| LATEST NEWS |
|
STRUTTER'ZINE- We're back again, a whole bunch of new reviews, go check it out asap, starting from |
|
A DIGITAL WALK ALONG THE MELODIC LABEL FIELDS - MP3 REVIEWS: VARIOUS ARTISTS/BANDS ‘VARIOUS ALBUMS’ (VARIOUS LABELS) Sad to see now each and every label jumping on the MP3
wagon and making their releases only available for promotion as MP3 in
the so-called ‘I-pool’ for us, the reviewers. One way or the other, that
leaves us concentrating more and more in the future on the independent
scene who do not work this way, but prefer the old fashioned way, which
was also the original intention when our magazine started way back in
1994. Nevertheless, we’ll still dig into all the label releases through
this part of the NEW REVIEWS pages which will be featured on our NEWS
PAGE from now on, with some short summary of the releases done by
labels, such as FRONTIERS RECORDS, LION MUSIC, LIMB MUSIC and AFM
RECORDS. On the other hand, most of these releases are discussed by so
many other webzines and magazines worldwide, so a short review will only
be more effective than the lengthy reviews we did in the past when we
received real promo CDs. Nevertheless, as you can see, there is still
some in-depth look at the finest releases. F.y.i., we do not review the
releases of MASSACRE RECORDS and NAPALM RECORDS like we did in the past,
as we simply do not have access to their I-POOL anymore, which is a
shame of course, but it seems like certain labels are making it harder
and harder to promote their own releases, as they seem to think by
self-promotion it will sell no matter what, plus the fact that many of
their releases will leak anyway or the amount of preview mp3s is enough
for a music fan to decide wether or not to buy an album. Anyway, an
honest review will never hurt and as you can read on our reviewspages,
you will definitely discover something new you otherwise would not have
known about. But first let’s have a look through the releases of some
melodic rock/metal/prog labels that offered their mp3s for review…
First we’ll go through the FRONTIERS RECORDS releases of the past few months, because of course this label brought us the most interesting releases. Hopefully some will make it onto PICTURE DISC vinyl soon, like happened with the amazing W.E.T. and GIANT earlier this year. ASIA delivers a new studio-album titled ‘Omega’ and a live record titled ‘Spirit of the night – live in Cambridge 09’. The new album is a lot better than their comeback/reunion record of a few years ago. The songs are more energetic and uptempo, something the early ASIA was best known for. “Finger on the trigger”, “Listen children” and “I believe” do relive the old ASIA sound, bombastic pompy AOR. Furthermore they do sound like KAYAK a lot nowadays, which of course ain’t bad either. Concluded, not a classic, but perhaps WETTON’s finest work since his solo effort ‘Battle lines’ and that was a long time ago! The live release is ok for what it is, showing they made the real classics 28 years ago… FRONTIERS goes a little Glamrock with the new albums
of CRASHDIET and VINCE NEIL. The Swedish CRASHDIET deliver good high
quality 80s Glamrock meets Melodic Hardrock on their new CD ‘Generation
wild’, with many catchy tunes that 25 years ago would have hit the USA
big time! Definitely a highly recommended album if you want to hear a
mix between MOTLEY CRUE and DEF LEPPARD! Once a Glamrock God, nowadays a
sad affair of reliving his 80s successes, VINCE NEIL’s new solo-CD is as
weak as you want it to be. He still can not sing and doing all these
covers surely doesn’t make it more interesting. His solo-debut CD from
17 years ago was his last interesting effort, because what he now
delivers is absolutely rubbish…
HAREM SCAREM ended so suddenly a few years ago, which of course was one of the worst breakups in Melodic Hardrock history. Lead singer HARRY HESS continues making music of course and his first baby is the project FIRST SIGNAL, which musically is pure Melodic Rock/AOR like a mix between the very first HAREM SCAREM classic and W.E.T. It’s all very much done by the numbers, so no surprises and perhaps for some a bit too safe, especially when compared to the last couple of HAREM SCAREM albums, but why complain if we can enjoy 11 catchy Melodic Rock tunes. The live-albums from PRIMAL FEAR, JOHN WAITE, TESLA and EXTREME are for the fans of each of these acts of course very interesting to check out, all sounding crystal clear to the typical FRONTIERS standards. Not many weak releases as usual on FRONTIERS RECORDS,
because also the debut CDs of ISSA and MICHAEL KISKE AND AMANDA
SOMMERVILLE are filled with high quality catchy Melodic Rock. Perhaps
sounding very cliché here and there, there are a bunch of songs included
here that with some good marketing could easily become HUGE hits in both
Europe and the USA. ISSA comes out of Norway and she is a beautiful
singer who delivers a typical 80s catchy AOR/Melodic Poprock (ERIKA)
meets current 00s catchy Modern Melodic Poprock (KELLY CLARCKSON) with
her first CD ‘Sign of angels’. Most of the catchy tunes do give you the
impression ‘where did I hear that before’, so it is all very cliché
sounding from start to finish, but in the end we’re all enjoying and
singing along to tunes like “I’m alive”, “River of love” (damn, I love
such catchy tunes) and “Angels crying”. The songwriters and musicians
are coming out of the major league of the huge Scandinavian/German
Hardrock/Metalscene, including
Both STAN BUSH and KEVIN CHALFANT return with new
album releases and both deliver the high class stuff they always deliver.
Both singers are the most friendly people in the music business and they
belong to the best singers in AOR history, releasing countless AOR
Classics in the past and never changing their style of music, because
also their new albums are pure AOR with some songs that can be consider
to-become classics. STAN BUSH releases ‘Dream the dream’, which is
another typical STAN BUSH sounding AOR/Melodic Rockalbum with such
fantastic songs like “I’m still here”, “Don’t give up on love” and “Love
is the road”, while KEVIN CHALFANT comes with a new TWO FIRES album
titled ‘Burning bright’ (follow-up to the 2nd album ‘Ignition’ from 8
years ago!) that thanks to the amazing vocalwork of Kevin himself is
lifted up way above any AOR release of the past few years. He’s without
a doubt the most gifted singer in AOR history, with an incredib Also new albums of TERRA NOVA, STRANGEWAYS, Y&T, VANDENPLAS and PRETTY MAIDS have been released. The new STRANGEWAYS record ‘Perfect world’ is a real surprise, because it marks the return to their classic AOR sound, partly thanks to singer TERRY BROCK, who by the way also delivers a new solo-CD titled ‘Diamond blue’. That solo-CD is more interesting than the new STRANGEWAYS, which simply can not compete with the band’s late 80s AOR Classics. Please keep in mind that the new STRANGEWAYS is not bad at all, very high quality musicianship is displayed on that disc that will perhaps get better with more repeats, nevertheless the solo-record sounds stronger at first sight (more straight-ahead AOR), although nothing new is brought on that disc. Think you’ll get the picture here, play it safe with the new TERRY BROCK solo record that includes the pure AOR a la MITCH MALLOY/STAN BUSH (some really awesome catchy pure AOR here with songs like “Jessie’s gone”, “Broken”, the amazing “Soldier falls” (a classic AOR touch here for sure) and “The rain”) or when you’re looking for a little more moodier calmer AOR perhaps go for the new STRANGEWAYS, but please be aware that both records can not compete with the old STRANGEWAYS records or even GIANT’s latest effort which also saw TERRY BROCK singing on, except for a few tracks on the new STRANGEWAYS album such as “Time” and “One more day” that do reveal the classic late 80s sound of JOURNEYesque STRANGEWAYS. TERRA NOVA delivered a Melodic Rock classic 15 years ago, became big stars in Japan and on and off released a new record the following years. None of these albums, including the new CD ‘Come alive’ can be considered classics, but nevertheless also this new album offers nicely played AOR/Melodic Rock, with a lot of JOURNEY influences. The new Y&T album ‘Facemelter’ is good… very good… played very well… BUT it’s like DAVE MENIKETTI really wanted it so bad to relive the classic Y&T sound we missed so much, so he actually rewrote all his classics (especially “Midnight in Tokyo” and “Forever”) with some slight different arrangements and the result is this new Y&T album that sounds like a classic at first sight, but is in fact just a typical 1980s sounding Y&T album that during each and every song makes you think of a classic Y&T tune. For example “I’m coming home” is part 2 of “Midnight in Tokyo”. Nevertheless, Dave is still one the finest vocalists and guitarists… if only he and his band Y&T had been as big as MOTLEY CRUE and POISON back in 1985, he perhaps would have received much more recognition! Both VANDENPLAS and PRETTY MAIDS delivered classics in
the past, but their new albums are not reaching their past performance,
although they are still of a high level. The sound/production is
top-notch and fans of both bands will of course be delighted with this
strong new albums. However it is perhaps the amount of new albums being
released at the moment, but when listening to these new songs of these
bands I’ll personally long back to their earlier releases, especially
referring to PRETTY MAIDS, whom in the 1980s were at their peak with
that classic ‘Future world’. VANDENPLAS on the other hand delivered
their best works not that long ago and some more spins of their new
record might make their new album more interesting, because what we can
hear is definitely very well played Melodic Progmetal that has the
possibility to become classic in the progmetal field in a few years (the
new CD is pretty good, really). PRETTY MAIDS’ new record is definitely
good for what it is, pure Melodic He TRIUMPH released a greatest hits package on FRONTIERS RECORDS. Well, not really interesting, because if you have the whole catalogue of the band why bother this CD, even the fact it includes new remasters. Secondly, I miss so many of their real classics… well Melodic Rock Classics, because so many people hate their later 80s records, which for the AOR/Melodic Rockfan are the most interesting of course. ‘The sport of kings’ and ‘Surveillance’ are both ignored and that is a pity, because when playing TRIUMPH I usually grab these records first, because it had so many great tunes. Anyway, a new TRIUMPH record would be more interesting than this best of release. The most surprising release on FRONTIERS RECORDS is of course the new UNRULY CHILD album ‘Worlds collide’ that brings us MARCIE FREE again. He disappeared during the mid 1990s when MARK became MARCIE, which was very ‘not-done’ in the Rock/Hardrockscene and also the whole Grunge thing killed the whole Melodic Rockscene, so it became quiet around this incredible singer who delivered some of the finest AOR in the past, especially on the SIGNAL, UNRULY CHILD and MARK FREE albums. Now more than 15 years later, (s)he has returned as singer on the new UNRULY CHILD album ‘Worlds collide’. The voice is still as good as it was so many years ago, which of course is very important. Musically UNRULY CHILD’s new record is not far removed from their classic Melodic Rock debut from the early 1990s. Perhaps this new album will not become a classic in the next 20 years or so, despite there’s some very strong material included here and there, such as “When we were young”, “When worlds collide” (the best song by far!), “Read my mind” and “Very first time”. Sadly, there are also a bunch of so-so groovy rockers (“Life death”) to be heard that put down the level a bit, but it’s good to see MARCIE back again. It’s also nice to see that some of the semi-ballads somehow have a BEATLES kinda influence. However, personally I am all up for a new solo-CD in the style of ‘Long way from love’ or SIGNAL’s ‘Loud and clear’, so a real AOR Classic, because the voice is still able to deliver the same class… That’s the FRONTIERS RECORDS summary of the past few months. All their albums sound of course very good, production wise and also musically speaking picture perfect, but the real memorable releases have been done by STAN BUSH, TWO FIRES and KISKE SOMMERVILLE, but also TERRY BROCK is interesting for the AOR fans, while the other highlight was MARCIE FREE’s voice that still sounds amazing!
Italian keyboard mastermind MISTHERIA releases a new album, 6 years after his last effort ‘Messenger Of The Gods’. The new CD is titled ‘Dragon fire’ and it is a very strong album actually, Neo-Classical Melodic (Power) Metal is the name of the game here. ROYAL HUNT and ARTENSION are 2 clear comparisons and some of the songs are even reaching that high level, although therefore MISTHERIA has to thank the incredible list of guest singers and musicians for, because JOHN WEST, MARK BOALS, ROB ROCK, LANCE KING, NEIL ZAZA, GEORGE BELLAS, ROGER STAFFELBACH, JOHN MACALUSO and many others stepped in here and they all come from the major bands in the Neo-Classical Power Metal genre (MALMSTEEN, ROYAL HUNT, IMPELLITTERI, RING OF FIRE, ARTENSION, ARK, etc. etc.), so then it is not really strange when MISTHERIA’s new album sounds that good. Recommended to fans of mentioned acts! More Melodic Hardrock orientated are the releases of the bands GRONHOLM and PANGEA. The 3-piece band GRONHOLM is coming out of Finland and on their debut CD there are guest appearances of guitarist TY TABOR (KING’S X) and keyboardplayer DEREK SHERINIAN (DREAM THEATER). Musically we can hear strong Melodic Hardrock that also reveal influences from other genres here and there, but always keeping an eye open for a good haunting melody, such as in the excellent “Fate and belief” and “You and me”. Quality stuff, just like the new album of PANGEA, which was a Danish band whom released 2 great Melodic Rockalbums during the mid 1990s. We reviewed these albums some 15 years ago, but after ‘Manchild’ in 1997, it became very quiet until now, because their 3rd album has been released in the shape of ‘Retrospectacular’. As it nothing has changed, the band continues to bring us high quality Melodic Hard Rock, with a typical Scandi touch… welcome back guys with your HAREM SCAREM meets TALISMANish Melodic Hardrock! Female fronted Hardrock/Metal can be heard on the new CD of MASTERCASTLE. ‘Last desire’ is the follow-up to their 2009 release and just like that record, also this new CD is filled with high quality mostly uptempo tough powerful Melodic (Power) Metal that is graced with some excellent vocalwork of female singer GIORGIA GUEGLIO. Great new release of this upcoming Italian band! The other female fronted release is the new CD of LARS ERIC MATTSSON. This guitarist has been releasing records since the mid 1980s and the last few years he’s been accompanied by a female singer. ‘Tango’ is the title of the new CD and it sounds a bit experimental at times, but also melodic, proggy and rocking. Needs a few more listens to make up a good judgement, but as always Lars releases another quality album. Concluded, a round-up of LION MUSIC’s releases learns that their finest and most recommended CDs that need to be checked are their Prog/Power Metal releases of especially DREYELANDS, DAY SIX and SECTION A. However, 2 of their releases from the past few months have also been seperately reviewed by us, as these discs were sent in their original hard copy CD format instead of the unfriendly digital MP3 format. So go look for ANTHRIEL and MINDSPLIT on the new reviews pages…
LIMB MUSIC have released all SAVAGE GRACE albums on
CD, fully remastered and with all kinds of liner notes. Very interesting
of course to hear all their material on 2 CDs. The legendary US band
existed the whole 1980s decade and were best known for their explicit
sexy looking frontcovers and believe me, the original vinyl LP versions
are almost impossible to find and when you do find one, well then you
have to pay a lot of money for it, because they are rare. Anyway, the
band was formed in 1981 and split up in 1992, but during those 11 years
they released 4 albums that have now been put together on 2 CDs. Loaded
with a bunch of typical 80s US Also on LIMB MUSIC is the new album of the Aussie Melodic Power Metalband BLACK MAJESTY. If you’re familiar with their earlier releases, you will absolutely love the new CD ‘In your honour’, although nothing new is brought here. However high quality music will always find it’s way to it’s fans and that is exactly the case here. We all know LIMB never releases weak albums and also with the release of the debut CD of the Italian band ANCIENT BARDS, we can enjoy another high quality release on the German label. This band’s first CD is titled ‘The Alliance Of The Kings’, featuring female vocals and musically sounding a lot like a cross between RHAPSODY and EPICA. So, it ain’t original, but happily done very well, so fans of EPICA, NIGHTWISH, RHAPSODY and that type of Epic Symphonic Power Metal might wanna check out this band asap! And so we can finish our MP3 REVIEWS section, which was not bad at all, with some excellent releases of the acts (points mentioned behind name) TRIOSPHERE (9.2), SECTION A (8.9), DAY SIX (8.6), DREYELANDS (8.7), STAN BUSH (8.8), TWO FIRES (9.1), KISKE SOMMERVILLE (8.9) and TERRY BROCK (8.8), this month’s 8 must-have releases of the mp3 reviews-section, C-YA next time! Thanks goes out to the 4 labels for making this column possible and if you want to hear see your label’s releases reviewed this way, then do please let us know, but if you want to see your album reviewed in full detail like on the NEW REVIEWS pages, then do sent an email to: Strutterzine@gmail.com for further info… |
members
of bands like MASTERPLAN, HELLOWEEN, SAINT DEAMON, HAMMERFALL, CRASH THE
SYSTEM, CANDLEMASS and even DIMMU BORGIR!!! The first album of lead
singers MICHAEL KISKE (ex-HELLOWEEN) and AMANDA SOMMERVILLE was actually
put together by MAT SINNER (SINNER, PRIMAL FEAR) and MAGNUS KARLSSON (STARBREAKER,
LAST TRIBE, PLACE VENDOME), who once again deliver a high quality
Melodic Rockalbum. Just like ISSA, also very standardized sounding
material, but all done very well and with such amazing vocalwork of both
Michael and Amanda very enjoyable to listen to from start to finish.
After a few spins, it becomes clear that this MICHAEL KISKE AND AMANDA
SOMMERVILLE album will stand the test of time, because songs like
“Nothing left to say”, “Silence”, “Don’t walk away” and “If I had a wish”
are top of the bill for any Melodic Rockfan, so be sure not to miss this
release! 
le
voice that is truly an instrument on it’s own. The songs are typical AOR/Melodic
Rock, with as highlights “Shattered with you”, “Lost in the song”,
“Answer to my prayer”, (could have been on the 707 classic album ‘Megaforce’,
very catchy hook there!), ”Relentless” and the beautiful THE STORMish
AOR ballad “Some things are better left unsaid” (AOR ballad of the year
2010 for sure and perhaps one of the best songs recorded in 2010!). If
only the production had been done by a major producer in a major studio,
this could have been the best AOR album since the PRIDE OF LIONS debut
in the 2000s, because I feel the production lacks a bit, which is a
shame, because the songs are top-notch AOR with of course Kevin’s superb
vocalwork and some great JOURNEYish melodic guitarwork by Michael
“Ralph” Gardner who is a great substitute for JOSH RAMOS, who did not
participate in this new TWO FIRES album. These 2 albums (STAN BUSH and
TWO FIRES) together with the KISKE/SOMMERVILLE and new TERRY BROCK (review
below) records belong to the best releases of FRONTIERS from the past 3
/ 4 months. 
avy
Rock, sometimes very catchy (“Little drops of heaven”), but if this is
your first attempt at their music, then please go for ‘Future world’
first… 
LION
MUSIC is also a label that releases quite a few CDs within a small
period. This time about 10 albums to go through. The instrumental work
comes from ALEX MASI, MICHAEL HARRIS and GEORGE BELLAS. The Progressive
side of things however is more interesting, with especially the new
album of the Dutch band DAY SIX being a very strong album. ‘The grand
design’ mixes Progressive Rock and Progmetal and the band has succeeded
to deliver their finest work so far. A real great piece of work that
combines elements of SYMPHONY X, SEVENTH WONDER and DREAM THEATER, with
a touch of Neo-Prog, well done! Also interesting Progmetal of a high
level can be heard on the debut CD of the Hungarian band DREYELANDS. In
fact, their first album is sounding quite sensational (especially songs
like “Can’t hide away” and “Pretending”), very well constructed and
‘catchy’ Melodic Progressive Metal, easily up there with a band like
SEVENTH WONDER, although vocally a little rawer here and there. It is
clear that LION MUSIC has a good ear for high quality Melodic Progmetal
bands, because they always release quality albums in this genre and soon
we will be pleased with the new SEVENTH WONDER album that hopefully will
be the best of them all. In the meantime, check out the very good new
DAY SIX record and the sensational debut of DREYELANDS! Also the new CD
of SECTION A, which is their 3rd CD, is filled with high quality
Progressive Metal that combine superstrong vocals with tight melodies
and some very aggressive guitarwork and a few Neo-Classical meets Power
Metal riffs here and there. Progmetal the way it should sound, so be
sure to also check out this Swedish band’s new album ‘Sacrifice’ as it
will please you for sure from the beginning until the end (some really
superb songs can be heard here, such as “Land of the desert sun”, “Days
of sorrow”, “The city of falling” (terrific Melodic Power Metal, amazing
haunting chorus a la DUNGEON meets FIFTH ANGEL) and “Heroes”). So, there
you have it… 3 highly recommended new PROG/POWER METAL releases on LION
MUSIC…
AFM
RECORDS has a few very strong releases, but also a few less interesting.
BIG BALL is nothing more than a weaker version of AIRBOURNE. Simple
basic Hardrock and roll in the AC/DC style, but then a bit too cliché
and standard to make any impression. JON OLIVIA’S PAIN releases
‘Festival’, which is interesting for the SAVATAGE fans of course.
MAGICA’s new album ‘Dark diary’ is quality stuff, but on the other hand
not really original, because the Symphonic Epic female fronted Gothic
Power Metal trick has now been done so many times that making an
impression will be hard. The bandnamed NEVERLAND has popped up quite a
few times in the past, as we reviewed a Swiss and a Greek/Turkish band,
besides the fact that in the early 90s there was an American band that
had the same name. Anyway, AFM RECORDS now releases the 2nd album of the
Greek/Turkish NEVERLAND, which is once again filled with good clean
quality Melodic Sympho Power Metal. Vocally quite different than the
usual bands in this genre, but somehow this band does it quite well and
therefore ‘Ophidia’ is an interesting album for sure. However, the
absolute highlight of the AFM RECORDS release schedule can be heard in
the shape of the 2nd album of the Norwegian band TRIOSHERE. This female
fronted band delivers an absolute masterpiece with their new record ‘The
road less travelled’. This is unbelievably excellent stuff, a very
melodic affair, but with the aggressiveness of pure Metal. They play a
mix of Melodic Metal and Progressive Metal, with some haunting melodies.
The band’s female singer (and bassist) Ida Haukland has an incredible
vocal range and almost every song is a winner here. This is the way we
wanna hear it… just listen to the superb “Human condition” and “Death of
Jane Doe”, with it’s really fabulous choruses. Melodic choruses are very
important in TRIOSPHERE’s music and I can easily inform you that mixed
with lovely female vocals (once again have to add here that this is some
of the best female vocals I have heard in a long time!) and biting Metal
riffs, this album will appeal to many Rock and Metalfans out there.
Definitely a band to watch out for this TRIOSPHERE! 
Melodic Power Metal that sounded like a cross betweemn MAIDEN, AGENT
STEEL and HEIR APPARENT, this band definitely left a mark on the US
Metal scene with their music. Now we can all enjoy the band again,
thanks to these re-issues.
|
JASON BECKER- There's a JASON BECKER movie coming up, more info at: http://www.jasonbeckermovie.com/ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jason-Becker-Movie-Perpetual-Burn/103748259684855 For a recap on the two tribute CD http://www.lionmusic.com/jasonbecker/jasonbecker.htm |
|
QUIET RIOT- QUIET RIOT BACK IN BUSINESS WITH NEW SINGER AND UPCOMING TOUR After the tragic passing of co-founding Quiet Riot singer Kevin DuBrow in 2007, many figured that the band was over. But while going through the vaults of vintage video material for an upcoming documentary of the band's history, the spark was reignited once more for drummer Frankie Banali to kick QR back in gear. The easy part was filling the guitar and bass slots - as former members Chuck Wright (bass) and Alex Grossi (guitar) promptly signed on. However, having to fill DuBrow's large shoes was no small task. A longtime fan of heavy metal, singer Mark Huff came to Banali's attention while fronting a California-based Van Halen tribute band (that focused on the "Sammy Hagar era"). A true Cinderella story, Huff auditioned via a cattle call audition, promptly blew Banali away, and got the gig. After getting the blessing from DuBrow's mother to carry on with Quiet Riot (and to celebrate her son's music), the group was ready to rock once more. Quiet Riot hit mega-success with their first-ever US release in 1983, the classic 'Metal Health.' Spawning two hit singles that have gone on to become synonymous with heavy metal - "Cum On Feel the Noize" and "Metal Health" - the 'Metal Health' album went on to become the first-ever metal US debut to hit the #1 spot on the Billboard album charts, and resulted in a solid year of sold-out arena shows and non-stop MTV video airplay. However, it was the DuBrow-Banali-Wright-Grossi line-up that proved to be DuBrow's favorite touring line-up (and also, most stable). Quiet Riot is currently firming up plans for a full U.S. tour - their first in three years. And with the aforementioned documentary on the horizon, and the band's music being used in hit films ('The Wrestler,' 'Tropic Thunder'), video games ('Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80's'), and even musicals ('Rock of Ages') - as well as QR being name-checked in songs by Weezer and Ben Folds - Quiet Riot remains a major force in heavy metal. And soon, you will get a chance to bang your head once more to Quiet Riot, at a concert venue near you! FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: |
|
ALIEN- ALIEN - the original lineup! is back with a new single, Ready To Fly. Released on the 10th of Oct (10.10.10) by Manora Records. The platinum selling Swedish AOR phenomena is back after some 22 years. An up to date production by Mårten Eriksson and Mats Lindfors, catching the classic Alien sound. Melodic rock at it's best!! _ _ _ "Swedens best AOR band ever are back with original line-up playing songs from their self titled 1988 debut album... probably a 9,5 out of 10... Encore of this gig is a new song called Ready To Fly, a really good power ballad that fits well with the old material and according to me it shoul get some airplay since it's that good." - Planet AOR, review on ALIEN 2010 live premiere. _ _ _ |
|
SWEET CRYSTAL- Christian AOR band SWEET CRYSTAL will release a new CD soon, review next time, more info at: |
|
LANA TURNER- Lana Turner was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma Cancer in December 09’. Lana has some of the most generous friends and family. They have donated very special items that are up for auction on our Ebay Store. Rock Stars and Sports Stars with the biggest hearts on the planet have donated items to help offset the cost of Lana’s treatments and related expenses. Please check out the store or donate directly and forward this info. Music Memorabilia Ebay Store: http://stores.ebay.com/bigblock1313 Lana is Brit Turners's daughter from the band "BLACKBERRY SMOKE." |
|
STRUTTER'ZINE- Please check out about 100+ new CD reviews we just uploaded. Soon to be launched a complete new website as www.strutterzine.com with all new features and a complete review archive dating back to 1994 !!!
|
|
STRUTTER'ZINE- Please check out about 100+ new CD reviews we just uploaded. A lot of sensational stuff has been released lately, both from the ´major´ labels and independent-demo releases. From the demo department, we highly recommended the in April and May newly discovered AOR-Melodic Rock sensations from Sweden, namely STRIKER, ULTIMATE FATE, EYE, RYDELL AND QUICK, NAKED, ETERNAL, STINGRAY and TURBULENCE. The 'major' label releases gave us excellent new releases of STREAM OF PASSION, SILENT MEMORIAL, MANIMAL, REINXEED, PRAYING MANTIS, SHAKRA, PRIMAL FEAR, SAINT DEAMON, PATHOSRAY, MYSTIC PROPHECY, FARCRY, SAIDIAN and BLOODBOUND. Re-issues included STINGRAY, CHARLEMAGNE, CHANNEL, I-TEN, GYNGER LYNN, CLARK KENT and STARCASTLE, but there's of course a lot more to read, such as the return of JOHNNY LIMA in the shape of his new album 'Living out loud', the amazing DAVID PRATER (FIREHOUSE) produced new album of Chilean Power Metalband SIX MAGICS, both independent releases and a whole string of great new Progrock releases! Enjoy! |
|
STRUTTER'ZINE- Please check out about 100 new CD reviews we just uploaded... Enjoy!
|
|
EUROPE COMPLETE ALBUM SESSIONS "We have arrived at the end of this recording........Mr Lindell will now start mixing this fine collection of songs. It's a strange feeling not going back to the studio in Gothenburg more on this record. We are extremely proud of this cd. It's got emotion....it kicks ass......it's thought provoking.....it's sexy........it might just turn your world upside down. We're aiming for a May release. There will be touring this summer and autumn. But we wont be surprised if there will be major touring in 2010. Cause this might just be one of those albums that's got wings..... to travel to infinity and beyond. Thanks again for showing interest in this blog and our new CD. We're keeping the blog open. However there may not be many more posts at this particular stage. / Europe."
|
|
|
THE WAIT IS OVER; EONIAN RECORDS ANNOUNCE RELEASES: Eonian Records is proud to announce the release of its first four releases: Charlemagne “S/t,” High Noon “No Turning Back,” Gynger Lynn “S/t,” and Pistol Dawn “Conversation Piece.” All four will be available worldwide on March 19th. Charlemagne “S/T” To Hollywood and back, these Sunset Strip veterans have owned the legendary stages of The Whiskey, The Troubadour, The Roxy Theater, Coconut Teaszer and the infamous Gazzarri's. This self-titled release is evidence that the Charlemagne of today has yet to slow down or stop kickin' ass. Covered by many and ignored by none, they were a part of history in the making, fuel for electricity that never waned and would impact our culture for years to come. Track Listing: 1. Secret Romeo 2. I Don't Wanna Lie 3. She's Only Young 4. So Far Away 5. Is It Ever Easy 6. I've Got You 7. Chance Is Calling 8. Last Chance 9. Wait and See 10. I'm Not That Easy 11. I Wish I Knew
High Noon
“No Turning Back”
East Coast meets West
Coast in 1989 and sparked High Noon, creating an experience of "groove
and soul" that hooked the Hollywood scene and rocked the world! "No
Turning Back" is THE chronological overview of High Noon, featuring
straight ahead gut wrenching tracks produced by Michael Lardie of Great
White and mixed by the legendary Michael Wagener (Skid Row, Dokken, &
Extreme.)
GYNGER LYNN “Self-Titled” Not just another "hair band," Gynger Lynn rose from the depths of basement rehearsals and took Chicago stages by storm for over a decade; becoming one of the hardest-working and most enduring rock legends the area has ever seen. Gynger Lynn lands hard on both feet here with their debut, self-titled release for Eonian Records. Gynger Lynn is armed with seductive ballads complete with haunting vocals and crying guitars while bringing it all home with their signature sound in "I Love the Lights," the hard-hitting screaming anthem for a generation of musicians.Track Listing: 1. Dirty 2. Reasons Why 3. One and Only 4. My, My Lisa 5. Why Is It Over 6. On My Way 7. Tell the World 8. In My Heart 9. Wanna Be Your Lover 10. I Love the Lights 11. Arms Around You 12. Faces 13. Love PISTOL DAWN “Conversation Piece” Offering up their own brand of high-energy heavy metal sleaze with a wink and no apologies, these touring giants show us why they have shared stages the world over with the likes of Cheap Trick, Enuff Z'Nuff, Dangerous Toys and Lillian Axe. Featuring tracks produced by Chip Z'Nuff, 'Conversation Piece' is Pistol Dawn's confirmation in this new millennium. From the raw-edged title track 'Conversation Piece,' to the harmonic intertwining of vocals and guitar showcased in 'Still Running Wild,' this compilation of "dirty power pop" songs captures and delivers Pistol Dawn at their loudest and proudest with just a peek at their tender side. Track Listing: 1. Conversation Piece 2. Message in a Bottle 3. Dreams Come True 4. Be My Girl 5. Hard Way 6. Gone Away 7. Stocks and Blonds 8. Still Running Wild 9. Talk of the Town 10. Wish Upon a Star Eonian Records P.O. Box 36611 Indianapolis, IN 46236 Website: www.EonianRecords.com MySpace: www.myspace.com/eonianrecords |
|
STRUTTER'ZINE- Wow, we made it, 2008 is over and out. However, before we say goodbye to another glorious AOR/Melodic Rock and Prog/Power Metal year, check out about 100 new CD reviews we just uploaded, some interviews and also below our look back at 2008, with the annual charts of best albums, best songs, best singers, best bands, best labels, etc. etc. Furthermore we would like to thank everyone whom we have been in touch with this past year. Hoping 2009 will be as good as 2008 or even better. We will be relocating and have bigger plans for the future (yes, including a HUGE new lay-out), but more on that as the year will progress. In the meantime... ALL THE BEST FOR 2009!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
|
STRUTTER'ZINE AWARDS 2008 ---THE YEAR IN REVIEW--- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BEST ALBUMS OF 2008:
BEST SONGS OF 2008:
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
STRUTTER'ZINE
- First off, apologies
for the lack of updates the past 2 months, but we are in the middle of a
'moving out and moving in' process, meaning we are relocating and that
will take the next 6 months. However updates will still be done, but
less frequently, although for 2009 the plans are that after we are
settled in our new environment, more time will allow us to do more
updates on the site and also plans for 2 books are currently being
prepared. We are expecting to create 2 books into the next 5 years, but
details on that will follow... |
|
STRUTTER'ZINE - Check the reviewspages as we have updated with a lot of new reviews, stuff from the underground in the world of melodic rock, aor and prog/power metal!
|
|
JOURNEY - New year, new singer, new album, new tour, well, JOURNEY seems to be heading into another new chapter and even signed a deal with WALMART in the USA for the new album. Europe has the FRONTIERS deal and below is all the info on the new JOURNEY release. In the meantime check out samples at: http://downloads.walmart.com/swap/LoadAlbumSongList.do?itemId=9911197 Frontiers Records is proud to present the new chapter in the legendary career of multi-Platinum US rockers Journey - Neal Schon (guitar), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Ross Valory (bass), Deen Castronovo (drums) and Arnel Pineda (vocals) – entitled “Revelation”. The brand new record will come in a beautifully packaged two cd set which will include 11 new songs and 11 re-recorded classics and will be released in Europe on Frontiers Records on June 6th 2008. “Revelation” is the first Journey album to feature the angelic voice of Philipino singer Arnel Pineda. Guitarist Neal Schon says about him “We feel reborn. I think there’s a lot of chemistry between the five of us. The new stuff sounds tremendous. Everyone’s so stoked about it. We feel very fortunate to have found Arnel”. “Arnel brings a soulful and passionate voice to Journey”, continues keyboardist Jonathan Cain. “His personality is very well-suited to our music. He’s a sincere, authentic person with a great smile and a big heart. I think fans are really going to love him. With Arnel’s soaring tenor, Journey returns to our heritage sound.” The first album with lead vocalist Arnel Pineda, “Revelation” is Journey running on no less than twelve cylinders, a fine-tuned offering that sounds every bit like a band hitting their stride. Schon and Cain penned all 11 of the new tracks on “Revelation”. There is no lack of chemistry in Journey, beginning with the songwriting core of Schon and Cain. “I felt strongly about moving forward and writing new material. It was time,” Schon states. Schon then put the call into Cain and started the song writing process which has now become the album, “Revelation”. “There’s an innate trust and respect for what we each do as we weave our way through this music,” says Cain. Schon adds, “In the alphabet, I might be a Z and Jonathan the A, that’s just how opposite we are musically sometimes. I write mostly rock and Jonathan writes most of the ballads, but when you combine the chemistry of us together, you’ll find that it is the nucleus and sound of what is and has been Journey. And now, with the right voice in place, we have all the right ingredients.” “Never Walk Away” kicks “Revelation” off with the resilient air and upbeat optimism fans have come to expect from Journey, a melody-soaked and guitar-driven anthem sure to ignite the live circuit just as it lights up the new release. The heartwarming sentiment offered by “Like a Sunshower” gives a more poetic and reflective look at relationships. It’s an uncharacteristic ballad from the more hard rock-inclined Schon. There’s even an instrumental, “The Journey (Revelation)”, at the request of producer Kevin Shirley, who returns to the fold after working with the band on “Trial By Fire” (1996) and “Arrival” (2000), the band’s first instrumental since “Departure” (1980) and “Evolution” (1979). “This is a special song for me”, Schon says of the sprawling track, “it was extremely gratifying to express myself on my instrument in this way”. This is a great performance from everyone in the band and truly a majestic track. But every member of Journey shines on the whole of “Revelation”. Lead singer Arnel Pineda does plenty of head turning of his own throughout the new recordings, as well as the 11 classic hits that the band re-recorded. Jonathan Cain’s keyboards elevate “After All These Years” to new emotional heights. “What I Needed” is a power ballad, driven by heavy guitars, reminiscent of the early Journey that so many bands have modeled themselves after. Deen Castronovo drums up a frenzy during the hard-driving rock song, “Wildest Dream.” The talented Castronovo also sings most of the high harmonies heard throughout the album, proving that not only is he an amazing drummer, but he’s a dynamic vocalist as well. Schon’s smoking guitars rip through this track with a cool, eastern flavor. Bassist Ross Valory is steady throughout, a stabilizing force through the albums more driven highs and heartfelt lows. Frontiers Records President Serafino Perugino comments: “Working again with Journey is more than an honour for us. I wish to thank all the parties that worked hard to make this release happen, including Gabe Reed Esq, Azoff Management and the band for the continued trust in our job”. “Revelation” tracklisting will include the following songs: Cd1: Never Walk Away; Like A Sunshower; Change For The Better; Wildest Dream; Faith In The Heartland; After All These Years; Where Did I Lose Your Love; What I Needed; What It Takes To Win; Turn Down The World Tonight; The Journey (Revelation). Cd2: Only The Young; Don't Stop Believin'; Wheel In The Sky; Faithfully; Any Way You Want It; Who's Crying Now; Separate Ways (Worlds Apart); Lights; Open Arms; Be Good To Yourself; Stone In Love. Journey will support the new album release in Europe with a highly anticipated tour which will include the following dates in June 2008: 6 La Riviera Madrid, Spain 10 Ewerk Koln, Germany 11 Schwarzwaldhalle Karlsruhe, Germany 13 Hessen State Fair, HombergEfze, Germany 14 Jako Arena Bamberg, Germany 15 Arrow Classic Festival, Holland 17 Hammersmith London, England 19 Apollo Manchester, England 20 Clyde Auditorium Glasgow, Scotland 22 Civic Theater Wolverhampton, England 23 Cardiff International Arena Cardiff, Wales 25 National Stadium Dublin, Ireland 27 Nottingham Arena Nottingham, England 28 Harewood House Harrogate, England “Revelation” is the album to look for. The future looks bright once again.
|
|
THY MAJESTIE - press release We are proud to announce that the 4th Thy Majestie full lenght has been completed. Recording, mixing and mastering are now finally over. We are ENTHUSIASTIC of the final result. We think (and we don't say that only because it's usual to say these things after a new album) that this is the best album Thy Majestie have ever recorded Catchy melodies, amazing guitars and keyboards solos (thanks to the guitar hero Simone Campione and the virtuoso Valerio Castorino) and a great, stunning, unbelievable vocal performance by Dario Cascio. "DAWN" is ready and will be released by Dark Balance Records in July the 2nd . Thy Majestie will be headliners at FEAR DARK festivals in Holland in the end of May and we'll play at Stuttgard (Germany) in the 2nd of June Claudio Diprima / Thy Majestie www.thymajestie.com www.myspace.com/thymajesty
|
|
HEAVENWOOD - In addition to already-announced guests Tijs (OCEANS OF SADNESS) and Gus G (FIREWIND), Portuguese Metallers HEAVENWOOD announce that ANNIHILATOR's Jeff Waters will be a very special guest on the band's new album. Jeff will appear on what is described as "the band's most intense and metal song of their career", a track well-suited to Waters titled 'Bridge To Neverland'. HEAVENWOOD's guitarist, Ricardo Dias says: "Jeff Waters has been building his own metal bridge for years and influencing so many guitarists/ bands, Heavenwood included. It is fair to say that we crafted the song "Bridge To Neverland", clearly as a result of our "Waters/Annihilator" influences. It is an honor for all of us in Heavenwood to have this man on our cd, along with Gus and Tijs. ANNIHILATOR released its latest album, "Metal", in North America on January 15 via SPV. The CD's ten new tracks were recorded by Jeff Waters (guitar, bass and lead vocals on one song), drum legend Mike Mangini and Dave Padden (longtime vocalist and touring guitarist/vocalist). The album features killer performances by some of metal's finest players and ANNIHILATOR's good friends, like Alexi Laiho (CHILDREN OF BODOM), Danko Jones, Michael Amott and Angela Gossow (ARCH ENEMY), Corey Beaulieu (TRIVIUM), William Adler (LAMB OF GOD), Jeff Loomis, Jesper Strömblad (IN FLAMES), Steve "Lips" Kudlow, Anders Björler (THE HAUNTED), Jacob Lynam (LYNAM) and more. Jeff Waters photo - http://www.bspix.fr/ Meanwhile, a new Heavenwood video report ( Heavenwood - Orebro, Sweden - April 2008 - Episode 2) filmed on the Fascination Street Studios with producer Jens Bogren on scene, can be viewed at: http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=32980671 For more info about the band, please feel free to visit http://www.myspace.com/heavenwood or mail to filipe.marta@recitalrecords.com
|
|
CRYSTAL TEARS - CRYSTAL TEARS NEWS MAY 2008: "Crystal Tears have joined forces with Ian Parry (Elegy, Consortium), who was invited to write the lyrics and vocal melody lines as a guest vocalist on the new CD!!! The band has also joined forces with R. D. Liapakis (Mystic Prophecy, Firewind, Chastain, Eldritch etc.), who will produce the album in Germany!!! Crystal Tears will enter the studio mid May, while Ian plans to start his vocal recordings at his own studio in the Netherlands shortly after." www.myspace.com/crystaltearsgr www.myspace.com/ianparrytheartist www.myspace.com/rdliapakis
|
|
GAIA EPICUS - Last names announced for guests on new Gaia Epicus album! Here is the final names for the guest musicians appearing on "Damnation". Renato Tribuzy (Tribuzy) will do some vocals on one song of the new album. Renato is a great singer and he has worked with stars such as Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), Matt Sinner (Sinner), Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), Michael Kiske (ex-Helloween),Roy Z, Roland Grapow and more. Tribuzy released their debut album "Execution" in 2005 via Locomotive Records, in 2007 the band released the live album “ Execution Live Reunion” Via MTM Records and the live DVD “Execution Live Reunion” via Locomotive Records in 2008. www.tribuzy.com And then we have Dominique Leurquin (Rhapsody of fire, Luca Turilli's Dreamquest) who will play a guitar solo on one song. Dominique is a great guitarist and has been a LIVE guitarist for Rhapsody of fire since the year 2000, and he also plays on their albums. He has been a member of Luca Turilli's solo band since 2006. There will also be some guitar solos done by Lasse Jensen (Oceans of time), and some keyboard solos done by Fabrizio S Muratori (NhorizoN). Gaia Epicus is extremely honoured to have all these fantastic people on the album! Guest line-up for the album: Roland Grapow from the band Masterplan, ex-Helloween Dominique Leurquin from the bands Rhapsody of fire-live, Luca Turilli's Dreamquest Renato Tribuzy from the band Tribuzy Andreas Olsson from the bands Narnia, Divinefire, Rob Rock, Stormwind Michael Troy from the band Yngwie Malmsteen-live Jonas Hörnqvist from the band Treasure Land Lasse Jensen from the band Oceans of time Fabrizio S Muratori from the band NhorizoN More news at www.gaia-epicus.com
|
|
ERIK NORLANDER - Erik Norlander's "Neurosaur" Included in MTV Fashion Show Models walk the runway to "Neurosaur" in MTV's "If I Were King" April 10, 2008 El Dorado Hills, CA - Models walked the runway to keyboard virtuoso Erik Norlander's song "Neurosaur" in the new Bad Boy Films MTV show "If I Were King" which premiered April 9th. The documentary celebrates the 10th anniversary of Diddy's Sean John fashion line. It offers a private look at one of the most public figures in entertainment. The premiere episode will be rebroadcast on Saturday, April 12 at 2PM ET. "Neurosaur" songwriter Erik Norlander comments, "I was really impressed with how well my song suited Diddy's event. The cathedral - like hall in which the runway segment was staged -- giant hanging chandeliers and all -- certainly called for a weighty, epic soundtrack with some strong gothic and classical overtones. I am happy to have provided it with "Neurosaur". The show's producers have really shown some great vision, both optically and sonically." "Neurosaur" was originally released in 1997 on Erik Norlander's debut solo CD "Threshold" and then re-released and remastered on the "Threshold Special Edition" 2CD reissue in 2007 on Norlander's Think Tank Media label, distributed by ProgRock Records / Ryko Distribution. Norlander's strong compositional vision, state-of-the-art production sensibility, command of vintage technology and masterful keyboard technique permanently burned "Threshold" into progressive rock history. Virtuoso keyboardist Erik Norlander was joined by drummer / percussionist Greg Ellis (The Matrix films, Vas) and bassist Don Schiff (Rocket Scientists, Lana Lane) to create a prog rock power trio whose depth and range matched past greats such as ELP, Rush and Cream. In 2007, Erik re-released the astounding 2CD version of "Threshold" complete with 10 bonus tracks and a high-resolution Quicktime video of Erik performing his legendary "Trantor Station" live at the California ProgWest progressive music festival on his famous modular Moog synthesizer. In addition, the Special Edition package includes an ultra-deluxe 20-page full-color CD booklet with extensive liner notes by Erik, rock keyboard icon Keith Emerson, the participating musicians and numerous others contributors associated with the album. "Neurosaur" also appears on Erik Norlander's two live releases, the "Stars Rain Down" CD (2004) and "Live in St. Petersburg" DVD (2006). For more information about Erik Norlander, please visit http://www.eriknorlander.com and http://www.myspace.com/eriknorlanderandlanalane . For more info about "If I Were King", please visit http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/if_i_were_king/series.jhtml. Disclaimer: Erik Norlander, Think Tank Media, and Serge Entertainment PR are in no way affiliated with Bad Boy Entertainment or Bad Boy Films. |
|
METAL HEAVEN - ::: AOR & Metal Heaven - June 2008 releases & some news ::: ::: DARK SKY - new studio album "Empty Faces" due on AOR Heaven on June 27th, 2008 ::: DARK SKY had been founded as a school band in the very early 80’s in the South German city of Rottweil. The release of their 3rd studio album "Living & Dying" (2005) marked the first output for their current label AOR Heaven. After playing lots of concerts during 2005 and 2006 the band started to pre-produce songs for the new album “Empty Faces”. It was again producer Markus Teske (VANDEN PLAS) who made sure that “Empty Faces” was provided with the required power. The recordings were finished in February 2008. Track list: 1. Hands Up, 2. Empty Faces, 3. Slave Of Time, 4. Send Them To Hell, 5. Chase Your Dreams, 6. Maniac, 7. Saints Beneath The Sky, 8. Pleasure & Pain, 9. Believe It, 10. Meaning Of Life, 11. Final Day (Hidden Track) Vocals: Frank Breuninger; Guitars: Steffen Doll; Drums: Uwe Mayer; Bass: Winny Zurek ; Keyboards: Claudio Nobile -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ::: "That's Live" - German Hard Rockers SOUL DOCTOR return with their first ever live release!" After the successful and highly acclaimed release of their latest, in total 4th, studio recording entitled “Blood Runs Cold”, the time was right for SOUL DOCTOR, the energetic Hard Rock band from Berlin, Germany to release their first ever live album. The band around singer Tommy Heart and guitarist Chris Lyne is a powerful live piece which the band impressively confirms on the “That’s Live” opus. Recorded during the years 2005-2007, the disc contains 13 songs which originally had come from all four studio albums. „That’s Live“ will be released in Europe as limited, exclusive double CD package. Whilst CD 1 contains the live recordings, CD 2 offers for bonus tracks from the archives of the Germans, i.e. „Revolution“ (different version), „Laugh In The Face Of Danger“ (different version), „Justine“ (acoustic version) und „The Ocean“ (acoustic version). Additionally incuded in the limited edition of the his release will be a numbered tour pass as goodie for the fans. This pass also is a part of a competition where one lucky number will win a original Epiphone acoustic guitar signed by the band! The album will be released on Metal Heaven on June 27th, 2008. Live songs on CD 1 (not final running order): Blood Runs Cold, Under Your Skin, Good Time's Slippin' Away, Temptation, See You In Heaven, Eatin' On Me, Laugh In The Face Of Danger, Get It On, Goodbye, Unspoken Words, What Do U Want, Soul Doctor, Just Can't Get Over You www.souldoctorrocks.com & www.myspace.com/souldoctorrock -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ::: SANDALINAS - 2 gigs with TESTAMENT in Spain! ::: Please spread around the following dates: 24.06.2008 E-Madrid, Heineken 25.06.2008 E-Barcelona, Apolo TSO and former Savatage guitar player Chris Caffery will join SANDALINAS on stage during these shows. New album: "Fly To The Sun" - out now on Metal Heaven. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ::: Fires Of Babylon @ Myspace ::: FIRES OF BABYLON set up some soundclips on their myspace site at: http://www.myspace.com/firesofbabylon Check them out there! The band's debut self-titled album will be released on April 25th on Metal Heaven. |
|
MOONMADNESS - MoonMadness debut album ”All In Between” out in May! MoonMadness releases their debut album ”All In Between” in Finland on May 7th. On this the MoonMads marry together something old with something new in uninhibited manner. The result is material of which not exists any excess supply; timeless hard rock with some sharp defined vintage flavours! “Shot Through The Wing”, the single from the album will be available from download stores on March 26th. The video of the same song is now on the MoonMadness Myspace! MoonMadness started already around the Millennium, so what will be soon available has been prepared with time and affection. “Stroke of Midnight”, the opening track of the album, was released already as a single last year and made the Finnish top-20. MoonMadness has toured around Finnish rock clubs for couple of years and has supported names as Yngwie Malmsteen and Sonata Arctica on the way. As “All In Between” is released in May the band hits the road, this time highlighted with a performance at Sauna Open Air festival in hometown Tampere in June. MoonMadness: Heidi Bergbacka - Vocals Otto Hallamaa – Guitar Juha Leppäharju - Bass Antto Nikolai Tuomainen - Drums Turkka Vuorinen - Keyboards internet: www.myspace.com/moonmadnessband www.moonmadness.fi |
|
URIAH HEEP - "WAKE THE SLEEPER - THE NEW URIAH HEEP ALBUM, TO BE RELEASED June 2th 2008. Here is the cover artwork!
30 million album selling British rock legends return with first new studio album in ten years…. Announce Release Of New Studio Album Album: “Wake The Sleeper” Release Date: 2nd June 2008 Universal Music are delighted to announce the release of a new studio album from British rock legends Uriah Heep in June 2008. “Wake The Sleeper” will be Uriah Heep’s first studio album in almost ten years (the first since 1998’s “Sonic Origami”) and is set to herald an exciting new phase for the band. The album see’s Uriah Heep back to their very best and is set to become a future classic – sure to please their dedicated worldwide fan base and fans of progressive rock in general. Recorded in 2007 the album was produced by Mike Paxman (Status Quo, Judie Tzuke). In the words of Mick Box, “We are delighted to be reunited with a major label in Universal music. “Wake The Sleeper” is an album we are incredibly proud of, and one that we hope the fans will see as one of Uriah Heep’s best. We can’t wait to get back out on the road to showcase the new songs.” The live arena has been vital to the longevity of Uriah Heep. So in addition to album sales of over 30 million worldwide the band have toured in 52 countries and established themselves as consummate live performers. The band has a series of impressive firsts including being the first British rock band to play Russia in December 1987. This is the band's first album without their long-standing and original drummer, Lee Kerslake who sadly had to leave the band due to ill health in January 2007. Filling the drum stool for the very first time is the hugely well respected Russell Gilbrook (Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath), Van Morrison, John Farnham and Lonnie Donnegan). Current band line up is Mick Box – Guitar, Vocals Trevor Bolder – Bass, Vocals Phil Lanzon – Keyboards, Vocals Bernie Shaw - Lead Vocals and Russell Gilbrook – Drums, Vocals. Full album tracklisting as follows: 1 – Wake The Sleeper 2 – Overload 3 – Tears Of the World 4 – Light Of A Thousand Stars 5 – Heavens Rain 6 – Book Of Lies 7 – What Kind Of God 8 – Ghost Of The Ocean 9 – Angels Walk With You 10 – Shadow 11 – War Child Uriah Heep's progressive heavy metal made the British band one of the most popular hard rock groups of the early '70s. Formed by guitarist Mick Box and vocalist David Byron in the late '60s, Uriah Heep released their debut album “Very ‘eavy…Very ‘umble” in 1970. Since then the band have released 20 studio albums and played to millions of fans across the globe. Uriah Heep remain one of British rocks most consistent and long standing acts with album sales of over 30 million worldwide. “Wake The Sleeper” will be Uriah Heep’s 21st studio album… Wake The Sleeper will also be released on Vinyl as a 12” Limited Edition in a stunning gatefold sleeve. “Wake The Sleeper” is released through Universal Music on the 2nd June 2008. The album will also be available as a limited edition 12” vinyl. Cat no: CMEVD441
|
|
STRUTTER'ZINE
AWARDS 2007 ---THE YEAR IN REVIEW--- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BEST ALBUMS OF 2007:
BEST SONGS OF 2007:
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Final notes |
| Each year we are facing the problem if a certain release is released in 2006 or 2007 and this year it's the Harem Scarem release, which was released in late December 2006, so not included here and sadly also not last year due to late arrival of the disc. Anyway, hope you enjoyed our yearly charts and we are already looking forward to 2008, as this looks to become yet another sensational year! |
|
STRUTTER'ZINE- Wow, we made it, well almost, a few more days and 2007 is over and out. However, before we say goodbye to another glorious rock and metal year, check out about 100 new CD reviews I just uploaded, some interview and in a few days we will also present our look back at 2007, with the annual charts of best albums, best songs, best singers, best bands, best labels, etc. etc. look for this at the turn of the year, let's say the very first of January 2008! In the meantime... |
|
STRUTTER'ZINE- 2 more new interviews have been uploaded, check them here. These interviews are with KEVIN CHALFANT, a very long interview in which the man tells us some very interesting notes and also BROTHER FIRETRIBE/LEVERAGE singer PEKKA HEINO about the 2008 albums both bands are gonna release... |
|
STRUTTER'ZINE- First of all, 4 new interviews have been uploaded, check them out here. Coming up our yearly charts, looking back at 2007 and maybe an all-times TOP 200 SONGS and ALBUMS, let's see how far we can go here in the next few weeks. Working on a new reviewspage update and 2008 will be a rockin' year for sure, with our much praised WORK OF ART and LAND OF TALES both releasing their debut albums on FRONTIERS RECORDS... |
|
KEVIN DUBROW- Of course this was the most shocking news last week, KEVIN DUBROW of QUIET RIOT sadly died. R.I.P. Kevin, may your music forever will remain in the hearts of all the Metalheads worldwide! |
|
STRUTTER'ZINE- A bunch new reviews uploaded, check them out HERE |
|
SHAMAN - SHAMAN – NEW ALBUM ON SCARLET RECORDS
Shaman (formerly Shaaman), the revamped Brazilian band featuring extraordinary drummer Ricardo Confessori (ex-Angra) and talented singer Thiago Bianchi (who recently replaced former Shaaman and Angra vocalist Andrè Matos) signed a deal with Scarlet Records. ‘Immortal’ is the confirmed title for the new effort and it will be released in November. Here’s the tracklist: 01. Renovatti 02. Inside Chains 03. Tribal by Blood 04. Immortal 05. One Life 06. In the Dark 07. Strenght 08. Freedom 09. Never Yield 10. The Yellow Brick Road The songs ‘One Life’ and ‘In The Dark’ can be streamed on the following locations. You can also check out the photo shooting from the ‘In The Dark’ videoclip recording sessions: ‘One Life’: http://www.shamanimmortal.com/audio.php?lang=1‘In The Dark’: http://www.novometal.com/soundcheck/ouvir.php?id=8Pictures: http://www.shamanimmortal.com/photos.php?listar=14&galeria=57&lang=1 |
|
FRONTIERS RECORDS - TED POLEY Frontiers Records is proud to welcome onboard TED POLEY for the release of his forthcoming solo album entitled “Smile” on October 19th 2007 ! Best known as lead vocalist for the legendary Melodic Rock masters DANGER DANGER, Ted has also fronted in the past few years such bands as BONEMACHINE, with whom he has recorded 2 successful studio and 1 live album, MELODICA with Austrian guitarist Gerhard Pichler. He started his solo career with the release of “Collateral Damage” in 2006. “My new cd Smile continues where Collateral Damage left off” explains Ted, “however it is much more evolved with amazing guitar work by JK Northrup. I am sure the guitar fans and players out there will be totally pleased. JK’s lead work is off the hook”. Helping Ted on the album are the aforementioned JK Northrup (ex KING KOBRA and NORTHRUP / SHORTINO) on guitar and bass, Eric Ragno (Ramos, Takara) on keyboards and Dan Zoid on drums, with Vic Rivera appearing on guitars on “Smile” and “Will Ya”. Ted co-wrote most of the songs together with Tom and James Martin (Khymera, House of Lords). “I know everyone says that their new cd is their best but this one really is!” states Ted “I wanted to be myself but sound as great as possible, work with the best musicians and start out the best songs. I co-wrote a lot with some of my own personal favourite writers around the world. I am a very happy guy these days. I am still having the fun of remaining in DANGER DANGER and at the same time I am having fun, thus the title “Smile”. It reflects perfectly my current mood as well as my live show attitude. I am a very happy guy when I am doing music!” Tracklisting of “Smile” includes the following songs: Waiting Line; Going Blind; Smile; What If She Knew; More Than Goodbye; Luv On Me; If You Can’t Change Your Heart (Then Let Me Blow Your Mind); Why Can’t We Pretend That It’s Over?; Life Keeps Me Spinning Round; Where It Ends; Will Ya; Reprise (If You Can’t Change Your Heart) Don’t forget that TED POLEY will attend, as DANGER DANGER frontman, the UNITED FORCES OF ROCK Festival in Ludwigsburg (near Stuttgart), Germany on September 30th 2007 ! “Smile” will be in all fine record shops in Europe from October 19th. Don’t miss TED POLEY’s ultimate Melodic Rock masterpiece ! PRIMAL FEAR
PRIMAL FEAR “New Religion” TOUR 2007 06.10.2007 USA - Atlanta - Prog Power 13.10.2007 NL - Geleen – Hanehof 14.10.2007 CH - Zürich - Rohstofflager 15.10.2007 IT - Milan - Alcatraz 16.10.2007 IT - Rome - Alpheus 18.10.2007 ES - Sevilla - Sala Q 19.10.2007 ES - Bergara - Sala Jam 20.10.2007 ES - Madrid - Macumba 21.10.2007 ES - Barcelona - Apolo 23.10.2007 FR - Bordeaux - Barbey 09.11.2007 BE - Antwerpen - Hof Ter Lo 10.11.2007 D - Passau - VA Halle 11.11.2007 FR - Strassbourg – La Laterie 12.11.2007 FR - Paris - tba 14.11.2007 DK - Kopenhagen – The Rock 15.11.2007 SE - Gothenburg - Trädgarn 16.11.2007 SE - Stockholm - tba 17.11.2007 NO - Haugesund - Byscene 18.11.2007 NO - Oslo - John Dee 19.11.2007 SE - Linköping - Cloetta Center 21.11.2007 FI - Oulu – Theatre 22.11.2007 FI - Helsinki – Nosturi 24.11.2007 PO - tba - tba 25.11.2007 CZ - Brezolupy - Venue tba 03.12.2007 JP - Tokyo - Shibuya O-East 05.12.2007 JP - Nagoya - Bottom Line 06.12.2007 JP - Osaka - Club Quattro 11.12.2007 D - Hamburg - Markthalle 12.12.2007 D - Saarbrücken - Kulturfabrik 13.12.2007 D - Stuttgart - LKA 14.12.2007 D - Memmingen - Kaminwerk 15.12.2007 D - Düsseldorf - Phillipshalle 16.12.2007 D - Braunschweig - Meier Music Hall 18.12.2007 D - Nürnberg - Hirsch 19.12.2007 D - Tuttlingen - Alte Festhalle 20.12.2007 D - München – Metropolis 21.12.2007 D - Aschaffenburg – Colos Saal
CIRCUS MAXIMUS CIRCUS MAXIMUS new studio album “Isolate” entered the Norwegian official album charts on # 70 on the week of release and as # 33 among the Norwegian artists only! Congratulations to the guys !
SLAMER Mike SLAMER and Terry BROCK worked out a videoclip for the song “Not In Love” taken off the SLAMER awesome debut album “Nowhere Land” released in September 2006 on Frontiers. Directed by Mike Slamer’s daughter Nicole (also responsible for the SEVENTH KEY dvd “Live In Atlanta”), the video can be watched following this YouTube link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rc1XBkYOk0w |
|
DOMAIN
- DOMAIN proudly announces Nicolaj Ruhnow as the new frontman of the
band. |
|
ROAD TO RUIN -
::: ROAD TO RUIN ready with
self-titled debut album on October 26th! :::
This hot, new Swedish four piece is the brainchild of guitarist Lars Chriss (LION'S SHARE) and bassist/ keyboard player Sampo Axelsson (LION'S SHARE, GLENN HUGHES). "Road To Ruin" is a musical celebration of the band's influences coming from the classic rock era and carrying trademarks from artists such as Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin plus - especially when it comes to the guitar sound - Black Sabbath. The band is completed by Thomas Broman on drums (HUGHES/ TURNER, JOHN NORUM, ELECTRIC BOYS) and one of Sweden's highest profiled singers: Matti Alfonzetti (SKINTRADE, JAGGED EDGE), on vocals. The track list goes as follows: 1. The Only One, 02. Pale Rider, 03. Face Of An Angel, 04. Pleasure And Pain, 05. For Your Soul, 06. Walk The Line, 07.Thorn In My Side, 08. Crawling, 09. Until I See The Sun Here come some sound clips in advance: Road To Ruin - Face Of An Angel edit
Road To Ruin - The Only One edit
Road To Ruin - Walk The Line-edit
www.roadtoruin.org & http://www.myspace.com/roadtoruintheband |
|
BILOXI - BILOXI III is due out soon. More info and samples at http://www.myspace.com/lanouemusic . The CD will be released in the coming weeks. There will be 14 tracks on it. The best of them are yet to be mixed according to MARK ALLEN LANOUE. |
|
7TH HEAVEN
-
7th
heaven just released a new "Medley CD" of a Pop Medley and a Rock
Medley. The Pop Medley is 30 songs within 30 minutes and the Rock Medley
is 22 at 22 minutes. |
|
M&R RUSH - M&R Rush Releases New 11 Song CD M&R Rush has released a new 11 song CD titled "Keep On Rockin". The new studio CD, which was recorded this winter and spring at the Rock House in Blue Island, Illinois, contains 9 new M&R Rush songs as well as songs by Journey and Free with Paul Rodgers. You can purchase your own copy of "Keep On Rockin" at the M&R Rush Store and at all M&R Rush shows. Visit the TOUR section of the website for the complete list of 2007 tour dates. M&R Rush will be performing approximately fourteen shows between the months of June and October. So make your plans now to attend! All additional summer tour dates will be announced on the home page of the website and added to the TOUR section as soon as they are confirmed. It's going to be a rockin' summer 2007! See you soon!! |
|
MAGICIAN -
Magician posts samples
of debut cd produced by members of Gamma Ray
- After the successful demo
Brief Magic Story, which received great reviews by South
American rock and metal magazines, the power metallers of
MAGICIAN came back to studio to release the long-awaited
debut. The new album was mixed and mastered at High Gain Studios in
Hamburg/Germany by a "heavy metal dream team" formed by:
- Dirk Schlächte
- Gamma Ray's guitarist.
- Arne Lakenmacher
- Besides of working on Gamma Ray's Skeletons
in the Closet, he also produced albums of great metal bands
like Nevermore, Freedom Call,
Primal Fear, Kreator,
Sodom, Iron Savior and Destruction.
- Kai Hansen - Gamma Ray's
vocalist and ex-member of Helloween and
Iron Saviour - He worked in the beginning of the
production of the album.
The result of their work can be
checked in Magician's MySpace page, where the band posted one of the
new songs, at
www.myspace.com/magicianband
|
|
PLATENS -
"Hi guys, finally you
can watch
|
|
STRUTTER'ZINE- Not so much updates lately, but today a HUGE update, check the reviews and also the interviewspage! New reviews include some of the finest releases so far in 2007, such as STURM UND DRANG, ARI KOISUNEN, FREDERIKSEN DENANDER, ALLEN/LANDE, NOCTURNAL RITES, a bunch of Prog Metal, some excellent independent AOR stuff and the re-release of the MICHAEL THOMPSON BAND, better check out all the new reviews here |
|
STRUTTER'ZINE- BEST WISHES FOR 2007! And here are our yearly charts... BEST ALBUMS OF 2006: 1 Brother Firetribe False metal Finland 2 Bloodbound Nosferatu Sweden 3 Sunrise Avenue On the way to wonderland Finland 4 Mystic Prophecy Savage souls Germany 5 Circle 2 Circle Burden of truth USA 6 Delain Lucidity Holland 7 Destynation Rising up Sweden 8 Nexx Another dawn Spain 9 Dream Evil United Sweden 10 Ambition Ambition USA 11 Poodles, The Metal will stand tall Sweden 12 Sunstorm Sunstorm Germany/USA 13 Dionysus Fairytales and reality Germany 14 Wig Wam Wig wamania Norway 15 House Of Lords World upside down USA 16 Fair Warning Brother's keeper Germany 17 Talisman 7 Sweden 18 Survivor Reach USA 19 Inner Wish Inner strength Greece 20 Into Eternity The scattering of ashes Canada 21 Entwine Fatal design Finland 22 Zeno Runway to the Gods Germany 23 Bormann, Michael Conspiracy Germany 24 Slamer Nowhere land USA 25 Cryptic Vision In a world USA 26 Lovex Divine insanity Finland 27 Manigance L'Ombre et la lumiere France 28 Pyramaze Legend of the bone carver Denmark/USA 29 Dragonland Astronomy Sweden 30 Ignite Our darkest days USA BEST SONGS OF 2006: 1 Brother Firetribe One single breath Finland 2 Wigwam Bygone zone Norway 3 Sunrise Avenue Fairytale gone bad Finland 4 Mystic Prophecy In the darkness Germany/Greece 5 Tierra Santa Un grito en al aire Spain 6 Destynation Back from the dark Sweden 7 Poets Of The Fall Locking up the sun Finland 8 Dream Evil Blind evil Sweden 9 Agnes Danger in love Finland 10 Survivor Don't give up USA 11 Mystic Prophecy Into the fire Germany 12 Bloodbound Nosferatu Sweden 13 Lovex Guardian angel Finland 14 Bloodbound Fallen from grace Sweden 15 Leverage Sails Finland 16 Kino Telling me (to tell you) UK 17 Tony O'Hara High enough Sweden/UK 18 Michael Bormann Stand up Germany 19 Bloodbound Metal monster Sweden 20 Talisman Nowhere fast Sweden/USA 21 Tony O'Hara Escape into the sun Sweden/UK 22 The Poodles Metal will stand tall Sweden 23 Avalon Good things take time Sweden/USA 24 Delain Frozen Holland 25 Inner Wish Feel the magic Greece 26 Ambition Together Sweden/USA 27 The Poodles Night of passion Sweden 28 Dionysus Spirit Germany 29 Jadis I hear your voice UK 30 Eyes Of Shiva Profane minds Brazil 31 Stride Time USA 32 Vertigo All for you USA 33 Gotthard Cupid arrow Switzerland 34 Derdian Eternal light Italy 35 House Of Lords These are the times USA 36 Sunstorm Fame and fortune Germany/USA 37 Philip Bardowell Never too late for love USA 38 Final Frontier Dynamo Canada 39 The Dogma Queen of the damned Italy 40 The Bratz So good Norway 41 Rox Diamond Thinkin' bout love USA 42 Rata Blanca La otra cara de la moneda Spain 43 Manigance Sentinelle France 44 Sunstorm Love's gone wrong Germany/USA 45 Lost Prophets Can't stop, gotta date UK 46 Crash Diet Riot in everyone Sweden 47 Philip Bardowell I gotta believe USA 48 Fair Warning Don't keep me waiting Germany 49 Altaria Valley of rainbows Finland 50 Blind Alley Another day Sweden 51 Khymera Alone Germany/USA 52 Zeelion Shadows Sweden 53 Khymera Fields of fire Germany/USA 54 Cheater Tight spot USA 55 Bo Bice It's my life USA 56 Altaria Frozen hearts Finland 57 Axel Rudi Pell Mystica Germany 58 Paul Stanley Live to win USA 59 Dragonland Contact Sweden 60 Entwine Break me Finland 61 Lunatica Who you are Austria 62 Mago De Oz Haz me un sitio entre Spain 63 Luca Turilli Virus Italy 64 Slamer Runaway USA 65 Manigance Privilege France 66 Street Talk Oh Maddy Sweden 67 Survivor Fire makes steel USA 68 The Poodles Shadows Sweden 69 Ambition Hold on Sweden/USA 70 Ignite Slowdown USA 71 Street Talk If I could Sweden 72 Highland Glory Spirit of salvation Norway 73 Stride Face the day USA 74 Gotthard Stay for the night Switzerland 75 Vertigo In the blink of an eye USA 76 Brother Firetribe Love goes down Finland 77 Nexx Caught in a trap Spain 78 Toto Bottom of your soul USA 79 Blind Guardian Straight through the mirror Germany 80 Mystic Prophecy Master of sins Germany 81 Scar Symmetry Dreaming Sweden 82 Bloodbound Crucified Sweden 83 Philip Bardowell Heart of a hero USA 84 Zeno Fanfares of love Germany 85 Alyson Avenue I am your pleasuremaker Sweden 86 Circle 2 Circle Revelations USA 87 Shining Star From now on USA/Brazil 88 Sabaton Nuclear attack Germany 89 Clark I don't need you Sweden 90 Wigwam Slave to your love Norway 91 Mago De Oz Manana empieza hoy Spain 92 Circle 2 Circle Sentenced USA 93 Ambition Hypocrites Sweden 94 Krokus Angel of my dreams Switzerland 95 Spheric Universe Experience So cold France 96 House Of Lords Ghost of time USA 97 The Veronicas 4ever Australia 98 Europe Always the pretenders Sweden 99 Inner Wish Dreamer of the night Greece 100 Frost Milliontown UK |
|
RETROSPECT RECORDS- Be sure to check out the SPECIALS page, as we have a new LABEL SPECIAL. It is the first part of our special on RETROACTIVE RECORDS, which is a US label releasing nothing but rare 80s AOR/Melodic Rockalbums onto CD. First batch of reviews is online. Interviews and more info will follow in the coming months. |
|
ELIS - Horrible news from the Liechtenstein Goth Rock/Metalband ELIS With the utmost respect and deepest sorrow, we bid farewell to a brilliant artist, who will be greatly missed by all. - The Napalm Records Team While the bands rehearsal on Friday the 7.7.06, Sabine suffered a cerebral haemorrhage on which she died a day later at the hospital! On regard to the family and friends, we have decided to take the homepage from the net. We need time now, to decide if and how we approach further and we will not answer any mails at the moment. Sing with the angels Sabine! We will never forget you! Chris, Max, Pete, Tom If you want to leave a comment for the band please go to http://www.elis.li/ and click the link to the guestbook. |
|
STRUTTER'ZINE - HUGE UPDATE! Check the reviewspage, HUGE UPDATE, soon updates on other pages... Please bookmark a change of our website address to: |
|
NAPALM RECORDS - Napalm RecordsRELEASE SCHEDULE 2006
LEAVES EYES MCD “Legend Land” 09.06.2006 (6 Brand-New Exclusive Tracks) LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE MCD/CD-Single “Again it’s over” 09.06.2006 WIG WAM CD “Wig Wamania” 30.06.2006 – ONLY Germany, Austria, Switzerland! LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE CD “Filthy Notes For Frozen Hearts” 07.07.2006 NAPALM RECORDS Compilation DVD+CD “The Realm Of Napalm Records” 28.07.2006 WELTENBRAND CD “The End Of The Wizard” 25.08.2006 TYR CD “Ragnarok” 22.09.2006 DRACONIAN CD “The Burning Halo” 29.09.2006 AHAB CD “The Call Of The Wretched Sea” 29.09.2006 ELIS CD “Griefshire” September 2006 ATROCITY CD-Single September 2006 DIE VERBANNTEN KINDER EVAS „Dusk And Void Become Alive“ Oktober 2006 ATROCITY CD “Werk 80 II” Oktober 2006 ENTHRONED CD November 2006 VISIONS OF ATLANTIS CD December 2006 MIDNATTSOL CD Winter 2006/07 |
|
STRUTTER'ZINE - HUGE UPDATE! Check the reviews and interviewspages for HUGE updates. 6 new interviews have been uploaded as well as 100+ new reviews. Coming up definitely much more, also news page update, more interviews and some specials. Last but not least some ultra-rare mp3s will be uploaded in the coming months... |
|
STRUTTER'ZINE - Besides the usual 100+ new reviews, a few new interviews and the latest snippets of news, below is the look back at 2005 according to STRUTTER'ZINE, check it out... Best albums of 2005
1 Nocturnal Rites - Grand illusion (Sweden) 2 Allen/Lande - The battle (Sweden/USA/Norway) 3 Gotthard - Lipservice (Switzerland) 4 Masterplan - Aeronautics (Germany/Norway) 5 Kamelot - The black halo (USA) 6 Radioactive - Taken (Sweden) 7 Place Vendome - Place Vendome (Germany/USA) 8 Bardowell, Philip - In the cut (USA) 9 Kayak - Nostradamus - The fate of man (Holland) 10 Click Five, The - Greetings from imrie house (USA) 11 Khymera - A new promise (UK/Germany) 12 Final Frontier - High tension wire (Canada) 13 Dungeon - One step beyond (Australia) 14 Vision Divine - The perfect machine (Italy) 15 Arena - Pepper's ghost (UK) 16 Vanishing Point - Embrace the silence (Australia) 17 After Forever - Remagine (Holland) 18 Edge Of Forever - Let the demon rock'n'roll (USA/Italy) 19 Stride - Shine (USA) 20 Dream Theater - Octavarium (USA)
Best songs of 2005
Discovered acts in 2005 (independent/demo/signed in homecountry/signed to very small label)
Honourable mentions albums of 2005 AFTER FOREVER, SHY, FINAL FRONTIER, BLACK MAJESTY, CIRCUS MAXIMUS, ASTRAL DOORS, 91 SUITE, CHANGE OF HEART, BLANC FACES, ROBIN BECK, DELIGHT, EPICA, GRIFFIN, DYECREST, LEE Z, LINE OF FIRE, LEAVES EYES, MYON, PAGAN'S MIND, PATATJE METAL, SAVAGE CIRCUS, SOUL SIRKUS, TRIBUZY, TNT, STRYPER, THUNDERSTONE, SEVENTH WONDER, SHINING STAR, ROYAL HUNT, PAVIC, GAMMA RAY, HIM,JOURNEY, STREAM OF PASSION, BILLY IDOL, BON JOVI, MOSTLY AUTUMN, THE RASMUS, etc |
|
EDDIE MONEY - NEW CD COMING UP! The CD is scheduled for release on Feb 9. At first it will only be
available thru Eddie's website (http://www.eddiemoney.com/) and at
his live performances. Review next update. |
|
NAPALM RECORDS - Napalm Records Handels GmbH www.napalmrecords.com RELEASE SCHEDULE 2006 NPR182 IRON FIRE CD “Revenge” 24.03.2006 Power Metal from Denmark, back for their full strike! 2 bonus tracks! NPR183 TÝR CD “Eric The Red” 24.03.2006 With 2 bonus tracks!! KAMPFAR CD March 2006 KORPIKLAANI CD “Tales Along This Road” April 2006 NAPALM RECORDS Compilation DVD + CD April 2006 NPR175 WELTENBRAND CD “The End Of The Wizard” April 2006 DRACONIAN CD “The Burning Halo” April 2006 SUMMONING CD April 2006 LEAVES EYES CD-Single “Legend Land” May 2006 (5 unreleased Tracks) LACRIMAS
PROFUNDERE CD “Filthy Notes For Frozen ELIS CD May 2006 EISHEILIG CD “Elysium” May 2006 DPR015 DIE VERBANNTEN KINDER EVAS „Dusk And Void Become Alive“ June 2006 ATROCITY CD-Single June 2006 ATROCITY CD “Werk 80 II” August 2006 VISIONS OF ATLANTIS CD August/September 2006 ENTHRONED CD November 2006 MIDNATTSOL CD Winter 2006/07 |
|
SIN - News from the Melodic Rockband SIN 2006 has just started and we are happy to tell you that we are back
on the road again. On top of that we can now introduce our new singer. Please visit our website http://www.sin-band.com/ to
listen to a rough bit of the song "So Blind" that John recorded with us
by the end of 2005. On our band-section you can have a look for detailed
informations on our new members. Please leave a note in our guestbook. We honestly want to thank everyone who applied for the job as our
singer. We were really overwhelmed by the resonance we got from great
singers from all over the world. There were guys from Italy, Sweden,
Denmark, Brazil, England, the USA, Germany, France and even Russia who
wanted to front S.I.N. pOwEr To ThE mUsIc |
|
EDGE OF FOREVER - MESSAGE FROM EDGE OF FOREVER
|
|
ISC
- 2005
INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION FINALISTS ANNOUNCED - |
|
BODRAGAZ - news from the Progressive Melodic Rockband BODRAGAZ... HELLO EVERYONE!! Denver band Bodragaz has the chance to
open for BON JOVI!! BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP...Here is the
link to vote for Bodragaz to open for BonJovi.
http://www.alice1059.com/listingsEntry.asp?ID=406905&PT=blank
< Please click here and Vote! Votes must be in by Friday the 10th at 12
noon. You will have to sign up for the radio station's (ALICE IN
E-LAND ) Its real easy to
do. We need the votes to get into the finals!
Bodragaz has 10 yrs together and 5 CD'S to there name. This would be a
highlight for the band. Please vote, or check out the Bodragaz web site
at HTTP://http://www.bodragaz.com/ for more
details. PLEASE FORWARD THIS E-MAIL TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW AND
KEEP IT GOING!!! THANKS FOR EVERYONE'S TIME.. PEACE! |
|
JEFF SCOTT SOTO - JEFF SCOTT SOTO Frontiers Records, in ample recognition of one of today’s best vocalists of the rock scene, has decided to release 'JSS - The Essential Ballads' CD, a best of compilation featuring 3 brand new songs from JEFF SCOTT SOTO. “The idea came about when the BBC in the UK started to air some of the tracks off of my latest solo album “Lost In The Translation as well as some of the other releases", says Soto. To everyone’s surprise, the airplay gathered great success between the listeners making Soto’s music as a stable in the programming of the UK national radio. The “Essential Ballads” album features the softer side of Jeff's solo career from all EP's & albums, “Love Parade” to “Lost In The Translation”. The tracklisting is as follows: 01- If This Is The End 02- As I Do 2 U 03- Holding On 04- Send Her My Love 05- Lonely Shade Of Blue 06- This Aint The Love 07- Don't Wanna Say Goodbye 08- 4U 09- Still Be Loving U 10- Till The End Of Time 11- Sacred Eyes 12- By Your Side 13- Beginning 2 End 14- Through It All (new track) 15- Last Mistake (new track) 16- Another Try (new track) Release date is not yet scheduled, "but will certainly happen before the summer of '06" says Soto, who adds "I am planning a new tour of Europe and the UK in May to promote the release". More info to be released as soon as they become available. |
|
STRUTTER'ZINE - First off best wishes for 2006, may the new year bring us even more great releases than 2005. 2005 was a fantastic year for almost every rock and metal genre. AOR, Gothic, Melodic Hardrock, Power Metal and even Punk each had their highlights. My thanks goes out to all the promoters, artists, labels, bands, managers and of course the readers whom all make it possible for me to continue the website and the magazine. 10 years ago we started Strutter Magazine in the hope someday the scene returned back to normal and now 2006 seems like rock, aor and metal have never been more alive than it is today, although some people will always complain that nowadays there's more quantity out there than quality. With Strutter we will keep informing you about what is good and what is not. Next week we will publish our yearly best of charts, with the publishing of the best albums of 2005, the best songs of 2005, etc. For now, HUGE update on the reviewspages, 4 full new pages with over 200+ new reviews, better check it out asap! And once again: ALL THE BEST FOR 2006 |
|
SEVEN ANGELS - Bombworks Records sign Seven Angels Seven Angels (http://www.sevenangels.com.br/) has just signed with Bombworks Records (USA) (www.bombworksrecords.com) for the distribution of the new album "Faceless Man" for USA, Europe and Australia. The album is already released in Brazil from Encore records (http://www.encorerecords.com.br/) and will be released from Bombworks in January 2006 ! The band is still on tour to promote
the album ! |
|
SYLVAN - NEWSLETTER
After almost one year of hard work we are about to finalize the
production of our fifth and sixth studio album and are ready to release
both of them |
|
BLOODBOUND - NEW METAL SENSATION FROM SWEDEN TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM! 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! The album cover was created by the great Mark Wilkinson, known for his album covers for bands like Iron Maiden, The Darkness, Judas Priest, Marillion etc... 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 (Click on the titles to listen to mp3 samples): 1.
Behind The Moon Visit bloodbound online and leave a comment in the guestbook! : www.bloodbound.se Asia
|
|
JADIS - Jadis News Update Jadis will be releasing their first studio album in three years on February 21st 2006. 'Photoplay' will be on the Insideout label and is the bands most powerful, melodic and emotional album to date - 'Photoplay' contains 11 songs : There's a light What goes around Asleep in my hands Standing still Need to breathe Who I am All you've ever known Please open your eyes Make me move I hear your voice Photoplay The band will be supporting the album with a tour at the beginning of April and will play a one off gig at Mr Kyps in Poole (UK), on Thursday 19th January to premier some of the new material. Website : http://www.jadis-net.co.uk/ |
|
SHORT NEWS INTROMENTAL SIGNED ACTS - Astral Doors: Has just prolonged their Record deal with
Locomotive Music. The band is confirmed to play the Ragnarock Festival
in Norway on the 17th - 19th of August 2006. |
|
SLEAZE FESTIVAL - THE ULTIMATIVE SLEAZE
FESTIVAL !!!
L.A. GUNS
(Usa)
BACKYARD BUNNIES
(Switzerland)
HIGH-SCHOOL MOTHERFUCKERS
(France)
THE
DIRRTY ANGELZ (Germany)
04 OCTOBER 2005 - 7pm
LIVE IN ROCK CITY - USTER /
SWITZERLAND
--------------------------------------------------
Rock City Aathalstrasse 76, 8610 USTER / SWITZERLAND |
|
ISC COMPETITION
- -- International Songwriting Competition |
|
FLAMBOROUGH HEAD - Flamborough Head are proud to announce the release of their latest cd "Tales of Imperfection". The long anticipated album largely consists of "allband" pieces and is the logical follow-up to "One for the Crow"(2002). "Tales of Imperfection" is felt by the band to be a more mature outing, as a result of having worked together in the same line-up for nearly 5 years now. According to Flamborough Head's record company, Cyclops Records, the release date will be somewhere in October and the cd will be obtainable from any good and independent shop. In Holland the cd can also be ordered via the band's homepage. Please visit the following sites for further details: www.flamboroughhead.nl or |
|
GOTTHARD/WIGWAM TOUR - Currently doing a great European tour (including a gig in Holland - see concertreviews!), GOTTHARD will tour in Germany together with WIGWAM as support act. The Gotthard / Wig Wam tour kicks off in Bremen on
November 20 and the final schedule is as follows: |
|
MUNICHS HARDEST HITS
ROCKSTATION - |
|
WHITNEY COSTNER - A beautiful young lady who is making the kind of female fronted AOR/Poprock which was immense popular in the USA 20+ years ago. Her music reminds one of long forgotten acts like SHEILA, SPIDER, SHANGHAI, ELLEN SHIPLEY, STEFFANIE, CINDY CRUSE, DONNA CRISTY, etc. etc. She even did a remake of the SUGARCREEK classic "Suzie", which was renamed to "Baby". Better check out this 19-year old female singer at: |
|
THE GATHERING - It was ten years ago when THE GATHERING recorded their break-through album "Mandylion" and the European metal scene has never been the same since. Produced by one of the top teams, Siggi Bemm (Woodhouse Studio) & Waldemar Sorychta, who already helped Tiamat, Moonspell and Sentenced to find their sound, "Mandylion" became a blueprint for female fronted gothic metal - but it was only the beginning of a long story. From their rough metal roots, to the atmospheric tunes "Mandylion" had to offer, to dreamy, profound songs on "Nighttime Birds" or "How To Measure A Planet?" to their latest adventures within the progressive/triprock field, the Dutch crew always remained true to themselves while building up a continuously increasing fan base. Time to celebrate the 10th anniversary of "Mandylion" with a special deluxe edition. The double CD set features new artwork, a 16-page booklet with song-by-song linernotes from the band and never seen before photos from the recording session. CD2 contains the first demo recordings THE GATHERING did with Anneke van Giersbergen in June 1994 and early 1995. "Solar Glider" is a complete unreleased instrumental while "Third Chance" appeared 2 years later in a different version on the "Nighttime Birds" album. "Working with THE GATHERING on this album is one of my most beautiful memories. To record with such an open-minded band like them... they'd need three sounds when other bands needed 100, and those three sounds were enough to create a gorgeous atmosphere" , states producer Siggi Bemm and it's this special atmosphere that still stands out 10 years later. Track-Listing "Mandylion Deluxe Edition" (2CD): CD 1 - Mandylion 1. Strange Machines (6:04) 2. Eléanor (6:41) 3. In Motion #1 (6:56) 4. Leaves (6:01) 5. Fear The Sea (5:49) 6. Mandylion (5:01) 7. Sand & Mercury (9:57) 8. In Motion #2 (6:07) Total running time CD 1: 52:36 CD 2 - Demos 1. In Motion #1 (7:28) 2. Mandylion (4:42) 3. Solar Glider (instr.) (4:35) 4. Eléanor (6:38) 5. In Motion #2 (7:18) 6. Third Chance (5:53) 7. Fear The Sea (6:29) Track 1 - 3: Beaufort studio (June 1994) demo Track 4 - 7: Tilburg, Double Noise studio (early 1995) demo Total running time CD 2: 43:03 Total running time both CDs: 95:39 Band website: http://www.gathering.nl/ |
|
USA
- It seems that the USA is ready
to welcome back melodic into the rock and metalstyle, because recently
lots of new releases on huge labels (UNIVERSAL MUSIC) have been done
that truly capture a Melodic Progressive Metal sound like THRESHOLD and
EVERGREY over here in Europe have been doing the past 15 years. I am
talking about the band RA with their fantastic album 'Reality' which
sounds a lot like THRESHOLD. Another band making a huge impact in
the US is the band COHEED AND CAMBRIA, also playing Progmetal and the
new DISTURBED is a total surprise because this is basically classic US
Power Metal like we see bands such as SYMPHORCE and BRAINSTORM doing
over here. Obviously there's more out there and I think this might will
change the rock climate in the USA once again to a much more melodic
direction. All these bands are claiming they combine influences of YES,
MAIDEN, METALLICA with the modern metal approach of PANTERA and SYSTEM
OF A DOWN. So it seems they have created something new, but actually it
is pure Progressive Metal like we have seen in Europe for many years
now. Nevertheless, it might well be interesting to see how this develops
in the near future. |
|
DORO - Doro will perform on official German TV!
Only few days are left until “We `re Like Thunder”, Doro `s current single, will be released. It will be a duet with German box champion Regina Halmich, who uses the original version of the song as her entrance hymn. The hymn will also be used on 10th September for Regina `s 50th fight. Before it, Doro will perform the song for official German TV. A good performance she `s already made a couple of days ago when her current fotosession in Bochum `s club Zeche took place. For the first time there has been also taken some pictures of the whole band.
|
|
CELLADOR - This new US sensation I recently reviewed just launched this news... Metal Blade
Records is proud to announce the signing of CELLADOR!
“I am truly excited about our latest signing, CELLADOR. They are a young band with incredible musicianship and songs. We have been looking just for this type of band who mix the old school metal with a fresh attitude.” Brian Slagel Owner/CEO Metal Blade Records Inc. “We are very proud and excited to be welcomed to the METAL BLADE family. With its current roster and unprecedented history of dedication and integrity, it is with great honor and gratitude that we have been chosen and given the opportunity to represent true American melodic speed metal on one of the biggest labels in the world of metal. Their past success and dedication is only a greater source of inspiration now for us to press forth with pushing true metal to its extreme. Look out for us!!" Chris Petersen- Guitarist CELLADOR Cellador is currently writing and rehearsing, and plan on recording this December with their debut Metal Blade release to be out sometime in the spring of 2006. To check out some of the bands triumphant songs head over to their MySpace page HERE. In other news CELLADOR is currently auditioning for the position of lead guitar and keyboard player. The individual must excel in playing both lead and rhythm at slow to often very energetic speeds, and must also have and maintain a committed, motivated, and cooperative personality that benefits the band as a whole. The band would prefer a young and energetic individual between the ages of 18-24 who is able and willing to travel, and with a large background in metal. If interested, send an email with your name and past band experience to contact@cellador.com for more information. CELLADOR LINEUP: |
|
MUNICH'S HARDEST HITS - Melodic Rock is back VOL 7 OUT NOW! The brand-new Melodic Rock compilation from Germany’s No.1 Rock radio in the web 'Munich’s Hardest Hits' 15 hot and fresh AOR and Melodic Rock tracks incl. among other things a prev. unreleased recording from DAKOTA feat. Jerry Hludzik Boystown - Something In The Way You Touch Com 'N Rail - I Won't Let Me Down Vendetta - The Night Faith Nation - How Can I Metal Majesty - We Rocked Dukes Nitemare - With A Smile Dakota - Last Standing Man (acoustic version) Matrex - I Don't Want Anybody Aprillee Roberts - Bitterhole Mariner - Don't Get Fooled Again Matt Garbo - I'm Alive And I'm Free The Wild Boys - Minds Eye Diary Infinite Dreams - Touch My Skin Hovland - This Is Love Medusa's Child - Center Of The Dark For more information check out http://www.munichshardesthits.com/ available over order@munichshardesthits.com
|
|
john wetton and geoffrey downes – hollywood calls upon british rock music “HEAT OF THE MOMENT” RE-RELEASED ON FRONTIERS RECORDS This week’s biggest grossing US film is “40 Year Old Virgin”, a riotous comedy starring Steve Carell [star of the US version of BBC’s award winning “The Office”], which has opened in the UK this week amid great expectations. As the title suggests, the film charts the progress of 40 year-old Andy Stitzer who has never had sex. Andy’s walls are adorned with posters of the British super group Asia, whose self titled album was the biggest selling album in the world in 1982, number 1 in the USA for 9 weeks and critically recognised as a masterpiece of stadium rock. Even the Beatles could not boast a debut album reaching no.1 in USA. The Spice Girls repeated the feat in the nineties. “Heat of the Moment” was one of Asia’s several hits, topping many worldwide singles charts. Its memorable intro, chorus hooks and general feel-good delivery are instantly recognisable and the song is prominently used in “40 Year Old Virgin”. “Heat of the Moment” is also featured in Pierce Brosnan’s latest film, “The Matador” which is due for US release on November 4. John Wetton and Geoffrey Downes composed all of Asia’s many hits during the eighties, a catalogue which endures through regular worldwide licensing to film, TV and compilation albums. 2005 saw the release of their widely acclaimed reunion project, “Icon”, which saw the pair reunite with Universal records for the USA release, Marquee Avalon in Japan and Frontiers Records in Europe. Frontiers Records scheduled the release of Wetton Downes’ new single version of “Heat of the Moment” on August 29. The success of “40 Year Old Virgin” has added to the newsworthy nature of this release, endorsing the value to the UK economy of the success of British music. John Wetton and Geoffrey Downes are planning a new DVD featuring acoustic treatment of their hit songs to be recorded in a very special location and with some very special guests this fall. Also they are set to return to the stage on October 30 at the UNITED FORCES OF ROCK FESTIVAL to be held at the Rockfabrik in Ludwigsburg in Germany on October 30th 2005, performing an electric set with their band. Plans for 2006 include worldwide touring and a follow up to Icon.
|
|
UNITED FORCES OF ROCK - These days, you can find festivals already at about every corner, so that the question might appear: “Why does this world need another festival?” The answer is simple. Whereas most other festivals focus on the harder sides of rock & metal, a suitable event in Germany for Hard Rock and Melodic Rock fans has been missing so far. And this is the point where we’ll start and try to organize a regular event for exactly this group of fans!!!
Rock It! Magazine presents:
United Forces Of Rock 2005
Rockfabrik, Ludwigsburg, Germany 30.10.2005 featuring: PRIDE OF LIONS Jim Peterik (ex-SURVIVOR) and Toby Hitchcock are the men behind PRIDE OF LIONS. After releasing two brilliant and very well received albums, the duo will hit Germany live for the first time playing a fully electric set which will consist of various classics both old and new. A definite highlight to watch out for any fan of SURVIVOR!
WETTON/DOWNES (ASIA founding members)
SEVENTH KEY feat. Billy
Greer, Terry Brock & Mike Slamer
|
|
BOYSTOWN
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 2,2005:
DAVID PRATER
PRODUCER OF FIREHOUSE, DREAM THEATER, GLENN BURTNICK AND DIVING FOR
PEARLS HAS REUNITED WITH BOYSTOWN FOR THEIR SECOND RECORD. DAVID PRATER
WAS NOT CREDITED ON BOYSTOWN'S WELL RECIVED DEBUT RECORD "ANGELS WITH
DIRTY FACES" SIMPLY DUE TO THE FACT THAT BOYSTOWN COULD NOT LOCATE HIM
TO GET PERMISSION. 'THANKS TO THIS GLOBAL AOR MARKET WELCOMING BOYSTOWN,
DAVID PRATER WAS ABLE TO CONTACT US AFTER FIFTEEN YEARS." SAYS LEAD
SINGER DAVID POLEMENI. WE WERE THRILLED TO CONTINUE ON WITH WHAT WE
DEVELOPED IN 1989." WE ALSO WANTED TO ENSURE OUR GROWING FAN BASE THAT
THEY WOULD GET THE SAME AOR SOUND THEY HOLD CLOSE TO THEIR HEARTS".
BOYSTOWN AND PRATER BEGIN PRE- PRODUCTION OCOTBER 2005. AS FAR AS WHO
WILL RELEASE THIS NEW RECORDING- POLEMENI SAYS " WE HOPE FOR A WIDER
RELEASE OF THE SECOND RECORD WITH A LARGER RECORD LABEL AND ARE IN
DISCUSSIONS NOW ABOUT THE BEST WAY TO GO ABOUT IT. BUT IF IT
DOESN’T WORK OUT WE WILL GO THE SAME ROUTE AS "ANGELS WITH DIRTY
FACES" WITH OUR LABEL IRONHORSE RECORDS DISTRIBUTED THROUGH TARGET
RECORDS. THE NEW CD 'BRIDGES BACK' IS AIMING FOR A SPRING 2006 RELEASE.
|
|
SONGWRITING COMPETITION
- For Immediate Release, July 26,
2005 Tom Waits, Issac Brock (Modest Mouse), Loretta Lynn, Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC), Benji Madden (Good Charlotte), President of Universal Records and other celebrities to judge 2005 International Songwriting Competition The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is now accepting entries for 2005. One of the largest songwriting competitions in the world, ISC offers entrants a chance to compete for over $100,000 in cash and prizes, including an Overall Grand Prize package of $10,000 (US) in cash and $20, 000 in merchandise. ISC winners benefit from extensive press and publicity, gaining exposure and recognition from an international music market of industry professionals and fans. For more information on what ISC winners have been up to, visit http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/news.htm. Internationally renowned for its high-caliber judges, ISC offers entrants a unique opportunity to have their songs heard by some of the most influential decision-makers in the industry. Judges for the 2005 competition include: Monte Lipman (President of Universal Records); Tom Waits; Loretta Lynn; Macy Gray; Joss Stone; MercyMe; Amy Ray (Indigo Girls); Darryl McDaniels (RUN D.M.C.); LeAnn Rimes; Isaac Brock (Modest Mouse); Jeff Stinco (Simple Plan); Steve Vai; John Scofield; BeBe Winans; Peter Hook (New Order); Benji Madden (Good Charlotte); Charlie Musselwhite; The Donnas; Keith Wozencroft ( President, Capitol Music UK); )Cameron Strang (President, New West Records); Dan Storper (President of Putamayo World Music); Michael McDonald (President, ATO Records); Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President of Alligator Records); Alexandra Patsavas ( Owner, The Chop Shop Music Supervision - credits include The OC, Grey's Anatomy, Without A Trace, Carnivale, Rescue Me ); Glen Barros (CEO/President, Concord Records); Darrale Jones (VP A&R Urban, Atlantic Records); Chris Parr (VP Music Programming & Talent Relations, CMT); Barbara Sedun (VP Creative, EMI Music Publishing Canada); Tara Griggs-Magee (Executive VP of Gospel/Urban Music, Sony Records); Leib Ostrow (CEO of Music For Little People), Thomas Brooman (Co-Founder/Artistic Director, WOMAD); Cory Robbins (Founder/President, Robbins Entertainment); Emily Wittmann (Vice-President, Nick Records); Danny Epstein (Music Director, Sesame Street/Sesame Workshop); Patrick Moxey(President, Ultra Records/You Records/Sequence Records/Escondida Music/Empire Mgmt.) and more to be announced. 2005 categories: Pop/Top 40, Rock, Gospel/Christian, Country, R&B/Hip-Hop, Performance, Folk/Singer-Songwriter, AAA/Roots/Americana, Jazz, Dance/Electronica, Blues, Children's Music, Teen (18 yrs. old and younger),Instrumental, World Music, and Lyrics Only. Deadline for submission is October 14, 2005. Entries are accepted online or through regular mail. For more information, an entry form or to enter online, visit http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/ International Songwriting Competition 211 Seventh Avenue North, Suite LL-20 Nashville, TN 37219 Phone: 615.251.4441 Fax: 615.251.4442 http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/ |
|
SEQUEL
- US AOR
band SEQUEL is working on their 3rd CD, go to http://www.sequelrocks.com/ to hear
the complete song "The good stuff" in advance. |
|
CRIMSON FIRE - Majestic Rock Records are proud to be able to announce the signing of Australian progressive power metal sensations Crimsonfire for the release of the band’s stunning self titled debut album this autumn. "Crimsonfire are a major step forward for the progressive metal genre’ says Majestic Rock A&R director Geoff Gillespie. ‘The band show a maturity beyond their years and their debut album is going to surprise and please many with it’s sense of dynamics and power. Make room at the top, ‘cos you’re keeping Crimsonfire’s seat warm!" Crimsonfire vocalist Louie Gorgievski adds "We are proud to release and inform to our loyal fans and listeners of the Metal community that Crimsonfire have signed and secured a deal with Majestic Rock Records. Backed by A&R Director Geoff Gillespie, we are glad to have on board a person who will celebrate the same vision as we do for many years to come. We look forward to embracing the international Metal world with this album and will never look back - this is where the adventure begins...!" ‘Crimsonfire’ is released in Europe on October 10th and in Japan on October 26th. |
|
KAMERA - Finally, US AOR band KAMERA has their first full length CD out, review will follow soon. |
|
SEVEN ANGELS
- Seven Angels new album Mix and
Master ! http://www.sevenangels.com.br/ |
|
SHYLOCK - SHYLOCK im Kölner Rhein-Energie-Stadion ... (German text!!!) SHYLOCK werden am Montag, dem 22.08.05 beim Abschiedsspiel von Thomas Hässler im Kölner RheinEnergie Stadion auftreten und ihren Song “Farewell”, der nur für Thomas Hässler geschrieben wurde, zum Besten geben ! Der Anstoß des Abschiedspieles von „Ickes Finale“ am 22. August 2005 wird nunmehr um 18.30 Uhr sein. Das Rahmenprogramm u.a. mit SHYLOCK wird um 17.30 Uhr beginnen. Das ganze wird vom DSF live übertragen. Mehr Infos HIER ! |
|
VERS OVER
- Newsletter Versover 08/05/2005 http://www.versover.com.br |
|
ETERNAL REIGN - Check out ETERNAL REIGN performing the title track of their latest album "Forbidden Path" at the Wildside-Festival! http://www.eternal-reign.de/pictures/200505wildside/index.html |
|
METAL FESTIVAL - 2 ° "1980's ITALIAN METAL LEGIONS ATTACK"
"WILD NIGHT HAWKS" Music Club - Brendola (Vicenza) North Italy
saturday 01 OCTOBER 2005 -DARK AGES -SYNTHESIS -ADRAMELCH -SKANNERS
Sunday 02 OCTOBER 2005
-OLD FLAME (ex BLOODYSKIZZ) -X-HERO -WYXMER -DARK LORD
"WILD NIGHT HAWKS" Music Club Via Galilei 26/i , Brendola (Vicenza) Italy
>Indications to Brendola (Vicenza): to get to the festival: go out of the Highway A4 Milan-Venice at Montecchio di Alte Ceccato, then follow the sign SS to Lonigo-Brendola. After 500 mts go out on the left follow the signs 80s Italian metal festival,you can see a supermarket Sma go round left and go for other 500 meters and you can see at right Via Galilei.
other info contact only e-mails artistinolimits@rockitaly.com - artistinolimits@email.it
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- start shows at 21,00 ticket 5 euro
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PARKING RECOIRD FAIR (only Sunday) PUB/FOOD/DRINKS
Updates and info
info use only this mail address artistinolimits@rockitaly.com
Ass. ARTISTI NO LIMITS In collaboration with : Born To Be Wild ,Andromeda Relix,Strillo Strano,Metal Mania ,Metal Force,Classics,Musica Follia,Rock Italy,Rare vinyl center,Vinile xxx follia,Pelle Ribelle,Steelheart Records,Black Widow,Nlz...
|
|
MTM MUSIC
- MTM CLASSIX releases two new
lost treasures and reveals covers and details of September releases:
|
|
UDO - Mean Streets”. A world, that enlightens us the abyss of mankind in a dark and scary way. Together with the production company RCN the band has created the heaviest clip they `ve ever been doing. In an old swimming hall in Nurnberg/Germany the band even took over the actors´ part for that! A real stuntman gave instructions to the band and showed them how to play and cross their own borders. On the picture you see one guy of the band – which one you can try to find out yourself. Right now three versions of the clip are being edited – one “normal heavy” one, one from 18 and over and one specially extended version, in which you can see absolutely every scene. Definitely nothing for wimps… Please have a look at the Teaser for first impressions. Just follow this link if you are hard enough:
|
|
AJALON - AT THIS ADDRESS IT’S AVAILABLE THE RE-EDITED VERSION OF THE FIRST KALEDON’S VIDEOCLIP “THE NEW KINGDOM”
|
|
DANTE FOX - The new Official DANTE FOX website is at
the following link.
|
|
TOUR DATES - SONATA
ARCTICA 08.09.2005 (D)
HAMBURG / Markthalle * without SYMPHORCE Booking: http://www.continental-concerts.de/ MAGO DE ÖZ have cancelled their appearance at the Madrid show and because of that the venue had to be changed. The show will now take place at LA RIVIERA!
GAMMA RAY "Majestic European Tour" 09. Oct 2005 -
SUN - PORTUGAL, Porto @ Club Hard |
|
WIGWAM
- WIG WAM singed to Napalm
Records |
|
NEXX -
NEXX is looking for a new label |
|
STRUTTER'ZINE - The usual update on our reviewspages, with about 200 new reviews, but also updates on the INTERVIEWSPAGE, featuring interviews with EDGE OF FOREVER and STAN BUSH. And a lot of news below... |
|
THY MAJESTIE - Thy Majestie 's news:
Mixing sessions of "Jeanne d'Arc"
are finished. The master will be now sent to the Mastering Room in
Sweden to be mastered by Goran Finnberg
Here is the complete tracklist: 1. Revelations 2. Maiden of Steel 3. The Chosen 4. Ride to Chinon 5. ...for Orleans 6. Up to the Battle! 7. March of the Brave 8. The Rise of a King 9. Siege of Paris 10. Time to Die 11. Inquisition 12. The Trial The album release is scheduled for 3rd October 2005. For more infos please visit http://www.thymajestie.com/
|
|
RIVERSIDE - RIVERSIDE "Second Life Syndrome" on
Inside Out !!!
"Second Life Syndrome", for this is the title of
the forthcoming Riverside album, will be released worldwide on Inside
Out label! The album will consist of eight compositions, amongst which
you will find "Reality Dream III," the track which has already been
performed live. Lyricswise, "Second Life Syndrome" will continue the
story from "Out Of Myself." Musicwise, it will show a bit heavier side
of the band. The cover will be once again designed by Travis Smith. The
album's premiere is planned for November 2005.
|
|
ALYSS
- Besides this month's SOFIA, there's another
female singer preparing a sensational debut CD. She is called ALYSS,
comes out of the Phillipines, lives in Holland and is currently
recording an album with ROBBY VALENTINE backing her up. Sensational
vocalwork and a promise for the future. This could become huge. More
info at: http://www.alyss-usa.com/
|
|
SKYLARK - SKYLARK - NEW ALBUM
The brand new Skylark album, 'Fairytales', is finally ready and scheduled for October 2005 under the same labels as 'Wings' and the compilation 'In The Heart Of The Princess': Scarlet Records in Europe/America and Soundholic in Japan. According to Eddy’s presentation, this CD is composed by two different sections: one which reminds us the powerful rhythm and sounds of 'Gate Of Hell', especially showing the heaviest guitars never played before, and one connected to the complex orchestral metal of “Dragon’s Secrets” whose core is the long suite (more than 18 minutes) 'Little Red Riding Hood'. The band is very proud of this record, conceived, as usual, on the most natural feelings coming straight from the heart.
|
|
LA GUNS - L.A. GUNS: NEW
RELEASE ‘TALES FROM THE
STRIP’ ON SHRAPNEL RECORDS HOLLYWOOD (July
15, 2005) – In January 2005 L.A. Guns
headed to the studio with producer Andy Johns (Led Zeppelin, The Rolling
Stones) and began work on “Tales from the Strip.”
“Tales From The Strip” is a
reference to the band’s long time affiliation with
The 2005 summer
release is planned to hit the stores August 16th. The band
will be on tour throughout the summer of 2005 with W.A.S.P to support
the new CD. Tracks:
1. IT DON'T MEAN NOTHING
2. ELECTRIC NEON SUNSET
3. GYPSY SOUL
4. ORIGINAL SIN
5. VAMPIRE 6.
7. 6.9 EARTHSHAKER
8. ROX BABY GIRL
9. CRAZY MOTORCYCLE
10. SKIN
11. SHAME
12. RESURRECTION
13. AMANECER
14. (CAN'T GIVE YOU) ANYTHING BETTER THAN LOVE
|
|
SIN
- Their new CD "EQUILIBRIUM" will
be released in asia by MARQUEE/AVALON. The release is set to the 24th of
August 2004, one month before the record is also released in europe by
"METAL Heaven". The tracklist for the asian version of "EQUILIBRIUM"
reads as follows: |
|
STRYPER - STRAIGHT OUT OF METAL HEAVEN... Back on earth, a true comeback of 80s white metal heroes STRYPER. The first couple of songs do even remind us of DREAM THEATER, but a full review will make more clear of this surprise signing by MTM. Interview will also follow soon. news 21.07.2005 MTM MUSIC signs "the yellow & black
attack": STRYPER is "Reborn"! 01. Open Your Eyes 4,02 <http://www.mtm-music.de/content/artist/mp3/0681144_02.mp3> 02. Reborn 3,26 03. When Did I See You Cry 3,34 <http://www.mtm-music.de/content/artist/mp3/0681144_04.mp3> 04. Make You Mine 4,01 05. Passion 3,48 06. Live Again 3,28 07. If I Die 3,44 08. Wait For You 3,21 <http://www.mtm-music.de/content/artist/mp3/0681144_09.mp3> 09. Rain 3,41 10. 10,000 Years 3,14 11. I.G.W.T. 3,17 |
|
FRONTIERS RECORDS - ALIEN Frontiers Records is pleased to announce all details surrounding the highly anticipated come-back of Swedish AOR masters ALIEN. Their long overdue new album “Dark Eyes” will be released on Frontiers Records in Europe on October 24th 2005 with Japanese release to happen on Marquee / Avalon. The full tracklisting shall include the following tracks: Dark Eyes; Don't Go Away; Oh Sarah; Fallen Eagle; Lethal Woman; Wild One; Don't Fight It; Riding With The Wind; Are You Ready; Fire (The Game); Sherylee Get ready for a killer AOR album which will mark the ultimate return on the scene for Tony, Borg, Jim Jidhed and their gang ! For further info surf on: http://www.alien-music.info/ JOURNEY Frontiers Records in cooperation with Undercover Promotion is pleased to present the JOURNEY “Generations” release parties on 27th August to happen in Germany in the following clubs: LOGAN’S ROCK CLUB – in Coburg LIVE ARENA – in Munster HEADBANGERS BALLROOM – in Hamburg Join the parties and win some exclusive prizes, merchandise and give-aways ! Also all the fans can win one official JOURNEY t-shirt. A JOURNEY CONTEST has been launched in the FORUM area of the Frontiers Records website (www.frontiers.it and you will be able to find there all info ! Have fun !
BRAZEN ABBOT Don’t forget to join the BRAZEN ABBOT chat with the Bulgarian guitarist and producer Nikolo Kotzev on the Frontiers Records website chat section on Monday, July the 25th at 18.00 (6.00 PM) CET for one hour. Have fun !
XCARNATION Following the great excitement generated after the launch of the XCARNATION “Grounded” album, a real progressive and hard rock masterpiece - to be released on Frontiers Records on September 19th 2005, all those who are interested in learning more about the project and the mastermind behind it, Cenk Eroglu, will be able to listen an exclusive interview with the man following this link ! Enjoy !
|
|
DOMAIN - - LIMITED BEST-OF-ALBUM WILL BE RELEASED IN ASIEN SOON -As an introduction to the release of the last 5 studio-albums in Asia and regarding the DOMAIN-show at the BUSAN festival in Korea at August the 6th, the Best-of-album "THE ESSENCE OF GLORY" will be released exclusivly in Asia at August the 3rd by Melodic Heaven / Universal. The album will contain the best of the albums "One Million Lightyears From Home", "New Horizons", "The Artefact" and "The Sixth Dimension". - MORE SHOWS REGARDING DOMAIN-ASIA-TOUR CONFIRMED - Two minutes to editorship conclusion the following DOMAIN-shows got confirmed: 06.08. BUSAN / Korea - Busan Festival - Dadaepo Beach 07.08. DAEGU / Korea - "Club Morrison" 09.08. JECHEON / Korea - "ChungPoong Land" - Open-Air Concert More info at: |
|
ALQUIN - ALQUIN
is close to a new and giant step in their longyear career. September
16th 2005 BLUE PLANET will be released. A brand new album, again with
Universal records. The seventies line up is still the same. The band
then was as popular as Golden Earring, Supersister & Cuby & The
Blizzards. Classic albums as Best kept Secret, Nobody can wait for
ever & Alquin on tour stayed at the top of the albumcharts for many
weeks. The band toured with the WHO in France and had a succesfull tour
in the UK. Please note. Alquin.net has no relationship with the band. It's a private/commercial website. Alquin has nothing to do with it. www.alquin.org is our official website. On behalf of ALQUIN Ferdinand Bakker
Alquin BLUE
PLANET TOUR 2005
Louis Rentrop |
|
2 ° "1980's ITALIAN METAL LEGIONS ATTACK"
"WILD NIGHT HAWKS" Music Club - Brendola (Vicenza) North Italy
saturday 01 OCTOBER 2005 -DARK AGES -SYNTHESIS -ADRAMELCH -SKANNERS
Sunday 02 OCTOBER 2005
-OLD FLAME (ex BLOODYSKIZZ) -X-HERO -WYXMER -DARK LORD
"WILD NIGHT HAWKS" Music Club Via Galilei 26/i , Brendola (Vicenza) Italy
>Indications to Brendola (Vicenza): to get to the festival: go out of the Highway A4 Milan-Venice at Montecchio di Alte Ceccato, then follow the sign SS to Lonigo-Brendola. After 500 mts go out on the left follow the signs 80s Italian metal festival,you can see a supermarket Sma go round left and go for other 500 meters and you can see at right Via Galilei.
other info contact only e-mails artistinolimits@rockitaly.com - artistinolimits@email.it
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- start shows at 21,00 ticket 5 euro
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PARKING RECOIRD FAIR (only Sunday) PUB/FOOD/DRINKS
Updates and info
|
|
STRUTTER'ZINE
- Check the reviewspages for a HUGE UPDATE,
more updates to follow. Also check the concert reviews and in the middle
of next week updates on several other pages (such as this NEWSPAGE!),
hopefully I have time to update the SOUNDPAGE, any requests mail me,
only rare 70s/80s Rock, AOR or Metal. Enjoy the big reviewsupdate,
mail me your comments |
|
NEW SENSATIONAL BANDS - Although we have been receiving fewer sensational underground bands than in the past, every now and then some pop up somewhere on the internet. Do check out the fantastic bands SURREAL and TANGENT. SURREAL is a band from Baltimore/Maryland, USA and you can download 2 songs of them on the following site, especially the song "You can run but you can't hide" is a lovely uptempo AOR/Melodic Rocker which reminds me of Q5 meets WHITE SISTER, with some TRIUMPH thrown in for good measure. The song has amazing lead and harmony vocals (in the TNT/QUEENSRYCHE style), while instrumental this is sounding pure 80s (keys/guitars). Do check out the page below: http://www.garageband.com/artist/surreal1 and the band TANGENT is very sensational. Their song "Promises" is a superb piece of classic midtempo 80s AOR ballad in the style of SURVIVOR, ARTICA, SAVANNAH, STUN LEER and especially reminding me of STONE SOUP (remember them?). Do check out this Connecticut/USA based band at: http://www.garageband.com/artist/_tangent_ and there's much more great bands in all styles on the
Garage Band sites. Remember that the sound files are all samples, mostly
at low quality and only demos of all the featured bands are available,
so no official releases. However, it is a good way to explore some new
sensational bands out of the underground, as it proves that there are
still great US bands somewhere... |
|
AFTER THE SILENCE - The Dutch Female Fronted Melodic Rockband has a few new Tour dates, so here they are: After The Silence
- Vrijdag 13-05-2005, Trapnotov, Almere (+
De Samboras)
- Zaterdag 21-05-2005, JC Peptalk, Ede (Gld) (met
Nodal Point +
Helldriver)
- Zaterdag 11-06-2005,
Koetstock-festival 2005, Kockengen
|
|
TONY KORETZ - Ball Buster interview with kiwi Guitarist:
Tony Koretz, stands as a New Zealand based musician, who is
passionate about the indie rock scene. As well as a firing a mean
guitar, he is also not afraid to shoot words, on the good and the greed,
helps and hindrances, gems and garbage found in the world of music.
Online now is the Ball Buster interview by Voice of the Underground interviewer Freddy Metal, with this Kiwi guitarist. Tony's new "Kicking Cans" album is attracting quite a bit of attention, not least because of the smooth-toned guitar playing featured on it. The interview gives insight into Tony's playing, choice of guitars, and ideas on the music industry. A good read for those who love soaring solos, crunch-laden rhythms, and a progressive or melodic rock sound, or for those interested in making a difference in their neck of the musical woods. The interview can be found at: http://ballbusterhardmusic.com/votu/02-2005/tony_koretz.html The official website of Tony Koretz is located at:
|
|
IAIN ASHLEY HERSEY - IAIN ASHLEY HERSEY PR - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Renowned Hard Rock guitarist/composer Iain Ashley Hersey is showcasing his new album The Holy Grail this Saturday (26th at 10pm) at Paladinos (6101, Reseda Blvd., Reseda, CA, USA). The Holy Grail is the follow up to the widely acclaimed Fallen Angel (2001 Frontiers) and features superb song writing and performances which run the spectrum of the classic hard rock genre.
Iain’s backing band at Paladinos will be the much respected David "Swan" Montgomery (Led Zepagain) on vocals, Philip Wolpe (Impelliteri) on keyboards, Jerry Beller (Joshua) on Drums and Paulo Gustavo (Jackie DeShannon) on Bass.
There will also be a special guest in the form of legendary rock vocalist Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, MSG, Alcatrazz, Impellitteri) who also features on 3 tracks on the forthcoming release The Holy Grail.
For more information and licensing options
for The Holy Grail please contact Iain through http://www.iainashleyhersey.com/
|
|
ELVARON - ELVARON is a French band playing Prog Metal, Here are 3 samples of new songs to download : Third album of one of the major french progressive metal act ! Elvaron has now become a masterful band in conceiving concept album ... This new part is the third act of a story that started in 1997 with the release of « Magic Battles » & followed up in 2000 by “the Five shires”, a majestic concept album which gets amazing reviews in France. This album was described as one of the most beautiful concept album from the past 10 years ! In 2004, Elvaron & Thundering / Manitou decided to give a new chance to “The five Shires” by completely re-recording it, adding a bonus CD containing, a new 20 minutes piece, “Call of the black Dragon”. “The buried Crown” shows a high level progressive album full of technically music based on catchy songs. Elvaron knows how to create intense, subtle epic songs. With a new line up, music gets now more mature arrangements & more diversity by its side. Nowadays, lots of symphonic bands include some orchestral samples to enrich their music. Elvaron decide to give a real life to classical music instruments, including some real classical musicians as guests on “the Buried Crown” : Flute, Oboe, violoncello, Bassoon, clarinet, violin, Horn, This gives to the band a unique symphonic & orchestral aspect. Close to bands like Symphony X in a more aggressive way, Elvaron’s music is about to please Dream Theater or Rush progressive fans as well as more aggressive bands such as Megadeth, overkill or Testament. « The Buried Crown » is largely inspired by post romantic music of the 20th century (Mahler, Debussy, Ravel…) but also by some other classical music movements from its beginning ‘til today. Masterised in the famous French studio “La source” (Gojira, Mass Hysteria, Outcast,…), Elvaron reaches today a real good production stage, which was important for this first album to be worked on the European scene. By the way, Elvaron remains one of the very rare new underground bands to be invited to share the stage with mighty bands such as Iron Maiden, even if the band already played with some major acts before (Royal Hunt, Blaze , Bayley, …) A great album between artistic know how, technical ability & creativity Bye Laurent Thundering Records / Manitou Music
http://www.thundering-records.com/
|
|
STRUTTER'ZINE
- HUGE REVIEWSUPDATE! And a few
interviews, but I'll promise you updates on every page the coming weeks,
such as the CONCERT REVIEWS PAGE, SOUNDSPAGE, this NEWSPAGE and much
more to come very soon... |
|
STRUTTER'ZINE - First of all, huge update! Go check out our reviewspages for over 100+ new reviews of recently released new CDs, re-issues and upcoming releases in the Rock'n'Roll world! If only the days would be longer, I could easily fill up more pages and also give you some more info of the past, because so many great albums from the 80s are still discovered and are also unknown to most of you. Anyway, the Rock'n'Roll world is going to bring us a good year in sight, because in the coming weeks we will see the likes of SURVIVOR, STYX, KANSAS, SOUL SIRKUS (JSS with NEAL SCHON of JOURNEY), QUEEN, BRYAN ADAMS, KAMELOT, KAYAK, DREAM THEATER and many other great bands touring Europe and if possible, you will read these tour reports on our pages. Also do not forget to check out our INTERVIEWSPAGES for an interview with SHY, who recently released one of the best 2005 AOR releases so far, with FINAL FRONTIER being another must-have for the fans of this subgenre. The Metalworld brought us awesome releases in the shape of BRAINSTORM and STARBREAKER, while the Rock'n'Roll/Punk/Glamscene also is bringing forward some great new material in the shape of GEMINI FIVE and DEADLINE. Check out all these and other reviews on the reviewspages, enjoy reading the next couple of hours! What's up next, well of course more reviews, but we are
also working on some databases of rare past rock'n'roll releases (AOR
and Metal primarily), as well as some new rare mp3s from the past
underway, write and mail me if you have suggestions, questions, pictures
of beautiful girls or whatever,
MAIL ME! |
|
R.I.P.
- Sadly a lot of people died the past few
weeks. First of all, the founder of AFM RECORDS, ANDREAS
"HENNER" ALLENDORFER sadly died 6 wedks ago. He also played in the band
SQUEALER, but concentrated on his label AFM Records the past few years,
for which he discovered acts like EDGUY and MASTERPLAN. The horrible
news on deaths in the Rock'n'Roll world sadly continues when this
weekend 2 more people died, namely legendary BBC Radio
producer/presenter TOMMY VANCE and GAIA EPICUS bassist YNGE HANSSEN.
Tommy is truly a legend in the Hardrock and Metalworld, because his
'Friday Rock Show' on BBC RADIO during the whole 1980s decade was for
many people the way to discover all the hardrock, aor and metal that was
released, but not played anywhere else in Europe. All these people will
be missed, but remembered in the hearts of everyone who believes in
Rock'n'Roll.
|
|
WIGWAM - Besides all the horrible deaths in the Rock'n'Roll world, also some good news to share with you, because non-other than the Norwegian band WIGWAM won the National Eurovision Song Contest with their new song "In my dreams", so in May they are the first real hard rockband ever to appear on the contest. More good news from Finland, because singer GEIR RONNING of SAYIT is also participating on the Eurovision Song Contest in May with his song "Why". It's almost unbelievable but we have one more melodic rock winner, namely the Estonian all-girl band VANILLA NINJA, whom already sold a few million records, will participate for Switzerland. These girls have released 2 great records so far (one coming up) and they sound like a mix between THE BURNS SISTERS, WITNESS, HEART and QUEEN OF SPADES, very 80s sounding pure AOR with lots of synths. So, 3 interesting competitors this year in the Euro Song Vision contest, go check out late May! |
|
MOSTLY AUTUMN - MOSTLY AUTUMN | NEW ALBUM We are pleased to report that the album STORMS OVER STILL WATER is now recorded ,mixed, and mastered. We hope to begin putting sound files up on the website very soon . Were slightly behind in production of the making of DVD but we are straining every sinew to commence posting the subscribers edition around April 12th. Its our last Mostly Autumn release from Classic Rock. The regular version of the CD will be available from the shops later this year. Track listing 1. Out of the Green Sky 2. Broken Glass 3. Ghost in
Dreamland 4. Heart Life 5. The End of the World 6. Black Rain 7. Coming
to... 8. Candle to the Sky 9. Carpe Diem 10. Storms over Still Water 11.
Tomorrow |
|
DESTYNATION
- Check out 3 new songs of the
Swedish band ETERNA, whoa re now named DESTYNATION Songs are now
available on their website for download at: |
|
LIBERTY'N'JUSTICE - On February 5th Liberty n' Justice will announce a new
singer for there new CD entitled "Soundtrack Of A Soul", plus the site
interviews this singer and he has a huge announcement about a "new"
reunion about his classic Christian metal/ hard rock band (this is
a http://www.libertynjustice.net/ exclusive
!). Make sure to come by check out the site, read this major reunion
news, and hear some MP3's from our new CD !!!
|
|
DESTINY -
|
|
FORGOTTEN TALES - Forgotten Tales is proud to present their first videoclip of the song "March For Freedom http://www.forgottentales.com/Videos/MarchforFreedom.zip, from their latest album "All The Sinners" (see reviewspages). This videoclip has been produced by Productions 24 images secondes http://www.24is.tv/ and the song itself is high class Euro Power Metal in the RHAPSODY/HELLOWEEN style You can download it for free on their official website http://www.forgottentales.com/
and read it with the Windows Media Player. |
|
NOW AND THEN RECORDS - RED CIRCLE
========== While much of the music currently polluting the airwaves these days sounds like the aural equivalent of a cheeseburger, initially tasty but ultimately void of any real substance, Redcircle satisfy the craving for big, melodic anthems that recall the “good old days”. When bands would rock an arena to its foundations and have the fans singing ‘til their voices gave out. Formed in 1999 by bandleader Zakk Zedras and bass player Clint Quan, the mission was to write songs that would fulfill their desire to remain true to their influences but take the music in a new direction, instead of treading over the same old ground. Originally a three piece, the band experienced a line up change in 2003 with the departure of drummer James Bunney, prompting Zakk to re-think the concept of the group, resulting in the addition of second guitarist Ben Webster and new drummer Brett Spicer. One the biggest highlights thus far for the band was being invited to the U.S.A in 2001, to play at the Lizard Fair in Michigan. The huge festival lineup included Eve 6 and The Blessed Union of Souls, giving the band the opportunity to strut their stuff in front of 27,000 screaming Americans. The exposure gained from that show single-handedly created demand for more REDCIRCLE in Michigan. This prompted radio station WIOG to place an early “demo” version of the song ‘All We Are’, on WIOG "Kelly Cut", a new music challenge feature. The band was up against established competitors including Smash Mouth, Usher and Blink 182. The song had to be retired as ‘Five Night Champion’ and was shifted to full-time rotation based solely on listener demands and made its way into the top 30. That’s no small accomplishment. Three years in the making, their
debut album is “All We Are”… A collection of guitar driven songs with
monster hooks, soulful vocals and a kind of cinematic, widescreen
quality that puts the band into a class of their own. DVS
==== Now And Then Records is very pleased to be able to announce details of the first two releases in our new collaboration with Dutch based label DVS Records. We will be handling promotion and distribution of all DVS products within the UK. The first two titles are from Alias Eye and Silent Edge. Alias Eye are a hugely original
German progressive rock band. Their second album, "A Different Point Of
You" continues the quality and diversity from the critically acclaimed
debut bringing in elements of classical, jazz and even funk music. For
example, A Clown’s Tale, the first track on the album, boasts a host of
Arabian instruments that are combined with heavy guitar riffs and
extended vocal parts, whereas Too Much Toulouse wallows in the
melancholy of a 30ies jazz club. Get ready for the ride!
Silent Edge, on the other hand, are
a Dutch based progressive symphonic metal band whose debut album, "The
Eyes Of The Shadow" combines Symphony X and Dream Theater style
progressive metal with neo-classical influences of bands such as Yngwie
Malmsteen's Rising Force and Royal Hunt.
Samples of both albums will be
available on the Now And Then website over the weekend.
BOB CATLEY
=========== Bob Catley and his band are now confirmed to play The Bloodstock Festival 2005 along with bands such as HAMMERFALL, AFTER FOREVER, IRON SAVIOR, STORM WARRIOR, SEASON'S END, RISE TO ADDICTION and SOLILOQUY set to take place September 2-3, 2005 at The Assembly Rooms in Derby, UK. Please see The Bloodstock website for further information - www.bloodstock.uk.com/ RELEASE SCHEDULE FOR FEBRUARY
============================== Feb 7th ALIAS EYE - A Different Point of You SILENT EDGE - The Eyes Of The Shadow Feb 21st XOCH - The One ION VEIN - Reigning Memories U-TURN - Live Again |
|
DREAMTIDE MUSIC MANAGAMENT - - Centinex - Swedish deathsquad Centinex have signed a
worldwide deal with Cold |
|
SACRED HEART - The new website of the UK AOR band SACRED HEART is now up and running, so do check it out at: www.sacredheartband.com |
|
CRYME - The band CRYME has been having some problems with the release of their CD 'Scene of the cryme', because the promos were sent out in the summer of 2003, while the actual release was a few months ago, so therefore a reprinting of the original Strutter review below with some corrected info:
|
CRYME ‘SCENE OF THE CRYME’ (TWILIGHT VERTRIEB)
|
STRUTTER'ZINE - Of course I wish everyone a very good rockin' 2005! Let's hope it will globally be a better year, with less fighting/wars, natural disasters, etc. and with the good news not only coming from the music scene, but also related to the world and political situation, because this millennium so far has been quite horrible, when we look at the situation in the world (many wars, terrorism attacks, natural disasters). Anyway, musically we of Strutter'zine are pleased to announce the first update of the year, which includes a huge reviewsupdate, update on the newspage and I have also uploaded a few new songs for you to download at the SOUNDSPAGE. Plans for this years include many more rare 80s sounds, both in the AOR and Melodic Metal genres, with songs you probably never heard of either, but are too good to be unnoticed. Like always, also this year many new reviews and interviews, with probably from now on more frequently updates on the site. Please mail ME your thoughts! All the best and keep rockin'!!! |
|
STRUTTER 2004 POLL - 2004 is over and as always we look back at the past year. 2004 was a very good year, with more than 1,000 new CDs in our genres released, and most of them also reviewed by us. Below are the best albums and best songs of the year 2004, according to Strutter'zine: BEST ALBUMS OF 2004: 1. Nocturnal Rites - New world messiah BEST SONGS OF 2004: 1. Seventh key - Always from the heart Of course there's always the discussion why certain songs and albums didn't make it, but narrowing down a list is basically very hard. Anyway, above lists are what I would call albums and songs you must own. Further honorable mentions of recommended albums of 2004 are from AINA, AYREON, DARE, ABYDOS, ALYSON AVENUE, BLIND ALLEY, BONRUD, DAKOTA, ASIA, VOX TEMPUS, WIGWAM, WITHIN TEMPTATION, FINAL FRONTIER, EVIDENCE ONCE, FROM THE INSIDE, JEFF SCOTT SOTO, GRAND ILLUSION, ANGRA, ICED EARTH, SONATA ARTICA, RHAPSODY, VIRTUOCITY, MILLION, THE LADDER, MAGNITUDE 9, HARV and DIONYSUS. But of course there's much more, however, all the names mentioned above are definitely the most interesting from the year 2004. The songlist of 2004 is made up of the most played songs at our office, where I need to add that only 1 song of each band is included. Please sent in your comments to ME, also your own lists of 2004, always interested, or post it on our MESSAGEBOARD |
|
STRUTTER SOUNDS - Besides our usual big reviewsupdate, which was done earlier this week, I have also uploaded a bunch of songs for you to download at the SOUNDSPAGE. Be sure to check out these rare gems from the past that were never released. More sounds will be available around New Year's Eve, when I will do a huge update! |
|
SONIC AGE RECORDS - SONIC AGE
records proudly announces that OVERLORDE will
play for the first time live in Europe at KIT IV
on April 2nd 2005!!!
After so many years in the metal underground, OVERLORDE are provided a unique chance to give everyone in Europe what they deserve. A live show that includes bands like SATAN, DEADLY BLESSING and AGENT STEEL as headliners!!! Come April 2005, their new album "Return of the Snow Giant" will have taken metalheads by “snow storm”. So be there to bang your head with the old and new breath taking tunes of OVERLORDE!!! The full lineup currently is: KEEP IT TRUE IV April 2nd 2005 Lauda-Koenigshofen, Tauberfrankenhalle
Germany Additional information will be updated at http://www.keep-it-true.de in the next few days. The MP3 of OVERLORDE’s song "Snow Giant" has now reached over 600 downloads. Visit www.sonicagerecords.com to download it as well as MP3s from other SONIC AGE artists. |
|
PRIEST TRIBUTE
- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Bar el Atico is located 100 meters north of the Fuente de
la Hispanidad in San Pedro, upstairs from restaurant Jalisco. |
|
FATAL SMILE - Fatal Smile Showcase Gig & New
Drummer!
Sweden's Fatal Smile will
have an exlusive showcase gig at the legendary Kool Kat Club
(Stacy, Regeringsgatan 61, Stockholm) on December the 3rd.
They are looking for a new label for
the release of their second ass kicking album "Neo Natural
Freaks" produced by Jonas Östman (Yngwie
Malmsteen)
and mixed by Stefan
Glaumann (Rammstein, Backyard Babies etc...).
The band also welcomes TG on drums.
For more information, please visit: http://www.fatalsmile.nu/ or: http://www.koolkat.se/
|
|
MOTORCITYROCK.COM - About every band that was active in the 1980s in the Detroit City area of the USA is featured on this site, including loads of mp3 downloads of all these rare bands, so do check out this site at: |
|
STRUTTER SOUNDS - Later this week some new sounds will be added, so go to that page and download some more very rare songs from the past, which nobody knows about. Of course I am always interested in hearing from one of the bandmembers of these featured songs, because as far as I know most of these bands and it's members disappeared into obscurity. |
|
STRUTTER 'ZINE - I hope everybody has checked out our SOUNDPAGE, because it contains 4 rare songs from the 80s. Any comments should be e-mailed to ME! Also updated was the CLASSIC ROCK REVIEWS page, and last but not least today I have updated the REVIEWSPAGE with a lot of new CD and DVD reviews, and also later this week this newspage will be refreshed. I can guarantee you that 2005 will see the website changing into a very professional looking website, and also with loads more sounds, reviews, interviews and many more items. So here's to another 10 years of STRUTTER'ZINE! |
|
STRUTTER 'ZINE - It has taken a while, but I just updated the SOUNDPAGE. This page will now be frequently updated. I will only make rare recordings available on this page for the moment, so there will not be any new songs available, and there will never be any full mp3s of songs from label releases featured. This page is just for the people who are interested in hearing rare songs from the past (mostly from the 80s) that are impossible to get and only available on a limited LP release from the 80s, a compilation CD or was only available as Demo. Concluded, I will feature about 4 full length mp3s on this page every few weeks, all in the AOR or Melodic Metal genre, and all of them are very rare and mostly from unknown bands from the past. So now go check out the first 4 songs HERE! Any comments should be e-mailed to ME! (Please note: the 4 songs will be available for download during the day, so if they are not available yet, please check back later this day, because I need to upload them and that takes a while) Also updated is the CLASSIC ROCK REVIEWS page, with 8 new reviews of very rare albums and if there's demand for this, I will be willing to put up some soundbytes on a couple of songs from these rare classic rockalbums. Check back soon for a full update on the NEWS and NEW REVIEWS PAGES. Finally, as you might already notice on the updated SOUNDSPAGE, the site will get a new look in the coming months, so 2005 will definitely be the year to revamp the site and make it look up-to-date, especially considering the fact that we exist for 10 years next year! |