METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

New NEAL MORSE Album Announced, The Dreamer- Joseph: Part One:
Album Release: August 11, 2023

On the heels of the Jesus Christ - The Exorcist rock 0pera, Neal Morse’s latest prog epic aptly entitled The Dreamer  - Joseph: Part One tells the classic story of Joseph (the one with the coat of many colors!) using the medium of progressive rock as only he can!

The story unfolds with Morse employing amazing vocalists like Ted Leonard (SPOCK’S BEARD, AFFECTOR), Matt Smith (THEOCRACY) and Jake Livgren (PROTO-KAW, KANSAS) to sing in the roles of Joseph’s brothers, as they grow dark with jealousy and throw him in the pit.

As well as casting the characters in the story, Neal also sought out the finest musicians for the musical ‘roles’. So you’ll hear the soaring guitar playing of Steve Morse (DEEP PURPLE, DIXIE DREGS), and Eric Gillette (NMB) among others, as this familiar story comes alive through amazing music that will thrill all fans of progressive rock. The album however has everything a fan would look for: from long epics and odd time signatures, to very melodic and song-oriented tracks.

The Dreamer - Joseph: Part One is everything you would hope for from a new Neal Morse progressive rock album and more. And this is just Part 1, ending with Joseph in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. ‘Part 2’ will follow in 2024!

“I have to say I am extremely pleased with the way this album came out!” explains Neal Morse.  “As with many creative endeavors, there are times along the way where you start to wonder where you’re at and if it will come together in the end. I am so happy to report that this one really has come together and exceeded my expectations! The guest vocalists are fantastic ,and the string arrangements are extraordinary! Jerry Guidroz did an exceptional job on the mix, and I am so excited to share this album with all of you! Now on to part two…”

The Dreamer- Joseph: Part One track listing:

1. “Overture”
2. “Prologue/Before The World Was”
3. “A Million Miles Away”
4. “Burns Like A Wheel”
5. “Liar, Liar”
6. “The Pit”
7. “Like A Wall”
8. “Gold Dust City”
9. “Slave Boy”
10. “Wait On You”
11. “I Will Wait On The Lord”
12. “Ultra-Violet Dreams”
13. “Heaven In Charge Of Hell (Eat ‘Em And Smile)”
14. “Why Have You Forsaken Me?”

Musicians: Eric Gillette, Gabe Klein, Neal Morse, Sam Hunter, Gideon Klein, Steve Morse, Andre Madatian, Mark Leniger, Jim Hoke

The Dreamer- Joseph: Part One Cast::

Joseph - Neal Morse
Judah - Ted Leonard
Reuben - Matt Smith
Potiphar’s Wife - Talon David
Slave Driver - Jake Livgren
Simeon - Wil Morse
Jacob - Mark Pogue
Warden & Prison Guards - Matt Smith, Mark Pogue, Wil Morse, Gabe Klein, Chris Riley

The Dreamer- Joseph: Part One pre-order: https://nealmorse.com/product/neal-morse-the-dreamer-joseph-part-one/?fbclid=IwAR0Twdr-OgahajO3FCMZkki9yc2HVU-hRBmjL3D0CnsmpAlUzt_xyVllAzk

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

NEWS BRIEFS

* New video from AMETHYST, “Forever”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjEHFnPQCaI

Pre-orders are live at Roxx Records for the June 30, 2023 self-titled re-release of the groups demo material: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/amethyst-amethyst-cd-limited-edition-2023-remaster-of-classic-80s-christian-metal

* New video from JAGGED DOCTRINE, “Eve Of Destruction”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO376P8E38Y

The song comes off the groups Roxx Records upcoming debut album of the same title.  A release date is yet to be announced.

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

AMETHYST Sign With Roxx Records:
Album Release: June 30, 2023

Press Release / Roxx Records have secured the rights to release another impossible to find classic Christian Metal release. This time hailing from the state of Washington, we are excited to announce a killer collection of tracks from AMETHYST.

These tracks have been re-mastered by Bombworks Sound and sound better than you have ever heard them. Complete with a brand new cover design and layout courtesy of NoLifeTilMetal Graphics and we have a beautiful limited edition tribute to another classic Christian metal band. Unfortunately, three of the four original members of the band have already passed on out of this life, so you will see the newly created cover art is designed in part as a tribute to those members, at the request of Mark Fekete.

Get ready as pre orders launch for this one this Friday June 16th at RoxxRecords.com for this very limited CD pressing which will officially release on June 30th.

Amethyst track listing:

1. “Whiter Than Snow”
2. “Joyful Noise”
3. “Marching In”
4. “Forever”
5. “The Storm Is Over”
6. “Gone Astray”
7. “My Friend”
8. “Unseal The Crypt”
9. “Marching In” (Alternate Version)

Amethyst pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/amethyst-amethyst-cd-limited-edition-2023-remaster-of-classic-80s-christian-metal

JAGGED DOCTRINE Sign With Roxx Records:

Press Release / Roxx Records is ready to bring you another brand new Christian Metal project this year as we are very excited to welcome JAGGED DOCTRINE to the label.
 
JAGGED DOCTRINE started years ago with roots in Industrial Metal via Rod Middleton's shredding guitar work combined with Gary Baker's electronic wizardry. From their onset, the dynamic duo had ongoing success including (but not limited to) licensing tracks to MTV for use, being spotlighted on Rolling Stone Magazine’s website, and composing a soundtrack for a book series by New York Times best selling author Ted Dekker.

Now they have returned after a 9 year hiatus with what may be their most complex and best collaborative songs to date - boasting the voice and well-known screams of Dove Award winning singer Dale Thompson of the band BRIDE. Along with a very special guest appearance from Sydney Rentz of the band MORELLA’S FOREST, who lends her vocals on the track “Liquid Sky”.  Their debut album Eve Of Destruction is sure to be pleasing to the ears of any music seeker yearning for a harder style, excellent writing, heavy guitars, cutting-edge musicality, and professional production!
 
Roxx is very excited to deliver this album to you, full release date details are forthcoming. Today we unveil the beautiful new album cover design and launch the first single. The debut single entitled “Breathe Your Name” arrives at all your favorite digital and streaming platforms today. Be sure to pick it up as we prepare to bring you the debut album from… JAGGED DOCTRINE.

Roxx Records online: https://roxxrecords.com & www.facebook.com/RoxxRecords777

JAGGED DOCTRINE online: https://jaggeddoctrine.bandcamp.com & www.facebook.com/JaggedDoctrine

NEWS BRIEFS

* “Final Fall”, new single from Mike Florio: https://mikeflorio.hearnow.com/final-fall?fbclid=IwAR3qkCNNlWbO0ORMTamIywo8Bu2lamsth-qOKLcbs3SvT_dkEMSkA7pMGJU

Further details from the Yorktown, New York based vocalist and keyboardist (Facebook - June 16, 2023):

“My new single is released!  I produced this song much the same way I did my older prog rock stuff - with a couple of new twists.  Anyone who liked the Reconcile or Arisen albums may want to check it out.  “Final Fall” is included as a free download with the purchase of my latest album, Artifacts Volume 2, on BandCamp.  It will be on the streaming sites next week sometime.”

* New album update from SHINING FORCE (Facebook - June 16, 2023):

“Good afternoon, Shining Force fans. Shining force is in the studio laying down tracks for the upcoming album Spiritual Warfare. Abel Molano Billy Vaughn Sr, Arnold Cantu, Ernie Lopez, and Chris Tooke are all working hard to bring you what Shining Force calls its most prestigious album yet. This album will be the best product by the band in years. All new members with the same energy that was needed to produce what people call an epic album. This album will feature a guest singer that is well known for his vocals, this album will be on Roxx Records this year.  It will be produced and mixed by none other than Larry Barragan.”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

TEMPLE OF BLOOD Newsletter Update:
As reported by founding member and vocalist/guitarist Jim Mullis (June 6, 2023):

“The last several months have been eventful for TEMPLE OF BLOOD beginning with the return of original drummer, Lance Wright. Starting in late September of 2022 Lance was welcomed back wholeheartedly into the reenergized TEMPLE OF BLOOD fold. His drumming is once again setting a firm and brutal foundation for the riff frenzied song structures that the band is known for. Upon the reunion with Lance, well known North Alabama axe shredder Harry Coleman, was also added to the lineup. Harry and Jim had been band mates in a classic metal cover outfit many years prior. Harry is also the former lead guitar player for the legendary Huntsville based thrash band, HUMANICIDE, who had released music through the Wild Rags music label in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Lance and Harry are highly capable musicians and really elevate the caliber of the band with their talent and vision. This must certainly be a God thing as the TEMPLE OF BLOOD sound is now complete and more aggressive than ever.

“After a three year hiatus from the live scene TEMPLE OF BLOOD was blessed to have been selected as an opening act for the Huntsville stop on the most recent tour from heavy metal stalwarts, RAVEN and RIOT ACT. This could not have timed out better as TEMPLE OF BLOOD was in full transition from the extended break and ready to hit the stage. The band played a quick 30 minute set complete with several cuts off of the Overlord album and a scorching cover of the METALLICA classic “Creeping Death”. The event took place at the Fractal Brewing Project in Huntsville and was produced by Under the Moon Productions. The event staff, promoters, fans along with RAVEN, RIOT ACT and fellow Alabama metal Brothers AATXE were all incredibly cool and easy to work with. Shows of this magnitude do not happen often and when they do it is always great when everyone involved is professional and courteous. Specials thanks to Josh Dodd and Damon Eubanks for inviting TEMPLE OF BLOOD to be a part of this lineup.

“In April of 2023 TEMPLE OF BLOOD was able to perform with several noteworthy acts in a show at the beautiful McCandless Hall theater in Athens, Alabama. Located on the Athens State University campus, McCandless Hall is a historic building that was constructed in 1914. The theatre underwent renovations several years ago and retains a classic and timeless appeal along with a near acoustically perfect atmosphere. This show was the first stop on the Spring tour from Atlanta’s PALADIN known for their releases on Prosthetic Records and their energetic stage shows. PALADIN did not disappoint as they brought tight and technical music to an audience of rabid Alabama metal fans. Also on the bill were fellow Alabama metal powerhouse NOLAN’S FIGHT and cult Classic Metal heroes, CESTUS.  TEMPLE OF BLOOD did not disappoint either as the band ripped through a set of speedy material including the live debut of “The Return” which is the fast and furious, tech metal closer on the Overlord album respectively. All in all it was a fantastic night of true metal and brotherhood.

“The next live engagement for TEMPLE OF BLOOD will take place on Saturday August 5th at the High Cotton Arts Center at 103 West Washington St. in Athens, AL. While high Cotton Arts is an art gallery they do allow bands to move tables and chairs out of the way and perform DIY style.  Set up eye level with the audience, crank it to 11 and go! The show will also feature melodic death metal monoliths QUNITA ESSENTIA and EPOCH OF UNLIGHT.  These are long time friends of TEMPLE OF BLOOD and it will be great to have an explosive night of tech metal shred with these guys. Also on the bill are NO ASYLUM! which is a newly created, but scene-veteran-staffed hardcore band from Athens. This band features none other than Bill Reeves, from the band RANDOM CONFLICT. Also on hand to open the show will be Joe Whitworth to display his keyboard manifesto. Mr. Whitworth delivers a solo act of classic metal and rock covers with a bit of Classical/Baroque era material thrown in for good measure. The show will begin at 6 pm promptly so please arrive early. Admission is $10 and it is all ages.

“Currently, TEMPLE OF BLOOD remains hard at work on the forthcoming A Show Of Force album. The majority of the tracking has been completed with the only items left to be finished are a few vocal touch ups and a final mix and master. The songs are a solid mix of many styles of metal and the material features some of TEMPLE’s best song writing and most intense riffs to date. There is definitely something on this album for all die hard fans of true metal. Songs such as the title track, “Exalted”, “Curse of the Black Hearts” and “Trilemna” tastefully span the gamut from epic power metal, technical thrash metal all the way to a few blasting death metal tinged passages. Stay tuned to the TEMPLE OF BLOOD Facebook page for news about the release.

“It is important to mention that TEMPLE OF BLOOD exists to use music as a means of promoting the love of Jesus Christ. Metal is the medium that is used to break down hard hearts and win converts to Christianity. This message does not come from a place of judgement and neither do the members of the band. It is out of respect for those who listen to the music, attend shows and associate with TEMPLE OF BLOOD that the message of God’s love and deliverance from an eternity separated from Him is promoted to each individual present.  No judgement or hard feelings are passed to those who choose not to accept as the unconditional love of God is ever present and anytime is a good time to embrace this timeless gift from our Savior.

“Thank you for taking the time to read this. Stay posted to the TEMPLE OF BLOOD Facebook page for commentary on music, Faith, new music releases, and upcoming shows! God Bless you and take care.”

TEMPLE OF BLOOD online: www.templeofblood.net & www.facebook.com/ToBMetalBand

New Single From WYTCH HAZEL, “The Fire’s Control”:

Press Release / For many all-time-great rock bands in the ascendant, the fourth album is often the point where youthful years of febrile creativity and progressive momentum culminate in a masterwork for the ages, setting the seal on an early signature sound while opening it up to future possibilities. From enchanting 2016 debut Prelude, through 2018’s assured II: Sojourn, to 2020’s wizardly III: Pentecost, each WYTCH HAZEL album has embodied that old-fashioned notion of unstoppable progress, and the glittering treasure chest that is IV: Sacrament proves eminently worthy of rising to the toughest challenge. Not just the Lancashire quartet’s most classically beautiful production, but their strongest yet front-to-back collection of affecting hooks and ageless melodies.

A video to the third single from the album, “The Fire’s Control”, can be viewed above.  Videos to the first two singles are also available, “Angel Of Light” and “Strong Heart”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE3nTaafv8w & www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ8t0QQsvQg

A very tough challenge it was, too; records this good don’t get banged out willy-nilly, and Jimmy Page, Ian Anderson and Freddie Mercury didn’t have to fit recordings in between day jobs and school runs. “This album has been a trial,” sighs founding singer/guitarist Colin Hendra with his head in his hands, his voice full of cold. “It’s been a tough few years for everyone, which plays into it, but it was exhausting. Working full time, trying to be a dad and husband, running the band, writing the albums - and being a complete control freak about every  aspect of the process...” Colin breaks off and chuckles at his Eeyorish approach to album promotion. “But there’s no gain without pain!”

The triumphs and tragedies are written all over IV: Sacrament. Working closely again with regular producer Ed Turner, Colin’s God-given gift for diamond songwriting has been enhanced to majestic proportions with Ed’s Roy Thomas Baker doozy of a production job, his expressive sonic trickery sublimely underscoring the varied musical moods. “Me and Ed like the same albums, so we’re singing from the same hymn sheet every time,” enthuses Colin. “We love the Sabbath production, obviously Martin Birch, and the Queen albums; we want it to sound like Wytch Hazel, which it kind of always does, but we want it to also have that classic sort of quality.”

Colin describes his working relationship with Ed as “perfectionism amplified. We’re a good match but bad at the same time! It takes ages to get an album done, but if it’s going to be done we want to do it right.” The new studio looked promising: a converted Baptist chapel in rural Wales, chock full of vintage gear. However, with personal reasons forcing drummer Jack Spencer to step back from the band (subsequently departing in September 2022), Colin took on the additional laborious task of completing all the drums himself. As well as all the vocals, lyrics, lead guitar and drums to fret over, there were so many mysteriously blown cabs, amps and vocal cords you might suspect the Devil was trying to stop anyone else getting the best tunes. “I don’t know why we have such bad luck,” groans Colin. “Engineers were scratching their heads, like ‘how have you done this?!’”

Now Sacrament is finally offered - and sounds as fantastic as it does after all the blood, toil, tears and sweat - you might think Colin could finally bask in the glory of this resounding achievement, but he’s not even fully comfortable taking credit for his own songs. “When I listen back there are multiple times when I’m like, I don’t even know how this happened,” he ponders. “I know I wrote it, but I don’t feel complete ownership over them. It has that sense in which... there’s something else, and I’m a part of it.” On previous albums, specific influences were readily discernible, and although “Angel Of Light” tips a nod to ANGEL WITCH and “Endless Battle” nails the sweet spot between STEELEYE SPAN and JUDAS PRIEST, Sacrament’s ten songs zero in on a sound and style that’s all their own. With assertive, explosive earworms like “The Fire’s Control”, “Strong Heart” and “A Thousand Years” and the profound emotive magnetism of “Time And Doubt{, “Deliver Us” and “Digging Deeper”, WYTCH HAZEL revel in their distinctive ‘Wytch Hazelness’. Colin’s Christian faith continues to inform much of his lyrical outlook, but there’s a disarming openness and emotional force that might have you reaching for the Kleenex.

“It’s some of the most honest songwriting I’ve ever done,” Colin reflects, “and they come from a darker place, I think. I’m getting older, that comes through in some lyrics: ‘see my body breaking’, ‘I’m digging deeper’, ‘time’s running out...’ I struggle to see the positive a lot of the time, so the songs end up being negative, the subject matter coming from constant striving.” Among all the doomsayer tendencies, gorgeous sylvan acoustic strum “Future Is Gold” proclaims a radiant optimism, but it’s more hope in the eternal than an expectation of earthly improvement. “It’s rooted in scripture,” Colin explains, referencing the Book of Haggai: ‘the glories of this latter house will be greater than the former’. “I struggle to believe that half the time, with the state of the world, but who knows what level that is? Will the afterlife be better, when all suffering has ended, or is what we see as better not actually better? If things are always going comfortably, it isn’t always the best thing for us. An element of suffering is necessary.”

Suffering has clearly been necessary for the creation of the fourth WYTCH HAZEL album; let’s hope for Colin’s sake the next one requires a bit less. “I’ve blown my own mind a bit,” he concludes. “And even after all this painstaking work, I still feel like I’ve only scratched the surface of what we could be doing musically. I wish I could have a month to work on one song, and go on a tangent a bit. I will in the future, it’s going in the right direction. I’ll get to the stage when I can commit more time and do an odyssey or something!”

WYTCH HAZEL lineup:

Colin Hendra - Lead Vocals, Guitars, Piano, Organ & Drums
Alex Haslam – Guitars
Andrew Shackleton - Bass

Ed Turner - Mandolin & Mellotron

Recorded at StudiOwz, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Produced and mixed by Ed Turner
Engineered by Owain Fleetwood Jenkins
Mastered By Terry Waker at Tonalex

Photos by Sam Scott Hunter
Artwork & Layout Nathaniel Winter Herbert

IV: Sacrament track Listing:

1. “The Fire's Control”
2. “Angel of Light”
3. “Time And Doubt”
4. “Strong Heart”
5. “Deliver Us”
6. “A Thousand Years”
7. “Gold Light”
8. “Endless Battle”
9. ”Future Is Gold”
10.  “Digging Deeper”

IV Sacrament ordering details : https://wytchhazel.bandcamp.com/album/iv-sacrament

Bad Omen Records online: www.bad-omen-records.com & www.facebook.com/BadOmenRecords

WYTCH HAZEL online: https://wytchhazel.com & www.facebook.com/wytchhazel

NEWS BRIEFS

* 30 second teaser to new band featuring Dale Thompson, JAGGED DOCTRINE: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJyCUKqCfIU

* A new album from THE BRAVE is in the works per guitarist and lead vocalist Stayce Roberts (Facebook - June 11, 2023):

Our next album is coming along nicely. We have 10 songs locked in (listed below), but so many ideas. It won’t be Evie’s, Battle Cries, Trust, Rise or Gravedigger… but what I can say is I’ve never been more excited for one of our releases!

“The Fighter”
“When You Wake Up Dead”
“Breathe”
“The Witching Hour”
“When You Believe”
“Carnival of Sins”
“My Extraordinary Life”
“Knock, Knock”
“Lifeline”
“When You Believe”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

CRUCIBLE DIVINE Signs With Roxx Records:
Album Release: June 23, 2023

Press Release / Are you ready for a Righteous Crusade? The time is now, so let us begin. What do you get when band founder Raymond Christie coordinates his bands next release and it features the one and only Dale Thompson up front and center along with quite a few other amazingly talented musicians? You get the brand new release from CRUCIBLE DIVINE entitled Righteous Crusade.

CRUCIBLE DIVINE started out as a studio project in 2009 and derived the name from lyrics in Rob Rock’s song “Holy Hell”. The first song released was a cover of “Ramming Speed” for the Christian Metal Realm’s compilation Temporary Insanity: A Salute to Deliverance released in 2010. This paved the way to record the projects first full length album Commitment in 2011.

Reeling in from a bad record deal, CRUCIBLE DIVINE was put on hold. Fast forward to 2020. Nine years after laying dormant, Raymond decided to record one more song for release and then put CRUCIBLE DIVINE to rest for good. Raymond had seen a post from Dale Thompson offering vocals for hire. Contact was made and the song came to fruition. In December of 2020 the single “Secret Sins” was released. Dale really liked the song and suggested recording a full album. With the compliment and encouragement of an industry veteran and lead guitarist/song writer Kevin Wale, nine brand new songs were born. CRUCIBLE DIVINE now has a new fire to continue making music for the masses!

Roxx Records is excited to announce the latest release from CRUCIBLE DIVINE. This time it’s a star studded affair and they’re ready to shake the foundation as they bring you a Righteous Crusade.

Today we are excited to debut the brand new album cover and the brand new single “Victim Of Society” featuring Timothy Gaines (ex STRYPER).

Previously released first Single “Secret Sins”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxJGDivgaWs

Righteous Crusade track listing:

1. “Victory Chant”
2. “No One Like You Left”
3. “Free To Love”
4. “Righteous Crusade”
5. “No Compromise”
6. “Breaking The Silence”
7. “Secret Sins”
8. “Once Again”
9. “Victim Of Society”
10. “I Am Not Ashamed”

Righteous Crusade pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/crucible-divine-righteous-crusade-cd-2023-ffo-bride-stryper

CRUCIBLE DIVINE online: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057128577295

STAIRWAY, No Rest: No Mercy 30th Anniversary Edition Re-issue On Roxx Records:
Album Release: June 23, 2023

Press Release / Roxx Records has teamed up with UK Christian rockers STAIRWAY to release the definitive and very special 30th anniversary edition of No Rest: No Mercy.

STAIRWAY was founded in October 1978 at beginning of the NWOBHM era, and has released six full length albums to date. The band was signed in 1990 by Kingsway Music as part of the 1991 White Metal Records compilation CD White Metal Warriors and recorded two tracks, “Anybody There” and “Walk Away” exclusively for that album.

The bands debut album for Kingsway Music on the Edge Records label, No Rest: No Mercy, would be released in 1993, and produced by Paul Hodson (HARD RAIN, BOB CATLEY), hailed the band's International popularity and saw it's debut chart entry in the Japanese Import Charts at #48. This is the album that started it all for STAIRWAY and is still in high demand today.

Which led to the only repressing up to this point in 2005 when Retroactive Records would re-release the No Rest: No Mercy as a Limited Edition CD including the bonus track “Anybody There?”, which was originally released on the White Metal Warriors compilation. This pressing was released in 2005 and has also been long out of print and difficult to find.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of this classic release and Roxx Records is going to celebrate this significant piece of Christian metal history with STAIRWAY by re-mastering and reissuing No Rest: No Mercy - 30th Anniversary Edition (1993-2023) edition re-mastered and expanded to become the definitive edition of this classic release. This special edition will also mark the very first time this album has been released on vinyl and limited to only 200 copies AND it will include both bonus tracks from White Metal Warriors, “Anyboby There?” and “Walk Away plus 3 previously unreleased live tracks.

Stay tuned as pre orders go live this Friday June 2nd with a release date of June 23rd 2023 and you wont want to miss the sale for the first 24 hours as we do something we have not done before!

No Rest: No Mercy track listing:

1. “Battle Of Heaven”
2. “Spirit Of Guilt”
3. “Bondage”
4. “Meet The Maker”
5. “Fly With The Spirit”
6. “Sweetest Song”
7. “The Great Whore Of Babylon”
8. “Walk Away”
9. “Black Be The Night”
10. “Keep The Fires Burning”
11. “Souls Of Zion”
12. “The Great Whore of Babylon (Revisited)”
13. “Anybody There?” (White Metal Warriors bonus track)
14. “Walk Away” (White Metal Warriors bonus track)
15. “Meet The Maker” (unreleased live bonus track)
16. “Fly With The Spirit” (unreleased live bonus track)
17. “Walk Away” (unreleased live bonus track)

No Rest: No Mercy vinyl pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/stairway-no-rest-no-mercy-30th-anniversary-1993-2023-lp

No Rest: No Mercy CD pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/stairway-no-rest-no-mercy-30th-anniversary-1993-2023-cd

STAIRWAY online: www.stairwayonline.co.uk & www.facebook.com/stairwaytheband

NEWS BRIEFS

* “This Day”, new single from DARKHORSE HERO: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wK2vnTloyCs

* Previously unreleased videos OF MERCY RULE songs “Cities Are Burnin’” and “Run Cecelia”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_ESPmg5gjg & www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsGy2AQE280

You can also read an online interview with MERCY RULE at Heaven’s Metal Magazine: https://heavensmetalmagazine.com/index.php/2023/05/24/mercy-rule-interview

* Update from vocalist Christian Liljegren regarding forthcoming FLAMES OF FIRE album, Our Blessed Hope (Facebook - May 30, 2023:):

“FlamesOfFire has been working on the sequel to the debut album over the past year.  The album will be called Our Blessed Hope.  What is our blessed hope?  The answer is Jesus Christ!

“No king, president or politician can give you that hope today only Jesus, God the Creator himself became human and made it possible for you and me, and the promises are in the Bible.  We have free will, its up to you and me if we like to receive it or not.  I believe and Jesus is by far the best things in my life.  No old dogma, a living relationship around the clock.  Living Water from the Father fills my body.

“This is what the content of the lyrics is all about, and the music is absolutely fantastic hard rock and heavy metal at its best, so (I am) happy with these songs  The plan is for the album to come in Advent time because we are in the waiting time since the Ascension of Christ where the promise is so clear in Acts 1:11.  2nd advent of Christ.
 
“I've made over 40 albums but never has an album been so uplifting in the promises in the Bible as this when Jesus is mine and our blessed hope in a time like this for mankind when he is God and King of Kings.  Those who know me know I love singing about the King of Kings and more kings songs to come.”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

DENY THE FALLEN Signs With Roxx Records:

Press Release  / In our quest to bring you the best in Christian Metal today and classic releases from yesteryear, we get stoked when those two meld together! We are excited to be bringing you, not one but two, brand new EP’s from DENY THE FALLEN. 

DENY THE FALLEN is the brainchild of guitarist Jonathan Johnson with vocals from Rey Parra. That’s right DENY THE FALLEN consists of two members of one of Christian Metals most iconic bands, SACRED WARRIOR. 

DENY THE FALLEN stands out on their own, melding some of that classic power metal feel with some slight modern twists and turns along the way.  With their sophomore effort we get more of their great brand of metal, and even a couple fun and killer cover tunes. Just listen to this smokin sample of a classic STRYPER tune heading your way: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yRLhL7fPe8

 In addition we are thrilled to share the final cover art for the new DENY THE FALLEN EP entitled Echo Chamber, which is officially scheduled for a mid July release just in time for Immortal Fest!  Echo Chamber cover art was completed by artist Rafael Tavares Gripp, who really knocked it out of the park with this artwork!

Get ready as this summer heats up and Roxx Records prepares to bring you the first of two killer new EPs from DENY THE FALLEN!

Further details from Jonathan Johnson (Facebook - May 15, 2023):

“So as we prepare to button up the next Deny The Fallen (EP) for release in July, I'm thrilled with how it sounds! As producer I set my sights and standards incredibly high for the production quality of this release. I didn't want it to compare with top Christian rock/metal albums. I wanted it to not only compete but equal the productions of bands like Alterbridge, Tremonti, Sevendust etc.. That all have polished, big high end productions. I'm thrilled to say I believe it stands right with all of them sonically.

“The feedback I've received from folks in the industry that have heard some of the progress along the way has been how huge and high end the production is. Raw and polished at the same time. This excites me because I love producing as much as I love writing and performing. I CAN"T WAIT for everyone to hear this record! We've got some AMAZING news coming in the next day or 2 so stay tuned! Also I'm heading to Florida this week to button up the last bit of vocal tracking with Rey Parra to finish this thing up so keep us in your prayers if you would. DENY THE FALLEN- ECHO CHAMBER coming soon!”

Roxx Records online: https://roxxrecords.com & www.facebook.com/RoxxRecords777

DENY THE FALLEN online: www.facebook.com/DenyTheFallenBand

NEW Lyric Video From SWINGLE & THOMPSON ORDAINED, “Break Neck Speed”:

Press Release / Randy Swingle and Dale Thompson are at it again, and this time they are kicking off 2023 with the much anticipated February 10 third release for Roxx Records. This time the band takes you on one of their heaviest journeys to date with When 2 Worlds Collide.

Dale Thompson is back at the helm fronting this new release with power and emotion, coupled with some of the best instrumentation and music courtesy of Randy Swingle. Thirteen brand new, blistering tunes, get ready for another killer release that will be on your radar and in your players throughout 2023 and beyond.

When 2 Worlds Collide is being released in follow up to the groups 2020 debut The Thunder That Rocks The World and sophomore effort from 2021, Firestorm (both also on Roxx Records).

A lyric video to the most recent single from the album, “Break Neck Speed”, can be viewed above.  Debut single “Hail With Blue Flamez” was released earlier in the year: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEw6pFNKgeg

Pressing Information: Jewel case edition, Limited Edition 300 piece pressing, 12 page booklet, lyrics, liners, new album design

When 2 Worlds Collide track listing:

1. “Hail With Blue Flamez!”
2. “Break Neck Speed”
3. “When 2 Worlds Collide”
4. “Fierce Windz”
5. “Storm The Gatez Of Heaven, Smash The Gatez Of Hell”
6. “Heavenz Brightness”
7. “Playing With Fire”
8. “Dynamite Fire Power”
9. “Dangers Edge!”
10. “Lightning Strikes!”
11. “Love Is Stronger Than Death”
12. “Beyond The Starz”
13. “Rivers Of Brightness”

When 2 Worlds Collide ordering details: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/swingle-and-thompson-ordained-when-2-worlds-collide-2023-cd-ffo-bride-stryper

SWINGLE & THOMPSON ORDAINED online: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063800912939

NEWS BRIEFS

* Blue Light Gaze”, lyric video from PJ BOSTIC: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj26um4z-Xc

The song comes off the artist’s 2021 fourth album Faith Of Least Resistance.

* New video from WHITECROSS, “Fear No Evil”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0BLff9heAI

* New Album Update From LEAH (via e-mail on May 16, 2023):

“It's getting exciting! Within the next month, my album will be all wrapped up and sent to mixing and mastering!  So far, I can confirm the main album will have 12 songs with a running time of just under 60 minutes!

“But I also have several other non-metal versions of these songs that are completely re-arranged for this purpose (we don't just mute guitars & drums!). So, it will likely be a double disc album.  This will be my first time doing something like this, so it's going to be a lot of fun.

“And that leads me to the next exciting thing: I have started planning the crowd funding campaign!”

 

FEATURED REVIEWS

BRIDE - Eyes Wide Open (EP)
Bride has spent the better part of its five decade, sixteen-studio album career situated at the intersection of straightforward heavy metal and blues based hard rock.  Read Full Review >>

BRIDE - Are You Awake
Bride has long ranked among the standard-bearers within the blues based hard rock community, and that’s still true today.  Read Full Review >>

CHOSEN STRANGER - Chosen Stranger
Chosen Stranger more than holds its own in the eighties melodic metal and hard rock segments.  Read Full Review >>

DEFECTOR - Fire By Night
The redesigned Millennial Reign debut full length, re-issued on Roxx Records in February of 2023 under the Defector heading and re-titled Fire By Night, is light years better than its original self-titled version.  Read Full Review >>

NARNIA - Ghost Town
In the world of melodic power metal, Sweden’s Narnia ranks among the best, thanks to its catchy songwriting, vibrant vocals and superb musicianship.  Read Full Review >>

PROPHECY - Kingdoms
Prophecy initially impresses as yet another eighties melodic metal and hard rock band, but go beneath the surface and you will find more than meets the eye to the Tucson, Arizona five piece in the form of the progressive, symphonic and power metal nuances to imbue its sound.  Read Full Review >>

SUNROAD - Walking The Hemispheres
The current version to Sunroad is a complete transformation compared to its earliest incarnation.  Read Full Review >>

VULTURES GATHERING - The Hunt
Vultures Gathering takes the Swedish, Gothenburg scenes melody and sounds, and injects them into a straightforward to Gothic to progressive metal framework on its Roxx Records spring of 2023 debut full length The Hunt.  Read Full Review >>

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

New Single From WYTCH HAZEL, “Strong Heart”:

Press Release / For many all-time-great rock bands in the ascendant, the fourth album is often the point where youthful years of febrile creativity and progressive momentum culminate in a masterwork for the ages, setting the seal on an early signature sound while opening it up to future possibilities. From enchanting 2016 debut Prelude, through 2018’s assured II: Sojourn, to 2020’s wizardly III: Pentecost, each WYTCH HAZEL album has embodied that old-fashioned notion of unstoppable progress, and the glittering treasure chest that is IV: Sacrament proves eminently worthy of rising to the toughest challenge. Not just the Lancashire quartet’s most classically beautiful production, but their strongest yet front-to-back collection of affecting hooks and ageless melodies.

A video to the second single from the album, “Strong Heart”, can be viewed above.  Debut single “Angel Of Light” was released on April 2, 2023: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE3nTaafv8w

A very tough challenge it was, too; records this good don’t get banged out willy-nilly, and Jimmy Page, Ian Anderson and Freddie Mercury didn’t have to fit recordings in between day jobs and school runs. “This album has been a trial,” sighs founding singer/guitarist Colin Hendra with his head in his hands, his voice full of cold. “It’s been a tough few years for everyone, which plays into it, but it was exhausting. Working full time, trying to be a dad and husband, running the band, writing the albums - and being a complete control freak about every  aspect of the process...” Colin breaks off and chuckles at his Eeyorish approach to album promotion. “But there’s no gain without pain!”

The triumphs and tragedies are written all over IV: Sacrament. Working closely again with regular producer Ed Turner, Colin’s God-given gift for diamond songwriting has been enhanced to majestic proportions with Ed’s Roy Thomas Baker doozy of a production job, his expressive sonic trickery sublimely underscoring the varied musical moods. “Me and Ed like the same albums, so we’re singing from the same hymn sheet every time,” enthuses Colin. “We love the Sabbath production, obviously Martin Birch, and the Queen albums; we want it to sound like Wytch Hazel, which it kind of always does, but we want it to also have that classic sort of quality.”

Colin describes his working relationship with Ed as “perfectionism amplified. We’re a good match but bad at the same time! It takes ages to get an album done, but if it’s going to be done we want to do it right.” The new studio looked promising: a converted Baptist chapel in rural Wales, chock full of vintage gear. However, with personal reasons forcing drummer Jack Spencer to step back from the band (subsequently departing in September 2022), Colin took on the additional laborious task of completing all the drums himself. As well as all the vocals, lyrics, lead guitar and drums to fret over, there were so many mysteriously blown cabs, amps and vocal cords you might suspect the Devil was trying to stop anyone else getting the best tunes. “I don’t know why we have such bad luck,” groans Colin. “Engineers were scratching their heads, like ‘how have you done this?!’”

Now Sacrament is finally offered - and sounds as fantastic as it does after all the blood, toil, tears and sweat - you might think Colin could finally bask in the glory of this resounding achievement, but he’s not even fully comfortable taking credit for his own songs. “When I listen back there are multiple times when I’m like, I don’t even know how this happened,” he ponders. “I know I wrote it, but I don’t feel complete ownership over them. It has that sense in which... there’s something else, and I’m a part of it.” On previous albums, specific influences were readily discernible, and although “Angel Of Light” tips a nod to ANGEL WITCH and “Endless Battle” nails the sweet spot between STEELEYE SPAN and JUDAS PRIEST, Sacrament’s ten songs zero in on a sound and style that’s all their own. With assertive, explosive earworms like “The Fire’s Control”, “Strong Heart” and “A Thousand Years” and the profound emotive magnetism of “Time And Doubt{, “Deliver Us” and “Digging Deeper”, WYTCH HAZEL revel in their distinctive ‘Wytch Hazelness’. Colin’s Christian faith continues to inform much of his lyrical outlook, but there’s a disarming openness and emotional force that might have you reaching for the Kleenex.

“It’s some of the most honest songwriting I’ve ever done,” Colin reflects, “and they come from a darker place, I think. I’m getting older, that comes through in some lyrics: ‘see my body breaking’, ‘I’m digging deeper’, ‘time’s running out...’ I struggle to see the positive a lot of the time, so the songs end up being negative, the subject matter coming from constant striving.” Among all the doomsayer tendencies, gorgeous sylvan acoustic strum “Future Is Gold” proclaims a radiant optimism, but it’s more hope in the eternal than an expectation of earthly improvement. “It’s rooted in scripture,” Colin explains, referencing the Book of Haggai: ‘the glories of this latter house will be greater than the former’. “I struggle to believe that half the time, with the state of the world, but who knows what level that is? Will the afterlife be better, when all suffering has ended, or is what we see as better not actually better? If things are always going comfortably, it isn’t always the best thing for us. An element of suffering is necessary.”

Suffering has clearly been necessary for the creation of the fourth WYTCH HAZEL album; let’s hope for Colin’s sake the next one requires a bit less. “I’ve blown my own mind a bit,” he concludes. “And even after all this painstaking work, I still feel like I’ve only scratched the surface of what we could be doing musically. I wish I could have a month to work on one song, and go on a tangent a bit. I will in the future, it’s going in the right direction. I’ll get to the stage when I can commit more time and do an odyssey or something!”

WYTCH HAZEL lineup:

Colin Hendra - Lead Vocals, Guitars, Piano, Organ & Drums
Alex Haslam – Guitars
Andrew Shackleton - Bass

Ed Turner - Mandolin & Mellotron

Recorded at StudiOwz, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Produced and mixed by Ed Turner
Engineered by Owain Fleetwood Jenkins
Mastered By Terry Waker at Tonalex

Photos by Sam Scott Hunter
Artwork & Layout Nathaniel Winter Herbert

IV: Sacrament track Listing:

1. “The Fire's Control”
2. “Angel of Light”
3. “Time And Doubt”
4. “Strong Heart”
5. “Deliver Us”
6. “A Thousand Years”
7. “Gold Light”
8. “Endless Battle”
9. ”Future Is Gold”
10.  “Digging Deeper”

IV: Sacrament pre-order: https://wytchhazel.bandcamp.com/album/iv-sacrament

Bad Omen Records online: www.bad-omen-records.com & www.facebook.com/BadOmenRecords

WYTCH HAZEL online: https://wytchhazel.com & www.facebook.com/wytchhazel

NEWS BRIEFS

* JOSHUA’S CREED completed work on its sophomore album, The American Dream.  The group released a video sampler of the ten songs appearing on the album: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vli3qTLBvEg

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

SHINING FORCE Signs With Roxx Records:

Press Release / SHINING FORCE hailing from the Houston Texas area began way back in 1995 and has been rocking hard for over 25 years. But this release is a little extra special, we will have lots of surprises on the way for this one. Including an excellent guest singer that absolutely 'Rips'

Spiritual Warfare also features exciting new artwork designed by Raphael Tavares Gripp. Roxx Records is very excited to be working with SHINING FORCE and we can't wait to unveil more as we get closer to releasing Spiritual Warfare so stay tuned more exciting news to come.

Founding member and guitarist Billy G. Vaughn Sr. comments further (Facebook - May 3, 2023):

“Yes it's true Shining Force is now part of the Roxx Record family. We are excited to announce this new CD that will be coming out this year on the Roxx Label. We have a special guest singer with the name that Ripps (hint) that will be doing one song on our CD. Abel Molano, myself and our drummer Ernie Lopez have been in the studio recording. With Chris Tooke the new guitarist heads to the studio next. The other members will be heading there soon as well. We want to give you the best CD possible.  Be watching for this CD coming soon.”

Roxx Records online: https://roxxrecords.com & www.facebook.com/RoxxRecords777

SHINING FORCE online: www.facebook.com/shiningforceband1

New Single From SWEET & LYNCH, “Leaving It All Behind”:
Courtsey of www.blabbermouth.net:

SWEET & LYNCH, the musical union of guitarist/vocalist Michael Sweet (STRYPER) and legendary guitarist George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB),will release its third album, Heart & Sacrifice, on May 19 via Frontiers Music Srl. The combination of Sweet's powerful, high-octane vocals and Lynch's immediately recognizable guitar heroics once again prove to be an unbeatable combination sure to please the hard rock faithful.

The official music video for the third single from the album, "Leaving It All Behind", can be seen above.

Alessandro Del Vecchio, who co-produced this release with Sweet, plays bass on the album, while Jelly Cardarelli (LALU) plays drums.

Sweet says: "I'm very pleased with the outcome of the new SWEET & LYNCH album, Heart & Sacrifice. It's diverse, complex and flows beautifully. Every song has something to say in its own unique way. George has always been one of my favorite players and it's an honor to work with him again. It's also an absolute pleasure working with Alessandro. We're able to bring all our own contributions and contribute to create an amazing set of songs and I couldn't be happier with the results. Get ready for Heart & Sacrifice!"

SWEET & LYNCH, which has yet to play a single concert, first emerged with its debut album, Only To Rise, in 2015. The album cracked the Billboard 200 and came in at No. 6 on the Top Hard Rock Albums, No. 17 on Independent Albums, No. 18 on Top Rock Albums, and No. 4 on Christian Albums charts. SWEET & LYNCH's sophomore album, Unified, followed in 2017, landing at No. 53 on Top Current Albums, No. 13 on Top Current Rock Albums, and No. 8 on Record Label Independent Current Albums. While plans for a third album were always on the table, the project went on a slight hiatus while the guys concentrated on their other musical endeavors. 2022 proved to be the year where the creative juices for SWEET & LYNCH began to flow again and work on what would ultimately become Heart & Sacrifice began.

In a recent interview with the "Scars And Guitars" podcast, Sweet stated about Heart & Sacrifice: "(It's got a) killer cover. When everyone sees the artwork, I think they're gonna love it. It's dark, but it says a lot; really cool. And the album itself went through some periods of change. In other words, George submitted a bunch of songs, and a couple of 'em weren't quite right, and we had to get some more songs submitted. We went and recorded the album, and then we wound up re-recording some other songs to add to it to make the album better. And the stage that it's in now is fantastic. It's really, I think, the strongest SWEET & LYNCH album."

Regarding the overall sound of the new SWEET & LYNCH LP, Michael said: "It's a little darker musically - not much; just a little bit. And a little heavier - like some of the songs are tuned way down; the guitar has a nice heavy feel to it. And I just love the feel of it. It's a little bit more, for lack of an explanation, a little bit more '90s than it is '80s. A little more '70s and '90s than it is '80s. But then you also hear the '80s flair. George is killing it on guitar. I kept trying to pull that out of him. Like he'd send a song where the solo was simplified, and I'd say, 'Dude, people wanna hear you tear it up. Just burn. Give 'em George - George Lynch.' And he'd submit a new solo, and it's, like, 'There it is. Just bring in the fire and the heat.'"

He added: "So I think this album is gonna really please people; they're gonna be pleasantly surprised and hopefully blown away."

Five years ago, Michael expressed his frustration about SWEET & LYNCH's lack of activity, telling the "Focus On Metal" podcast: "I've gotten to the point with SWEET & LYNCH where I'm almost sensing and feeling like maybe it's run its course. We did two albums. I talked about doing a third and a fourth and a fifth, but there is kind of no point to it if we don't tour. We really should be touring and playing those songs live. It's kind of pointless, after a while, if you're not doing that."

Sweet said in the aforementioned 2018 interview that another reason SWEET & LYNCH hadn't played any gigs is the fact that the LYNCH MOB leader and former DOKKEN guitarist "has his hands in so many different things. When the first album came out and the second album came out, I promoted the snot out of 'em and was really pushing, pushing, pushing, pushing," he said. "George didn't do a lot of promoting and a lot of pushing with those albums. It gets to be exhausting for me when I feel like I'm the only guy really pushing it. And that's not to take anything away from George - it's just a fact. It's a simple fact that I'm stating in saying that that becomes an issue.

"I'm one of those guys where I want everybody in the band pushing and promoting equally as much, as they should be," he continued. "Or why are you doing it? So I'm at that stage right now where I'm just kind of feeling like the fire is kind of dwindling. I don't want it to - I wanna pour some gasoline on the fire and ignite it again. Maybe that'll happen, but it's quite possible that it won't."

Sweet helms the Grammy-nominated Christian hard rock outfit STRYPER, which he co-founded more than 35 years ago, as the band's vocalist, guitarist, and main songwriter. To date, the band has more than 10 million career album sales worldwide. The venerable band ascended to prominence in the 1980s with Billboard Top 40-charting singles like "Calling On You", "Honestly" and "Always There For You" and has in more recent years enjoyed an unparalleled career renaissance, delivering arguably the best albums of their storied career, including 2022's The Final Battle.

Michael has released multiple solo albums, including a self-titled release in 1994, which yielded five No. 1 singles, "Truth" in 2000, the critically acclaimed 2015 project I'm Not Your Suicide (which peaked at No. 10 on Billboard's Hard Rock albums),and 2019's Ten, which reached No. 4 on Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart. He recently partnered with Joel Hoekstra (WHITESNAKE),Nathan James (INGLORIOUS),Marco Mendoza (THIN LIZZY, WHITESNAKE) and Tommy Aldridge (WHITESNAKE, OZZY OSBOURNE) in the supergroup ICONIC, which was greeted with much adoration by rock fans around the globe.

Lynch emerged from the '80s hard rock scene with the L.A. based group DOKKEN and went on to become a world-renowned guitarist. Aside from DOKKEN, he also enjoyed great success with LYNCH MOB, the group he founded after leaving DOKKEN.

Lynch has gone on to become a prolific (that is an understatement, to say the least) music creator, continuing with LYNCH MOB, releasing solo albums, and a wealth of collaborative efforts over the decades. Those include, but are not limited to, KXM with Doug Pinnick (KING'S X) and Ray Luzier (KORN),THE END MACHINE with Jeff Pilson (FOREIGNER, ex-DOKKEN), Mick Brown (ex-DOKKEN),and Robert Mason (WARRANT),SWEET & LYNCH with Michael Sweet (STRYPER),ULTRAPHONIX with Corey Glover (LIVING COLOUR),DIRTY SHIRLEY with Dino Jelusick (ANIMAL DRIVE, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA),and THE BANISHMENT with Joe Haze.

Heart & Sacrifice track listing:

1. “Heart & Sacrifice”
2. “Where I Have To Go”
3. “Miracle”
4. “Leave It All Behind”
5. “You'll Never Be Alone”
6. “After All Is Said And Done”
7. “Give Up The Night”
8. “Will It Ever Change”
9. “It's Time To Believe”
10. “Every Day”
11. “It Rains Again”
12. “World Full Of Lies”

Heart & Sacrifice recording lineup:

Michael Sweet - Lead Vocals & Guitars
George Lynch - Lead Guitars
Alessandro Del Vecchio - Bass
Jelly Cardarelli - Drums

Produced by: Michael Sweet and Alessandro Del Vecchio
Executive producer/A&R: Serafino Perugino

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

SWEET & LYNCH online: www.facebook.com/SweetLynch

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

DYNASTY OF METAL To Release Covers Album Back To The Past On Roxx Records:
Album Release: May 26, 2023

Press Release / Coming to us all the way from the beautiful country of Brazil, Roxx Records welcomes one of the best power metal bands from the country. We are very excited to be releasing the brand new, but I guess you can say old, album from DYNASTY OF METAL.

DYNASTY OF METAL formed in 1996 and has been putting out the most excellent power metal in the land for over 20 years now. With this brand new album the band pays homage to all those bands who influenced them through all these years.

Back To The Past is a collection of some of the most amazing cover songs you have ever heard. Paying tribute to the likes of STRYPER, DELIVERANCE, SACRED WARRIOR and so many more this is the most beautiful tribute album you will ever hear.

Back To The Past track listing:
 
1. “Beat The System” (PETRA)
2. “The Rock That Makes Me Roll” (STRYPER)
3. “Only Yesterday” (JOSHUA)
4. “He Died” (SACRED WARRIOR)
5. “Too Late For Living” (SAINT)
6. “Lost Soldier” (RECON)
7. “Ark Of Suffering” (TOURNIQUET)
8. “Weapons Of Our Warfare” (DELIVERANCE)
9. “Out Of Love (BLOODGOOD)
10. “Psychedelic Super Jesus” (BRIDE)
11. “Without Your Love” (WHITECROSS)
12. “No Time To Run” (BARREN CROSS)
13. “Eye Of Hurricane” (IMPELLITTERI)
14. “Long Live The King” (NARNIA)
15. “Web Of Fire” (MORTIFICATION)
16. “Boanerges” (BOANERGES)
17. "Everlasting Life" (new track)

Back To The Past pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/dynasty-of-metal-back-to-the-past-cd-2023-ffo-stryper-bloodgood-more

DYNASTY OF METAL online: www.facebook.com/DynastyofMetal

Roxx Records Announce MERCY RULE Overruled Re-issue:
Album Release: May 26, 2023

Press Release / Well Roxx Records has gone and done it again, one title we hear all the time needing a re-master and a reissue was the classic album Overruled by MERCY RULE. Well guess what, we’ve gone and done it! Working with the band we have been able to cultivate all the music and some early demos and got Bombworks Sound on the job! So what did Rob Colwell of Bombworks do? He made this thing sound killer! Add in there is a classic new layout and design with some slight updates to the original cover courtesy of Scott Waters of NoLifeTilMetal Graphics and we have one killer limited edition reissue coming your way!

MERCY RULE Overruled was released back in 1989 on vinyl, CD and cassette through R.E.X. Music.  But prior to that the bands debut release was actually a 4 track cassette only demo back in 1987, which caught the eyes of Regency Records, who subsequently would add the track “Cities Are Burning” to the 1988 classic metal compilation Underground Metal.   It is impossible to find a copy of that long out of print album at a decent price these days, so you will want to score one of these while you can!

MERCY RULE Overruled will have a limited edition vinyl release as a part of the ‘Roxx 100 Series’ containing all the original tracks from Overruled plus the bonus track Cities Are Burning from Underground Metal. As well, a limited edition CD pressing fully re-mastered and including all the bonus tracks discussed above! That’s right you will get the original 4 track demo and “Cities Are Burning” fully re-mastered for your maximum listening pleasure.

Check out the just released re-mastered version of “You Lied To Me” and get ready to rock as pre-orders for MERCY RULE Overruled launch this Friday April 28th at 7am PST, with a release date of May 26th on limited edition vinyl and CD.

Overruled track listing:

1. “You Lied To Me”
2. “Cecilia”
3. “Real Love”
4. “Lonely Heart”
5. “Don't Cha Know”
6. “Black and White”
7. “Prodigal”
8. “If You Only Knew”
9. “There's A Love”
10. “Stand Up On The Rock”
11. “Cities Are Burning” (Underground Metal bonus track)
12. “Cities Are Burning” (CD demo bonus track)
13. “You Lied To Me” (CD demo bonus track)
14. “Cecilia” (CD demo bonus track)
15. “Lonely Heart” (CD demo bonus track)

Overruled CD pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/mercy-rule-overruled-cd-brand-new-remastered-and-expanded-2023

Overruled vinyl pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/mercy-rule-overruled-lp-remastered-expanded-2023

Overruled CD & vinyl pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/mercy-rule-overruled-cd-lp-limited-bundle-pack

PRETERIST, Blood Moon Rising CD Re-release On Roxx Records:
Album Release: May 26, 2023

Press Release / Roxx Records is excited to announce this latest release coming to us all the way from Finland.

PRETERIST is an amazing new progressive rock/metal act that released their debut album Blood Moon Rising digitally at the end of 2022, although it did not get the fanfare it deserved. So we are re-releasing this one on May 26, 2023 on a much grander scale. Radio campaigns and media are launching now and this album sounds amazing as evident when you listen to the first single we’re servicing which is also the title track from their album Blood Moon Rising check it out above.

Then get prepared as we release a very limited edition CD of this amazing new release. Limited to only 300 copies and presales will launch this Friday April 28th with a release date of May 26th! Are you ready for this one?

Blood Moon Rising track listing:

1. “To The Holy Mountain”
2. “They Are Already Here”
3. “Higher”
4. “Blood Moon Rising”
5. “This Body Of Death”
6. “Free People Of The World”
7. “Power Of My Mind”
8. “No More Rebellion”
9. “Fire”
10. “Anomaly”
11. “Dying Star”  
12. “More Than This”

PRETERIST lineup:

Simon Kok - Lead Vocals, Keyboards & Drums
Carl Johan Grimmark - Guitars
Egon Veevo - Bass

Blood Moon Rising CD pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/preterist-blood-moon-rising-cd-2023-ffo-blind-guardian-theocracy-etc

PRETERIST online: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100073545857792

NEWS BRIEFS

* New single from DARKHORSE HERO, “Fire In The Night”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGi5y9YwAVs

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

Chapter IV: The Reckoning, Fourth SIGNUM REGIS Album Scheduled For Digital Release On Ulterium Records:
Album Release: May 19, 2023

The melodic metal band SIGNUM REGIS will release a new version of their fourth album Chapter IV: The Reckoning in digital format on May 19, 2023 via Ulterium Records. The album is remixed and re-mastered by Jacob Hansen (VOLBEAT, EVERGREY, AMARANTHE) and features lead vocals by the current SIGNUM REGIS vocalist Jota Fortinho.

"When Freedom Fails (Version 2023)", the first single from the album is available on all digital outlets.

SIGNUM REGIS bassist Ronnie König:

"Chapter IV: The Reckoning has been our best selling album. Despite the success we felt like the full sonic and production potential was not reached when we released it in 2015. They say it's never too late to make things right, so after 8 years since the release we are releasing a new version of this album that we are really excited about. It's not just a re-master. The songs were re-recorded to a large degree. The drums are completely re-recorded, some other instrumental parts too and the big thing are the vocals as our current singer Jota Fortinho recorded his takes of the vocals. Some songs sounds so fresh now, that they will not only energize new fans but also the fans of the old release. But don't worry! Mayo Petranin who was the lead singer back then is still a part of this re-release. Many of his backing vocals are used in this version and there will also be a special version of this album with his lead vocals released at a later stage."

Chapter IV: The Reckoning (Version 2023) track listing:

1. “Lost And Found”
2. “The Secret Of The Sea”
3. “The Voice In The Wilderness”
4. “Prophet Of Doom”
5. “The Magi”
6. “Quitters Never Win”
7. “Tempter Of Evil”
8. “When Freedom Fails”
9. “The Kingdom Of Heaven”
10. “Bells Are Tolling”

Ulterium Records online: www.ulterium-records.com & www.facebook.com/ulteriumrecords  
SIGNUM REGIS online www.signum-regis.com & www.facebook.com/signum.regis

Roxx Records Announces SOLDIERS OF LIGHT, Where Are You Going & Defenders:
Album Release: May 12, 2023

Press Release / Roxx Records is always searching for those long lost gems of Christian hard rock and metal and this time we found one you have never heard before.  Where Are You Going and Defenders from SOLDIERS OF LIGHT were recorded by an artist you are familiar with, but these songs from both projects have never been officially released in ANY format, until now.

So get ready as we proudly present you with not one, but two, brand new previously unreleased albums by SOLDIERS OF LIGHT!

SOLDIERS OF LIGHT is the brainchild of Shane Freeman, who you may recall fronted the band STUTZ in the late 70’s to early 80’s as well as fronting two much loved albums from MICHAEL that we released over the past few years, The Battle Rages On and II.

We are very excited to bring you BOTH of these full length projects on Limited Edition CD. Defenders and Where Are You Going will both be released on May 12th and limited to only 300 copies of each of these very special and limited releases. Get in early for a very special pre order price you wont want to miss out on!

The track “Defenders” can be streamed above.

Defenders track listing:

1. “Where’s The Trust”
2. “Shake My Heart”
3. “It’s Your Life”  
4. “Love Is The Key”  
5. “Give It All For You”  
6. “Madness”  
7. “Baby I’m Gonna Love You”  
8. “Follow Me”  
9. “Jesus Is Truth”  
10. “Hangin’”  
11. “This Is Now”  
12. “Defenders”

Where Are You Going track listing:

1. “You And Me”
2. “When You Cry”
3. “Now I Know”  
4. “Deceived”  
5. “My Heart’s Flyin’”  
6. “War”  
7.”Tattooed For Death”  
8. “You’re The One”  
9. “You Need Love”  
10. “Together We Will Ride”

Defenders pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/soldiers-of-light-defenders-cd-2023-never-before-released-classic-metal

Where Are You Going pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/soldiers-of-light-where-are-you-going-cd-2023-never-before-released-classic-metal

NEWS BRIEFS

* FAITH FACTOR 2008 debut album Against A Darkened Sky is set for vinyl re-issue via Along Records on May 29, 2023.

Against A Darkened Sky black vinyl pre-order: https://alone.gr/shop/product/faith-factor-against-a-darkened-sky-lp-black-vinyl

Against A Darkened Sky white vinyl pre-order: https://alone.gr/shop/product/faith-factor-against-a-darkened-sky-lp-white-vinyl

* “A Thousand Years”, new single from WYTCH HAZEL: www.youtube.com/watch?v=u94b50qlNfY

The song is slated to appear on the group’s fourth album IV: Sacrament, which is scheduled for a June 2, 2023 release on Bad Omen Records.

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

Retroactive Records Announce New BRIDE Album, Are You Awake:
Album Release: May 19, 2023

A few of the great albums are so crisp, so tight, and filled with so many great riffs they make fans think of them as greatest hits albums.  BOSTON’s debut, METALLICA’s Black Album, DELIVERANCE’s Learn, BLACK SABBATH’s Paranoid, and LED ZEPPELIN’s IV come to mind.  BRIDE already had an album like that - one that stormed into the hearts of fans with reckless abandon - it was called Snakes In the Playground.  These albums are simply so good in every way, people think of them as a greatest hits collection - even though they are cohesive rock masterpieces.

Are You Awake is one of those iconic albums with one hit after another. 12 tracks in all - fans will be treated to a Greatest Hits package of all new BRIDE songs! This is the band fans have come to know and love, but these songs, these tracks, these lyrics, these riffs, these unrelenting vocals - they are such masterpieces, we don’t want to compare them to any previous BRIDE albums (a first, right!).   Many wondered if BRIDE had peaked with Here Is Your God (2020), as it was hard to imagine the band growing and improving on such a perfect album, yet Are You Awake shows fans the artistic creativity of Bride is a never ending stream of God-given talent. 

Available on CD (Silver and GoldMax), blue cassette, and black vinyl - and check all the listings and bundles for details - a classic album like this should be revered and celebrated. Albums this strong are remembered for a very long time. Could this be the last BRIDE album ever???? If it is, they are going out on top! Don't forget you can get the other two tracks recorded for this album on the 6-track BRIDE CD Eyes Wide Open. 

Are You Awake track listing:

1. “Ain't No Loser”
2. “I Want to Live Again”
3. “We're All Going To Die”
4. “Hammer Down”
5. “12 O'Clock Apocalypse”
6. “Under My Skin”
7. “On With The Show”
8. “Are You Awake”
9. “Trippin'”
10. “All I Wanted”
11. “Human State”
12. “Pull The Trigger”

Are You Awake pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders

BRIDE online: www.bridepub.com & www.facebook.com/BridebandOn

MAIN LINE RIDERS, Worldshaker Re-issue On Retroactive Records:
Album Release: May 19, 2023

MAIN LINE RIDERS returned in 2009 with their second full length recording Worldshaker since the release of their 2007 debut Shot In The Dark. This time around the band tunes in with a new attitude, a new vocalist and a new sound! With the electrifying opening notes of "It all Ends Tonite," you'll think that Bon Scott surely must have been resurrected and is now singing for Cliffy and his MAIN LINE RIDERS. Unashamedly, "Worldshaker" is earnestly beholden to hard rock godfathers (Bon-era) AC/DC. The first three cuts, along with "Rhythm-N-Blues" could easily have been some lost AC/DC tracks!

The album has everything classic rock requires. There are songs about rock-n-roll, slow sleazy blues, high-voltage boogie and the MONSTER RIFFS of Cliffy! So big and bold are these riffs that they bruise the listener upon contact! It's those catchy, infectious riffs - that make your spine tingle and give the music its backbone! Worldshaker definitely delivers some "high voltage" by a band that steals from all the right places, rocks non-ironically - even epically at times - and sounds great blasting out of a car or on headphones!  

As noted on the MAIN LINE RIDERS MySpace page back in the day:

“We're very excited to have the folks hear our new music.  The new songs are all straight out of the AC/DC Bon Scott hard knocks era playbook.  Expect the production of our new album to be in line with the songwriting”.

Part of the Legends Remastered series and comes with a Ltd Collector Card, packaged in a jewel case for collectors and audiophiles.  For fans of AC/DC and DEF LEPPARD (think Pyromania)!

Worldshaker track listing:

1. “It All Ends Tonite”
2. “Throwin' Bones To The Wolves”
3. “Hell Ain't A Good Place To Be”
4. “Through With You”
5. “Comin' Home”
6. “Broken Hearted”
7. “Worldshaker”
8. “Power Surge”
9. “Chrome & Steel”
10. “Rhythm-N-Blues”
11. “We Are The Ready Ones”
12. “It's A Revolution”

Worldshaker vinyl re-issue pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/main-line-riders-worldshaker-new-vinyl-2023-retroactive-for-fans-of-ac-dc-def-leppard?variant=41224392343689

Worldshaker CD pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/main-line-riders-worldshaker-collector-card-new-cd-2023-retroactive?variant=41224369569929

MAIN LINE RIDERS online: www.facebook.com/themainlineriders

The Wave, Fourth PERPETUAL PARANOIA Album Set For Release On Retroactive Records:
Album Release: May 19, 2023

The fourth PERPETUAL PARANOIA  album and the fourth on Retroactive Records! Expect a hybrid of modern metal with progressive thrash powered by the anthemic riffing of Tiago and next level vocals of Dale Thompson!  PERPETUAL PARANOIA is progressive metal of the highest order.  No not like traditional prog metal, but it builds and builds and builds, and then yes - hammer-time!  It's an adventure filled with unexpected twists, turns, and musical brilliance. 

It is truly the heart and soul of both Dale and Tiago, and it cannot be recommended highly enough for fans of heavy metal and thrash.  All four albums are works of art, but The Wave shows a depth, maturity, and courageousness found in only the very best of the very best.  This is it. The Wave also features a host of special guest artists, including a guitar solo from Oz Fox (STRYPER) and a violin solo & guitar solo from Troy Thompson (BRIDE).

The Wave track listing:

1. “Immortal”
2. “The Wave”
3. “Everybody's Gone”
4. “Cornerstone”
5. “Up The Golden Shore”
6. “Flesh N Metal”
7. “Travail”
8. “About To Crack The Sky” (guitar solo from Oz Fox of STRYPER)
9. “We Are The Few”
10. “Burn For Glory”
11. “Unjust & The Just” (violin & guitar solo from Troy Thompson of BRIDE)
12. “God Hates A Coward”
13. “Fourth Revolution”

The Wave pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/collections/pre-orders/products/perpetual-paranoia-the-wave-new-cd-2023-retroactive-dale-thompson-bride-masterful-guitars?variant=41223933788297

PERPETUAL PARANOIA online: www.facebook.com/PerpetualParanoiaOficial

SWEET & LYNCH Release New Single, “Miracle”:
Courtsey of www.blabbermouth.net:

SWEET & LYNCH, the musical union of guitarist/vocalist Michael Sweet (STRYPER) and legendary guitarist George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB),will release its third album, Heart & Sacrifice, on May 19 via Frontiers Music Srl. The combination of Sweet's powerful, high-octane vocals and Lynch's immediately recognizable guitar heroics once again prove to be an unbeatable combination sure to please the hard rock faithful.

The official music video for the second single from the album, "Miracle", can be seen above.

Alessandro Del Vecchio, who co-produced this release with Sweet, plays bass on the album, while Jelly Cardarelli (LALU) plays drums.

Sweet says: "I'm very pleased with the outcome of the new SWEET & LYNCH album, Heart & Sacrifice. It's diverse, complex and flows beautifully. Every song has something to say in its own unique way. George has always been one of my favorite players and it's an honor to work with him again. It's also an absolute pleasure working with Alessandro. We're able to bring all our own contributions and contribute to create an amazing set of songs and I couldn't be happier with the results. Get ready for Heart & Sacrifice!"

SWEET & LYNCH, which has yet to play a single concert, first emerged with its debut album, Only To Rise, in 2015. The album cracked the Billboard 200 and came in at No. 6 on the Top Hard Rock Albums, No. 17 on Independent Albums, No. 18 on Top Rock Albums, and No. 4 on Christian Albums charts. SWEET & LYNCH's sophomore album, Unified, followed in 2017, landing at No. 53 on Top Current Albums, No. 13 on Top Current Rock Albums, and No. 8 on Record Label Independent Current Albums. While plans for a third album were always on the table, the project went on a slight hiatus while the guys concentrated on their other musical endeavors. 2022 proved to be the year where the creative juices for SWEET & LYNCH began to flow again and work on what would ultimately become Heart & Sacrifice began.

In a recent interview with the "Scars And Guitars" podcast, Sweet stated about Heart & Sacrifice: "(It's got a) killer cover. When everyone sees the artwork, I think they're gonna love it. It's dark, but it says a lot; really cool. And the album itself went through some periods of change. In other words, George submitted a bunch of songs, and a couple of 'em weren't quite right, and we had to get some more songs submitted. We went and recorded the album, and then we wound up re-recording some other songs to add to it to make the album better. And the stage that it's in now is fantastic. It's really, I think, the strongest SWEET & LYNCH album."

Regarding the overall sound of the new SWEET & LYNCH LP, Michael said: "It's a little darker musically - not much; just a little bit. And a little heavier - like some of the songs are tuned way down; the guitar has a nice heavy feel to it. And I just love the feel of it. It's a little bit more, for lack of an explanation, a little bit more '90s than it is '80s. A little more '70s and '90s than it is '80s. But then you also hear the '80s flair. George is killing it on guitar. I kept trying to pull that out of him. Like he'd send a song where the solo was simplified, and I'd say, 'Dude, people wanna hear you tear it up. Just burn. Give 'em George - George Lynch.' And he'd submit a new solo, and it's, like, 'There it is. Just bring in the fire and the heat.'"

He added: "So I think this album is gonna really please people; they're gonna be pleasantly surprised and hopefully blown away."

Five years ago, Michael expressed his frustration about SWEET & LYNCH's lack of activity, telling the "Focus On Metal" podcast: "I've gotten to the point with SWEET & LYNCH where I'm almost sensing and feeling like maybe it's run its course. We did two albums. I talked about doing a third and a fourth and a fifth, but there is kind of no point to it if we don't tour. We really should be touring and playing those songs live. It's kind of pointless, after a while, if you're not doing that."

Sweet said in the aforementioned 2018 interview that another reason SWEET & LYNCH hadn't played any gigs is the fact that the LYNCH MOB leader and former DOKKEN guitarist "has his hands in so many different things. When the first album came out and the second album came out, I promoted the snot out of 'em and was really pushing, pushing, pushing, pushing," he said. "George didn't do a lot of promoting and a lot of pushing with those albums. It gets to be exhausting for me when I feel like I'm the only guy really pushing it. And that's not to take anything away from George - it's just a fact. It's a simple fact that I'm stating in saying that that becomes an issue.

"I'm one of those guys where I want everybody in the band pushing and promoting equally as much, as they should be," he continued. "Or why are you doing it? So I'm at that stage right now where I'm just kind of feeling like the fire is kind of dwindling. I don't want it to - I wanna pour some gasoline on the fire and ignite it again. Maybe that'll happen, but it's quite possible that it won't."

Sweet helms the Grammy-nominated Christian hard rock outfit STRYPER, which he co-founded more than 35 years ago, as the band's vocalist, guitarist, and main songwriter. To date, the band has more than 10 million career album sales worldwide. The venerable band ascended to prominence in the 1980s with Billboard Top 40-charting singles like "Calling On You", "Honestly" and "Always There For You" and has in more recent years enjoyed an unparalleled career renaissance, delivering arguably the best albums of their storied career, including 2022's The Final Battle.

Michael has released multiple solo albums, including a self-titled release in 1994, which yielded five No. 1 singles, "Truth" in 2000, the critically acclaimed 2015 project I'm Not Your Suicide (which peaked at No. 10 on Billboard's Hard Rock albums),and 2019's Ten, which reached No. 4 on Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart. He recently partnered with Joel Hoekstra (WHITESNAKE),Nathan James (INGLORIOUS),Marco Mendoza (THIN LIZZY, WHITESNAKE) and Tommy Aldridge (WHITESNAKE, OZZY OSBOURNE) in the supergroup ICONIC, which was greeted with much adoration by rock fans around the globe.

Lynch emerged from the '80s hard rock scene with the L.A. based group DOKKEN and went on to become a world-renowned guitarist. Aside from DOKKEN, he also enjoyed great success with LYNCH MOB, the group he founded after leaving DOKKEN.

Lynch has gone on to become a prolific (that is an understatement, to say the least) music creator, continuing with LYNCH MOB, releasing solo albums, and a wealth of collaborative efforts over the decades. Those include, but are not limited to, KXM with Doug Pinnick (KING'S X) and Ray Luzier (KORN),THE END MACHINE with Jeff Pilson (FOREIGNER, ex-DOKKEN), Mick Brown (ex-DOKKEN),and Robert Mason (WARRANT),SWEET & LYNCH with Michael Sweet (STRYPER),ULTRAPHONIX with Corey Glover (LIVING COLOUR),DIRTY SHIRLEY with Dino Jelusick (ANIMAL DRIVE, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA),and THE BANISHMENT with Joe Haze.

Heart & Sacrifice track listing:

1. “Heart & Sacrifice”
2. “Where I Have To Go”
3. “Miracle”
4. “Leave It All Behind”
5. “You'll Never Be Alone”
6. “After All Is Said And Done”
7. “Give Up The Night”
8. “Will It Ever Change”
9. “It's Time To Believe”
10. “Every Day”
11. “It Rains Again”
12. “World Full Of Lies”

Heart & Sacrifice recording lineup:

Michael Sweet - Lead Vocals & Guitars
George Lynch - Lead Guitars
Alessandro Del Vecchio - Bass
Jelly Cardarelli - Drums

Produced by: Michael Sweet and Alessandro Del Vecchio
Executive producer/A&R: Serafino Perugino

SWEET & LYNCH online: www.facebook.com/SweetLynch

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

AFTERWINTER, Paramnesia Details Revealed By Roxx Records:

Press Release  Roxx Records is excited to be bringing you the debut full length release from AFTERWINTER.

AFTERWINTER features the core band that created the music on both of those exceptional BIOGENESIS albums, A Decadence Divine and Black Widow. The band features James Riggs on rhythm guitar, Luke Nealeigh on lead guitar, Sam Nealeigh on keyboards, Dan Nealeigh on bass and Eli Closson rounding out this musical force on drums. If you followed the band back during this line up, you may recall Majenica Nealeigh pounding on the drums early on. Well this time she steps up to the microphone and heads out to handle co-lead vocals along with Jerry Grazioso on this exceptional brand new album entitled Paramnesia.  Paramnesia is more than an album, it is a full on musical extravaganza and rock opera that tells us the story of the fictional brother and sister Riley and Thomas Stone.

The story of Paramnesia focuses on Detective Riley Stone, a Christian woman from the fictional city of Howeldale, California. The story opens as Riley begins to have strangely vivid nightmares where she finds herself on the scene of several violent murders. Each morning following these visions, she is called to a real murder scene by Police Sergeant Orion to discover the scenes she dreamt played out exactly as she remembers from her dreams.

Each murder is linked by a number, presented as if it is military time, leading Riley to decide the murders are being committed by a serial killer. With the spiritual guidance of her brother Thomas Stone, Riley determines God is giving her these prophetic visions so that she can stop the killer. Join Riley and Thomas as they grapple with themes of deep introspection, self-doubt, questioning faith, questioning purpose, living with mental illness, and the dangers of becoming a false prophet. AFTERWINTER is beyond excited to share with you the work of the past 3+ years, culminating in an album that the band feels is the best of all things it has to offer! We know you are going to LOVE Paramnesia.

Today we debut the brand new album cover art designed by graphic artist Rafael Tavares Gripp and it is an exceptional masterpiece to go along with an epic story.  We also share with you the world premier single “Left For Dead” (embedded link above).

Get ready as we prepare to bring you this debut beautiful two disc set from AFTERWINTER, which is sure to be an instant classic for Christian Metal fans this year. Preorders and release date coming soon!

Roxx Records online: https://roxxrecords.com & www.facebook.com/RoxxRecords777

AFTERWINTER: www.facebook.com/afterwinterprogressivemetal

NEWS BRIEFS

* Latest single from DARKHORSE HERO, “Truth”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyHHcUpmpsk

* Ninth REZ/RESURECTION BAND album from 1989, Innocent Blood, was re-issued on GRRR Records in April with new artwork along with vintage photos from back in the day and a 14X14 poster: https://grrrrecords.com/rez-band-innocentblooodcd

* “12 O’Clock Apocalypse”, debut single from upcoming BRIDE album Are You Awake?: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU6wvuiY8Gc&t=1s

Are You Awake? is scheduled for release on May 19, 2023 via Retroactive Records.  Pre-orders for the CD, cassette and black vinyl versions to Are You Awake? launch on April 14, 2023:

• There are two CD versions of Are You Awake?: the normal CD version with a 12-page booklet in a jewel case (does not include any band Collector Card) and the Deluxe Version that has the exact same insert booklet and tray card but features two Ltd band Collector Cards, while the CD is a GoldMax CD that comes with a fancy O-ring with all the Gold Disc/Deluxe info.

• The Are You Awake? cassette will be the first cassette BRIDE fans will be treated to since The Jesus Experience in 1997!  There are only 120 of these available, so do not miss out!

• Fans are able to get Are You Awake? on heavy-weight black vinyl with a 12x12 full-color insert with lyrics.  This is limited to just 200 copies world-wide.  Available while supplies last!

In other Retroactive Records news, pre-orders will also launch on April 14th for the fourth PERPETUAL PARANOIA album The Wave and the re-mastered version to the AC/DC and DEF LEPPARD inspired hard rock of the 2009 sophomore MAIN LINE RIDERS album Worldshaker.

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

WYTCH HAZEL Announce New Album, IV: Sacrament:
Album Release: June 2, 2023

Press Release / For many all-time-great rock bands in the ascendant, the fourth album is often the point where youthful years of febrile creativity and progressive momentum culminate in a masterwork for the ages, setting the seal on an early signature sound while opening it up to future possibilities. From enchanting 2016 debut Prelude, through 2018’s assured II: Sojourn, to 2020’s wizardly III: Pentecost, each WYTCH HAZEL album has embodied that old-fashioned notion of unstoppable progress, and the glittering treasure chest that is IV: Sacrament proves eminently worthy of rising to the toughest challenge. Not just the Lancashire quartet’s most classically beautiful production, but their strongest yet front-to-back collection of affecting hooks and ageless melodies.

A very tough challenge it was, too; records this good don’t get banged out willy-nilly, and Jimmy Page, Ian Anderson and Freddie Mercury didn’t have to fit recordings in between day jobs and school runs. “This album has been a trial,” sighs founding singer/guitarist Colin Hendra with his head in his hands, his voice full of cold. “It’s been a tough few years for everyone, which plays into it, but it was exhausting. Working full time, trying to be a dad and husband, running the band, writing the albums - and being a complete control freak about every  aspect of the process...” Colin breaks off and chuckles at his Eeyorish approach to album promotion. “But there’s no gain without pain!”

The triumphs and tragedies are written all over IV: Sacrament. Working closely again with regular producer Ed Turner, Colin’s God-given gift for diamond songwriting has been enhanced to majestic proportions with Ed’s Roy Thomas Baker doozy of a production job, his expressive sonic trickery sublimely underscoring the varied musical moods. “Me and Ed like the same albums, so we’re singing from the same hymn sheet every time,” enthuses Colin. “We love the Sabbath production, obviously Martin Birch, and the Queen albums; we want it to sound like Wytch Hazel, which it kind of always does, but we want it to also have that classic sort of quality.”

Colin describes his working relationship with Ed as “perfectionism amplified. We’re a good match but bad at the same time! It takes ages to get an album done, but if it’s going to be done we want to do it right.” The new studio looked promising: a converted Baptist chapel in rural Wales, chock full of vintage gear. However, with personal reasons forcing drummer Jack Spencer to step back from the band (subsequently departing in September 2022), Colin took on the additional laborious task of completing all the drums himself. As well as all the vocals, lyrics, lead guitar and drums to fret over, there were so many mysteriously blown cabs, amps and vocal cords you might suspect the Devil was trying to stop anyone else getting the best tunes. “I don’t know why we have such bad luck,” groans Colin. “Engineers were scratching their heads, like ‘how have you done this?!’”

Now Sacrament is finally offered - and sounds as fantastic as it does after all the blood, toil, tears and sweat - you might think Colin could finally bask in the glory of this resounding achievement, but he’s not even fully comfortable taking credit for his own songs. “When I listen back there are multiple times when I’m like, I don’t even know how this happened,” he ponders. “I know I wrote it, but I don’t feel complete ownership over them. It has that sense in which... there’s something else, and I’m a part of it.” On previous albums, specific influences were readily discernible, and although “Angel Of Light” tips a nod to ANGEL WITCH and “Endless Battle” nails the sweet spot between STEELEYE SPAN and JUDAS PRIEST, Sacrament’s ten songs zero in on a sound and style that’s all their own. With assertive, explosive earworms like “The Fire’s Control”, “Strong Heart” and “A Thousand Years” and the profound emotive magnetism of “Time And Doubt{, “Deliver Us” and “Digging Deeper”, WYTCH HAZEL revel in their distinctive ‘Wytch Hazelness’. Colin’s Christian faith continues to inform much of his lyrical outlook, but there’s a disarming openness and emotional force that might have you reaching for the Kleenex.

“It’s some of the most honest songwriting I’ve ever done,” Colin reflects, “and they come from a darker place, I think. I’m getting older, that comes through in some lyrics: ‘see my body breaking’, ‘I’m digging deeper’, ‘time’s running out...’ I struggle to see the positive a lot of the time, so the songs end up being negative, the subject matter coming from constant striving.” Among all the doomsayer tendencies, gorgeous sylvan acoustic strum “Future Is Gold” proclaims a radiant optimism, but it’s more hope in the eternal than an expectation of earthly improvement. “It’s rooted in scripture,” Colin explains, referencing the Book of Haggai: ‘the glories of this latter house will be greater than the former’. “I struggle to believe that half the time, with the state of the world, but who knows what level that is? Will the afterlife be better, when all suffering has ended, or is what we see as better not actually better? If things are always going comfortably, it isn’t always the best thing for us. An element of suffering is necessary.”

Suffering has clearly been necessary for the creation of the fourth WYTCH HAZEL album; let’s hope for Colin’s sake the next one requires a bit less. “I’ve blown my own mind a bit,” he concludes. “And even after all this painstaking work, I still feel like I’ve only scratched the surface of what we could be doing musically. I wish I could have a month to work on one song, and go on a tangent a bit. I will in the future, it’s going in the right direction. I’ll get to the stage when I can commit more time and do an odyssey or something!”

WYTCH HAZEL lineup:

Colin Hendra - Lead Vocals, Guitars, Piano, Organ & Drums
Alex Haslam – Guitars
Andrew Shackleton - Bass

Ed Turner - Mandolin & Mellotron

Recorded at StudiOwz, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Produced and mixed by Ed Turner
Engineered by Owain Fleetwood Jenkins
Mastered By Terry Waker at Tonalex

Photos by Sam Scott Hunter
Artwork & Layout Nathaniel Winter Herbert

IV: Sacrament track Listing:

1. “The Fire's Control”
2. “Angel of Light”
3. “Time And Doubt”
4. “Strong Heart”
5. “Deliver Us”
6. “A Thousand Years”
7. “Gold Light”
8. “Endless Battle”
9. ”Future Is Gold”
10.  “Digging Deeper”

IV Sacrament pre-order: https://wytchhazel.bandcamp.com/album/iv-sacrament

Bad Omen Records online: www.bad-omen-records.com & www.facebook.com/BadOmenRecords

WYTCH HAZEL online: https://wytchhazel.com & www.facebook.com/wytchhazel

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

Novella 2 Details From JIMMY P. BROWN II:
Album Release: April 28, 2023

Novella 2 is the awaited second installment of a 4 Part E.P. series from vocalist and guitarist JIMMY P. BROWN II.  A fresh departure from the December 16, 2022 released Novella I, Novella 2 continues to evolve in storytelling lyrics and musical soundscapes that are emotive, driving and offers the listener a sonic exploration!  Novella 2 will be released on both the digital and CD platforms on April 28, 2023.
                                                                              
In the world of heavy metal, JIMMY P. BROWN II is known as the legendary, esteemed front man and leader of the epic metal band, DELIVERANCE.  DELIVERANCE has evolved over the years and Jimmy has tried to appease fans of both the early thrash and later progressive, artistic styles.  But he has always felt torn between the two fan bases.

Recently in 2018, Jimmy released the DELIVERANCE album The Subversive Kind.  The record was a return to thrash and speed that gave fans of the early albums like Deliverance and Weapons Of Our Warfare what they have been craving.

2018 also saw the release of his debut solo record entitled Eraserhead, where he has captured the soul of such DELIVERANCE masterpieces as River Disturbance, Learn and Camelot In Smithereens.  Eraserhead is dripping with melody, progression, lyrical depth and vitality.  Truly, he has released an epic masterpiece that many have called the pinnacle of his long and heralded musical legacy.

Jimmy now works on releasing singles to his Patreon Family and the world on a monthly/bi-monthly basis.  Free from the expectations of his previous musical projects, he is creating his most passionate works to date.  We encourage you to consider becoming a patron as he continues his journey of heartfelt music that stirs the soul and delights the ears: www.patreon.com/jpbii

Novella 2 track listing:

1. “11:54pm”
2. “The Empty”
3. “Slo-Mo”
4. “Take A Breath”
5. “Enter Nothingness”
6. “A Universal Disturbance”

Musicians:

Jimmy P. Brown II - Lead Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards & Percussion
Larry Farkas - Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Manny Morales - Bass
Jim Chaffin - Drums

Recorded, Produced & Mixed by JIMMY P. BROWN II for Ping The Universe Production.

Novella 2 pre-order: https://jpbii.com/shop?fbclid=IwAR0LyamXy0kdd7yo7sjnokMTpZLNjnKtnYwr81tSSNcwEQloiSkHCIJkIsY

TRUE STRENGH Releases New Single, “Holy Spirit”:

Press Release / TRUE STRENGTH is honored to announce an exclusive new single to celebrate their tenth anniversary, “The Holy Spirit”! The single was released on March 22, 2023 in the digital format.  It will also be available as a bonus track on the CD version to the Maximum Strength: The Best of the First Decade album, which will soon be available through Roxx Records! Stay tuned to Roxx Records for more information about the release as the date approaches!

You can purchase the digital version of the single on all major digital music platforms such as iTunes, Spotify, Bandcamp, etc.

The new single celebrates the Holy Spirit, the paraclete (helper) of the Trinity! TRUE STRENGTH came up with the idea for the song after noticing that there were seemingly very few songs honoring the Holy Spirit in Christian music. Sadly, many Christians do not understand the importance of the Holy Spirit as evidenced by a disturbing article at the following link: www.christianpost.com/news/most-us-christians-dont-believe-holy-spirit-is-real-study.html

The article cites a study published by the Cultural Research Center of Arizona Christian University where ‘Some 62% of self-identified born-again Christians contend that the Holy Spirit is not a real, living being but is merely a symbol of God’s power, presence or purity’.  TRUE STRENGTH seeks to worship and honor the Holy Spirit and His role, and to also inform Christians and non-Christians alike of His vital importance in this song! The Holy Spirit is real, The Holy Spirit is God!
The single features the artwork of Ryan Close.

“Holy Spirit” purchasing information: https://truestrength-christianmetal.bandcamp.com/track/the-holy-spirit

TRUE STRENGTH online: https://truestrength.band/home & www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063574272116

NEWS BRIEFS

* New album update from SHINING FORCE (Facebook - March 21, 2023):

“Shining Force Has 4 songs on the table; we are recording with many more to come. We expect the new album to be ready this year with all new members. This album will be a touch of our heavy metal with some power metal combined.  We are getting ready for shows as well as recording the music”.

* STAIRWAY latest news (Facebook - March 20, 2023):

“We guess we’ll give you all an update of what’s going on and happening with Stairway as we’ve had a lot of questions asked about the band, new album, etc.
 
“After the release of our last album Power And Glory in 2016, we were eager and excited and chomping at the bit to follow it up with a new album and started writing new songs in earnest and began recording. Since 2018, we’ve had this, that and the other thrown at us, some you may know about and others you won’t, and on top of that CoVid kicked all of us in the teeth.

“We released a demo Ring ‘O’ Roses in 2020 and a new single at Christmas 2022, which were fun to do.  But as Paul says in Corinthians, we may be down trodden and abused, but never beaten, because with God when you’re at the bottom there’s only one way to go and that’s up!

“So, soundly and surely, step by step, onwards and upwards we go.  Thank you all for your patience, as they say, patience is a virtue and all good things come to those who wait.  In the meantime Andy (Edwards- drummer) has come through his eye operation”.

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

NARNIA Releases “Wake Up Call” Lyric Video:

Press Release / Twenty-seven years into a career that continues to grow, Swedish metal band NARNIA takes huge steps into an exciting chapter with its March 17, 2023 released new album Ghost Town. The seasoned five-some once again shows how to shape a masterpiece with this melodic metal future classic.

NARNIA premiered a lyric video to the third single off the album, “Wake Up Call”, on March 16, 2023 (embedded link above).  Second single “Hold On” saw release on March 3, 2023: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiofVQ7-9yI  February 10, 2023 was the release date to debut single “Rebel”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSA8QaW2poA

On the ninth studio album Ghost Town, NARNIA has picked the icing on the cake from its vast catalog. You can’t simply label this album a neoclassic metal album or a power metal album, even though these elements are present. There are also parts that are progressive, modern, heavy, or just creatively different. But you can summarize by saying this is well-crafted piece of classic and melodic metal.

Co-founder, guitarist, and producer CJ Grimmark is the crucial architect of the band’s sound, and also its primary songwriter along with co-founder and lead singer Christian Liljegren and bassist Jonatan ”Jono” Samuelsson. Through well formulated lyrics and melodies created to enhance the music, the songwriting team has explored new modes of expression that are well represented in songs such as “Thief”, with its dramatic arrangement, anxiety-laden, expressive imagery, and the progressive “Modern Day Pharisees”, a song dealing with the subject of hypocrisy.

The title track, “Ghost Town”, was first introduced to the cheering live-audience at Sweden Rock Festival 2022 and is now an obvious part of the set list with its bombastic four on the floor-pulse and sing along chorus. The heartbeat of NARNIA, Andreas “Habo” Johansson, does a tremendous job behind the drums, and spares no energy.

Martin Härenstam and his keyboards have been given a large but tasteful space on the record, and range in sound from vintage synths to grand piano.

The record’s neoclassical gem, “Rebel”, with a nod to the band’s earliest influences, should appeal to longtime fans. But also, more immediate songs like the soon-to-be crowd pleasers “Hold On”, “Wake Up Call” and “Alive”. “Descension”, on the other hand, is more progressive, but there is a constant and clear common thread throughout the entire production that ties it together brilliantly.

“Out of the Silence” picks up where 2019’s “The War That Tore the Land” left off as the album’s only ballad. Featuring SAVIOUR MACHINE front man Eric Clayton, who reads the Lord’s prayer with his deep baritone operatic voice.

“Glory Daze” is perhaps the album’s heaviest song, which also addresses one of today’s biggest problems: Stress and chasing the wind. Something that Liljegren himself experienced during a burnout.

“Different songs will appeal to different people lyrically, but we cover a variety of topics throughout the album, and I’m sure people will be able to relate to them, both musically and spiritually. Some of these songs stand out a bit from our previous repertoire, but without abandoning our historical influences”, Liljegren explains and continues:

“This is an album with a positive message combined with bombastic music. You can’t have one without the other when it comes to NARNIA”, Liljegren concludes.

Lyrics that make you reflect combined with the broad musical breadth the band possesses, along with a solid production, is NARNIA’s musical trademark which runs throughout the entire album.

If the latest studio album From Darkness To Light from 2019 marked the way, Ghost Town is a more than worthy sequel with a life of its own.

Ghost Town was produced by CJ Grimmark, mixed by the band”s sound engineer Viktor Stenquist, and mastered by Thomas Piec Johansson. It will be available on all digital platforms, CD, and vinyl on March 17th in collaboration with Sound Pollution Distribution.

Ghost Town track listing:

1. “Rebel”
2. “Thief”
3. “Hold On”
4. “Glory Daze”
5. “Descension”
6. “Ghost Town”
7. “Alive”
8. “Modern Day Pharisees”
9. “Out Of The Silence”
10. “Wake Up Call”

Ghost Town order information: https://orcd.co/n014

NARNIA online: https://narniatheband.com & www.facebook.com/narniatheband

“You’ll Never Be Alone”, Official Lyric Video From SWEET & LYNCH:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:

SWEET & LYNCH, the musical union of guitarist/vocalist Michael Sweet of STRYPER and legendary guitarist George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB),will release its third album, "Heart & Sacrifice", on May 19 via Frontiers Music Srl.

The combination of Sweet's powerful, high-octane vocals and Lynch's immediately recognizable guitar heroics once again prove to be an unbeatable combination sure to please the hard rock faithful. The first single from the album, "You'll Never Be Alone", is out as of March 13, 2023.

Alessandro Del Vecchio, who co-produced this release with Sweet, plays bass on the album, while Jelly Cardarelli (LALU) plays drums.

Sweet says: "I'm very pleased with the outcome of the new SWEET & LYNCH album, Heart & Sacrifice. It's diverse, complex and flows beautifully. Every song has something to say in its own unique way. George has always been one of my favorite players and it's an honor to work with him again. It's also an absolute pleasure working with Alessandro. We're able to bring all our own contributions and contribute to create an amazing set of songs and I couldn't be happier with the results. Get ready for Heart & Sacrifice!"

SWEET & LYNCH, which has yet to play a single concert, first emerged with its debut album, Only To Rise, in 2015. The album cracked the Billboard 200 and came in at No. 6 on the Top Hard Rock Albums, No. 17 on Independent Albums, No. 18 on Top Rock Albums, and No. 4 on Christian Albums charts. SWEET & LYNCH's sophomore album, Unified, followed in 2017, landing at No. 53 on Top Current Albums, No. 13 on Top Current Rock Albums, and No. 8 on Record Label Independent Current Albums. While plans for a third album were always on the table, the project went on a slight hiatus while the guys concentrated on their other musical endeavors. 2022 proved to be the year where the creative juices for SWEET & LYNCH began to flow again and work on what would ultimately become Heart & Sacrifice began.

In a recent interview with the "Scars And Guitars" podcast, Sweet stated about Heart & Sacrifice: "(It's got a) killer cover. When everyone sees the artwork, I think they're gonna love it. It's dark, but it says a lot; really cool. And the album itself went through some periods of change. In other words, George submitted a bunch of songs, and a couple of 'em weren't quite right, and we had to get some more songs submitted. We went and recorded the album, and then we wound up re-recording some other songs to add to it to make the album better. And the stage that it's in now is fantastic. It's really, I think, the strongest SWEET & LYNCH album."

Regarding the overall sound of the new SWEET & LYNCH LP, Michael said: "It's a little darker musically - not much; just a little bit. And a little heavier - like some of the songs are tuned way down; the guitar has a nice heavy feel to it. And I just love the feel of it. It's a little bit more, for lack of an explanation, a little bit more '90s than it is '80s. A little more '70s and '90s than it is '80s. But then you also hear the '80s flair. George is killing it on guitar. I kept trying to pull that out of him. Like he'd send a song where the solo was simplified, and I'd say, 'Dude, people wanna hear you tear it up. Just burn. Give 'em George - George Lynch.' And he'd submit a new solo, and it's, like, 'There it is. Just bring in the fire and the heat.'"

He added: "So I think this album is gonna really please people; they're gonna be pleasantly surprised and hopefully blown away."

Five years ago, Michael expressed his frustration about SWEET & LYNCH's lack of activity, telling the "Focus On Metal" podcast: "I've gotten to the point with SWEET & LYNCH where I'm almost sensing and feeling like maybe it's run its course. We did two albums. I talked about doing a third and a fourth and a fifth, but there is kind of no point to it if we don't tour. We really should be touring and playing those songs live. It's kind of pointless, after a while, if you're not doing that."

Sweet said in the aforementioned 2018 interview that another reason SWEET & LYNCH hadn't played any gigs is the fact that the LYNCH MOB leader and former DOKKEN guitarist "has his hands in so many different things. When the first album came out and the second album came out, I promoted the snot out of 'em and was really pushing, pushing, pushing, pushing," he said. "George didn't do a lot of promoting and a lot of pushing with those albums. It gets to be exhausting for me when I feel like I'm the only guy really pushing it. And that's not to take anything away from George - it's just a fact. It's a simple fact that I'm stating in saying that that becomes an issue.

"I'm one of those guys where I want everybody in the band pushing and promoting equally as much, as they should be," he continued. "Or why are you doing it? So I'm at that stage right now where I'm just kind of feeling like the fire is kind of dwindling. I don't want it to - I wanna pour some gasoline on the fire and ignite it again. Maybe that'll happen, but it's quite possible that it won't."

Sweet helms the Grammy-nominated Christian hard rock outfit STRYPER, which he co-founded more than 35 years ago, as the band's vocalist, guitarist, and main songwriter. To date, the band has more than 10 million career album sales worldwide. The venerable band ascended to prominence in the 1980s with Billboard Top 40-charting singles like "Calling On You", "Honestly" and "Always There For You" and has in more recent years enjoyed an unparalleled career renaissance, delivering arguably the best albums of their storied career, including 2022's The Final Battle.

Michael has released multiple solo albums, including a self-titled release in 1994, which yielded five No. 1 singles, Truth in 2000, the critically acclaimed 2015 project I'm Not Your Suicide (which peaked at No. 10 on Billboard's Hard Rock albums),and 2019's Ten, which reached No. 4 on Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart. He recently partnered with Joel Hoekstra (WHITESNAKE),Nathan James (INGLORIOUS),Marco Mendoza (THIN LIZZY, WHITESNAKE) and Tommy Aldridge (WHITESNAKE, OZZY OSBOURNE) in the supergroup ICONIC, which was greeted with much adoration by rock fans around the globe.

Lynch emerged from the '80s hard rock scene with the L.A. based group DOKKEN and went on to become a world-renowned guitarist. Aside from DOKKEN, he also enjoyed great success with LYNCH MOB, the group he founded after leaving DOKKEN.

Lynch has gone on to become a prolific (that is an understatement, to say the least) music creator, continuing with LYNCH MOB, releasing solo albums, and a wealth of collaborative efforts over the decades. Those include, but are not limited to, KXM with Doug Pinnick (KING'S X) and Ray Luzier (KORN),THE END MACHINE with Jeff Pilson (FOREIGNER, ex-DOKKEN),Mick Brown (ex-DOKKEN),and Robert Mason (WARRANT),SWEET & LYNCH with Michael Sweet (STRYPER),vULTRAPHONIX with Corey Glover (LIVING COLOUR),DIRTY SHIRLEY with Dino Jelusick (ANIMAL DRIVE, TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA),and THE BANISHMENT with Joe Haze.

Heart & Sacrifice track listing:

1. “Heart & Sacrifice”
2. “Where I Have To Go”
3. “Miracle”
4. “Leave It All Behind”
5. “You'll Never Be Alone”
6. “After All Is Said And Done”
7. “Give Up The Night”
8. “Will It Ever Change”
9. “It's Time To Believe”
10. “Every Day”
11. “It Rains Again”
12. “World Full Of Lies”

Heart & Sacrifice recording lineup:

Michael Sweet - Lead Vocals & Guitars
George Lynch - Lead Guitars
Alessandro Del Vecchio - Bass
Jelly Cardarelli - Drums

Produced by: Michael Sweet and Alessandro Del Vecchio
Executive producer/A&R: Serafino Perugino

SWEET & LYNCH online: www.facebook.com/SweetLynch

 

FEATURED REVIEWS

BROWN II, JIMMY P. - Novella 1
Novella 1, the independent sophomore solo EP from vocalist and guitarist Jimmy P. Brown II, shares a similar musical platform as his 2018 Retroactive Records debut solo offering Eraserhead.  Read Full Review >>

DALE THOMPSON & THE BOON DOGS - I See Red
The summer of 2022 Girder Music sophomore album from Dale Thompson & the Boon Dogs, I See Red, builds upon the groups self-titled debut full length from the preceding year (also Girder).  Read Full Review >>

KNIGHTRIOT - Beware The Knight
Knightriot evokes images of straightforward heavy metal but in a melodic form.  Read Full Review >>

LATTER REIGN - II
Latter Reign more than holds its own as a legitimate contemporary to Fear Not and Guardian.  Read Full Review >> 

LORDCHAIN - Surviving The Wicked Storm
After operating independently for the better part of the first four decades of its existence, Lordchain signed with Roxx Records for the fall of 2022 release to its ninth full length album Surviving The Wicked Storm.  Read Full Review >>

PIKE, KEVIN - Guitar Graffiti
Guitar Graffiti, the fall of 2022 Roxx Records debut solo EP from guitarist Kevin Pike, combines an eighties instrumental guitar shred experience with accessible songwriting.  Read Full Review >>

PRETERIST - Blood Moon Rising
The Preterist August of 2022 independent debut full length Blood Moon Rising is an all new choice for hard music fans seeking an option in the European power/progressive metal segments that comes loaded with catchy songwriting, expert musicianship and choice vocals.  Read Full Review >>

STRYKEN - Precious Metal Box Set
Officially pronounced ‘strike-in’ (not stricken) and playing what it refers to as ‘Thunder Rock’, Stryken traces to the late seventies and Arizona where it was put together by founding members Dale and Steve Streiker (each handling lead vocals, guitars and keyboards) under the initial Stryker moniker.  Read Full Review >>

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

BRIDE, Eyes Wide Open EP On Retroactive Records:
Album Release: March 13, 2023

Press Release / Brothers Dale and Troy Thompson are leaders without peers in Christian hard rock and metal with their gritty, driving, relentless brand of rock and roll.  With the 2023 full length release Are You Awake? BRIDE has 27 full length releases and counting! The 6-track CD EP Eyes Wide Open features 4 tracks recorded for the Are You Awake? album, but only two of those four tracks will be on the full length to release May 19th, 2023.

The tracks "Draw the Line" and "Not As Bad As It Seems" will remain exclusive to this CD-EP only.  And, you can bet those tracks are anything but filler - they are elite fist-pumpin"g, hard rockers with all the magic you would expect from Dale and Troy!  The other two tracks ("Ain't No Loser" & "Make Me Want to Live Again") are on the full-length release, Are You Awake?.  Lastly, fans are treated to one track each from the Snake Eyes and Here Is Your God albums making six tracks packaged in a four panel wallet and limited to just 500 copies world-wide! 

Eyes Wide Open track listing:

1. “Ain't No Loser” (from the forthcoming album Are You Awake?)
2. “Make Me Want To Live Again” (from the forthcoming album Are You Awake?)
3. “Draw The Line” (exclusive EP track)
4. “Not As Bad As It Seems” (exclusive EP track)
5. “Demon Speed” (from Here Is Your God - 2020)
6. “Famous When I'm Dead” (from Snake Eyes - 2018)

Are You Awake? details:

• Pre-Orders launch for CD + Cassette + Black Vinyl of the 12 track full length Are You Awake? on Friday April 14th, 8am Central USA

• There will be two CD versions of Are You Awake? with fans getting the normal CD version with a 12-page booklet in a jewel case and one Ltd band Collector Card and the Deluxe Version that has the exact same insert booklet and tray card but features two Ltd band Collector Cards (instead of one) and the CD is a GoldMax CD and it all comes with a fancy O-ring with all the Gold Disc/Deluxe info.

• The Are You Awake? cassette will be the first cassette BRIDE fans will be treated to since The Jesus Experience in 1997!  There are only 120 of these available, so do not miss out!

• Fans are able to get Are You Awake? on heavy-weight black vinyl with a 12x12 full-color insert with lyrics.  This is limited to just 200 copies world-wide.  Available while supplies last! 

• There will be special bundles and packages similar to fan options seen on platforms like Kickstarter - so save your pennies and dollars for some super rare things and opportunities.  Details on that to come at a later date.

Eyes Wide Open pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/bride-eyes-wide-open-6-track-ep-new-digi-cd-2023-retroactive-records-4-new-tracks

BRIDE online: www.bridepub.com & www.facebook.com/BridebandOn

CHOSEN STRANGER Re-issue On Roxx Records:
Album Release: April 14, 2023

Press Release / Roxx Records has secured the rights to bring you another classic Christian rock release that should have been released years ago to the masses, but alas never got the push out of the heavenly metal gates it needed.

Brothers Jeff and Rusty Ellison grew up playing the hard rock and metal brand of music they loved so much all the way back in their teens. Heavily influenced by their musical taste of artists like THE BEATLES, LED ZEPPELIN, KISS, AEROSMITH, RUSH, VAN HALEN, MONTROSE, KANSAS, STYX and JOURNEY.  They would start off in those early days writing music and playing bars as early as 15 years old.

They were really good and began winning local music talent contests and even got radio airplay with some of their early music locally even before they became Christians. Thankfully their mother, who loved them very much, became a Christian when the boys we’re in their late teens at that early stage in their musical career. Their mom would begin to pray for the boys and by the time they were in their early 20's God would hear her prayers and both brothers would accept Christ.

Almost overnight they went from playing in bars and clubs to recording their own music and using their talents to begin their hard rock music ministry, and so CHOSEN STRANGER was born. They would open for many of the greats including BARREN CROSS, BLOODGOOD and WHITECROSS.  Ultimately from that early WHITECROSS connection the brothers would become good friends with legendary WHITECROSS artist Rex Carroll.

Rex really liked the brothers and enjoyed the music they were playing and wanted to help them. He would ultimately put them up in the studio with a small budget and get the CHOSEN STRANGER music rolling. Unfortunately, like with many talented bands from that era, CHOSEN STRANGER ended up splitting up before they even got their start leaving contracts on the table and recordings that would never fully see the light of day.

Ultimately the band released two 7” records early on in 1986, followed up with the inclusion of the track “So Glad” on the now legendary compilation Underground Metal in 1988. After that they would record their debut 4 track self-titled cassette only demo. Lastly trying to give it one more go, the band would come back to record one last 4 track demo entitled Death Walker in 1992 that was released as a demo cassette very briefly. Ultimately that would be the end of the line for CHOSEN STRANGER, or would it? The brothers have decided here in 2023, to give it a go again and are currently working on new music, which is amazing!

Until then Roxx Records has compiled all of the bands previous recordings into an amazing re-mastered, self-titled package simply entitled Chosen Stranger with the help of Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound and Scott Waters of NoLifeTilMetal Graphics CHOSEN STRANGER will rise again with this limited edition CD package!

Check out the first re-mastered track ‘So Glad’ (embedded above) and get ready as pre orders will launch very soon with a release date set for April 14, 2023.

Chosen Stranger track listing:

Chosen Stranger demo (1989):

1. “He Won’t Hurt You”
2. “I Wanna Be Like You”
3. “Living It Up”
4. “Guilty (To The Crime Of Love)”

7” Vinyl Single - “Lonely World” (1986) - Scrambler Records:

5. “Lonely World”

7” Vinyl Single" - “The Light” (1986) - Scrambler Records

6. “The Light”

Deathwalker demo (1992):

7. “Forgiveness”
8. “Waste Of Time12”
9. “Follow The Leader”
10. “Deathwalker”

Underground Metal compilation (1988):

11. “So Glad”

Chosen Stranger pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/2019-releases/products/chosen-stranger-s-t-cd-first-time-on-cd-ffo-stryper-journey-etc-2023

Roxx Records online: https://roxxrecords.com & www.facebook.com/RoxxRecords777

NEWS BRIEFS

* ALL FOR THE KING signed with Roxx Records for the release of its third album, Darkest Before Dawn.  Further details as they become available.

* Re-mastered demo version to the KANSAS song “Borderline” with Steve Walsh on lead vocals: www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1AezZH5PYU

“Borderline” is from the 1981 release Vinyl Confessions in which John Elefante replaced Steve Walsh.

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

THEOCRACY New Album & Label Update From Vocalist & Founding Member Matt Smith (Facebook - March 2, 2023):

“After a long wait, we are excited to finally break the silence with some exciting Theocracy news! Not only is the new album mastered and ready to roll, but we’ve signed with a new label for its release. We appreciate your patience, as we understand that it’s been a quiet couple of years from our end. The calm before the storm. While the album has been done for a while, it took time to weigh our options and decide which would be the best path for us going forward, as you might imagine. We were fortunate enough to have several good choices in the form of offers from multiple labels, and we’re all very excited about our ultimate decision. More info to come in the following weeks. At the same time, as many of you know, we have also been working behind the scenes to right the wrongs and restore the trust violated by the actions of a former band member. To those of you who have handled this wait with grace and understanding, we thank you sincerely.

“In closing, we want to thank Ulterium Records for a wonderful partnership. Not only was it a great working relationship for the last three albums, but we forged friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. A while back, Emil from Ulterium informed us that he needed to scale down his workload for the sake of his health and his family, so he was stepping away from bigger new releases. He said he wanted Theocracy to work with a label that is able to invest 100% of their time and energy into the band, and he was invaluable in helping us secure a deal with a label that we believe will do just that. So we extend a huge thank you to Ulterium, and to Emil in particular; he was vital in helping us maintain the level of quality we demanded across all of our releases, and together we released a catalog of work that we can all be proud of forever. Onward and upward!

“More updates coming soon. God bless you all.”

Ulterium Records provides further detail (Facebook - March 2, 2023):

“The new Theocracy album is another masterpiece as expected, and we can't wait for you all to hear it!
It's been amazing and such an honor to work with Matt and the guys for all these years and it will be really exciting to follow them during the coming years! Thanks for everything guys!”

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

New Album On The Way From SWEET & LYNCH, Heart & Sacrifice:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:

SWEET & LYNCH, the band featuring guitarist/vocalist Michael Sweet of STRYPER and legendary guitarist George Lynch (DOKKEN, LYNCH MOB),will release its third album, Heart & Sacrifice, on May 19 via Frontiers Music Srl.

In a new interview with the "Scars And Guitars" podcast, Sweet stated about Heart & Sacrifice (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "(It's got a) killer cover. When everyone sees the artwork, I think they're gonna love it. It's dark, but it says a lot; really cool. And the album itself went through some periods of change. In other words, George submitted a bunch of songs, and a couple of 'em weren't quite right, and we had to get some more songs submitted. We went and recorded the album, and then we wound up re-recording some other songs to add to it to make the album better. And the stage that it's in now is fantastic. It's really, I think, the strongest SWEET & LYNCH album."

Regarding the overall sound of the new SWEET & LYNCH LP, Michael said: "It's a little darker musically - not much; just a little bit. And a little heavier - like some of the songs are tuned way down; the guitar has a nice heavy feel to it. And I just love the feel of it. It's a little bit more, for lack of an explanation, a little bit more '90s than it is '80s. A little more '70s and '90s than it is '80s. But then you also hear the '80s flair. George is killing it on guitar. I kept trying to pull that out of him. Like he'd send a song where the solo was simplified, and I'd say, 'Dude, people wanna hear you tear it up. Just burn. Give 'em George - George Lynch.' And he'd submit a new solo, and it's, like, 'There it is. Just bring in the fire and the heat.'"

He added: "So I think this album is gonna really please people; they're gonna be pleasantly surprised and hopefully blown away."

Launched nearly a decade ago, SWEET & LYNCH has yet to play a single live show despite issuing two acclaimed studio albums, 2015's Only To Rise and 2017's Unified, through the Frontiers Music Srl label.

Five years ago, Michael expressed his frustration about SWEET & LYNCH's lack of activity, telling the "Focus On Metal" podcast: "I've gotten to the point with SWEET & LYNCH where I'm almost sensing and feeling like maybe it's run its course. We did two albums. I talked about doing a third and a fourth and a fifth, but there is kind of no point to it if we don't tour. We really should be touring and playing those songs live. It's kind of pointless, after a while, if you're not doing that."

Sweet said in the aforementioned 2018 interview that another reason SWEET & LYNCH hadn't played any gigs is the fact that the LYNCH MOB leader and former DOKKEN guitarist "has his hands in so many different things. When the first album came out and the second album came out, I promoted the snot out of 'em and was really pushing, pushing, pushing, pushing," he said. "George didn't do a lot of promoting and a lot of pushing with those albums. It gets to be exhausting for me when I feel like I'm the only guy really pushing it. And that's not to take anything away from George - it's just a fact. It's a simple fact that I'm stating in saying that that becomes an issue.

"I'm one of those guys where I want everybody in the band pushing and promoting equally as much, as they should be," he continued. "Or why are you doing it? So I'm at that stage right now where I'm just kind of feeling like the fire is kind of dwindling. I don't want it to - I wanna pour some gasoline on the fire and ignite it again. Maybe that'll happen, but it's quite possible that it won't."

In addition to Sweet and Lynch, SWEET & LYNCH features bassist James LoMenzo (MEGADETH, WHITE LION, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY) and drummer Brian Tichy (THE DEAD DAISIES, WHITESNAKE).

SWEET & LYNCH online: www.facebook.com/SweetLynch

NARNIA Releases “Hold On” Single From Forthcoming Album Ghost Town:
Album Release: March 17, 2023

Press Release / Twenty-seven years into a career that continues to grow, Swedish metal band NARNIA takes huge steps into an exciting chapter with the new album Ghost Town. The seasoned five-some once again shows how to shape a masterpiece with this melodic metal future classic.

The second single off the album, “Hold On”, premiered March 3, 2023 (embedded link above).  Debut single from Ghost Town, “Rebel”, saw release on February 10, 2023: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSA8QaW2poA

On the ninth studio album Ghost Town, NARNIA has picked the icing on the cake from its vast catalog. You can’t simply label this album a neoclassic metal album or a power metal album, even though these elements are present. There are also parts that are progressive, modern, heavy, or just creatively different. But you can summarize by saying this is well-crafted piece of classic and melodic metal.

Co-founder, guitarist, and producer CJ Grimmark is the crucial architect of the band’s sound, and also its primary songwriter along with co-founder and lead singer Christian Liljegren and bassist Jonatan ”Jono” Samuelsson. Through well formulated lyrics and melodies created to enhance the music, the songwriting team has explored new modes of expression that are well represented in songs such as “Thief”, with its dramatic arrangement, anxiety-laden, expressive imagery, and the progressive “Modern Day Pharisees”, a song dealing with the subject of hypocrisy.

The title track, “Ghost Town”, was first introduced to the cheering live-audience at Sweden Rock Festival 2022 and is now an obvious part of the set list with its bombastic four on the floor-pulse and sing along chorus. The heartbeat of NARNIA, Andreas “Habo” Johansson, does a tremendous job behind the drums, and spares no energy.

Martin Härenstam and his keyboards have been given a large but tasteful space on the record, and range in sound from vintage synths to grand piano.

The record’s neoclassical gem, “Rebel”, with a nod to the band’s earliest influences, should appeal to longtime fans. But also, more immediate songs like the soon-to-be crowd pleasers “Hold On”, “Wake Up Call” and “Alive”. “Descension”, on the other hand, is more progressive, but there is a constant and clear common thread throughout the entire production that ties it together brilliantly.

“Out of the Silence” picks up where 2019’s “The War That Tore the Land” left off as the album’s only ballad. Featured by SAVIOUR MACHINE front man Eric Clayton, who reads the Lord’s prayer with his deep baritone operatic voice.

“Glory Daze” is perhaps the album’s heaviest song, which also addresses one of today’s biggest problems: Stress and chasing the wind. Something that Liljegren himself experienced during a burnout.

“Different songs will appeal to different people lyrically, but we cover a variety of topics throughout the album, and I’m sure people will be able to relate to them, both musically and spiritually. Some of these songs stand out a bit from our previous repertoire, but without abandoning our historical influences”, Liljegren explains and continues:

“This is an album with a positive message combined with bombastic music. You can’t have one without the other when it comes to NARNIA”, Liljegren concludes.

Lyrics that make you reflect combined with the broad musical breadth the band possesses, along with a solid production, is NARNIA’s musical trademark which runs throughout the entire album.

If the latest studio album From Darkness To Light from 2019 marked the way, Ghost Town is a more than worthy sequel with a life of its own.

Ghost Town was produced by CJ Grimmark, mixed by the band”s sound engineer Viktor Stenquist, and mastered by Thomas Piec Johansson. It will be available on all digital platforms, CD, and vinyl on March 17th in collaboration with Sound Pollution Distribution.

Ghost Town track listing:

1. “Rebel”
2. “Thief”
3. “Hold On”
4. “Glory Daze”
5. “Descension”
6. “Ghost Town”
7. “Alive”
8. “Modern Day Pharisees”
9. “Out Of The Silence”
10. “Wake Up Call”

Ghost Town pre-order: https://orcd.co/n014

NARNIA online: https://narniatheband.com & www.facebook.com/narniatheband

NEWS BRIEFS

* New old school metal song from MISSION OF ONE, “Cordelia”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZma5zfb2WQ&t=11s

* New single from DARKHORSE HERO, “Brother In Arms”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IhWme-07EI

Val Allen Wood handles guitar duties in addition to mixing and mastering the song.

* Update from REIGN OF GLORY regarding the groups lead vocalist position (Facebook - February 28, 2023):

“We just want to clarify that Luke Easter is joining Reign of Glory for Immortal Fest 2 as lead vocalist, in place of Robyn Kyle Basauri.  There have not been any decisions made regarding the permanent vocal position in the band or the future of Reign of Glory albums, touring or anything else.

“We are still on very good terms with Robyn and his absence from Immortal Fest this year is due to his personal reasons which we honor and respect.  Right now we are just focused on putting on the best show possible for the fans at Immortal Fest 2 on July 23rd, and we are excited and grateful to have Luke Easter on board to help us do that!”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

ROB ROCK Inducted Into The Metal Hall Of Fame:

2023 Metal Hall of Fame Announcement:

Congratulations to Vocalist Rob Rock, for being inducted into the 2023 Metal Hall of Fame in Los Angeles CA.

Rob Rock is best known as the longtime singer for the band IMPELLITTERI.  His songwriting and vocal talent has also been recorded on albums by M.A.R.S. PROJECT: DRIVER, JOSHUA, AXEL RUDI PELL, WARRIOR, DRIVER, AVANTASIA and more.

He was hailed as ‘The Voice of Melodic Metal’ by the European press with the release of his 5 solo albums between 2000 - 2009.

After over 35 years of vocal prowess, Rob Rock humbly thanks “my Lord Jesus Christ, my parents who always encouraged me to go for it, my friends, the fans, and the metal community for this recognition and induction into the Metal Hall of Fame.

“Being inducted into the Metal Hall of Fame, along with other artists from my hometown area like Lou Gramm of Foreigner (One of my all-time favorite singers) and Twisted Sister (who also played the New England club circuit back when I was doing it with my band Vice), is certainly a great honor and privilege!”

Metal Hall of Fame online: www.metalhalloffame.org

ROB ROCK online: www.facebook.com/robrockofficial

LEAH Premiers New Single, “Before The War Is Over”:

The Vancouver BC based symphonic metal songstress provides further detail in regards to the single and upcoming new album during a recent ‘questions and answers’ e-mail update (February 21, 2023):

Any guest features in "Before This War is Over" song?
 
This song has Timo Somers on guitars and bass (ex-DELAIN), Sander Zoer on drums (DELAIN), and Oliver Philipps in orchestration and production (EVERON, PHANTASM), and I wrote the music, lyrics, and sing all vocals.

Will there be a new album this year?
 
Yes! This is the year. I originally wanted to have it complete last year in 2022, but life took over and especially in the last quarter when my dad passed away, it put everything on hold for a few months. Now, I'm in the depths of recording final vocals. Right now, I'm chipping away at it 2 days a week, since I have so many other responsibilities. It may take me longer, but I promise it will be worth it!
 
Will you be doing a crowd funding campaign for the new album?
 
Yes, definitely! After this single is released I will start gathering interest and ideas and start the planning process. Crowd funding campaigns are a LOT of work and I need to make sure I'm past a certain point of this album process. Once my vocals are complete and mixing starts, I'll be able to shift some bandwidth to this campaign, which I'll be REALLY excited to create with YOU!

LEAH online: https://leahmusic.net & www.facebook.com/LEAHthemusic

Roxx Records Announce Debut Album From VULTURES GATHERING, The Hunt:
Album Release: April 14, 2023

Mark your calendars!  Roxx Records is excited to bring you an album we’ve all been waiting for- the debut release from VULTURES GATHERING!

VULTURES GATHERING is a story of how a friendship between 3 different musicians, from 3 different bands, across 3 locations, halfway across the world led to a birthing of a project. The collaboration between Chaz Bond, Ryan Roebuck and Andre Chiang, all known for their projects with BIOGENESIS, LETTERS TO THE BLIND, MOTIVIK, RITUAL SERVANT, SHAMASH and NECROMANICIDE was something that started out as collaboration ‘for the fun of it’ but gained inertia and became a full fledged project.

When initially conceived, the band had in mind the melodic metal cadences of the Swedish Gothenburg scene in mind. This project was influenced by that scene and also mirrors the NWOBHM sound that was dominant when all 3 members were growing up in the scene in the 80s/90s era.   Dark, melodic and thought provoking. The words and melodies of this album deal with the issues of our time. The reality of life in this age. And finding the love of the saviour.

The album, took a year and a half to finish due to a few unforeseen circumstances, but finally, by the Grace of God, is done and available only on ROXX Records.

Today we bring you the brand new single entitled “In Plain Sight” (embedded link above).

Then get ready as we prepare to launch VULTURES GATHERING releasing on April 14, 2023 through Roxx Records.

The Hunt track listing:

1. “In Plain Sight”
2. “False Crown”
3. “The Hunt”
4. “This Darkened Embrace”
5. “In Paradise”
6. “Candle Wax”
7. “America”
8. “A Knock On The Door”
9. “Truth Be Told”

The Hunt pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/2019-releases/products/vultures-gathering-the-hunt-cd-2023-features-biogenesis-motivik-shamash-members

Roxx Records online: https://roxxrecords.com & www.facebook.com/RoxxRecords777

VULTURES GATHERING online: www.facebook.com/vulturesgathering

NEWS BRIEFS

*“The Wave”, lyric video from PERPETUAL PARANOIA: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeoGhH0Zo0g

The song is the title track to the Dale Thompson fronted groups soon to be released fourth album.

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

Girder Music Announces PETRA - Fifty (Anniversary Collection) 3 Disc Set:
Album Release: April 7, 2023

PETRA, the legendary Christian rock band, is celebrating their 50th anniversary with the release of this special 3-disc collection featuring 50 career-spanning re-mastered tracks, chosen by the band's founder and guitarist, Bob Hartman, showcasing the band's incredible talent and enduring influence on Christian music.

The 50th anniversary marks a significant milestone for PETRA, who have been at the forefront of Christian rock since their inception in 1972. Over the years, Petra has released 24 albums and won four Grammy Awards, inspiring generations of Christians with their powerful message and musical prowess.

The PETRA -Fifty (Anniversary Collection) features classic hits like "This Means War," "Beyond Belief," and "More Power to Ya," as well other gems that have helped define the band's legacy. The collection also includes a 24 page book featuring rare photos and reflections from the band members along with the complete Petra story.

"We're thrilled to be celebrating our 50th anniversary with this special collection of our music," said PETRA founding member Bob Hartman. "I'm excited to share these career-spanning tracks that have shaped our journey over the years. It's been an incredible journey, and we're grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing our message of faith, hope, and love with our fans around the world."

Available in both standard and deluxe editions.  The deluxe edition includes a special UV printed outer-sleeve and 3 LTD collector cards. As a bonus surprise, some deluxe versions will include a hand-autographed card from Bob Hartman and John Schlitt.

The release of PETRA - Fifty (Anniversary Collection) is a must-have for fans and collectors alike. The collection is set to release on April 7, 2023.

Disc One track listing:

Petra - 1974:
1. “Walkin’ In The Light” (3:16)
2. “Back Sliding Blues” (4:30)

Come And Join Us - 1977
3. “God Gave Rock And Roll to You” (5:36)

Washes White Than - 1979
4. “Why Should the Father Bother?” (3:46)
5. “Yahweh Love” (5:36)
6. “Morning Star” (4:47)

Never Say Die - 1981
7. “Chameleon” (5:48)
8. “Angel of Light” (4:21)
9. “Without Him We Can Do Nothing” (3:27)
10. “Praise Ye the Lord” (3:18)

More Power To Ya - 1982
11. “Second Wind” (4:36)
12. “Judas' Kiss” (4:44)
13. “Road To Zion” (4:01)
14. “All Over Me” (5:53)
15. “More Power To Ya” (3:35)

Disc Two track listing:

Not Of This World - 1983
16. “Not of This World (4:51)
17. “Bema Seat” (3:54)
18. “Grave Robber” (4:18)
19. “Not By Sight” (3:20)
20 “Godpleaser” (4:35)

Beat The System - 1985
21. “Beat The System” (4:22)
22. “It Is Finished” (3:52)
23. “Adonai” (4:42)
24 “Hollow Eyes” (4:03)
25 “God Gave Rock And Roll To You” (3:54)

Back To The Street - 1986
26. “Whole World” (4:50)
27. “Thankful Heart” (3:17)

This Means War! - 1987
28. “This Means War!” (3:30)
29. “He Came, He Saw, He Conquered” (4:10)

On Fire! - 1988
30. “All Fired Up” (4:30)
31. “Mine Field” (4:28)
32. “First Love” (4:10)
33. “Counsel Of The Holy” (3:37)

Disc Three track listing:

Petra Praise - The Rock Cries Out - 1989
34. “I Love the Lord” (3:35)

Beyond Belief - 1990
35. “Creed” (4:35)
36. “Beyond Belief” (5:03)
37. “Love” 4:11)
38. “Seen And Not Heard” (4:29)
39. “Prayer” (4:14)
40. “I Am On The Rock” (4:35)

Unseen Power - 1991
41. “Sight Unseen” (4:01)
42. “Dance” (3:45)

Wake Up Call - 1993
43. “Midnight Oil” (3:17)
44. “Just Reach Out” (4:28)

No Doubt - 1995
45. “Enter In” (5:00)
46. “No Doubt” (4:53)

Petra Praise II - We Need Jesus - 1997
47. “Lord I Lift Your Name On High” (3:01)
48. “Lovely Lord” (4:26)
49. “We Need Jesus” (4:02)

Jekyll And Hyde - 2003
50. “Jekyll & Hyde” (3:04)

Fifty (Anniversary Collection) pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/petra-fifty-anniversary-collection-3-disc-set

Fifty (Anniversary Collection) with limited collector cards pre-order: https://girdermusic.com/collections/pre-orders/products/petra-fifty-anniversary-collection-deluxe-edition-3-disc-set-3-ltd-collector-cards

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

NARNIA Premier “Rebel” Lyric Video:
Album Release: March 17, 2023

Press Release / Twenty-seven years into a career that continues to grow, Swedish metal band NARNIA takes huge steps into an exciting chapter with the new album Ghost Town. The seasoned five-some once again shows how to shape a masterpiece with this melodic metal future classic.

A lyric video to the first single off the album, “Rebel”, premiered on February 10, 2023 (embedded link above).

On the ninth studio album Ghost Town, NARNIA has picked the icing on the cake from its vast catalog. You can’t simply label this album a neoclassic metal album or a power metal album, even though these elements are present. There are also parts that are progressive, modern, heavy, or just creatively different. But you can summarize by saying this is well-crafted piece of classic and melodic metal.

Co-founder, guitarist, and producer CJ Grimmark is the crucial architect of the band’s sound, and also its primary songwriter along with co-founder and lead singer Christian Liljegren and bassist Jonatan ”Jono” Samuelsson. Through well formulated lyrics and melodies created to enhance the music, the songwriting team has explored new modes of expression that are well represented in songs such as “Thief”, with its dramatic arrangement, anxiety-laden, expressive imagery, and the progressive “Modern Day Pharisees”, a song dealing with the subject of hypocrisy.

The title track, “Ghost Town”, was first introduced to the cheering live-audience at Sweden Rock Festival 2022 and is now an obvious part of the set list with its bombastic four on the floor-pulse and sing along chorus. The heartbeat of NARNIA, Andreas “Habo” Johansson, does a tremendous job behind the drums, and spares no energy.

Martin Härenstam and his keyboards have been given a large but tasteful space on the record, and range in sound from vintage synths to grand piano.

The record’s neoclassical gem, “Rebel”, with a nod to the band’s earliest influences, should appeal to longtime fans. But also, more immediate songs like the soon-to-be crowd pleasers “Hold On”, “Wake Up Call” and “Alive”. “Descension”, on the other hand, is more progressive, but there is a constant and clear common thread throughout the entire production that ties it together brilliantly.

“Out of the Silence” picks up where 2019’s “The War That Tore the Land” left off as the album’s only ballad. Featured by SAVIOUR MACHINE front man Eric Clayton, who reads the Lord’s prayer with his deep baritone operatic voice.

“Glory Daze” is perhaps the album’s heaviest song, which also addresses one of today’s biggest problems: Stress and chasing the wind. Something that Liljegren himself experienced during a burnout.

“Different songs will appeal to different people lyrically, but we cover a variety of topics throughout the album, and I’m sure people will be able to relate to them, both musically and spiritually. Some of these songs stand out a bit from our previous repertoire, but without abandoning our historical influences”, Liljegren explains and continues:

“This is an album with a positive message combined with bombastic music. You can’t have one without the other when it comes to NARNIA”, Liljegren concludes.

Lyrics that make you reflect combined with the broad musical breadth the band possesses, along with a solid production, is NARNIA’s musical trademark which runs throughout the entire album.

If the latest studio album From Darkness To Light from 2019 marked the way, Ghost Town is a more than worthy sequel with a life of its own.

Ghost Town was produced by CJ Grimmark, mixed by the band”s sound engineer Viktor Stenquist, and mastered by Thomas Piec Johansson. It will be available on all digital platforms, CD, and vinyl on March 17th in collaboration with Sound Pollution Distribution.

Ghost Town track listing:

1. “Rebel”
2. “Thief”
3. “Hold On”
4. “Glory Daze”
5. “Descension”
6. “Ghost Town”
7. “Alive”
8. “Modern Day Pharisees”
9. “Out Of The Silence”
10. “Wake Up Call”

Ghost Town pre-order: https://orcd.co/n014

NARNIA online: https://narniatheband.com & www.facebook.com/narniatheband

NEWS BRIEFS

* “River”, latest single from vocalist Les Carlsen’s 2022 solo album He’s Coming: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGlm70JgptE

The former BLOODGOOD front man provides further detail behind the meaning to the song:

“The song "River" is a very personal track inspired by our granddaughter, River Ellen, who was in the NICU for many days after she was born. I spent time beside her, held her little hand and prayed hard. With tubes and wires all over her tiny little form, she still managed to exude joy with her infectious smile. Sitting beside her reminded me of sitting by a river and contemplating the wonder of our creator. He brings peace and calm to troubled souls.”

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

THE SACRIFICED Announce ‘Revised Edition’ To Third Album, III:

Originally released via Roxx Records on January 31, 2012, III is the highly anticipated follow up to THE SACRIFICED 2010 full length debut 2012 (also Roxx Records) and independent demo The Da Vinci Hoax from 2007.  THE SACRIFICED independently re-released a ‘Revised Edition’ to III on January 27, 2023.

According to the group featuring classically trained vocalist Eli Prinsen and guitarist extraordinaire Michael Phillips, the ‘Revised Edition’ was remixed and re-mastered from the original source material (not from the mastered, original release).  Bassist Daniel Cordova and drummer Jay Williams round out THE SACRIFICED lineup.

In a post at the Christian Metal Realm from June 14, 2012, Prinsen noted how “the vocals on our master copy (to III) were clear and upfront in the mix. The mastering engineer was concerned that there would be too much high end on the vocals and because of the resonance on my voice. They ran a ‘dehisser’ and cut so much treble off of the vocal track that it made it sound muffled and unintelligible.”

This, however, has been rectified as a result of the ‘Revised Edition’.  As reinforced by THE SACRIFICED on its Facebook page (January 27, 2023): “The fans requested it and we listened: the vocals have been turned up!”

A press release ahead of the 2012 release to III goes into detail about the cover art:

“The cover art of III is very simple, yet very powerful representing not only the title of the band’s third effort, but III is a symbol and representation of the three nails that pierced the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. The band has never been afraid of controversy our what the mainstream may think as you can tell from this cover and as you will see when you begin to explore the music and message of this brand new album from The SACRIFICED!”

Musical and lyrical direction are touched upon as well:

“The music on III is stronger then ever and continues in a direction that fans of hard and progressive rock bands like SYMPHONY X, DREAM THEATER or QUEENSRYCHE fans are sure to enjoy
 
“Lyrically the words and topics covered on III are not for the faint of heart. Covering such topics as The Ark of the Covenant and The Nephilim Agenda, the band is not afraid to speak from the heart and tackle some very controversial topics, topics that many of today’s Christian artists shy away from.“

III track listing:

1. “The World Is Changing (Intro)”
2. “Falling”
3. Ark Of The Covenant”
4. “The Nephilim Agenda”
5. “Time’s Up”
6. Words On The Gin”
7. “Behold The Power Of God”
8. “Regeneration”
9. “Offended”
10. “Before The Storm”
11. “24”

III ‘Revised Edition’ is available for download at: https://thesacrificed.bandcamp.com/album/iii-2023-revised-edition
 
THE SACRIFICED online: www.facebook.com/thesacrificed

STRYPER Announces Spring 2023 U.S. Tour Dates:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:

Christian rockers STRYPER have announced nearly dozen U.S. tour dates for this spring. The shows will kick off on March 30 in New Bedford, Massachusetts and run through June 7 in Tempe, Arizona.

Tour dates:

March 30 - The Vault Music Hall - New Bedford, MA
March 31 - The Chance Theater - Poughkeepsie, NY
April 01 - Del lago Casino - Waterloo, NY
April 13 - H-E-B Center at Cedar Park - Cedar Park, TX
April 14 - Arlington Hall - Arlington, TX
April 15 - RISE Rooftop - Houston, TX
April 29 - Monsters of Rock Cruise 2023 - Miami, FL
May 10 - Mercury Ballroom - Louisville, KY
May 11 - MGM Northfield Park - Northfield, OH
May 12 - BMI Event Center - Versailles, OH
May 13 - The Token Lounge - Westland, MI
May 16 - Eagles Theatre - Wabash, IN
May 17 - The Vixen - McHenry, IL
May 19 - Crystal Grand Music Theatre - Wisconsin Dells, WI
May 21 - The Royal Grove - Lincoln, NE
May 26 - The Newberry - Great Falls, MT
May 31 - Bossanova Ballroom - Portland, OR
June 03 - Yost Theater - Santa Ana, CA
June 04 - House of Blues San Diego - San Diego, CA
June 06 - Whisky A Go Go - West Hollywood, CA
June 07 - Marquee Theatre - Tempe, AZ

Last summer, STRYPER postponed most of its previously announced U.S. shows to 2023 for "economic" and "other reasons." At the time, the band issued a statement saying that "there were some economic cards stacked against us. Anyone in the music business will tell you about the Tour Bus and Labor shortage out there," STRYPER explained. "We're feeling it first hand. The Tour Bus business is like the housing market right now with 10 times more bands trying to rent buses than are available. And you've seen the cost of gas lately. When you're putting 10,000+ miles on a bus, as we were planning to do, gas prices absolutely matter for a tour like ours. There are some other issues at hand as well that played a part in our decision to postpone the tour."

STRYPER's new studio album, The Final Battle, was released last October via Frontiers Music Srl. The follow-up to 2020's Even The Devil Believes was produced by vocalist/guitarist Michael Sweet and was once again recorded at SpiritHouse Recording Studios in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Formed 40 years ago, STRYPER's name comes from Isaiah 53:5, which states: "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

STRYPER's albums include To Hell With The Devil, Second Coming, No More Hell To Pay, Fallen, God Damn Evil and the aforementioned Even The Devil Believes and The Final Battle.

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

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

NEWS BRIEFS

* The Metal Onslaught online interview with NARNIA guitarist CJ Grimmark: https://themetalonslaught.com/2023/01/30/cj-grimmark-interview-discussing-music-faith

* STRYKEN, live version of “Riot”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ld8ugJqmqVs

“Riot” made its initial appearance on the group’s 1986 sophomore album First Strike.

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

DEFECTOR, Fire By Night Re-release On Roxx Records:
Album Release: February 10, 2023

Press Release / Kicking off 2023 strong, Roxx Records is proud to bring you a brand new straight up Christian heavy metal album you have probably never heard before, but you are very familiar with the front man of this amazing unreleased album! We are happy to be bringing you the new, but old, album from MILLENNIAL REIGN front man Dave Harvey’s early heavy metal band, which has now been officially dubbed… DEFECTOR.

Here is what Dave had to say about Fire By Night:

“The first Millennial Reign album (2012) was simply a recording project of 80s style songs I used to play in a previous band called ‘3:16’ back around 2000 to 2005 or so. Those songs were never really released back then, so I would completely rerecord them all and make a lot of changes to those songs and release as the debut Millennial Reign album. Shortly after releasing (the Millennial Reign sophomore album) Carry The Fire on Ulterium (in 2015f), I felt it best to take the project/album completely off the market because it really wasn’t Millennial Reign material. I had been considering releasing those original recordings under a different side project name for people to hear, so after contacting and discussing with Roxx, the project took on a whole new life. I hope you enjoy these songs as we bring them to you completely re-mastered but in their original format as Defector Fire By Night, enjoy.”

That was what started it all and when Roxx heard those original songs, without hesitation we were stoked to bring you this brand new album for 2023. Ten blistering metal songs that are going to be ringing through your speakers throughout 2023 and beyond!

The title track and debut single, which is also available on the Roxx Records NLTM Sample Volume 2, can be streamed above.

Pressing Information: Jewel case edition, Limited Edition 500 piece pressing, 12 page booklet, lyrics, liners, new album design

Fire By Night track listing:

1. “The Ascension”
2. “Always”
3. “We Are The Ones”
4. “Run For Your Life”
5. “Left Alone”
6. “Broken”
7. “Fire By Night”
8. “Live Forever”
9. “Everyday”
10. “Lost In Vegas”

Fire By Night pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/defector-fire-by-night-cd-2023-ffo-stryper-millennial-reign

Roxx Records Announce Third Album From SWINGLE & THOMPSON ORDAINED, When 2 Worlds Collide:
Album Release: February 10, 2023

Press Release / Randy Swingle and Dale Thompson are at it again, and this time they are kicking of 2023 with their much anticipated third release for Roxx Records. This time the band takes you on one of their heaviest journeys to date with When 2 Worlds Collide.

Dale Thompson is back at the helm fronting this new release with power and emotion, coupled with some of the best instrumentation and music courtesy of Randy Swingle. Thirteen brand new, blistering tunes, get ready for another killer release that will be on your radar and in your players throughout 2023 and beyond.

When 2 Worlds Collide is being released in follow up to the groups 2020 debut The Thunder That Rocks The World and sophomore effort from 2021, Firestorm (both also on Roxx Records).

Debut single “Hail With Blue Flamez” can be streamed above.

Pressing Information: Jewel case edition, Limited Edition 300 piece pressing, 12 page booklet, lyrics, liners, new album design

When 2 Worlds Collide track listing:

1. “Hail With Blue Flamez!”
2. “Break Neck Speed”
3. “When 2 Worlds Collide”
4. “Fierce Windz”
5. “Storm The Gatez Of Heaven, Smash The Gatez Of Hell”
6. “Heavenz Brightness”
7. “Playing With Fire”
8. “Dynamite Fire Power”
9. “Dangers Edge!”
10. “Lightning Strikes!”
11. “Love Is Stronger Than Death”
12. “Beyond The Starz”
13. “Rivers Of Brightness”

When 2 Worlds Collide pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/swingle-and-thompson-ordained-when-2-worlds-collide-2023-cd-ffo-bride-stryper

SWINGLE & THOMPSON ORDAINED online: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063800912939

ARTIST COMMENTARY

Vocalist Chaz Bond in regards to both the history and future of BIOGENESIS (Facebook - January 22, 2023):

“Well what can I say?  It was 27 years ago when I first had the vision to create a special unique band that could give you a little bit of everything.  Melodic emotion, powerful aggression, moving ballads, heavy, mosh worthy, catchy grooves, technical riffs and lyrics that can shake your soul and cause all walks of life to stop to ponder. 

“BioGenesis: "life only comes from life".  It's hard to believe it has been 23 years since we signed with Rowe Productions out of Australia and 22 years since the release of our debut album The Mark Bleeds Through.  After a tour with Australia's Mortification, the band split up for 11 years.  We attempted a comeback with our long anticipated second release in 2012 after we singed with Soundmass.  We broke up again until I revived the band with a new lineup which produced the next two on Roxx Records.  That lineup decided to leave to form their own band, so I put together yet another new lineup to record our last album on Retroactive Records.

“It all sounds so simple but it was far from it.  As founder and leader of this particular vision, it has been taxing and very difficult at times throughout the years.  So what is next?  I am gearing up to begin writing with new guitarists Ryan Roebuck and Zharlie Gustavsson.  Ryan is famous for his brainchild known as Motivik . He also plays for Ritual Servant and Vultures Gathering .  Zharlie is the guitarist for the Swedish black metal band Shadows Of Paragon and she is the guitarist and vocalist of her new melodic band Soundless Whisper.  Long time Bio bassist Randy Walton will return for his fourth Bio album as well.
 
“What can you expect?  The album title is Hells Carnival.  You can expect a very diverse album with plenty of everything Bio is known for.  You can expect amazing musicianship from this trio of talented players.  You can expect all the passion I can muster, even more directions vocally than ever before.  You can also expect the lyrics to rattle some cages as Bio does.  This dark time we are in will be cut clean through with a sharp blade of light.  Pulling no punches.  This might be the last dance.  It may not be.  We are back with Roxx Records now and we will see what happens after this one gets unleashed.  The goal is by the end of the year.  Look out for the art cover reveal in the coming months.  Thank you from the bottom of my soul to all who have supported Bio through the years!”

 

ARTICLES

Angelic Warlord Top 25 Albums of 2022:
The annual Angelic Warlord article counting down the top 25 albums from the previous year can be read: HERE

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

TRUE STRENGTH Announce CD Version To Compilation Album, Maximum Strength: The Best Of The First Decade:

Press Release / Roxx Records and TRUE STRENGTH are teaming up to bring a CD version of the Maximum Strength: The Best of the First Decade album to the hands of Christian metal fans everywhere! Early-2023, Roxx Records will be releasing a special CD version of the album which includes new single, "The Holy Spirit"!  For those who have already purchased the digital version of the album, the song will be available to purchase as a single track on all digital platforms, and will feature artwork by Ryan Closeand layout by Josh DeHaan

Maximum Strength: The Best of the First Decade CD track listing:

1. "Christian Battle Cry"
2. "Steel Evangelist"
3. "His Blood Is On Us"
4. "Joshua"
5. "Chariot of God"
6. "Michael the Archangel"
7. "The War We Fight"
8. "Worthy is The Lamb"
9. "Blood-soaked Waters of Merom"
10. "Starve the Fires of Molech"
11. "Don't Take the Mark of the Beast"
12. "The Holy Spirit" (new single)

This album is being done to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of TRUE STRENGTH and will feature the most popular songs from the first five albums! Thank you to all of our friends and fans who have been so supportive of us and our music over the past ten years!

Roxx Records online: https://roxxrecords.com & www.facebook.com/RoxxRecords777

TRUE STRENGTH online: https://truestrength.band & www.facebook.com/True-Strength-722436254439923

NEWS BRIEFS

* “The Jesus Freak Show”, official video from LES CARLSEN: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeSqeOgpCLU

The song comes off the BLOODGOOD vocalist's 2022 debut solo album He’s Coming.

* CELL 9, official video for the song “Louder Than War”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbiPHWvCXyw

You will find “Louder Than War” on the groups March of 2022 sophomore album Second Coming.  CELL 9 released its debut The Devil’s Feast in 2016.  The group includes former VENI DOMINE members Torbjorn Weinesjo (lead vocals & guitars) and Thomas Weinesjo (drums).

* SOMBRE HOLIDAY is at work on its next album, The Soul’s Blood.  Look for a release in the fall.

 

FEATURED REVIEWS

ALL FOR THE KING - Let There Be Light
Melodic hard rock plus modern rock tendencies: It’s been a surefire winning formula for Sweden’s All For The King since the 2017 release of its Connection Records self-titled debut full length.  Read Full Review >>

ANGELIC FORCES - Arise
On its December of 2022 No Dust Records debut full length Arise, Angelic Forces remains true to its traditional metal heritage by underscoring ‘screaming solos, twin guitar harmonies and high pitched vocals’ with the goal to create ‘powerful songs (with) catchy hooks’ (quoting its press material either way).  Read Full Review >>

LES CARLSEN - He’s Coming
He’s Coming, the fall of 2022 independent debut solo album from iconic vocalist Les Carlsen, retains many of the eighties metal qualities to the band in which he is best known, Bloodgood.  Read Full Review >>

LIVGREN, KERRY - Q.A.R.
Kerry Livgren takes progressive and classic rock sounds and combines them with a vocalist by committee approach on his August of 2022 independent (Numavox Records) solo offering Q.A.R. (standing for Questions, Answers, Resolutions).  Read Full Review >> 

SEVENTH SERVANT - The Tree Of Life
Seventh Servant is the project of veteran vocalist and guitarist John Greely, whom gained initial renown from having fronted 1991 Iced Earth sophomore album Night Of The Stormrider.  Read Full Review >>

STRYPER - The Final Battle
What separates The Final Battle from the pack?  It starts with continuity from maintaining a front to back high-level of songwriting with no downturns or skip buttons among its eleven tracks.  Read Full Review >>

VALOR - Masquerade (Retroactive re-issue)
Valor packs old school metal punch within a semi-thrash, speed metal and traditional metal basis.  Read Full Review >>

VARIOUS ARTISTS - Preachers Of The Underground: Volume 1
The Roxx Records summer of 2022 various artists release Preachers Of The Underground: Volume 1 embraces the ‘compilation’ proposition of compilation albums.  Read Full Review >>

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

FEAR NOT Unveil “Riptide” Lyric Video:

Press Release / 2022 features the return of one of Christian rock’s greatest acts of the nineties. This band made their public debut actually being known as LOVE LIFE, releasing an album titled Goodbye Lady Jane on Blonde Vinyl in 1991. As the band began to progress they caught the ears of well-established producers John & Dino Elefante and a new journey was about to begin. Working with the famed producers the band would change their name to FEAR NOT and release their self titled album in 1993 upon the world via Pakaderm Records. The album would garner great reviews and praise from the media and the band would begin playing shows across the US. Unfortunately, as it happens all too often, life got in the way and the band would never actually make it to release a sophomore effort, ultimately disbanding.

Fast forward to 2017 and indie label Roxx Records searched the band out and ultimately start to work on a complete redesign and re-release of that amazing debut album. In 2017, working in conjunction with the band, that debut album would be beautifully re-mastered with enhanced artwork and reissued in a limited edition CD format and for the first time ever on limited edition vinyl. As a result, of this, those four original members of FEAR NOT would embark on a brand new journey and rekindle that band relationship and start to work on brand new music for the first time in almost 35 years. Added to the fold would be an additional vocalist working with the band by the name of Eddie Green, a seasoned touring vocalist, who previously fronted the metal band EVEN THE DOGS.

Now as a 5 piece, the band would record and release their debut music together as a beautiful new EP titled For The Wounded Heart.  Five brand new tunes for the world to enjoy as this band was back and just beginning a new journey of life, music and ministry for a world that much needs it. For The Wounded Heart would get many great reviews and accolades which would spark that fire amongst the band and even get them out into the world to play shows again as a 5 piece.

It's been over 3 years since that first EP, the world had pretty much come to a stop as we dealt with a worldwide pandemic. While that worldwide downtime was going on, these guys were dealing with so much adversity in their personal lives, illness, death of loved ones, and so much more we didn’t think anything more would come to fruition. However, all along that troublesome pathway, it inspired the band, and they continued writing new music, recording new music and slowly building a brand new full-length release to share with this world. And now 2022 saw release of the much anticipated new full-length album from the legendary FEAR NOT. 

FEAR NOT is set to embark on a new musical journey with the release of their sophomore full length album entitled Fields Of Sorrow. Fields Of Sorrow takes the listener on a heavy and heartfelt journey with the band as they prepare to release this full length album of all new music with meaning.  Tracks that tackle many of the issues we face and deal with today, with the addition of some heavy and emotional music as your soundtrack, Fields Of Sorrow will definitely be on repeat play for many of us this year as we continue to navigate life through these troubled times.

On January 3 we unveiled the world premiere video for the sixth single, “Riptide”, from the new album. On the heels of the debut single “Struggle”, we are very excited to bring you the brand new single, so we hope you not only enjoy it but request it to be played wherever you listen or stream your music. The new single is on sale now digitally at all your favorite platforms, and has been serviced to radio around the world.

Fields Of Sorrow, featuring stunning new artwork from Scott Waters of NoLifeTilMetal Graphics, was released on July 8th, 2022 on CD and via all digital platforms. In addition, on September 17th, 2022 a limited edition black vinyl version was released and limited to only 200 copies worldwide.

Fields Of Sorrow track listing:

1. “Riptide”
2. “Voluntary Madness”
3. “Fields Of Sorrow”
4. “Lay It All Down”
5. “Join Together”
6. “Black Soul Sunshine”
7. “Beautifully Broken”
8. “Struggle”
9. “Into The Grave”
10.“American Prayer”
11. “God’s Country” (bonus track)
12. “Carry Me “Reprise” (bonus track)

Roxx Recodrds online: www.RoxxRecords.com & www.facebook.com/RoxxRecords777

FEAR NOT online: www.facebook.com/FearNotRoxx

NEWS BRIEFS

* Vintage footage of STRYKEN performing the song “One Way” live in Phoenix, Arizona:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmA4Kp429h8

The song made its initial appearance on the groups 1987 independent debut full length First Strike but was later included as part of the 3 CD Precious Metal Box Set released via Retroactive Records on December 15, 2022.

* “Deceiving The Very Elect”, new song from THE SACRIFICED: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB-TBPZWh6o

Formed in 2005, THE SACRIFICED has 3 albums released to date:

The Da Vinci Hoax - 2007 (Hitmaker Productions)
2012 - 2010 (Roxx Records)
III - 2012 (Intense Millennium Records)

The SACRIFICED current line up:

Eli Prinsen - Lead Vocals, Guitars & Keyboards
Michael Phillips - Lead Guitar
Christian Zonner - Bass
Jay Williams - Drums

According to the group, its fittingly entitled fourth album IV is coming soon.

 

METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS

DELIVERANCE, Deliverance Picture Disc Color Vinyl Re-issue On Retroactive Records:
Album Release: March 20, 2023

Press Release / Frightening, awe-inspiring, and absolutely relentless, DELIVERANCE's self-titled album dropped onto the scene in 1989 with all the finesse of a metallic sledgehammer across the forehead. In 1987, DELIVERANCE made their presence known in dramatic fashion on the California Metal compilation (a sampler in the vein of Metal Blade's Metal Massacre compilations) with "Attack" being the very first thrash/speed metal song with a strong Christian message to ever be released. Overwhelmed with anticipation, fans lined up for two years trying to buy more of this West Coast speed metal as phenomenal as anything released by EXODUS, DEATH ANGEL, METALLICE and ANTHRAX.  The long wait ended with the release of 1989's self-titled debut, and fans were not disappointed. Having enlisted the production skills of famed mainstream metal producer Bill Metoyer (FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, TROUBLE, FATES WARNING, DRI, SLAYER) the debut exuded all the pure destructive power for which fans could have hoped. Every note is executed with jaw-dropping levels of scientific precision. Jimmy Brown’s vocals are both powerful and soaring.

The 2023 Retroactive reissue is a brand new 2022 Vinyl re-master (Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound) and includes two non-LP demo songs as bonus tracks. This is pure metallic brilliance packaged with a genius 12-page booklet laid out by NoLifeTilMetal's Scott Waters. This 2023 picture disc color vinyl fixes any song transition issues from the past.   This is THE ultimate reissue of one of a handful of Christian metal's ultimate albums.

Deliverance Picture Disc Color Vinyl track listing:

1. “Victory”
2. “No Time”
3. “Deliverance”
4. “If You Will”
5. “The Call”
6. “No Love”
7. “Blood Of The Covenant”
8. “Jehovah Jireh”
9. “Temporary Insanity”
10. “Awake”
11. “Stand Up And Fight” (1985 demo bonus track)
12. “Hold On Tightly” (1988 demo bonus track)

Deliverance Picture Disc Color Vinyl pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/deliverance-deliverance-picture-disc-color-vinyl-2023-retroactive-1989-debut-thrash-masterpiece

DELIVERANCE, Weapons Of Our Warfare Picture Disc Color Vinyl Re-issue On Retroactive Records:
Album Release: March 20, 2023

Press Release / Only a year after the band released the historic self-titled debut, DELIVERANCE released their 1990 tour de force: Weapons Of Our Warfare. METALLICA created Master of Puppets, SLAYER bludgeoned the world with the classic Reign In Blood, FLOTSOM & 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.

Weapons Of Our Warfare (2023) takes all the magic from the original release and magnifies it featuring a complete 2022 digital remastering by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound. It even includes two bonus tracks on vinyl for the first time ever - "Rescue" from the original Weapons… recording sessions, but never used, and "Greetings Of Death" (not the 1985 demo version).  For fans of BELIEVER, SLAYER, EXODUS, METALLICA, TOURNIQUET and ANTHRAX.

Weapons Of Our Warfare Picture Disc Color Vinyl 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)
12. “Greetings Of Death” (Weapons… demo track)

Weapons Of Our Warfare Picture Disc Color Vinyl pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/deliverance-weapons-of-our-warfare-2-bonus-new-picture-disc-color-vinyl-retroactive-records

LORDCHAIN Unveil “When I Was Naïve” Lyric Video:
Album Release: November, 23, 2022

Roxx Records is very excited to announce the addition of one of the Christian Metal underground’s hardest working and still thriving bands… LORDCHAIN.

LORDCHAIN has been recording, playing and going strong since 1990, celebrating 32 years together as an active ministry minded Christ centered band. Having ten full length albums, four EP’s and one compilation under their belt, we are very excited to finally be able to partner with the band to bring you their eleventh full length release entitled Surviving The Wicked Storm.

A lyric video to a song off Surviving The Wicked Storm, “When I Was Naïve”, can be viewed above:

Bill with Roxx Records had this to say about the new addition to their roster: “It has been a long time coming for Roxx to finally be able to work with LORDCHAIN and we are very excited to be partnering with them finally. My first introduction to the band was back around 2011 when a mutual good friend of ours Dale Huffman from Metal Pulse Radio shared the music and ministry of LORDCHAIN with me and I knew they were a band that would make a difference and be a good fit for Roxx Records, and we can’t wait to share their new album with the world.”

Surviving The Wicked Storm continues on in the heavy metal arena the band has always been following but they take it to the next level with this one. Featuring 12 brand new tracks that LORDCHAIN fans will enjoy and have grown to love and expect from these guys! The first single “Straight & Narrow” is being serviced to radio now and is available for streaming above.

“Surviving The Wicked Storm” is scheduled for release on Wednesday November 23, 2022 just in time for Thanksgiving.
Pre orders are live now at the special introductory price of $11.99 until release date.

Surviving The Wicked Storm track listing:

1. “Shed Your Skin”
2. “There's A Way Out”
3. “Straight And Narrow”
4. “When I Was Naïve”
5. “Time, Precious Time”
6. “Fragile Life”
7. “Broken Pieces”
8. “The Outrage Mob”
9. “Burn Away (Reprise)”
10. “Everybody Sins”
11. “Game Changer”
12. “Cut To Black”

Surviving The Wicked Storm ordering information: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/lordchain

LORDCHAIN online: https://www.facebook.com/lordchain

OMEGA, From Beginning To End: The Complete Recordings Of Omega (2 CD Set) On Roxx Records:
Album Release: January 20, 2023

Press Release / Roxx Records is at it again kicking off 2023 with a previously unreleased collection of music. A fantastic collection of songs from a band that should have been much bigger, but never got the chance! Even though they did not get to the status they deserved this band made an impact on those they were able to share their message with. This time we go all the way to the UK, Nottingham England to be exact, as we are set to bring you this 2 disc Limited Edition anthology set. In fact the band had a third disc worth of material that is also being released as a limited edition bonus disc for 100 lucky people that purchase this set early. Lets take a look in to the legacy of United Kingdom Christian Rockers… OMEGA.

When the world was still rocking from the sounds of the 70s, the 1980s dawned upon us.

Disco was still around and new genres began to arrive - New Wave, New Romantics, the emergence of Heavy Metal and a more melodic sounding Heavy Rock. Also, the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) emerged, featuring the bands that we all know and love, but this would also spurn a new generation of Christian Metal/Rock there in the UK. Still being influenced by the great Hard Rock of the 70s and 80s, Mark Timson and John Maddison decided that it was time to spread a message of Love and Hope through Jesus Christ. There were a few bands in the UK, notably the mighty 100% PROOF who really started this ball rolling in the mid 1980’s in the UK.

OMEGA would officially take form in 1983 when the band released two demo tapes of live and rehearsal material. A 10 track tape they made featuring what would become the bands anthem “God Loves To Rock n Roll” and a 6 track live tape. Then in 1985 the band would record and release a cassette only demo consisting of 3 new tracks entitled The Gambler. The band would continue gigging all over the UK playing with a plethora of bands through their short lived 3 year career.

In 1985 the band would record what would be their final recording by way of a 7” single (which is impossible to find by the way) featuring the tracks “Love Will Find A Way” and “Give Your Life To Jesus”.  Alas this would be near the end of the bands mission. Ultimately they would play one final show on Saturday June 7th 1986 at an open air concert in Nottingham's famous Market Square. This show would be recorded on the soundboard solely for the band to enjoy and commemorate their last gig. It has never been heard outside the band's inner circle.

Fast forward to 2022 and Bill from Roxx Records would connect with Mark Timson. From this meeting the ball started rolling for what we have dubbed From Beginning To End: The Complete Recordings Of Omega. We are excited to bring this collection to you in our never ending quest to catalog and archive these pieces of musical history.

This beautiful 2 disc set encompasses all the recordings the band ever released, albeit all were only released on cassette tape and one 7” single. This package was completely re-mastered and cultivated by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound. We have also put together a beautiful package featuring a brand new cover design and a gorgeous 12 page booklet courtesy of Scott Waters of NLTM Graphics. Packed with photos, lyrics and the story of the band this is the complete package and limited to only 300 pieces worldwide.

And if that was not enough for you, we also will be releasing an extremely limited third bonus disc. It features that final show recorded live in the UK on June 7th 1986. This bonus disc set is limited to only 100 copies!

Disc One track listing (Omega Live Rehearsal, 1984): “Light Of The World”, “Take Me I’m Yours”, “Searcher”, “He’s Not Here”, “Fighter”, “If We Are One”, “Don’t Leave Me Hanging On”, “Protest Song”, “God Loves To Rock N Roll”, “Hands High”

Disc One track listing (God Loves To Rock N Roll, 1984): “Intro”, “Light Of The World”, “Always There”, “Hosanna”, “Take Me I’m Yours”, “Follow Me”, “Born To Die”

Disc Two track listing (God Loves To Rock N Roll, 1984): “Don’t Leave Me Hangin On”, “God Loves To Rock N Roll”, “Hands High”, “If We Are One”

Disc Two track listing (Gambler demo, 1985): “Gambler”, “Closer To Heaven”, “Where Is Hope”

Disc Two track listing (Live At Greenbelt Festival, August 25, 1985): “Give Yourself To Jesus”, “Praise The Lord”, “Take Me I’m Yours”, “Where Is Hope”, “Closer To Heaven”, “Gambler”

Disc Two track listing (7” Vinyl, 1985): “Love Will Find A Way”, “Give Yourself To Jesus”

Bonus Disc track listing (Live At Nottingham Festival, June 7, 1986): “Four Minute Warning”, “Praise The Lord”, “Hooked On You”, “Take Me I’m Yours”, “Give Yourself To Jesus”, “Where Is Hope”, “Hands High”, “Love Will Find A Way”, “Mainline”, “If We Are One”, “Gambler”, “God Loves To Rock N Roll”

From Beginning To End: The Complete Recordings Of Omega pre-order: https://roxxrecords.com/collections/roxx-records/products/omega-from-beginning-to-end-the-complete-recordings-of-omega-2cd-set-2023

NEWS BRIEFS

* SIGNUM REGIS Update (Facebook - December 29, 2022):

As we move towards the end of the year, we would like to thank all our fans and supporters for everything! Your support reminds us that keeping Signum Regis alive makes a difference not only in our lives, but also in lives of many people out there. We were not very active on social media and haven't played many shows in 2022, but we were very active and productive in the studio and it looks like 2023 will be really interesting.

So what were we doing the whole year? Here are some of the things we did:

• We mixed and released our first live album "Made in Switzerland"
• We released a re-mixed and re-mastered version of the "Exodus" album
• We partially re-recorded, re-mixed and re-mastered 2 of our older albums (more info about that later!)
• We finished the recording of our next, new album

Announcement About The New Album:

We would like to announce that this time, our good friend Jacob Hansen is not only mastering the new album. This time he is also putting his producer hat on and doing the whole "package". We recorded 13 songs at our place (while following his technical instructions), sent everything to him earlier this month and he will take it from there. This is special for us, because we have always self-produced our releases in the past. Now, we will have some out-of-the-box perspective and more brains involved in the process.  We are really excited about this and are very much looking forward to releasing this new album.