The melodic metal band PYRAMAZE just made the song "Back For More" from their brand new album "Disciples of the Sun" available for streaming at YouTube. "Disciples of the Sun" was released on May 22nd in Europe and on May 26th in North America through Inner Wound Recordings.
Pyramaze are devoted to making music that mirrors their souls, combines all of their influences, and stimulates the mind and spirit of their listeners... Pyramaze continue to make music that is dark, thought provoking, all with a sense of fearlessness! The band will forever be committed to making the melodic art of a group that understands the importance of staying true and faithful to one's passion.
"Divided by oceans, bound together by brotherhood, we must become that which divides us.... we are PYRAMAZE, and we are the Ocean!"
It took German power metallers IRON SAVIOR almost 20 years to release a Live album/DVD. But now it's finally here: "Live At The Final Frontier", which includes the full concert recorded in their hometown Hamburg (in January 2015). "Live At The Final Frontier" comes as DVD/2CD-package in Digipak format and is available in Europe since May 29th (US relaese date is July 10th).
Three official live clip have bneen made available recently:
Legendary hard rock vocalist Graham Bonnet returns to the studio with his new band, the Graham Bonnet Band.
The first music from the new group is a 2 track single titled 'My Kingdom Come' , the title track of which was written by none other than Russ Ballard (who previously collaborated with Graham on hit singles such as Rainbow's 'Since You've Been Gone' and on Graham's solo album 'Line-up' from 1981).
This Collaboration marks the first time the 2 have worked together since 1990 (Forcefield's 'Let The Wild Run Free').
The second new track titled 'The Mirror Lies' is a band composition that shows that Graham with his powerful new band have no plans to slow down any time soon.
Drums for the two new songs were performed by legendary progressive metal drummer Mark Zonder (Warlord / ex-Fates Warning).
Mark (who took time out from recording new Warlord material to guest on the sessions) commented "I would have never thought this would happen when I first heard Graham sing with Rainbow. It is an honor and a privilege to be recording with him and his band"
Also featured are Keyboardists Derek Sherinian (ex-Dream Theater/Alice Cooper) on the title track, and Eric Ragno (The Baby's) on 'The Mirror Lies'
The new songs were produced by band guitarist Conrado Pesinato and mixed and mastered by Alessandro Del Vecchio
The full line-up of the band is:
Graham Bonnet - Vocals
Conrado Pesinato - Guitars
Beth-Ami Heavenstone - Bass
Chase Manhattan - Drums
The group are currently booking shows worldwide including the USA , Europe , UK and Australia, and are currently on tour in Japan with Michael Schenker's Temple Of Rock.
The new songs can also be streamed at the bands Reverbnation page:
KK Downing on why he left Judas Priest and will never play with them again:
By: Robert Cavuoto
Not many bands can leave a lasting impression and legacy like Judas Priest have done over the last 40 years. They have been waving the flag for heavy metal through-out their career to legions of fans around the world, influencing countless musicians and bands along the way.
I can still recall the first time I heard the intro dual assault lead to “Victim of Changes” on my local college radio station or jamming out with my first band to “Living after Midnight” and “Hot Rocking.”
For me Priest was more than an influence it was a life changing experience. With groundbreaking metal albums like “British Steel,” “Hell Bent for Leather,” and “Screaming for Vengeance”, it’s easy to understand why!
Vocalist for Priest, Rob Halford, cited the band’s longevity to the chemistry between the members and that undeniably good music will travel time to connect with fans. Often imitated but never duplicated – Priest delivers the goods.
In 2010 the band shocked the world when they announced a Farewell Tour. Then in 2011, guitarist and founding member, KK Downing, announced he would be leaving the band.
Things were not looking good in the Priest camp when suddenly the Farewell announcement was rescinded and the band decided to carry on without KK.
The circumstances surrounding the band’s inner turmoil was never truly disclosed until now!
In my candid and honest interview with KK Downing, he shares with me the main reason for his departure, how he doesn’t think he will ever play another song with Priest again, and his passion of owning a golf course!
Greece's Rockpages.gr did an exclusive interview with the frontman of ECLIPSE, Erik Martensson. Among other topics, Martensson talked about the future of the band and the possibility of releaing new material next year. Here's the excerpt:
Rockpages.gr: Compared to your usual 4-year gap between studio albums, this one took only 2 ½ years…was it an easier process, this time, for you?
Erik Martensson: We used to release albums not so often because I was doing so many other things and I didn’t have so much time. I did three albums with W.E.T. and all this work with other artists, we decided that we should focus on Eclipse. It’s now or never! We are not getting younger so the next album is not gonna be released in four years. I believe that we will start writing new songs during the winter.
Swedish hard Rockers ColdSpell signs management and booking deal with Sun Hill Production from Sweden.
The Swedish melodic rock band ColdSpell has been a rising star on the international stages and is one of the headliners at Scotland’s premier Wildfire Festival. And is warming up a US audience as runner-up to Judas Priest at Rock Fest in Wisconsin, USA.
In 2009 they performed at Kirunafestivalen in Sweden and now they are back to give their home supporters the chance to get an exclusive show on Thursday June 25th, 2015.
Summer shows 2015:
June 25 - Kirunafestivalen, Sweden June 28 - Wildfire Festival, Glasgow/Edinburgh, Scotland, Headliner Sunday
July 16 - Pickle Park, Minneapolis, US, w/Kickin Valentina July 18 - Rock Fest, Wisconsin, US, Headliner “Next Stage” opening up for Judas Priest
Their third album “Frozen Paradise” have gained excellent attention all around the world, and has among all been voted to top 10-lists in US, Australia and Greece. During 2014 the band toured US and UK twice, including a set at Hard Rock Hell AOR Festival, as well as a show at Väsby Rock.
ColdSpell is melodic hardrock from Sweden - heavy and melodic with big choruses, edgy guitars and a big arena sound!
Rockers Lynch Mob are back this summer with their most-anticipated release to date. Rebel, the band's 8th studio release,is slated for worldwide release on August 21st via Frontiers Music SRL. The first song released from Rebel is the scorching 'Automatic Fix.' The song features an exciting opening riff and vocal melody and Lynch burns on one of his best guitar solos. A video for the song can be seen here:
Talking about 'Automatic Fix,' singer Oni Logan states , 'This is an interesting song in that it was the last song that was recorded vocally. I initially thought that it might be best used as instrumental. I simply love this song because of its energy and attitude.'
From the blistering album opener 'Automatic Fix' to the album closer 'War,' it is clear Lynch Mob is back to show fans why they are one of rock's most-loved bands. The Lynch Mob line-up on Rebel is comprised of namesake George Lynch on guitars, Oni Logan on vocals, Jeff Pilson on bass and Brian Tichy on drums. Songs like 'Testify,' 'Sanctuary,' and 'Dirty Money' showcase Oni Logan's trademark vocal ability while putting his diverse lyrical content on full display. The album was produced by George Lynch collaborator Chris "the Wizard" Collier. An EPK talking about the new album was recently released and can be seen at: https://youtu.be/D1CaKhPItbQ.
'With Rebel, we allowed ourselves to move outside our normally imposed self restraints and tread some forbidden sonic territories,' recalls George Lynch. 'What surprises me is no matter how far we attempt to stray away from the classic 'Lynch Mob formula,' we can never really escape the chemistry between myself and Oni. There's just a thing that happens there that's unique to us and undeniable.'
The tracklisting for Rebel is:
1) Automatic Fix
2) Between The Truth And A Lie
3) Testify
4) Sanctuary
5) Pine Tree Avenue
6) Jelly Roll
7) Dirty Money
8) The Hollow Queen
9) The Ledge
10) Kingdon Of Slaves
11) War
Lynch Mob formed in 1989 after George Lynch parted ways with his former band Dokken. This year marks the 25th Anniversay of Lynch Mob's debut release Wicked Sensation, which is the band's most popular work to date achieving gold-selling status. The band has released seven other albums throughout their career. Lynch Mob will be touring throught the summer in support of Rebel with more information to be announced at a later date.
DEF LEPPARD guitarist PHIL COLLEN has been interviewed by Billboard about his new solo project DELTA DEEP. The article also gives readers an exclusive stream of the track 'Mistreated' as sung by JOE ELLIOTT.
To close the article, Phil talks about the new Def Leppard album:
"It's really diverse," Collen says of the follow-up to 2008's Songs From the Sparkle Lounge. "I honestly think it's the best thing we've done probably in about 20 years. We went in to do a single or an EP and we came out with 12 songs. There was absolutely no pressure. There was no record company executive. There was no record label. We did it for ourselves, and the songs range from flat-out hard rock, almost punky on some of the stuff, to classic Leppard, and there's some other tracks that sound like they'd be on top 40 radio -- just the massive choir of vocals and melodies and all this stuff going on. We treated each song as a different project and did it over a year and a half, which really did help it. I think people are going to like it a lot."
GOTTHARD have just announced a new live album via their newsletter:
“We’ve recorded this album on our "Bang!" tour in Baar, Switzerland in 2014 and decided that we wanted to release it as a limited special edition just for you. This album is exclusively dedicated to you guys!” Nic Maeder,Spring 2015
“LIVE & BANGIN” AN ALBUM JUST FOR YOU
“LIVE & BANGIN” is a massive THANK YOU for the last four years, in which you have kept the faith with GOTTHARD – because without you, there probably wouldn’t have been a future after the tragic death of Steve Lee end of 2010. “LIVE & BANGIN” will not be available in stores, but instead sold solely in the GOTTHARD fan shop and at merchandise stalls on the upcoming festival tour, strictly limited. Exclusively for Fanclub members there’s a pile of CDs autographed by the band waiting to be unleashed. “LIVE & BANGIN” will be officially released 12th of June – however, pre-order aficionados may take a turn here: gotthardshop.com/webshop/Live-Bangin
How to order if you are a Fanclub member: Every Fanclub member can order 1 signed copy each. Ordering more copies is possible but the other copies will be unsigned then. You can easily order in the fan shop with the link above. We will recognize you as a Fanclub member by your name on the invoice.
75 MINUTES LIVE AND RAW
There’s not a second wasted on “LIVE & BANGIN”: Almost like on an official bootleg, there are close to 75 minutes of the Tessin platinum rockers’ sound – unaltered, live and pure. With the premium digipack and a 16-page booklet packed with first hand live images “LIVE & BANGIN” really feels like a “Bang!” tour flashback. You could actually call its track list a set list, because the songs on “LIVE & BANGIN” are a perfect cross section of the tour-show including a lifelike instant mosh pit in your living room. LIVE & BANGIN TEASER
TRACK LIST – “LIVE & BANGIN”
1. Let Me In Katie
2. Bang!
3. Get Up ‘N’ Move On
4. Sister Moon
5. Right On
6. Master Of Illusion
7. Feel What I Feel
8. The Call
9. Remember It’s Me
10. What You Get
11. The Train
12. C’est La Vie
13. That’s It (Car Crash)
14. Mountain Mama
15. Lift U Up
16. Thank You
17. Anytime Anywhere
FESTIVAL TOUR 2015
“LIVE & BANGIN” is the adequate warm-up for GOTTHARD’s upcoming festival dates. The final leg of the “Bang!” tour kicks off June 19th, when Nic, Leo, Freddy, Hena and Marc want to thank you in person – live and eye-to-eye. This summer is all about you, be there and celebrate yourself!
GOTTHARD – FESTIVAL DATES
19. June I Alpen Flair / Natz
11. July CZ Masters of Rock / Vizovice
18. July CH Sion sous les étoiles / Sion
25. July D Zeltspektakel / Winterbach
01. Aug CH Tenero Music Nights / Tenero
04. Aug CH Heitere Open Air / Zofingen
05. Aug CH Stars in Town / Schaffhausen
07. Aug D RockFels / Loreley
08. Aug SK Rock Pod Kamenom / Snina
15. Aug D Rock am Strand / Eckernförde
11. Sep B Olensfest / Olen
12. Sep F Raismes Fest / Raismes
23. Oct UK London / o2 Islington
24. Oct UK Rockingham / Nottingham
Los Angeles’ notorious, multi-platinum-selling rock band, BUCKCHERRY, will release their 7th studio album, Rock ‘n’ Roll, on August 21st via F-Bomb Records/Caroline Australia. In anticipation for the upcoming record, the band has just recently premiered a new track/video for their first single, “Bring It On Back,” you can view it ''HERE''
On their Rock ‘n’ Roll, the Los Angeles quintet—Josh Todd [vocals], Keith Nelson [guitar], Stevie D. [guitar], Xavier Muriel [drums], and Kelly LeMieux [bass]—staunchly uphold the commandments of rock music with an arsenal of new anthems primed to explode on impact and teeming with riotous energy, sexy swagger, and primal chops intact. It’s something that the boys have done since day one, but it’s more necessary now than ever.
“There’s been so much talk about how rock ‘n’ roll is dead and all of this bullshit,” says Todd. “The funny thing is, that’s been going on since we put out our first record in 1999. We wanted to call the new album Rock ‘n’ Roll, because this is what we’ve been doing our whole lives. We focused on making a record that encompasses all of what we are. You get every flavor of Buckcherry.”
They rev up Rock ‘n’ Roll with the propulsive first single and opener “Bring It On Back.” From the jump, a robust guitar groove struts right alongside an unshakable refrain. It’s got the band’s signature hallmarks, but Todd pulled lyrical inspiration from a new source altogether. “When I’m not on the road, I race Go Karts for my hobby,” he says. “The song is really about racing. I had a driver named Kurt Busch in mind when I wrote the lyrics. They call him ‘The Outlaw,’ and he’s a badass. It captures that intensity of racing and the mentality. I love it.”
“Bring It On Back” is an immediate reminder that rock ‘n’ roll is alive and thriving in 2015. Buckcherry have added fuel to the genre’s fire for nearly two decades now. The Grammy Award-nominated outfit is responsible for smashes including “Lit Up” off their gold-certified 1999 self-titled debut as well as “Crazy Bitch” and “Sorry” from 2006’s platinum 15. Along the way, they’ve shared stages with everybody from AC/DC and Mötley Crüe to Slipknot and Rob Zombie, among others.
WORLD TOUR + REISSUE OF WHOLE GAMMA RAY PRODUCTION TO FOLLOW IN 2015 AND 2016
(New York, N.Y.): It was with great surprise that, back in 1988, Kai Hansen decided to leave Helloween, the band he co-founded and that in few years had reached a high level of success, ending up influencing and challenging the bands that were once their original inspiration.
Hansen left Helloween just when the band had finally reached international stardom and after having won the appreciation of metal giants such as Iron Maiden who often publicly championed the German band.
While nowadays, Hansen, Gamma Ray and Helloween are now very good friends, often sharing the stage, such was not the case in 1987. The divorce was a proper rock 'n' roll (read: acrimonious) split and a true shock for the metal scene.
The reasons that brought Kai Hansen to leave the band are still the subject of interviews and fan debates, despite the fact that listening to the forthcoming reissue of Heading for Tomorrow, 25 years after its original release, makes it very obvious that Kai Hansen destiny was to lead his own band.
Heading for Tomorrow (Anniversary Edition) will be released on August 21 on earMUSIC.
25 years after the official debut, Gamma Ray and earMUSIC have started a monumental work to re-release the entire production by Gamma Ray in deluxe double CDs.
The original albums will be re-presented in new shining, remastered version on the first disc (with the inclusions of all B-sides) while the second CD will be dedicated to old live recordings, demos digitalized for the first time from the original tapes saved by all members of the band, alternative versions and recent studio and live recordings.
Heading for Tomorrow was initially released as a Kai Hansen solo album. By extracting the LP out of its sleeve,Heading For Tomorrow revealed its "secret intention" (it was still the days of LP, or is it again?) revealing a second cover, introducing Kai’s new baby: GAMMA RAY.
After the global critical success of Empire of the Undead, Kai Hansen has decided to continue the collaboration with Eike Freese and Alex Dietz (Heaven Shall Burn), the production team. Hansen has spent hundred hours, digitalizing and remastering hundreds of tapes, alternative versions and ideas that were so far jealously hidden in Gamma Ray's private archive.
Adds Hansen, "I am incredibly thankful that after 25 fantastic years of Gamma Ray, I am still standing here, making music and performing on stage. It's awesome to see that fans from the first days keep on supporting us and that we still make new friends. It's something you can't take for granted. After my departure from Helloween, it all could have gone the other way as well. Instead, we continue to make albums and tour the world. That's close to unbelievable. Working on the first reissue for Heading for Tomorrow brought back so many great memories and Ralf and I dug out some funny stories.
"Two years ago, our studio, our harbor in Hamburg, burnt down and a lot of memorabilia and original tapes were lost, but we all searched our private archives and managed to find some great rarities and hopefully some highlights for the fans. We are proud to release our little babies in a new style with a brand new cover artwork done by Hervé Monjeaud and a new sound, a fantastic remastering done by Eike Freese and Alex Dietz."
Kai Hansen is today the voice of Gamma Ray but it is important to remember that in the beginning of Gamma Ray's history Kai had planned to focus on his role of songwriter and guitar player. If the original album still shines also thanks to the vocals of Ralf Scheepers, the second CD offers real treasures for all Gamma Ray fans, like the original demos of songs like "Money," "Sail on," "Heaven Can Wait," or "The Silence," featuring Hansen on vocals.
To celebrate their 25th anniversary in style, Gamma Ray are touring in Europe this autumn.
TRACK LISTING:
CD1
1. Welcome
2. Lust for Life
3. Heaven Can Wait
4. Space Eater
5. Money
6. The Silence
7. Hold Your Ground
8. Free Time
9. Heading for Tomorrow
10. Look at Yourself
11. Mr. Outlaw (Japanese Bonus Track)
12. Sail On (B-Side from Heaven Can Wait EP)
13. Lonesome Stranger (B-Side from Heaven Can Wait EP)
CD2
1. Who Do You Think You Are
2. Heaven Can Wait (Demo)
3. Money (Demo - Kai on vocals)
4. Sail on (Demo - Kai on vocals)
5. Heading For Tomorrow (Live)
6. Space Eater (Live)
7. The Silence (Demo - Kai on vocals)
8. Mr. Outlaw (Instrumental Version)
9. Heaven Can Wait (Demo - Kai on vocals)
10. Heading For Tomorrow (Karaoke Version)
11. Space Eater (Karaoke Version)
12. Lonesome Stranger (Demo)
MelodicRock Records will release the brand new studio album from Swedish melodic hard rockers CONSTANCIA on July 10.
Their new album is ‘Final Curtain’, which is the long awaited sequel to the first album ‘Lost And Gone’ (Frontiers/King Records, 2009).
PRE-ORDER for VINDICTIV and CONSTANCIA starting this week. BOTH releases available as limited Special Edition versions.
MelodicRock Records is excited to launch another full track preview of the coming album, with the great melodic hard rocker 'Hold On My Heart'
Don’t Tread:
Once again, following the fantastic reception to the ROOM EXPERIENCE Special Edition, the CONSTANCIA’s‘Final Curtain’ release will also be available direct from MRR as a Special Edition limited release – again featuring three exclusive bonus tracks!
Another July 10 release from MRR is set to be announced and then details of pre-orders will be made available.
CONSTANCIA is:
David Fremberg: vocals (Andromeda)
Janne Stark: guitar (Grand Design, Overdrive, Locomotive Breath)
Press comments for the first album 'Lost And Gone' (Frontiers/King Records 2009):
Classic Rock - 8/10 - “Class like this doesn’t come along too often”
Powerplay - “Climb up a mountain, rip out a guitar solo and remember that bands like Constancia are here to make rock music fun again”.
Fireworks - “…”Lost and Gone” is up there with the best of them”
Festivalfoto - 5/5 - “This is Top 3 of 2009”
Rock realms - 85/100
Rock Hard - 8/10
Rock It - 8/10
Spark - 4,5/5
Aardshock - 80/100
Scream - 4/5
Heavy Magazine - 9/10
History:
It all started in 2007, as the brainchild of former Scudiero/Token keyboard player Mikael Rosengren. He had written a bunch of songs that he wanted to record. He got in touch with guitarist Janne Stark (Overdrive, Grand Design, Locomotive Breath etc) and asked him to lay down some guitars. Janne loved the songs and got more and more involved in the process, and the seeds of Constancia were sown.
They now felt it was time to get a full band together. Janne contacted drummer Peter “TrumPeter” Svensson (ex-Mercy, Faith), with whom he had worked in Overheat, Locomotive Breath and Mountain of Power. Mikael drafted Jaded Heart bassist Michael Mueller, and they tried out various vocalists before finding David Fremberg. David is also fronting progressive rockers Andromeda and had also worked with Janne on his first Mountain Of Power album. They overcame the vast geographical distances, with Mueller living in Germany, and the debut album “Lost And Gone” saw the light of day in July 2009. The producer, Fredrik Folkare (Unleashed, Token, Eclipse), was carefully selected after the band had received outstanding test mixes from great people like Beau Hill, Pontus Norgren and Pelle Saether. Fredrik was just right for the band’s “melogressive” metal (melodic, yet a bit aggressive and a touch progressive). The album received rave reviews in magazines like Classic Rock, Rock Hard, PowerPlay, Fireworks and Rock It.
The geographical distances however made it difficult for the band to get a good live situation going.
In 2013 the work process for the band’s second album started. Since Michael Mueller was busy with other musical projects the band had to find a new bass player. Janne, David and drummer Peter are from the same region, and they figured getting a bass player from that region would be a good idea. Why not someone they already knew? Enter Linus Brahamson, also a member of Andromeda. Instead of rushing out a new album, the band let the process take some time and the band spent 2013 and most part of 2014 working on the songs, recording and mixing. The way the song-writing process goes is: Mikael writes the basic structure of the song with some vocal and lyrical ideas, then sends it to Janne, who pitches in with some additional ideas, arrangements, melodies and lyrics. David then adds some of his vocal melodies. This time the production was also kept under the Constancia umbrella. Since David is working as a producer, why not let him do it? This was a very smart plan, since David already had a lot of great production ideas.
Final Curtain? Is this the end? No way! The title track is about the end of a life but also that there may be something new and exciting behind that final curtain. A lot of the lyrical themes on the album reflect things and thoughts of everyday life such as not being true to yourself, political hypocrisy, the birth of a child, long bus rides with people not of your choice, love and the fascination of fear.
CONSTANCIA‘Final Curtain’ is released via MelodicRock Records on July 10.
MelodicRock Records is offering a double dose of Swedish class in July. Already announced is the new CONSTANCIA album and now MRR will crank up the metal once again by releasing the new studio album from Swedish melodic/neoclassical metal outfit VINDICTIV on July 10.
The new album World Of Fear is a huge leap forward for the band and features the vocals of superstar MARK BOALS throughout.
MelodicRock Records is excited to launch another full track preview of the coming album, with the track 'Day' below.
PRE-ORDER for VINDICTIV and CONSTANCIA starting this week. BOTH releases available as limited Special Edition versions.
And check out 'Paralyzed' available below:
Once again, following the fantastic reception to the ROOM EXPERIENCE Special Edition, VINDICTIVWorld On Fire will also be available direct from MRR as a Special Edition limited release – featuring one exclusive bonus track!
Further album details and news of pre-orders will be made available next week.
Also featured on the new album is a perfect cover of the Yngwie Malmsteen classic Far Beyond The Sun. A video for that track has just been released:
VINDICTIV is:
Stefan Lindholm – guitar
Pontus Larsson – keyboards
Nalle Påhlsson – bass
Mark Boals – vocals
Marco Minnemann – drums
History:
One of the best kept secrets of neoclassical metal – so far. Stockholm's Vindictiv introduced themselves to the metal audience in an impressive fashion with their 2008 eponymous debut. The band's sophomore effort ”Ground Zero” followed swiftly the following year, and remains a fan favorite.
From this point on Vindictiv's career path got rockier. ”Cage Of Infinity” arrived in 2013, following an acrimonious split between guitarist Stefan Lindholm and his other band Raven Lord.
Vindictiv's fourth and current effort ”World Of Fear” was created under more harmonious circumstances, and to their guitarist marks both a progression and a return to form.
”The sound is harder, but also more melody-oriented”, muses Stefan (whose resumé also includes Phenomena and Black Sabbath legend Tony Martin). ”Some fans may have found the last album too metallic, but this is more in the veins of ”Ground Zero”.
”Wall Of Pain” is a catchy heavy metal anthem with plenty of double bassdrums. ”Until The Dawn” is slower, a semi-ballad – a little something for the ladies. ”Day” is somewhat poppy – more of a major chord-vibe, unlike the minor chord-oriented remaining songs. At the same time, this is a more technical album than the previous one. I deliver my usual masturbation-style solos!”
Lest we forget – ”World Of Fear” introduces the most star-studded Vindictiv lineup yet. Present as always are Stefan's faithful cohorts Pontus Larsson on keyboards and renowned bass player Nalle Påhlsson (Therion, Treat, Last Autumn's Dream).
By their side we find virtuoso drummer Marco Minnemann (Kreator, Joe Satriani, Steven Wilson) and singer Mark Boals (Yngwie Malmsteen, Royal Hunt, Dokken). The latter is arguably the most famous on a long list of Vindictiv frontmen that includes Tommy Karevik (Kamelot, Seventh Wonder), Nils Molin (Dynazty), Oliver Hartmann (At Vance, Avantasia) and Göran Edman (Yngwie Malmsteen, John Norum).
”Mark is someone I've known for some time and it was great to finally make a whole album with him”, says Stefan. ”Marco is a very easy-going guy. I hooked up with him on Facebook and he agreed to do the album as soon as he heard the songs. He's such a quick worker, he nailed his parts almost before he received the songs from me.”
As additional icing on the cake, ”World Of Fear” features guest solos from two keyboard exceptionals. Mark Basile is best known as the singer in Italy's own DGM. The recently deceased Mats Olausson has made stellar contributions to the likes of Yngwie Malmsteen, Lion's Share, Ark and Evil Masquerade.
”These sessions may be the last that Mats ever did before his passing”, says Stefan. ”He appears on three songs, including a cover version of Yngwie Malmsteen's ”Far Beyond The Sun”. Such a sweet guy. We dedicate ”World Of Fear” to him.”
Have Vindictiv finally found a stable lineup? If it's up to their guitarist, the answer is yes.
”I'd really like to bring an element of permanency to the band. And the odds of us five performing live together look real favorable. Sure, some members are busy people and Mark and Marco live in the US. But my goal is to get Vindictiv back on stage and Mark is already on board. After all, playing live is the most fun part of all about being in a band.”
With any luck, these plans will quickly come to fruition. ”World of fear” marks the rebirth of Vindictiv, and it's due time that the band goes from ”best kept secret of neoclassical metal” to ”best revealed secret of neoclassical metal”.
Sad news overnight with the death from cancer of pioneering Aussie rock frontman ALAN FRYER.
Alan famously auditioned for AC/DC at one stage, but went on to have mainstream success with his band HEAVEN, who never got the credit they deserved despite several full length major label releases.
Alan was also a great guy to deal with, as I have many occasions to talk to him over the years.
Heaven are responsible for what I consider the BEST cover of Knocking On Heaven's Door ever, so in tribute to Alan, here it is. may he rest in peace. You can read many friend and fan messages at: https://www.facebook.com/allan.fryer
Edge of the Blade'The Ghosts of Humans' will be released July 24 via Escape Music.
Tracks: Vital Signs / Believer / Everything I Own / Mr. Hell / River Runs Red / Who's in Control / The Taken / Down on My Knees / The Ghosts of Humans / Promised Land
The Band: Alan Kelly (Drums - ex Shy) / John Francis - Vocals (ex After Hours) / Andrew Chick - Guitars and Keyboards
Produced and Engineered by Andrew Chick
Edge of the Blade is an exciting new band that features Alan Kelly (Shy), John Francis (After Hours) and very talented Guitarist, Keyboardist, Producer and studio Engineer Andrew Chick with his razor sharp production. They have managed to create a really professional sounding new band and their debut album 'The Ghosts of Humans' is poised to set pulses racing.
The band have a wide ranging influence and the music sweeps from hard hitting melodic rock to majestic melodic metal with plenty of clout. With doffs of the hat to nu melodic metal rock similar to bands such as Alter Bridge and Avenged Seven Fold with great melodies! Edge Of The Blade have given us some refreshing slants on the rock sound. This is really well thought out music that stands out in the crowded market we have today. Tracks like Vital Signs, Mr. Hell and River Runs Red are just great examples of what this band have to offer us. Edge Of The Blade are an outfit worth watching and they are bound to catch your attention with their new album 'The Ghosts of Humans', soon to be released on Escape Music.
