2005 News Archive


Friday, December 23, 2005

FRONTIERS RECORDS 2006 PREVIEW:
Toto - Frontiers Records is pleased to unveil the first music sample taken from Bottom Of Your Soul, the first single from the upcoming Toto album, Falling In Between.
The song, in the words of the band's keyboard player David Paich, is a prayer for peace lyrically inspired from the tragedy of the Sudan civil war victims. Paich explains: "The song started out from a 6/8 African groove I had in mind with Simon Phillips, and Steve Lukather later came up with the chorus chords."
Featured on lead vocals during the chorus is former Toto singer Joseph Williams, together with two other very special guests Jason Scheff (Chicago) and Shenkar (Peter Gabriel). Percussion work is courtesy of Simon Phillips and Lenny Castro.
Enjoy the 1 minute mp3 sample at the following link!
Bottom Of Your Soul will be launched on all European radios in the first half of January 2005. Other sound samples from the upcoming shall be posted right here, on the audio page on the www.frontiers.it and www.toto99.com websites.

Survivor - The band has finished recording 11 songs for the new studio album in the works. The entire album tracking is completed. After Christmas Frankie Sullivan is scheduled to record some missing guitar overdubs and then Jimi Jamison will add his vocals. The mix is planned during January for a release planned in the spring 2006.

Hardline - Recording of the third Hardline studio album entitled Just Add Water has been completed this month. Singer Johnny Gioeli is enthusiastic of the results. "I think this is extremely radio and melodic... Van Halen-ish, like Sammy Hagar meets Journey... with some GREAT Ballads... really a new twist for Hardline!"
The renewed lineup on Just Add Water includes Johnny Gioeli on vocals, Josh Ramos on guitars, Michael T. Ross on keyboards, Jamie Brown on bass and Atma Anur on drums.
Some of the song titles to be included on the record include My Heart, Hold On, Hole In My Head, Save Me, Falling Rain. Release is planned for late spring 2006.

Kelly Keagy - Night Ranger drummer / singer Kelly Keagy is busy working hard to complete his new studio album. Some of the songs he has been working on include Call In Another Day, In The Back of Your Mind, All In The Blink of An Eye, The World Before and After, When Nobody's Looking, I'm Alive, Where The Road Ends, One, A Life Worth Remembering, Stolen, You're Everything In A Woman.
Kelly has written many songs together with Jim Peterik (ex-Survivor, Pride Of Lions). The record will also feature Kelly's The Mob bandmate, Reb Beach on guitar while the mix will be handled by none other than Kip Winger.
Frontiers Records plans to release the new as yet untitled album in mid-2006.

Vertigo - Former Toto singer Joseph Williams is currently busy recording the vocals of the second Vertigo album. The songs which will be included on the record include in no particular order: Not Gonna Live Forever (written by Joseph together with Joey Carbone), Save It All Alone, All For You, Goodbye So Long, Part of Me, In The Blink of An Eye, There's A Reason, Picking Up The Pieces, Hold Me.
This time the lineup includes drummer extraordinaire Virgil Donati (Soul Sirkus, Ring Of Fire) and guitar virtuoso Alex Masi, with Fabrizio Grossi handling again bass and production duties.
The album is scheduled for release in mid 2006.

Stan Bush - The well-respected singer / songwriter is currently busy writing new songs together with his songwriting partner Holger Fath (who will also handle the production of the album) and Tommy Denander, who will also co-produce his album. "I am very excited because these are some of the best songs I've ever written, and I think this will be my best album ever!", says Stan. The artist is planning to start the recording during January 2006 with the label hoping to release his new record after the summer.

Genius - Daniele Liverani is completing the recording of the third and final chapter of his Rock Opera Genius entitled The Final Surprise. With the release of this final episode, the complete story and music of the trilogy can be finally enjoyed in its entirety. An incredible cast of singers and mix of different music styles from fast power metal to straight AOR and crazy progressive rock tunes will lead the listeners to the final events of Genius' amazing trip into the dreams world parallel reality.
Once again singers Mark Boals (Ring Of Fire; Ex Malmsteen) and Daniel Gildenlow (Pain Of Salvation) are taking the major roles (Genius and Twinspirit32 respectively).
The other amazing singers appearing include this time Eric Martin (ex-Mr.Big) as Mr. Niko, Jorn Lande (Masterplan) as Apikor, Andrea Datwyler (Lunatica) as Kokeshi, Toby Hitchcock (Pride Of Lions) as Senator Jeramus. Oliver Hartmann will care once again about the choruses while the narrator role will be covered by Philip Bynoe as usual.
The album is going to be mixed in January 2006 for a release tentatively planned in the spring.

Hartmann - Oliver Hartmann shall perform a special show TONIGHT at the Colossaal in Aschaffenburg, Germany.
The set list will include the whole Out In The Cold album plus some new songs which shall be included in the forthcoming album to be released during 2006! Don t miss him!

Green - Following the good critical acclaim that blessed the release of the new album, Green's guitar player and singer Fabrizio Pieraccini gives an insight on Of Love And Soul:
Receive Me - The opening track clearly sets the new course of the Green sound. A huge riff made by almost NU metal guitars interacting with sampled drum grooves, opens what can be defined a modern rock song with an unforgettable chorus and a breathtaking final guitar solo.
Fight for Truth - A powerful mid-tempo. Changes the mood of the record towards a modern sounding power rock, with strong lyrics, a fantastic bridge and some serious guitar playing going on.
Do it Now - Melody was dominant in our previous record "Life". With this song goes up to a higher level with a refined arrangement of strings. The verse looks for a more intimate musical dimension while the chorus is full of energy, the lead voice is both harmonic and captivating. Definitely the softest song in the album.
Hate Me - The seventies hard rock background of the band emerges here. Mostly inspired by The Who, this song features a cutting guitar riff which plays with a dynamic bass line and is supported by a very Purplish Hammond organ sound. The 7/8 rhythm in the middle of the song brings out some Rush influence with a virtuoso-style guitar solo.
There's No Wind - The verse is in 5/4 with acoustic guitars and strings; this takes you to the elegant and relaxing chorus which explodes in a strong finale.
Freedom - Again a strings melody is supported by two guitars playing in harmony. Luscious vocal exercise and self-conscious lyrics emerge later in a typical rock'n'roll fashion.
No Return Journey - An intense and peculiar moment of the record. Listen to this song keeping a close eye to the lyrics and allow the ethereal keyboard atmospheres win you over.
Baby Tell Me Why - Again Marshall and Hammond here, but this hard rock song goes beyond classic 70 s Hard Rock adding a modern sounds and melodic effects.
One Day - A celestial atmosphere is introduced by the piano; the vocals have a big feeling here and the guitar scratches and comes out in an exciting solo with an atmosphere similar to the one in Pink Floyd's Comfortably Numb.
Of Love And Soul - The title track the ultimate manifesto of the new Green sound. It's undoubtedly a progressive tune a 9/8 riff followed by a complex verse like Yes; when you think everything is set then& you get a metal oriented keyboards fugue chasing guitars and vice versa; a kaleidoscopic progressive whirlwind a là Dream Theatre, but not so complicated. Emotions build up in a breathless crescendo ending with the two guitarists playing some pretty impressive solos.

Season Greetings - Frontiers Records would like to wish to all partners, artists, journalists and fans a Merry Christmas and a successful and happy new year 2006! We thank each and everyone for the faith and the support showed during this year and we look forward to a stronger and better year! Cheers to everyone.

SHADOWMAN PROVIDE SOME DIFFERENT ANGLES:
Shadowman's new studio album Different Angles will be released by Escape Music March 10, 2006. The new CD - available as a limited edition beautifully packaged CD in ecolbook - will feature the following songs: Learn to Live Without You / Take Me Home / Cry Wolf / When Its Gone / The Way of the World / In The Shadows / Did It For Love / Chains / Dreams Die Hard / Runaway Girl / Satellite / Shine On.
Album Details: All songs by Steve Overland and Steve Morris. Line-up: Steve Overland (FM) – Lead Vocals; Steve Morris (Heartland) - Guitars; Chris Childs (Thunder) – Bass; Harry James (Thunder) – Drums.
Produced by Steve Morris for T.O.M Productions. Mixed by Pete "Peewee" Coleman. Recorded at Ocean Reach Studio, Warington UK and Jelly Jam, Runcorn, UK.
Bio: It is some two years since the debut album by Shadowman was released (Land of the Living ESM098). The album was warmly received by all who had a penchant for good old British melodic hard rock. As you would expect Shadowman had elements of both Heartland and FM deeply embedded in its grooves, yet it was highly original and was often touted as the best British melodic release of 2004.
Two years later and we have an eagerly awaited follow up called Different Angles, an important album for this quartet that also includes both Harry James and Chris Childs of Thunder. A few chords into the song Learn to live without you and it is fairly obvious that we are in for a real treat. That unmistakable guitar trademark sound of Steve Morris and the vocals of Steve Overland shine through at a very early stage. Somehow they make their music sound effortless; the driving riff throughout "In the Shadows" is testament to this making it such a classic song.
As we all very well know Steve Overland has a remarkable vocal range, not only does it suit the classic melodic rock genre but he has a very bluesy side to his talent. Try listening to such songs like Cry Wolf and Did It For Love; the latter being a perfect ballad in every sense of the word. Shadowman certainly know how to captivate their audience, make no mistake. Hard rocking songs like Chains and Shine on are solid melodic rock tunes that will delight any audience, whilst Runaway Girl has a chorus that will have you singing along to in a very short space of time.
Shadowman is all about great rock music that will win you over with its charm. Quality rock music is so hard to find these days and it is reassuring to know that it hasn't lost its way. It is always hard to follow on from a near perfect album like Land of the Living, but these guys have done just that, this is an essential piece of British melodic rock music.
WebLink: www.Escape-Music.com.

xx

UNITED FORCES OF ROCK 2005 - FESTIVAL REVIEW:
United-Forces-Of-Rock Festival Ludwigsburg, Germany Oct. 29, 2005...By Sven Horlemann, on location on behalf of MelodicRock.com.

An extraordinary festival for melodic rock. Fans from all over Europe came to see some of the best melodic rock bands available –
Hartmann (German newcomer)
Pump (German newcomer)
Blanc Faces (melodic rock highlight from US)
Casanova (veteran German melodic rockers come back)
Jaded Heart (veteran German band with new singer)
Legs Diamond (US heavy rock legend)
Seventh Key (featuring Billy Greer of Kansas, Mike Slamer & Terry Brock)
Wetton/Downes (founding members of Asia)
Pride Of Lions (Survivor successor featuring Jim Peterik)

A full review of the show is now online. My apologies for the delay in getting this formatted and uploaded and thanks to Sven for covering the event in my absence. There are several interviews Sven conducted on the day still to feature. I'll add those on my return after the holiday break, along with a few pictures from the festival.
For now - Read The Live Review.

TOTO "FALLING IN BETWEEN" RELEASE PARTY:
On February 10th 2006, the legendary American rock formation Toto will release their brand new album Falling in Between.
In order to celebrate this memorable event, Fanclub Toto Headlines organizes a huge release party! This event will take place on February 9th at De Boerderij in Zoetermeer, Holland. It's going to be a totally Toto–evening!
Because the band unfortunately won't be able to make it over in the flesh we've arranged really sparkling replacement by a live performance of the Toto cover band Toto Touch. But of course there will be (even) more for the real Toto fan:
The CD Falling in Between will already be on sale that evening! Also on sales, among others wonderful Toto merchandise and pictures of Toto in all sorts and sizes. There will also be the opportunity to swap things from your personal Toto collection (so don't forget to bring your own stuff along!) And we will hold a lottery with some stunning Toto prizes!
Besides that we have another big surprise in store but we can't yet spill much about that at this point.
Tickets for this event cost €5 and are available via www.totoheadlines.com and in the Boudisque CD/DVD stores in Amsterdam, Utrecht and Nijmegen. (Ticketsales through Boudisque starts at beginning of January). Doors open at 19.00 pm, event starts at 19.30 pm.
For more info and changes www.totoheadlines.com or www.boerderij.org.

NEW SCHON INTERVIEW ONLINE:
Greek melodic music site Rockpages recently added a new interview with Neal Schon from Journey. Check it out at: www.rockpages.gr/interviews/journey2005-eng.htm.

IT'S A BOY!:
It is with great pride that Cathy and I announce the arrival of our second son!
Zackary John McNeice was born on Thursday December 22; 7:17am local time. Jnr #2 is doing extremely well, as is his mum :)
Pictured is Nicholas with his new baby brother…


I promised one last news update before the holiday break – so here it is. I did also say that I would have one last MR-X update, but I simply ran out of time. There will be no MR-X updates while I am on holiday, but as many are away from their computers or high-speed connections, I am sure the majority will be content with my promise of a massive all-new update first week back. All recent uploads are still online, so take this opportunity to grab whatever you have not yet had a chance to download. The section remains open for new members to join on at any time.
I do have to announce the winner of the Mega-Pack competition. That is Cory Manferd. Congrats Cory – e-mail coming your way.

There's a lot going on for everyone at this time of year. Let me stop to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy and safe holiday break (and a warm one for those north of the equator!). Have a great new year's eve and I hope Santa delivers some suitably tasteful melodic rock CDs and no nasty tartan socks, or the like...
I'd also like to conclude the 2005 year with a heartfelt thanks to all those that have supported this site over the course of the year. All MR-X Members, all site sponsors, all artists that have kept in contact and everyone that logs on for their daily dose of news.
2005 was a challenging year and man, have I got a lot to talk about in my end of year wrap up contained in the upcoming MelRock Awards.

What to do while I am away dealing with the messy business that is babies? You can post on either of the message boards – the Noticeboard or The Forums.
You can read all of the 2005 CD Reviews, starting here and add your own comments here. There is also the Feature Interviews area and the shorter e-Interviews section. Or, just browse back through the news of the past year.

So, to conclude – the next site update (unless something amazing happens...) will be Monday January 10. From that point it will be business as usual…well, as much as normal can be with a new born around!
I'll keep an eye on the message boards and e-mail, so drop me a line should any need arise. All e-mail sent between now and then that isn't dealt with, will be done so during that first week back.

So cheers for now and once again, have a great holiday season wherever you are!

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

LUKATHER SPEAKS & THANKS FANS FOR FEEDBACK TO DATE:
After reading through the fan reaction to the debut of the first clips from Toto's February 10 released album Falling In Between, guitarist Steve Lukather penned this open letter for me to post. For the record - the fan response has been amazingly positive!
Over to Steve - "Well, thanks for all the great press but I am afraid of all the hype as NO ONE lives up to huge hype! We have done the best I think we could do at this time in our lives and it was a labor of love and to prove to ourselves and whomever likes the band that we still have something left to offer besides the old hits, hey, they have been very good to us but I am more sick of them than ANY of you could EVER be! hahaha
I dig this site a lot [thanks Steve!] and I certainly don't expect everyone to like me or Toto or agree on music in general.
It's hard as most of us "old guys" make our $$ on the road and therefore taking the TIME it takes to make a GREAT record (very subjective I might add) is difficult. This time Toto had the TIME to make what WE wanted to make and took the 10 months, on and off, and used it, and said we were not gonna put it out till WE thought it was good enough.
I just would like it if you actually heard the WHOLE thing before making an opinion either way. If you like what LITTLE you have heard then you are gonna love the rest of it. For those riding the fence, please give it a shot.
I just want to thank everyone who has been so kind and patient and even thank those that hate us, at least we got SOME reaction. We ain't curing cancer here fellas...it's just music. There is plenty of different styles and players from ALL eras to go around!!
God Bless and Happy Holidays...Lukather."

QUIET RIOT THROW OPEN DOORS FOR NEW BASSIST:
Press Release / Quiet Riot will be holding a one day only audition for a bass player that is based out of the general Los Angeles area. If you are interested but not in the area, please do not apply.
The basic requirements are for a bass player that is well versed and rooted in British late 60's and 70's music. John Paul Jones, Andy Fraser, the style of music such as Led Zeppelin, Free, Humble Pie, The Baby's, etc.
We are looking for a finger player that is also musically knowledgeable of funk roots. The new material has a lot of these influences as a basis, but applicants would also be required to perform the Quiet Riot songs that are expected from the band.
If interested and qualified, please e-mail quietriotbass@aol.com.
Include all your contact information, bio, images etc. Quiet Riot will begin recording the new CD in late January and into February 2006.

DANTE FOX BREAK DOWN NEW SONG:
Dante Fox's Tim Manford dropped me this little note and update: "There is live footage on www.dantefox.com of the band recording the first song for the third album. The song is called Breakin Me Down and features our new harder style. It was premiered on the Steve Price show on ARFM on Saturday and Sunday last week.I'm Steve will play it again if anyone out there would like to tune in.
We will be playing with Shy on 26th January @ Limelight Club in Crewe and will be doing the Z Rock fest again @ the Limelight on 2nd April.
Please say sorry to the fans who turned up expecting to see us with Vaughn as we had no hand in not appearing. Sorry again."

VANISHING POINT ANNOUNCE NEW BASSIST:
Australian progressive metal band Vanishing Point have announced the addition of bassist Steve Cox to the group's ranks. "Steve has fitted in with his new role quite nicely with his great sense of humour and professionalism towards Vanishing Point is most welcome," the band write on their web site.
"We would also like to take this opportunity to thank those who did try out but who were unfortunately unsuccessful. We wish all the very best for your future and know in whatever you chose to do you will be successful."
Vanishing Point's latest album, Embrace the Silence, was released in Europe this past May through Dockyard 1, the new German company/record label formed by Dirk Putzke, Christine Stephan (both ex-Sanctuary/Noise Records) and Piet Sielck (Iron Savior). Embrace the Silence is available in Australia and New Zealand through Modern Invasion Music.

FOREIGNERS DUE IN THE UK IN 2006:
Foreigner will hit the UK in 2006 for 2 shows. They are: June 30th London Shepherds Bush and July 1st Manchester Carling Apollo. Further European dates are possible, so stay tuned.

HELLO FROM BRUCE KULICK:
Bruce Kulick has asked for the following to be posted and has a special deal for readers. Anyone who orders the new shortsleeve Union Chikara T-shirts from his site (kulick.net) and mentions that they saw it on melodicrock.com will receive TWO FREE Bruce guitar picks with the order.
A Message From Bruce Kulick - Happy Holidays to you all! I had a very exciting November and December, so here goes with a report on my travels to Europe with UNION and Mexico with Eric Singer.
We started in a town called Sion, Switzerland which is in a valley of the Swiss Alps where my friend and tour manager Nicolas lives. First time for John Corabi, Fred Coury (Cinderella) on drums and Chuck Garric (Alice Cooper) and they were quite impressed. I have been there so many times it was great to show the guys around. We rehearsed courtesy of our opening act Crystal Dusk. It was very cool to get to hang out in the town, and the guys from Crystal Dusk helped show the guys around. After Sion, off on a regular touring schedule which is very hectic.
Off to Zurich for our show at Alpenrock, and we really had a great first show. I love that venue as it is quite unique with its "in the Alps look." Next day off to Germany for our two shows. We had a travel day on Thanksgiving, and a meal that was fit for a king when we finally arrived 6 hours later. Heike the promoter was very sweet to prepare such an amazing feast for us Americans long from home. That night we saw snow, and living in LA of course, I don't get to see it often. My hotel room had a heated water bed!! The next night in the city was show day, but Fred and I got to walk around a bit and see the beautiful German City of Babenhausen after sound check. Bought German pastries and pretzels. They rule!
Read the full message and view all the pictures from the tour at: www.kulick.net/message.

TODAY'S UPDATES:
Added to the site today is MP3 MiniBytes for new releases by Akira Kajiyama + Joe Lynn Turner, Last Autumn's Dream and Square One. Check them out.

CD Showcases have been updated for two MTM releases due in January. They are Faro and AOR. Check those out.

Tuesday, December 20, 2005 :pm update

PREVIEWING TOTO'S BOTTOM OF YOUR SOUL & KING OF THE WORLD:
How about we kick the day off with two previews from the new Toto album Falling In Between? The single Bottom Of Your Soul is the track which will kick off the album at radio, so what better way to kick things off online than a snippet from the track which also features former vocalist Joseph Williams.
Download: Toto - Bottom Of Your Soul.
And here is another new sample - the rocking classic Toto sound of King Of The World. Download: Toto - King Of The World.

Speaking of Toto - the official websitehas had a neat overhall to coincide with the new album design and details. Log on at: www.toto99.com

LION MUSIC ANNOUNCE SIGNING OF SATYRIAN:
Lion Music are proud to announce the signing of Satyrian, an international gothic rock band, combining dark atmospheric lyrics with new wave, rock, classical orchestration elements for a truly unique sound.
The new album Eternitas consists of 12 songs covering a wide variety of musical styles. From pure dark rock to danceable industrial beats, folk elements to classical atmosphere, the album runs the gamut of musical tastes. Satyrian also display contrast between the two male and two female voices which define the band's sound. The guitar work varies from rock and metal riffing to melodic leads, often combined with piano. The lyrics are dark, atmospheric and offer a close look into deep personal emotions. It's an album about life and death, desire, fear, loss and eternity - the Eternitas.
Satyrian – Eternitas is scheduled for release in March 2006.
WebLinks: www.satryian.com and www.lionmusic.com.

xx

MELODIC BRIEFS:
The very cool session legend Phil Soussan has completed a new solo record, titled Vibrate. Readers here will recognize Phil's name from Beggars & Thieves, Vince Neil Band, John Waite and Ozzy Osbourne among many others. Guests on the album includes Steve & Trevor Lukather. Details at: www.philsoussan.com.

German Melodic Rock Online Magazine www.rock-avenue.de features new interviews (in German only) with Michael Bolton, Khymera, Philip Bardowell and Francis Buchholz (Ex-The Scorpions).

Butch Walker is playing a one-off acoustic solo show at The Barfly in London on January 31, 2006.

Log onto www.whiplash.net for a Best Of 2005 feature, with the contents gathered from 111 influential artists of the metal scene. Check it out at: www.whiplash.net/materias/melhores/026859.mv.

A new interview with the very groovy Jay Graydon can be found now at: www.toto99.com.

Guitarist/producer great Dann Huff is featured on a new episode of CMT's In The Moment - showcasing the debut album from American Idol winner Carrie Underwood. Dann co-produced the album.

Music writer for the Georgia Straight newspaper Lucas Aykroyd has published his 10 Best releases for the year. Some interesting titles make an appearance, including Philip Bardowell's In The Cut. Check it out at: straight.com/content.cfm?id=14816.

Shy have a new forum for fans online at: www.shyonline.co.uk/forum/default.asp.

Surrender's Kenny Hamberg is featured in a new interview at: www.rock-is-life.com/interviews/kennyhamberg.htm.

Last but not least for today - Phil Vincent has two new releases available via his website. Poetic Justice by Tragik and One by Circular Logik are now available for purchase at: www.philvincent.com. Just follow the simple instructions or send an e-mail with your request to dercole@cox.net to pay using PayPal.

BAREFOOT SERVANTS RETURN WITH A NEW CD:
News from the record label website for Jon Butcher - Jon Butcher and Ben Schultz are performing around the US & Canada in support of their new Barefoot Servants 2 CD. If you are able to catch a performance, you'll hear songs from the Jon Butcher Axis, the Jon Butcher solo arsenal, both Barefoot Servants records and a few choice cover tunes. An Acoustic Evening With Jon Butcher promises to be a special event. Dates are being booked frequently, so keep an eye on www.jonbutcher.com, for current listings. However, here are some shows already confirmed...
WebLinks: www.atomrecords.com and www.jonbutcher.com.


YNGWIE MALMSTEEN AUDIO INTERVIEW POSTED ONLINE:
StriglsMusicNews.com has posted episode 28 of their "Talking Metal" podcast. The episode, entitled Yngwie Malmsteen Special, features a ten minute interview co-host John Ostronomy conducted with legendary guitarist and musician, Yngwie Malmsteen. Topics include Yngwie's Concerto Suite album, his feelings on religion, and his participation in Metal festivals with Slayer, Hammerfall, Dio, and Zakk Wylde. Hosts Mark Strigl and Ostronomy also discuss topics including Yngwie's history, Mike Varney, Steeler, Johnny Cash, and King Kong. The episode also features an Yngwie Malmsteen multiple guitar pick giveaway. Pictures as well as the 30 minute podcast can be downloaded at this location (striglsmusicnews.com/podcasts/talkingmetal/index.htm). iTunes users can also subscribe to "Talking Metal" for free at this location (phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=78833595).

OLIVER WAKEMAN MAKES DEBUT ON PROGROCK RECORDS:
The Progrock Records debut by Oliver Wakeman Mothers Ruin is now available from the following and a lot of other on-line stores; www.progrockrecords.com, www.oliverwakeman.co.uk, www.hmv.co.uk, www.virgin.com/uk/entertainment/default.asp and www.amazon.com, .uk & .de.
Sound samples can be heard from either visiting the Progrock or Oliver's own site (where you can find out lots more about Oliver and his band).
The band are next due to perform on the 28th January 2006 at The Oakwood Centre, Rotherham alongside Damian Wilson supporting Arjen Lucassen's new band Stream Of Passion. Tickets can be purchased via The Classic Rock Society. Tickets are priced at £15. www.classicrocksociety.net.


TEENAGE CASKET COMPANY FEATURED:
Rob Wylde, Teenage Casket Company lead singer, hooked up with Hardrock Haven to talk about the band's ongoing efforts to open up for Bon Jovi (Punk Rock Bon Jovi Tour!), their first tour of the States, their month long U.K. tour coming up, heading into the studio in January, and a lot more. Head to: www.hardrockhaven.net/interviews/rwylde05.php to hear the entire interview! (You will need Windows Media Player to stream the interview.)

GRAND ENTERTAINMENT'S NAMM SHOW CONCERT ANNOUNCED:
Grand Entertainment's 2nd annual Namm Show Concert will be held at The Blue Café in Long Beach Ca. on January 21. This year will be another host of great players including Barry Sparks Acoustic (MSG, Dokken) and Steve Ferrone (Tom Petty, Eric Clapton) and His All-Star band. More special guests will be announced soon!
The Blue Café's information is at: www.thebluecafe.com or call the Promoter Dale Woodson at 818-645-4140, or email adale9@earthlink.net or visit: www.grandentertainment.info.
On Saturday Jan 7, Mike Campbell - Rock and Roll Hall of fame Guitarist from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, will make a rare club appearance at The Blue Café with The Dirty Knobs. Check out www.thedirtyknobs.com, Or call 562-983-7111 for tickets.

INDUSTRY FOCUS - SILENT NIGHT FOR MUSIC SALES:
Another good read for those interested in and following the issues surrounding the music industry.
Holiday Buyers Spurn Tunes As Industry Picture Worsens; 'Cesspool of Really Bad Bands' By Ethan Smith
Staff Reporter of The Wall Street Journal, December 16, 2005; Page B1
"The holiday season has traditionally been a time for the music industry to relax and watch the money roll in as big-name releases all but sell themselves. The stocking-stuffer effect is generally strong enough that the season generates 40% of the industry's annual revenue.
This year, though, there's little Christmas cheer to go around. During the crucial Thanksgiving week, for instance, the top 10 albums sold 40% fewer copies than the top 10 albums the same week in 2004. Album sales so far this year are down 7.8%, according to Nielsen SoundScan, compared with the same point a year ago. Sales of individual digital tracks on services like Apple Computer Inc.'s iTunes Music Store have increased -- but not nearly enough to offset the slide in CD sales. According to an estimate from SoundScan, overall sales of recorded music are down about 4.5%, if one considers 10 individual tracks the equivalent of an album.
"It's sort of a bleak holiday season at the end of a bleak year," says Jim Urie, president of Universal Music Group's Universal Music & Video Distribution arm.
Retailers who specialize in music say that their outlook is worse than bleak. Music sales at Virgin Megastores' 20 North American locations are down nearly 20%, according to Simon Wright, chief executive of Virgin Entertainment Group. Other music retailers report similar numbers.
Things are so tough that Rob Roth, owner of the Vintage Vinyl music store in Fords, N.J., says that being able to simply keep pace with last year's sales puts him among the lucky few. His new motto: "Flat is the new up."
This season's slide is evidence that, despite a brief uptick in music sales at the end of last year, the music-industry meltdown that began more than five years ago is far from over. The long decline has been fed by a combination of factors -- including online piracy, CD burning, high prices and competition for consumer dollars from videogames and DVDs.
Lately, people in the music industry have said the same basic issues have been intensified by the growing popularity of pricey gadgets like Apple's iPod and Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360, as well as the rising prices for games that go with the new platform.
In the near future, the introduction of next-generation DVDs, which carry high-definition TV signals, is likely to eat into the shrinking space retailers allot CDs. The arrival of Sony Corp.'s PlayStation 3 videogame platform threatens to further erode music sales. And despite some heavy holiday discounting on CDs, many retailers say their customers believe they are still too expensive. Now, there is even competition for digital-music sales within the iTunes store itself from $1.99 episodes of network-television shows.
But many retailers and label executives alike point to a more fundamental problem this year: A lack of hit acts. Don VanCleave, president of the Coalition of Independent Music Stores, says blame lies with "an absolute, gigantic cesspool of really bad bands."
Consumers seem to agree. This year has seen more albums come and go from the No. 1 sales spot than any year since SoundScan began keeping score in 1991 -- a sign that few hits have staying power. This year's album charts have seen brief reigns, often followed by rapid tumbles, by more than two dozen artists, including Kenny Chesney, Hilary Duff and Rob Thomas.
The music industry hasn't connected broadly with fans since the late-1990s heyday of the teen pop performed by the Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync and Britney Spears. "It's almost like we need a new genre of music," says John Sullivan, chief financial officer of Trans World Entertainment Corp., which operates music stores under the FYE and Coconuts names, among others. "There hasn't been anything fresh to get consumers excited in a while." [Amen John!]
The biggest sellers during the current holiday season include Green Day and Mariah Carey, whose albums have been out for months. "These are not as big as the albums we had last year," Mr. Sullivan says. Last year's big sellers included new albums by U2, Eminem and Shania Twain.
None of the four global music companies has been immune to the slide. Vivendi Universal SA's Universal Music has managed to keep its dip to just 2%, but the company has seen disappointing releases by rap stars 50 Cent and Eminem, whose latest releases have done far less well than many retailers had hoped. Mr. Sullivan of Trans World says the soundtrack to 50 Cent's movie "Get Rich or Die Tryin' " was "a disappointment, no question." The disc sold just about 317,000 copies its first week in stores, compared with over 1 million copies in the first week for the rapper's previous album, "The Massacre."
.....Mike Dreese, co-owner of New England entertainment chain Newbury Comics Inc. and a board member of the National Association of Recording Merchandisers, says that pricing remains a major problem for the music industry, especially compared with DVDs. "The new Harry Potter movie came out and they're offering $7 videos from the previous movies," he says. "You don't see any $7 Beatles albums."
Full Story: online.wsj.com.

And in keeping with depressing articles, here is Rolling Stone Magazine's Top 50 albums of 2005. Do I even need to make a comment about their list? Perhaps the work 'Yikes' sums it up...www.rollingstone.com.

SITE UPDATE:
A quick note - yes, no update yesterday, but we're still waiting for this baby to arrive here! It seems it is in no hurry :) Any minute now...
Before the new addition comes home, I will post one last update on the site before taking a holiday for a couple of weeks. I don't think much will be missed as just about everyone closes down over this holiday period, so there will be very few press releases or announcements made from the labels around.
There are already a stack of titles building up for reviewing come January and I will start those on my return. What I do want to mention is a few titles from 2005 that are still to be reviewed. Those will be added next - whenever that is. Those titles are: Retrograde, The Way, Frost, Dean Howard, Christian Tolle, Big Cock, Crimsonfire and Danny Tate. Just wanted to let those awaiting these reviews know that they are coming!
And of the early 2006 releases due, expect reviews for Toto, Bob Catley, Warrant, Ten, Ambition, Tony O'Hora, Faro, AOR, Speedy Gonzales, Lydian Sea, Mad Max and Phenomena all during January.
I continue work on the 2005 MelRock Awards....the last 2 years they have been published second week of February, but this time I very much hope that they will be online well before January ends! We shall see!
That's about it for now. A few new MiniBytes, a MR-X update and a CD Showcase or two to be added before I take off, so tune in over the next couple of days for these.

Friday, December 16, 2005


Pre-View: Toto - Falling In Between (Frontiers Records, February 10, 2006) - Toto is one of my all time favourite bands. I have every record and just about every one of the many side projects.
Despite being a massive fan, I have been pretty hard on the guys in my most recent reviews of Mindfields and Through The Looking Glass. Not this time. This is what it is all about folks. This is the exact reason I do this site - this is genius.
While offering a preview of the tracks that make up Falling In Between, I almost feel as if I'm writing the official review for the album. I'm not - a more detailed final review will follow soon...but at the same time, I find it impossible to edit down any of my current thoughts, as there is just so much music going on within this record at any given single minute, that it takes a description this long just to summarize it!
Again, without prefacing my final review - this is a stunning record. Already I would rate it as one of the very best records of the band's entire career. I have only had the full album a few days - it might just end up their best. I have spent a month with 6 tracks and a few days with the remaining four songs. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Falling In Between features a little of everything Toto have ever been and will, without doubt, appeal to every single fan the band has ever reached out to.
I'll make a number of additional observations in the final review, but a couple of particular points should be made now. This is a record with an amazing sound. The production is layer upon layer deep and the individual performances are some of the best I have heard from the guys.
The percussion on this record is second to none as far as Toto's history and the songs are just as diverse, yet perfectly cohesive in the scheme of the album's flow.
Something else which I am seriously in awe of, is the seamless way the different vocalists appear and work with each other through the record. There are 5 lead vocalists on this record and sometimes 3 or 4 in any given track! Yet never once does the record sound disjointed or a song appear out of place.
I have added this special feature because from time to time there is a record due that captures the attention of a lot of people. This 50 minute record has something for every Toto fan old and new and then something.

xx

Falling In Between (4:08)
With a grand Seventh One style instrumentation, the album begins it's journey before Lukather blows the song apart with one of the heaviest riffs I have ever heard from him. The song is very progressive and together with the hard crunch of the guitar and some amazing swirling keyboards, the song reminds me of the best from Dream Theater.
The band has really gone out of it's way to be different, yet in a way that is going to appeal to fans. Take this track - the heaviest of the album - when was the last time you heard an album title track that features two verses, two quick choruses and no further lead vocals past the 2 minute 20 mark! The last 2 minutes of the song is a mix of Luke's heavy riffing and layers of keyboard and orchestral/progressive instrumentation. Not only that, but Bobby Kimball sings the verse like I have never heard him power and new boy Greg sings the chorus.
Dying On My Feet (6:13)
The intro to this song gives absolutely nothing away - you have no idea where the song is going and if I wasn't sitting here listening to it myself, I'm not sure I could possibly believe the description! This is a stunning track that highlights the genius that is this album.
A laid back mid-tempo verse with a subtle riff and prominent piano riff doubles in pace for a bridge that features another heavy (and in your face) guitar rip before the song reverts back to it's original pace. This is a perfect contrast, but what I couldn't believe is the u-turn taken after the second chorus. From out of nowhere a massive orchestral break drives this song into the audio equivalent of cinematic widescreen. There are instruments and layers flying every which way and can only be described as glorious. Without warning the song reverts back to how it started, but now with a Lukather solo to accompany.
Ok, so we are back to chorus time, but there is still another u-turn awaiting. No, not to the first anthemic interlude, but rather an even more complex, progressive instrumental outro that lasts close to 2 minutes. Before you even realize, the song is bursting with heavy guitar riffs and then a massive horn section! On my count that's about 5 different vibes within a 6 minute song. I have never heard anything like it and suggest that fans of the oldest formation of Toto will really dig this track.
Bottom Of Your Soul (7:00)
This is the longest song of the album and the lead single. Easily the most commercial number, this will be the most familiar sound to fans of 80s Toto. This mid-tempo ballad reminds me of the moody I Will Remember from Tambu - certainly the vibe and the percussion is very reminiscent of this track. The kicker is the chorus. A mellow Lukather sung verse gives way to one of the biggest choruses of the record, but with none other than the masterful Joseph Williams up front. It's a definite return to Seventh One as Williams and Lukather duet through the rest of the track. It closes out with another long instrumental passage featuring some speaker shattering rhythms and a real tribal/African vibe - with Luke and Joseph adding sporadic vocal melodies alongside a very melodic, band supplied, chanting harmony vocal.
King Of The World (4:06)
This is another very commercial track. This is the most 80s sounding track of the album and again reminds me of the uptempo melodic rock moments from Seventh One and Isolation. David Paich features as lead vocalist during the verse and Lukather takes the bridge into the chorus, where Bobby Kimball takes over and supplies another short, but memorable powerhouse vocal. The very catchy and commercial chorus is everything anthem loving Toto fans will be hoping for!
For whatever reason, the track reminds me of the ultra high-tech feel and sound of Mr. Mister's Welcome To The Real World album - very 80s, but so high-tech that the sound appears timeless.
The instrumental break is again something that I have never heard before, yet it remains so recognizable to fans and true to the Toto legacy.
Hooked (4:38)
Very different this again...5 tracks in and 5 different individual styles, yet it gels together perfectly. That takes talent. This is a somewhat more stripped back track than some of the multi-layered orchestral parts of previous tracks. The song is a guitar driven slow-to-mid tempo groover, with a real swagger. But the chorus is once again bathed in multi-layered glory. Basically, this is very heavy come chorus time, but relatively organic and features a blazing guitar solo.


Simple Life (2:24)
Another change of pace...I asked Luke where the rest of the track was! He basically said he wanted people to want to play it again. That they will, as it is over way to soon! A Luke sung ballad, the song builds with subtle rhythms and a prominent piano part, then explodes into a single massive and passionate chorus and in a blink of an eye it is all over.
Taint Your World (4:03)
Wow, time for another guitar driven rocker, but this time it's played out at double speed, with this infectious little hard rocking boogie! Yes, Bobby Kimball suggests "you don't want to fuck with me" during the chorus! And who would argue with his statement at the end of the track?? (You'll have to wait for that!). One thing springs instantly to mind the second this track fires up - Van Halen! Yep, this is Lukather at his Eddie Van Halen best and man, he sounds good. This is Toto's Hot For Teacher. The chorus is fast and furious, the vocals are layers deep and again the band take a side trip for a curious instrumental break.
Let It Go (5:02)
Yet another track that offers something new in a familiar environment. Greg Phillinganes sings lead on this track, drawing in all of his soul/R&B influences with Stevie Wonder. He fits into the band perfectly. What is most enjoyable about the track is the fact it continues the pace of the last track, but runs mainly on a snappy rhythm section. The track takes several twists during its running time, but the heart of the song is a funky/jazzy rhythm that reminds me of Tambu in places and very early Toto in other areas. Lush instrumentation and multiple use of a pre-chorus bridge keeps things hopping around!
Spiritual Man (5:24)
Wow...where do I start with this one? This soulful and spiritual ballad is stunning...subtle at times and completely over the top towards the end. Greg, Bobby and David Paich all sing on this, each one taking a verse (there is no definitive chorus as such). This is the ultimate build-up song. Starting slowly, the vocals are hauntingly passionate and really capture the emotions of the listener. The bridge between the verses is multi-layered and is short, yet even more intense. With each passing minute, more layers of vocals and instruments are added to the song and when a simply stunning Bobby Kimball bursts through the speakers, every single hair on your body will be standing on end. The last minute of the song is so thick in vocals, sax and keyboards, you will need that 5.1 mix to work out where it is all coming from.
No End In Sight (6:15)
Another taste of something out of the ordinary. Steve Lukather sings the verse, while Bobby Kimball delivers the chorus. The transition is so smooth you'll have to go back to hear where one takes over from the other. The tempo starts slow, but builds and jumps around. The chorus and song itself takes a few listens to get into and getting a handle on the layered percussion takes another listen after that! Some of the instrumental passages remind me of Seventh One again...the CD definitely has the lush orchestral feel of that album.

So that's a look into the most anticipated release of 2006. I'll spend some further time with the album and deliver a more extensive full review in a few weeks time. As for soundbytes...stay tuned for details.


LATEST VAN HALEN RUMOURS PROVE TO BE JUST THAT:
E-Online are claiming Van Halen are again looking for a new lead singer. Their story is just not correct. More a commentary on the state of guitarist Eddie Van Halen's personal life, the piece incorrectly speculates that the band no longer features vocalist Sammy Hagar.
Not true and management have again confirmed that with this short statement delivered to me this afternoon: "Not looking for a new singer...no tv show...same old answers...seems like someone has too much time on their hands....ALL RUMOURS are FALSE."
Yes, all rumors are false as you need to be doing something to create rumors in the first place! There is no activity in the Van Halen camp, nor is there any planned activity for the foreseeable future.
In related news, Bass player Michael Anthony appeared on LA radio promoting his new hot sauce. Anthony stated that the band was on hiatus and that he hasn't talked to either of the Van Halen brothers for sometime. The very respected bassman will instead tour with Sammy Hagar's solo show in 2006.

QUIET RIOT THROW FANS A CURVEBALL WITH REVISED LINE-UP:
Quiet Riot vocalist Kevin DuBrow and drummer Frankie Banali are pleased to announce the group's line-up for 2006. Joining the group on guitar is axe slinger Tracii Guns, formerly of L. A. Guns and Brides of Destruction. A new bass player will be announced shortly.
The newly revamped Quiet Riot will enter the studio in January to record new songs for their next studio release, the first new material from the band since the release of Guilty Pleasures in 2001. Look for Quiet Riot on tour in 2006!
It may not even need to be said, but the future of Brides Of Destruction is in serious question.

MICHAEL THOMPSON SPEAKS ON NEW SOLO RELEASE:
Guitar genius Michael Thompson is back with a new instrumental solo album. MT Speaks is available now via his official website: www.michaelthompson.cc.
The introduction message from Michael delivers more good news: "Welcome to all of you that have been checking out the site and ordering the new album. I've got some cool stuff planned for the future. I'm planning to re-issue my last album The World According To M.T. with two new songs that were recorded for the new album but wouldn't fit on "Speaks". I'm also planning to re-release my album MTB How Long also containing two previously unreleased tracks plus a new song written by singer Moon Calhoun and myself. This long out of print CD has been spotted on E-Bay selling for over $100."


NOW DIGITAL SALES SAID TO BE IN DECLINE:
More signs of an industry in turmoil and still trying to figure out what it is doing! This lifted from Business Week Online. Full Story at: www.businessweek.com.
...As has been true since the start, iPod owners mostly fill up their players from their own CD collections or swipe tunes from file-sharing sites. Now legal downloads may be losing their luster. According to Nielsen SoundScan, average weekly download sales as of Nov. 27 fell 0.44% vs. the third quarter. Says independent media analyst Richard Greenfield: "We're not seeing the kind of dramatic growth we should given the surge in sales of iPods and other MP3 players."
Which brings us to a grand irony: Apple, which launched the digital music revolution, may now be holding it back. Critics say Apple's proprietary technology and its refusal to offer more ways to buy or to stray from its rigid 99 cents a song model is dampening legal sales of digital tunes. "The villain in the story is the iPod," says Chris Gorog, CEO of Napster Inc. (NAPS ), which sells both subscriptions and downloads. "You have this device consumers love, but they're being restricted from buying anything other than downloads from Apple. People are bored with that."

INTRODUCING POWER METALLERS BENEDICTUM:
Locomotive Records have announced a March 6 US release date for Uncreation, the debut album by San Diego, CA based power metal band Benedictum, featuring powerhouse vocalist Veronica Freeman, guitarist Pete Wells, drummer Blackie Sanchez, keyboardist Chris Morgan, and bassist Jesse Wright. The European release has been pushed back by one week and is now scheduled for January 27.
Produced by Jeff Pilson (Dokken, Dio, Foreigner) and mixed by Pilson and former Warlock bassist Tommy Henriksen under the ZuZu Recordings Ltd. banner, Uncreation features guest appearances by former Dio axeman Craig Goldy on the 9-minute epic, Valkyrie Rising, and bassist Jimmy Bain (ex-Rainbow, Dio, WWIII) on the band's cover of the Black Sabbath classic, The Mob Rules, set for inclusion on the limited edition first pressing of the album.
Benedictum will preview their album live when the band takes the stage in support of George Lynch at Brick By Brick in San Diego on Wednesday, December 21. 3 songs from Uncreation are currently in rotation on the group's My Space page at: www.myspace.com/benedictum.
Uncreation track listing: Uncreation . Benedictum . #4 . Misogyny . Ashes to Ashes . Wicca . Heaven and Hell . Them . Two Steps to The Sun . Valkyrie Rising . The Mob Rules (bonus track).
WebLink: www.benedictum.net.

MR-X UPDATED:
MR-X has been updated. Online today is a very special set of tunes: Acoustic Classics - Volume One and Volume Two. This 2CD set of songs features 38 tracks - all stripped back and delivered as organically as can be done! Fans of the Metal Mania releases will find a lot more cool stuff here, with some new, recent and rare unplugged tracks gathered into two collections - rockers & ballads. Among the artists featured are Night Ranger, Harem Scarem, Billy Idol, Takara, Eddie Money, MSG, Kip Winger, Firehouse, Eric Martin and Waltham.
New Videos have also been added. They are: XYZ - What Keeps Me Loving You, Billy Squier - Two Daze Gone and The Big Beat (both Live), John Waite - New York City Girl (VH1 Unplugged) and Steve Perry - I Stand Alone.
MR-X Membership Details.

Thursday, December 15, 2005

SUNCITY RECORDS ANNOUNCE TRIPLE SIGNING:
Suncity Records have announced three new singings for the new year. The details are as follows:
Canadian hard rock band Dirty Rhythm, best known for their excellent first full length CD released back in 1991 entitled Hard As A Rock. The yet to be titled Dirty Rhythm CD will be a five-track album with a bonus multimedia video. These are the five tracks that JRS Records left off the Hard As A Rock album to the bands dismay.
The label describes the tracks as "...sounding like they were left off Skid Row's first CD....obviously apparent that Skid Row were Dirty Rhythm's major inspiration but who else do they sound like you ask? Well Heaven's Edge, Cry Wolf, XYZ, Hardline and Dokken all come to mind."


The second new signing is Sweet Teaze. This band will deliver the never before released album Groovin' On The Backside. Recorded in January 1991 for Capital Records, this "is the CD Skid Row should released instead of Subhuman Race..."
In the label's words: "[Vocalist] Matt Mathews sounds very similar to Sebastian Bach, such a power house behind the mic. With perfect hooks and melodies to have these tunes in your head for weeks. Smokin' guitars, which is synonymous with all Suncity Records releases. What also really struck me with this material was the sensational late 80's, early 90's big stadium ballads which have to be heard to be believed. The sound can be describe as a cross between Sweet Teaze's Do It Till It Hurtz and Skid Row's Slave To The Grind, I can't speak highly enough of this release! Perfectly crafted hard rock."
To here what the label is raving about, click on the link to hear the first ballad in full off Groovin' On The Backside entitled Broken Heart.


The third signing is of Detroit's premiere Hard Rock band Heaven's Wish. Forming in 1984 as a five-piece, it was ten tough years of touring, writing and recording until these boys stuck it big time when they got signed to Universal Records USA. Again in the label's words: "Heaven's Wish were never given a real chance as 1994 was the break through year for Grunge. Over the first ten years as a band Heaven's Wish achieved some quite substantial highlights, which included picking up the 1990 best band award for 101.1 WIF beating over 1,500 bands. 1991 was another good year for the band as they won the 1991 best live band award once again for Michigan's top hard rock station 101.1 WIF.
In 1995 the band were getting ready for a tour of Hawaii when tragedy stuck. Jim, the bass guitarist committed suicide. After that fateful day the band never really recovered and the band really suffered having Heaven's Wish split up."
Lead singer Ronnie Vanlip describes the band's sound as a mix between Whitesnake, Def Leppard, Aerosmith, and Motley Crue. The band currently does one-off shows in their hometown of Detroit and still getting great reviews everywhere they play. Gathering up tons of unreleased material over the years, It is now time for the boys to get back in the studio and belt them out on another full length album.
Heaven's Wish signed up for a two CD deal, which will please fans to no end. Some of the songs you can look forward to hearing are: Ridin' High, Stay The Night, Let's Dance, I Just Wanna Die, She's Hot, Just Lookin', Lonely Nights, Talk Talk, Something About You, plus many, many more.

Also with the label - things are moving along very nicely with South Station and you can expect a release date for their first album early in 2006.
More information on all these signings at the label's website: www.suncityrecords.com.

BLOODBOUND – NEW METAL SENSATION FROM SWEDEN TO RELEASE DEBUT:
Bloodbound was formed on midsummer's eve 2004 by Fredrik Bergh (Street Talk; Bass, Keyboards & Backing vocals) and Tomas Olsson (Lead & Rhythm Guitars). The pair had been blood brothers for many years and set aim to create the best and true metal music that had ever been created!
The line-up was completed by Urban Breed, the amazing singer and extraordinary frontman from the band Tad Morose and the young and extremely talented drummer Oskar Belin.
The debut album from Bloodbound called Nosferatu was recorded and produced by Tomas Olsson and Fredrik Bergh. This ambitious project took over one year to finish and not a single track on the album is less than one hundred channels! On Nosferatu the band is combining the musicality and the classical elements of bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Helloween!
Nosferatu will be released in Japan on December 16 through Marquee Inc./Avalon and on February 24 in Europe through Metal Heaven.
Nosferatu will feature the following tracks: Behind The Moon . Into The Dark . Nosferatu . Metal Monster . Crucified . Desdemonamelia . Fallen From Grace . Screams In The Night . For The King . Midnight Sun . On The Battlefield.
Visit Bloodbound online and leave a comment in the guestbook: www.bloodbound.se.

xx

NIGHTMARE RECORDS RELEASES LATEST TITLES:
American progressive-power metal record label Nightmare Records has announced the release of 3 CDs featuring vocalist Lance King (Ex-Balance Of Power) with the bands Avian, Shining Star and Pyramaze.

Avian is the American progressive-power metal band of guitarist Yan Leviathan and vocalist Lance King. Musically, Avian plays music that will appeal to al fans of Iron Maiden, Hammerfall and Edguy.
The band's debut CD From The Depths of Time has recently been released world-wide via Massacre Records (Europe, Australia, Canada), Hot Rockin' Records (Japan), and Nightmare Records (United States).
Avian is currently hard at work on the follow up to From The Depths Of Time which will be recorded in 2006 with famed producer Tommy Hansen (Helloween).
To download the new full MP3 song Single Blade of Vengeance from their new CD, go to the bands official website at the following location: www.avianband.com or the band's website on MySpace at the following location: www.myspace.com/avianband.

Shining Star is the Brazilian / American melodic heavy metal band of Legendary Brazilian guitar virtuoso Fabio Rocha and vocalist Lance King.
The band has previously released the internationally acclaimed CD Fatal Mistake via Megahard Records in Brazil.
Shining Star 'S brand new CD titled Enter Eternity is a super melodic and heavy record that will appeal to all metal music fans of bands such as Scorpions, TNT and Balance Of Power.
To download the new full MP3 song Insanity from their new CD, go to the bands official MySpace website at the following location: www.myspace.com/shiningstar7.

Pyramaze is the Danish / American progressive power metal group formed by Danish guitarist Michael Kammeyer (Ex-Damion); drummer Morten Gade; bassist Niels Kvist; keyboardist Jonah Weingarten, vocalist Lance King and Guitarist Toke Skjønnemand.
Having released their impressive 2004 debut CD Melancholy Beast, Pyramaze is now ready to unleashed on the world their follow-up CD Legend of the Bone Carver.
Pyramaze will appeal to all fans of Iced Earth; Kamelot, Angra and Symphony X.
Legend of the Bone Carver will be released in the United States via Nightmare Records on February 21, 2006; Japan via King Records on February 22, 2006; Korea and the rest of Asia via Melodic Heaven Records on February 22, 2006; Europe (Except France) via Massacre Records on February 27, 2006 and in France via Replica Records on February 27.
To download the new full MP3 song Souls in Pain from their upcoming CD, go to the bands official website at the following location: www.pyramaze.com or to the band's website on MySpace at the following location: www.myspace.com/pyramaze.

SCREAMING JETS ROCK ON TV:
The Screaming Jets have just finished a 5 week tour in support of their debut live DVD, Rock On. The band rocked it s way down the East Coast from Brisbane to Melbourne and along the south to Adelaide playing 25 shows in a taking it back to the fans tour breaking some new territory along the way. The initial limited edition double disk sold out pretty quickly and rumour has it that the disc has now gone gold. Jets live on Channel 10 - Now's your chance to see the Jets live on TV for the first time ever. Due to be shown Monday 26th December, the Jets Rock On Channel 10 for a half hour show on the Up Late Music Special. The Jets have also just set up a new myspace site: www.myspace.com/thescreamingjets. There are currently 4 tracks from Rock On on-line - Reputation, Living in England, October Grey and Better. So check 'em out!

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

CELEBRATING LANA LANE'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A NEW DVD/CD:
Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of Lana Lane's brand new CD/DVD package celebrating her first 10 years of recording!
After 10 years of recording CDs, Lana Lane proudly releases her 10th Anniversary Concert DVD containing the full concert from her final show in Tokyo on the Lana Lane 10th Anniversary Tour.
Recorded on June 30, 2005, The 2-hour dual layer "DVD-9" disc contains all 19 songs from the concert along with a Video Tour Diary containing candid "behind-the-scenes" footage of the entire tour from Europe to the USA to Japan. Both stereo and the wonderful sounding DTS 5.1 surround audio tracks are offered. The DVD will be released worldwide in NTSC format in Region 0, to ensure maximum compatibility.
The 10th Anniversary Concert package also includes a bonus 78:54 audio CD that contains most of the concert. Due to the space limitations of the CD medium, the songs Astrology Prelude and Secrets of Astrology were cut from the audio CD. Producer Erik Norlander explains in the booklet's liner notes that he and Lana made this decision since live versions of these two songs already appear on the Return to Japan CD released in 2004.
The 10th Anniversary Concert is the perfect companion to Lana's Storybook DVD released in 2004 which was more of a documentary release. Since the 10th Anniversary Concert contains one complete concert performance, the two DVDs go hand in hand with no redundancy. Lana and husband / producer Erik Norlander chose the 10th Anniversary Tour set list carefully to add many new songs never before played live. With stellar vocal and musical performances along with brilliant visuals and production, this title is a must have release for all fans of Lana Lane!
DVD Tracks: 1. Astrology Prelude (instr.) (Erik Norlander); 2. Secrets of Astrology (Erik Norlander); 3. LIAA Overture (instr.) (Erik Norlander); 4. Into the Ether (Lana Lane / Erik Norlander); 5. Curious Goods Part One (instr.) (Erik Norlander); 6. Emerald City (Lana Lane / Erik Norlander / Neil Citron); 7. Athena's Shadow (Lana Lane); 8. Nevermore (Lana Lane); 9. Garden of the Moon (Erik Norlander); 10. In the Hall of the Ocean Queen (instr.) (Erik Norlander); 11. Souls of the Mermaids (Lana Lane / Danelle Kern); 12. Romeo and Juliet (Lana Lane / Erik Norlander); 13. The Vision (instr.) (Erik Norlander); 14. Redemption Part One (instr.) (Erik Norlander); 15. Tears of Babylon (Lana Lane / Mark McCrite); 16. Someone to Believe (Lana Lane / Neil Citron); 17. December Moon (Erik Norlander); 18. Destination Roswell (Erik Norlander); 19. Symphony of Angels (Erik Norlander / Neil Citron); 20. Terminus Pro Tempore (Erik Norlander) used in "Video Tour Diary"; 21. Avalon Reprise (Erik Norlander / Mark McCrite) used for end titles / credits; 22. Adrift on the Fire Seas of Orion's Shield (Erik Norlander) used as menu soundtrack.
CD Tracks: 1. LIAA Overture (instr.) (Erik Norlander); 2. Into the Ether (Lana Lane / Erik Norlander); 3. Curious Goods Part One (instr.) (Erik Norlander); 4. Emerald City (Lana Lane / Erik Norlander / Neil Citron); 5. Athena's Shadow (Lana Lane); 6. Nevermore (Lana Lane); 7. Garden of the Moon (Erik Norlander); 8. In the Hall of the Ocean Queen (instr.) (Erik Norlander); 9. Souls of the Mermaids (Lana Lane / Danelle Kern); 10. Romeo and Juliet (Lana Lane / Erik Norlander); 11. The Vision (instr.) (Erik Norlander); 12. Redemption Part One (instr.) (Erik Norlander); 13. Tears of Babylon (Lana Lane / Mark McCrite); 14. Someone to Believe (Lana Lane / Neil Citron); 15. December Moon (Erik Norlander); 16. Destination Roswell (Erik Norlander); 17. Symphony of Angels (Erik Norlander / Neil Citron).
Release shall happen in Europe on Frontiers Records in March 2006.
WebLinks: www.lanalane.com / www.thetank.com / www.frontiers.it.

xx

INTRODUCING TEOS:
New Jersey metallic rockers Teos today announce their new line up featuring vocalist Danny Knight. Danny brings a powerful melodic dimension to the Teos sound, as well as the longest hair. The band is currently writing material and recording demos for a forthcoming release. New tracks can be heard on their MySpace page, and photos are on the official website. Tour dates for January and February will be announced shortly.
WebLinks: www.teosband.com and www.myspace.com/teos.

NEWS FROM 707'S KEVIN RUSSELL:
News from Kevin Russell - the release of 707's The Bridge for the USA (Renaissance Records) is due January 2006. Also coming is 707's The Fourth Decade (Renaissance Records) due for release early spring of 2006 followed by a tour expected to run fro several months following the release...For further updates please visit www.kevinrussell.com.

INTRODUCING WALK THE SKY:
From the opening riff it s clear old-school melodic hard rock is what Walk The Sky is all about.
Founded by Rick Hunter-Martinez (Soldier, Regime), Jeff Lemas (The Infinite Why), Rob Bonstin (Press, Ruffians) and Tom Young (Marshall Coleman, 500 Hats), Walk The Sky makes no apologies about the kind of music they play. Lightning guitar riffs, bombastic drums, melodic vocal harmonies and driving bass abound on their debut CD. From the opening riff of Castles in the Sand, to the brilliant vocal harmonies on the cover of the Touch classic Don't You Know What Love Is , to the fading feedback of Love Comes Down , they never let up with the rich guitar tone and catchy melodies.
It began as the brainchild of Rick Hunter-Martinez from the ashes of Regime and Soldier, 80's bands that Rick felt the material was just too good to forget about. Rick decided some songs needed to be given the full studio treatment and recruited the drum duties of his good friend Jeff Lemas. With a few gems from his previous bands and many new tunes as well, Rick and Jeff began crafting what would become this new CD. They enlisted the help of Rick's old high school pal and studio virtuoso Tom Young, owner and president of Mohair Productions Studio. Tom says "Come on over guys and let's make a CD!" Rob Bonstin, fresh from recording the first Press CD at Mohair, was then recruited for vocal duties - "I was honored to be involved . I jumped at the chance to work with Tom again and work with Rick, who I knew in passing from his Soldier days." What followed can only be described as magic.
After several months of recording at Mohair, Rick and Jeff took on the dubious task of mixing these songs at Final Mix Studios with Don Budd (Strata). World renowned Mastering Engineer, Ken Lee (Queen, U2, Eric Clapton), was then brought in to put the finishing touches on this disc.
Heavy, melodic, bluesy and always catchy, the music is reminiscent of West Coast commercial hard rock bands of the 80's, with a hint of 70's. Rick's fast-as-lightning soloing highlights the tracks, while Tom and Jeff keep to heavy grooves and rock solid rhythms. Rob's vocals are extremely melodic with lots of background harmonies. Hooks abound in the songs that flow from heavy, shredding riffs to bluesy grooving with a few moments of clean, slow balladry.
Fans of fist-in-the air anthems and infectious melody will not be disappointed.
WebLink: www.walkthesky.com.

MINIBYTES UPDATED:
MiniBytes have been updated today with new preview MP3s from: 8084, Prey, Phantom X, Arthemis, Killer, Custard, Jasy Andrews, Glass Wolfe, New English and a new David Lee Roth tribute release. Check them out.

Coming up - a special report with interviews from the recent United Forces Of Rock Festival in Germany, thanks to Sven Horlemann who was my on location reporter for the day!

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

PAUL STANLEY DECLARES SOLO RECORD FINISHED:
A lot of questions are being asked about the upcoming solo album from Kiss frontman Paul Stanley. The long delay in its release has partially been the fault of Sanctuary Records, who Paul signed a deal with. Sanctuary is in serious financial woes (see below story) and a number of projects have been delayed or have ground to a halt. For instance, the planned tour by Tony Iommi and Glenn Hughes, in support of the Iommi record never eventuated due to the label's woes.
Here's an update from BraveWords.com By journalist Martin Popoff - Special Report:
Paul Stanley: "I'm just looking and talking with various labels to see where it will wind up. I mean, it's done, mixed and ready to go, and according to everybody who's heard it, it's damn good."
"Modern is a scary word," opines Stanley, when asked for a characterization of the record. "I would certainly say that it is very much in keeping with my personality and keeps a very consistent viewpoint, but it sounds really big and the songs are great. The singing is great and the songs are great and the playing is great. You know, so far so good."
Quite diverse like Gene's album, or is it a fairly unified sound? "Well, it certainly? you know, not to be smart, but it's consistent in its diversity. There's enough divergence in terms of the songs, and yet they all sound like they belong on the same album. There's nothing that's experimental and there's nothing that is out of character, but after doing this as long as I have, I've covered enough bases that I think I've just brought them all home on this album."

SANCTUARY RECORDS FIGHTING OFF DEBTS:
Independent 4 December 2005 Sanctuary, the beleaguered music promoter, will announce a £100m emergency rights issue this month in a desperate bid to keep the group afloat.
The deeply indebted company, which on Friday's close had a market value of just over £12m, is expected to make the announcement in about a fortnight, probably reporting its annual results, usually delivered in January, at the same time. The issue will have to be deeply discounted and will almost wipe out shareholders' existing holdings.
Bankers said that it was unlikely that shareholders would subscribe to the issue. Unless a strategic buyer bought the shares - Sanctuary said in August it had terminated takeover talks - it is likely its banks would take control.
Sanctuary is also likely to announce a management reshuffle this month, promoting executives with financial rather than creative expertise. It could also recruit new non-executive directors with proven track records to reassure the City it can overcome its current difficulties. Sanctuary is already looking for a non-executive chairman after its executive chairman, Andy Taylor, agreed to split his roles.
Analysts also expect the company to announce a massive restatement of the income it has booked because the company is no longer expanding.
Sanctuary, the UK's largest independent record company, has a £135m loan and credit facility with HBOS which is believed to be almost used up. It also has a £30m convertible loan repayable in 2008.
Analysts blame Sanctuary's woes on over-ambitious global expansion, epitomised by the acquisition in 2003 of Music World Entertainment, the US urban music management company owned by Mathew Knowles, father of pop diva Beyonce. Sanctuary has traditionally signed rock acts such as Iron Maiden.
On Friday, Sanctuary announced an extraordinary shareholder meeting for 20 December, stating that it may have breached its borrowing limits.

TOMMY DENANDER LIKES WHAT HE HEARS:
Guitarist and producer Tommy Denander recently spent some time in LA and has written up an extensive diary of his trip. It makes for a great read, but I did enjoy this part especially: "Another of my favorite friends for many years is Bobby Kimball, lead singer in Toto. We spent a great half day together driving around the nice parts of Sunset Blvd, having lunch and listening to what i honestly believe is the greatest album I've heard in more than 15 years....the new Toto record!!!
I haven't been this floored by music in so long that I had forgotten how great that feeling is....OH MY SWEET ASS what a killer album they have done!!!!!!"
From what I have heard so far, I agree! I hope to hear the fully completed album Falling In Between this week, so stay tuned for that advance track by track commentary.

A LITTLE MORE WINTER FROM LAST AUTUMN'S DREAM:
A little more information is available for the new Last Autumn's Dream release Winter In Paradise. The line-up for this release is: Mikael Erlandsson Vocals; Andy Malecek Guitar; Marcel Jacob Bass and Jamie Borger Drums.
The track listing is: Love To Go . Don't Let Our Love Go Down . The Way You Smile . It's Alright . My Heart Keeps Stalling . Echoes From The Past . Winter In Paradise . I Don't Want To Hurt You . All I Want Is Rock N' Roll . If You're The One . 'Till The End Of Time (Bonus Track Japan).
The CD is out now in Japan, but there is yet to be any updates on a possible European release.

COMING UP IN EARLY 2006:
A note about a couple of upcoming releases:
Bloodbound - Nosferatu is released on Metal Heaven February 24. "A new Melodic Metal band with Urban Breed (Tad Morose) on vocals and Fredrik Bergh (Street Talk) on bass & keys!"
Platitude - Silence Speaks (Metal Heaven, February 24) - "Third album by one of Sweden's leading Melodic Metal bands."
Shadowman - Different Angles (Escape Music March 10) - Steve Overland (FM) - Steve Morris (Heartland) - Chris Childs (Thunder) - Harry James (Thunder) - "The British all-star band returns with their new album - the AOR highlight to watch out for in Spring!"
Altaria - The Fallen Empire (Metal Heaven, late March 2006) - Now with JP Alanen (ex-Celesty) on guitars.
Pump - Breakdown To Breakthrough (Metal Heaven, late March 2006) - New album by the band of ex-Brainstorm singer Marcus Jürgens.

TWO CANADIAN MELODIC ROCK LEGENDS UNITE FOR TOUR:
This in from Honeymoon Suite's guitarist Derry: "We have also just confirmed a mini-tour of Western Canada with our old friends Glass Tiger starting in Vancouver on January 20, 2006. We are all quite excited as both bands have recently celebrated 20th Anniversary's and this is the first time we have toured together in as many years! The show will be called "An Evening With Glass Tiger and Honeymoon Suite" and both bands plan to deliver power packed sets full of all the hits. You don't want to miss this one. For those of you in Eastern Canada, we hope to bring the tour your way later in '06.
We are also hard at work on the first ever HMS best of DVD, slated for release in early 2006 on Warner Music. It will contain all the video's, some classic live footage, interviews and more. Take care and have a great Christmas!"

DARKNESS FALLS ON THE DARKNESS:
Wow, they are already calling the new Darkness album a flop! This is one of a few articles I have seen this past week - From: www.undercover.com.au/news/2005/dec05/20051212_darkness.html. Darkness Go To Hell and Don't Come Back by Paul Cashmere December 12 2005.
The Darkness has been given a gigantic thumbs down by the record buying public with their second album One Way Ticket To Hell and Back.
In the UK, where the expectation was for a #1 debut, the album came in at #11 last week and fell to #34 this week. Ireland started at #20 and this week dropped to #37.
In the second week on the Australian chart, the album dropped from a lukewarm debut last week of #25 to an embarrassing #48 this week.
In the USA, One Way Ticket To Hell and Back didn't even debut in the top 50. It came in with a thud at #58. Canada did slightly better with a #43 debut.

CODE OF PERFECTION SIGNED TO LIMB MUSIC:
German-Japanese powerhouse high tech trio Code Of Perfection is proud to announce that they have signed to the well-known German record label Limb Music Products, a label of Diversity Media GmbH! The band consists of guitar virtuoso Thorsten Koehne (ex-Demon Drive), bass wizard Keisuke Nishimoto (Kelly Simonz, Hideous Sun Demons) and drum genius Frank Kraus (ex-Demon Drive/-Letter X). Their debut CD Last Exit For The Lost takes the listener on a journey back to the days of classic guitar heroes of bands such as Cacophony and Racer X. Last Exit For The Lost also features guest appearances by vocalist Carsten Lizard Schulz (Domain/Evidence One), guitarist Alex Beyrodt (Silent Force/Ex-Sinner), keyboard master Ferdy Doernberg (Axel Rudi Pell/Rough Silk) and the legendary shred-master himself Michael Angelo (ex-Nitro). Produced by Domain/Casanova bassman Jochen Mayer, the CD will be in store February/March 2006!
More info: www.codeofperfection.com.

GOTTHARD LINE UP 2006 PLANS:
News is filtering through that 2006 will see Gotthard release a live CD/DVD - recorded last week in fact in Zurich (Switzerland).
There are apparently also plans to release an Gotthard Anthology CD with rare tracks in autumn 2006 with the next studio album planned for early 2007.

NUNO TURNS TO DRAMAGODS:
Guitarist Nuno Bettencourt has another new project about to be released. Dramagods will have their album released in Japan through Victor Entertainment on December 16.
The band also has a website under design at: www.dramagods.com (audio available).
Track listing: Megaton . Lockdown . Bury You . Broken . Pilots . Interface . Heavy . Something About You . Fearless Leader . Sometimes . S`ok . Replay . Nice To Meet You . Sky.


MELODIC BRIEFS:
UK rockers Cry Havoc have announced their two new members. They are Jimmy Johnstone and Simon Badham. Bio details are available now at the band's website: www.cry-havoc.co.uk.
Jimmy was the band's live guitarist and is now a permanent member and Simon is the new lead guitarist.

Eden the new band featuring Nick Workman (Kick) & Vince O'Regan (Alibi / Bob Catley) now have three MP3 soundbytes now online for you to listen too. Head over www.edentheband.co.uk to check out Love / Hate, Incomplete & Fools Parade.

The webstore Loud Metal is now an internet radio site. Check it out and tune in at: www.loudmetal.com/radio.

Both Sy Klopps Blues Band albums are now officially re-released and available from the Ross Valory online store. The line-up for this cult project is: Neal Schon, Kee Marcello, Prairie Prince, Ross Valory, Norton Buffalo and Gregg Rolie. WebLink: www.rossvalory.com.

Guitarist Randy Ellefson says: "If you enjoy instrumental guitar, check out www.randyellefson.com for free MP3s, concert videos, free guitar articles, tab, and other stuff."

Mitch Lafon has another new interview feature online - Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell. View at: www.bravewords.com/features/1000394.

The Prism webpage features a new interview with Al Harlow who announces that the band are working on a new album with the working title Full Circle. WebLink: www.prism.ca.

The Breakdown Room (www.breakdownroom.net) is the Queensryche Tour History Archive website. But it also has a discussion forum now open at: www.breakdownroom.net/forum. It is now open for all fans of Queensryche, and is completely free to use.

Chinese Whispers are a new young modern pop/rock outfit whose debut 7 track EP will feature material co-written and produced by the great Danny Wilde. More info at: www.chinesewhispersmusic.com.

Dennis DeYoung has updated his website with details from a recent appearance on Canadian TV and news of Canadian tour dates in early 2006. Check it out at: www.dennisdeyoung.com.

2006 MONTERREY METAL FEST DETAILS:
The 2006 Monterrey Metal Fest will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2005 at the Auditorio Coca Cola in the city of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. 6 International metal bands will play on the Main Stage and approximately 10-12 International and Mexican metal bands will play on the 2nd Stage.
To view the new Monterrey Metal Fest webpage on My Space, go to the following link: www.myspace.com/monterreymetalfest.
To view the picture gallery from the 2005 Monterrey Metal Fest, go to the following link: www.dve.com.mx/gal_metalfest2.htm.

THE COLD HARD TRUTH DOWN ON McQUEEN STREET:
McQueen Street members Derek Welsh, Richard Hatcher, Pat Bailey and Kane Bowden have formed a new side project and will be performing select dates throughout the Southeast. The band is called The Cold Hard Truth and the first live performance will be in Montgomery on this Friday - December 16.
Details: Off The Wagon, 62 Dexter Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104, Located in downtown area. Phone (334)263-0102 www.thewagonrocks.com.
More information available at: www.mcqueenstreet.com.

MIND'S EYE REVEALS COVER ART AND A FULL MP3:
The new album from Mind's Eye is titled Walking on H2O and will be released in Europe on January 20 via Lion Music. At the band's official website, you can get more details plus a full length MP3 to preview the album with. The song The Nazca Lines can be downloaded via: www.roundrec.com/the-nazca-lines.mp3. The band's website is: www.roundrec.com.
Drummer / keyboard player Daniel Flores comments: "This is somehow the one song that shows most of all the great aspects appearing in the entire record, this is the closest we come to making the record of our dreams, enjoy!"
Check out the album medley too via: www.roundrec.com/walking-medley.mp3.


BRITNY FOX CLASSIC GETS US RE-ISSUE:
This update from Britny Fox's website: www.britnyfox.com:
"Hey everyone!! It's been a while since we updated the website. Not too much going on in the BF camp as of right now. We would like to inform everyone that Bite Down Hard is being reissued in the US on Wounded Bird Records in January 2006. Apparently Wounded Bird bought the rights to a slew of bands from Atlantic Records and is going to reissue them as straight reissues and will not be remastered. Unfortunately the members of the band have no input to this release whatsoever. At least it will be back in the stores though!!!! For more info check out: www.woundedbird.com.
The official release date is January 17, 2006. You can pre-order your copy at CD Universe for $9.79."

NEW MICHAEL ANGELO BATIO OPUS WITHOUT SHADOWS:
Guitar virtuoso Michael Angelo Batio (ex-Holland, N.I.T.R.O) has recently released his new solo effort entitled Hands Without Shadows which is a mix of covers and originals. He has been featured in many guitar/rock periodicals lately including the July 2005 issue of Guitar World, and the upcoming February 2006 issue of Guitar Player.
More information on Michael can be found at the following sites: www.angelo.com or www.midwestentertainers.net/html/michael_angelo_batio.html.

BILLY SHEEN CONTRIBUTES DLR LINER NOTES:
Amid his busy recording and touring schedule, Billy Sheehan took out time this past fall to contribute the liner notes to just released Just Like Paradise A Millennium Tribute to Diamond David Lee Roth. Among other things, Sheehan praised Dave for "changing my whole point of view on communicating to the audience from stage, of balance between showmanship and musicianship, and of the importance of living life like you mean it." Sheehan is presently touring with Steve Vai in support of the bassist's recently released solo album, Cosmic Troubadour.

NO LIFE TIL LEATHER – PRESS RELEASE:
Forget Santa, forget presents, forget egg nog, forget Christmas – this is serious. Sydney's original and best '80s glam metal night, No Life Til Leather, is here to kick off the holiday season with the biggest hair metal bang in history! And unlike Santa, we only care about the bad boys and girls. Actually, we mainly only care about the bad girls!
On December 23 at the Marquee, No Life Til Leather presents The Nightmare Before Christmas: One huge night of ass-shakin', beer guzzlin' '80s metal, with DJs Thunders, Colonel Knowledge and The Sultan Of Sin playing all the '80s metal hits, from Bon Jovi, Warrant, Vain, Ratt and the Crue to Testament, Dio, Slayer, Megadeth and much much more. Sydney rockers Torch le Monde will also be playing a set of glam metal classics, there'll be big screens playing '80s metal videos, and there'll be giveaways of the new Darkness album One Way Ticket To Hell And Back and the 25th anniversary editions of Mercyful Fate's Melissa and King Diamond's Abigail.
So lock in the 23rd, cos No Life Til Leather is bringing the biggest party of the year to the Marquee. You know it makes sense.
No Life Til Leather, Friday December 23, The Marquee (Cnr Bridge and Parramatta Rds, Camperdown), 9pm - late.

INDY COLTS OWNER DONATES TO FLORIDA HURRICANE RELIEF CONCERT:
Press Release / Ft. Myers, FLORIDA, December 9, 2005 - Jim Irsay, the owner of the NFL Indianapolis Colts, has donated $12,000 - $1000 for each of the Colts' 12 wins thus far in the season - to the Hurricane Relief Concert, to take place on December 15th in Ft Myers, Florida. The concert is to feature performances by many major rock stars. Mr. Irsay's donation, in addition to the funds raised through ticket sales, will be used to support the victims of Hurricane Wilma.
The December 15th concert will feature rock greats Brian Johnson and Cliff Williams of AC/DC, Buck Dharma of Blue Oyster Cult, Robin Zander & Rick Nielson of Cheap Trick, Joe Lynn Turner of Deep Purple, Eddie Money, Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad and the entire Loverboy band. Tickets are still available though Ticketmaster for $25, by calling 239/334-3309 or visiting Ticketmaster.com.
The concert will take place at The Germain Arena, 11000 Everblades Parkway, Estero, Florida (by Ft Myers, FL). For additional info about the show and tickets, please visit JohnEntwistle.org.
Jim Irsay was 12 years old when his father, Chicago businessman Robert Irsay, acquired the Baltimore Colts. At 24, he became the general manager of the Colts and at 37, the youngest team owner in NFL history. Jim loves music and is often found quoting rock music lyrics, and has built a recording studio in his Indiana home.

"The Concert for Hurricane Relief" will benefit the people who are still homeless and hungry from the most recent round of devastating storms in Florida. It is sponsored by The John Entwistle Foundation.our foundation reached out to several artists and everyone that was available agreed to donate their services and perform without question.
Event Details: Germain Arena In Ft. Myers, Florida / Date/Time: Thursday, December 15, 2005 AT 5:30PM
PRICE $25.Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets & the Germain Arena box office.
Celebrities Scheduled To Perform
. AC/DC lead singer Brian Johnson & bass guitarist Cliff Williams
. Cheap Trick lead singer Robin Zander & guitarist Rick Nielsen
. Eddie Money
. Loverboy (the entire band)
. Mark Farner (formerly of Grand Funk Railroad)
. Joe Lynn Turner (formerly of Deep Purple)
. Buck Dharma (of Blue Oyster Cult)
. Steve Luongo (drummer for the John Entwistle Band)
This show promises to be an evening of endless hits. For additional info about the event or the foundation, please visit JohnEntwistle.org.

THE DEATH OF THE CD?:
From the San Francisco Chronicle a week or so back - The End Of CDs? "They're overpriced, ugly and don't even make good rearview mirror ornaments. Now that we know they are also potentially poisonous to personal computers, thanks to Sony BMG's rogue copy-protection technology, there's really no reason to buy another compact disc ever again.
With sleek iPods rapidly becoming the hi-fi system of choice, satellite radio offering hundreds of specialty stations, and the Internet overflowing with all kinds of free and cheap legal digital music, suddenly the thought of owning an awkward polycarbonate plastic-coated disc that holds only an hour of tunes by just one artist seems positively prehistoric -- even if it comes with a hastily produced "bonus" DVD.
It's clearly time to move on. Think about it: No more nails-on-chalkboard-style skipping. No more secret tracks that scare the stuffing out of you 15 minutes after you think an album has stopped playing. No more fumbling around with those impossible-to-unwrap jewel cases. It was fun while it lasted. The music industry has declared war on its customers. Now it's time to fight back. Below we explain the 10 best ways to get the most out of the next musical revolution."
Full Story: sfgate.com.

LED ZEPPELIN TICKETS UP FOR GRABS:
Press Release / "Dazed and Confused" about what to get your friends and family this holiday season?
Well, as we all know, the holidays are rapidly approaching and we wanted to make you aware of a gift sure to please any rock fanatic! A Led Zeppelin ticket set from their last slated shows in 1980!
Just to make sure there's no "Communication Breakdown," Metro Pulse, Inc. has just announced a new toll-free phone number – 866-LED-ZEPP (866-533-9377) – whereby customers can order a Led Zeppelin ticket collector set featuring a single ticket or set of tickets from the Zepp's last scheduled concert appearances at Chicago Stadium in November of 1980.
Tell your "Friends" and don't get "Trampled Under Foot!" The tickets make for a fantastic and memorable gift and are only a phone call away!
866-LED-ZEPP! Last September marked the 25th anniversary of the passing of one of rock's greatest drummers, John Bonham.
On September 25th, 1980 (before the news hit the U.S.), Chicago radio stations announced that tickets for four November Led Zeppelin shows – November 10th, 12th, 13th and 15th -- were going on sale the following morning. The only way to get tickets was through a special order form that would run in the Chicago Tribune.
On the morning of the 25th, fans mobbed paper outlets across the city to get their chance to see Led Zeppelin. But later that same day, news broke from across the ocean that the Led Zeppelin drummer had died the night before.
The Led Zeppelin era was over and the concert appearances never happened. For six years, the unused tickets sat in the now demolished Chicago Stadium until Metro Pulse, Inc. acquired the entire quantity. The tickets were purchased and held until 1994 when a quantity was sold to collectors when the Chicago Stadium was torn down. Now, the remaining tickets are available to Led Zeppelin fans everywhere.
Metro Pulse, Inc. is now offering a variety of rare collector sets ranging from $34.95 to $799.00 (the super deluxe ticket set), all with certificates of authenticity, in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the death of John Bonham and the slated performances at Chicago Stadium.
The first 41 super deluxe ticket sets sold feature the rarest ticket, which is the aisle box of the old stadium. Additionally, Metro Pulse, Inc. is creating a unique digital certificate for this release. Using variable-data printing technology, each certificate will display the seating section and performance night for the specific tickets that have been ordered.
These rare items are a tribute to the legend of Led Zeppelin and the frenzy they caused every time they came to the old Chicago Stadium.
No need to further "Ramble On." Share a "Whole Lotta Love" throughout the holidays! For more information, please call the new toll-free 866-LED-ZEPP line or view the official website at: www.ledzeppelintickets.com.

Monday, December 12, 2005

Feature Interview: Bruce Turgon
Bruce Turgon is yet another exceptional musician that has spent a lengthy career making other people look good, working with Lou Gramm and touring with Warrior, Billy Thorpe and eventually Foreigner - who he also recorded with. Finally he gets the chance to shine under his own name, with his debut solo album for Frontiers Records.
Outside Looking In is like a sequel to the cult Shadow King album, but it offers a lot to classic melodic rock fans. Bruce talks about the work behind the album and his long time partnership with the great Lou Gramm.
Bruce on Shadow King: "A band wasn't my personal druthers. If it had developed organically, it might have made more sense to me, but Shadow King was a completely manufactured situation.
I have great respect for Lou and his accomplishments and I really didn't feel that whatever success we had achieved to that point, needed to be watered down with a new band identity to promote - it was like starting over to me. However, because I had both a friendship and a business obligation to Lou, I tried to find a middle ground between our original vision and what was now expected, but with varying degrees of success."
Read the Interview.
Feature Interview: Steve Perry
No, I still haven't scored a much desired interview with former Journey great Steve Perry (still I live in hope...), but good bud Mitch Lafon did. Canadian journo Mitch talked to Steve late last week and with thanks to Mitch, I am presenting it here in full - right now!
Steve seems like he was in a chatty mood and talks about the new Journey archive DVD/CVD release Live In Houston 1981, among other topics.
Steve on Journey circa 1981: "When I joined them they were a band and when we replaced Ansley Dunbar with Steve Smith – it became a bigger band. When Jonathan Cain came along and I started writing with him... I had written all songs with Neal from 'Anyway You Want It' to whatever and that was one kind of band, but when Jonathan came along we turned another corner in the evolution of the band. This particular tour (Escape) was the first time Jonathan was onstage and it turned the corner. The work we had done previous had built a fan base and now that they were really showing up we were turning a corner musically and they just liked it. We didn't have any calculated things. There was nothing pre-calculated about the music ever..."
Read the Interview.

INTRODUCING DANNY PEYRONEL:
Press Release / In the history book of Rock 'n Roll Danny Peyronel has its place as the original keyboard player and background singer of UFO who also had the "privilege" to write songs for the 1976 album No Heavy Petting.
By this we are already talking about the songs of Danny's excellently produced first solo album, because after almost 30 years we can finally listen to the ultimate version of Highway Lady a Peyronel-song from No Heavy Petting that let's every biker feel the cool breeze in his hair. The song is a great showcase for the power of Danny's band, guitar player Luca Verde is playing some really rockin' riffs and a furious guitar solo, drummer Mario Zapparoli<