The Swedish Phenomena inspired AOR/melodic rock project Gathering Of Kings has released a brand new track titled "Saviour".
The third single from the yet untitled debut album is written by Victor Olsson and will be released at the end of the summer.
The album is being helmed by producer Thomas "Plec" Johansson, who has previously worked with Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra, Dynazty and Nocturnal Rites among others.
Line-up on "Saviour":
Apollo Papathanasio - Vocals
Victor Olsson - lead guitar, backing vocals
Martin Sweet - rhythm guitar
Nalle Pahlsson - bass
Richard Larsson - keyboards
Jonas Kallsback - drums
Tobias Jansson - backing vocals
Alexander Frisborg - backing vocals
Ron Dahlgren - backing vocals
The full-length album will include following artists:
Bjorn Strid - Vocals (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra)
Rick Altzi - Vocals (Masterplan, Herman Frank, At Vance)
Tobias Jansson - Vocals (Saffire)
Apollo Papathanasio - Vocals (Spiritual Beggars, ex-Firewind)
Jens Westin - Vocals (Corroded)
Victor Olsson - Guitars (Saffire)
Stefan Helleblad - Guitar (Within Temptation, Jono)
Martin Sweet - Guitar (Crashdiet, Sister, Sweet Creature)
Erik Martensson - Guitar (Eclipse, W.E.T, Ammunition)
Nalle Pahlsson - Bass (Therion, ex-Treat)
Richard Larsson - Keyboards (The Night Flight Orchestra)
Erik Wiss - Keyboards (Cap Outrun)
Chris Laney - Keyboards (Pretty Maids)
Jonas Kallsback - Drums (The Night Flight Orchestra)
"Forever And A Day" is written by Victor Olsson and is taken from the yet untitled debut album, which will be released in 2018.
The album is being helmed by producer Thomas "Plec" Johansson, who has previously worked with Watain, Onslaught, Scar Symmetry, The Night Flight Orchestra, among others. "Plec" has managed to fill his studio walls with multiple platinum and gold record awards as well as taking home three Swedish Grammy awards. The cover artwork was created by hugely talented Lizette Lannhammar.
Line-up on "Forever And A Day":
Bjorrn Strid - Lead Vocals (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra)
A teaser for the new swedish hard rock project, Gathering Of King's upcoming single "Forever And A Day", is available below. The single will be released soon.
"Forever And A Day" is written by Victor Olsson and is taken from the yet untitled debut album, which will be released in 2017.
The album is being helmed by producer Thomas "Plec" Johansson, who has previously worked with Watain, Onslaught, Scar Symmetry, The Night Flight Orchestra, among others. "Plec" has managed to fill his studio walls with multiple platinum and gold record awards as well as taking home three Swedish Grammy awards. The cover artwork was created by hugely talented Lizette Lannhammar.
Line-up on "Forever And A Day":
Bjorrn Strid - Lead Vocals (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra)
GATHERING OF KINGS is a Swedish melodic rock Phenomena/Avantasia-type-super project. Extremely inspired by the melodic hard rock scene of the 80's, 14 well selected world class musicians will take part on the upcoming debut album.
The yet untitled album will be produced, mixed and mastered by Thomas "Plec" Johansson (Watain, Onslaught, Scar Symmetry, Solution. 45, The Night Flight Orchestra) at The Panic Room in Skövde, Sweden.
"Plec" has managed to fill his studio walls with multiple platinum and gold record awards as well as taking home three Swedish Grammy awards.
The first single is ready to be released and it will include following artists:
Björn Strid - Lead Vocals (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra)
Its time for pre-orders to be available for ROYAL MESS - out on MelodicRock Records September 25 - the same date as THE RADIO SUN sophmore release, which you can also pre-order now as part of a MRR September Package deal.
Nalle Påhlsson's ROYAL MESS is designed to kick some ass – a little Steve Stevens Atomic Playboys meets Kiss, meets Swedish melodic rock class.
View album teaser #3 now:
Nalle’s name should be very familiar to fans of Scandinavian rock – just check the credits for such great acts as Treat, Last Autumn's Dream, Vindictiv and Therion.
After so many years helping others sound great, MRR is proud to bring Nalle’s debut album to fans.
Produced by Nalle Påhlsson and Mixed by Chris Laney.
The self-titled Nalle Påhlsson's ROYAL MESS album will be released September 25 in two configurations – regular and a direct pre-order limited Special Edition that will feature one bonus track.
Track Listing:
01. Aces High (Påhlsson/Lundquist) 4:00
02. Hell City (Påhlsson/Lundquist) 3:44
03. Mr Freedom (Påhlsson) 4:22
04. Gold Digger (Påhlsson) 3:22
05. Breakout (Påhlsson) 3:50
06. Higher Than Seventh Heaven (Påhlsson/Lundquist-Nerge) 4:09
07. The Pieces Of My Heart (Påhlsson/Lundquist) 3:45
08. To Hell And Back (Påhlsson/Lundquist-Zan) 3:29
09. Trip (Påhlsson/Lundquist) 3:28
10. From Rise To Fall (Påhlsson/Lundquist) 3:05
11. Loaded Gun (Påhlsson/Lundquist) 4:18
Special Edition Exclusive Bonus Track:
12. See You In My Dreams (Påhlsson/Nilsson-Geli) 4:52
And check out the list of special guests on ROYAL MESS!
Kee Marcello (ex Europe)
Ian Haugland (Europe)
Mats Olausson (Yngwie Malmsteen)
Jamie Borger (Treat, L.A.D.)
Danne McKentzie (Mustasch)
Mats Levén (Candlemass, Therion)
Snowy Shaw (Therion)
Linnéa Vikström (Therion)
Johan Koleberg (Therion)
Pontus Norgren (Hammerfall)
Patrick Appelgren (Treat)
Kristian Niemann (ex Therion)
Zinny Zan (Easy Action, Shotgun Messiah)
Stefan Bergström (Skintrade)
Christian Vidal (Therion)
Micke Hujanen
Igna Jover (Antalgia)
Nicci Notini
Love Magnusson (Dynazty)
Stefan Lindholm (Vindictiv)
Max Lorentz
Henrik Bergqvist (The Poodles)
Mikael Erlandsson (L.A.D)
Lasse Andersson (producer, songwriter)
Pontus Larsson (Vindictiv)
For more than three decades, Nalle Påhlsson has been one of Sweden's leading rock bassists, providing reliable backing vocals along the way. September sees the release of Nalle Påhlsson's Royal Mess. An album where Nalle finally steps out as a lead singer, songwriter and versatile musician (providing rhythm guitars and keyboards, as well as bass).
Inspired by his oldest brother's record collection, Nalle started playing guitar at an early age. At 10, he joined his first band, switching to bass guitar the following year.
"Playing the bass reflects my personality. If I was a housebuilder I'd be into cement, working on the foundation. I feel just as at home playing the rhythm guitar, which has a similar role", Nalle smiles.
His early influences – Deep Purple, Kiss, The Sweet, Kansas – instilled the rock'n'roll dream, and the success of the band Europe proved that it was possible for Swedes his own age to make it.
Soon, Nalle was a sought-after bass player, touring and/or recording with some of Scandinavia's biggest names (Mikael Rickfors, Mats Ronander, Pugh Rogefeldt, Sanne Salomonsen, Easy Action and many others). He also formed what may have been Sweden's first tribute band, AB/CD. Not only did they play impeccable AC/DC covers; Nalle (who, being the rhythm guitarist, naturally called himself Nalcolm) also wrote new material in the style of the Australian rockers. AB/CD released one EP and two albums. The first album shifted 30,000 units, outselling some of Sweden's most hyped rock bands in the process.
Nalle continued to work as a freelance musician, as well as being a member of bands like Treat, Last Autumn's Dream, Vindictiv and Therion.
"I always tried to create bass lines that added something to the music, and made it more interesting and varied".
His efforts did not go unnoticed: in 2010, he was voted Bass Player of the Year on MelodicRock.com
But there was always a sense of unfinished business. He had his own album to make. And now it's finally here.
Royal Mess reflects a big part of Nalle's musical tastes. Crunchy riffs, high energy playing, and catchy melodies. Timeless and melodic hard rock/AOR, as opposed to metal. Elements of prog can be detected, too, but he has chosen to save most of that side for another time.
It would be hard to pick out specific highlights from such a strong collection of quality songs. Most of them convey a life-affirming feeling. Nalle has had his share of bad relationships and self-destructive behaviour. Four years sober, he has used his time well, playing sessions and touring the world as Therion's bass player, while making this album.
"I have spent a lot of time being drunk or hungover in my day. The drinking increased around 2008, and one day I had just had enough. I realized that not only did I hurt myself, but also the ones I care about the most: my kids, my mother, my brothers and my friends. I decided to look for help. Ever since then, my whole life has become more enjoyable".
Most of the album's lyrics describe this journey.
"I hope that the songs inspire others who find themselves in similar situations to make a change, and take control of their own destiny. It's never too late."
The album was produced and arranged by Nalle himself, and mixed by renowned producer/musician/songwriter/artist, Chris Laney, who provided the already big and bold material with his trademark "in your face" attitude, and a slightly more modern twist.
The list of musicians credited on the album reads like a who's who of the Swedish hard rock community. How about Kee Marcello (Easy Action/Europe), Love Magnusson (Dynazty), Pontus Norgren (Hammerfall), Micke Hujanen (AB/CD), Stefan Lindholm (Vindictiv), Henrik Bergqvist (The Poodles), and Kristian Niemann (Therion) – and that's just the solo guitarists. It seems that everyone who knows Nalle wanted to help put him in the spotlight by lending their talents to the album. However, it's Nalle's vocals, rhythm guitar, bass and songwriting that is the core of the album's sound and style. The question remains: Why on earth hasn't he sung lead before?
"A lot of people who have heard the album have wondered why I have waited so long to do it. I guess it's a question of self confidence. People also seem to find it refreshing that I have made a classic hard rock album that reminds them of the Seventies and Eighties. But this is quite simply the kind of music I grew up listening to. I guess the only target group I had in mind was me!" Nalle laughs.
Nalle Påhlsson's Royal Mess is a personal and musical victory.
Put it on, crank it up, and you will soon know why.
Its time to announce a second release scheduled for September on MelodicRock Records.
This one is designed to kick some ass – a little Steve Stevens Atomic Playboys meets Kiss, meets Swedish melodic rock class.
I’m talking about Nalle Påhlsson's ROYAL MESS.
Nalle’s name should be very familiar to fans of Scandinavian rock – just check the credits for such great acts as Treat, Last Autumn's Dream, Vindictiv and Therion.
After so many years helping others sound great, MRR is proud to bring Nalle’s debut album to fans.
The self-titled Nalle Påhlsson's ROYAL MESS album will be released September 25 in two configurations – regular and a direct pre-order limited Special Edition that will feature one bonus track.
Right now you can enjoy two teaser videos previewing several tracks from the album.
More information soon!
For more than three decades, Nalle Påhlsson has been one of Sweden's leading rock bassists, providing reliable backing vocals along the way. September sees the release of Nalle Påhlsson's Royal Mess. An album where Nalle finally steps out as a lead singer, songwriter and versatile musician (providing rhythm guitars and keyboards, as well as bass).
Inspired by his oldest brother's record collection, Nalle started playing guitar at an early age. At 10, he joined his first band, switching to bass guitar the following year.
"Playing the bass reflects my personality. If I was a housebuilder I'd be into cement, working on the foundation. I feel just as at home playing the rhythm guitar, which has a similar role", Nalle smiles.
His early influences – Deep Purple, Kiss, The Sweet, Kansas – instilled the rock'n'roll dream, and the success of the band Europe proved that it was possible for Swedes his own age to make it.
Soon, Nalle was a sought-after bass player, touring and/or recording with some of Scandinavia's biggest names (Mikael Rickfors, Mats Ronander, Pugh Rogefeldt, Sanne Salomonsen, Easy Action and many others). He also formed what may have been Sweden's first tribute band, AB/CD. Not only did they play impeccable AC/DC covers; Nalle (who, being the rhythm guitarist, naturally called himself Nalcolm) also wrote new material in the style of the Australian rockers. AB/CD released one EP and two albums. The first album shifted 30,000 units, outselling some of Sweden's most hyped rock bands in the process.
Nalle continued to work as a freelance musician, as well as being a member of bands like Treat, Last Autumn's Dream, Vindictiv and Therion.
"I always tried to create bass lines that added something to the music, and made it more interesting and varied".
His efforts did not go unnoticed: in 2010, he was voted Bass Player of the Year on MelodicRock.com
But there was always a sense of unfinished business. He had his own album to make. And now it's finally here.
Royal Mess reflects a big part of Nalle's musical tastes. Crunchy riffs, high energy playing, and catchy melodies. Timeless and melodic hard rock/AOR, as opposed to metal. Elements of prog can be detected, too, but he has chosen to save most of that side for another time.
It would be hard to pick out specific highlights from such a strong collection of quality songs. Most of them convey a life-affirming feeling. Nalle has had his share of bad relationships and self-destructive behaviour. Four years sober, he has used his time well, playing sessions and touring the world as Therion's bass player, while making this album.
"I have spent a lot of time being drunk or hungover in my day. The drinking increased around 2008, and one day I had just had enough. I realized that not only did I hurt myself, but also the ones I care about the most: my kids, my mother, my brothers and my friends. I decided to look for help. Ever since then, my whole life has become more enjoyable".
Most of the album's lyrics describe this journey.
"I hope that the songs inspire others who find themselves in similar situations to make a change, and take control of their own destiny. It's never too late."
The album was produced and arranged by Nalle himself, and mixed by renowned producer/musician/songwriter/artist, Chris Laney, who provided the already big and bold material with his trademark "in your face" attitude, and a slightly more modern twist.
The list of musicians credited on the album reads like a who's who of the Swedish hard rock community. How about Kee Marcello (Easy Action/Europe), Love Magnusson (Dynazty), Pontus Norgren (Hammerfall), Micke Hujanen (AB/CD), Stefan Lindholm (Vindictiv), Henrik Bergqvist (The Poodles), and Kristian Niemann (Therion) – and that's just the solo guitarists. It seems that everyone who knows Nalle wanted to help put him in the spotlight by lending their talents to the album. However, it's Nalle's vocals, rhythm guitar, bass and songwriting that is the core of the album's sound and style. The question remains: Why on earth hasn't he sung lead before?
"A lot of people who have heard the album have wondered why I have waited so long to do it. I guess it's a question of self confidence. People also seem to find it refreshing that I have made a classic hard rock album that reminds them of the Seventies and Eighties. But this is quite simply the kind of music I grew up listening to. I guess the only target group I had in mind was me!" Nalle laughs.
Nalle Påhlsson's Royal Mess is a personal and musical victory.
Put it on, crank it up, and you will soon know why.
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”.
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 a full track preview of the coming album, with the track 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”.
