METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

Girder Music Announce DALE THOMPSON & THE BOON DOGS, Metal Blues:
Album release: August 27, 2021

Press Release / Ten new blues songs from Dale Thompson, lead vocalist for the Christian rock band BRIDE. Pre-order Now.  It’s dirty, it’s raw, it’s metal and it’s blues. 

For those of you that might be that familiar with blues, the twelve-bar blues is one of the most prominent chord progressions in popular music. The blues progression has a distinctive form in lyrics, phrase, chord structure, and duration. In its basic form, it is predominantly based on the I, IV, and V chords of a key all of which Dale has seemed to master. Sure, Dale is most well-known for his vocals in his metal band BRIDE. But what I love the most about Dale is his ability to bring it in a big way on bluesy metal songs such as “Rock Those Blues Away” and even some of the bluesy elements of “Hot Down South Tonight” as well as a few other songs. He has the ability to whale and scream at a fever pitch that few artist even dare emulate.

I will never forget Cornerstone 1987 (although it might have been 1988) when BRIDE was playing in the metal barn and belting out one anthem after another. Dale stood in the middle of the stage with his head looking up and hair flowing back absolutely screaming at the top of his lungs singing "I'm Gonna Rock Those Blues Away".  It was a moment in time that I have captured in my mind and thoughts for years to come.  There was something about the blues and the way BRIDE delivered it. 

So after a long stretch of doing re-issues, we thought it was time to crank it up and sign Dale to a blues album.  Any wow, did he and the BOON DOGS deliver in a big way.   If you are a fan of blues but you like your music rockin’ this is the album for you.  It’s explosive and raw, which is exactly what you would expect when you ask Dale to do a blues album.  This is not laid back it’s not mellow and it’s not Blind Willie Johnson kind of blues.  It’s very much metal blues.  More along the lines of a LED ZEPPELIN, JIMI HENDRIX, DEEP PURPLE and MOTORHEAD.  Take a listen and I think that you’ll agree that this is as good as any album he’s done.  But make no mistake about it, there is a message here that’s strong, as strong as the music.

Thank you Dale for putting your heart and soul into this album, you’re fans are about to experience your talents at a whole new level.

Available on CD and vinyl there are extensive liner notes about each song and the meaning behind them.  You'll see really quick that Dale dives deep.  Here is one example of those liners notes:

“Talking To Be Heard” - In my life it seems that I have seen long winded preachers who seem to talk because they like the sound of their own voice. They are like the clouds carried by the wind. Proverbs 13:3 says: ‘Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything , but he that hath no guard on his speech shall meet with evils’. Reminds me of the Scribes in Luke Chapter 20.

Metal Blues track listing:

1. “Preacher Man”
2. “My Friend Judas”
3. “Blind Bartimaeus”
4. “One Of A Kind”
5. “Talking To Be Heard”
6. “Valley Of Hinnom”
7. “Oh Brother Of Mine”
8. “Opposites Attract”
9. “The Hem Of His Garment”
10. “Walking Through Jericho”

Metal Blues pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/products/dale-thompson-and-the-boon-dogs-cd-metal-blues-lynyrd-skynyrd-led-zeppelin-1?_pos=2&_sid=9caacfa14&_ss=r

NEWS BRIEFS

* “The Wrath Of Shammah”, new single from DARKHORSE HERO: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AazVHjJUTY

The song comes off the upcoming DARKHORSE HERO sophomore album Mixtape Volume 2: Living For A Bigger Kingdom, which is scheduled for release in September.

* MOONSHINE ZOMBIES play old school groove metal on its spring of 2021 self-titled debut: www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAGEWJP82VM

The band feature former KILLED BY CAIN member’s vocalist John Warren and bassist Steve Curtsinger.  Further reading: https://moonshinezombies.com

* ”Crash N Burn” is the first single off SWINGLE & THOMPSON ORDAINED sophomore album Firestorm: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ6Zqep3iB8

An August of 2021 release is planned.

* TESTIMONIUM is a Swedish melodic power metal band headed by vocalist L.G. Persson.  “Kingdom Come” is the groups first single: www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX2l823YMm0

 

ARTICLES

Angelic Warlord Album Of The Year: 2006 to 2020:
I cannot think of a better manner to celebrate the Angelic Warlord 15th anniversary than to list what in my opinion is the top album released each of the past fifteen years.  Read Full Article: HERE

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

THE NEAL MORSE BAND Release “Do It All Again” Official Video:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net

THE NEAL MORSE BAND, now known simply as NMB, will release of its fourth studio album, Innocence & Danger, on August 27. The official music video for the disc's first single the opening track "Do It All Again", can be seen above. The clip was created by Christian Rios.

Drummer Mike Portnoy says this about the track: "This was the first song we wrote when we reconvened for the sessions for this album. It rooted from an idea Bill Hubauer brought in and we built off it from there. Like most NMB songs, I love the sharing of lead vocals.  Neal Morse on the verses, Bill on the B section and an amazingly catchy three-part harmony chorus with Eric Gillette taking the lead."

With NMB's previous two releases being concept albums, it's perhaps remarkable that Innocence & Danger is a series of unrelated songs, but drummer Mike Portnoy says: "After two sprawling back-to-back double concept albums in a row, it was refreshing to get back to writing a collection of unrelated individual songs in the vein of our first album."

Indeed, making this album came easy to the band; while the initial inspiration came particularly from Bill Hubauer (keyboards) and Randy George (bass), the ideas flowed from everybody from there on, as George recalls: "I am excited about the level of collaboration that we achieved on this one. We even went in with a lot of ideas that weren't necessarily developed, and I think in the end we have something that represents the best of everybody in the band."

In fact - like its two acclaimed predecessors - Innocence & Danger is a double album by inspiration, rather than design, as Portnoy explains: "As much as we wanted to try and keep it to a single album after having just done two double albums, we wrote so much material that we found ourselves with our third double album in a row. That's pretty prog."

There is also plenty in Innocence & Danger to excite those prog fans who have a thirst for epics, as Neal Morse explains: "There's one half-hour epic and another that's about 20 minutes long. I really didn't realize that they were that long when we were recording them, which I guess is great because if a movie is really good, you don't realize that it's three hours long. But there are also some shorter songs: some have poppier elements, some are heavier and some have three-part acoustic sections. I'm excited about all of it, really."

The album will be released as a limited 2CD+DVD digipak (featuring a making-of documentary), 3LP+2CD box set, standard 2CD jewel case and digital album, featuring artwork by Thomas Ewerhard (TRANSATLANTIC).

Innocence & Danger track listing:

Disc One (Innocence):

1. “Do It All Again”
2. “Bird On A Wire”
3. “Your Place In The Sun”
4. “Another Story To Tell”
5. “The Way It Had To Be”
6. “Emergence”
7. “Not Afraid Pt. 1”
8. “Bridge Over Troubled Water”

Disc Two (Danger):

1. “Not Afraid Pt. 2”
2. “Beyond The Years”

Radiant Records online: www.facebook.com/RadiantRecord

NEAL MORSE online: https://nealmorse.com & www.facebook.com/nealmorse

PETRA Re-issues On Girder Music:
Album release: January 7, 2022

PETRA got its start in 1972 as one of the pioneers of Christian Rock.  Now 20 albums later with 4 Grammys™ and 10 Dove Awards™, they are the world’s most popular Christian rock band.  It didn't matter if you were listening to DELIVERANCE, Amy Grant, and Michael W. Smith, one thing is for certain, you knew who PETRA was.  Even STRYPER fans would never enter into a debate on who the greatest Christian rock band of all time was.  Although STRYPER may have been large in the mainstream, no one came close to PETRA in the Christian circuit selling 10 MILLION records and selling out large capacity arenas. Their impact was monstrous and their music was explosive.  PETRA albums More Power to Ya (1982), Beat the System (1985), and This Means War! (1987) rock like none other and were clear defining moments for a band that just a few albums earlier had everyone convinced that they would be a status-quo CCM act.  Nothing was further from the truth.

More Power To Ya was PETRA's fifth album and the album that changed everything.  Previously sounding similar to LYNYRD SKYNYRD and THE EAGLES, with some laid back Southern Rock vibes, PETRA had been working out the bugs to perfect a polished melodic hard rock sound. PETRA finally crafted a style that could easily lock horns with anything on the industry charts and stand toe to toe with bands like STYX, BOSTON, and JOURNEY. Their new melodic hard rock sound began receiving attention from the mainstream music industry.  In case you wondered if this was a significant change, BILLBOARD dubbed More Power to Ya a "Top Album Pick" and praised the band's "surging music, tough lyrics and effective vocals."

Hot on the heels of the success of Never Say Die (1981), PETRA's return featured an even more polished production, intentional and disciplined composition, and a sweeping scale. More Power To Ya rivaled mainstream albums by groups like JOURNEY, BOSTON, or STYX in style and sound, but brought an unabashed message of encouragement to Christian listeners. Christian radio had a field day with the title track, while rock fans thrilled to the stripped-down riff (and creepy backwards message) of “Judas’ Kiss.” “Rose Colored Stained Glass Windows” dared to challenge complacency within the church, while “The Road To Zion” struck an epic, almost Zeppelin-esque tone both lyrically and musically. More Power To Ya checked all the boxes, rose to even higher sales levels, and saw Petra become one of the biggest touring spectacles in Christian music. 

More Power To Ya track listing: "Stand Up", "Second Wind", "More Power To Ya", "Judas' Kiss", "Rose Coloured Stained Glass Windows", "Run For The Prize", "All Over Me", "Let Everything That Hath Breath", "Road to Zion" , "Disciple"  

More Power To Ya CD pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/petra-more-power-to-ya-new-cd-webstore-exclusive-w-ltd-ed-trading-card-2021-girder-records

More Power To Ya radiant blue vinyl pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/petra-more-power-to-ya-new-vinyl-girder-records

PETRA’s Grammy nominated 1985 album Beat The System is certainly one of PETRA's most transitional works. It is also one that, despite being thoroughly a product of its time, manages to sound surprisingly relevant today.

Due to the departure of keyboardist John Slick, the preponderance of the album’s mountain of synthesizer tracks were actually performed by studio musician Carl Marsh or Rhett Lawrence, a young producer and musician who, in future years, would produce albums and write songs for artists like Mariah Carey, Kelly Clarkson, BLACK EYED PEAS, and Whitney Houston. When Lawrence was working on Beat The System he was also working as a programmer for artists Michael Jackson and VAN HALEN, which gave the album a polished, mainstream sound.

There’s no way around it. Beat The System is a synth-rock album from top to bottom. While the program heavy sound fit the lyrical theme of the album, and the trends at radio in 1985, some fans initially bristled at their favorite rock band’s digital direction. Catchy songwriting, and a prescient theme, however, has helped the album to age well. As a capstone to the Volz era of the band, and a snapshot of Bob Hartman’s ability to adapt to changing styles and trends in rock and pop, Beat The System stands out in Petra’s considerable catalog.

But you are about to hear this album in all it's glory. You'll understand once the needle drops or the CDs starts that this was not only relevant for today but that the tempo and rhythm.

Beat The System track listing: “Beat The System”, “Computer Brains”, “Clean”, “It Is Finished”, “Voice In The Wind”, “God Gave Rock And Roll To You”, “Witch Hunt”, “Hollow Eyes”, “Speak To The Sky”, “Adonai”

Beat The System CD pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/petra-beat-the-system-new-cd-includes-ltd-edition-trading-card-girder-records

Beat The System royal purple vinyl pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/copy-of-petra-beat-the-system-new-vinyl-girder-records

When PETRA regathered for their second project with new vocalist John Schlitt and producers John and Dino Elefante, they ditched the flying spaceship guitar, pushed the keyboards way back in the mix in deference to highly processed and crunchy guitars, and embraced a militaristic lyrical and visual theme that was perfectly in step with the Reagan era.

On This Means War the Elefantes brought the rock in a big way, with monster drums, stacked vocals, and everything sounding like it was born for arenas. Hartman’s fist-in-the-air, slogan-ready lyrics continued to define the Christian rock template and Schlitt’s vocal found the perfect balance between sneer and smile. It all came together perfectly and a new era was born for the band. PETRA meant rock after all.

This Means War track listing: “This Means War”, “He Came, He Saw, He Conquered”, “Get Down On Your Knees And Fight Like A Man”, “I Am Available”, “Kenaniah”, “You Are My Rock”, “The Water Is Alive”, “Don't Let Your Heart Be Hardened”, “Dead Reckoning”, “All The King's Horses”

This Means War CD pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/petra-this-means-war-new-cd-webstore-exclusive-w-ltd-edition-trading-card-girder-records

This Means War military green vinyl pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/petra-this-means-war-military-green-w-poster-limited-run-vinyl-girder-records

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

ALL FOR THE KING Announce Sophomore Album, Let There Be Light:
Album release: September 24, 2021

ALL FOR THE KING is back after releasing its critically acclaimed self-titled debut in 2017. The band has been called a "modern BLACK SABBATH" and worldwide reviewers have one by one compared Erik Tilling's guitar playing with hard rock riff master Tony Iommi and singer Ricard Hultekewith legend Glenn Hughes.

The band today consists of the experienced musicians Erik Tilling -guitar, Ricard Hulteke (EMPIRE 21), -vocals, Andreas Ålöv (EMPIRE 21) -electric bass and Richard Tonyson on drums.

The joy to the groups playing is palpable, and the focus, as always, is on the riffs and the song melodies. But ultimately, ALL FOR THE KING is about the lyrics: To stand firm with both feet on the ground and the heart in heaven. Do not compromise the message. In everything they do, they try to live wholeheartedly and  think "what  would  Jesus  have  done".  The Bible's foundation is clear.

As noted by critics about the debut album:

"The songwriting is of such quality, both in terms of weight and harmonies, that  it  is  easy  to  take  it  for  original  material  from  the  era  that  the  band looked at." (Urban Thoms, Daily News)

”AllFor  The  King are  definitely  a  band  worth  seeking  out  if  you have  an interest   in   classic  metal   that   does   not   sound   dated.” (Ian   Webber, Crossrythms)

“With so much great music flying around my desk, it is only so often that ones  really  grabs  my  attention,  and  All  For  The  King  did  just  that.” (Doug Van Pelt)

“If interested in a melodic modern hard rock album that places strong emphasis on catchy melodies then one need look no further than the self-titled All For The King debut. (Andrew Rockwell, Angelic Warlord)

Produced by Erik Tilling
Mixed by Johannes Häger
Mastered by Jens BogrenLab
Label: Connection Sweden

Let There Be Light track listing:

1. “The Six-Winged Seraphim”
2. “Let There Be Light”
3. “I Am He”
4. “The Way, Truth And Life”
5. “The Shelter”
6. “St. Patrick’s Prayer”
7. “Metal Gods”
8. “Let God Be God”
9. “Moneychangers”
10. “Blazing Fire”
11. “The Return Of The King”

ALL FOR THE KING online: www.facebook.com/thebandallfortheking

LEVITICUS, Jag Skall Segra! Re-issue On Roxx Records:
Album release: October 1, 2021

In Sweden this just may be the album that started it all for Christian Metal, and if not it is definitely coveted as one of the earliest true pieces of Christian Metal history regardless.

Jag Skall Segra is the debut album from Christian rockers LEVITICUS and after its very early success the band would return to the studio and record the next 'English' version of this album entitled I Shall Conquer, and the rest is Christian Metal history folks!

This album is a very special piece of Christian Metal history. It sounds so very Swedish yet it has so much in common with what was going on in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement from 79-84.

Roxx Records is very excited to be bringing you this very limited and very special piece of Christian Metal history. This album has NEVER been released on CD and was only released in a very small quantity of vinyl originally.  Copies today, if found fetch quite the price these days on sites like Ebay!

So this is the time! There will only be 200 of this very special album being pressed on vinyl. The album has been meticulously restored with upgraded artwork and design by Scott Waters of NoLifeTilMetal and the sound has been re-mastered by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound.

The CD version is equally as impressive packaged in a jewel case with 8 page booklet and limited to a one time pressing of only 500 copies.

Jag Skall Segra! CD pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/leviticus-jag-skall-segra-cd-only

Jag Skall Segra! vinyl pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/leviticus-jag-skall-segra-180g-very-limited-black-lp

Jag Skall Segra! CD & vinyl combo pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/leviticus-jag-skall-segra-combo-pack-lp-cd

MODEST ATTRACTION Re-issues On Retroactive Records:
Album release: August 13, 2021

Featuring Christian Liljegren (pre-NARNIA) and Mick Nordstrom (ex-LEVITICUS) MODEST ATTRACTION rose from the ashes of the elite Swedish melodic band BORDERLINE whose demos ruled the Christian metal underground in the late 80’s.  In 1991 and 1992, MODEST ATTRACTION recorded two ground-breaking demos (Modest Attraction & Blizzful Sample) that would later be put together on a handful of CD-Rs and released as one 10 song album called Get Ready.

Full-length debut The Truth In Your Face (1994) was an enormous success and established the band as international heroes in the hard rock and metal scene.  Sophomore release Divine Luxury (1996) built on the success of the debut and blew away both critics and long-time fans. Memorable, exquisite, super-heavy, and firmly planted in the 70’s with a modern day production, Divine Luxury show cased the band at the top-of-world of heavy metal. To this very day, Retroactive Records owner Matthew Hunt claims this album as one of his all-time favorites!  It’s THAT amazing!

With digital re-mastering by none other than NARNIA axe man C.J. Grimmark, and the layout handled by NoLifeTilMetal’s Scott Waters, each album has never looked or sounded so elite and professional.  Every CD comes with a MODEST ATTRACTION foil-stamped trading card!  Even though NIRVANA and SOUNDGARDEN were ruling the radio charts in ‘91 and ‘92, MODEST ATTRACTION was leading the retro movement early on, and combined the extravagant showmanship of QUEEN with the deep 70’s vibes of classic DEEP PURPLE, THE SWEET, RAINBOW, URIAH HEEP and LED ZEPPELIN.  MODEST ATTRACTION embraced the retro-vibe in every way - featuring members with full-blown long-hair, platform shoes, and colorful stage clothes including flared trousers - and it connected with fans in a serious way! Classic heavy metal gets no better than this!

Photo courtesy of the MODEST ATTRACTION Facebook page.

Get Ready track listing: “Action”, “King Of Rock N’ Roll”, “Get Ready!”, “Come One!”, “Unfailing Love”, “Be Your Child”, “Love Shot Me Down”, “Calm Before The Storm”, “Shake The World, “Down On My Knees”

Get Ready CD pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/copy-of-modest-attraction-get-ready-new-cd-2021-retroactive

Get Read vinyl pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/modest-attraction-get-ready

The Truth In Your Face track listing: “Depravity”, “Firefall”, “The Healing Touch”, “Feed Your Fire”, “Your Love Is True, Part I & II”, “Tonight”, “Blizzful Man”, “Down On My Knees”, “Don't Worry”, “The Burning Flame”, :I Can't Live Without Your Love”, “Time”

The Truth In Your Face CD pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/modest-attraction-the-truth-in-your-face-new-cd-2021-retroactive

The Truth In Your Face vinyl pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/modest-attraction-the-truth-in-your-face

Divine Luxury track listing: “Modest Inc”, “Fruit Of Rejection”, “Cheap Talk”, “Everyone's A Star”, “Dreamer”, “Star”, “Evening Celebration”, “Love”, “15 Years”, “Troubled Child”, “Hypocrisity”, “Mr. Bitter”, “Promised Land”, “Divine Luxury”

Divine Luxury CD pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/modest-attraction-divine-luxury-new-cd-2021-retroactive

Divine Luxury vinyl pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/modest-attraction-divine-luxury

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

THE NEAL MORSE BAND Announce New Album, Innocence & Danger:
Press Release / NEAL MORSE BAND, now known simply as NMB, will release its fourth studio album, Innocence & Danger, on August 27, 2021.

With NMB’s previous two releases being concept albums, it’s perhaps remarkable that Innocence & Danger is a series of unrelated songs, but drummer Mike Portnoy says “After two sprawling back to back double concept albums in a row, it was refreshing to get back to writing a collection of unrelated individual songs in the vein of our first album.”

Indeed, making this album came easy to the band; while the initial inspiration came particularly from Bill Hubauer (keyboards) and Randy George (bass), the ideas flowed from everybody from there on, as George recalls: “I am excited about the level of collaboration that we achieved on this one. We even went in with a lot of ideas that weren’t necessarily developed, and I think in the end we have something that represents the best of everybody in the band.”

In fact - like its two acclaimed predecessors - Innocence & Danger is a double album by inspiration, rather than design, as Portnoy explains: “As much as we wanted to try and keep it to a single album after having just done two double albums, we wrote so much material that we found ourselves with our third double album in a row! That’s pretty prog!”

There is also plenty: “There's one half hour epic and another that's about 20 minutes long. I really didn't realize that they were that long when we were recording them, which I guess is great because if a movie is really good, you don't realize that it's three hours long! But there are also some shorter songs: some have poppier elements, some are heavier and some have three part acoustic sections. I’m excited about all of it, really.”

The album will be released as a Limited 2CD+DVD Digipak (featuring a Making Of documentary), 3LP+2CD Box Set, Standard 2CD Jewel Case & Digital Album, featuring artwork by Thomas Ewerhard (Transatlantic). Pre-orders start on the 18th June, and the full track-listing is below:

Innocence & Danger track listing:

Disc One (Innocence):

1. “Do It All Again”
2. “Bird On A Wire”
3. “Your Place In The Sun”
4. “Another Story To Tell”
5. “The Way It Had To Be”
6. “Emergence”
7. “Not Afraid Pt. 1”
8. “Bridge Over Troubled Water”

Disc Two (Danger):

1. “Not Afraid Pt. 2”
2. “Beyond The Years”

Radiant Records online: www.facebook.com/RadiantRecord

NEAL MORSE online: https://nealmorse.com & www.facebook.com/nealmorse

NEWS BRIEFS

* INNERSIEGE, “Stronghold” & “Echoes Into Eternity” official lyric videos: www.youtube.com/watch?v=y99p33ZXyuY & www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Nb6yHQ-gUg

Both songs come off the group’s upcoming album Fury Of Ages, which is scheduled for release on June 11, 2021 via Qumran Record (USA) and No Dust Records (Europe).

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

COMBAT FAITH, In Your Faith Details Reveals:
Album release: June 25, 2021

Press Release / Roxx Records is proud to announce the release of In Your Face by New Mexico heavy metal band COMBAT FAITH.

New Mexico is a state known more for salsa music and green chili than for heavy metal. However, New Mexico had a thriving heavy metal scene in the 1980s and into the 1990s. More specifically, there were many Christian metal bands that came out of the scene including CROSS (heavy metal), RAPTURE (heavy metal), CONVICTION (hard rock), ANGELIC FORCE (heavy metal),  THE MOSHKETEERS (thrash), EXTRACTION (death/thrash), ULTIMATUM (thrash) and COMBAT FAITH.

COMBAT FAITH was founded in 1986 by guitarist Ric Buteau and vocalist Albert Baca, with drummer Alan Tuma joining the ranks shortly after. COMBAT FAITH formed with a passion to play heavy metal and to share their faith. The band played locally as much as they could, including opening for national acts WHITECROSS, VENGEANCE RISING, X SINNER, THE CRUCIFIED and many others.  In 1989, the band recorded their first demo and continued to fill halls around New Mexico with their powerhouse sound.

The band finally began recording their first full length, 10-track album in 1989, which was never officially released. Only 4 tracks were released on cassette tape to shop to labels. Unfortunately, over the decades some of those recordings were lost, but six tracks from those sessions were retrieved for this CD. Roxx Records has also added the 1989 4-track demo to this CD to make a 10-track album titled In Your Face. The album is also released as a tribute to Ric Buteau, who went home to the Lord in 2016.

In Your Faith pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/combat-faith-in-your-face-2021-cd

NEWS BRIEFS

* DOMINUS MEUS sophomore album, DM II on Roxx Records:

Yep round TWO and the sophomore release from DOMINUS MEUS featuring none other than Dale Thompson out front on vocals and John Evans on guitars and everything else.

This band keeps getting heavier as witnessed by the first single we present you with the track “Kill The Killers”: https://youtu.be/TdC2Nq9M8NE

DM II track listing: “Comatose”, “Evil Reject”, “Annihilate”, “Sanctified”, “Kingdom Come”, “The Grave”, “Skin And Bones”, “Kill The Killers”, “Leftover Riffage”

DM II pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/dominus-meus-dmii-bride-dale-thompson-2021-cd

* Michael Sweet in regards to his upcoming worship album (Facebook - May 30, 2021):

“I’ve always wanted to record a “worship” album yet do my own interpretation of one. I always told myself that when that day comes, I would break all the rules and not do anything that sounds like every other worship album. You know me, I’m a bit of a rebel when it comes to how I like to roll:-)
“So, I did what I’ve wanted to do my entire life - I’ve made a worship album that breaks all the molds, all the stereotypes. Every song is different and it’s my own spin on what I think a worship album should be - an emotional and musical journey that inspires you to draw closer to God yet gives you a totally unique listening experience.

“Well, the time has come! Although there is no release date set, the album is finished. I didn’t care or think about rules or regulations. I just wrote from the heart and drew from many of my musical inspirations from the time I started learning to play/sing to now. I’m so happy with how this album turned out!

“Who will join me on this journey and who is interested in hearing this album? I’m hoping and I’m praying that all of you will. I’ve got over 150k followers here and it would be a gift to know that all of you here are ready for this album. I know I am!  Stay tuned for details as we work out the details of making it available to all.”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

JUSTICE, Counting Down Re-issue On Soundmass:
Press Release / Australian hard rock/metal band JUSTICE recorded their one-and-only album Counting Down in 1990. It was picked up and released by Round Records and received international distribution. The band went on to demo a few more songs, including “Proven Infallible” from Godspeed Australian Metal Compilation (Rowe Productions, 1994), before calling it a day.

Counting Down is full of 80’s hair/pop metal inspired songs. It serves up 10 songs of everything you would expect from the genre - catchy choruses, fantastic songwriting and talented playing. This 30th Anniversary Edition of Counting Down has been re-mastered by Rob Colwell at Bombworks Sound. The results are remarkable, breathing new life into the recording and giving the album a crisper, fresh sound. Recommended for fans of STRYPER, RATT, BLOODGOOD, DOKKEN and ZION.

As if that wasn’t enough, this 2020 Soundmass re-issue also includes an entire 2nd album as bonus tracks. Not JUSTICE, though, so let us explain… After a stint in the UK with Escape Music signed band ERUPTION, Justice front man Darren returned to Australia and began a new project in 2011 – to record a backlog of songs under the name DAZ OF OZ. To do so, he called upon the services of, amongst others, former Justice members Marty and Shane, making it a reunion of sorts. The results were an honest and organic sounding album titled 1. The 11 songs are varied in style, but what you get is hard rock with heart and soul. Recommended for fans of MOTLEY CRUE, VAN HALEN, BRIDE, LYNCH MOB, KING’S X, KISS, TYKEOTTO and HAREM SCAREM.

To round out this package, we have created a 12-page booklet that contains all of the JUSTICE and DAZ OF OZ lyrics and re-imagined cover artwork.

JUSTICE track listing: “Disciple”, “Race For Victory”, “Way Back Home”, “Givin’ It All”, “Jesus Is The Rock”,, “Counting Down”, “Blood Of His Son”, “There’s A Better Way”, “Stand Up”, “Grace Of God”

DAZ OF OZ track listing: “Believe”, “Let You Know”, “Shine”, “Tappin’ The Feet”, “Love Her All I Can”, “Nobody”,
“Gonna Be Alright”, “Lies”, “Overview”, “Proven Infallible”, “Reflection”

Counting Down order details: www.soundmass.com/product-category/soundmass/?artist=J

THRASH PUPPIES, Unleashed! Re-issue On Soundmass:
Press Release / You may, or may not, need to be introduced to the THRASH PUPPIES. They originate from Melbourne, Australia, and the days of fanzines and trading cassettes in the underground metal subculture. The band played Aussie and New Zealand festivals and had songs on various compilation CDs. Ring any bells yet?

Soundmass is happy to be re-issuing Unleashed! on CD - the one-and-only (cassette-only) THRASH PUPPIES     release from 1993. They were a crossover band, of sorts, who very much had their own sound, but it’s no disservice to the band to say that if you’re a fan of ONE BAD PIG, then you will likely be a fan of THRASH PUPPIES. They played fun-oriented, punkish hard rock/metal, chock full of melody and catchy riffs. Despite the novelty (a rap, a little reggae, a bin solo…), this is quality music that holds up for repeated listens. Complete with silly names and outfits, their use of humor (including plenty of ‘90s Christian culture references) to spread a serious message will have you grinning from ear to ear.

The original cartoon cassette cover (drawn by none other than Jayson Sherlock!) has been reshaped for the CD, and the audio r-emastered by Rob Colwell (Bombworks Sound). Who let the dogs out? THRASH PUPPIES have been UNLEASHED!

Unleashed! track listing: “Thrash Talk 1”, “That T-Shirt Won’t Save You”, “Thrash Puppies”, “Take Me For A Spin Doctor”, “Fastest Song In The World”, “God Don’t Make Junk”, “Thrash Talk 2”, “Thrash Talk 3”, “Amy Grant Is My Sister”

Unleashed! order details: www.soundmass.com/product/unleashed-3/

WARLORD Guitarist/Composer WILLIAM J. TSAMIS Dead At 60:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net

According to the WARLORD fan club, the band's co-founder and guitarist William J. Tsamis passed away on Thursday, May 13 at the age of 60. No cause of death has been revealed.

In a 2017 interview, Tsamis revealed that he was suffering from a serious health issue which he said would "never go away", but he offered no specifics.

Founded in 1980 by Tsamis and drummer/percussionist Mark Zonder, WARLORD is considered a pioneer in power metal thanks to its now-classic 1983 six-song EP, Deliver Us. Kerrang!, Sounds, Burrn! and Music Connection all featured the band and praised the release thanks to their outside the norm, semi-progressive style that was inspired by such diverse acts as RAINBOW, SCORPIONS and JETHRO TULL. Adding further intrigue to the WARLORD mystique was the band members' use of pseudonyms such as Destroyer (Tsamis), Thunderchild (Zonder), Damien King (vocalist Jack Rucker) and Sentinel (keyboardist Diane Kornarens). The band also refused to become just another L.A. club act and opted to present themselves on a grander scale. They famously rented The Raymond Theater out to stage what would turn out to be the only WARLORD live performance in the USA, prior to August 2013. It was filmed and recorded for the group's first full-length release, And The Cannons Of Destruction Have Begun... , issued in October 1984, accompanied by a home video release of the same name.

While the band disbanded in 1986, they amassed a cult-like following in Europe despite their inactivity. This was largely due to rave reviews in metal the press, continuous airplay, and the circulation of many demos via "tape trading," as well as positive word-of-mouth promotion among metal fans. With the onset of the Internet, the music of WARLORD spread worldwide and thus helped secure WARLORD a place in the history of heavy metal as one of the great metal forefathers of the ‘80s.

After the band dissolved, Zonder joined prog metal pioneers FATES WARNING and went on to release numerous albums with them as well as others thanks to his skills then and now being in high demand. It was during one of FATES WARNING's European tours that Zonder realized that WARLORD's following had grown considerably with multiple fans asking him to sign WARLORD albums and demanding new music from the band. Zonder contacted Tsamis and, as soon as schedules permitted, WARLORD was once again an active band. Vocal duties were assigned to HAMMERFALL vocalist (and massive WARLORD fan) Joacim Cans. Thus, in 2002, a new album, Rising Out Of The Ashes, was recorded and released worldwide to rave reviews (90% Angelic Warlord review). This was followed by the first ever WARLORD live performance in Europe at the prestigious Wacken Open Air festival in Germany.

A string of mishaps and serious family health issues plagued WARLORD after these performances and the band was once again put on a hiatus, which lasted for almost nine years. WARLORD returned to active status formally in March 2012. Vocal duties would be handled by one of the original '80s WARLORD singers, Rick Anderson, and Philip Bynoe (Steve Vai, RING OF FIRE) joined the band on bass. That lineup released The Holy Empire to much critical and fan acclaim (95% Angelic Warlord review). In the meantime, mounting pressure by promoters and fans bore fruit and WARLORD announced that they would headline the April 2013 German Keep It True XVI festival. This announcement was followed by two headlining dates in Greece - Thessaloniki and Athens - which sold out, thus leading to a second headlining show in Athens which sold out as well.

Photo courtesy of William J. Tsamis's Facebook page.

STRYPER's OZ FOX Is 'Doing Fantastic' More Than Two Months After Undergoing Brain Surgery:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net

STRYPER guitarist Oz Fox is "doing fantastic" more than two months after he underwent the first of his brain surgeries to treat one of the tumors that were found in his head nearly three years ago.

STRYPER frontman Michael Sweet offered an update on Oz's condition during a new interview with Tulsa Music Stream. He said (as transcribed by blabbermouth.net): "He's doing really well. Believe it or not, he bounced back so quick, and the surgery was flawless. He's doing fantastic. Obviously, the big scare was the 'C' word. Because it's a low-grade tumor, we're all assuming, and it's not a hundred percent confirmed, but we're pretty certain it's not cancer, which is great news. He has another surgery to get through, and that is happening probably sometime in July, maybe August. And that could be potentially a 12-week, 16-week healing process - recovery."

According to Sweet, Fox is feeling strong enough to partake in a couple of livestreams next month at SpiritHouse studios in Northampton, Massachusetts.

"In between surgeries, in just three weeks, they're all coming out here [to Massachusetts], and we're gonna rehearse and do two live albums at the studio we record at - get that done before his surgery," Michael said. "And he wants to do that  - we're not forcing him to do that. He's ready and willing to do that."

Fox's tumors - one by his ear and the other in the back of his brain - were discovered when he suffered his first seizure in August 2018 while performing with SIN CITY SINNERS at Harrah's in Las Vegas. Over the past two and a half years, both tumors had grown and were posing a serious health risk to the guitarist, who turned 59 last June. Specifically, the tumor behind the ear, if it continued to grow, could have caused hearing loss, balance, vision and spinal problems, while the tumor in the back of Oz's brain was in the area where left side of his arms, hands and body operate. Removing it could have affected the upper left motor function and potential ability to recognize faces and objects.

Fox discussed his health during a January 17 interview with SIN CITY SINNERS manager Jason Green. Speaking about his procedure, Oz said: "I've got a great team of people, great team of doctors that are very specialized. They do hundreds of these procedures a year. They're gonna open up the skull. The good thing is the (first) tumor (they will operate on) is towards the outside of the head, towards the outside of the brain, which it's easy access - they don't have to go too deep to get to it. And they did all testing on me to make sure that wherever they go in there, they won't damage any of my functions. They did some really extensive testing - something called an MRI, Functional (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and they had me think about things, they had me actually act like I was playing guitar, and I had to hum backgrounds while I was playing, 'cause I couldn't move my head or my jaw. I had 'em play a STRYPER song, and I just kind of played to it and acted like I was playing guitar and tried to imagine what I was playing. And then they would see where the brain functions were while I was doing all that. And after they checked everything and went through it, they figured out that all of my activity for playing and singing and all that was nowhere near the tumor. So there's a good chance I'll retain all of that. But there's still always a risk. You never know with the brain. They seem to think I'm gonna be okay after the procedure, but it'll take time to recover, 'cause you may have some bleeding, some brain swelling - all that kind of stuff."

Asked if the surgeons would only work on one of his tumors during the initial procedure, Fox said: "They have to work on the right-brain low-grade tumor - they're gonna work on that first - and if all goes well with that, (there will be a) six-week recovery time, and then I can start working on the left one (behind the ear). For the other side, it will be a bit different. They have to go into a different part of my skull here. They'll have to cut a portion of my skull out to get into that area, and then, of course, replace it again. I'll have steel titanium plates in my head and all that crazy stuff. The only thing about this one is it's so close to the audio nerves that I could lose my hearing. They say it affects nerves on the side of my face here, so that could be a problem. I'm already feeling numbness around my mouth."

Oz went on to say that his medical team initially tried "doing some other things that were non-invasive" without the desired results. "We were trying to get the tumors to shrink by using different methods that they say are proven to help do that," he explained. "But that didn't work - they still grew. And so now we're, like, we'd better go in and take some action - get working on cutting them out. Otherwise, if [the tumors] get too big, they won't be able to help me. Again, the left ear, when they work on this tumor, there's a good chance I could lose my hearing, or the nerves going to my balance part of the ear, the cochlea. If that happens, then I will have to really recuperate in a way where my right ear would take over for my balance, which it's amazing that the brain can do that."

According to Oz, he may be out of commission for several months after his second operation.

"It's gonna be a journey," he said. "I may be recovering for a while - maybe through summer. Hopefully I'll be recovered by the end of summer. If anything happens where I'm not, then, oh, well. We'll see how it goes."

Fox said that he is realistic about the risks involved with the operation and the likelihood of any complication, including death.

"The worst thing that could happen is something could go wrong and I could pass," he said. "Well, if that ever happened, in whatever situation - I could die driving a car, getting in a wreck somewhere or somebody running into me. But because of my (Christian) faith, I know where I'm going, and I have a belief in eternity with my soul. And because I've followed Christ for so long now, and I have a full-on relationship - I've surrendered my entire life to him - the promises that he gives in his words are that I have a better place to go to after this. I'll basically be changing addresses with my soul. That's the mindset I have.

"Nobody wants to ever leave their family or things that they invested in years, but when it's your time, it's your time," he reasoned. "So that doesn't scare me. I mean, we could go down in a plane. [Laughs] So, you never know. And I'm certainly not afraid of that - I'm not afraid of death. The only thing I think I'd be… Well, I don't even wanna say it… There's not fun ways to die, let's put it that way. (Laughs) If it's quick, it's better. (Laughs)"

Last October, Fox was briefly hospitalized after suffering another massive seizure.

Within weeks of Fox's original August 2018 seizure, STRYPER toured Australia and Japan as a three-piece, and later recruited Howie Simon (JEFF SCOTT SOTO, GRAHAM BONNET) to fill in while Fox was unable to go on the road.

 

FEATURED REVIEWS

BARREN CROSS - Rattle Your Cage (Retroactive Records)
Second and third Barren Cross albums Atomic Arena (1988) and State Of Control (1989) get all the attention, what with both being released on mainstream label Enigma Records, but to me, 1994 fourth album Rattle Your Cage is a more accurate indicator of the groups sound.  Read Full Review >>

Roland Bühlmann - Dubnos
Ethereal, ambient and with an instrumental progressive basis, December of 2020 fourth album Dubnos from Roland Bühlmann is right down our alley.  Read Full Review >>

FREEZING TERROR - The Unexpected
Freezing Terror debut The Unexpected, the latest musical offering (March of 2021) from brothers Terry (vocals, guitars & keyboards) and Trevor (drums & percussion) Friesen, is a little less progressive and a lot heavier than the Sombre Holiday project in which the two are better known.  Read Full Review >>

IMAGES OF EDEN - Angel Born
Melodic, heavy, progressive.  Images Of Eden gives you all three.  Read Full Review >>

Christian Liljegren - Melodic Passion
Musically, Melodic Passion draws heavily from Liljegren’s influences, including (as noted in his press material) Rainbow, The Sweet, Uriah Heep, Queen, Stryper and Europe.  Read Full Review >> 

Björn Stigsson - Together With Friends (Roxx Records re-issue)
An all-star cast of vocalists and musicians, a bent for melodic metal and hard rock, a 15th place finish in an Angelic Warlord article outlining the top 50 Christian metal and hard rock albums from the eighties- welcome to the 1989 debut solo album of Björn Stigsson, Together With Friends.  Read Full Review >>

TRYTAN - Celestial Messenger (Retroactive re-issue)
Trytan’s 1987 R.E.X. Records debut full length Celestial Messenger won over plenty of fans with its critically acclaimed Rush influenced progressive metal’ sound.  Read Full Review>>

TRYTAN - Blood Of Kings
Credit where it’s due: on its April of 2021 Retroactive Records third album Blood Of Kings, Trytan has created a class-leading progressive metal album to rival the genres best in terms of technical arrangements, complex time signatures, epic length songwriting and extended instrumental passages.  Read Full Review >>

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

7 DAYS, “You Hold The Key” Lyric Video Released:
Press Release / Swedish melodic metal project 7 DAYS released the past week a lyric video for the song "You Hold the Key", which is the first single from their upcoming remixed and re-mastered album to its sophomore album Into Forever.

7 DAYS debut album The Weight Of The World was originally released in 2006, while Into Forever came out in 2010. Remixed and re-mastered versions to both albums will be released on CD and digitally on May 28, 2021 via Ulterium Records.

Both new versions feature updated artwork by guitarist Markus Sigfridsson. The Weight Of The World comes with the bonus track "Equinox" originally included on the Japanese version of the album, and Into Forever the bonus track “Frontier".

7 DAYS was founded by guitarist Markus Sigfridsson (DARKWATER, HARMONY, ALL THINGS FALLEN) and also features Thomas Vikström (THERION, ex. CANDLEMASS) on vocals, Andreas Passmark (ROYAL HUNT, ex. NARNIA, HARMONY) on bass and Daniel Flores (THE MURDER OF MY SWEET, MIND'S EYE) on drums.

Kaspar Dahlqvist (SHADOW QUEST, DIONYSUS) performs keyboard solos on both albums, while guests on "Into Forever" also includes Christian Liljegren (NARNIA, DIVINEFIRE, AUDIOVISION), Erik Tordsson (ALL THINGS FALLEN, END OF SEPTEMBER) and Caroline Sigfridsson.

A lyric video to The Weight Of The World track “Redeemer” can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7LlkcbXxZQ

The Weight Of The World track listing:

1. “Redeemer”
2. “Confession”
3. “The Darkest Winter”
4. “Fall Again”
5. “Where Are You”
6. “The Weight Of The World”
7. “Save Me”
8. “With You Forever”
9. “Wisdom Calls”
10. “Equinox” (bonus track)

Into Forever track listing:

1. “Through Dark And Light”
2. “Into Forever”
3. “The Innocence In Me”
4. “You Hold The Key”
5. “Enter A Dream”
6. “Crossing”
7. “We Cry No More”
8. “Under The Sun”
9. “Scattered Mind”
10. “Final Wisdom”
11. “What Matters”
12. “Frontier” (bonus track)

Weight Of The World pre-order: https://ulteriumstore.com/collections/cds/products/7days-the-weight-of-the-world-remixed-remastered-cd-edition

Into Forever pre-order: https://ulteriumstore.com/collections/cds/products/7days-into-forever-remixed-remastered-cd-edition

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

Martin Simson’s DESTROYER OF DEATH ANNOUNCE SECOND SINGLE, “Master Of All”:
Press Release / American metal project Martin Simson’s DESTROYER OF DEATH” announces their second single, “Master of All”, which will feature vocalist Jørn Lande (ARK, MASTERPLAN, JORN), drummer Anders Johansson (HAMMERFALL, MANOWAR) and guitarist CJ Grimmark (NARNIA, EMPIRE 21).  A release date has not been set.  The single will be released via JONO Music (Sweden) and Sound Pollution Distribution.

"Master of All" is sure to please with Jørn’s trademark vocal attack, CJ Grimmark’s guitar pyrotechnics and Anders Johansson's masterful drum work. The song was co-written by Jørn, Grimmark and Simson. Grimmark returns as producer.

Martin Simson is a long-time heavy metal fan and musician, having played bass in several bands in Southern California during the 1980s. He recently began writing music and lyrics, some of which caught the attention of guitar legend and friend, CJ Grimmark.

Line-up:

Martin Simson - Bass

Featured Artists:

Jørn Lande - Vocals
CJ Grimmark - Guitars, Keyboards & Bass
Anders Johansson: Drums

Links:       

EPK: http://dod.jonomusic.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DestroyerOfDeath
Instagram: www.instagram.com/MSDestroyerOfDeath
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DestroyerOfDea2

NEWS BRIEFS

* “Stronger Now”, debut single off forthcoming John Elefante’s solo album The Amazing Grace, which will be released this summer via Escape Music: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LgjbK79shk

* SIGNUM REGIS, “Voyage To The Distant Shores” music video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWaWYQwtDWo

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

New Single From THE BRAVE, “Evie’s Little Garden”:
Album release: July 27, 2021

THE BRAVE is an American rock band hailing from the greater Los Angeles Area in Southern California, namely Lancaster. Originally signed to Pakaderm/Word Records in the early 90's, the band released two critically acclaimed albums (Battle Cries and Trust) under the Grammy award winning production of John and Dino Elefante and yielded 7+ Top 10 CCM singles. The original lineup consisted of Stayce Roberts and Freddy Tierra on dual guitars, Randy Roberts on drums, Malcolm Paris on bass, and James Salters on vocals.  THE BRAVE produced a huge arena rock sound, laden with fiery guitars and Def Leppard type harmonies rich in melody and attitude. Their debut album, Battle Cries, was mixed by none other than Neil Kernon (of DOKKEN and QUEENSRYCHE fame), and together THE BRAVE became a crowd and radio favorite.

After surviving their first personnel changes, the band found themselves searching for a new singer for their next album (STRYPER's Oz Fox was even considered); up to the plate stepped drummer Randy Roberts. Though more bluesy in style, Trust solidified THE BRAVE as a serious contender, specifically as the entire music landscape changed before their eyes when groups like SOUNDGARDEN and ALICE IN CHAINS began to turn the tides musically. While some fans did not embrace the changes, a whole new group of listeners emerged, as well as new bassist Steve Irwin and drummer John Spittle. The band continued in its evolution and was just hitting its stride when their label, Pakaderm picked up and left for Nashville, and the group disbanded.

Sadly, THE BRAVE lost singer/drummer Randy Roberts in 2007. In tribute to their fallen brother, remaining members Stayce Roberts, Freddy Tierra, Steve Irwin, and other friends put on a concert in his name, and certainly, his presence was felt. In fact, it was this very event that caused the members to stir, and even consider reforming and working on something new. 20 years after the release of the Trust record, THE BRAVE emerged with Rise, a 12 song collection of new material and re-recorded THE BRAVE classics. Rise featured the musical talents of Stayce Roberts on guitars, THE BRAVE -alumni Malcolm Paris and Steve Irwin on bass, on long time comrade Johnny Zimmerman on drums. Arguably, the greatest addition to the band was lead vocalist, Amanda Z. Her stellar vocal performances took THE BRAVE 's music to new heights onthe powerful release. As the music fates would have it, this band was short lived.

That brings us to 2021, and THE BRAVE is set to unleash their first full-length album of new, original material since 1994. The album is called, Evie's Little Garden, and it features 12 brand new tunes penned by longtime THE BRAVE songwriter Stayce Roberts. Roberts' last addition to THE BRAVE lineage of killer tunes were 2014's, “Tell Me Now”, “The Killing Floor”, “Somebody”, “Wither Me” and “I'm Your Reason”, from the 2014 release, Rise. Time will tell if history will remember these new songs as some of their finest.

A video to the debut single off the album, “Evie’s Little Garden” can be reviewed above.

Evie’s Little Garden track listing:

1. “Evie's Little Garden”
2. “Run to You”
3. “I've Always Wondered”
4. “We're Not in Kansas Anymore”
5. “Elevate Me”
6. “Creep”
7. “Lonely Bones”
8. “If I Told You”
9. “And We All Fall Down”
10. “Lucid”
11. “Come to Me” (CD & vinyl bonus track)
12. “Love: Automatic” (CD & vinyl bonus track)

Evie’s Little Garden pre-order: https://thebravemusic.com/pre-order-evie-s-little-garden

THE BRAVE online: https://thebravemusic.com & www.facebook.com/thebravemusicsite

NEWS BRIEFS

* “Awesome, Majestic” is an acoustic worship rock song from vocalist Frank Clifton Herring and guitarist Vladimir Gurin of MESSENGER (with lyrics contributed by Peter Billett): www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLxlE4aNTh8

* Greek power metal band DIVINER released a live video to the track “Evilizer”, which was filmed at the Realms Of Time album release show in Athens on November 1, 2019: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKS3xlyNI28

“‘Evilizer” comes off the group’s 2015 Ulterium Records debut Fallen Empires.  Realms Of Time is the DIVINER sophomore album released in the spring of 2019 (also Ulterium).

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

CHRISTIAN LILJEGREN Premiers “History” Official Video:
Press Release / The record label Melodic Passion Records is very proud to release the latest single and video “History” from Christian Liljegren (vocalist of NARNIA & THE WAYMAKER) and his album Melodic Passion.  Melodic Passion was released on March 26, 2021.

Christian Liljegren is one of the most productive hard-rock/metal artists from Sweden and In the rock scene today with nearly 40 different albums under his belt, since he the started his career in 1986. Christian is known for his passion in his singing on albums as well on stage live performing for crowds all around the world.  Christian’s long music career and he has been fronting many bands such as NARNIA, THE WAYMAKER, AUDIOVISION DIVINEFIRE, GOLDEN RESURRECTION, WISDOM CALL, FLAGSHIP, MODEST ATTRACTION and BORDERLINE to name a few.

The intention with this album was to go back to Christian’s musical roots, where he started to listen to music late in the 1970’s. You can hear Christian’s biggest music influences from bands such as RAINBOW, THE SWEET, URIAH HEEP, QUEEN STRYPER and EUROPE, as well as favorite singers like Ronnie James Dio (R.I.P), Brian Connolly (R.I.P), David Byron (R.I.P), Freddie Mercury (R.I.P), John Lawton, John Miles, Michael Sweet, and Joey Tempest.

This is also Christian’s debut as music composer, since all music on this album is composed by Christian and Stephen Carlson (BROTTHOGG, THE RISE, TALES, Gil Edwards), an amazing guitarist from Sweden who now lives in Norway. Christian has written all lyrics, vocal melodies and arrangements, and co-produced the album with his good friends Viktor Stenqvist (NARNIA’s sound engineer), and Olov Andersson (AUDIOVISION, VENI DOMINE and keyboard player on this album).

Melodic Passion lineup:
Christian Liljegren - Lead & Backing Vocals
Stephen Carlsson - Guitars
Olov Andersson - Keyboards
Andreas “Habo” Johansson - Drums
Per Schelander - Bass

The lineup consists of musicians that have been involved and/or are active in bands like ROYAL HUNT, ASTRAKHAN, AVATARIUM, AUDIOVISION, HOUSE OF SHAKIRA, NEPTURE, NARNIA, ROB ROCK & PAIN OF SALVATION.

The Melodic Passion album is recorded and mixed by Viktor Stenqvist
Mastering by CJ Grimmark
Graphic design by Jonatan Samuelsson
Produced by Christian Liljegren, Olov Andersson & Viktor Stenqvist
Distributed by Sound Pollution

Melodic Passion Records webshop: https://melodicpassion.com/webshop

Christian Liljegren online: www.facebook.com/christian.liljegren1

RANSOM, Self-Titled Debut Legends Re-mastered On Retroactive Records:
Album release: May 24, 2021

RANSOM can trace its history to the mid-eighties and the burgeoning white metal scene that originated following the commercial success of STRYPER. Yes, a well-known player in what was a literal flood of Christian metal bands at the time, but what set RANSOM apart is that it was one of the few to be fronted by a female vocalist. Initially getting its start under the name FIRST AID, the group formed when bassist Michael Ciado and vocalist Lisa Faxon met through an ad placed in a Los Angeles area music paper. The change to the RANSOM moniker did not come about until prior to the recording of a 3 song demo entitled Once And For All and placing the track “Sin Killer” on the California Metal II (1988) compilation. The resulting notoriety helped lead to RANSOM later sign with Intense Records.

The group’s 1991 self-titled Intense debut brings a joining of commercial metal and hard rock that fans of CRYSTAVOX, SHOUT, STRYPER, GUARDIAN, ANGELICA and HOLY SOLDIER will be certain to appreciate. Female fronted groups of the time such as ARSENAL, SCARLET RED and ROSANNA’S RAIDERS also deserve consideration.

There are two things that stand out about RANSOM: 1) the groups all around heaviness 2) creativity of its better material. Both factors play a key role in top of the lines pieces “Lasting Love”, “Break Into Darkness” and “Fallen Angel”. If it is muscle you are looking for then check out the double kick drum action on “Break Into Darkness” or the rhythm guitar assaults of “Lasting Love”. “Fallen Angel,” in particular, is a special piece with its variances in time and tempo and exquisite chorus. These three are as good as it gets and represent the pinnacle of RANSOM’s songwriting abilities.

The expanded 12-page jewel case release includes lyrics and rare band photos.  The visual graphic design layout is light years better than both the original issue and the 2011 Intense Millennium CD release, and now both of those are long out of print!  The 2021 re-master that includes four bonus tracks is nothing short of exquisite and make this an essential MUST-BUY reissue of a bona fide Christian AOR/Metal classic that include a free foil-stamped trading card in every CD!

Ransom track listing:

1. “Lasting Love”
2. “Rumors”
3. “Memories Of You”
4. “Fool That I Am”
5.  “Break Into Darkness”
6. “Tonight”
7. “Etched In Stone”
8. “Fallen Angel”
9. “Your Broken Heart”
10. “I'll Never Leave You”
11. “When I Die”
12. “Sticks & Stones” (demo)
13. “Sin Killer” (demo)
14. “To Be Like” You (demo)
15. “All My Heart” (FIRST AID demo)

Ransom pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/ransom-ransom-4-bonus-trading-card

SUNBOMB Debut “Better End” Official Video:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:

SUNBOMB, the project featuring L.A. GUNS' Tracii Guns and STRYPER's Michael Sweet, will release its debut album, Evil And Divine, on May 14 via Frontiers Music Srl. The official music video for the third single, "Better End", can be seen above.

According to a press release, Evil And Divine is "an absolute blinder of a heavy metal album, melding influences of classic metal bands such as BLACK SABBATH and JUDAS PRIEST, with Tracii's love of metal subgenres, specifically doom metal."

Initiated and conceived after Serafino Perugino, president and A&R director of Frontiers Music Srl, reached out to Tracii about working on a new musical project for the label, the idea of a classic heavy metal-sounding album was born. The music style on Evil And Divine is much heavier than what one would expect from these two musicians and is firmly planted in the "metal" category. While Tracii wrote the music for the album, the fact that Michael Sweet has been writing/playing in an increasingly heavier style in the latter era, and extremely well-received STRYPER albums made him a very logical choice to sing for the band. And since doom metal, often known for having powerful singers like Messiah Marcolin from CANDLEMASS, was a massive influence on Tracii's songwriting here, Sweet's ability and range were a perfect match.

Tracii told Talking Metal about SUNBOMB: "The greatest thing about Michael and I is that we have the same influences in music, we're great friends, and we have completely opposite ideologies - completely; on every level. And we laugh about it. We are two guys, when put together, we do discuss these things without any judgment. It's just, like, 'Hey, I respect your opinion. Cool.' Whether it's religion, politics - it doesn't matter; we get along.

"It kind of came to be where when we did The Devil You Know record, which is (L.A. GUNS') last studio album, I wanted to tour with STRYPER," he continued. "Of course I wanted to tour with STRYPER - it's like the 'Heaven And Hell' tour. And Michael wanted to do it too. We couldn't get promoters to okay it. They were just, like, 'Oh, man. C'mon.' It's, like, what happened to the music industry? It's, like, this is fun. This is great. This is literally combining two rock audiences that love the same style of music, but two separate audiences; a great opportunity. So, anyways, we couldn't make it happen. So Michael and I just kept talking. And then I got a solo deal with Frontiers, who L.A. GUNS is on, and STRYPER has done records with Frontiers. And I started writing this stuff that's super metal, man. It's awesome; I totally love this album. And I sent Michael a couple of tunes and said, 'Hey, I want you to sing on this stuff.' I go, 'It's a great opportunity for us to do something together after talking about it for two years.' And he goes, 'Yeah. Totally. This is insane. This music is insane.' And I'm, like, 'All right. Cool.' So, a lot of time went by, and finally I started getting the tracks back from him, with his vocal. And it's mindblowing."

Regarding SUNBOMB's musical direction, Guns said: "I compare it - in my catalog, my personal catalog - to BLACK SABBATH's 'Born Again' album. That album is so different than any other BLACK SABBATH album, yet it's BLACK SABBATH. It's a hundred percent Tony Iommi, but Ian Gillan is singing. That's what this record is like — I hear my riffs and my style times a hundred; it's what I do normally, but extra strength. And Michael's voice is insane, man — he's so good."

Tracii leaked the news of the new project in a March 2019 tweet, where he described the project's debut LP as "the metal record I would have made when I was 17 years old."

Drums on the album were handled by Tracii's old L.A. GUNS band mate Adam Hamilton, and bass was recorded by Mitch Davis, with the exception of the track "They Fought", which features current L.A. GUNS bassist Johnny Martin.

Michael said: "Hard to believe that I met Tracii for the first time just a few years ago. We hit it off right away and we obviously share the same love for metal.

"Tracii sent me a song and I loved the vibe and then he eventually asked me to sing on the entire album.

"What I love about it is it's definitely different not only for me, but for Tracii as well. I think fans will love this album, and although it's reminiscent of some of the greatest metal bands of the past, it also has a fresh spin to it. I can't wait for everyone to hear it! I'm honored to be a part of it."

Evil And Divine track listing:

1. ”Life”
2. “Take Me Away”
3. “Better End”
4. “No Tomorrows”
5. “Born To Win”
6. “Evil And Divine”
7. “Been Said And Done”
8. “Stronger Than Before”
9. “Story Of The Blind”
10. “World Gone Wrong”
11. “They Fought”

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

SUNBOMB online: www.facebook.com/SunbombMetal

NEWS BRIEFS

*SUNROAD is in the process of mixing and mastering its ninth studio album, Walking The Hemispheres.

Track Listing: “Walking The Hemispheres”, “Living In A Dream (Red Sign Mirror)”, “Silence Erupting Inside”, “Crawling Back And Ahead”, “Shoot The Clock”, “Written In The Mist”, “The Mess And Its Key”, “Halo Of Hearts”, “Victim Of Nowhere”, “Mighty Beauty And Its Chaos”, “Detached Picture Of Venus”, “Try Me” (U.F.O. cover)

*On April 16, 2021 Tommy Wales released his twenty-fourth studio album, 50,000 Tears.  Two new songs are streaming at the artists website, “Whisper Sweet Nothing” &”Black Ravens”: www.walesroad.com

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

Ulterium Records Announce 7 DAYS Re-issues:
Press Release / Remixed and re-mastered versions of the two 7 DAYS albums The Weight Of The World and Into Forever will be released on CD and digital on May 28, 2021 via Ulterium Records.

The Swedish melodic metal project 7 DAYS was founded by guitarist Markus Sigfridsson (DARKWATER, HARMONY, ALL THINGS FALLEN) and also features Thomas Vikström (THERION, ex. CANDLEMASS) on vocals, Andreas Passmark (ROYAL HUNT, ex. NARNIA, HARMONY) on bass and Daniel Flores (THE MURDER OF MY SWEET, MIND'S EYE) on drums.

Debut album The Weight Of The World was originally released in 2006, and the second album Into Forever in 2010.  Both new versions feature updated artwork by Markus Sigfridsson. The Weight Of The World comes with the bonus track "Equinox" originally included on the Japanese version of the album, and Into Forever the bonus track “Frontier".

Kaspar Dahlqvist (SHADOW QUEST, DIONYSUS) performs keyboard solos on both albums, while guests on "Into Forever" also includes Christian Liljegren (NARNIA, DIVINEFIRE, AUDIOVISION), Erik Tordsson (ALL THINGS FALLEN, END OF SEPTEMBER) and Caroline Sigfridsson.

A lyric video to The Weight Of The World track “Redeemer” can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7LlkcbXxZQ

The Weight Of The World track listing:

1. “Redeemer”
2. “Confession”
3. “The Darkest Winter”
4. “Fall Again”
5. “Where Are You”
6. “The Weight Of The World”
7. “Save Me”
8. “With You Forever”
9. “Wisdom Calls”
10. “Equinox” (bonus track)

Into Forever track listing:

1. “Through Dark And Light”
2. “Into Forever”
3. “The Innocence In Me”
4. “You Hold The Key”
5. “Enter A Dream”
6. “Crossing”
7. “We Cry No More”
8. “Under The Sun”
9. “Scattered Mind”
10. “Final Wisdom”
11. “What Matters”
12. “Frontier” (bonus track)

Weight Of The World pre-order: https://ulteriumstore.com/collections/cds/products/7days-the-weight-of-the-world-remixed-remastered-cd-edition

Into Forever pre-order: https://ulteriumstore.com/collections/cds/products/7days-into-forever-remixed-remastered-cd-edition

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

ETERNAL RYTE, World Requiem CD & Vinyl Re-issues On Roxx Records:
Album release: May 28, 2021

Flash back to the late 80’s and early 90’s in Southern California where the Christian metal and glam scene were going strong! This classic Christian metal band was out there doing there thing and should have made it much bigger than they did. This time Roxx gives the special re-master treatment to the one and only, ETERNAL RYTE as we bring you the bands debut, and only full-length release, World Requiem.

World Requiem was originally released in 1990 and was produced by legendary producer Cesar Kalinowski, and it was an instant classic to the Christian Metal community. Alas, the band would never release a sophomore album and would head off into Christian metal obscurity after this amazing debut, and we are bringing it back to life for a new generation.

World Requiem is being released on vinyl for the very first time ever! And it is being released as a part of the Roxx 100 Series where we focus on obscure indies and release them exclusively in a 100 piece format. Yes, only 100 pieces of this will be pressed on a beautiful black 180g vinyl. In addition, this historic piece of Christian metal history will get the exclusive Gold Disc treatment in a limited pressing of only 300 copies! In our usual pattern, we used the now legendary duo of Rob Colwell (Bombworks Sound) and Scott Waters (No Life TIl Metal Graphics) to re-master and design this one in to a beautiful collectors piece.

World Requiem track listing:

1.  “Tightrope Dancer”
2. “Requiem”
3. “Someone To Love”
4. “Say Hello”
5. “The Killer”
6. “Surrender”
7. “On The Line”
8. “You And Me”
9. “The King”
10. “No More Lies”

World Requiem CD pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/eternal-ryte-world-requiem-gold-cd-2021-remaster-30th-anniversary

World Requiem vinyl pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/eternal-ryte-world-requiem-180g-black-lp-2021-r0xx-100-series

Roxology, Debut LAYTON & MARTIN Album Details Revealed:
Album release: May 28, 2021

Roxx Records is very honored to be a part of this one and working with these two amazing artists Nick Layton (FIREWOLFE, Q5) and Roger Dale Martin (VENGEANCE RISING, DIE HAPPY) in conjunction with Sanctuary International. Going under the name LAYTON & MARTIN (L&M), this debut album is an instrumental masterpiece, combining some of the most classic hymns and amazing rock music to create Roxology (Unearthing Majestic Hymns from The Catacombs).

The LAYTON & MARTIN Roxology album is the culmination of years of work that began with one song (“Deep, Deep Love Of Jesus”). After that song was recorded, a vision began to develop for a full album of classic instrumental hymns. In the 21st century, the hymns are largely ignored, as well as their deep and rich content - relegating them to the catacombs of music history. Beyond that, many people who have a great connection to hard rock and heavy metal music have not been introduced to these masterpieces of musical expression. Thus Roxology.  Ten amazingly arranged and performed classic hymns that not only Rox your ears, but your soul as well.

This album includes the lyrics to each song. They are provided so the listener can spend time meditating on the great Biblical truths declared by the original hymn writers. In addition, the band will be launching www.RoxologyMusic.com very soon, with stories and study tools that bring each song to life. This music will enrich you in your pursuit of a deeper and richer worship of our Majestic God. As stated by the 19th century, English pastor J.C. Ryle, “Good hymns are an immense blessing to the Church. They train people for heaven, where praise is one of the principal occupations.”

Roxology track listing:

1. “A Mighty Fortress”
2. “How Great Thou Art”
3. “O Holy Night”
4. “Deep, Deep Love”
5. “Nothing But The Blood”
6. “Old Rugged Cross”
7. “They’ll Know We Are Christians”
8. “It Is Well”
9. “Holy Holy Holy”
10. “I’ll Fly Away”

Roxology pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/layton-martin-roxology-cd-2021

NEWS BRIEFS

* TRUE STRENGTH plans to release its fifth The House, The Holy, The Third in the fall/winter of this year.  An update was recently provided by founding member and guitarist/bassist Ryan ‘the Archangel’ Darnell:

“During the recording of the upcoming fifth album, True Strength drummer Chris Lee Faulkenberry discovered he has been suffering from arrhythmia and requires heart surgery on May 12th to hopefully correct it; please pray for Chris. Chris has already recorded his drum parts on the new album and is in good spirits. He wants to let everyone know that he is excited to unleash this album on the world, thanks everybody for their support.”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

THE BRAVE Announce New Album, Evie’s Little Garden:
Album release: July 27, 2021

THE BRAVE is an American rock band hailing from the greater Los Angeles Area in Southern California, namely Lancaster. Originally signed to Pakaderm/Word Records in the early 90's, the band released two critically acclaimed albums (Battle Cries and Trust) under the Grammy award winning production of John and Dino Elefante and yielded 7+ Top 10 CCM singles. The original lineup consisted of Stayce Roberts and Freddy Tierra on dual guitars, Randy Roberts on drums, Malcolm Paris on bass, and James Salters on vocals.  THE BRAVE produced a huge arena rock sound, laden with fiery guitars and Def Leppard type harmonies rich in melody and attitude. Their debut album, Battle Cries, was mixed by none other than Neil Kernon (of DOKKEN and QUEENSRYCHE fame), and together THE BRAVE became a crowd and radio favorite.

After surviving their first personnel changes, the band found themselves searching for a new singer for their next album (STRYPER's Oz Fox was even considered); up to the plate stepped drummer Randy Roberts. Though more bluesy in style, Trust solidified THE BRAVE as a serious contender, specifically as the entire music landscape changed before their eyes when groups like SOUNDGARDEN and ALICE IN CHAINS began to turn the tides musically. While some fans did not embrace the changes, a whole new group of listeners emerged, as well as new bassist Steve Irwin and drummer John Spittle. The band continued in its evolution and was just hitting its stride when their label, Pakaderm picked up and left for Nashville, and the group disbanded.

Sadly, THE BRAVE lost singer/drummer Randy Roberts in 2007. In tribute to their fallen brother, remaining members Stayce Roberts, Freddy Tierra, Steve Irwin, and other friends put on a concert in his name, and certainly, his presence was felt. In fact, it was this very event that caused the members to stir, and even consider reforming and working on something new. 20 years after the release of the Trust record, THE BRAVE emerged with Rise, a 12 song collection of new material and re-recorded THE BRAVE classics. Rise featured the musical talents of Stayce Roberts on guitars, THE BRAVE -alumni Malcolm Paris and Steve Irwin on bass, on long time comrade Johnny Zimmerman on drums. Arguably, the greatest addition to the band was lead vocalist, Amanda Z. Her stellar vocal performances took THE BRAVE 's music to new heights onthe powerful release. As the music fates would have it, this band was short lived.

That brings us to 2021, and THE BRAVE are set to unleash their first full-length album of new, original material since 1994. The album is called, Evie's Little Garden, and it features 12 brand new tunes penned by longtime THE BRAVE songwriter Stayce Roberts. Roberts' last addition to THE BRAVE lineage of killer tunes were 2014's, “Tell Me Now”, “The Killing Floor”, “Somebody”, “Wither Me” and “I'm Your Reason”, from the 2014 release, Rise. Time will tell if history will remember these new songs as some of their finest.

Evie’s Little Garden track listing:

1. “Evie's Little Garden”
2. “Run to You”
3. “I've Always Wondered”
4. “We're Not in Kansas Anymore”
5. “Elevate Me”
6. “Creep”
7. “Lonely Bones”
8. “If I Told You”
9. “And We All Fall Down”
10. “Lucid”
11. “Come to Me” (CD & vinyl bonus track)
12. “Love: Automatic” (CD & vinyl bonus track)

Evie’s Little Garden pre-order: https://thebravemusic.com/pre-order-evie-s-little-garden

THE BRAVE online: https://thebravemusic.com & www.facebook.com/thebravemusicsite

EXIT STRATEGY Self-Titled Debut Album Available For Free Download:
Album release: April 2, 2021

Fans of keyboard driven instrumental progressive rock and rock/fusion guitar fans of Jeff Beck, Al Di Meola and Jimmy Page will find plenty to enjoy with this 8-song album.

This album is being given away for FREE in a pay it forward initiative. All we ask is that you (via the honor system) donate a non-perishable item to your local food bank or pantry to help those that are struggling and in need.  Feel free to pass this download link on to others as well and let them know about this initiative!  Enjoy the music and may God bless you.

Tracks 1-7:

Guitars/Bass/Drums: Rob Perez
Keys/Synth/Piano - Doug Bowers (Tracks 1 & 6)
Keys/Synth  - John Neiswinger  (Tracks 2,4,5,7)
Keys/Synth/Hammond - Mike Florio (Track 3)

Track 8:

Guitars/Drums - Rob Perez
Keys - Rob Klan
Bass - Jaymi Millard

Track 9 (May release bonus track):

Guitars/Bass/Drums - Rob Perez
Keys - John Neiswinger
Vocals/Lyrics - Bill Yost

As notes by guitarist Rob Perez:

“Exit Strategy came together as an idea to work with some of my favorite keyboardists’ on planet earth! As well as create a pay it forward – free album giveaway - initiative to help feed those in need.  John is currently the key-man in my main band called, VISUAL CLIFF. Mike was also in the band for a stint. Both of these super talented guys are a joy to work with. Equally, I couldn’t put out this effort without Doug, my sonic throwback partner, who is a monster player as well. Adding Bill on vocals was another major blessing! It’s been in the works for a long time! Glad it’s finally here!

“Track eight sees original VISUAL CLIFF key-man Rob Klan helping out the cause! Great working with him again! Groove dog Jaymi Millard (who also did a stint in VISUAL CLIFF) handles bass duties on track eight as well!”

Exit Strategy track listing:

1. “In It, Not Of It” (John 15:19)
2. “Reckless Salute” (Proverbs 14:16)
3. “Be-Side The Truth” (Psalm 145:18)
4. “Voice In The Morning” (Psalm 5) Instrumental Version
5. “Hindsight” (Isaiah 46:9)
6. “The Realm We See” (1 John 5:11)
7. “None Like You” (II Samuel 7:22)
8. “All Of The Above” (John 14:6)
9. “Voice In The Morning” (Psalm 5) (vocal version bonus track available as a separate download)

Exit Strategy download: https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/Nc8DxnzNvk

IMAGES OF EDEN Release “My Promise” Official Video:
Press Release / Veteran metal band IMAGES OF EDEN announces its fifth studio album, entitled Angel Born. The album is the follow-up to the band's 2018 album, Soulrise, which was produced by the legendary Bill Metoyer.  Angel Born will be released on March 26, 2021, via Pavement Entertainment.

A video to the song “My Promise” can be viewed above.

Tracks "Where Dreams Begin" and "Fight The Good Fight" are available to stream now on all digital platforms.

Pre-Order thru iTunes and Amazon now and receive "Where Dreams Begin" & "Fight The Good Fight" today:

iTunes- https://music.apple.com/us/album/angel-born/1547744986

Amazon- www.amazon.com/Angel-Born-Images-Eden

Also, stream the two songs and pre-save Angel Born here: https://orcd.co/angelborn

IMAGES OF EDEN is a fearless concept band that brings together familiar, well-loved elements of metal and rock combined with their own unique vision, message and delivery. The result is a distinct musical hybrid that speaks directly to the struggles and tribulations of the listener.

Singer Gordon Tittsworth and drummer Steve Dorssom say, "In the midst of the most trying times the world has faced, Images of Eden’s Angel Born is a beacon of light in a dark world that anyone can relate to. The album is a universal message of hope and inspiration conveyed through real-life struggles of hardship and pain that we all face. These inspired songs bring a real healing power to the soul and ignite all of the strength, passion and courage needed to face the harsh realities of the world today. It is said that 'music heals the soul’, but you can truly feel the change inside as the music speaks to you. This is the very comfort and resilience we all need right now!"

Angel Born track listing:

1. “Autumn Is Burning”
2. “Angel Born”
3. “My Promise”
4. “Where Dreams Begin”
5. “If?”
6. “Killing God”
7. Fight The Good Fight” (TRIUMP cover)
8. “War Room”
9. “Serenity Reign”
10.  “Animation In A Still World”
11. “Marigold Sun”
12. “In Memory of Me”

Our previous album, Soulrise is also available on Pavement Entertainment.  Visit the official Images of Eden website for more details: www.imagesofeden.com

Online Store (releases & merchandise): www.imagesofeden.com/store.htm

IMAGES OF EDEN social media links:

Facebook- www.facebook.com/imagesofeden
MeWe- https://mewe.com/p/imagesofeden
Twitter- https://twitter.com/imagesofeden
Instagram- www.instagram.com/images_of_eden
YouTube- www.youtube.com/user/imagesofeden

SIGNUM REGIS, Flag Of Hope CD Version:
Album release: May 14, 2021

The Flag Of Hope EP was originally released digitally only in the Fall 2020. By popular demand, however, the EP is now being released physically as a CD. All songs were also remixed and re-mastered by Jacob Hansen.

... but wait, there's more!!!

Two songs added to the track list!

Songs "Tune Of War" and "Amorenada" were originally released on the Addendum Primum digital EP (2017), but never on a CD and fans were asking about this physical release too.  "Amorenada" is a beautiful instrumental song by Filip Koluš and "Tune Of War" is a groovy ‘hymnic’ song, now re-recorded by Jota Fortinho singing lead vocals and Mayo Petranin singing backing vocals.

You can order the CD (or just buy the new download) at: https://shop.signum-regis.com/product/flag-of-hope-2021

We also added a special shipping option. If you want to save on shipping, we can send you the CD without the plastic jewel case. That makes the weight smaller and shipping more affordable.

If you bought the old version of the EP from us (our website or bandcamp) check your emails. There is a discount code waiting for you.

Flag Of Hope track listing:

1. “Given Up For Lost” (music: Luděk Struhař / Filip Koluš, lyrics: Tommy König)
2. “Stand Away” (ANGRA cover) (music & lyrics by Rafael Bittencourt)
3. “Voyage To The Distant Shores” (music: Ronnie König)
4. “Flag Of Hope” (music: Ronnie König)
5. “Tune Of War” (music: Ronnie König, Josef Vlaschinský, lyrics: Ronnie König)
6. “Amorenada” (music: Filip Koluš)
7. “Ave Maria” (bonus track) (music: Johann Sebastian Bach / Charles Gounod)

“For the title song “Flag Of Hope” we invited our good friends, singers, who are all somehow connected to SIGNUM REGIS. Göran Edman was the lead singer of the band in the early days and recorded with us on our first and second albums.  Mayo Petranin (CASTAWAY, SYMPHONITY) was our lead singer between 2014-2018, Matt Smith (THEOCRACY) and Samuel Nyman (MANIMAL) were our special guests on the Exodus album (2013), David Åkesson has been working with us externally since our 2019 release The Seal Of A New World. Of course, our current lead singer, Jota Fortinho, is there too! We are very happy that this little reunion took place and that we were able to make together some music again. It brought back a lot of good memories. On top of that all, we have André Hernandes (Andre Matos band) playing tasty additional lead guitar.”

Flag Of Hope can be ordered at: https://shop.signum-regis.com/product/flag-of-hope-2021

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

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

ALLIES Re-issues On Retroactive Records:
Album release: May 15, 2021

Press Release / Remembered primarily as the first successful pairing of Bob Carlisle and Randy Thomas, the ALLIES produced classic rock-pop albums that were ahead of their time for the Christian market in the late ’80s. Before the ALLIES, Thomas was already well known in Christian circles for his role in the highly influential group, SWEET COMFORT BAND (which also included Bryan Duncan). The demise of that seminal act led him to contact old friends for a reunion of ex’s from two previous outings: he had played with Carlisle and Jim Erikson iÉn the 1970's band PSALM 150 (which also included future members of ANDRÉ CROUCH’S DISCIPLES, DAMN YANKEES, and NIGHT RANGER) and with Sam Scott and Matt Chapman in a group called SONRISE. Thus in 1984 the ALLIES were born in San Bernardino, California. In later years, Chapman would turn up playing bass in CLASH OF SYMBOLS, and Carlisle would earn fame for his ballad “Butterfly Kisses” written with Thomas.

With the 1985 debut album, Allies took the CCM world by storm with their brand of AOR commercial rock featuring mega-hooks with a distinct bite!  Fans of VAN HALEN, IDLE CURE, JOURNEY, later period SWEET COMFORT BAND, and PETRA would lose their minds as the band toured and dominated both radio and CCM sales charts.  The 1986 sophomore release, Virtues would build on the band's strengths - melody, harmony, and massive hooks!  Both the self-titled debut and Virtues are considered to be Christian rock royalty, and this is the first time collector's will be able to enjoy these classics digitally re-mastered with 12 page inserts and an ALLIES foil-stamped trading card (in each release).  A must-read 2021 interview with guitarist, Randy Thomas that starts in the debut album and concludes with Virtues (get them both to read the entire interview and get both trading cards!).

Allies track listing:

1. “Surrender”
2. “Second Chance”
3. “Don't Run Away”
4. “Send Me”
5. “Don't Keep Him Waiting”
6. “Don't You Worry”
7. “Morningstar”
8. “I'll Be Your Brother”
9. “Pardon Me”

Allies pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/allies-allies-trading-card-new-cd-2021-retroactive

Virtues track listing:

1. “Hardened Hearts”
2. “On With The Fight”
3. “If You Believe”
4. “Harmony”
5. “Prayer For The Children”
6. “In America”
7. “Jacque Remembers”
8. ”Somebody Told Me You Were Crying”
9. “Let's Fall In Love (All Over Again)”
10. “Runnin' Out Of Time”

Virtues pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/allies-virtues-trading-card-new-cd-2021-retroactive

BLOODGOOD, Metal Missionaries Re-issue On Girder Music:
Press Release / When BLOODGOOD’s self-titled full-length debut stormed out of the gates in 1986 on Frontline Records, the Christian metal world rejoiced upon hearing this potent and thrilling mix of the killer riffs of David Zaffiro, the pulsating bass of Michael Bloodgood, the pounding drums of JT Taylor, all buoyed up by the melodic and barnstorming impact of vocalist Les Carlsen. The album, produced by blues rocker Darrell Mansfield, showed the band’s clear conviction for Christ and its solid Biblical lyrics. But attacks came from the mainstream metal industry who balked at using Christian lyrics wed to metal music, and religious extremists branded the band’s music the work of the devil. The band soldiered on in the trenches of rock lighting a fire of trailblazing work that impacted many for Christ.

Prior to this now legendary debut, the band had recorded and released in 1985 a four-song cassette demo tape, Metal Missionaries, which gave the world its first glimpse into the power of this band’s music and ministry. Selling over 5000 copies at concerts, this demo tape proved that this was a band that was here to stay as they lived up to their designation as metal missionaries.

If you missed out the first time hearing these initial splashes of metal fury or simply would love to go back in time and relive that initial excitement hearing this band, then start to rejoice that you’ve been given a second chance to hear this groundbreaking material. This Girder Records release features the demo tape on CD and catapults it into the modern world with the quality sound and packaging that is the standard protocol of the label, including a limited edition trading card. 

Featuring exciting bonus tracks, such as an alternate mix of “Awake” including some background humor on the track showing a rare glimpse into another side of the band, and the original unedited pre-mix version of “Black Snake,” as mentioned in the BLOODGOOD movie, Trenches of Rock. Also included is a historical interview and a demo version of “Man in the Middle,” from their comeback album, Dangerously Close, featuring STRYPER’s Oz Fox, making this the definitive version to own. This is your opportunity to savor a slice of metal history not to be missed!

Metal Missionaries track listing:

1. “Awake” (demo)
2. “Accept The Lamb” (demo)
3. “Anguish & Pain” (demo)
4. “Battle Of The Flesh” (demo)
5. “Man In The Middle (2010 demo bonus track featuring Oz Fox)
6. “Awake” (alternate mix bonus track)
7. “Black Snake” (original unedited version pre-mix bonus track)
8. “1985 Interview” (bonus track)

Metal Missionaries pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/blogs/music-news/bloodgood-metal-missionaries-4-bonus-tracks-2021-girder-records

NEWS BRIEFS

* YouTube interview with SAINT bassist Richard Lynch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIjtf15pDNg

* TEMPLE OF BLOOD update (As noted by vocalist Jim Mullis at the Christian Metal Realm - March 23, 2021):

“Priority right now is wrapping up the tracking for our upcoming album A Show of Force. Bass guitar is still being tracked now, and we have a cool instrumental track that our bassist wrote that will be featured on the album. I love audible bass guitar in metal!  Rhythm guitars are very close to finished. Maybe in another week or two.

“(I am) practicing vocals to get ready to track as soon as guitars are in the can. At the same time I am tracking vocals I will be soliciting guitar solos from the other 2 guys. Hopefully it will all be done about the same time but we'll see.

“The drums for the album were performed by Scott Fuller who used to play for Havok and now plays in Morbid Angel. His skill is pretty amazing I must say. I think you guys will be surprised when you hear it.  We have brought on a new drummer who is very skilled and has a ton of recordings under his belt. Since the focus is on getting the album released, we haven't spent time with him much yet but will as soon as tracks are sent off for mixing and mastering.

“Since we found another local drummer, we will be able to support local/regional shows again if something big comes up but for the most part the focus will be on recording another album. I already have about 20 minutes or so of music written for the follow-up and I'm really chomping at the bit to be creative and make up for lost time. Once all band members are able to track from home and not wait for the studio to be available it should help speed up the whole process.”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

IMAGES OF EDEN, “Fight The Good Fight” (TRIUMPH Cover) Video Released:
Press Release / Veteran metal band IMAGES OF EDEN announces its fifth studio album, entitled Angel Born. The album is the follow-up to the band's 2018 album, Soulrise, which was produced by the legendary Bill Metoyer.  Angel Born will be released on March 26, 2021, via Pavement Entertainment.

A video to the cover of the TRIUMPH classic “Fight The Good Fight” can be viewed above.

Tracks "Where Dreams Begin" and "Fight The Good Fight" are available to stream now on all digital platforms.

Pre-Order thru iTunes and Amazon now and receive "Where Dreams Begin" & "Fight The Good Fight" today:

iTunes- https://music.apple.com/us/album/angel-born/1547744986

Amazon- www.amazon.com/Angel-Born-Images-Eden

Also, stream the two songs and pre-save Angel Born here: https://orcd.co/angelborn

IMAGES OF EDEN is a fearless concept band that brings together familiar, well-loved elements of metal and rock combined with their own unique vision, message and delivery. The result is a distinct musical hybrid that speaks directly to the struggles and tribulations of the listener.

Singer Gordon Tittsworth and drummer Steve Dorssom say, "In the midst of the most trying times the world has faced, Images of Eden’s Angel Born is a beacon of light in a dark world that anyone can relate to. The album is a universal message of hope and inspiration conveyed through real-life struggles of hardship and pain that we all face. These inspired songs bring a real healing power to the soul and ignite all of the strength, passion and courage needed to face the harsh realities of the world today. It is said that 'music heals the soul’, but you can truly feel the change inside as the music speaks to you. This is the very comfort and resilience we all need right now!"

Angel Born track listing:

1. “Autumn Is Burning”
2. “Angel Born”
3. “My Promise”
4. “Where Dreams Begin”
5. “If?”
6. “Killing God”
7. Fight The Good Fight” (TRIUMP cover)
8. “War Room”
9. “Serenity Reign”
10.  “Animation In A Still World”
11. “Marigold Sun”
12. “In Memory of Me”

Our previous album, Soulrise is also available on Pavement Entertainment.  Visit the official Images of Eden website for more details: www.imagesofeden.com

Online Store (releases & merchandise): www.imagesofeden.com/store.htm

IMAGES OF EDEN social media links:

Facebook- www.facebook.com/imagesofeden
MeWe- https://mewe.com/p/imagesofeden
Twitter- https://twitter.com/imagesofeden
Instagram- www.instagram.com/images_of_eden
YouTube- www.youtube.com/user/imagesofeden

SUNBOMB Debut “Life” Official Video:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:

SUNBOMB, the project featuring L.A. GUNS' Tracii Guns and STRYPER's Michael Sweet, will release its debut album, Evil And Divine, on May 14 via Frontiers Music Srl. The official music video for the second single, "Life", can be seen above.

According to a press release, Evil And Divine is "an absolute blinder of a heavy metal album, melding influences of classic metal bands such as BLACK SABBATH and JUDAS PRIEST, with Tracii's love of metal subgenres, specifically doom metal."

Initiated and conceived after Serafino Perugino, president and A&R director of Frontiers Music Srl, reached out to Tracii about working on a new musical project for the label, the idea of a classic heavy metal-sounding album was born. The music style on Evil And Divine is much heavier than what one would expect from these two musicians and is firmly planted in the "metal" category. While Tracii wrote the music for the album, the fact that Michael Sweet has been writing/playing in an increasingly heavier style in the latter era, and extremely well-received STRYPER albums made him a very logical choice to sing for the band. And since doom metal, often known for having powerful singers like Messiah Marcolin from CANDLEMASS, was a massive influence on Tracii's songwriting here, Sweet's ability and range were a perfect match.

Tracii told Talking Metal about SUNBOMB: "The greatest thing about Michael and I is that we have the same influences in music, we're great friends, and we have completely opposite ideologies - completely; on every level. And we laugh about it. We are two guys, when put together, we do discuss these things without any judgment. It's just, like, 'Hey, I respect your opinion. Cool.' Whether it's religion, politics - it doesn't matter; we get along.

"It kind of came to be where when we did The Devil You Know record, which is (L.A. GUNS') last studio album, I wanted to tour with STRYPER," he continued. "Of course I wanted to tour with STRYPER - it's like the 'Heaven And Hell' tour. And Michael wanted to do it too. We couldn't get promoters to okay it. They were just, like, 'Oh, man. C'mon.' It's, like, what happened to the music industry? It's, like, this is fun. This is great. This is literally combining two rock audiences that love the same style of music, but two separate audiences; a great opportunity. So, anyways, we couldn't make it happen. So Michael and I just kept talking. And then I got a solo deal with Frontiers, who L.A. GUNS is on, and STRYPER has done records with Frontiers. And I started writing this stuff that's super metal, man. It's awesome; I totally love this album. And I sent Michael a couple of tunes and said, 'Hey, I want you to sing on this stuff.' I go, 'It's a great opportunity for us to do something together after talking about it for two years.' And he goes, 'Yeah. Totally. This is insane. This music is insane.' And I'm, like, 'All right. Cool.' So, a lot of time went by, and finally I started getting the tracks back from him, with his vocal. And it's mindblowing."

Regarding SUNBOMB's musical direction, Guns said: "I compare it - in my catalog, my personal catalog - to BLACK SABBATH's 'Born Again' album. That album is so different than any other BLACK SABBATH album, yet it's BLACK SABBATH. It's a hundred percent Tony Iommi, but Ian Gillan is singing. That's what this record is like — I hear my riffs and my style times a hundred; it's what I do normally, but extra strength. And Michael's voice is insane, man — he's so good."

Tracii leaked the news of the new project in a March 2019 tweet, where he described the project's debut LP as "the metal record I would have made when I was 17 years old."

Drums on the album were handled by Tracii's old L.A. GUNS band mate Adam Hamilton, and bass was recorded by Mitch Davis, with the exception of the track "They Fought", which features current L.A. GUNS bassist Johnny Martin.

Michael said: "Hard to believe that I met Tracii for the first time just a few years ago. We hit it off right away and we obviously share the same love for metal.

"Tracii sent me a song and I loved the vibe and then he eventually asked me to sing on the entire album.

"What I love about it is it's definitely different not only for me, but for Tracii as well. I think fans will love this album, and although it's reminiscent of some of the greatest metal bands of the past, it also has a fresh spin to it. I can't wait for everyone to hear it! I'm honored to be a part of it."

Evil And Divine track listing:

1. ”Life”
2. “Take Me Away”
3. “Better End”
4. “No Tomorrows”
5. “Born To Win”
6. “Evil And Divine”
7. “Been Said And Done”
8. “Stronger Than Before”
9. “Story Of The Blind”
10. “World Gone Wrong”
11. “They Fought”

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

SUNBOMB online: www.facebook.com/SunbombMetal

TRYTAN Unveil “The Descender” Lyric Video:
Album release: April 15, 2021

Press Release / Blood Of Kings is an exciting and brilliant musical and emotional rollercoaster, but fans know that’s par for the course from progressive rockers, TRYTAN. Blood Of Kings marks the band’s third iconic milestone on a musical journey that began over 30 years ago!

A lyric video to the track “The Descender” can be reviewed above.

Blood Of Kings features band leader, Lary Dean on vocals, Eric Gillette (NEAL MORSE BAND), Jim Laverde (BARREN CROSS), Rey Parra (SACRED WARRIOR/DENY THE FALLEN), John Elefante (KANSAS MASTEDON) and together they offer a vibrant manifesto of world-class musicianship, vivid lyrical scenarios and ambitious, multi-leveled compositions that have established TRYTAN as a uniquely compelling creative force like never before!

To simply describe Blood Of Kings as “epic” is to seriously underestimate the brilliance jam-packed into this album. This is definitive ear candy for even the most distinguished of music fans.  For fans of DREAM THEATER, RUSH, KANSAS, SPOCK’S BEARD and THE NEAL MORSE BAND.

Blood Of Kings track listing:

1. “The Descender”
2. “A Million Hearts”
3. “Blood Of Kings”
4. “Monsters”
5. “Last Night In Dubai”
6. “Ricochet”
7. “Centrifuge”
8. “Shadow Racer”
9. “Yesterday”
10. “The GodStorm”
11. “Revelation Song”

Blood Of Kings pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/trytan-blood-of-kings-trading-card-new-cd-2021-retroactive-records-for-fans-of-rush-styled-prog-metal-with-hooks

TRYTAN online: www.facebook.com/pages/category/Musician-Band/Trytan-Prog-Rock-Metal

NEWS BRIEFS

*New song from DOMINUS MEUS, “Kingdom Come”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNaRZuI9Rno

DOMINUS MEUS features guitarist John Evans (EVANS & STOKES) and veteran vocalist Dale Thompson.  The song comes off the group’s upcoming sophomore album DM2. 

* FEAR NOT debut new single, “Struggle”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbrIubZNccQ

Further details from the groups label Roxx Records:

“The debut single “Struggle” is a poignant and timely single with the goal to reach out to those lost souls or to those who just may need to know they are not alone.”

 

FEATURED REVIEWS

PETER CARLSOHN’S THE RISE - Out Of The Blue
Peter Carlsohn is swinging for the fences with the summer of 2020 release to his Jono Records debut solo album Out Of The Blue.  Read Full Review >>

DOMINUS MEUS - DM1 Re-Vocalized
Vocalist Dale Thompson and guitarist John Evans are two of the hardest working musicians in metal.  Read Full Review >>

EVANS & STOKES - Diary Of The Damned
Independent artists frequently serve as innovation incubators within the music industry, the least of not which being the freedom of artistic expression from not being under a labels thumb.  Read Full Review >>

GALE FORCE - Subhuman
Subhuman, the October of 2020 independent debut full length of Los Angeles, California based Gale Force, is a time machine in a lot of ways.  Read Full Review >>

GREGORIAN ROCK - Atmosphere  
Aptly entitled Gregorian Rock project benefits from exploring the previously uncharted waters of Gregorian chant and contemporary rock music, but it still struggles to depict the ‘Gregorian like baritone choir vocals arising from the monastery depths’ its namesake implies.  Read Full Review >>

NICK LEONARD - Revelation
Multi-instrumentalist Nick Leonard’s musical interpretation of the Book of Revelation, his aptly entitled March of 2021 independent fourth solo album Revelation, is refreshing.  Read Full Review >>

NORTHERN FLAME - Twisted Reality
Independently released in January of 2021 and following on the heels of debut full length Glimpse Of Hope from 2014, sophomore effort Twisted Reality finds the Vaasa, Finland based group continuing in a melodic power metal trajectory with strong leanings towards neo-classical and progressive metal.  Read Full Review >> 

PASTOR BRAD - Down & Dirty
Is Pastor Brad Windlan the busiest musician within current hard music circles?  Read Full Review >>

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

GALE FORCE Premier “Subhuman” Lyric Video:
Press Release / A group without a doubt embodying the return of real rock, GALE FORCE released its debut album Subhuman in January of 2021 .  A driving rock band with something to say, GALE FORCE combines infectious guitars & vocals, emotional melodies, gutsy rhythms and time relevant lyrics with lineup to include vocalist Mike Lee (BARREN CROSS), guitarist Tracy G (DIO), bassist Randy Ovideo and rhythm guitarist/keyboardist Paul Alfery.

A lyric video to the Subhuman title track can be reviewed above.

As noted in the GALE FORCE press material:

GALE FORCE met together as a band for the first time in a Los Angeles restaurant called the "Cheesecake Factory" (Pasadena, CA) on March 24, 2019.  The very first song that they wrote as a band (even before they were officially a band) was "Crash & Burn", which turned out to be the first official video as well.  The guys collaborated together recording their parts in their studios, and Michael wrote his vocal parts and recorded them in his studio, then presented the completed track to the rest of the band.

Melding different musical styles together, the chemistry between them was obvious. Shortly thereafter, they officially joined together and became a family, and GALE FORCE was born.  The guys worked hard on the album for the next year and a half, and Subhuman was officially complete in its entirety on October 14, 2020; a date which also happens to be Michael Drive's late father's birthday.  "I wish he could have heard this, he would have been proud" said Michael.  Throughout those first 19 months - song by song, the results of their musical chemistry became clear:

Subhuman track listing:

1. “Crash & Burn”
2. “Subhuman
3. “Master Machine”
4. “Red Line”
5. “Dystopia”
6. “Never Say Goodbye”
7. “Rate Race”
8. “Where Am I Going?”
9. “Fire In The Hole”
10. “Alter Ego”
11. “Riot Act”

GALE FORCE online: https://galeforceband.com/home & www.facebook.com/galeforceband

New Single From MILLENNIAL REIGN, “Innocent Cry”:’
Press Release / MILLENNIAL REIGN release second single, “Innocent Cry”, off its recently released (January 15, 2021) limited edition 4 song EP entitled Carry The Fire Again.  The EP includes re-mixed and re-mastered versions to four songs originally appearing on the group’s 2015 Ulterium Records sophomore album Carry The Fire.  Also introduced is new vocalist Tiffany Galchutt, whom fronted the band as it supported international acts ACCEPT, STRYPER and Y&T in late 2019 to early 2020.

The EP will be a limited run of physical CDs and downloads via Bandcamp only.  CDs are available at Underground Power Records Germany, Nordic Mission Norway and Roxx Records in California.  

MILLENNIAL REIGN is currently in the studio recording their forthcoming album, planned for a 2021 release.

The first single “Way Up High” was released on January 8, 2021: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpgcH763r5E

MILLENNIAL REIGN lineup:

Tiffany Galchutt - Lead Vocals
Dave Harvey - Guitar, Backing Vocals
Neil Bertrand - Bass, Backing Vocals
Steve Nichols – Drums

Carry The Fire Again track listing:

1. “Way Up High
2. “Millennia Reign”
3. “Innocent Cry”
4. “Men Stand Alone”

MILLENNIAL REIGN online: www.millennialreign.com & www.facebook.com/millennialreign

STRYPER Extends Deal With Frontiers Music SRL:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:

Frontiers Music Srl and STRYPER have announced that they have extended their working relationship for the release of more new studio albums together.

STRYPER and Frontiers originally joined forces in 2013 for the release of Second Coming, an album comprised of new recordings of 14 songs from the band's early years, as well as two brand new songs. What followed has been a string of critically and commercially successful studio albums, including No More Hell To Pay (2013), Fallen (2015), God Damn Evil (2018) and Even The Devil Believes (2020). Additionally, a live album and long-form video, Live At The Whisky (2014) was made available. Every one of the albums released on Frontiers in the past eight years has successfully charted on the Billboard 200 chart and topped the Hot 100, Rock, Hard Rock, Current and Christian Music album charts.

STRYPER is one of the most well-known metal bands to emerge from the fertile '80s metal renaissance over three decades ago. The band first landed on the global scene in 1984 and is responsible for such classic '80s metal albums as Soldiers Under Command, To Hell With The Devil and In God We Trust and hit singles/videos such as "Calling On You", "Free" and "Honestly". To date, the band has sold upwards of eight million records worldwide and is a Dove Award winner and Grammy nominee. STRYPER was also the first band to have two songs in MTV's "Top 10 Video Countdown" simultaneously.

After being on a hiatus for much of the '90s, STRYPER returned stronger than ever in the early 21st century. Musically, the band has progressed and grown their fan base steadily and continuously, being one of the few "classic" metal bands of the '80s that managed to keep themselves front and center thanks to the consistency of their musical output.

Singer, main composer, guitarist and producer Michael Sweet says; "We're honored to be working with Frontiers again on the next STRYPER album. Serafino and the team at Frontiers has always believed in what we do and we've made some incredible albums together over the past eight years. They understand who we are and are passionate about our band and our brand. We're very grateful for that. We're so excited to be able to continue our relationship and I've always believed that the best is yet to come. We've released seven STRYPER albums together and it's been an amazing journey so far. I can't wait to get started on what will be our best album yet! We've strived to stay true to our roots and deliver what the fans expect — the classic STRYPER sound! Although we wish to continue doing so, we also want to branch out a little bit more and try something different as well. We'll keep stretching out and working hard to stay close to who we are yet experiment a bit more and try a few different things along the way. I know it will be an amazing album!"

Frontiers president Serafino Perugino says: "I second Michael's words. Working with STRYPER has been nothing but an absolute pleasure and an honor. They have vision, strong guidance and an outstanding work ethic and of course musically the guys are on fire! They have released outstanding albums and worked hard to promote them with countless interviews and on the road. Michael in particular is a major talent as singer, guitarist, performer, producer and songwriter and shares with me the vision of working on his output creatively. We will soon see him for new albums with Tracii Guns (SUNBOMB), Nathan James, Joel Hoekstra, Marco Mendoza and Tommy Aldridge (the name of which will be revealed soon), then for an album with Alessandro Del Vecchio, and finally also with SWEET & LYNCH for his third album with George Lynch. I can only admire and thank you and the guys for the trust and the faith they have put in our work. Long live STRYPER!"

Michael is joined in STRYPER by his brother Robert Sweet (drums), Oz Fox (guitars) and Perry Richardson (bass).

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

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

NEWS BRIEFS

* Greek heavy/power metal band DIVINER released a live video for the song "Stargate" filmed at the Realms Of Time album release show in Athens on November 1, 2019: https://youtu.be/VsLbOTXUT4s

"Stargate" comes off the latest DIVINER album Realms Of Time, which was released in 2019 via Ulterium Records. The album is available on CD, LP and digital.

* New article from Classic Rock, “How Stryper Found God And Brought Christianity To Sunset Strip, By Those Who Were There: HERE 

* Metal Symphony online interview with Michael Sweet (STRYPER): HERE

 

ARTICLES

Angelic Warlord Top 25 Albums Of 2020:
Angelic Warlord recently uploaded an article in which it outlines (what in its opinion) is the top 20 metal and hard rock albums released in 2020.  Read the full article: HERE

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

DELIVERANCE, Weapons Of Our Warfare Gold Disc Edition CD On Retroactive Records:
Album release: April 15, 2021

Press Release / Only a year after releasing its historic self-titled debut, DELIVERANCE followed up with their 1990 tour de force: Weapons of Our Warfare. METALLICA created Master of Puppets, SLAYER bludgeoned the world with the classic Reign In Blood, FLOTSAM & JETSAM had Doomsday..., and EXODUS boasted Bonded By Blood - all albums that would create the standard for all other speed metal releases. Weapons of Our Warfare was that album for DELIVERANCE!  It cemented the band's place as iconic speed metal royalty. To this very day, Weapons… is still mentioned with hushed reverence among Christian metal heads as one of the elite speed metal albums of all time.

Guitarist Glenn Rogers had exited the band and former RECON guitarist George Ochoa had joined in his place. Weapons Of Our Warfare turned out to be one monster of a record, a genuine speed metal classic. Each and every song is played with a feverish fury, and once again the song writing is outstanding. Since 1985, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Jimmy Brown had been crafting some of the tastiest techniques for complex rhythms and highly technical rhythm guitar. Brown’s guitar mastery drives the album from start to finish, setting new standards of power, precision, and stamina. The album shows marked musical growth with several adrenaline-driven, extended, multi-sectioned compositions foreshadowing the band's later progressive epics. And the trade-off guitar leads by Brown and Ochoa provide first rate riffage that will satisfy even the most skilled guitar hero addict.

A video version of the title track became the first Christian metal song to gain airplay on MTV, and it placed among the top three on that network's Headbanger's Ball countdown for twelve weeks in a row! In 1999, Lars Ulrich (Metallica) hosted a show in which he named DELIVERANCE "Weapons..." as one of his top ten favorite metal videos of all time.

Weapons of Our Warfare (Gold Disc Edition) takes all the magic from the original release and magnifies it! Featuring a complete 2021 digital re-mastering, Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound worked hard to make it sound substantially better than the original, while still keeping the character of it. The original artwork is expanded to a 12 panel booklet (many Weapons… era photos and lyrics!) and packaged in a jewel case to make sure this reissue delights all Mighty D fans, as well as fans of BELIEVER, SLAYER, EXODUS, METALLICA, TOURNIQUET and ANTHRAX.

Weapons Of Our Warfare track listing:

1. “Supplication”
2. “This Present Darkness”
3. “Weapons Of Our Warfare”
4. “Solitude”
5. “Flesh & Blood”
6. “Bought By Blood”
7. “23”
8. “Slay The Wicked”
9. “Greetings Of Death”
10. “If We Faint Not”
11. “Rescue” (Studio version recorded for Weapons… but not used)

Weapons Of Our Warfare demo tracks:

12. “Weapons Of Our Warfare”
13. “This Present Darkness”
14. “Greetings Of Death”
15. “Rescue”
16. “Slay The Wicked”
17. “Solitude”
18. “23”

Weapons Of Our Warfare Gold Disc Edition pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/deliverance-weapons-of-our-warfare-7-bonus-new-cd-gold-disc-edition-retroactive-records-pre-order

IMAGES OF EDEN, New Album Angel Born Details Revealed:
Press Release / Veteran metal band IMAGES OF EDEN announces its fifth studio album, entitled Angel Born. The album is the follow-up to the band's 2018 album, Soulrise, which was produced by the legendary Bill Metoyer.  Angel Born will be released on March 26, 2021, via Pavement Entertainment.

Tracks "Where Dreams Begin" and "Fight The Good Fight" are available to stream now on all digital platforms.

Pre-Order thru iTunes and Amazon now and receive "Where Dreams Begin" & "Fight The Good Fight" today:
iTunes- https://music.apple.com/us/album/angel-born/1547744986

Amazon- www.amazon.com/Angel-Born-Images-Eden

Also, stream the two songs and pre-save Angel Born here: https://orcd.co/angelborn

IMAGES OF EDEN is a fearless concept band that brings together familiar, well-loved elements of metal and rock combined with their own unique vision, message and delivery. The result is a distinct musical hybrid that speaks directly to the struggles and tribulations of the listener.

Singer Gordon Tittsworth and drummer Steve Dorssom say, "In the midst of the most trying times the world has faced, Images of Eden’s Angel Born is a beacon of light in a dark world that anyone can relate to. The album is a universal message of hope and inspiration conveyed through real-life struggles of hardship and pain that we all face. These inspired songs bring a real healing power to the soul and ignite all of the strength, passion and courage needed to face the harsh realities of the world today. It is said that 'music heals the soul’, but you can truly feel the change inside as the music speaks to you. This is the very comfort and resilience we all need right now!"

Angel Born track listing:

1. “Autumn Is Burning”
2. “Angel Born”
3. “My Promise”
4. “Where Dreams Begin”
5. “If?”
6. “Killing God”
7. Fight The Good Fight” (TRIUMP cover)
8. “War Room”
9. “Serenity Reign”
10.  “Animation In A Still World”
11. “Marigold Sun”
12. “In Memory of Me”

Our previous album, Soulrise is also available on Pavement Entertainment.  Visit the official Images of Eden website for more details: www.imagesofeden.com

Online Store (releases & merchandise): www.imagesofeden.com/store.htm

IMAGES OF EDEN social media links:

Facebook- www.facebook.com/imagesofeden
MeWe- https://mewe.com/p/imagesofeden
Twitter- https://twitter.com/imagesofeden
Instagram- www.instagram.com/images_of_eden
YouTube- www.youtube.com/user/imagesofeden

NEWS BRIEFS

*“Rise Of The Phoenix”, new single from BIOGENESIS: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsYmuaGnNMg

The song comes off the group’s upcoming album of the same name.  Further details from vocalist Chaz Bond (Facebook - March 5, 2021):

“Well it has been more than a year since we started working on this story about a Jonestown (Jim Jones Cult) survivor.  It actually began back in 2012 when I wrote the lyrics to another song called "In The Darkness I Dwell", which was from the point of view of the same character that we call Grayson Vance.  That song was released on our 2017 album A Decadence Divine. 

“I wanted to expose the darkness of cult leaders like Jones, who use a slow calculated thought reform in order to brainwash his/her followers.  On the other hand, I also wanted to send the message that hope is something that can be found no matter the story. 

“Here is what is really amazing... When I began writing, Grayson was a fully fictional character who was going to be inspired by different survivor stories from the Jim Jones tragedy.  However, as I got almost half way through the writing, I came across a real life survivor who just happened to fit my character to a T.  In the first interview (with) him, he talked about how he eventually overcame the darkness.  This is a man who so tragically lost a child and barely survived being shot 3 times at the airstrip while trying to leave.  I am so glad that this powerful message is finally getting out there!”

* RAINFORCE debuted a new single entitled “March Of The Saints”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxTd25RBBck

The group describes “March Of The Saints” as an ‘unconventional song which came about in unconventional times’ (Facebook - February 27, 2021):

“With the new single “March Of THE Saints”,  Swiss hard rockers Rainforce are releasing a miniature rock opera. Throughout its three acts (Act I: The Awakening / Act II: The Retrospection / Act III: The Realization), the listener is dragged along through the narrator’s personal nightmare, which allows for no escape. Starting with a single man’s triumphant voice, Act II reveals that his is the fate of countless unfortunate souls as he joins into their shared lament before he comes to a bitter and humbling insight in Act III”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

BRIDE, Kinetic Faith Re-issue On Girder Music:
Album release: May 21, 2021

Kinetic Faith was BRIDE's fourth album released in 1991, making this the 30th anniversary edition of this iconic album. It has been completely re-mastered, and is now available on CD and marks the first time this elite album has been available on vinyl.

Looking back at this iconic album, it was not the thrash album that many thought would come on the heels of Silence Is Madness, but more of a straightforward hard rock and commercial metal album in the vein of AEROSMITH, GUNS N’ ROSES and MÖTLEY CRÜE’.  This was not a bad thing at all.  It is an album fans and critics alike identify with as BRIDE’s defining moment.  It opened BRIDE up to a wider audience, and it probably is why so many loved this album who were not big fans of their first three albums. It is also the reason why they won a DOVE AWARD for "Everybody Knows My Name”.  Dale Thompson’s controlled vocals and "even" approach with raspy and blues flavored parts became his signature sound. Troy Thompson incorporated bluesy licks, and the songs are anchored by the tight rhythm section of bassist Rick Foley and drummer Jerry McBroom. Rob Johnson also plays some lead and rhythm guitar parts as a guest musician.

"Everybody Knows My Name," "Hired Gun, "Mountain," and "Ever Fall in Love" all feature an acoustic-laced hard rock sound, while "Troubled Times" and "Ski Mask" move in a more guitar-driven direction. "Ever Fallen in Love” and "Young Love," deliver up-tempo hooks, and "Sweet Louise," is an acoustic based rock and roll ballad that went down in history as one of Christian rock’s best bluesy ballads.

Kinetic Faith track listing: “Troubled Times”, “Hire Gun”, “Ever Fallen In Love”, “Love On The Mountain”, “Ski Mask”, “Everybody Knows My Name”, “Young Love”, “Kiss The Train”, “Crimes Against Humanity”, “Sweet Louise”

Kinetic Faith CD pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/bride-kinetic-faith-cd-remastered-ltd-ed-trading-card-2021-girder-records

Kinetic Faith vinyl pre-order:  https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/bride-kinetic-faith-vinyl-remastered-colored-green-vinyl-2021-girder-records

BRIDE, Snakes In The Playground Re-issue On Girder Music:
Album release: May 21, 2021

If there ever was a defining moment in a band’s history, for BRIDE, it would be this one.  Snakes In The Playground was BRIDE's fifth and most successful album.  Rarely did albums grace the Christian music scene that were welcomed with as much fanfare as this one. For Christian rock fans worldwide, this album was our Abbey Road, our Hotel California, our Back In Black and our Appetite For Destruction.  It was also our defining moment as much as it was the band’s. Our rock was finally as great as theirs.

Maybe it was Bride's relentless touring and international attention. Maybe it was their four previous albums that brought them to this moment. Whatever the reason, we were blown away the second we heard "Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart today," followed immediately by a bell tolling and a siren. It took exactly 49 seconds to realize this was going to be something very special; and special it was.  Bride won the 1993 Dove Award for Hard Music Song Of The Year for "Rattlesnake," as well as the 1994 Dove Award for Hard Music Song Of The Year for "Psychedelic Super Jesus”.  Snakes In The Playground also solidified its lasting impact landing at #45 in Heaven’s Metal magazine's list of the Top 100 Christian Rock Albums of all time.  It also placed fifth in an Angelic Warlord article outlining the Top 50 Christian Metal & Hard Rock Albums of the nineties.

If you have never owned this album and this is the first time you are seeing/hearing it, you are in for one of the defining moments of your life.  I promise you, it's that good. For those of us that have owned it for years on cassette or CD it's going to be a special moment spinning this on vinyl for the first time.  I know, it's hard to believe that this will be the first opportunity to spin this on vinyl. A moment for the ages. 

Snakes In The Playground track listing: “Rattlesnake”, “Would You Die For Me”, “Psychedelic Super Jesus”, “Fallout” , “Saltriver Shuffle”, “Dust Through A Fan”, “I Miss The Rain”, “Don’t Use Me”, “Picture Perfect”, “Love, Money”, “Some Things Never Change”, “Goodbye”

Snakes In The Playground CD pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/bride-snakes-in-the-playground-longbox-cd-2-ltd-ed-trading-cards

Snakes In The Playground vinyl pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/bride-snakes-in-the-playground-vinyl-remastered-red-swirl-vinyl-2021-girder-records

 

FREEZING TERROR Announce Debut Album, The Unexpected:
New project from Terry & Trevor Friesen (SOMBRE HOLIDAY) scheduled for release on March 26, 2021:

As noted by vocalist and guitarist Terry Friesen:

“My brother and I started writing and playing together in the early 90’s… and most of that music was Heavy!!  That’s all that we wanted to play.   About 5 years ago, these same kind of heavy riffs started entering my mind… and I thought, it would be fun to return to the world of Heavy Music.  There are obviously hints of our heavy doom side in Sombre Holiday and Midnight Worship, but to keep the METAL BUTTON on the whole time??  I brought the idea to Trevor, and he immediately said YES!  “We Must do this!”

“So… 30 years later, we are exploring and loving our metal roots!  From the bitterly cold winters of Canada, introduce you now to: FREEZING TERROR

“This is something that surprised us so much… the fact that we’d be returning to this heavy side of writing.  I decided to name the album The Unexpected.  I wrote a bunch of songs that deal with things that are unexpected, beginning with the return of Jesus Christ!

“Influenced heavily by early METALLICA, SEPULTURA, TESTAMENT and MEGADETH.   Also SAINT, TROUBLE, MORTIFICATION and early DELIVERANCE.  Gothic, Frenetic, Haunting Metal”

The Unexpected track listing: “An Unexpected Return”, “Thief In The Night”, “Sands Of Time”, “Axe-Dent”, “Major Dentalwork”, “Out Of The Sea”, “Out Of The Earth”, “Black Ice”, “On Death Row”, “The Coming Storm”

The Unexpected pre-order: https://freezingterror.bandcamp.com/releases

SUNBOMB Announce Debut Album, Evil And Divine:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net

SUNBOMB, the project featuring L.A. GUNS' Tracii Guns and STRYPER's Michael Sweet, will release its debut album, Evil And Divine, on May 14 via Frontiers Music Srl. The lyric video for the first single, "No Tomorrows", can be seen above.

According to a press release, Evil And Divine is "an absolute blinder of a heavy metal album, melding influences of classic metal bands such as BLACK SABBATH and JUDAS PRIEST, with Tracii's love of metal subgenres, specifically doom metal."

Initiated and conceived after Serafino Perugino, president and A&R director of Frontiers Music Srl, reached out to Tracii about working on a new musical project for the label, the idea of a classic heavy metal-sounding album was born. The music style on Evil And Divine is much heavier than what one would expect from these two musicians and is firmly planted in the "metal" category. While Tracii wrote the music for the album, the fact that Michael Sweet has been writing/playing in an increasingly heavier style in the latter era, and extremely well-received STRYPER albums made him a very logical choice to sing for the band. And since doom metal, often known for having powerful singers like Messiah Marcolin from CANDLEMASS, was a massive influence on Tracii's songwriting here, Sweet's ability and range were a perfect match.

Tracii says: "SUNBOMB was an idea, then an experiment. When I heard the first vocal completed, I was blown away by Michael's voice. It's an exciting album."

Michael says: "Hard to believe that I met Tracii for the first time just a few years ago. We hit it off right away and we obviously share the same love for metal.

"Tracii sent me a song and I loved the vibe and then he eventually asked me to sing on the entire album.

"What I love about it is it's definitely different not only for me, but for Tracii as well. I think fans will love this album, and although it's reminiscent of some of the greatest metal bands of the past, it also has a fresh spin to it. I can't wait for everyone to hear it! I'm honored to be a part of it."

Tracii leaked the news of the new project in a March 2019 tweet, where he described the project's debut LP as "the metal record I would have made when I was 17 years old." In May 2020, he mentioned on "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" that "the SUNBOMB record is really kind of like (L.A. GUNS' 2019 album) The Devil You Know times three. It's more on the heavy side of The Devil You Know album. And Michael Sweet, he's a really fantastic metal singer."

Drums on the album were handled by Tracii's old L.A. GUNS band mate Adam Hamilton, and bass was recorded by Mitch Davis, with the exception of the track "They Fought", which features current L.A. GUNS bassist Johnny Martin.

Evil And Divine track listing:, “Life”, “Take Me Away”, “Better End”, “No Tomorrows”, “Born To Win”, “Evil And Divine”, “Been Said And Done”, “Stronger Than Before”, “Story Of The Blind”, “World Gone Wrong”, “They Fought”

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

SUNBOMB online: www.facebook.com/SunbombMetal

MICHAEL SWEET, Reborn Again Details Revealed:
Courtesy of https://bravewords.com/home

STRYPER front man Michael Sweet recently revealed he is releasing the original solo version of the band's 2005 reunion album, Reborn, entitled Reborn Again. He has checked in with the following update:

"The story of Reborn Again...

“After the 2003 Stryper Celebration Tour, I came home and immediately started working on a new solo album. I recorded 10 songs/demos at my home studio and then booked time at Blue Jay and Mixed Emotions to record the album. Once it was complete, I started shopping to a number of labels. I was about to sign a deal when I wound up performing with Stryper in FL in 2004, and I played the music for the guys while we were there. They loved what they heard and we ultimately decided to reform and head back into the studio to make it a Stryper album and to officially reunite. The arrangements of the original songs did not change at all. It was re-recorded and released on 8/16/2005 and titled Reborn under the Stryper name.

“After years of requests and a lot of thought, I decided to release the original versions / tracks and add some things that I felt were always missing: guitar solos, high vocal notes, more rhythm guitars, synth parts and an alternate version of “Passion”. The original drums and bass are clean and punchy and Derek and Lou did an outstanding job laying down the foundation. I’ve always wanted everyone to hear what these guys did and how well they did it!

“So, here we are! Kenny Lewis and I decided to make those changes and reproduce the original version for all of you to hear. I couldn’t be more pleased.  It was always a dream of mine to be able to offer this version to all of you and I really believe that you’re gonna love it! I’m so excited to finally be able to bring you Reborn Again!”

Reborn Again track listing: "Open Your Eyes”, "Reborn", "When Did I See You Cry", "Make You Mine", "Passion", "Live Again", "If I Die", "Wait for You", "Rain", "10,000 Years", "I.G.W.T."

Reborn Again pre-order: https://stores.portmerch.com/michaelsweet/featured-products/reborn-again-lp.html

NEWS BRIEFS

* Vocalist Chaz Bond in regards to his upcoming music projects (Facebook - February 21, 2021):

“Are you ready for a music update for 2021?  Let's begin with BIOGENESIS.  I am excited to say that the new album is now in its final production stages over in California with Tiago (de Souza - guitars).  We are planning to release a new single within the next few weeks!  

“I am now two songs in on the next ECHOSOUL album, which is my first with the band.  I'm not at liberty to discuss much here but things are going very well.  This album will be absolutely EPIC.

“BLACK IRON CROWN just worked out a new song.  We actually have enough material for a full debut, but it's back to just John (Berry - guitars) and I.  We need to figure out drum tracks and some other logistics.”

* “Open The Scroll” and “A Crown Of Life”, lyric videos off the soon to be released (March 5, 2021) NICK LEONARD album entitled Revelation: www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5pzR_-QPZM & www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEHRq4JPjuk

Revelation is available for pre-order at: https://nick-leonard.bandcamp.com/album/revelation

* LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE update from Justin Murr (Christian Metal Realm - February 25, 2021):

“Before Covid I was working on a hard rock record called Beauty In A Black Eye it is about 60% done and features some very cool guest singers.

“During Covid I started working on some other songs in a melodic power pop style. I brought in an incredible pop singer from overseas and that record is finished. Talking to people I trust and our new label, no matter how hard I try to convince myself it’s just not a Liberty N Justice record. For the first time in 30 years I’m gonna release music under a different band name. I truly hope you check it out and give it a chance! There is some really great songs and I think most of you will truly dig it !

“Back to my favorite child.  Before the end of the year I will get Beauty In A Black Eye out! It features some great guest singers like Todd Poole (Roxy Blue), Dale Thompson (Bride), Larry Worley (FearNot) , Shawn Pelata , Kelly Keeling and so many others !”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

RESURRECTION BAND Vinyl Re-issues On Girder Music:
Album release: May 15, 2021

Colours was RESURRECTION BAND's first release on Christian label Light Records, which had up to this time been known as the primary record label for Andraé Crouch and similar gospel artists.  It is also considered by some music critics to be one of the band's defining works.

Colours begins with the powerful “Autograph”, which opens with a full two minutes of exciting guitar riffs before Wendi weighs in with her Grace Slick vocals.  Album's title track is an offering of worship that concludes with the poetic refrain: ‘Whatever one could ask of faith, obedience will give / Together all express the love in hearts where Jesus lives’

"N.YC." describes the harsh urban life in the mean streets of Chicago's big sister city, but 'Amazing" expresses wonder at the hope and help God offers those who are metaphorically or literally homeless. "City Streets" and "Beggar In The Alleyway" continue the social consciousness, an attribute of RESURRECTION BAND albums almost totally absent from other mainstays of Christian music at the time.

“American Dream" predicts an apocalyptic nuclear holocaust: ‘It will happen / Just don't think about it!’ It is significant for being the first of many songs that RESURRETION BAND would write about the moral rot at the center of America's political and media culture, indicating a much more progressive political worldview than most Christian musicians would dare sing about at the time.

Colours vinyl track listing:

Side A:

1. "Autograph"
2. "Colours"
3. "N.Y.C."
4. "Hidden Man"
5. "Amazing"

Side B:

1. "American Dream"
2. "Benny & Sue"
3. "City Streets"
4. "Beggar In The Alleyway"
5. "The Struggle"

Mommy Don't Love Daddy Anymore was the second RESURRECTION BAND album released on Christian label Light Records. 

Albums title track offers social commentary (on the American culture of divorce), but it does so on an immediate level, by describing one child's description of his family's dysfunction. Yet as powerful as it is, the songs becomes even more chilling to anyone who learns Glenn Kaiser's life story and realizes how autobiographical this detailed scenario is for him. “Elevator Music” humorously trashes American materialism.

In other words, don't think for a minute you are getting a rock album without substance.  Truth, pain, grace and pure rock n’ roll all here.  A gut-full of guitar and gut wrenching pain all wrapped together.  Yes, that is what makes this album so special. The music itself is a masterpiece, but when you add the read world complications in story form, especially the way that Glenn and Wendy weave in and out, it becomes one of those albums for a lifetime. Which of course is why labeling it an icon Christian rock album might be the biggest understatement one could ever make.

Mommy Don’t Love Daddy Anymore vinyl track listing:

Side A:

1. “Stark/Spare”
2. “Elevator Muzik”
3. “Alienated”
4. “Can't Get You Outta My Mind”
5. “The Chair” 
6. “Can't Do It On My Own” 

Side B:

1. “First Degree Apathy”
2. “Mommy Don't Love Daddy Anymore” 
3. “The Crossing”
4. “Little Children”
5. “Lovin' You”

D.M.Z. was the RESURRECTION BAND third and last release for Christian label Light Records.

D.M.Z. offers some of the groups greatest musical moments beginning with "Military Man", a blistering opening track sung by Glenn about the loss of a soldier's humanity in the struggle to survive.  “Area 312" (named for Chicago's area code) is a teenager's lament about the loneliness of the inner city. 

"White Noise" offers Wendi's all-time best raw vocal on a song about the rhetoric of a culture that prioritizes stockpiling arms over feeding children.  However, the real magic begins with a ninety-second feedback-drenched guitar solo by Stu Heiss that is RESURRECTION BAND's answer to VAN HALEN's “Eruption" and is generally considered to constitute the single greatest non-Phil Keaggy guitar moment in Christian rock.
 
D.M.Z. is a heavy album both lyrically and musically and one that we are sure glad graced our speakers almost 40 years ago.  To have it re-mastered for vinyl is a moment that so many of us though we would never see.

D.M.Z.vinyl track listing:

Side A:

1. “Military Man”
2. “Reluctance”
3. “Babylon”
4. “I Need Your Love”
5. “Area 312”

Side B:

1. “No Alibi”
2. “White Noise”
3. “Lonely Hearts”
4. “The Prisoner”
5. “So in Love with You”

RESURRECTION BAND vinyl pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders

NEWS BRIEFS

* THE BRAVE announce new album (Facebook - February 15, 2021):

“Evie's Little Garden, our first full-length album of original material since 1993, begins mixing this month. Mixing duties will be done by Brave Alumni and world class Grammy winning mix engineer JR McNeely. The first single should drop in late March, early April! Stay tuned!”

* METATRONE release “Amore Traverso” official lyric video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PgBHbF2xGE

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

TRYTAN, Blood Of Kings Details Revealed:
Album release: April 15, 2021

Press Release / Blood Of Kings is an exciting and brilliant musical and emotional rollercoaster, but fans know that’s par for the course from progressive rockers, TRYTAN. Blood of Kings marks the band’s third iconic milestone on a musical journey that began over 30 years ago! Blood Of Kings features band leader, Lary Dean on vocals, Eric Gillette (NEAL MORSE BAND), Jim Laverde (BARREN CROSS), Rey Parra (SACRED WARRIOR/DENY THE FALLEN), John Elefante (KANSAS MASTEDON) and together they offer a vibrant manifesto of world-class musicianship, vivid lyrical scenarios and ambitious, multi-leveled compositions that have established TRYTAN as a uniquely compelling creative force like never before!

To simply describe Blood Of Kings as “epic” is to seriously underestimate the brilliance jam-packed into this album. This is definitive ear candy for even the most distinguished of music fans.  For fans of DREAM THEATER, RUSH, KANSAS, SPOCK’S BEARD and THE NEAL MORSE BAND.

Blood Of Kings track listing: “The Descender”, “A Million Hearts”, “Blood Of Kings”, “Monsters”, “Last Night In Dubai”, “Ricochet”, “Centrifuge”, “Shadow Racer”, “Yesterday”, “The GodStorm”, “Revelation Song”

Blood Of Kings pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/trytan-blood-of-kings-trading-card-new-cd-2021-retroactive-records-for-fans-of-rush-styled-prog-metal-with-hooks

MALACHIA, Under The Blade Re-issue On Roxx Records:
Album release: March 26, 2021

Press Release / Back in 1986, the Christian metal scene was really starting to gain a lot of ground. California was a great part of the music scene and artists that were coming out back then. MALACHIA was one of those bands with their very early QUEENSRYCHE sound.  With their debut EP Under The Blade being released independently via the bands own Wayde Productions. Originally, this release was sold and available by the band on cassette tape and on a 12" vinyl pressing. Both of these were in very limited quantities back then.

In 1987, the band would go back in the studio and start to record their next release Red Sunrise, which was a re-recording and interpretation of the Under The Blade tracks with an added keyboard sound.  The band would again release this independently via Wayde Productions and only on cassette tape and a 12" vinyl pressing.   The band would continue to play shows all around California and gain cult following in the US and abroad, but alas the band would ultimately never record another full length release.

2021 marks the 35th anniversary of that debut release Under The Blade, and to celebrate we are going to bring this rarity back to life! That is unless you would like to pick up a copy off of Discogs for the lovely price of $979....

Yes this album is a bit RARE, in fact personally we had been looking for one for years. So what does one do when they cant find a copy? Well we completely recreate that vinyl and offer you one last chance to pick up this beauty of a Christian metal collectible. But you wont want to wait even on this one as it will only be released on vinyl in a one time pressing of 100 copies and a limited first time on stand alone CD on a gold disc format and limited to only 300 copies!

Under The Blade artwork has been meticulously upgraded by Scott Waters of No Life Til Metal Graphics with a brand new layout and design inside this amazing package. The sound was also completely re-mastered by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound and you have never heard this album sound so good!

Under The Blade CD pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/malachia-under-the-blade-2021-gold-cd

Under The Blade vinyl pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/malachia-under-the-blade-roxx-100-series-lp

BJÖRN STIGSSON, Together With Friends Re-issue On Roxx Records:
Album release: March 26, 2021

Press Release / The classic album from BJÖRN STIGSSON (LEVITICUS, XT) is getting the full re-master treatment here. A much needed re-master that makes this classic album sound even better than the first time you heard it. Upgraded artwork and a brand new beautiful layout to boot!

Quite the Limited Edition package we have here, first time ever re-mastered and reissued. First time ever on limited edition Gold CD. Limited to only 300 copies on Gold CD.

Here is what Angelica Warlord had to say: ‘Together With Friends stands the test of time as nothing less than a first-rate Christian hard rock album.  When taking into consideration the quality of its songwriting in addition to the top-notch talent performing on it, I cannot help but think the album would have sold a million copies if given the same promotion as Stryper's To Hell With The Devil.  (Just my opinion.)  All around, I would rank Together With Friends a notch ahead of any Leviticus album, and, for all practical purposes, remains to this day the best project Stigsson has been association with’.

Together With Friends track listing: "Free", "Come On", "Lovin’ My Woman", "I’m Gonna Rock", "It’s Alright", "Way Of Living", "Stand Up", "Come Together", "Majestic In Power", "King Of Glory", "Here It Comes", "I’m Free"

Together With Friends CD pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/bjorn-stigsson-together-with-freinds-gold-cd-remaster-2021

Together With Friends vinyl pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/copy-of-bjorn-stigsson-together-with-freinds-gold-cd-remaster-2021

TRYTAN, Celestial Messenger Re-issue On Retroactive Records:
Album release: April 15, 2021

Press Release / Let us take you back in time to the 80's. Open the wardrobe and grab your spandex trousers, look in the mirror and get the spray ready to make that hair big! Trust us - just close your eyes and take a super-charged spaceship back to the glory days of hard rock and heavy metal smack-dab in the middle of 1987! The music on TRYTAN debut Celestial Messenger is exquisite - featuring thundering bass lines, wickedly righteous guitar riffing, and drumming perfection while all being tied together with the silky-sweet Geddy Lee inspired vocals of Lary Dean. 

One listen to the re-mastered magic of this classic album and we were instantly hooked just like 30+ years ago when we bought the cassette at our local Christian bookstore!  The RUSH -inspired synthesizers cannot be overlooked as they continue to be a critical part of TRYTAN's progressive rock masterpiece that has aged like a fine wine over time.  as an added treat, Retroactive Records worked with the band to come up with three must-hear bonus tracks from TRYTAN demos and wow - wow - and more wow are they progressive rock round-house kicks - one after the other.  While they are demo tape tracks, the music is top-shelf elite and the kind of songs you want to listen to repeatedly. 

TRYTAN proves this band knows how to balance melody, musicianship, jams, complexity and hooks with progressive rock finesse.  The 2021 Gold Disc Re-master is the quintessential CD reissue of this revered classic.  This CD reissues comes with the strongest recommendation possible.  It is elite in every way and comes with a TRYTAN foil-stamped trading card.  For fans of KANSAS, RUSH, BALANCE OF POWER, THRESHOLD, JACOBS DREAM and VENI DOMINE

Celestial Messenger track listing: “Gettin' Ready”, “Don't Turn Away”, “Mr. Electric”, “It's War”, “Rip Van Winkle”, “Chains”, “Nowhere To Run”, “Genesis”, “In the Distance” (demo bonus track), “The Goat” (demo bonus track), “Waiting Forever” (demo bonus track)

Celestial Messenger pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/trytan-celestial-messenger-3-bonus-gold-disc-edition-with-trading-card-new-cd-2020-retroactive-pre-order

NEWS BRIEFS

* DIVINER release live video for “The Earth, The Moon, The Sun”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbI1rjGIETI

The video filmed at the Realms Of Time album release show in Athens on November 1, 2019.

* MILLENNIAL REIGN in the studio recording cover of TRIUMPH classic “Allied Forces”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_vM0JGg5Og

Further details from the group:

“Anyone who has seen our live show knows that we closed our set with this song on many occasions. We decided to pay homage to one of the greatest power trios to grace the rock/metal genre and put it on video.”

* New single from WARRIORS OF LIGHT (W.A.R.), “Warriors Of Light 2021”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8ZOFIRRX2c

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

"This Is my Love Song", debut single of Melodic Passion, new album from CHRISTIAN LILJEGREN:
Album release: March 26, 2021

Press Release / The record label Melodic Passion Records is very proud to release the debut single and video “This Is My Love Song” from Christian Liljegren (vocalist of NARNIA & THE WAYMAKER) and his album Melodic Passion. A passionate stunning classic ballad to give strength in this pandemic days, with special guest Svante Henryson on cello. Also a tribute to the family, faith, music and to all who have supported and believed in Christian Liljegren during his 35 year long music career since 1986. It is also his 50th birthday today, February 3.
 
Christian Liljegren is one of the most productive hard-rock/metal artists from Sweden and In the rock scene today with nearly 40 different albums under his belt, since he the started his career in 1986. Christian is known for his passion in his singing on albums as well on stage live performing for crowds all around the world.  Christian’s long music career and he has been fronting many bands such as NARNIA, THE WAYMAKER, AUDIOVISION DIVINEFIRE, GOLDEN RESURRECTION, WISDOM CALL, FLAGSHIP, MODEST ATTRACTION and BORDERLINE to name a few.

As noted by the artist:

“I am 50 years old today and I am deeply proud of the journey so far in music. This album is my way of saying thanks for the music, to show my tribute to my musical heroes, as well as showing my love to all who have supported me along the way.”
 
The intention with this album was to go back to Christian’s musical roots, where he started to listen to music late in the 1970’s. You can hear Christian’s biggest music influences from bands such as RAINBOW, THE SWEET, URIAH HEEP, QUEEN STRYPER and EUROPE, as well as favorite singers like Ronnie James Dio (R.I.P), Brian Connolly (R.I.P), David Byron (R.I.P), Freddie Mercury (R.I.P), John Lawton, John Miles, Michael Sweet, and Joey Tempest.

This is also Christian’s debut as music composer, since all music on this album is composed by Christian and Stephen Carlson (BROTTHOGG, THE RISE, TALES, Gil Edwards), an amazing guitarist from Sweden who now lives in Norway. Christian has written all lyrics, vocal melodies and arrangements, and co-produced the album with his good friends Viktor Stenqvist (NARNIA’s sound engineer), and Olov Andersson (AUDIOVISION, VENI DOMINE and keyboard player on this album).

Further detail from Liljegren:

“I’m very happy and proud to do this song “This is my love song”, as this song is a gift from me to my family and friends who have supported me through all the years. I thank God for the gift of music and for my talent as I want to share heavenly love through my music. Christian concludes.”
 
The Melodic Passion album will be released on CD and LP (black and limited purple edition) and on all major digital platforms by Melodic Passion Records and distributed by Sound Pollution Distribution on March 26, 2021.

Melodic Passion lineup:
Christian Liljegren - Lead & Backing Vocals
Stephen Carlsson - Guitars
Olov Andersson - Keyboards
Andreas “Habo” Johansson - Drums
Per Schelander - Bass

The lineup consists of musicians that have been involved and/or are active in bands like ROYAL HUNT, ASTRAKHAN, AVATARIUM, AUDIOVISION, HOUSE OF SHAKIRA, NEPTURE, NARNIA, ROB ROCK & PAIN OF SALVATION.

The Melodic Passion album is recorded and mixed by Viktor Stenqvist
Mastering by CJ Grimmark
Graphic design by Jonatan Samuelsson
Produced by Christian Liljegren, Olov Andersson & Viktor Stenqvist
Distributed by Sound Pollution

Melodic Passion CD pre-order: https://melodicpassion.com/produkt/christian-liljegren-melodic-passion-cd

Melodic Passion black vinyl pre-order: https://melodicpassion.com/produkt/christian-liljegren-melodic-passion-black-lp

Melodic Passion purple vinyl pre-order: https://melodicpassion.com/produkt/christian-liljegren-melodic-passion-purple-lp

KEN TAMPLIN Re-issues On Girder Music
Album release: January 29, 2021

Soul Survivor, originally released in 1991, is Ken Tamplin’s sophomore/second project after SHOUT.  It came after his first solo album, An Axe To Grind, which is actually a Ken Tamplin and Friends project.  So this could technically be considered is first solo project, but honestly, who cares as long as it rocks, and that it does.

It starts off with a strong harmonic blues rocker called “Media Mania”. Don't let the ‘blues’ tag scare you, it really kicks into a full-throttle rocker in no time.  Don't sleep on this.  I know that words like "blues" and "art rock" could be scary for metal heads, but I can promise you that this album kicks butt. Even the second songs, “(I’m Gonna) Live Forever” starts with a capella intro that is creative but left rockers scratching their head in 1991, but after all these years it comes off more genius than anything, because the song really picks up and moves you. When song 3 and 4, “Hard Times Comin’” and “Stand Up”, drops those guitars on this re- mastered CD will bring a smile and fist pump from every rocker. But the song “Take It Now (Or Nothing)”, kicks it into overdrive for sure although Tamplin would leave most of the guitar playing to Steve Van Zen and concentrate on vocal histrionics.

Soul Survivor is more AOR in the likes of BOSTON or JOURNEY mixing hard tracks like “Take It Now (or Nothing)” with more art rock meanderings like “(I’m Gonna) Live Forever.”

Soul Survivor track listing: “Media Mania”, “(I'm Gonna) Live Forever”, “Hard Times Comin'”, “Stand Up”, “Midnight 'N Peru”, “Take It Now (Or Nothing)”, “Love's Eternal Road”, “Stay By My Side”, “Come And Save Me”, “Heart And Soul”

Where Love Is was originally released in 1998 as an independent release although Ken tells us that it was a European release not available in the USA. Whatever the situation two things are for sure: it's expensive to buy and one of Ken's most prolific and diverse releases he ever made.

Everyone knows that Ken rocks.  He's a vocal master and his guitar chops are among the greats.  However, this album shows an incredibly diverse side of Ken with Salsa, Horns, Latin and R&B. No, it's absolutely not metal but there are some great rockin' moments, but more importantly it shows how great Ken is as a vocalist and why he has one of the largest online vocal academy's today.  It's 17 songs and nearly 80 minutes worth of horn blazing, guitar toting, get up and move greatness.

Where Love Is lineup:

Ken Tampli - Lead & Backing Vocals, Guitars
Howie Simon - Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Alan Lee Silva - Keyboards
Dirk Schoppen - Bass
Stefan Svensson – Drums

Where Love Is track listing: “Dance Into The Night”, “Life Is What You See”, “Loving You, Loving Me” , “Sometimes It Just Hurts”, “Seeing Is Believing”, “Where Love Is”, “Man, Without Tears”, “The Garden Of Evermore”, “1,000,001 Ways” “Cherish The Moment”, “Yesterday, Today And Forever”, “Everchanging World”, “Come Out Dancing”, “Meet Me In The Middle”, “Save Your Love For Me”, “Love Me Forever”, “You Are The One”

Originally released in 2003, Wake The Nations finds former SHOUT vocalist Ken Tamplin delivering every possibly conceivable guitar solo know to man kind on this album along with a host of axe-wielding friends, including Reb Beach Winger Howie Simon Alcatrazz Talisman Jeff Scott Soto Yngwie Malmsteen Vocalists Jeff Watson, Kee Marcelo, Marty Friedman, Richie Kotzen, Stevie Salas and others.

Tamplin is in great form on this CD. His vocals are in great shape and sound superb - he keeps his singing in the mid- to low registers, where it sounds best. The songs are mostly along the lines of rockers Tamplin's known for being good at, while throwing in plenty of thought-provoking social commentary (“We've Jihad Enough” & “Hare Kristians”) and humor (“Cell Phone Freaks” & “7 Eleven People”) at the same time.  “God In Heaven” deliveres the blues in a more Clapton / Rez sort of way but then really kicks in with incredible guitar solos.

This CD is full of guitar solos, from a who's who list of guest soloists. Tamplin has perfected the Art of Shred (actually he accomplished this a long time ago- i.e. Shout's "In Your Face") and paints them into his songs beautifully. If you've been dying to hear some great guitar soloing, most modern bands simply aren't delivering. But trust me: you'll get an earful on this CD!   At 79 minutes and 18 songs, this CD is worth every penny.

Wake The Nations track listing: “The Story Of Love”, “We've Jihad Enough”, “Falling Houses”, “The Man With A Plan”, “Hare' Kristians”, “Wake The Nations”, “God In Heaven”, “Peace On Earth”, “Mystery”, “Cell Phone Freaks”, “Livin' Large” , “7 Eleven People”, “Saints And Heroes”, “Waiting For Your Love”, “Every Day Is Precious”, “Come Together”, “Sing”, “Freedom”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

MARTIN SIMSON’S DESTROYER OF DEATH Release Debut Single, “Destroyer Of Death”:
Press Release / “Destroyer Of Death” is the first single from MARTIN SIMSON’S DESTROYER OF DEATH, a project featuring Rob Rock (IMPELLITTERI, PROJECT DRIVER, SOLOand CJ Grimmark (NARNIA, ROB ROCK, EMPIRE 21). A modern take on classic melodic metal, the song is packed with heavy rhythm guitars, searing solos and soaring vocals.

Martin Simson is a long-time heavy metal fan and musician, having played bass in several bands in southern California during the 1980s. He recently began writing music and lyrics, some of which caught the attention of guitar legend and friend, CJ Grimmark. Rob Rock, also a mutual friend, agreed to do the lead vocals, and DESTROYER OF DEATH was born.

Martin hopes the song will be well received enabling him to continue to create music and work with other iconic musicians.

DESTROYER OF DEATH lineup:

Martin Simson - Bass
Eberhard Etzold - Drums

Additional Musicians:

Rob Rock - Lead Vocals
CJ Grimmark - Guitars, Keyboards, Backing Vocals & Bass

DESTROYER OF DEATH online: www.facebook.com/DestroyerOfDeath

BARREN CROSS, Rattle Your Cage Re-issue On Retroactive Records:
Album release: May 14, 2021

Press Release / Released in 1994, this album got sandwiched between trendy grunge rock and alternative hipsters that thought "metal" was a dirty word. Metal bands were having the life sucked out of them. "Hairband" was a derogatory term, and stars of the LA Strip scene were treated like an embarrassing drunk uncle. Despite the anti-metal sentiments, BARREN CROSS defied all odds and put out an epic classic metal/hard rock album on Rugged Records. That label folded and the album went out of print almost as soon as it was released.

While the groups 80s albums were more polished power metal meets LA glam, Rattle Your Cage has a production that is somewhat raw and stripped down. It's special to hear the band ripping full-throttle bluesy hard rock with an ever so slight 1970s throw back sound reminiscent of DIE HAPPY and BADLANDS. Though a couple tracks here sound like they could have easily fit on the State Of Control era format, expect classic American-styled hard rock featuring one AOR anthem after another. 

Fully re-mastered by Bombworks Sound for CD and vinyl, these deluxe reissue are vastly improved with all new artwork by Scott Waters of NoLifeTilMetal.  The CD comes with a band foil-stamped trading card and the vinyl record comes with a 12x12 full color lyrics insert.  For fans of GREAT WHITE, CINDERELLA, GIANT, BLACK STONE CHERRY, KISS and especially GUNS N’ ROSES!

Rattle Your Cage track listing:

1. “Rattle Your Cage”
2. “Here I Am”
3. “Unsuspecting”
4. “No Time To Run”
5. “Sick”
6. “Somewhere Far Away”
7. “Feed The Fire”
8. “Let It Go Let It Die”
9. “Time For Love”
10. “J.R.M”
11. “Your Will”
12. “Midnight Son”

Rattle Your Cage CD pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/barren-cross-rattle-your-cage-trading-card-new-cd-2021-retroactive

Rattle Your Cage vinyl pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/barren-cross-rattle-your-cage-new-black-vinyl-bundle-2021-retroactive

Rattle Your Cage CD/vinyl bundle pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/barren-cross-rattle-your-cage-trading-card-new-cd-vinyl-bundle-2021-retroactive

Retroactive Records Announce Third PERPETUAL PARANOIA Album, Hell Fest:
Album release: March 14, 2021

Press Release / Hell Fest is elite dark, thrash metal featuring Tiago James de Souza (HAND OF FIRE, BIOGENESIS) and Dale Thompson (BRIDE).  If you were headed to a deserted island and could take only one metal CD with you - this is a bona fide desert island disc!  It’s that brilliant! Tiago is one of the finest guitarists we have ever heard, wielding his molten metal axe and playing with jazz-inspired skill and precision. Add in the primal screams and vocals of Dale Thompson who seems to only get more accomplished and better with age - and you have one of the finest metal albums 2021 will offer. 

Taking no prisoners and leaving behind only mushroom clouds, tank treads, and an arachnid cadaver crawling across the landscape, Hell Fest is dark, heavy and the definition of METAL. No band sounds like PERPETUAL PARANOIA - this collection of musicians is creating music others can only hope to emulate, but expect to hear elements of SLAYER, TOXIC HOLOCAUST, KREATOR, HAVOK and CELTIC FROST.

Comments James de Souza:

“Honestly this album definitely is my best album I have done. Dark heavy, aggressively and melodic. Every time I listen to the album, I felt with the spirituality the album is and going through. The message and vocals, Dale put it on, is unbelievable. This album is definitely, is big move to me and my career as a producer.”

As noted by Thompson:

“Perpetual Paranoia takes my vocals into a whole new dynamic and I love the challenges that I have in this band. Hell Fest certainly is one of those albums that a vocalist cannot go into lightly. The songs are rich with aggression and theatre and in this sort of metal arena I found myself digging deep in order not to only bring out the best performance but the passion I have about the message within the individual songs. Any fan of metal will find value in the finished work of Hell Fest and hopefully the Spirit of the music and the intention why it was written and performed shines through.”

Also featuring vocalist Michelle Braglia Rodovalho, drummer Derek Dorneles and guitarists Carlos Osnaya and Joe Moghrabi.  Mixed and mastered by Juan Urteaga (TESTAMENT, EXODUS, MACHINE HEAD            )

Hell Fest track listing:

1. “The Martyr”
2. “Is Death Coming For Me”
3. “Evil Eye”
4. “Meet My Maker”
5. “Past You Leave Behind”
6. “I Talk To the Dead”
7. “Come To Life”
8. “Win Or Lose”
9. “Love Death Madness”
10. “ENDING _La Porte De l_Enfer”

Hell Fest pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/perpetual-paranoia-hellfest-new-cd-2021-retroactive-records-dale-thompson-from-bride-guitar-heroics-from-tiago

XALT, Under The Ruins Re-issue On Retroactive Records:
Album release: May 14, 2021

Press Release / After the late 80's independent release Dark War by XALT, the hot shot lineup of the band launched the 90's by signing with Pure Metal Records and releasing the hard rock and heavy metal classic Under the Ruins! The vinyl includes the CD only bonus track. Long out-of-print on CD and never released on vinyl.  Do not miss this treasure.  For fans of JUDAS PRIEST, ACCEPT, RIOT and STRYPER!

• Re-mastered for CD by Bombworks Sound
• CD includes bonus track
• 12 page insert booklet

Under The Ruins track listing:

1. “Through The Night”
2. “Forgiven”
3. “Under The Ruins”
4. “Waste Your Life Away”
5. “Lost Without You”
6. “Piercing The Darkness”
7. “The Fortress”
8. “Wounded Heart”
9. “The Kingdom Within”
10. “Lift Him Up”
11. “Take A Look” (bonus track)

Under The Ruins CD pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/xalt-under-the-ruins-1-bonus-trading-card-new-cd-2021-retroactive

Under The Ruins vinyl pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/xalt-under-the-ruins-1-bonus-new-vinyl-2021-retroactive

Under The Ruins CD/vinyl bundle pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/xalt-under-the-ruins-1-bonus-trading-card-new-cd-vinyl-bundle-2021-retroactive

NEWS BRIEFS

* DYNASTY OF METAL release lyric video to “The Mud”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dUhgXmH3sU

As noted in the groups press material:

On January 25, 2019, at 12:28 pm, an iron ore tailings dam at the Córrego do Feijão mine broke down and took 252 lives with 11 missing, including employees of the management company and residents of the region.  Now, exactly 2 years after the tragedy, DYNASTY OF METAL joins with other personalities from the region's music scene and releases the single “The Mud”.

* “In It, Not Of It (John 15:19)”, new song from EXIT STRATEGY: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWCQC79Ohlc

Consisting of Rob Perez (guitars, bass & drums), John Neiswinger (keyboards, synthesizer & piano) and Bill Yost (lead vocals & lyric), EXIT STATEGY will be releasing its debut 5-song EP later in the year.  The EP will be available as a free download off the Trinity Records website: www.trinityrecords.net

* BJÖRN STIGSSON, “I’m Gonna Rock” Roxx Records re-mastered version: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Idaelpv4Zm8

The song comes off STIGSSON’s 1989 solo albums Together With Friends, which is scheduled for re-release on Roxx Records this spring.

 

FEATURED REVIEWS

BRIDE - Here Is Your God
Bride’s December of 2020 Retroactive Records sixteenth full-length album Here Is Your God is all about making its long-term fan base smile.  Read Full Review >>

DELIVERANCE - What A Joke (Retroactive re-issue)
What A Joke represents a transitional period in the history of Deliverance.  Read Full Review >>

MESSENGER - In To Win
More than a decade after independently releasing (in 2008) its debut full length I’m Talking To You, Arlington, Virginia based Messenger returns in December of 2020 with fourth album In To Win (also independent).  Read Full Review >>

MILLENNIAL REIGN - Carry The Fire Again (EP)
With a four song-EP release of its Ulterium Records 2015 sophomore album Carry The Fire, under the appropriate title Carry The Fire Again, Millennial Reign has given the original material a bit more punch as a result of having been re-mixed and re-mastered.  Read Full Review >>

NEAL MORSE - Sola Gratia
Neal Morse has been a longtime favorite of Angelic Warlord.  Not only do we love his affection for progressive music, but we also love his propensity for drawing upon conceptual themes.  Read Full Review >>

RIVETING TRUTH - Riveting Truth (EP)
Riveting Truth traces its origin to founding member’s guitarist and vocalist Dave Bentley and bassist Andrew Rudd, whom got their start in the early nineties as part of Legacy.  Read Full Review >>

SOMBRE HOLIDAY - The Failed Sun
Sombre Holiday is one band that definitely lives up to its name.  Read Full Review >>

WYTCH HAZEL - III: Pentecost
Lancaster, UK based Wytch Hazel has been on a tear since the spring of 2016 release to its Bad Omen Records (and 85% Angelic Warlord reviewed) debut full length Prelude.  Read Full Review >>

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

MIKE BOTELLO Releases New Solo Album, Indigenous:
Album release: January 19, 2021

Press Release / Indigenous promises to be the heaviest and most progressive rock album in the ‘Botello” repertoire, featuring, Austin, TX based progressive metal band MILITIA’s Tony Smith on lead guitar and Mike Soliz on BG vocals. Jason Barrett, whose guitar performances appears on all of Mike Botello’s solo releases, also appears on this record, making Indigenous the first album by Botello to feature two guitarists.

This concept progressive rock/metal album sheds light on the prophetic future that is detailed in the Bible; specifically, the book of Enoch, Revelation, Isaiah, Daniel and all the prophets of the bible. It begins by identifying our ‘carnal’ nature, leading into an apocalyptic story ‘Americaust”, where a young patriot finds himself a lone survivor in a post nuclear situation in America, only to realize his only way out is life in eternity. This album features the singles “Secret Identity”, “I’m Down”, “Euphellum” and “Sunday Faces”. Please visit www.botellomusic.com and get your copy TODAY! 

According to the 85% Angelic Warlord review, the album ‘represents Botello’s most powerful work to date, drawing upon full on metal territory while strongly influenced by the musical leanings of his past.’  It is also concept related (as noted by the artist):

A video to a track off Indigenous entitled “Euphellum” can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTKpInREztU

For more info, please visit: www.BotelloMusic.com

REFLECTION OF GLORY Announces Sophomore Album, Escape The Dream:
Album release: January 31, 2021

Press Release / For many, Christian metal means metal core.  REFLECTION OF GLORY stands out with pure power metal guitars, symphonic style, and unashamedly religious themes.  Drawing from the traditions of power and symphonic metal, REFLECTION OF GLORY is more than a 'Christian alternative' in the genre: the power and depth of THEOCRACY meets the sound and style of KAMELOT.

REFLECTION OF GLORY is a solo project: and music is written, recorded, and produced independently by Barry Dreier.  With the release of Escape The Dream (2021), REFLECTION OF GLORY takes a great leap forward in the maturation of his own unique flavor of symphonic metal.  Guitars are heavier, orchestrations are grander, and thematic ambitions are higher - all while maintaining an unwavering commitment to singing the Gospel.

Escape The Dream marks the second independent release, following Reborn (2017), which was REFLECTION OF GLORY’s first foray into the symphonic metal realm.  This latest work is simply the next step in a long journey of musical growth and exploration.

Barry grew up saturated with music in the home, began studying bass guitar at 13 years old, and eventually earned a bachelor's degree in music.  Involved in recording and production since high school, Barry has since worked with dozens of artists in the studio.  Eventually, his love for both the classical symphony orchestra and overdriven guitars led to the inevitable discovery of symphonic metal.

Escape The Dream track listing:

1. “The Hound Of Heaven”
2. “Holy War”
3. “The Curse Within My Blood”
4. ”Demons In Me”
5. “Folly Of The Fall”
6. “Sleep With The Lie”
7. “Dreams”
8. “The Mirror”
9. “Battle Of The Alphas”
10. “Graves Of Craving”
11. “Beyond Evermore”
12. “Escape The Dream”

REFLECTION OF GLORY online: www.reflection-music.com & www.facebook.com/reflection.of.glory

NEWS BRIEFS

* Michael Drive (GALE FORCE, BARREN CROSS) interview with Mega Jeff McRocmack’s Music World: www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGewGOHKNoY

* “Judge Of The Earth”, lyric video from DOMINUS MEUS: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnjxkcPeClw

DOMINUS MEUS includes guitarist John Evans (EVANS & STOKES) & vocalist Dale Thompson (BRIDE).

* Free download of an unreleased LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE song featuring Dale Thompson (BRIDE) and Larry Worley (FEAR NOTT):  www.reverbnation.com/libertynjustice

ARTIST COMMENTARY

Vocalist/guitarist Larry Dean in regards to upcoming third TYRTAN album Blood Of Kings:

“My first album in over thirty years is about to drop in less than a month on Retroactive Records. Been working with the team for the past couple weeks to wrap everything up and get it released next month.  Couldn’t be more excited. I feel like I’m 25 again and just beginning my music career. I really put my head down on this album in 2018. I didn’t have a music team, a band. Little did I know that my counterpart would be the brilliant guitarist of THE NEAL MORSE BAND, Eric Gillette. Eric and I along with the contributions of Jim  (LaVerde - bass), John (Elefante - vocals) and Rey (Parra - vocals) worked really hard to put this album together. 

“From the months and years of composing, arranging, rearranging and rehearsals to being down with Eric for the weeks that I was working with him and experiencing an amazing partnership and synergy with lightning strike after lightning strike happening day in and day out, to the mix down and finishing process was a lot of hard work, passion, energy, collaboration, sacrifice and time. The day I got the final mix from Eric I sat down and I wept because despite knowing the months and years that went into this project it was like it all magically came together and was like a flash. I knew it took a lot of time but when it was all completed and I heard the final result it had such a grace on it and it was like a flash of God and bam, it was done.

“I truly hope that Blood of Kings touches lives, changes lives and encourages people.  During the tour that supported the release of (TRYTAN sophomore album) Sylentiger in 1990, two young men drove to a live performance from the East Coast to share how the Lord used the album to pull them out of a downward and sinful spiral and back into the Lord. I’ll never forget that. I truly hope and pray that the Lord will do such things with this album."

Psalm 27:13, Ephesians 3:20-21, Psalm 37:3-6

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

New Single From MILLENNIAL REIGN, “Way Up High”:’
MILLENNIAL REIGN release the debut single, “Way Up High”, off its upcoming (January 15, 2021 release date) limited edition 4 song EP entitled Carry The Fire Again.  The EP includes re-mixed and re-mastered versions to four songs originally appearing on the group’s 2015 Ulterium Records sophomore album Carry The Fire.  Also introduced is new vocalist Tiffany Galchutt, whom fronted the band as it supported international acts ACCEPT, STRYPER and Y&T in late 2019 to early 2020.

The EP will be a limited run of physical CDs and downloads via Bandcamp only. MILLENNIAL REIGN is currently in the studio recording their forthcoming album, planned for a 2021 release.

Scheduled Dates:

Elements of Rock Switzerland- March 19-21, 2021
Exodo Fest Mexico - April 1-3, 2021

MILLENNIAL REIGN lineup:

Tiffany Galchutt - Lead Vocals
Dave Harvey - Guitar, Backing Vocals
Neil Bertrand - Bass, Backing Vocals
Steve Nichols – Drums

Carry The Fire Again track listing:

1. “Way Up High
2. “Millennia Reign”
3. “Innocent Cry”
4. “Men Stand Alone”

MILLENNIAL REIGN online: www.millennialreign.com & www.facebook.com/millennialreign

EVANS & STOKES Release “Overlord” Lyric Video:
Multi-national metal and hard rock act EVANS & STOKES premiered this past week a lyric video to the track Overlord”, the debut single off its fourth album Diary Of The Damned, which it independently released December 24, 2020.

On the heels of last year's Children of God (90% Angelic Warlord review), multi-genre metal collaboration EVANS AND STOKES is back, releasing their fourth and strongest album yet, Diary of the Damned.  The album takes the listener on a journey through the peaks and valleys of human existence from a Christian perspective, starting in the post-apocalyptic wastelands found in songs with titles such as “Into the Badlands” and “Eternal Punishment” and ending with the more uplifting and hopeful “A Child of Light” and “Dawn Ascending.” This album sees a more varied style from New Zealand based vocalist Jenny Stokes, ranging from aggressive and gritty to clean and sweet, while US guitarist John Evans continues to demonstrate his talent for writing original and engaging riffs that will not disappoint.

Diary of the Damned delivers crushing riffs, big hooks, and meaningful lyrics, created by a band that has its own unique songwriting style that seamlessly crosses metal subgenres as diverse as thrash, progressive and doom metal.

Diary of the Damned releases digitally on December 24th with pre-orders for physical CDs open on Monday, December 14th. The pre-order package is an exclusive pre-release package with lots of extras and limited quantity. Details are on the band's website: www.evansandstokes.com

EVANS & STOKES lineup:

John Evans - Guitars, Bass, Keyboards & Backing Vocals
Jenny Stokes - Lead Vocals, Piano, Keyboards & Lyrics

Diary of The Damned track listing:

1. “Mortal Agony”
2. “Into The Badlands”
3. “Overlord”
4. “Demon Of The Wood”
5. “Man, Beast, And Creeping Things”
6. “The Sorrow”
7. “Eternal Punishment”
8. “Army Of The Dead”
9. “Breath Of Light”
10. “Dawn Ascending”
11. “A Child Of Light”
12. “In Dreams”
13. “Deep Calls To Deep”

Social Media Links:

www.evansandstokes.com
www.facebook.com/evansandstokes
www.instagram.com/evansandstokes
www.youtube.com/channel/UCQCYB0H83cE0nC7qpe_lbXA

NEWS BRIEFS

* Teaser for the track “Destroyer Of Death” by MARTIN SIMSON’S DESTROYER OF DEATH (featuring CJ Grimmark & Rob Rock): www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m2xGtp3ddE

Release date for the single is January 29, 2021.

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

Indigenous, New Solo Album From MIKE BOTELLO Set For January 19, 2021 Release:
Press Release / The new album entitled Indigenous by Mike Botello, is scheduled for release on January 19th, 2021. This album promises to be the heaviest and most progressive rock album in the ‘Botello” repertoire, featuring, Austin, TX based progressive metal band MILITIA’s Tony Smith on lead guitar and Mike Soliz on BG vocals. Jason Barrett, whose guitar performances appears on all of Mike Botello’s solo releases, also appears on this record, making Indigenous the first album by Botello to feature two guitarists.

Indigenous has already produced four singles; “Secret Identity”, released on October 31st, 2018, “I’m Down”, released on March 3rd, 2020, “Euphellum”, released September 8th, 2020 and the latest release “Sunday Faces”, released December 8th, 2020. Get your copy TODAY @ BotelloMusic.com! 

According to the 85% Angelic Warlord review, the album ‘represents Botello’s most powerful work to date, drawing upon full on metal territory while strongly influenced by the musical leanings of his past.’  It is also concept related (as noted by the artist):

“From the first track to the last, it takes a path beginning with our carnal nature, leading to the consequences of sin, “Euphellum” to “Americaust”, leading to a warning in “Heed the Warning”, following a continuation of our self centeredness in “Sunday Faces” and “Secret Identity”, leading to being bound by this sinful life in “In the Midst of Chaos”, followed by salvation in “Serenity”, leading to a reckoning with our creator in “Evanescent” to preparing ourselves in being “The Remnant” that is described in the book of Revelation and in the book of Enoch.”

A video to a track off Indigenous entitled “Euphellum” can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTKpInREztU

For more info, please visit: www.BotelloMusic.com

IRON 501, New Project From Dale Thompson:
Album release: February 12, 2021

Press Release / Roxx Records is happy to be kicking off the New Year with another brand new project fronted by Dale Thompson of BRIDE. IRON 501 is the brain child of Myles Barfield and the band has been recording with Dale on vocals for about 2 years now, but this is the first full length release from the project. The IRON 51 debut album is entitled Sgt Reckless and features 12 all new original tracks fronted by Dale Thompson, with musical direction coming from Myles Barfield.

IRON 501 describe their music as hard rock with a groove and their songs reflect on two things their faith in Jesus Christ and appreciation for those who serve. 

Sgt Reckless track listing:

1. “Civil War”
2. “Great Luminary”
3. “Most Unforgettable Day”
4. “Beyond The Grave”
5. “Shot Heard Around The World”
6. “Lost”
7. “Sgt Reckless”
8. “56th Mobile Medical”
9. “Henry Kissinger”
10. “Enemy I Do Not Know”
11. “Code Breaker”
12. “Honor The Fallen”

Sgt Reckless pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/iron-501-sgt-reckless-2021-cd-dale-thompson-bride

IRON 501 online: www.facebook.com/Iron-501