laying down a vocal, guitar lick, drum solo, etc. The band’s second album literally says, "Thanks to all the mystery guests whose names we are unable to list due to the usual legal entanglement."
The brothers approached MASTEDON as a project. With a total of five lead vocalists participating on the debut in addition to three drummers, four bassists and three guitarists, it remained a project in the truest sense of the word. The most easily recognized names include vocalists Dave Robbins (X-SINNER), Dave Amato (Ted Nugent, REO SPEEDWAGON), David Pack (AMBROSIA) and Perry Lee (TRACER FOX), guitarists Steff Burns (Y&T) and Dave Amato and bassists John Pierce (Richard Marx) and John Patitucci. John (lead vocals & keyboards) and Dino (rhythm guitar & bass) lend their abilities to the album as well. The album flexes its muscles in places (such as on “It’s A Jungle Out There” and “Love Inhalation”) but otherwise it delivers a commercial based sound perfectly suited for FM radio (“Glory Bound,” “This Is The Day” and “Love That Will Survive”). You will also find a couple of elite ballads, along with a progressive piece, “Right Hand.” The crown jewel of the album might be the big-budget-like sonics, compliments of John and Dino. The result is pure, unadulterated AOR perfection.
It’s A Jungle Out There! track listing:
1. “It’s A Jungle Out There”
2. “Glory Bound”
3. “This Is The Day”
4. “Love Inhalation”
5. “Islands In The Sky”
6. “Get Up”
7. “Love That Will Survive”
8. “Innocent Girl”
9. “Shine On”
10. “Right Hand”
11. “Wasn’t It Love (bonus track)
12. “Islands In The Sky” (live at Cornerstone 1991)
13. “Right Hand” (live at Cornerstone 1991)
It’s A Jungle Out There! pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders
BON JOVI has Slippery When Wet, BOSTON has More Than A Feeling, VAN HALEN has 5150, and MASTEDON has Lofcaudio. After the success of their debut album in 1989, John and Dino Elefante formed Pakaderm Records and release this, their second album, MASTEDON - Lofcaudio on their own label. This album also features an all-star cast, but most of them aren’t named because of legal issues with other record labels. As good as 1989’s It’s a Jungle Out There! was, it’s hard to believe the band could do any better. The talent of these brothers and the faith of the fans propelled Lofcaudio to a level few expected.
Yet fear not, as high expectations did not detract from the album’s majesty. It pulls together everything that is glorious and important about AOR and distills it sublimely. It was as if the Elefante’s were on a dangerous and relentless search of pure melodic rock perfection, and somehow, someway they found it with Lofcaudio. It’s rare that both critics and fans adore a band and an album this much. So get this 2020 Girder Records reissue of an album that captures lightning in a bottle, and enjoy the remastered and reloaded versions. Grab your air guitar, your air mic, sing these songs at the top-of-your-lungs with reckless abandon and be one more guest musician to make top-shelf music with MASTEDON!
Lofcaudio track listing:
1. “Holiest One”
2. “Life On The Line”
3. “Run To The Water”
4. “When It All Comes Down”
5. “Taken Down Below”
6. “Stampede”
7. “Living For You”
8. “Thief In The Night”
9. “People Of This Time”
10. “It Is Done”
Lofcaudio pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders
NEWS BRIEFS
* EVANS & STOKES new album update from guitarist John Evans (Christian Hard Music - February 8, 2020):
“We are heavily into our 4th album at the moment. 90% of the music is written and recorded and I'm working out leads now while Jen (Stokes) nails down lyrics and vocals. This one is really coming along nicely. Jen and I have been going back and forth for days trying to decide on cover art. This record will probably be one main concept all the way through and it's already testing our knowledge of history and scripture. Lots of research still to be done to make these stories (songs) tie together. I just posted a short clip of one song on our Facebook page and website if you want to check it out.”
EVANS & STOKES Facebook: www.facebook.com/evansandstokes
* LORDCHAIN will be release a new praise album (under the moniker LORDCHAIN PRAISE) entitled Steadfast on March 6, 2020.
* New lyric video from SONIC DIVIDE, “Alive”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fc54sCJe8vk
The song comes off the Australian group’s upcoming sophomore album (on Melodic Revolution Records) The Other Side, which is scheduled for a March 2020 release.
* “When I Tell You I Love You”, official lyric video from SWEET CRYSTAL: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OX97cLhd_k
FEATURED REVIEWS
ECTHIRION - Psalms Of The Risen Dead - ONE YEAR AGO
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 >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
SARDIS Release Sophomore EP, Viral:
Album release: December 20, 2019
Press Release / SARDIS’ latest offerings from its recently released EP Viral are already receiving acclaim from their loyal fan base and newcomers alike. The videos for tracks such as “Gremlin” and “Black Snake” are already available on the band’s YouTube channel, and demonstrate the versatility with which SARDIS can bring it’s own sound and vision to any variety of topic. “Gremlin” is a fun take on a classic Twilight Zone story, while “Black Snake” takes on a serious issue affecting the nation. Rest assured, the rest of the songs on Viral are just as wide in scope, while all retaining the main theme of the EP embodied in the title.
The band continues to bring it’s traditional thrash and NWOBHM influences into harmony with it’s modern ones, creating a total package of heavy metal adored by the entire community. Truly “metal for the masses”.
SARDIS lineup:
Sean Roycraft - Lead Vocals & Guitars
Kevin Hasselquist - Guitars
Jerry Walker - Bass
Josh Harms - Drums
Viral track listing:
1. “Solace”
2. “Gremlin”
3. “Sensational Society”
4. “Black Snake”
5. “Narcissistic Voyeur”
SARDIS online: www.sardismetal.com, www.facebook.com/Sardisband & https://sardisband.bandcamp.com
Roxx Records Announce Debut Album From THE THOMAS THOMPSON EARTH PROJECT, Dreamland Lovecraft:
Album release: February 29, 2020
Press Release / Roxx Records is excited to bring you another excellent project featuring the talents of none other than the very busy front man Dale Thompson (BRIDE, NO OTHER GOD, PERPETUAL PARANOIA and more) along with another very busy guitar slinger Tiago James de Souza (HAND OF FIRE, PERPETUAL PARANOIA). Rounding out the project is founding member Garret Thomas to complete this amazing new project.
At age 12 Garret started to learn to play the guitar, and when he turned 14, he played bass in his brothers band called FATAL DELAY, which opened for bands such as P.O.D, LIVING SACRIFICE, DC TALK, CRIMSON THORN and many others. Not long afterwards, Garret taught himself how to play drums, and after leaning to play keyboards and synthesizers, he began to produce and mix his own music.
Dale is best known for his work in BRIDE, and in his early career toured the world as front man and main lyric writer. His career has spanned 4 decades. Tiago from Brazil became a virtuoso on the guitar and moved to the United States where he jumped right into writing and recording with various bands.
The original idea sprung from Garret sending some music to Dale, who added melodies and lyrics. From there the two teamed up and began writing for a full-blown album. Dale was already working with guitarist Tiago on PERPETUAL PARANOIA. The three of them combined their efforts on this extraordinary side project to create a very experimental rock album. The song writing took many creative twists and became heavier than the original techno rock sound from where it was originally birthed.
The album quickly was titled Dreamland Lovecraft after the imaginative imagery and haunting themes. The Christian based lyrics are forthright and up front sharing gospel themes along with social and personal stories intermingled into one huge abstract picture. However, in the forefront of this collage of poetry and audio menagerie is the theme of Jesus and His power to save.
Dreamland Lovecraft track listing:
1. “Lift Him Up”
2. “Beyond The Means Of The Machine”
3. “Down The Devil’s Throat”
4. “Oh My Soul”
5. “Roll With The Punches”
6. “There Will Be Blood”
7. “Soul Killers”
8. “Firestarter”
9. “Live To Fight Another Day”
10. “Long Dark Winter”
11. “Music Is My Supervisor”
12. “Eternity And Mercy”
13. “All That We’ll Forget”
This Limited Edition CD is a very limited pressing of only 300 copies housed in a jewel case edition with and a beautiful full color 8 page booklet.
Release Date February 29th through Roxx Records. Secure your copy up to release date at the special pre order price of $11.99. Retail price of $14.99 will be implemented on February 29th, 2020.
Dreamland Lovecraft pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/the-thomas-thompson-earth-project-dreamland-lovecraft
NEWS BRIEFS
* BLOODGOOD, live in Seattle, Washington (January 30, 2020): www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZsZ_gv9Mj8
* New BRIDE album update from vocalist Dale Thompson (Facebook - January 28, 2020):
“What's up with Bride? Troy (Thompson - guitarist) and I finished writing the 8th track tonight. I have laid down the vocal for all 8 tracks. Troy will go back and rerecord his guitar parts. Then it appears at this point we will be using the services of Nenel Lucena whom I worked with in No Other God N.O.G. for the mixing and mastering. Other special guest will be announced at a later date. But for now that is where we are at in the writing and recording process.”
FEATURED REVIEWS
MELIAH RAGE - Masquerade - TEN YEARS AGO
Masquerade, Meliah Rages’ seventh full-length album from 2009, finds vocalist Mike Munro returning to the fold. What Munro brings with him back to the band is his newfound faith. Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
Upcoming Limited Run Vinyl Re-issues:
Press Release / Remember when you didn’t have to work, got weeks off school for the holidays, watched new episodes of The Dukes of Hazzard on Friday nights, could eat all you wanted without gaining a pound, the world knew it could trust Walter Cronkite’s news, and you celebrated birthdays with all your childhood friends coming over for cake and games? Ahh… the good-ole-days indeed! They were magical!
Limited Run Vinyl is gearing up to release six new elite classic vinyl reissues that can help transport you back to a time of less responsibility, fewer obligations, and when your biggest anxiety was getting your mullet just right! Grab the keys to your DeLorean and time travel to relive the magic of these classic albums - all re-mastered and reloaded, looking and sounding better than ever!
YES, WE HEARD YOU!
- Splatter Vinyl. Yes, all 6 of them.
- Better Quality Jackets/Inserts. Yes in all of them.
- No More Seam Splits. Yes, We Promise.
- All Songs Included. No More Missing Tracks. Guaranteed.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Pre-Orders launch Thursday January 30th, and yes, you will once again get the limited-time introductory price of $1.99
MASTEDON - It’s A Jungle Out There, $36.99
MASTEDON - Lofcaudio, $36.99
DIE HAPPY - Die Happy, $36.99
DIE HAPPY - Volume 2, $36.99
GUARDIAN - Miracle Mile, (LP + 7”) $39.99
PARAMAECIUM - Exhumed From The Earth (2-LP Gatefold), $44.99
Limited Run Vinyl online: www.limitedrunvinyl.com
ENZO & THE GLORY ENSEMBLE Announce New Album, In The Name Of The World Spirit:
Press Release / Following up the previous albums In the Name Of The Father and In The Name Of The Son, Enzo Donnarumma teamed up once again with Gary Wehrkamp (SHADOW GALLERY) for the production of the new record entitled In The Name Of The World Spirit.
ENZO & THE GLORY ENSEMBLE’s stellar line-up includes Enzo Donnarumma, Marty Friedman, Kobi Farhi (ORPHANED LAND), Ralf Scheepers (PRIMAL FEAR), Mark Zonder (FATES WARNING, WARLORD), Gary Wehrkamp & Brian Ashland (SHADOW GALLERY), Nicholas Leptos (WARLORD, ARRYAYAN PATH), Derek Corzine & Amulyn Braught Corzine (WHISPER FROM HEAVEN) , David Brown (METATRONE), Alessandro Battini (DARK HORIZON),
Maria Londino and Francesco Romeggini (S91), Mr Jack, Claudia Coticelli and Clara People.
In addition to this out-of-this-world line-up, bass player Philip Bynoe (from Steve Vai’s backing band) joined THE GLORY ENSEMBLE for the new album.
Lasting over one hour across 13 tracks, In The Name Of The World Spirit will be definitely a must-have for all those who are into progressive metal with ethnic influences. This final chapter of the trilogy is a bridge between the western and the eastern cultures, besides a huge step towards a top-notch production. The balance between the instrumental parts and the vocals are now improved, while the ethnic arrangements are driven by the magnificent Weza Meza Choir ensemble from Congo. Once again, thanks to the massive choir section, In The Name Of The World Spirit sets a new standard into the so-called “Gospel Metal” scene.
You can listen to the first single "Last Weep" at the following links:
SPOTIFY: https://spoti.fi/3aD0XYu
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/elzcvzBDHpU
In The Name Of The World Spirit is set to be released on March 27 via Rockshots Records
ALBUM PRE ORDER / Digipak Deluxe Edition: https://shop.rockshots.eu/en/home/1615-enzo-and-the-glory-ensemble-in-the-name-of-the-world-spirit.html
Artwork by Nello Dell'Omo / Art For Music. Mastered by Simone Mularoni at Domination Studio
In The Name Of The World Spirit track listing:
1. “Precariousness”
2. “Nothingness (It's Everyone's Fate)”
3. “The Bronze Age”
4. “Try To Put In Pit The Fear”
5. “To Every Chest”
6. “Just In My Heart The Blame”
7. “I'll Add More”
8. “My Pillory”
9. “Last Weep”
10. “Psalm 13 (Tell Me)”
11. “Echo”
12. “One Reason”
13. “The Silence Speaks For Us”
STRYPER, New Album Update:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:
Christian hard rockers STRYPER have entered SpiritHouse Recording Studios in Northampton, Massachusetts to begin recording their new album for a tentative summer release.
On Sunday (January 19), STRYPER front man Michael Sweet shared an Instagram photo from the studio and included the following caption:
"We have started recording our best, most powerful album yet. We're tracking a song called “For God And Rock & Roll” now. We have the best engineer in the world with @dannyb413 and you won't find a better studio than Spirithouse Studios. We are truly blessed"
This past September, Sweet told The Metal Voice about the musical direction of STRYPER's follow-up to 2018's God Damn Evil:
"It's gonna be aligned with the last album, but taking it a step further. We're gonna do some things where people are gonna hear it and go, 'You've gotta be kidding me,' that's gonna surprise and shock people in a really good way. It's gonna be a metal album — it's not gonna be a pop album or pop-rock or glam metal and all these silly terms. It's gonna be a metal album. And we're gonna really pull some things out of the hat, man, and try to blow people's minds."
Formed 37 years ago, STRYPER is the first overtly Christian metal band to go mainstream. The group's name comes from Isaiah 53:5, which states: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
STRYPER's albums include To Hell With The Devil, Second Coming, No More Hell To Pay, Fallen and the aforementioned God Damn Evil.
Sweet's tenth solo album, Ten, was released in October via Rat Pak Records in North America and Frontiers Music Srl in Europe.
STRYPER online: www.stryper.com & www.facebook.com/Stryper
NEWS BRIEFS
* “Nothing”, official lyric video from Jimmy P. Brown II: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Chot3CkT19k
* New single from DETH ENEMY, “Fragile (Handle With Prayer)”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkR1e7cEchc
* NARNIA, live in Switzerland, November 2, 2019 (complete multi-camera show): www.youtube.com/watch?v=msaNZ7CnHIU
FEATURED REVIEWS
DELIVERANCE - The Subversive Kind - TWO YEARS AGO
Enter The Subversive Kind, which represents a ‘return to form’ of the Deliverance old school speed metal and thrash beginnings. Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
Double CD From ROSANNA’S RAIDERS, Before & After The Fire: 1985 - 2019:
Album release: December 2019
Roxx Records Press Release / Collection of selected studio recordings made from 1996 until 2019, which encapsulate what would be ROSANNA’S RAIDERS third album, after a long hiatus.
Some of these songs were released previously on Rosanna Palmer's (lead vocalist) solo albums, self-released in Australia for the Christian worship music market, so a careful pick' n' mix selection was made for all the ROSANNA’S RAIDERS fans out there who never heard these amazing songs. The 2019 song 'I'm Rising" is an exclusive (outside Australia) for this release. Recorded at the time this project was settled, impressively, it's one of their heaviest tracks ever recorded, much in the style of "We are Raiders"!
Speaking of "We are Raiders", that rare 1985 cassette never released on vinyl and only presented as bonus CD in a U.S. reissue from 2007 of the groups first two albums, will be presented on this release too as a bonus second disc, so it will be the first time it is released in Europe.
ROSANNA’S RAIDERS were a female fronted hard rock power trio formed in the early 80s in Australia similar to Christian Rock bands like PETRA, RESURECTION BAND or even comparable to Christian female fronted melodic metal/hard Rock bands RANSOM and ARSENAL. After two domestic cassette releases in 1985 and 1986, the group put out its first international album, Calling Down Fire, released in 1988 by the Christian metal/rock label Pure Metal (part of Refuge label). Basically, the songs were the same ones appearing on the Run The Race cassette released two years earlier in Australia. In 1989, the second ROSANNA’S RAIDERS album, Clothed In Fire, was released on Refuge.
In the 90’s, Rosanna, David, and Johno, along with other musicians have continued to record sporadically (Rosanna Palmer and her husband, bass player David Palmer) under the name of Rosanna Palmer. Listening to the new song "I'm Rising", Rosanna's voice still keeps it's power from the past; in fact, we can consider Rosanna Palmer the best female Christian Hard Rock singer and the music style continues to be the melodic hard rock/heavy metal that you've heard on the 80's albums.
Presented with a 16-page booklet containing lyrics, rare photos, liner notes from David Palmer and re-mastered sound.
Track Listing (Disc One): “I'm Rising”, “Sinking Sand”, “Keep On Dreaming”, ”I Will Love You”, ”Changed Life”, ”I Met A Man”, ”To Have It All”, ”Lonely Child”, ”Where Does My Hope Come From”, ”A Little Bit Of Love”, ”Stolen Innocence”, ”There's More To You”, ”Risen”, ”Let Your Voice Be Heard”, ”So Many Voices”
Track Listing (Disc Two): “We Are Raiders/Reflections”, “When You Woke Up This Morning”, “Spotlight”, “Masks”, “You Are My Rock”, “Why Don't People Care”, “Hiding Behind Closed Doors”, “Whose Side Are You On”, “Mr. Magic”, “He Is Coming (Are You Ready)”, “One Man” (bonus track)
Before & After The Fire: 1985 – 2019 ordering information: https://roxxrecords.com/products/rosannas-raiders-before-after-the-fire-1985-2019-we-are-raiders-35th-anniversary-double-cd?_pos=1&_sid=2db0a6648&_ss=r
NEWS BRIEFS
* The Pure Metal Fan interview with Rex Carroll (WHITECROSS, FIERCE HEART): https://thepuremetalfan.wordpress.com/2020/01/15/interview-with-rex-carroll-exclusive/
* “This Is Home” video from JAMIE ROWE (off the artist’s solo album of the same name from last year): www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXSYytgqfdQ
* SHINING FORCE, “Resurrection” video (from the group’s most recent album By The Blood): www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ARhbJ6YmB0
FEATURED REVIEWS
BLOODGOOD - Rock In A Hard Place (Retroactive re-issue) - THREE YEARS AGO
It’s fair to say that each of the four eighties era Bloodgood albums has unique traits that set them apart from their siblings. Each has its fans, but many feel Rock In A Hard Place from 1988 was the most commercial. Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
SONIC DIVIDE Premier “Come Back Again” Official Video:
Press Release / Melodic Revolution Records is pleased to announce the first single and music video from Australian rock band SONIC DIVIDE entitled “Come Back Again”, which comes off its upcoming sophomore album The Other Side.
Completed late 2019 in Adelaide, Australia and produced by Sean Timms at Timmes Tunes Studio, The Other Side is scheduled for release in March of this year. “Come Back Again” is available worldwide via all your favorite digital retailers, including:
CD Baby: https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/sonicdivide1
Bandcamp: https://sonicdivide.bandcamp.com/track/come-back-again
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Come-Back-Again-Sonic-Divide/dp/B083F7X7Z8/ref=sr_1_6
iTunes: https://music.apple.com/us/album/come-back-again-single/1493442070
It is also available at your favorite streaming services: Pandora Tidal, Spotify, etc,
About the band:
From Adelaide Australia, SONIC DIVIDE has been applying its melodic rock flavor to the Adelaide scene for the past 10 years.
A collaboration of 6 seasoned musicians who initially formed for the purposes of infrequently jamming together for pure enjoyment, the band soon evolved into a writing project which culminated in the release of their debut album in September 2013. Labeled the ‘best independent release of the year’ at the time by a renowned radio station in the UK, the album received critical acclaim and regular airplay across the globe.
The band’s video for their hit “I Wonder” was picked up by a US-based promoter and was subsequently featured on multiple TV and online video network platforms across the US. SONIC DIVIDE was chosen to play the main stage of the Adelaide 500 national V8 Supercar race in 2015 along with John ‘Swanny’ Swan and the Zep Boys, with the guys taking a break from the live circuit later that year to begin the process of writing for their second album.
The band returned to the live scene in June 2018 and has since been performing regularly around Adelaide to rave reviews. In August 2018, the band was selected to open for US-based rockers STRYPER for the Adelaide leg of their God Damn Evil world tour and received glowing reviews on their performance.
In a statement from the band:
“Sonic Divide is truly excited and honored to be joining the Melodic Revolution Records (MRR) family. For over 10 years Sonic Divide has been passionately producing original music and looks forward to sharing their work with a global audience through collaboration with MRR. The band wishes to thank Nick Katona at MRR for this wonderful opportunity and look forward to a productive future together.”
SONIC DIVIDE lineup:
Wayne Holden - Lead Vocals
Glenn Johnson - Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Andy Young - Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Ian Slade - Bass, Backing Vocals
Evan Johnson - Drums, Backing Vocals
Steve Pirie - Guitars, Backing Vocals
Discography:
The Other Side (2020) CD & Digital - Melodic Revolution Records
Sonic Divide (2013) CD & Digital - Self-Released
Follow SONIC DIVIDE:
Website: www.sonicdivide.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sonicdivide
Instagram: www.instagram.com/sonicdivide
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SonicDivideBand
Melodic Revolution Records: https://mrrmusic.com/sonic-divide
NEWS BRIEFS
* GUARDIAN, Miracle Mile re-issue on Retroactive Records:
“Retroactive Records is infinitely delighted to announce CD and vinyl reissues of GUARDIAN - Miracle Mile! Miracle Mile is the third album from one of the most heralded and accomplished AOR/Hard Rock Christian bands of all time. Released in 1993, the album was produced by the Elefante brothers (KANSAS, MASTEDON). With the bands creative and hook-laden AOR/Hard rock reminiscent of EXTREME, STRYPER, POISON and TNT, Miracle Mile became the best selling Guardian album of all-time.
"A release as historic and revered is deserving of the Retroactive Records Gold Disc Edition CD and Splatter Vinyl treatment. The album will be digitally re-mastered by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound, so you know it will literally sound better than ever."
Pre-Orders will launch on January 29th at: http://boonesoverstock.com
* SARDIS, “Black Snake” official lyric video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZNO_3ubqtY
The song comes off the groups December of 2019 sophomore EP entitled Viral.
ARTIST COMMENTARY
Vocalist Dale Thompson in regards to the next BRIDE album (Facebook - January 9, 2019):
“For those of you that saw my original post about a new Bride album... the update is: nothing is being just thrown together for the sake of another Bride album. Troy (Thompson, guitars) and I are being meticulous with every aspect of this writing process. Snake Eyes (most recent Bride album from 2018) was a great album, but we do feel like we may have rushed it once the writing started. Look for our next work late in 2020.
“Although we have 5 working songs we are scrutinizing every element of the song. We don't want to put out generic music. In all reality given the resources, we could put out an album every month but that would just be sound. Troy and I want to create music with this next project. Music that speaks, touches, heals and identifies with where people are, where they live, what they think, believe and are exposed to on a daily basis. This album will be rich. That is the sort of music we desire to make. Uplifting Jesus not by quoting scripture but by quoting the Savior of the world as He lives among us now.”
FEATURED REVIEWS
ARMADA - Frontline (Retroactive re-issue)
In eighties traditional heavy metal fashion, Armada impresses with its unabashed guitar prowess, powerful mid-ranged vocals and catchy riff proclivity, but also allows the versatility to emulate some accessible melodic hard rock to AOR qualities. Read Full Review >>
DARKHORSE HERO - Darkhorse Hero
There is nothing whatsoever ‘dark’ about the independent September of 2019 self-titled debut full length of St. Joseph, Missouri based Darkhorse Hero. Read Full Review >>
DELIVERANCE - Stay Of Execution (Retroactive Records Gold Disc Edition)
The Intense Records 1992 fourth full-length Deliverance album, Stay Of Execution, ushered in a period of change for the group. Read Full Review >>
LEAH - Ancient Winter
A musical switching of gears for Vancouver, BC native and songstress Leah McHenry from the symphonic metal of her first four albums to a more atmospheric and ethereal direction on her November of 2019 released fifth full length Ancient Winter. Read Full Review >>
NARNIA - Long Live The King (Twentieth Anniversary Edition)
For better part of the past two decades, the business of Stockholm, Sweden’s Narnia has been melodic metal. Read Full Review >>
PASTOR BRAD - One Holy Night
One Holy Night, the second album of original vocal material released in 2019 from Cookeville, Tennessee based guitarist and full time minister Brad Windlan, comes across traditional metal-esque in form but stuffed with eighties melodic metal hooks. Read Full Review >>
SHINING FORCE - By The Blood
After what feels like the worlds longest gestation period between albums, Pasadena, Texas based Shining Force returns in follow up to its 2003 self-titled sophomore effort with the summer of 2019 release of its third full-length offering By The Blood. Read Full Review >>
THE WORLD WILL BURN - Nothing’s As Real As It Seems
The World Will Burn remain a world-class leader when it comes to a metal and hard rock inclination within a modern framework, not to mention the periodic leaning towards outside the box inventiveness. Read Full Review >>
JUPITER VI - Moveable Walls - FIVE YEARS AGO
Veteran Christian metal act Deliverance may be on extended (if not permanent) hiatus, but founding member and vocalist/guitarist Jimmy P. Brown II refuses to rest on his laurels, as the Roxx Records fall of 2014 sophomore album, Moveable Walls, of his Jupiter VI project aptly attests. Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
STRYPER’s New Album Is ‘Written And Ready To Go’:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net
STRYPER fron tman Michael Sweet says that he has written 11 songs for the band's next studio album. The follow-up to 2018's God Damn Evil will be recorded in January and February and released in the summer. It will mark STRYPER's first disc with the band's latest addition, former FIREHOUSE bassist Perry Richardson, who joined STRYPER in the fall of 2017 as the replacement for longtime bassist Tim Gaines.
Earlier today (Monday, December 30), Sweet took to his social media to write: "It begins. The album is written and ready to go. 11 songs that will go to 11. The guys come out a week from today. It will be our first album with @perryrichardson777 and I can't wait for the world to hear his bass and vocal abilities. We are stronger than ever, better than ever and more determined than ever before. @stryper keeps proving the haters and critics wrong year after year. 36 and counting. We were disregarded by the industry long ago yet we keep moving and growing and there are no signs of slowing down. We have the best fans in the world and because of them we can continue to record, tour and thrive in a turbulent music world. To anyone scratching their heads right now saying to themselves 'I wish they would just go away' - We're not going anywhere. Also, this will be our best album yet. Are you ready for The Yellow & Attack in 2020? It's coming…"
This past September, Sweet told The Metal Voice about the musical direction of STRYPER's next LP: "It's gonna be aligned with the last album, but taking it a step further. We're gonna do some things where people are gonna hear it and go, 'You've gotta be kidding me,' that's gonna surprise and shock people in a really good way. It's gonna be a metal album- it's not gonna be a pop album or pop-rock or glam metal and all these silly terms. It's gonna be a metal album. And we're gonna really pull some things out of the hat, man, and try to blow people's minds."
Formed 36 years ago, STRYPER is the first overtly Christian metal band to go mainstream. The group's name comes from Isaiah 53:5, which states: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
STRYPER's albums include To Hell With The Devil, Second Coming, No More Hell To Pay, Fallen and the aforementioned God Damn Evil.
Sweet's tenth solo album, Ten, was released in October via Rat Pak Records in North America and Frontiers Music Srl in Europe.
STRYPER online: www.stryper.com & www.facebook.com/Stryper
NEWS BRIEFS
* “Godforsaken”, new lyric video from EVANS & STOKES: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt0rOCmqO1k
The song is the third single off the multi-national acts most recent album Children Of God.
* New OBLIVION MYTH album update from vocalist Tim McDonald (Facebook - November 27, 2019):
“So we turn over our recording project to our Producer, Andy Freeman, who was actually the singer on the first Oblivion Myth album. We want him to take his time with it, so we are looking at a spring 2020 release. There are 11 tracks, including a short symphonic intro composed by bassist Ryan Mark.
“The format will be a natural evolution from Inside The Mirror. We'll have scriptural references associated with each song that inspired or help explain the lyrics and where we were coming from. We'll make real CDs with full-size jewel cases as well as offering the album on every streaming and download site.
“The band now starts rehearsing after a long summer of recording and making all sorts of tweaks and edits in the project. We actually spent probably quite a bit more studio time on this new album than previously, and we think you will hear the difference. It's going to be more polished, more layers, more complete.
“I'm really proud of how Keith Smith's guitar playing has taken a quantum leap forward. With original rhythm player Chris Selby now back in the lineup, Keith has the solid partner he's wanted so that he can evolve into a shredding lead player, and I think you'll hear the difference on this new album. We think this is the strongest lineup the band has ever had, and Ryan Mark on bass is a big part of that, he is an awesome musician, multi-instrumentalist, composer, writer, and performer. Bob Schultz tried some new things on drums, and I was able to hit some sick high notes i think metal fans will appreciate.”
*THE THOMAS THOMPSON EARTH PROJECT lineup comprises vocalist Dale Thompson(BRIDE, PERPETUAL PARANOIA), multi-instrumentalist Garret Thomas and guitarist Tiago James de Souza (PERPETUAL PARANOIA). The group recently uploaded a new song entitled “Roll With The Punches”: www.yo utube.com/watch?v=xMGN2KgoUXE
