LATEST NEWS

UPDATED ON DECEMBER 12- 2010

STRUTTER'ZINE-  

We're back again, a whole bunch of new reviews, go check it out asap, starting from

 http://strutterzine.angelfire.com/HOTNEWREVIEWS.htm

 

UPDATED ON SEPTEMBER 18- 2010

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 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!

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 incredible 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.

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 Heavy 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…

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!

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…

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…

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!

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 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.

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…

 

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:

http://www.officialquietriot.com/ 

http://www.myspace.com/officialquietriot  

 

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. _ _ _

www.alientheband.com  

 

SWEET CRYSTAL-  

Christian AOR band SWEET CRYSTAL will release a new CD soon, review next time, more info at: 

http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/SweetCrystal  

 

UPDATED ON APRIL 5 - 2010

LANA TURNER-  

http://www.lanaturnerfund.com 

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."

http://blackberrysmoke.com

 

UPDATED ON MARCH 22 - 2010

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 !!!

 

 

 

UPDATED ON MAY 17 - 2009

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!

 

 

UPDATED ON MARCH 20 - 2009

STRUTTER'ZINE-  Please check out about 100 new CD reviews we just uploaded... Enjoy!

 

 

EUROPE COMPLETE ALBUM SESSIONS
Good news from the guys of Europe: www.europethebandblog.blogspot.com  -

"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."

 

 

NEW RELEASE: GREAT RETURN OF ELEKTRADRIVE WITH THE NEW ALBUM "LIVING 4"

VALERY RECORDS is pleased to announce the release of a long awaited new record:

LIVING 4 the new album of ELEKTRADRIVE, band from Turin that has marked the history of rock in Italy with the two albums Due and Big City, awarding 5 k on Kerrang.

14 songs of mature and modern Hard Rock, a great work of unquestionable class alternating mighty tracks with wonderful ballads.
With 4 LIVING Elektradrive are coming back after more than ten years of silence with the four-fifths of the original line up and with a precious full length, result of more than three years of careful songwriting, choice of sounds and arrangements.

The tracks have a sound more fresh and modern than before, while keeping unchanged the trademarks of the band, which has always been characterized by beautiful melodic lines and vocal harmonies typical of the more refined melodic rock and AOR of the best 80s.
   
Guest on the track "Get Power from the sun with an unexpected flute insert, the master Mauro Pagani, former PFM.

As in the past, for the three previous works of the band, much attention was devoted to the theme of the lyrics that talk about urgent issues such as the collapse of the planet earth, the excessive power of corporations and the superficiality of modern society, without neglecting dreaming digressions on the beauty of nature and human emotions.
 
 
LIVING 4 - TRACK LIST
 
  1. EVIL EMPIRE 
  2. FEED THE GROUND
  3. WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
  4. LIVING 4
  5. DO IT FOR EVERYONE
  6. GET POWER FROM THE SUN
  7. PAIN
  8. DIRTY WAR OF BLOODY ANGELS
  9. THE WATER DIVINER
10. YOU ARE ALWAYS ON MY MIND
11. W.Y.S.I.W.Y.G.
12. IN A SUPERFICIAL WAY
13. FAKE NEWS
14. SON OF THE UNIVERSE 
 
 
ELEKTRADRIVE - LINKS
 
OFFICIAL WEBSITE                  www.elektradrive.com
MYSPACE                               www.myspace.com/elektradrive

 

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.)
Track Listing: 1. High Noon 2. Bad Moon Risin' 3. Rude Boy 4. Don't Come Running 5. Have My Heart 6. Skatin' On Thin Ice 7. When the Night Calls 8. Just Like a Woman 9. Who Do You Think You Are? 10. Around Midnight 11. Faith Hope and Love 12. Bed of Lies 13. Weight of the World 14. House of Glass

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

 

 

UPDATED ON JANUARY 2 - 2009

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---

I think these charts will perfectly reflect our thoughts on 2008, as it is divided into different subawards, in which we perfectly demonstrate what Strutter'zine is all about, finding the best created melodies in this Rock and Metalworld in a certain year. Please be aware these are our thoughts and should not be considered everyone's opinion, as like most charts/awards, they are always different from each other and that is a good thing, as we all need to have our own opinion, BUT I do hope this look-back-at-2008 according to us will give you a good look on our thoughts of this year, hope you enjoy reading and write if you have any comments, your opinion is always welcome. Also please note the amount of releases is incredible, so of course a lot of albums might have have been missed by us and some might even be discovered years later (even some of the greatest albums of all times were praised many years after the original release), so who knows... but these charts below are at this moment in time (the 1st of January 2009) reflecting our thoughts of the memorable year 2008 was...

BEST ALBUMS OF 2008:

These are the 10 CDs you must own!

1 Journey Revelations
2 Work Of Art Artwork
3 H.E.A.T. H.E.A.T.
4 Seventh Wonder Mercy falls
5 Sturm Und Drang Rock'N Roll children
6 Brother Firetribe Heart full of fire
7 Jimi Jamison Crossroads moment
8 Saint Deamon Shadows lost from the brave
9 Revolution Renaissance New era
10 It Bites Tall ships
11 From The Inside Visions
12 Harmony Chapter 2: Aftermath
13 Eclipse Are you ready to rock
14 Seventh Avenue Terium
15 Thy Majestie Dawn
16 Theocracy Mirror of souls
17 The Rasmus Black roses
18 Kayak Coming up for air
19 Khymera The greatest wonder
20 Scar Symmetry Holographic universe
21 Talon Fallen angels
22 Into Eternity The incurable tragedy
23 Marcello Vestry Marcello Vestry
24 Leverage Blind fire
25 Morning Moments of truth
26 Suspyre When time fades...
27 Secret Sphere Sweet blood theory
28 House Of Lords Come to my kingdom
29 Firewind The premonition
30 Ari Koivunen Becoming
31 Airbourne Runnin' wild
32 Bob Catley Immortal
33 Hardreams The road goes on
34 China Blue Twilight of destiny
35 Edguy Tinnitus sanctus
36 Uriah Heep Wake the sleeper world
37 Michael Bormann Capture the moment
38 Disturbed Indestructible
39 Eden's Curse The Second Coming
40 Voodoo Circle Alex Beyrodt's Voodoo Circle
41 Shinedown The sound of madness
42 Rick Springfield Venus in overdrive
43 Ayreon 01011001
44 Missing Hours Missing Hours
45 Liquid Sky Identity
46 Lanfear X to the power of ten
47 Shadowman Ghost in the mirror
48 Frost Experiments in mass appeal
49 Martin Orford The old road
50 Enforcer Into the night

 

The most disappointing releases/performances of 2008
By far, TNT again!
TNT (again!) 1
Metallica (what else is new!) 2
Guns'N'Roses (unbelievable, the hype of really... absolutely nothing... 3
Harem Scarem (their final album 'Hope' was sadly their weakest effort) 4
Asia (OK, some good songs, but overall quite dull, too many ballads and their concert was also not really convincing) 5
Motley Crue/Vince Neil (Motley releasing a very weak new CD and Vince Neil cancelling a solo European Tour 1 week before the start!) 6
Whitesnake (very average new CD and a horrible performance of David vocally during the Arrow Rock Festival) 7
Kiss (The Arrow Rock performance was actually a bit boring, KISS becomes a circus act you don't want to see anymore, how sad...) 8

 

Best Singers      
Mainly based on the vocal performance on a record  
male   female  
Tommy Karevik (SEVENTH WONDER) 1 Cindy Oudshoorn (KAYAK) 1
Steve Overland (FM, OVERLAND, SHADOWMAN) 2 Saskia van Heugten (MORNING) 2
Jimi Jamison (SURVIVOR, COBRA) 3 Tinna Karlsdotter (ALL ENDS) 3
John Mitchell (FROST, IT BITES, ARENA, KINO, BLIND EGO) 4 Emma Hewitt (MISSING HOURS) 4
Jan-Thore Grefstad (SAINT DEAMON) 5 Korry Schadwell (THE MYSTERY) 5
Pekka Ansio Heino (BROTHER FIRETRIBE/LEVERAGE) 6 Hecate Taglietti (LIQUID SKY) 6
Kenny Leckremo (H.E.A.T.) 7 Heidi Bergbacka (MOONMADNESS) 7
Henrik Båth (HARMONY) 8 Toni Loyas (LIPSTICK MAGAZINE) 8
Arnel Pineda (JOURNEY) 9 Kim Seviour (TOUCH STONE) 9
Lars Safsund (WORK OF ART) 10 Adrienn Antal (MATTSSON) 10
Christian Alvestam (SCAR SYMMETRY) 10    

 

Most promising releases scheduled for 2009    
2009 looks very exciting with the following 15 album of the year contenders! Let's look at this list in 12 months time! (Not in a particular order!)
Gotthard 1  
Places Of Power 2  
Stryper 3  
Wig Wam 4  
The Poodles 5  
Delain 6  
Saga 7  
Harlan Cage 8  
Fortune 9  
Revolution Renaissance 10  
Stan Bush 11  
Mecca 12  
Fair Warning 13  
Saint Deamon 14  
Bloodbound 15  

 

Re-issues  
Once again ROCK CANDY RECORDS remain to be the best re-issue label out there, with 3 out of the 5 best re-issues released on the UK label, here's hoping 2009 will deliver more of their great re-issues...
Atlantic - Power 1
Michael Bolton - Everybody's crazy 2
Autograph - Sign in please 3
Dreamer - We've got the power 4
Moritz - City streets 5

 

Labels  
Almost impossible to do, first of all, FRONTIERS RECORDS being each year the only label in the world to release high quality sensational albums the whole year round, with a tight schedule, excellent press information, etc. etc. so by far the best label out there. The rest... each label has done very good releases, no matter what they are called, all doing good jobs, so hard to mention a number 2, let's just put them all on that spot!
Frontiers Records 1
The rest… 2

 

Country  
Not based on quantity, but on quality releases, the chart reflects in which country the most sensational material was created...
USA 1
Sweden 2
Finland 3
Germany 4
UK 5
Canada 6
Italy 7
Holland 8
Australia 9
Spain 10
Denmark 11
Norway 12
Brazil 13
France 14
Japan 15

 

Band of the year award  
This chart is not only based on how good an album the particular band (or act) released in 2008 is, but also on other aspects, such as a comeback, a new singer, a new band, their media exposure etc. etc.
Band of the year is definitely JOURNEY, another fantastic comeback with another great new singer, ARNEL PINEDA, found through YOUTUBE by NEAL SCHON, delivering a superb CD/DVD package, selling 1/2 million records in the USA and finishing off a big Tour. Unexpected as in the early stages of the year nothing was certain about this new singer with JOURNEY, due to lack of any Rock experience, but all went down well and they turned out to be the winner of 2009!
Journey 1
H.E.A.T. 2
Seventh Wonder 3
It Bites 4
The Rasmus 5
Kayak 6
Uriah Heep 7
Jimi Jamison 8
Work Of Art 9
Saint Deamon 10
Thy Majestie 11
Scar Symmetry 12
Rick Springfield 13
Firewind 14
From The Inside 15
Secret Sphere 16
Morning 17
Seventh Avenue 18
Brother Firetribe 19
Eclipse 20
Theocracy 21
Talon 22
Sturm Und Drang 23
Shinedown 24
Revolution Renaissance 25

 

Concert of the year award
Seeing KAYAK in my small town of Krimpen aan den IJssel in the early weeks of 2008, a sensational performance by one of the best Dutch bands ever and introducing new songs from their then unreleased new CD. A memorable concert in a very small setting, perhaps one of the smallest theaters in The Netherlands. The opposite was the ARROW ROCK FESTIVAL in Nijmegen in the early summer of 2008, with REO SPEEDWAGON starting the day and 10,000+ people waiting to get into the park, seeing KEVIN CRONIN giving his best on a huge TV screen and only 2 hours later JOURNEY with new singer ARNEL PINEDA, a stunning performance where a lot of people actually came for to see. The most memorable gig however was a surprise performance in Alphen aan den Rijn by none-other than JIMI JAMISON (SURVIVOR) and JOE LYNN TURNER (MALMSTEEN, RAINBOW, DEEP PURPLE) with members of a band called ORLEANS. By far a gig I will never forget, because on that special night (announced 1 week earlier) a whole bunch of CLASSIC tunes of mainly SURVIVOR and RAINBOW were sung by the original lead singers, 2 of the greatest vocalists of all times, backed up perfectly by this 70s band called ORLEANS (of whom I had never heard something of prior to the gig!). But there were loads more great gigs of course, however these 3 were unforgettable...

 

Newcomer of the year award  
H.E.A.T. from Sweden were the best new act and actually they should already be huge all over Europe right now as they are so energetic and catchy...  
H.E.A.T. 1
Kissin' Dynamite 2
All Ends 3
Black Tide 4
Old Man Shattered         5

 

DVD of the year award  
Hard to choose this year as below 6 were all very enjoyable...
Toto - Falling in between Live 1
Dream Evil - Gold Medal in Metal 2
Journey - Revelations 3
Rush - Snakes and arrows Live 4
Kayak - The 35th year anniversary DVD 5
Within Temptation - Black symphony 6

 

BEST SONGS OF 2008:

1 Revolution Renaissance - I did it my way
2 Saint Deamon - My heart
3 Journey - Never walk away
4 Journey - After all these years
5 Kayak - Undecided
6 Saint Deamon - My Judas
7 Marcello Vestry - Fireworks
8 Dreamtide - I don’t wanna wait
9 Thy Majestie - Out the edge
10 The Rasmus - Livin' in a world without you
11 Seventh Wonder - A day away
12 From The Inside - 21st Century
13 Work Of Art - Once In A Lifetime
14 Brother Firetribe - Wildest dreams
15 Work Of Art - Whenever U Sleep
16 Secret Sphere - From a dream to a nightmare
17 H.E.A.T. - Feel it again
18 Bonfire - Refugee of fate
19 Harmony - Kingdom
20 Scar Symmetry - Morphogenesis
21 Jimi Jamison - Behind the music
22 Work Of Art - Her Only Lie
23 Disturbed - The night
24 Seventh Avenue - Two masters
25 Degreed - Catch The Feeling
26 Silence - Time keeps running
31 Eclipse - To mend a broken heart
32 Missing Hours - Machine
33 Kayak - Selfmade castle
35 Theocracy - Bethlehem
36 Khymera - The Greatest Wonder
37 Into Eternity - Tides of blood
39 Brother Firetribe - Game They Call Love
41 Sturm Und Drang - Fly away
42 Khymera - Love Will Find You
43 Revolution Renaissance - Last night on earth
44 Asia - Never Again
46 Overland - Like a river
48 Brother Firetribe - Runaways
49 H.E.A.T. - Straight For The Heart
50 It Bites - Ghosts
51 Bob Catley - Dreamers unite
52 House Of Lords - The dream
54 Cinder Road - Should've known better
55 Steve Lukather - Ever changing times
57 Michael Bormann - Live your life
58 Saint Deamon - In Shadows Lost From The Brave
60 Last Autumn's Dream - War of your worlds
61 Hardreams - Apologies
63 David Roberts - Before I go
64 Reinxeed - Great Hall of ReinXeed
65 Shadowman - Fire and ice
67 All Ends - Still believe
68 Rick Springfield - What's Victoria Secret
70 Nickelback - Gotta be somebody
71 Ari Koivunen - Sign of our times
72 H.E.A.T. - Keep on dreaming
76 Kissin' Dynamite - Out in the rain
77 Into Eternity - Spent years of regret
78 Stanfour - It's not over
79 Talon - Burn
81 Leverage - Shadow In The Rain 
82 Scar Symmetry - Timewave Zero
83 Sturm Und Drang - Life
84 Keldian - The last frontier
86 Morning - Let’s escape
87 Black Tide - Warriors of time
88 Redline - Twistin' the knife
89 Uriah Heep - Tears Of The World
90 Royal Hunt - The first rock
91 Everlife - I could get used to this
92 Firewind - Into the fire
93 H.A.R.D. - Stay
95 Ari Koivunen - Sweet madness
96 Robert Berry - Young hearts
97 Lovex - Take a shot
98 Cinder Road - Sorry
99 Hope - Baby don't cry
100 Khymera - No sacrifice
101 Faith Circus - Tried and true
103 Airbourne - Too much, too young, too fast
104 Seventh Avenue - Priests and servants
105 Crystal Eyes - The devil inside
108 Shadowman - Road to nowhere
109 Leverage - Mister Universe
113 Jeff Scott Soto - Our song
114 Power Quest - Cemetary Gates
115 Shinedown - Devour
116 Reinxeed - Legacy
117 Hardreams - Rebel heart
118 House Of Lords - I need to fly
119 Dirty Penny - Runnin' wild
120 Elevener - This heart of mine
121 Stormwarrior - Heading northe of The holy cross
122 Fantasy Child - The fire burns
123 Myland - Heat of emotion
126 Frozen Rain - Never be a fool again
127 Pyramaze - Ghost light
128 China Blue - Changing ways
130 Powerworld - Creatures
131 Martin Orford - Take it to the sun
132 Honeymoon Suite - She ain’t alright
133 Fantasy Child - Whatever it takes
134 Silent Call - My way, my time
136 Voodoo Circle - Heaven Can Wait
138 The Mystery - Angel
140 Lost Weekend - Back street living
141 Rick Springfield - One Passenger
143 Marcello Vestry - Without you
145 From The Inside - Making waves
146 Moonmadness - Torn
148 The Mystery - Fire keeps on burning
149 Avantasia - Lost in space
150 Metal Scent - Visions
152 Secret Sphere - Bring on
153 Borealis - Lost Voices
154 Crash Moderns - Everybody hates me
155 Liquid Sky - Ghost in the shell
156 Dignity - Arrogance and rapture
157 Grand PM - Red black
159 Suspyre - Siren (One last breath)
160 1RKO - One more time
161 Royal Hunt - Exit wound
162 Dreamtide - Keep from falling
164 Alibi - Just another day
165 Michael Bormann - When push comes to shove
167 SIN - Junia's eyes 
168 Kayak - Alienation
169 Heaven Rain - Beauty Of You
171 Chicago - The pull
173 Orphan project - Angels desire
175 AC/DC - Anything goes
177 Old Man Shattered - All For Nothing
178 David Cook - Declaration
179 Whitesnake - All For Love
182 Shinedown - Sin with a grin
183 Rise Against - Collapse (Post-Amerika)
184 Serenity - Sheltered (by the obscure)
185 Dirty Penny - Midnight Ride
186 Dark Empire - No sign of life
187 Lanfear - The art of being alone
188 Simple Plan - Take my hand
189 Ivory Tower - Warning
190 Neondaze - Live 4 Tonight
191 Cain's Dinasty - Come to me
193 Saints Of The Underground - Tomorrow Never Comes
196 From The Inside - Listen to your heart
197 Acid Black Cherry - 20th Century Boys
198 Skyrion - Born for metal
199 Gypsy Rose - Nothing really matters
201 Hello Operator - Satellites
202 In This Moment - Forever
203 Symphonity - Searching you
204 Random Eyes - You are the reason
205 Crown Of Glory - Pathfinder
206 Scandinavian Metal Praise - Great in power
207 Hinder - Loaded and alone
208 Crash Street Kids - Do you still believe in Rock and Roll
211 Frequency - New world era
212 Mayors Destiny - Cross your heart
213 Shinedown - If you only knew
214 Ankor - Frio adios
215 Keldian - Reaper
216 Seventh Avenue - Hands of the king
217 Six Minute Century - Under the moonlight
219 Malpractice - Fragments
220 Hanging Doll - Sweet retribution
221 Stake Out - Five and dime
222 Sacred Dawn - Asmodeus
223 Ari Koivunen - Give me a reason
225 Eclipse - Breaking my heart again
226 Orden Organ - Something pretending
228 The Claymore - The angels assassination
229 Dark Sky - Chase your dreams
231 Sarah Brightman - Fleurs du mal
233 Soul Secret - Tears of Kalliroe
234 Onmyouza - Shuten Doji
235 Mass - Stevie
236 Down And Above - Hopesablaze
237 Heidevolk - Wodan heerst
238 Lord Divine - By myself
239 Sphinx - Maldita Ilusión
240 Redrum - Heart to heart
242 Syzzy Roxx - Gamblin' With Love
243 Orden Ogan - To new shores of sadness
244 Bittencourt Project - Holding Back The Fire
245 Julian Drive - Unplug
248 Dyve - Dreams
249 Darksun - Libera Me
252 Kiuas - Of sacrifice loss and reward
253 Cryonic Temple - Standing tall
255 Renegade Five - Power in your veins
256 Shannon - Love in your eyes
258 Blessed By A Broken Heart - Ride
259 Girlschool - Legend
260 Lava Engine - Aquarius heart
261 Gus Monsanto - Last Mission
262 Celticia - Misshaped scenes
264 Reincarnatus - Love's calling - Alternative versions
265 Grand Prize - To see you
267 The Becoming - The one to hurt you
268 Silverlane - Wings of eternity
269 Signs Of One - Legend lives
274 Bullet - Dusk till dawn
275 Reamonn - Through The Eyes Of A Child
 

 

UPDATED ON OCTOBER 27 - 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...
In the meantime, 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! Also the interviewspage has been updated...

 

UPDATED ON MAY 4 - 2008

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

www.epicusrecords.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

www.dark-sky.de 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

::: "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.

www.sandalinas.com 

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.

www.metalheaven.net

 

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

 

UPDATED ON MARCH 10 - 2008

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

www.uriah-heep.com  http://www.myspace.com/uriahheepband


 

 

UPDATED ON JANUARY 1 - 2008

STRUTTER'ZINE AWARDS 2007

---THE YEAR IN REVIEW---

I think these charts will perfectly reflect our thoughts on 2007, as it is divided into different subawards, in which we perfectly demonstrate what Strutter'zine is all about, finding the best created melodies in this Rock and Metalworld in a certain year. Please be aware these are our thoughts and should not be considered everyone's opinion, as like most charts/awards, they are always different from each other and that is a good thing, as we all need to have our own opinion, BUT I do hope this look-back-at-2007 according to us will give you a good look on our thoughts of this year, hope you enjoy reading and write if you have any comments, your opinion is always welcome...

BEST ALBUMS OF 2007:

These are the 10 CDs you must own!

1 Nocturnal Rites The 8th sin
2 Pride Of Lions The roaring of dreams
3 Nightwish Dark passion play
4 Stan Bush In this life
5 Poodles, The Sweet trade
6 Gotthard Domino effect
7 Sturm Und Drang Learning to rock
8 Frederiksen Denander Baptism of fire
9 Loverboy Just getting started
10 Ride The Sky New protection
11 Mystic Prophecy Satanic curse
12 Koivunen, Ari Fuel for the fire
13 After Forever After Forever
14 Allen/Lande The revenge
15 Within Temptation The heart of everything
16 Bloodbound Book of the dead
17 Epica The divine conspiracy
18 Dream Theater Systematic chaos
19 Vision Divine The 25th hour
20 Symphony X Paradise lost
21 Sun Caged Artemesia
22 Stormzone Caught in the act
23 Helloween Gambling with the devil
24 Donnas, The Bitchin'
25 Dennis De Young One hundred years from now
26 Avalanch Muerte Y Vida
27 Nemesea In control
28 Rush Snakes and arrows
29 Threshold Dead reckoning
30 Lizzy Borden Appointment with death
31 Magica Hereafter
32 La Ventura A new beginning
33 Kamelot Ghost opera
34 Eden's Curse Eden's Curse
35 Dreamland Eye for an eye
36 Derdian New Era Part 2: War of the Gods
37 Dark Water Calling the earth to witness
38 Pink Cream 69 In10sity
39 Iced Earth Framing armageddon: Something wicked part 1
40 Heavenly Virus
41 Pagan's Mind God's equation
42 Primal Fear New religion
43 Turner, Joe Lynn Second hand life
44 White Wolf Victim of the spotlight
45 Zorn Project, Lec It began in the underground
46 Two Of A Kind Two Of A Kind
47 Vanishing Point The fourth season
48 Seven Tears In every frozen tear
49 Space Odyssey Tears of the sun
50 Silent Force Walk the earth
51 Readman, David David Readman
52 Krypteria Bloodangel's cry
53 Giant Leap, The Another day rising
54 Burn Global waming
55 Crash Diet The unattractive revolution
56 Evanescence The open door
57 Dreamscape 5th season
58 House Of Games Rise and shines
59 Los Angeles Los Angeles
60 Scorpions Humanity Hour 1
61 Thought Chamber Angular perceptions
62 Lord Ascendence
63 Goodbye Thrill Goodbye Thrill
64 Insania Stockholm Agony - Gift of life
65 Beck, Robin Livin' on a dream
66 At Vance VII
67 Casual Silence Lost in life
68 Anubis Gate Andromeda unchained
69 Machine Men Circus of fools
70 Thunderstone Evolution 4.0
71 Starcastle Song of times
72 Northern Kings Reborn
73 Letter 7 Salt of the earth
74 Eyes Of Eden Faith
75 Xystus Surreal
76 Dante Fox Under the seven skies
77 Circus Maximus Isolate
78 Excalion Waterlines
79 Evidence One The sky is the limit
80 Jaded Heart Sinister mind
81 Manowar Gods of war
82 Norway Rising up from the ashes
83 Alias Eye In focus
84 Airtime Liberty manifesto
85 Astral Doors New revelation
86 Codex, The The Codex
87 Domine Ancient spirit rising
88 Iron Savior Megatropolis
89 Knight Area Under a new sign
90 Kotipelto Serenity
91 Vertigo Take me back
92 Tempestt Bring 'em on
93 Masterplan MK2
94 Action Action
95 Kingfisher Sky Hallway of dreams
96 Twilightning Swinelords
97 Xandria Salome: The seventh veil
98 Poverty's No Crime Save my soul
99 Messiah's Kiss Dragonheart
100 Edenbridge The chronicles of Eden
101 Magnum Princess alice and the broken arrow
102 Wurdalak Desde el silencio
103 Labyrinth 6 days to nowhere
104 Civilization One Revolution rising
105 Indigo Dying Indigo Dying
106 Amaran's Pflight Voice in the light
107 Hartmann Home
108 Kyrie Eleison …In the arms of decadence
109 Shade One way line
110 Sacred Heart Shake
111 Riplets, The Rock
112 Pathostray Pathostray
113 Mind's Eye A gentleman's hurricane
114 Snow Snow
115 Freedom Call Dimensions
116 Poor Genetic Material Paradise out of time
117 Blind Ego Mirror
118 Marion Raven Set me free
119 Tarot Crows fly back
120 Road To Ruin Road To Ruin
121 Serenity Words untold and dreams unlived
122 Octavia Sperati Grace submerged
123 Glory Opera Quilibrium
124 Gaia Epicus Victory
125 Fraise A new beginning
126 Twilight Guardians Ghost reborn
127 Visions Of Atlantis Trinity
128 Delight Breaking ground
129 Lorihen Bajo la cruz
130 Nostradameus Pathway
131 Razorback Deadringer
132 Pedestrians Of Blue Crossing over
133 Pakarinen, Hanna Lovers
134 Symphorce Become death
135 Dorian Gray Burning
136 Shylock Devotion
137 Mehida Blood and water
138 Grace, Alana Break the silence
139 Poley, Ted Smile
140 Ironica Consequences
141 Myon Frame works
 

The 10 most disappointing releases

By far, TNT, with an absolute horrible release that disappointed as much as their late 1990s records. NIGHT RANGER for it's extremely modern release that had nothing to do with classic NIGHT RANGER, LION'S SHARE for their change of singer, which resulted in a standard release, EVIDENCE ONE put out one of the best albums 2 years ago, but now released an average new release and furthermore standard albums of surprisingly the big Power Metal bands, with KAMELOT, VISION DIVINE, SONATA ARCTICA, LABYRINTH and MASTERPLAN as the 5 bands, which released in the past super sensational Classics in the Power Metal genre, but now all becoming a reflection of their own image with only a few really good songs aside from a lot of standard material, maybe the end of an era?!?!
TNT 1
Night Ranger 2
Lion's Share 3
Evidence One 4
Sonata Arctica 5
Crystal Ball 6
Hartmann 7
Labyrinth 8
Masterplan 9
Kamelot/Vision Divine 10

 

Best Singers      
Mainly based on the vocal performance on a record (or in the case of WORK OF ART on a demo)…  
male   female  
Jonny Lindkvist (Nocturnal Rites) 1 Floor Jansen (After Forever) 1
Bjørn Jansson (Ride The Sky) 2 Anette Olzon (Nightwish) 2
Rusell Allen (Allen/Lande, Symphony X) 3 Simone Simons (Epica) 3
Lars Safsund (Work Of Art) 4 Ji-In Cho (Krypteria) 4
Jorn Lande (Allen/Lande, Jorn, Ken Hensley) 5 Sharon Den Adel (Within Temptation) 5
David Readman (Pink Cream 69 + solo) 6 Manda Ophuis (Nemesea) 6
Dennis De Young (solo, ex-Styx) 7 Robin Beck 7
Stan Bush 8 Carla Douw (La Ventura) 8
Michael Bormann (Redline, Bloodbound) 9 Marion Raven 9
Fergie Frederiksen (Frederiksen/Denander) 10 Sue Willetts (Dante Fox) 10

 

Most promising releases scheduled for 2008    
2008 looks very exciting with the following 15 album of the year contenders! Let's look at this list in 12 months time!
Brother Firetribe 1  
Work Of Art 2  
House Of Lords 3  
Avantasia 4  
Leverage 5  
Dream Evil 6  
Land Of Tales 7  
Kayak 8  
Asia 9  
Mecca 10  
Saint Deamon 11  
Khymera 12  
Journey 13  
Whitesnake 14  
Wig Wam 15  

 

Re-issues  
A very bad year for re-issues, although it was the year when one of the greatest albums of all times was re-issued (Preview), ROCK CANDY RECORDS establishing themselves as the best re-issue label, RETROSPECT RECORDS to follow next year!?!?
Preview - Preview 1
MTB/Michael Thomson Band - MTB/Michael Thomson Band 2
Alliance (1982) - Alliance (1982) 3
Hughes/Thrall - Hughes/Thrall 4
Balance - In for the count 5

 

Labels  
Almost impossible to do, first of all, FRONTIERS RECORDS being each year the only label in the world to release high quality sensational albums the whole year round, with a tight schedule, excellent press information, etc. etc. so by far the best label out there. The only other label that comes close is NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS, due to some of Metal's best releases and amazing packaging of these releases. The rest... each label has done very good releases, no matter what they are called, all doing good jobs, so hard to mention a number 3, let's just put them all on that spot!
Frontiers Records 1
Nuclear Blast Records 2
The rest… 3

 

Country  
Not based on quantity, but on quality releases, the chart reflects in which country the most sensational material was created...
Sweden 1
Finland 2
USA 3
Germany 4
Holland 5
Canada 6
Switzerland 7
UK 8
Brazil 9
Norway 10
Australia 11
Italy 12
Spain 13
Denmark 14
Argentina 15

 

Band  
This chart is not only based on how good an album the particular band released in 2007 is, but also on other aspects, such as a comeback, a new singer, a new band, their media exposure etc. etc.
In the case of Nightwish a fantastic comeback with a great singer, Sturm Und Drang being the youngest band with one of Melodic Metal's finest releases this year, Ride The Sky being Uli Kusch' new baby and beating out the hell of Masterplan, Loverboy making their best album in almost 20 years, beating the hell out of their terrible 1990s studio-CD 'Six'. Then we have excellent new albums of The Poodles, Dream Theater, Epica, After Forever and of course album of the year, Nocturnal Rites. The reason why some of these bands scored lower here than on the album chart of the year is the fact that they just released an album and there was nothing more, no further impact or whatsoever, just the record. Bands doing a large tour, media appearances, making videos, etc. etc. are making more impact for the band of the year award, so that's why bands like After Forever and Epica scored higher on this chart. Consider this a promotion problem of the band's label or management, although I must add here that budget is another aspect, because for example Pride Of Lions is not able to do a full tour like Nightwish is doing. Therefore this chart should be judged differently than our album chart of the year award...
Nightwish 1
Sturm Und Drang 2
Ride The Sky 3
Loverboy 4
The Poodles 5
Dream Theater 6
Epica 7
Gotthard 8
Pride Of Lions 9
Nemesea 10
Nocturnal Rites 11
After Forever 12
Within Temptation 13
Eden's Curse 14
Primal Fear 15
Symphony X 16
Scorpions 17
Rush 18
Circus Maximus 19
Machine Men 20
Kamelot 21
Bloodbound 22
Nostradameus 23
Two Of A Kind 24
Dreamland 25
At Vance 26
Insania 27
Norway 28
Lord 29
Sun Caged 30
Mystic Prophecy 31
Helloween 32
Pink Cream 69 33
Crashdiet 34
Glory Opera 35
Excalion 36
Into Eternity 37
Tempestt 38
Cryptic Vision 39
Vision Divine 40
Thunderstone 41
Xandria 42
Axenstar 44
Krypteria 45
Lost Weekend 46
Burn 47
Last Autumn's Dream 48
Kingfisher Sky 49
Xystus 50
Threshold 51
Heavenly 52
Dragonland 53
Civilization One 54
Final Frontier 55
The Donnas 56
Astral Doors 57
Celesty 58
La Ventura 59
Dante Fox 60
Silent Force 61
Domine 62
Delight 63
Pagan's Mind 64
Derdian 65
Avalanch 66
Manowar 67
Magica 68
HIM 69
Lizzy Borden 70
REO Speedwagon 71
Octavia Sperati 72

 

Demos/Independent Bands  
Demos are rare, Myspace took over and bands offer themselves on that site instead of recording and sending out a demo, but still the following 5 bands with a demo or an independent release made a huge impact on us, number 1 and 7 already being signed and releasing CDs on Frontiers Records next year...
Work Of Art 1
Fair Off 2
Dream 3
Dream Asylum 4
Kings Of Modesty 5
Neverday 6
Land Of Tales 7
CC Rock 8
Tri State Corner 9
Tempestt 10

 

Concert
Rush was technically speaking the finest concert in 2007, for me their first night in Ahoy, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, but still Journey with an already departed Jeff Scott Soto on vocals was an amazing once-in-a-lifetime event in one of the most beautiful theatres in the world, that being Paradiso, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, sad to see a band reaching another low point in their career only a few months later. On the other hand, the band made 2007 look like 2006, when they also put on one of the greatest shows in The Netherlands, but reaching a low point shortly after, let's see what 2008 will bring, as they seem to have HUGE plans... again...

 

Newcomer of the year award  
No doubt about it, Sturm Und Drang was the best new band. Still 2007 did not bring us that much new bands, it was more new albums of established acts.  
Sturm Und Drang 1
Ride The Sky 2
Eden's Curse 3
Tempestt 4
Letter 7         5

 

DVD of the year award  
No discussion possible here because Y&T was the absolute best DVD of 2007!
Y&T - Live: One hot night (speachless…) 1
Manowar - Magic Circle Festival (the whole package, they did it again…) 2
Dakota (not visually and not as professional as any major label DVD, BUT amazing unique  performance!) 3
Bonfire (great show from a great band) 4
Zebra (perfect biography) 5

 

BEST SONGS OF 2007:

1 Nocturnal Rites - Not Like You
2 Frederiksen Denander - Never Try To Love Again
3 Pride Of Lions - Love's eternal flame
4 Bloodbound - Turn To Stone
5 Gotthard - Now
6 Sturm Und Drang - The raven
7 Nocturnal Rites - Never Again
8 Loverboy - Back for more
9 Allen/Lande - Wake-up call
10 Thunderstone - 10.000 Ways
11 Stan Bush - I'll Never Fall
12 Machine Men - No talk without the giant
13 Epica - Never enough
14 Ride The Sky - A smile from heaven's eye
15 After Forever - Energize me
16 Mehida - Guilty
17 Dream Asylum - Just let me know
18 Shylock - U feel
19 Ari Koivunen - Hear my call
20 Gotthard - The oscar goes to you
21 Work Of Art - Why do I
22 Kamelot - Edenecho
23 Bloodbound - Into Eternity
24 Nemesea - Believe
25 Nostradameus - The untouchables
26 Dreamland - Eye For An Eye
27 After Forever - Envision
28 Nightwish - Cadence of her last breath
29 Eden's Curse - Fly away
30 Primal Fear - Fighting the darkness
31 Insania - Hope
32 Norway - Anything at all
33 Lord - Same old lines
34 Sturm Und Drang - Mortals
35 Pride Of Lions - Let Me Let You Go
36 Within Temptation - The howling
37 Ari Koivunen - Stormwind
38 Pride Of Lions - Language of the heart
39 Nightwish - For the Heart I Once Had
40 Dream Theater - The Ministry Of Lost Souls
41 Ari Koivunen - Stay true
42 Symphony X - Eve of seduction
43 Helloween - As long as I fall
44 Mystic Prophecy - Sacrifice Me
45 Pink Cream 69 - Out of this World
46 Crashdiet - Overnight
47 Allen/Lande - Under the waves
48 Sun Caged - Departing words
49 Within Temptation - Frozen
50 Glory Opera - Ants of fire
51 Excalion - Arriving as the Dark
52 Frederiksen Denander - Let Him Go
53 Circus Maximus - Arrival of love
54 David Readman - Don't let it slip away
55 Ride The Sky - The prince of darkness
56 Vision Divine - Eyes of a child
57 Symphony X - Set The World On Fire (The Lie Of Lies)
58 Mehida - Grace
59 At Vance - Golden leaves
60 Dream - Never let go
61 The Poodles - Band of brother
62 Scorpions - Humanity
63 Krypteria - Somebody save me
64 The Poodles - Reach the sky
65 Burn - Dangerous Times
66 Last Autumn's Dream - After tomorrow's gone
67 Two Of A Kind - The Longest night
68 After Forever - Sweet enclosure
69 Fair Off - Not in paradise
70 Kingfisher Sky - Seven Feet
71 Dennis De Young - Rain
72 Tempestt - Enemy in you
73 Avantasia - Lost in space
74 Sturm Und Drang - Broken
75 Magica - No matter what
76 Frederiksen Denander - Written in stone
77 Los Angeles - When You Think Of Me
78 Kamelot - Silence of the darkness
79 Marion Raven - Falling away
80 Xandria - Save my life
81 Astral Doors - Freedom war
82 Octavia Sperati - Moonlit
83 Dante Fox - The Last Goodbye
84 Silent Force - My Independence Day
85 Gotthard - Master of Illusion
86 HIM - Bleed well
87 Threshold - Slipstream
88 Lec Zorn Project - Long time coming
89 Xystus - R.O.C.
90 Domine - Tempest calling
91 Within Temptation - Hand of sorrow
92 Delight - Divided
93 Scorpions - The game of life
94 Voices Of Rock - Slip away
95 Pagan's Mind - United alliance
96 Derdian - I Don't Wanna Die
97 Rush - Far cry
98 Avalanch - Hoy te he vuelto a recordar
99 Neverday - Broken hearts
100 Manowar - Blood brothers
101 Eden's Curse - Judgement day
102 Lizzy Borden - Tomorrow never comes
103 Heavenly - Spill Blood On Fire
104 La Ventura - Trefoil
105 REO Speedwagon - I Needed To Fall
106 Fair Off - U
107 Robin Beck - Love Me Like A Man
108 Thought Chamber - A legends avalon
109 Tri State Corner - Ela na this
110 Hanna Pakarinen - Kiss of life
111 Skansis - Dangermind
112 Bloodbound - The tempter
113 Epica - Living a lie
114 House Of Games - Evil in needle
115 The Donnas - Don't Wait Up for Me
116 Kresta - Fantasy
117 Iced Earth - Ten thousand strong
118 CC Rock - My special lady
119 Gamma Ray - When the world
120 Hartmann - Coming home to you
121 Dream Theater - Forsaken
122 Steel Seal - Anger storm
123 Ride The Sky - New Protection
124 Anubis Gate - The final overture
125 Darkwater - Tallest Tree
126 When The Empire Falls - The blood in your hands
127 Poverty's No Crime - Open your eyes
128 Dream - Cry
129 DGM - New life
130 Civilization One - Legends of the Past (Carry On)
131 Circus Maximus - Abyss
132 Hanna Pakarinen - Leave me alone
133 Uniklubi - Myrrky
134 White Wolf - America
135 The Codex - Beyond The Dark
136 Eyes of Eden - Star
137 Joe Lynn Turner - Blood red sky
138 David Readman - Without you
139 Vitalij Kuprij - Burning My Soul
140 Astra - You'll Be Forever Young
141 The Click Five - Addicted to me
142 Wetton Downes - Finger on the trigger
143 Land Of Tales - All the same
144 Ken Hensley - This is just the beginning
145 Two Of A Kind - Light in the Dark
146 Airtime - River runs deep
147 Kelly Clarkson - Never Again
148 Iron Savior - Cybernatic Queen
149 Richard Andersson's Space Odyssey - Obsession
150 The Giant Leap - Somebody else
151 Deadlock - Code Of Honor
152 Metalium - Spirits
153 Marion Raven - Break You
154 Gary Hughes - I Know It's Time
155 Allen Lande - Who can you trust
156 Primal Fear - Everytime it rains
157 Dark Water - Habit
158 Human Zoo - Over the horizon
159 The Ladder - Sea of love
160 Morian - Away from the sun
161 Alana Grace - Paranoid
162 Ana Johnsson - Catch me if you can
163 At Vance - Shiver
164 Iron Fire - Follow the sign
165 Hard Spirit - Every street of sorrow
166 Twilightning - Isolation Shell
167 Rush - Workin' them angels
168 Civilization One - The lost souls
169 Razorback - Deadringer
170 Lorihen - Vida eterna
171 Kelly Keaggy - When nobody's looking
172 Elli - Can't deny it
173 Messiah's Kiss - Northern_nights
174 Holy Hell - Last vision
175 Suspyre - April in the fall
176 Robby Valentine - Save Myself
177 Starcastle - Babylon
178 Ancara - Deny
179 Indigo Dying - Shattered life
180 Xandria - Vampire
181 Letter 7 - Salt of the Earth
182 The Donnas - When the show is over
183 Jeremy Camp - Tonight
184 Heavenly - The prince of the world
185 The Riplets - After Eight (the boy can dance)
186 After Eight - Now you can show
187 Dead Poetic - In coma
188 Essence Of Sorrow - Hollow
189 Strung Out - Calling
190 Cypher Seer - On chained down
191 Tarot - Crows fly back
192 Razorback - Dedringer
193 Brunorock - Julia
194 Nocturnal Rites - Call Out To The World
195 Vanishing Point - Behind the open door
196 Xystus - Mystified
197 Tempestt - Fallen moon
198 Threshold - Hollow
199 Allen/Lande - Obsession
200 Caamora - Shadows
201 Kyrie Eleison - Children of pain
202 Allen/Lande - Master of sorrow
203 Action - Don't leave me lonely
204 Seven Tears - Faded memory
205 Redrum - Heart to heart
206 Ironica - Make me whole again
207 Rock Ignition - Too tough to take
208 Rob Rock - Savior's call
209 Stone Lake - Cold blood
210 Night Ranger - Whatever Happened
211 Sun Caged - A fair trade
212 Sieges Even - Eyes Wide Open
213 Vertigo - Nobody's girl
214 Bad Religion - Grains of wrath
215 Nuclear Blast All Stars - Dirty wings
216 The Hooters - I'm alive
217 Pedestrians Of Blue - Promises
218 Bloodpit - Wise men don't cry
219 Jet Trail - Can you hear me calling
220 Nemesea - No more
221 Vindictiv - Dreams of a demon's head
222 Alter Bridge - Ties That Bind
223 Linehouse - Stormrider
224 Sirenia - My mind's eye
225 Avenged Sevenfold - Dear God
226 Aquaria - Iara
227 Ari Koivunen - Angels Are Calling
228 Rob Rock - Millernial reign
229 Blaze - See the light
230 David Bisbal - Silencio
231 Union Mac - Bring me in
232 Magnum - When we were younger
 

 

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!

 

 

UPDATED ON DECEMBER 25 - 2007

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...

 

 

 

UPDATED ON DECEMBER 10 - 2007

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...

 

 

UPDATED ON DECEMBER 1 - 2007

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!

 

UPDATED ON SEPTEMBER 1 - 2007

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 Darkvideoclip recording sessions:

One Life’: http://www.shamanimmortal.com/audio.php?lang=1

In The Dark’: http://www.novometal.com/soundcheck/ouvir.php?id=8

Pictures: 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 announced more tour dates in support of their awesome forthcoming album “New Religion”. Don’t miss this amazing band in their favourite environment!

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.

Nicolaj, who filled the vocal position of the powermetal band IRONY and his solo-project NICK HELLFORT so far, will be heard first time at the yet untitled upcoming DOMAIN album, which will be released in spring 2008.

 

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.
Song list for each is:

POP MEDLEY
Hotel California (The Eagles)
In Your Eyes (Peter Gabriel)
Sister Christian (Night Ranger)
Here I Go Again (Whitesnake)
Oh What A Night (Four Seasons)
Down Under (Men At Work)
Come On Eileen (Dexy's Midnight Runners)
Walk This Way (Aerosmith)
More Than A Feeling (Boston)
With Or Without You (U2)
I Need You Tonight (INXS)
Don't You Forget About Me (Simple Minds)
Grease (Frankie Valli)
Saturday In The Park (Chicago)
Every Breath You Take (The Police)
Billy Jean (Michael Jackson)
1999 (Prince)
Jump (Van Halen)
Animal (Def Leppard)
You Give Love A Bad Name (Bon Jovi)
Photograph (Def Leppard)
Caught Up In You (38 Special)
Uptown Girl (Billy Joel)
Hungry Like The Wolf (Duran Duran)
Mony Mony (Tommy James/Billy Idol)
Anyway You Want It (Journey)
Tainted Love (Soft Cell)
Crocodile Rock (Elton John)
Dancing With Myself (Billy Idol)
Rock & Roll (Led Zeppelin)

ROCK MEDLEY
Wanted Dead Or Alive (Bon Jovi)
Tom Sawyer (Rush)
Lovin Every Minute Of It (Loverboy)
Pour Some Sugar On Me (Def Leppard)
Back In Black (AC/DC)
Sweet Emotion (Aerosmith)
Shout At The Devil (Motley Crue)
The Zoo (Scorpions)
Still Of The Night (Whitesnake)
Rock Of Ages (Def Leppard)
For Whom The Bell Tolls (Metallica)
Wildside (Motley Crue)
Sweet Child Of Mine (Guns & Roses)
Crazy Train (Ozzy Osbourne)
Ain't Talking About Love (Van Halen)
We're Not Gonna Take It (Twisted Sister)
Runaway (Bon Jovi)
Talk Dirty To Me (Poison)
Paranoid (Black Sabbath)
Don't Tell Me You Love Me (Night Ranger)
Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen)
Stairway To Heaven (Led Zeppelin)

The CD is available on the band's website, www.7thheavenband.com
and includes FREE shipping worldwide!

You can hear both medley's on the bands website as well under the "Music" jukebox

Look for a new unplugged cd and a new original cd coming soon from 7th heaven.


Richie Hofherr
www.7thheavenband.com
www.ntdworld.com

 

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!!

http://www.mandrrush.com

 

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
the first official PLATENS' video clicking on this page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb8iGx-40cg
The song is  "Can feel it", second track of Between Two Horizons , my first solo album released for Frontiers Records in 2004.
In the meanwhile , the 3th of august I’ll play live with my new band RESET. The location is a pub of Licata in Sicily.
Our main purpose is to play Rock everywhere and everyplace we can do.
I spent too much time in the studio for Platens, Violet Sun and other projects, songs or compositions. So I’m little tired to stay closed in my den. This new band is the best thing I could do during this period. I wanna Rock right now!

The Line up is:
Dario Grillo: lead vocals
Orazio Fontes: Guitar
Daniele Castania: Bass
Enrico Di Bella: Drum

The Violet Sun’s debut album is still in progress and it seems to sound like a real fuckin’ BOMB just now. I must still do the final mix and mastering. So stay tuned for upcoming news

 

UPDATED ON JULY 17 - 2007

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

 

 

UPDATED ON JANUARY 2 - 2007

 

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

 

UPDATED ON SEPTEMBER 6 - 2006

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.

 

UPDATED ON JULY 11 - 2006

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.

 

UPDATED ON JULY 4 - 2006

STRUTTER'ZINE - HUGE UPDATE!

Check the reviewspage, HUGE UPDATE, soon updates on other pages... Please bookmark a change of our website address to:

http://www.strutter.co.nr

 

NAPALM RECORDS -

Napalm Records

RELEASE 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

 

UPDATED ON MARCH 7 - 2006

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...

 

UPDATED ON FEBRUARY 6 - 2006

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

1

Allen/Lande

Hunter's night

2

Nocturnal Rites

Our wasted days

3

Dungeon

Under the cross

4

Gotthard

Anytime, anywhere

5

Wigwam

In my dreams

6

Edge Of Forever

Shade of november

7

Azraels Bane

Chasing a memory

8

Kamelot

The haunting

9

Axenstar

Salvation

10

Place Vendome

I will be waiting

11

Vanishing Point

Somebody save me

12

Final Frontier

Beauty and the beast

13

The Click Five

Catch your wave

14

Robin Beck

Coming back for more

15

Heartland

Where do we go from here?

16

Radioactive

Love is on your mind

17

Kayak

Act of despair

18

Philip Bardowell

It's a long road

19

Shy

Open your heart

20

Starbreaker

Lies

21

Ynis Vitrin

When the moon lost it's shine

22

Masterplan

Wounds

23

Astral Doors

Bride of Christ

24

Godiva

When lightning strikes

25

Kino

Telling me to tell you

26

Khymera

Field of fire

27

After Forever

Being everyone

28

Stryper

When did I see you cry

29

Blanc Faces

It's a little too late

30

Within Temptation

See who I am

31

Alien

Oh Sarah

32

Rob Rock

Calling angels

33

Jaded Heart

Shores of paradise

34

Bruce Turgon

Walk through fire

35

Skyscraper

Anguish

36

Dreamland

Die slowly

37

Soul Sirkus

Friends to lovers

38

Felony

My way

39

Divine Fire

New beginning

40

Firewind

Tyranny

41

Vanilla Ninja

Cool vibes

42

Harem Scarem

Don't come easy

43

Lana Lane

Someone to believe

44

Vision Divine

The perfect machine

45

Stratovarius

Just carry on

46

Ben Jackson Group

All over you

47

Journey

Faith in the heartland

48

LAB

Love like hell

49

Labyrinth

Dive in open waters

50

Majestic Vanguard

Don't want to be an actor

51

U2

A man and a woman

52

Thunderstone

Liquid of the kings

53

Royal Hunt

Never give up

54

Shakra

Chains of temptation

55

SIN

Nightwinds

56

Walk The Sky

Face to face

57

Forgotten Tales

March for freedom

58

TNT

Too late

59

Line Of Fire

Paradise

60

Orange Sky

It's over

61

Coheed and Cambria

Welcome home

62

Disturbed

Ten thousand fights

63

Dream Theater

Walk beside you

64

Dark Illusion

Child of the night

65

Arena

The shattered room

66

Brainstorm

All those words

67

Ra 

Tell me

68

Kamera

Chance

69

Primal Fear

All for one

70

Rockarma

Feels like I'm falling

71

Timeless Miracle

The red rose

72

Xandria

In love with the darkness

73

Bo Bice

It's my life

74

The Veronicas

4ever

75

Bratz

So good

76

Stride

Time

77

Kaiser Chiefs

I predict a riot

78

Dogpound

In another lifetime

79

Phil Vincent

Fatal love

80

Malpractice

The long run

81

Lee Z

Nights in Dover

82

Serenity

Forever

83

Helloween

Ms. God

84

Savage Circus

Evil eyes

85

Epica

Blank infinity

86

Hammerfall

Bloodbound

87

Black Majesty

Firestorm

88

Metalium

Cyber horizon

89

Gamma Ray

Fight

90

Delight

Anew

91

Billy Idol

Rat race

92

Bruce Dickinson

Abduction

93

At Vance

Tell me

94

Donnas, the

Fall behind me

95

Joe Lynn turner

Power of love

96

Circle 2 Circle

In this life

97

Tierra Santa

Sonar con Ella

98

Dropkick Murphys

Your spirit is alive

99

Tribuzy

Forgotten time

100

Slunt

The best thing

 

Discovered acts in 2005 (independent/demo/signed in homecountry/signed to very small label)

Bandname Country of origin Genre
7 Sins Sweden Melodic Metal
Ashent Italy Melodic Progressive/Power Metal
Azraels Bane USA 80s Melodic US Power Metal
Broken Vegas USA 80s Melodic US Power Metal
Brutal Hand USA 80s Melodic US Power Metal
Cellador USA 80s US meets present Euro Power Metal
Cellador USA Power Metal
Charing Cross Switzerland Melodic Hardrock
Crash Moderns USA Melodic Poprock
Danielle McKee Canada Female fronted Melodic Poprock
Dark Illusion Sweden Melodic Metal
Ephemeral Sun USA Female Fronted Goth Power Metal
Felony Switzerland Melodic Metal
Hard Way Brazil AOR
Hellcity 13 Finland Melodic Hardrock
Hunter Canada Melodic Progressive Rock
Ivory Knight Canada 80s Melodic US Power Metal
Jace USA AOR/Melodic Rock
Kapel Maister Brazil Gothic Progressive/Power Metal
Line Of Fire USA Melodic Rock
Local Stranger USA 80s Melodic US Power Metal
Lovechild Liechtenstein Melodic Hardrock
Luv Planet USA AOR/Melodic Rock
Madwork Italy Melodic Progressive/Power Metal
Magic Pie Norway Progressive Rock
Magistral Chile Power Metal
Moonsafari Sweden Progressive Rock/Pomprock
Myland Italy AOR
One Of Sixx USA 80s Melodic US Power Metal
Operatika USA Female Fronted Goth Power Metal
Orange Sky (Universal Records in Trinidad) Trinidad & Tobago Modern Melodic Rock
Pavic Italy Classic Hardrock
Pedestrians Of Blue Norway Progressive AOR
Pleasure Maker USA Melodic Hardrock/Partyrock
Pursuit USA Progressive Metal meets AOR
Rachel Italy AOR/Melodic Rock
Radiocraft USA Female fronted Melodic Rock
Random Eyes Finland Melodic Metal
Serenity Austria Melodic Progressive Metal
Shine Sweden Melodic Rock
Skyscraper Brazil Progressive Metal
Sofia Sweden Female fronted Melodic Poprock
Suza USA Female fronted Melodic AOR
Timeline USA Progressive AOR
Troll USA 80s Melodic US Power Metal
Vanity Sweden Female fronted Melodic Rock
Walk The Sky USA Melodic Hardrock
Willowglass UK Neo-Progressive Rock
Winterstrain (signed to Z RECORDS) Norway Melodic Progressive Rock
Ynis Vitrin Brazil Power Metal

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
Hearts” May 2006

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.
Firstly we are proud to anounce, that we found a new guy for the 4-string. Wolfgang will continue his work for the band as a full-time guitarplayer, and the new man on the bass is Jan Ebert, who played for bands like Scenes, Pump or Saidian. We are proud to have him in the team.

On top of that we can now introduce our new singer.
The new man on the mic is no one less than famed greek singer John Jeff Touch. His coverband "Phenomenom" is a well-known band in the area around Thessaloniki. He won the first price out of 72 participants of the international festival of dobrich, bulgaria, in 2002, and two prices of the international festival of varna, bulgaria, in 2003. He is known outside of the borders of greece for his work with finish guitarist Lars Eric Mattsson. With him he released the album "Vision - on the edge" through lionmusic in 2004.

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.
With these two guys we now gained new power for the future and we will already start to record our third album in the fall 2006.

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.
Thank you for every single letter and email.

pOwEr To ThE mUsIc 

 

EDGE OF FOREVER - MESSAGE FROM EDGE OF FOREVER

This message is from Alessandro Del Vecchio and Edge Of Forever. It's been a while since our last album "Let The Demon Rock'n'Roll" was released. Something really changed during this long period. First of all, Edge Of Forever has a new line up. It's with sadness that I announce that Matteo Carnio, Christian Grillo and the great, one and only Bob Harris are not in the band anymore. EOF will get through a new phase in its life. First of all we got the chance to take the band on stage. We did some gigs opening for our friend Jeff Scott Soto, who didn't hide his compliments about our shows. In December we tested the new band during our first italian tour and I gotta say it was so cool. As for Matteo, Chris and Bob, as I told in the news section of our site, sometimes music it's not only made of notes and Francesco and me had to take decisions for what we think it's best for EOF. I will always miss Bob as one of the best singer on earth and always thank him for his role in my life; he is way more than just a singer. Matteo and Chris will always be part of this band; they were there when we got it. We'll never forget this. We looked for musicians and singers all across Italy and we came up with these guys: Walter Caliaro on guitars and Dimitri Oldani on bass. These guys are the best we could ask for us. Walter is a true rock guitar player, who doesn't hide his deep and emotional vision of music. He is also graduated at the conservatory in classical guitar. Dimitri is a 23 y.o. bass player and was the real surprise of our auditions. He was the youngest musician we called and he really got it for his enthusiasm and passion for music. And yes...it's me on vocals. The first one who encouraged me to do so was Bob, who always pushed me to take the lead vocals duty in EOF. Well, we'll bet on this..thanks Bob:-).  On 1/6/2006 Francesco started his second tour with U.D.O. (see the tourdates!) and the only thing I can say is not to miss his shows!!!! Another great new is that Moonston Project http://www.moonstone.it/  is to be released through Majestic Records on April 24th. Among the greatest rock musicians you could put together in the rock scene you will find my vocals on the song Silent Hunter with the great Ian Paice and Tony Franklin and some keyboards on the song City of Lites, featuring the immense Steve Walsh.

Within the end of April we will complete the writing sessions for the new record. We have already some songs ready and we can't wait to have the new record done!. The first impression is that you won't miss any of what you liked on our first two records, but we will some put some new influences as for vocals and guitars. We want to do a more class metal record, but melodies and neoclassical elements are still the main feature. Just for letting you enjoy what we're doing, you will find some new music here http://www.edgeofforever.it/media/media.htm We have re-recorded the song "Dance into The Fire", from the record Feeding The Fire, with the new line-up. As we told you some times ago we did a cover of Irene Cara's "What A Feeling" that'll be featured on our next record. Then finally something fresh;-) This is the first song recorded by the new EOF: "I Won't Call You" was a song Alessandro originally wrote for another project..but as soon as the line-up was put together we decided to do this song as beginning of the new works. That's all for now. We wish you the best and don't miss to visit our new site. We wait for your comments through our guestbook and e-mail.
Love, Alessandro Del Vecchio http://www.edgeofforever.it/  http://www.mtm-music.com/  info@edgeofforever.it


 

 

ISC - 2005 INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION FINALISTS ANNOUNCED -
LISTEN AND VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE SONG

For Immediate Release, February 2, 2006...The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is pleased to announce its 2005 finalists. These finalists were selected out of almost 15,000 entries from 80 countries and represent the top 1.4% of all entries submitted. For a complete list of 2005 ISC finalists, please visit:
http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/finalists2005.htm.

The finalists' songs are currently in the judges' hands, and winners will be announced in March, 2006 when the ISC judges have made their decision. ISC's judges include the presidents of ten record labels and esteemed artists such as Loretta Lynn, Sonny Rollins, Tom Waits, Amy Ray (Indigo Girls), Steve Vai, Darryl McDaniels (RUN DMC) and many more. Over $150,000 in cash and merchandise will be awarded to 50 winners, including the top honors of ISC 2005 Overall Grand Prize winner.

The ISC Grand Prize package is carefully put together to benefit the winning songwriter and maximize his or her songwriting career, including: $10,000 cash (US); a college radio promotion campaign; legal services from a music attorney; a CD Duplication Package; premium recording software and hardware; music and recording equipment; and much more.

The 2005 ISC finalists' songs are also listed online for the 2005 People's Voice - an online voting contest that allows the public to listen to and vote for their favorite ISC finalist. The winner of the People's Voice is selected solely by public vote and is in addition to, and completely separate from, the regular winners who will be selected by the prestigious ISC judging panel. Visit http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/pvwelcome_2005.htm to listen to the 2005 ISC finalists' songs and cast your vote!

Judges for the 2005 competition include: Tom Waits; Loretta Lynn; Sonny Rollins; John Scofield; Steve Vai; 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); BeBe Winans; Peter Hook (New Order); Benji Madden (Good Charlotte); Charlie Musselwhite; The Donnas; Monte Lipman (President, Universal Records); Keith Wozencroft (President, Capitol Music UK); Glen Barros (CEO/President, Concord Records); Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records); Cameron Strang (President, New West Records); Dan Storper (President, Putumayo World Music); Michael McDonald (President, ATO Records); Alexandra Patsavas (Owner, The Chop Shop Music Supervision - credits include The OC, Grey's Anatomy, Without A Trace, Carnivale, Rescue Me ); 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, Music For Little People), Thomas Brooman (Co-Founder/Artistic Director, WOMAD); Cory Robbins (Founder/President, Robbins Entertainment); Emily Wittmann (Vice-President, Nick Records); Patrick Moxey (President, Ultra Records/You Records/Sequence Records/Escondida Music/Empire Mgmt.) and Danny Epstein (Music Supervisor, Sesame Street/Sesame Workshop).

2005 Sponsors include: Epiphone, ASCAP, Berklee College Of Music, L.R. Baggs, Disc Makers, Alphabet Arm Design, FYE, Cakewalk, Fishman Tranducers, ADK Microphones, Moog Music, Sam Ash Music Stores, Sibelius, Planetary Group, Hear Technologies, Music Registry, Mediaguide, ArtistMonitor, Onlinegigs.com, Musician's Atlas, Sonicbids and Performer.com.

--
International Songwriting Competition
211 Seventh Avenue North, Suite LL-20
Nashville, TN 37219
Phone: 615.251.4441
Fax: 615.251.4442
songwritingcompetition.com


Complete List Of 2005 ISC Finalists

AAA/Roots/Americana
Black Crow Callin'
Karl Broadie - North Bondi, NSW, Australia
Don't Go Away Robert J. Conaway - DeForest, WI, USA
Dying Bed Markus Rill - Wuerzburg, Germany
Hole In The Floor Sam Buckingham - West Pymble, NSW, Australia
I Think Of You Dinah Brein, Helen Darling - Bainbridge Island, WA, USA
L'indien Paulo Mondano - Nice, France
Letters Katie Terrio - Newton, MA, USA
Once Upon A Time Daniel Worley (City Goat) - Ypsilanti, MI, USA
Sense Got Out Wayne Mason - Paekakariki, New Zealand
Stronger Dobs Vye, James Reynolds - London, England
Take Good Care Clare Burson, Lex Price - Brooklyn, NY, USA
The Wind Keri Latimer - Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Til Now Damien Binder, Robert Shepheard - Sydney, NSW, Australia
Universal Nina Hynes - Bray, Wicklow, Ireland

Blues
Baby, I Am Your Crime
Richard Stuart Coburn - Albrightsville, PA, USA
Blackjack Papa George - London, England
Déjà Vu All Over Again Keith Dunn - Rotterdam, Netherlands
I'm Good To Go Rick Fines - Peterborough, ON, Canada
Leave It Gone Mojo Stu, Mitch Goldfarb - Thorndale, PA, USA
Missing You Lene Strøyer Sørensen - Værløse, Denmark
Move A Little Faster Andy Logan - Nashville, TN, USA
Old Fashioned Guy Jody C. Getz - Cleveland, OH, USA
Poor Man Blues Paul Oscher - Santa Monica, CA, USA
Someone To Hold Sam Taylor - Islandia, NY, USA
Southern Comfort EG Kight, Tom Horner - Dublin, GA, USA
Way Down Homeless Blues Steve Romig - Ivanhoe East, VIC, Australia

Children's Music
Animals Belong In Class
Bryan Mace, Chris Bihuniak (Teacher And The Rockbots) - Kansas City, MO, USA
Anteater's Pants Pete Davie, Jeanette Smith - Sydney, NSW, Australia
Bones, Bones, Bones Steven Schoenberg, Jane Schoenberg - New Salem, MA, USA
Born For A Reason Greg Marshall, Jeremy Bryan (Figureheads) - Madison, WI, USA
Dinky Di Aussie Phil Splitter, Susie Davies-Splitter (The Splitters) - Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Family Vacation Sam Glaser - Los Angeles, CA, USA
I Believe In B Marc Dinkin - New York, NY, USA
Kiki Kangaroo Steve Weeks - Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Oh, My Goodness! Nitanju Bolade Casel (Sweet Honey In The Rock) - Silver Spring, MD, USA
Picking All The Peas Jamie Barnett - Murietta, CA, USA
Scarecrow Andy Z - Redwood City, CA, USA
The Swing Along Song - Dana Cohenour - Blaine, WA, USA
The Third Grade Song Corbin Anderson (Pencilhead and the Playground Punks) - Schwenksville, PA, USA
Wobbly Bear Douglas Pell - Ardsley, NY, USA

Country
A Step Behind Paul Nelson, Sue Fink - Santa Monica, CA, USA
Ain't Been No Trash In This Trailer Since You've Been Gone Stella Black - Columbia, SC, USA
Can I Run In The Dark (And Still Walk In The Light) Kyle Jennings - Nashville, TN, USA
Don't Touch My Willie Holly Watson, Kevin Fowler, Bobby Pounds - Austin, TX, USA
Good Ol USA Darrell Scott - Nashville, TN, USA
Goodbye Cry Johnny Bulford - Orlando, FL, USA
Little Old You Don Castle - Sherwood, AR, USA
Love Made A Liar Out Of Me Steven McClintock, Victoria Shaw, Mitch Malloy - Long Beach, CA, USA
Rain Rain Ruben Estevez - Nashville, TN, USA
Run And Tell Dr. Phil Chris Brade - Wichita Falls, TX, USA
Thank God For Beer Jesse Lee, Phil O'Donnell, Tim Owens - Nashville, TN, USA
The Long Night Natalie Howard, Terry McBride, Tommy Lee James - Nerang, QLD, Australia
You Can Cry David Leask, Debra Alexander - Mississauga, ON, Canada

Dance/Electronica
Birthday
Jessy Moss - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, USA
Black Hole Traz Damji, Ken Marshall (The Humble Brothers) - North Hills, CA, USA
Goodbye Juggernaut Kayt Jourdanson, Scott Kinnebrew (Matson Belle) - Ohlsbach, Germany
Houston Skyline Kate Simko, Philip Glass - Chicago, IL, USA
I'm Lost Meital Patash (Knob) - Jafa, Israel
Nightclub City Kathy Romeo, Dino Pacifici - Montreal, QC, Canada
Nun Other MoShang - Taichung, Taiwan
Stakeout Kasson Crooker, Jussi Gamache (Freezepop and Symbion Project) - Cambridge, MA, USA
Tell Me Why Recone Helmut (pH10), Pete Miser - Brooklyn, NY, USA
The Good Stuff Leslie Meils, Matt Meils (Sid Maudlin) - Chicago, IL, USA
Time Will Always Tell Neil Cascarino, Colin Preston (DJ Mikaso) - Kettering, Northamptonshire, England
Your Country Jonathan Dagan (J. Viewz) - Carmel, Israel

Folk/Singer-Songwriter
Alcohol And Pills Fred Eaglesmith (Flying Squirrels) - Port Dover, ON, Canada
Anywhere On This Road Lhasa de Sela (Lhasa) - Montreal, QC, Canada
Bus To You Clare Muldaur - New York, NY, USA
Car Wreck Haley Bonar - St. Paul, MN, USA
Cry On Ida Kristin Johansson - Enskede, Sweden
Houdini Dave Strackany (Paleo) - Elgin, IL, USA
I'm Comin' Home Stephen Belin Jr - Nashville, TN, USA
In The Gutter Mick Flannery - Blarney, Co. Cork, Ireland
Long Time Gone Darrell Scott - Nashville, TN, USA
New Year Corey Landis - Los Angeles, CA, USA
People Look Around Catie Curtis, Mark Erelli - Ventura, CA, USA
What's The Point Graham Isaacson - Portland, ME, USA
When You Find Me Tara Angell - Brooklyn, NY, USA
Work To Do Amy Loftus, Will Kimbrough - Nashville, TN, USA

Gospel/Christian
Choose David Bruce (Luminous) - Kona, HI, USA
Dyin' To Know You Monty Lee Kimble, Peter Daniel Newman, Mike Musik - Brentwood, TN, USA
Grace Jonathan Kingham - Seattle, WA, USA
In The Pocket Greg Sczebel - Salmon Arm, BC, Canada
Lord Have Mercy On Me Wes Tuttle - Mobile, AL, USA
Lord I Have Found You Johnny M. Adams - Winter Garden, FL, USA
Love Like Rain Daniel Doss - Clarksville, TN, USA
Love On My Skin Roma Waterman - Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Made Up My Mind Roger Angove, Aaron Healy, Michael Page, Duncan Pankhurst (Zebulun) - Auckland, New Zealand
Mansion Vonda McFarlane, Winston McFarlane, Robyn Taylor - Dorchester, MA, USA
Rain Down Grace Brian Montrey (Rain) - Madison, WI, USA
Shine The Light A. Collins (Sugarcane Collins) - Cairns, QLD, Australia
Supernatural Andy James Court - Perth, WA, Australia
Unity Gary D. Hines (Sounds Of Blackness) - Minneapolis, MN, USA
Who Lives In Me Kamilah Allen (Milah) - College Park, GA, USA

Instrumental
Black And Blue
Bobby Manriquez - Redwood City, CA, USA
Blue Krzysia Gorniak - Warsaw, Poland
Chaos City Sam Lee - Amagasaki-shi, Hyogo-ken, Japan
Cora-Flamenca Prince Diabate- Los Angeles, CA, USA
Epiphany Robert Rodriguez (The Rodriguez Brothers) - New York, NY, USA
Mis Tres Notas Omar Sosa - Oakland, CA, USA
Orlik Jindrich Pavlis (Czech Clarinet Quartet) - Praha, Czech Republic
Pochade Wajdi Cherif - Montrouge, France
Roller Coaster Angel Ruiz (Lee Wolfe & Blue Rangers) - Gijon Asturias, Spain
Shinkansen Preston Reed - Girvan, Scotland
Snakebanger's Ball Prasanna - Boston, MA, USA
Tom, Brad, & Alice April Verch - Pembroke, ON, Canada

Jazz
Aubade
Tom Taylor - Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Caribbean Mood Aron Romhanyi - Székesfehérvár Hungary
Der Kleine Wassermann Andreas Wahl - Essen, Germany
I Just Want To Know Cynthia Scott - New York, NY, USA
In The Middle Of The Night Lenny Marcus - Roanoke, VA, USA
King Of Midnight Joy Eden Harrison - Chicago, IL, USA
Melody For Le Quecumbar Lollo Meier - Born, Netherlands
Monk Abram Wilson - Harrow, Middlesex, England
Raga Bop Prasanna - Boston, MA, USA
Rhodes Rage Kerry Politzer - Forest Hills, NY, USA
S Harvie S - Hastings-On-Hudson, NY, USA
Snake Charmer Rez Abbasi - New York, NY, USA
So It Goes Matt Shulman - Riverdale, NY, USA

Lyrics Only
A Good Old Song
Gaylon Embrey - Quitman, TX, USA
Coffee With Emily Alessandra Young - Brooklyn, NY, USA
Heart Hangin' On A Hook George Torosian Jr. - Cape Coral, FL, USA
Love And Learn Heather Murk St. - Charles, IL, USA
Only One Me Eli-Rose Sanford - London, England
The Tender Mick Flannery - Blarney, Co. Cork, Ireland
Velvet Elvis Ralston Bowles - Grand Rapids, MI, USA

Performance
Creation
Meg Okura (Pan Asian Chamber Jazz Ensemble) - Brooklyn, NY, USA
Diamond In The Sand Simon Petty (Minibar) - Santa Monica, CA, USA
Fallout Susan Levine - Newburyport, MA, USA
Hot Owl John Dyer - Brooklyn, NY, USA
Ivy Jeremy Podgursky (The Pennies) - Louisville, KY, USA
Last Thing Diana Anaid - Nimbin, NSW, Australia
Mexico Ben Kyle (Romantica) - Minneapolis, MN, USA
Milwaukee Laurie Geltman - Los Angeles, CA, USA
Montana Liz Carlisle - Cambridge, MA, USA
None Of Those Things Cat Jahnke - Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Patience Greta Gertler (Greta Gertler & The Extroverts) - Brooklyn, NY, USA
Rag Tag Jeff Siegel - Shokan, NY, USA
The Jewel Light Aisha Kahlil (Myka & The Whole World Band) - Silver Spring, MD, USA

Pop/Top 40
Dialling Tone
Will Kevans (Junk TV) - London, England
Do You Feel The Cold? Peter Rudd (Tourist) - Auckland, New Zealand
Go Find Her Kat Parsons, Mike Busbee - Los Angeles, CA, USA
Goodbye Stewart JW Reynolds (Brittlestar) - Stratford, ON, Canada
Had To Let You Go Manuela Hofer - Brattvaag, Norway
High On You Marcus Winther-John - Vanløse , Denmark
I Choose You Holly Mathis, Bernie Barlow, John Nooney - Frazier Park, CA, USA
I've Got Your Number Cheyne Coates - South Yarra, VIC, Australia
Maybe Tomorrow Geoff Maddock (Goldenhorse) - Auckland, New Zealand
Ready To Kiss A Girl Cadence Grace, JC Smith - Toronto, ON, Canada
Smile Leslie Howe, Nicolas Johansen - Atlanta, GA, USA
The Stalking Song Dennis Fallon (Katsu)- State College, PA, USA
There's Us Christopher Ward, Rob Wells - Toronto, ON, Canada

R&B/Hip-Hop
Addicted Ruben Dario, Sporty Loco - Newhall, CA, USA
All Around The World Jacob Washington, Joshua Washington, Rachael Washington (The Souljahz), Chris Rodriguez - Captain Cook, HI, USA
Boombip Young Sin, Chin Injeti - Vancouver, BC, Canada
Bulldozer Kurt Johnson - Orinda, CA, USA
C'est Pas De Notre Faute Ray Ray, Adil Takhssait - Montreal, QC, Canada
Fall Back Emmanuel Afilaka, Andrew Bayon, Marlon Peters (Choong Family) - London, England
Get A Job Tiana Hux, Craig Honeycutt, Steve Van Dam - New Orleans, LA, USA
Got You Caught Langdon Auger - Victoria, BC, Canada
Houla La Hamid Ounnabi (Youbenn) - Paris, France
Life Time Rasheem Pugh, Vada Nobles - Piscataway, NJ, USA
Love It Man Quinton Hardin - Dallas , TX, USA
Real, True Love Gary D. Hines (Sounds Of Blackness) - Minneapolis, MN, USA
Speedbag Will Wright (R.A.W.child), Nick Apa - Gananoque, ON, Canada
What We've Lost Grover A. Zinn, Dena M. Chutuk (The Deadly Twins) - Marina Del Rey, CA, USA

Rock
Already Here
Lou Barlow, Dave Zwieback - New York, NY, USA
Eyes On You Simon Wilcox, Sam Taylor - Toronto, ON, Canada
First Time To New Orleans Stuart Wolferman (Imaginary Johnny) - Brooklyn, NY, USA
Frozen Through Billy Harvey - Austin, TX, USA
Get It Back David Braid, Michael Mooney (The Hollow Bodies), Jonathan Burnside - Newtown, NSW, Australia
Junk Christoffer Lundquist, David Birde, Jens Jansson - Vollsjö, Sweden
My Three Wishes Patrice Pike, Wayne Sutton, Darrell Phillips, Sean Phillips - Austin, TX, USA
Quit You Now Thom Donovan (Lapush) - St. Louis, MO
Sorry Again Tomi Swick - Toronto, ON, Canada
Subway Sonata Mason Frenzel - Murfreesboro, TN, USA
The Buzz Is Over Bridget London, Winston Stone (The Mates) - Santa Barbara, CA, USA
The Heart Of The Matador David Tomaloff (The Dammitheads) - Racine, WI, USA
The Sleep Inside Elizabeth Elkins (The Swear) - Atlanta, GA, USA
Thieves Of Memory Caleb Stull (Parlour Steps) - Vancouver, BC, Canada
Traffic Jaren Johnston, Court Clement (Bang Bang Bang) - Nashville, TN, USA
Turn Up The Faders Nathan Asher (Nathan Asher & The Infantry) - Raleigh, NC, USA

Teen
Air And Scissors
Jamison K. Baker - Altadena, CA, USA
Bashed Up, Beaten, Battered, Broken Heart Kirsty Lee Akers - Stanford Merthyr, NSW, Australia
Crazy Over You Ashleigh Marie - Whiteford, MD, USA
Help You Jordan Stacey (The Days) - Chicago, IL, USA
I Can Hardly Breathe Rachel MacGregor (The MacGregors) - Kelowna, BC, Canada
My Bliss Adrianne Lenker - Minneapolis, MN, USA
Prima's First Dance Yuma Sung - Palo Alto, CA, USA
Rock Star Lauren Duplechan - Los Angeles, CA, USA
The Devil Came Back For You Katie Brianna Garfoot (Katie Brianna) - Elermore Vale, NSW, Australia
Under Age Antonio Pontarelli - Temecula, CA, USA
Well Of Pain Alisha MacGregor (The MacGregors) - Kelowna, BC, Canada

World Music
Comigo Mesmo (With Myself) Lu Horta - Saõ Paulo, Brazil
Free Nigeria Baoku Moses - Cincinnati, OH, USA
Ji Opogore Yunasi - Nairobi, Kenya
Kisumu 100 (Benga Mix) Suzzana Owiyo - Nairobi, Kenya
Klezmer A La Bechet David Krakauer - Brooklyn, NY, USA
Leemou Saskia Laroo - Amsterdam, Netherlands
Maria Salome Saida Karoli - Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Rebel Woman Chiwoniso Maraire - Harare, Zimbabwe
Run Selasee Atiase - Accra, Ghana
So Nice Tammy Ben-Eliezer (Minx), Sheldon Campbell (Turbulence) - Brooklyn, NY, USA
Tingo Al Tango Richie Gajate-Garcia, Thania Sanz - Granada Hills, CA, USA
Tomayziyi Jacob Chaudeurge, Andrew Wood, Jerry Boweh, Robin Miller, Alasdair MacDonald, Anna Macdonald, Lesley Wood-Brooks, Gavin Murray, Rosemary Amoani (Zuba) - Glasgow, Scotland
Transbalkanica Marcel Stefanet (Transbalkanica) - Chisinau, Moldova
Yeh Nahnin Kiran Ahluwalia, Rafi Naza - New York, NY, USA 

 

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!
Jim Wescott
bass player with Bodragaz
WWW.BODRAGAZ.COM

 

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.

http://www.frontiers.it/
 

 

UPDATED ON JANUARY 1 - 2006

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
during the year 2006. Both CDs are following a different conceptional approach and therefore won¹t be released together.
 
In order to continue our musical development, we decided to go two different ways on two independent records. Although in the beginning of the process we
were rather unsure whether we would be able to continue this path of separation during the composing work rigorously, we are now more than happy
to see the product of our efforts. We are confident that you will agree with us, when you hold both CDs in your hands.
 
The first CD will be entitled "POSTHUMOUS SILENCE" and is SYLVAN's first real concept album! In the tradition of MARILLION's "BRAVE", SAGA's
"GENERATION 13" or IQ's "SUBTERRANEA" we follow on this work a clear storyline and have connected all songs to form a global musical theme.
 
The second CD has the working title "PRESETS" and focuses on the opposite strength of SYLVAN's music. It is a rock album which consists of several
shorter, but highly emotional songs with epic choruses and a clear structure. Those of you, who think that our music sometimes is too long or
complicated, will love this album!
 
The expected release date of "POSTHUMOUS SILENCE" will be at the beginning of March 2006. We still don¹t know exactly when "PRESETS" will follow.
 
Those of you, who would like to get a first impression of the new material is invited to come to our Christmas show in Hamburg the 21st of December
2005 in the LOGO. Some premiers might be on the list S
 
To all the other, who can¹t join us there, we would like to wish you a merry Xmas and a wonderful new year.
 
Best wishes from Hamburg,
Matthias, Marco, Volker, Sebastian and Kay

homepage: http://www.sylvan.de/
 

 

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
2.
Into The Dark
3.
Nosferatu
4.
Metal Monster
5.
Crucified
6.
Desdemonamelia
7.
Fallen From Grace
8.
Screams In The Night
9.
For The King
10.
Midnight Sun
11.
On The Battlefield

Visit bloodbound online and leave a comment in the guestbook! : www.bloodbound.se

Asia
For more information, contact:
Yoshi Endo
Marquee/Avalon
Japan
avalon@marquee.co.jp

Europe
For more information, contact:
Birgitt Schwanke
GerMusica Promotion & Management
Germany
info@germusica.com
 

 

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.

Circus Maximus: Espen Storø (keyboards) has chosen to leave the band for personal reasons.

Communic: is now confirmed to play the "Queens Of Metal" festival to be held in Bayern, Germany on the 16th/17th of June 2006. The band will enter the studio in February to record the follow up to last year's critically acclaimed debut album "Conspiracy In Mind".

Eyefear: has recently signed a license deal with the Korean label Melodic Heaven for the release of "9 Elements of Inner Vision" in Asia, and are currently hard at work composing their next album "A World Of Grey".

Fate: yes, the classic Danish hardrock-quartet has regrouped and are at the moment finishing their come-back album "V". The band has also signed a management agreement with Intromental. The members of Fate anno 2005 are: Per Henriksen, Peter Steincke, Søren Hoff and Micke Qvist (ex- Elsesphere). Expect a release during the spring.

Loch Vostok: has recently finished the recordings of their 2nd album, "Loch Vostok And 2 Smoking Barrels", that will be shopped at various labels immediately. The band will be 1st support for King Diamond on the Scandinavian leg of the upcoming European tour in April - June 2006.

Outworld: has finished the recordings of their self-titled debut album (to be released on Replica Records in the spring).

Pyramaze: the official release date for the 2nd album (Legend Of The Bone Carver) is set to February 27th worldwide. The band has signed with Massacre Records for Europe (except France, where they are still under contract with Replica Records) and King Records for Japan. In USA the band is still signed to Nightmare Records, and with Melodic Heaven in Korea.

Secret Sphere: is now confirmed to play the Progpower UK festival on the 23rd of March. Secret Sphere is also set to be the 2nd slot band for the Scandinavian part of the King Diamond European tour 2006.

Seventh Wonder: is a new signing to Intromental. The Swedish band had their debut album released through Lion Music this fall.

Ureas: has signed a publishing deal with Brainzone / EMI Germany, for the upcoming debut album "The Naked Truth".

Wastefall: new signing to Intromental. The band will enter the studio next month to record the follow up to their critically acclaimed second album "Soulrain 21". We have signed the band worldwide to Sensory Records. Expect a release in the spring 2006.

For updates on the rest of the Intromental Management bands; please check out the Intromental website http://www.intromental.com/
 

 

 

UPDATED ON OCTOBER 21 - 2005

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
211 Seventh Avenue North, Suite LL-20
Nashville, TN 37219
Phone: 615.251.4441
Fax: 615.251.4442
http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/

For Immediate Release...October 17, 2005

International Songwriting Competition (ISC) Deadline Extended For Two Weeks All Entries Must Be Posted On Or Before October 31, 2005

The International Songwriting Competition has extended its submission deadline for two weeks. All entries must be posted on or before October 31, 2005. ISC will continue to take online entries, as well as entries through the mail; the online submission platform will be open until 11:59 p.m. EST, October 31. After this date, there will be no further extensions.

To enter or for more information, go to: http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/

ISC 2005 entrants will have the opportunity to have their songs heard by a judging panel that includes some of the most high-profile members of the music industry - including presidents of ten record labels (Universal, Capitol Music UK, ATO Records, New West Records, Concord Records, Alligator Records, and more) and esteemed artists such as Loretta Lynn, Sonny Rollins, Tom Waits, Amy Ray (Indigo Girls), Steve Vai, Darryl McDaniels (RUN DMC) and many more.

Over $150,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to 50 winners, including an Overall Grand Prize package of $10,000 (US) in cash and $20,000 in merchandise.

All online entrants will receive a complimentary 6-month membership to Sonicbids. In addition, all 2005 ISC entrants will receive a SongU.com Online Self-Paced Course ($39.95 value) and a Jukebox Alive full-membership for 3 months ($15 value) - free!

2005 Sponsors: Disc Makers, Epiphone, ASCAP, Berklee College Of Music, L.R. Baggs, Alphabet Arm Design, FYE, Fishman Tranducers, Planetary Group, ADK Microphones, Moog Music, Hear Technologies, Music Registry, Mediaguide, ArtistMonitor, Sam Ash Music Stores, Sibelius, Onlinegigs.com, Musicians Atlas and Sonicbids.

ISC judges include: Tom Waits; Loretta Lynn; Sonny Rollins; John Scofield; Steve Vai; 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); BeBe Winans; Peter Hook (New Order); Benji Madden (Good Charlotte); Charlie Musselwhite; The Donnas; Monte Lipman (President, Universal Records); Keith Wozencroft (President, Capitol Music UK); Glen Barros (CEO/President, Concord Records); Bruce Iglauer (Founder/President, Alligator Records); Cameron Strang (President, New West Records); Dan Storper (President, Putumayo World Music); Michael McDonald (President, ATO
Records); Alexandra Patsavas (Owner, The Chop Shop Music Supervision - credits include The OC, Grey's Anatomy, Without A Trace, Carnivale, Rescue Me ); 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, Music For Little People), Thomas Brooman (Co-Founder/Artistic Director, WOMAD); Cory Robbins (Founder/President, Robbins Entertainment); Emily Wittmann (Vice-President, Nick Records); Patrick Moxey (President, Ultra Records/You Records/Sequence Records/Escondida Music/Empire Mgmt.) and Danny Epstein (Music Supervisor, Sesame Street/Sesame Workshop).

-- 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/

 

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

www.gft-cyclops.co.uk

 

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:

Nov. 20: Bremen - Aladin
Nov. 21: Hamburg - Markthalle
Nov. 22: Berlin - Postbahnhof
Nov. 24: Lichtenfels - Stadthalle
Nov. 25: Memmingen - Stadthalle
Nov. 26: Neumarkt - Juarhalle
Nov. 27: Tuttlingen - Stadthalle
Nov. 29: Neu-Isenburg - Hugenottenhalle
Nov. 30: Filderstadt - Filarmonie

Check out Gotthard's website: http://www.gotthard.com/

 

MUNICHS HARDEST HITS ROCKSTATION -

Long awaited, now it's done: Munich's Hardest Hits is broadcasting from now on also in

Windows Media Format in HiFi-quality

Tune in with Windows Media Player over at their website http://www.munichshardesthits.com/

and enjoy crystal clear rock sound with current playlist

Stay tuned and keep rockin'

***************************************************

 

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:

 Whitney Costner Official Website

 

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/ 

 

UPDATED ON SEPTEMBER 1 - 2005

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!


CELLADOR is a melodic speed/power metal band from Omaha, NE. Originally formed in Summer 2004 by guitarist Chris Petersen, CELLADOR was founded with the purpose of introducing aggressive European influenced melodic speed/power metal to the Midwest USA, where the style is completely nonexistent and virtually unknown. CELLADOR spent the fall and winter months of 2004 writing and rehearsing, and began playing live by March 2005. In May, CELLADOR came out with the demo, Leaving All Behind, which The Black Dahlia Murder guys passed on to Brain Slagel, after the band opened for them in Omaha. Impressed by their skill and musicianship, Brian Slagel offered the band a contract making them one of Metal Blade Records latest singings.

“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:
Michael Smith - Vocals
Chris Petersen- Guitar
Valentin Rakhmanov - Bass
David Dahir – Drums

http://www.myspace.com/cellador
http://www.cellador.com

 

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)
To introduce John Wetton & Geoff Downes to the AOR crowd almost seems to be  unnecessary. With their work with the band ASIA amongst others, both have turned into living legends and songs such as “Heat Of The Moment“ most likely will also become one of the highlights of this evening.

 

SEVENTH KEY feat. Billy Greer, Terry Brock & Mike Slamer
 

There are many super groups around but which band claim to consist of members of classic bands such as KANSAS, STREETS and STRANGEWAYS amongst others? SEVENTH KEY definitely are an unique outfit in many terms which already by their two very own albums alone have established themselves on top of the scene within only very short time.

 

LEGS DIAMOND

 

November will bring us the first new album by US classic 80’s Hard Rock outfit LEGS DIAMOND since years. After intense touring in the US, the performance of this classy band at United Forces Of Rock will mark their live debut on German ground introducing new singer John Levesque (MONTROSE) to the fans!

  

JADED HEART

JADED HEART belong to the finest Melodic Rock bands Germany has to offer. With the gig at this festival and being backed by their new album “Helluva Time”, they for the first time show up with new singer Johan Fahlberg (ex-SCUDIERO) from Sweden. 

 

CASANOVA

 

The year 2004 marked THE return for CASANOVA from Germany. The Melodic Rock outfit around singer Michael Voss (SILVER, MAD MAX) still knows how to rock the house down  with their very own classics!

 

BLANC FACES

 

One of the hottest and most talked about newcomers to the AOR scene in the year 2005 so far has been American outfit BLANC FACES, being led by brothers Brian and Robbie LaBlanc. The guys offer high class 80’s typed American AOR which will undoubtfully please any fan of the genre.

  

PUMP

 

Another hot newcomer, this time from Germany, is the band PUMP, a five-piece Hard Rock band from South of the country with singer Marcus Jürgens (ex-BRAINSTROM) on the mic. After severals tours with other well-known bands, PUMP themselves already have managed to establish themselves as a truly great live act.

Tickets are on sale from August 15th, 2005 through CTS (German customers only), AOR Heaven (www.aorheaven.com), www.united-forces-of-rock.de, the Rockfabrik venue and http://www.rock-it-magazine.de/shop

The promotional homepage with all the latest infos, venue details, press downloads plus accreditation infos is online on www.united-forces-of-rock.de

United Forces Of Rock is powered by:

Frontiers Records, AOR Heaven, Escape Music, Rockfabrik Ludwigsburg, Soundland, Hardbeat Media Service, GerMusica Promotion & Rock It!

Further info:
United Forces Of Rock / Rock It!
Birgitt Schwanke
Seilandstr. 40
59379 Selm
Tel.: ++49 (0) 2592 918599
Fax: ++49 (0) 2592 918598
press@united-forces-of-rock.de
http://www.united-forces-of-rock.de/

 

 

 

UPDATED ON AUGUST 8 - 2005

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 !

Seven Angels is mastering their new album "Faceless Man" to be released in august/september by Metal One records in Brazil.  The album was mixed by
Silas de Godoy at Nico´s studio in Brazil. Silas has worked with Ratos de porão and Dr. Sin. The mastering will be done at Finnvox Studios in Finland by Mika Jussila.
The  band is trying to secure a distro deal in europe and it´s possible that the album will be available for european market this year.In a few days, a new home page will be uploaded with all this information and with a new mp3 song !

http://www.sevenangels.com.br/
Contact: info@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

-New EP "Built Perspectives" released. Interested people, get in touch with the band.

-Three new Mp3s are available at the website, taken from the EP "Built Perspectives"

http://www.versover.com.br/NewBeginning.mp3
http://www.versover.com.br/GalaNight.mp3
http://www.versover.com.br/Thirst.mp3

- Leandro Moreira (B), Felipe Tamburus (D) and Rodolfo Maciel (K) join the band after the departure of Fernando Hagihara and Daniel Roviriego.
 

 

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

http://www.nighthawks.it/ 

 

>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.

 

 

http://italianmetal.nlz.it

 

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

 

http://italianmetal.nlz.it/ 

 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:

September 12th starts with a MTM CLASSIX release: KARO "Heavy Birthday" The Hard Rock formation KARO were from Berlin and they released their first and, unfortunately, last album in 1988. Commercial Hard Rock was their thing and they had this special flair, which turned good songs into pretty great catchy tunes. The keyboard had an important part alike at many Hard'n Heavy bands, although it wasn't too bombastic and too much used alike at many Wannabe Metal bands. The CD sounds like a polished version of the fourth
SINNER album "Dangerous Charm", respectively, it's on the same way like the KINGDOM/DOMAIN debut "Lost In The City". KARO's vocalist was to later record
two albums under the name of DAN LUCAS and found the man going in a more Melodic Rock direction. This rare collector item is no being re-released on MTM CLASSIX with 2 bonus tracks.

 <http://www.mtm-music.com/content/artist/mp3/0681141_01.mp3> Wanna Be Loved 3,42 (mp3)
 <http://www.mtm-music.com/content/artist/mp3/0681141_01.mp3> One Of A Kind 3,57 (mp3)
 <http://www.mtm-music.com/content/artist/mp3/0681141_01.mp3> Still Hate To Loose 4,34 (mp3)

September 19th with another lost treasure on MTM CLASSIX: AINA "Living In A Boys World" When you think of someone as an artist, usually that person excels in one or
two mediums. But not AINA: the wealth of artistry flows in her veins. After intense efforts and thanks to the assistance of our Swedish friend Magnus Söderkvist, we were able to track down AINA in the USA. Today, she lives in Los Angeles and is busy to develop her second career as a professional photographer. Once again, the label MTM CLASSIX has managed to uncover another one of the lost treasures of AOR. Thanks to the friendly support by UNIVERSAL Norway, the album AINA will be released digitally remastered and
will include five previously unreleased bonus tracks. It is considered to be one of the best hard rock albums ever produced in Norway. Stylistically, it reminds of ANNICA or ERIKA, but song writing and performance differ a lot. Definitely hard rock at it's best!

 <http://www.mtm-music.com/content/artist/mp3/0681143_02.mp3> Rocks Off (4:23) (mp3)
 <http://www.mtm-music.com/content/artist/mp3/0681143_03.mp3> I Must Be In Love (3:52) (mp3)
 <http://www.mtm-music.com/content/artist/mp3/0681143_04.mp3> Believe In Me (4:45) (mp3)

September 26th is scheduled for the already announced SILVER follow up album "Gold": The main men behind SILVER are singer GARY BARDEN who already worked for
MSG, STATETROOPER and PRAYING MANTIS and guitarist MICHAEL VOSS (DEMON DRIVE, CASANOVA, MAD MAX, ex-BONFIRE). Besides the fact that the SILVER
debut album "Silver" (2001) had sensational sales figures in Europe, it even held the number 1 position in the Japanese import charts for about 5 weeks. Michael Voss talks about the new album "Gold": "The album entitled 'Gold' reflects the 5th coming and of course Gary's birthday at 27.08.05 which is his 50th. So it is a bit of a celebration. No one ever believed that we'd make it up to number 5....!" For fans of the European style of classic melodic hard rock, this album has a lot to offer: a strong feel for melodies combined with perfect musicality of top-notch artists. Outstanding songs to be mentioned are the rockin' song "Creep", "All That I Wanted" as well as the David Bowie cover "China Girl". On board again is guitar-wiz Tommy Denander of RADIOACTIVE. The album is released in a "golden ltd. edition MTM MUSIC 10-Years Anniversary Edition"


 <http://www.mtm-music.com/content/artist/mp3/0681142_01.mp3> Creep 4,21 (mp3)
 <http://www.mtm-music.com/content/artist/mp3/0681142_02.mp3> All That I Wanted 5,16 (mp3)
 <http://www.mtm-music.com/content/artist/mp3/0681142_08.mp3> Save Me 5,16 (mp3)
 

 

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:

http://www.cmm-online.de/video/artists/udo/index.html

 

 

AJALON -

AT THIS ADDRESS IT’S AVAILABLE THE RE-EDITED VERSION OF THE FIRST KALEDON’S VIDEOCLIP   “THE NEW KINGDOM” 

 

http://www.kaledon.com/video/KALEDON-THENEWKINGDOM.wmv   

 

DANTE FOX -

The new Official DANTE FOX website is at the following link.
 

 

TOUR DATES -

SONATA ARCTICA
SYMPHORCE

MACHINE MEN

08.09.2005 (D) HAMBURG / Markthalle
09.09.2005 (NL) `S-HERTOGENBOSCH / Willem 2
12.09.2005 (F) BORDEAUX / Theatre Barbey
13.09.2005 (F) TOULOUSE / Havanna Café
14.09.2005 (F) LYON / Transboedeur
16.09.2005 (A) WIEN / Planet Music
*
17.09.2005 (H) BUDAPEST / Wigwam
*
19.09.2005 (D) MÜNCHEN / Backstage
20.09.2005 (I) MILAN / Rolling Stone
21.09.2005 (D) LUDWIGSBURG / Rockfabrik
23.09.2005 (B) ANTWERP / Hof Ter Lo
24.09.2005 (CH) PRATTELN / Z 7
25.09.2005 (D) BOCHUM / Zeche

* 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"
NOCTURNAL
RITES &
POWERWOLF

27. Sep 2005 - TUE - CZECH REPUBLIC, Plzen @ KD-Club Šeøíkova
29.Sep 2005 - THU - HUNGARY, Budapest @ Petöfi Hall
30. Sep 2005 - FRI - CZECH REPUBLIC, Zlin @ Golem
01
. Oct 2005 - SAT - SLOVAKIA,
Zvolen City @ Sports Hall Website
03
. Oct 2005 - MON - ITALY, Milano @ Rolling Stone
04
. Oct 2005 - TUE - SWITZERLAND, Pratteln @ Z7
05
. Oct 2005 - WED - FRANCE, Lyon @ Transbordeur
07
. Oct 2005 - FRI - SPAIN, Bergara @ tba. or San Sebastian
08. Oct 2005 - SAT -
SPAIN, Madrid @ La Riviera NEW VENUE!

09. Oct 2005 - SUN - PORTUGAL, Porto @ Club Hard
11
. Oct 2005 - TUE - SPAIN, Barcelona @ Razzmatazz 1
12
. Oct 2005 - WED - SPAIN,
Zaragoza @ tba.
14. Oct 2005 - FRI - GERMANY, Lichtenfels @ Stadthalle
15
. Oct 2005 - SAT - GERMANY, Langen @ Stadthalle
16
. Oct 2005 - SUN - GERMANY, Bonn @ Brückenforum
17
. Oct 2005 - MON - FRANCE, Paris @ Elysee
Montmartre
19
. Oct 2005 - WED - GERMANY, Oberhausen @ T-Club Turbinenhalle
20
. Oct 2005 - THU - GERMANY, Hamburg @ Markthalle
21
. Oct 2005 - FRI - GERMANY, Osnabrück @ Hydepark
22
. Oct 2005 - SAT - GERMANY, Kaufbeuren @ All-Karthalle

 

WIGWAM - WIG WAM singed to Napalm Records

Napalm Record has secured a deal with the gold selling Eurovision Songcontest heroes from Norway for Germany, Austria and Switzerland! Setting Europe on fire with their spectacular performance in the final, their much deserved position # 9 was a rock’n’roll revolution in the history of Eurovision Songcontest. Wig Wam’s Rock Song “In My Dreams” has made its mark in the hearts and souls of both youngsters and rock’n rollers as well as the general public, went to # 1 in the Norwegian charts and was awarded a gold record. The album “Hard To Be A Rock’n Roller” has also sold Gold in Norway. The four band members Teeny (guitar), Glam (vocals), Sporty (drums) and Flash (bass) all pursued individual musical careers during the 80’s and the 90’s. Wig Wam was formed in February 2001, and since then Norway’s hardest working live band has worked their way to the top of the charts, constantly touring in every corner of Norway as well as Europe. Napalm Records will release the single “In My Dreams” with a massive promotional campaign on PRO7 TV, Radio & Print in August 2005!

 

NEXX - NEXX is looking for a new label

After 3 magnificent years with British label Now & Then, who has always treated us so nice, it's time to look for new horizons. Thanks to Now & Then, especially to Mark Ashton and Bruce Mee, our first album "Colours" stopped being a dream to became a reality. Only they bet for us and put all the means to give "Colours", among many other things, such a great production so that the album might have so many good reviews in specialized and not specialized media all over the world. We hope one day we could work together again.

Now we have ready what we want to became our second album. Demos are done (you could have a listening to some extracts in http://www.webnexx.com/, music section) and we're ready to enter in the studio if we have the support of a record company that works with us with enthusiasm and wills to make a step forward.

For more info, please contact:

NEXX management:

Jose Herrera

necessaryprod@yahoo.es
phone: +34 619 37 80 66
http://www.webnexx.com/
 

 

 

UPDATED ON JULY 25 - 2005

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.

 

http://www.scarletrecords.it/

http://www.belzebu.net/


 

 

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 L.A.’s legendary rock scene, whose hub is the renowned Sunset Strip. The album’s lyrical focus is inspired by a historically significant rock scene that L. A. GUNS had a strong hand in creating. With producer Andy Johns at the helm, L.A. GUNS delivers a new studio record of original songs that proves, without a doubt, that L.A. GUNS is still on top of their game.

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. HOLLYWOOD'S BURNING

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:

01. nail it to the wall
02. one small voice
03. it's forever
04. walk away
05. fight for my life
06. the reason
07. johnny's running
08. nightwinds
09. for getting over us
10. winding road
11. flowerlove (bonustrack)

 

 

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"!

MTM MUSIC is pleased to announce the details of renowned Christian pop-metal band STRYPER!

You will remember STRYPER as the frenetic "yellow and black attack" that stormed the music scene two decades ago, transforming the pop-metal genre from the inside out. Today the legendary quartet is back and burning hotter than ever with intensified levels of zeal, resolve and innovation. With three original bandmates and newcomer Tracy Ferrie on bass, STRYPER now releases its first all-new studio effort since 1990's "Against The Law". As the first Christian rock band to enjoy any decided success in the mainstream market, STRYPER went on to sell more than 8 million records worldwide. The group's RIAA-certified platinum 1986 release "To Hell with the Devil" was selected as one of the "100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music" by CCM Magazine. The project also generated the Billboard Top 40 hit "Honestly," which peaked at #23. Two other albums struck RIAA gold: "Soldiers Under Command" (1985) and "In God We Trust" (1988), both spending numerous weeks on the Billboard 200 album chart.

"Reborn", STRYPER's ninth career disc, features a cavalcade of high-voltage arrangements that showcase the band's richly melodic vocals, deft instrumentation and powerful themes.

The album shall have the following tracklist: 

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

The album will be released in August 29th and first pressing will be in the ltd. ed. golden "MTM 10-Years Anniversary Edition"!

More info and latest news: http://www.mtm-music.com/ <http://www.mtm-music.com/>
 

 

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 XCARNATIONGrounded” 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:

http://www.domainband.de/
 

 

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 


The website www.alquin.org is renewed . Hope you like it!

Alquin BLUE PLANET TOUR  2005

22 september Bluescafe Apeldoorn ( Try out)
23 september BoerderijZoetermeer
24 september De Pul Uden
25 september Tivoli de Helling Utrecht
29 september P60 Amstelveen
1 oktober Lantaarn Hellendoorn
2 oktober De Bosuil Weert


Alquin is :


FERDINAND BAKKER | Gitaar/add.vocals
JOB TARENSKEEN | Drums /add.vocals
DICK FRANSSEN | Keyboards
RONALD OTTENHOF| Saxophone
MICHEL VAN DIJK | Lead vocals
WALTER LATUPERISSA | Bass
 

Louis Rentrop
Webmaster
http://www.alquin.org/
email : alquinonline@home.nl
 
 

 

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

www.nighthawks.it

 

>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.

 

 

http://italianmetal.nlz.it

 

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

 

http://italianmetal.nlz.it/

 

UPDATED ON MAY 9 - 2005

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
 

 

UPDATED ON APRIL 11 - 2005

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

 www.afterthesilence.nl

 

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:

http://www.koretzmusic.com/


 

 

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 :

ELVARON - One last Season 

Elvaron - the Heroes' tale

Elvaron - Warhead

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/
 

 

UPDATED ON APRIL 9 - 2005

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...
 

 

UPDATED ON MARCH 7 - 2005

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:

 http://www.destynation.com/
 

 

UPDATED ON FEBRUARY 6 - 2005

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 -

It took a long time but “Beyond All Sense 2005” is finally completed.

This is not the new Destiny album or even the follow up to Future Of The Past released in 2004. This is a rerecorded version of Destiny’s very first album Beyond All Sense, released twenty years ago in March 1985. The original album was just released in Sweden in limited number of 2000 copies and only on vinyl.

The oldest piece of music, “Ode To You”, is from 1983. However the lyrics for the same song are brand new, written by Kristoffer in December 2004 as a tribute to the late Dimbage Darrel. This song was never released on any album and is the first bonus track on this album. The Second bonus track, No Way Out, is a song originally intended to be included on the debut album but was left out because of the time limit on vinyls. Once again Kristoffer wrote brand new lyrics for an older piece of music. This time it’s about Ozzy Osbourne and his reality show.

This is the members of “Destiny 2004” interoperation of more than twenty year old songs by the members of “Destiny 1984”. Hopefully you will enjoy the album for what it is even though the style of the album is quite different from the music that Destiny represents in 2005.

The final track listing for the album is as follows:

1. Sacrilege* 4.30
2. Kill The Witch 3.48
3. Ode To You 4.08
4. Spellbreaker* 4.11
5. Power By Birth* 4.53
6. Rest In Peace 5.12
7. Madame Guillotine (Hang Them High) 3.44
8. No Way Out 4.13
9. More Evil Than Evil** 4.04
10. Sirens In The Dark** 7.34
 

Destiny 2005:
Kristoffer Göbel: Vocals
Stefan Björnshög: Bass
Janne Ekberg: Guitars
Birger Löfman: Drums
 

Guest Musicians:
Fredrik Olsson of Lost Horizon fame: Lead guitar* and 12-string acoustic guitars**
Mathias Rosén: Keyboards on Power By Birth
 

The album was recorded at DRS, Gothenburg, Sweden and StudiOmega, Varberg, Sweden. Mixed by Christian Silver at Studiomega, Varberg, Sweden and mastered by: Dragan Tanaskovic at Bohus Sound Recording

Because of all the delays it’s uncertain if the album will be released on March 14 as originally planed.

Stefan Björnshög

 

 

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. 
  Now And Then is proud to be able to announce that the album will be released in early April with a track to be included on the forthcoming label sampler to give everyone a taste of this exciting new band from Australia

 
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
Records/Regain Records. Here is a statement from the band:

"After two highly acclaimed studio albums and several re-releases Centinex and Candlelight Records have decided to go separate ways. The reasons for this will remain unanswered from our side. Centinex have signed a new deal with swedish based Cold Records, which recently became a sublabel to Regain Records (after being linked to Metal Blade Records for a few years). Centinex are extremely thrilled about this new deal and are really looking forward to work with such wellknown and strong partners". / Martin [Centinex]

Centinex have booked Black Lounge Studios for four weeks, starting March 4th, for the recordings of "World Declension". The album will be released worldwide in June 2005. More info about the exact release date(s), license versions, tracklisting etc coming soon.

The artwork and layout for the album will be done by Costin Chioreanu of Twilight 13 Design. The artwork can now be found at the Centinex website. "World Declension" will be released as a 8-panel digipack.

Centinex will headline the Arcane Promotions Infernal Damnation Festival and take part in two classic german festivals: Fuck The Commerce VIII and Bands Battle.

Centinex live:

30.04 2005 England - London - Electrowerkz/Infernal Damnation Festival
05.05 - 07.05 2005 Germany - Neiden - Fuck The Commerce VIII Festival
02.06 - 04.06 2005 Germany - Stavenhagen - Bands Battle Festival

More shows to be confirmed soon..

Websites:
Band: http://www.centinex.org/
Label: http://www.coldrecords.com/
Label: http://www.regainrecords.com/

====================

- Dedication -
Swedish heavy metal heros Dedication are qurrently recording a new promo-CD which will be sent out to labels in order to find a new deal. Their debut album - entitled "Reflections Of Time" - which was released through italian Underground Symphony last summer has received great reviews around the globe.

After two years of silence - due to line-up issues - Dedication are back on the live scene. A few days ago they supported Dream Evil here in Sweden and now they have been booked for two swedish festivals. And more shows will follow.

Dedication live:

28.05 2005 Sweden - Avesta - Avesta Karnevalen
04.06 2005 Sweden - Sandviken - Parkrock Festival

Wesites:
Band: http://www.dedication.se/
(Former) label: http://www.undergroundsymphony.com/

====================

- Nightscape -
This young swedish power metal band has recently signed with Lion Music. The debut album - entitled "Symphony Of The Night" - is being recorded right now for a spring release. The album will be mixed and mastered at Black Lounge Studios by Jonas Kjellgren (Centinex, Carnal Forge, Katatonia, Scar Symmetry, Steel Attack, Asperity etc). Expect a true melodic power metal masterpiece, influenced by bands such as Stratovarius, Yngwie Malmsteen and Helloween.

Nightscape live:

25.02 2005 Sweden - Skellefteå - Musikfabriken

Websites:
Band: http://www.nightscapehome.tk/
Label: http://www.lionmusic.com/

=====================

- World Below -
Swedish doom masters World Below have received some really killer reviews for their debut album "Sacrifices To The Moon", released last summer through Underground Symphony/Doom Symphony. For example, Martin Borg, writer at swedens biggest metal magazine Close-Up, had the album at his "Top-10 albums of 2004" list.

The doom-journey through darkness and misery will now continue as the band has signed with austrian Psychedoomelic Records.

World Below are right now at Black Lounge Studios recording their new album entitled "Maelstrom". The album is expected to hit the streets in March and - as for the Centinex album - Costin Chioreanu of Twilight 13 Design has made the artwork and layout.

"Maelstrom" will also feature the new World Below members, drummer Ronnie Bergerståhl (Centinex, Mynjun) and the new second guitarist Per Nilsson (Altered Aeon, Scar Symmetry).

With this full line-up the band is ready to hit the stages so the first World Below show - ever !! - will take place at the german Bands Battle Festival. However, a few warm up shows as support for Centinex might happen a few days before the fest. We keep you informed.

World Below live:

02.06 - 04.06 2005 Germany - Stavenhagen - Bands Battle Festival

Websites:
Band: http://www.worldbelow.tk/
Label: http://www.psychedoomelic.com/
(Former) label: http://www.undergroundsymphony.com/

====================

- Dreamtide Music -
As for news about the management itself, Dreamtide Music have expaned and started to do a mailorder service. A new list with quality items will be published every month. Remember the new url !!

Dreamtide Music are always looking for new quality acts so if you think you could fit our roster, feel free to send us a complete promo-package.

 

 

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)

CRYME comes out of Belgium and it’s great to see there is finally a good new band from the country that didn’t brought us many good Hardrock/Metalbands in the past. CRYME is an exception, and their debut CD ‘Scene of the cryme’ is a good old fashioned 80s American orientated Melodic Hard/Heavy Rock/Metalalbum with some slight modern touches, but mainly this is a classy Hardrock/Metal inspired album, not unlike DIO, BLUE MURDER, 90s Y AND T, HURRICANE, but sadly also other influences can be heard, so read on... The first song “Midnight sun” is a very good uptempo Melodic Heavy Rocker with good vocals and a strong chorus. Next tune “Razor edge” and also “Blood sweat and tears” and “Crocodile pit” are a bit weaker (with the aggressive vocals reminding me of PANTERA), but the band’s diversity in styles is continued on the rest of the CD, with ups and downs. Besides the great opener “Midnight sun”, other highlights are “Just another tale” (very good semi melodic rockballad with excellent vocals, reminds me of late 80s US bands like TESLA/LILLIAN AXE), “Sweetest crime” (good midtempo melodic heavy rocker), “You won’t last any long” (awesome midtempo melodic heavy rocker a la WHITESNAKE!) and “Gone but not forgotten” (nice bluesy groovy Hardrock). A song like “Moskow girls” is another change in style as this is typical 80s Metal with a simple chorus. Besides the 3 already mentioned PANTERA type of songs, also the Grungy “Detoxicated” is a weaker song, so not the whole CD is interesting, but nevertheless this is still a quality record. I hope they drop the PANTERAish songs next time, because they are able to make some really great music. More info at:
http://www.cryme.com/
 

 

UPDATED ON JANARY 10 - 2005

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
2. Vision Divine - Stream of consciousness
3. Pride Of Lions - The destiny stone
4. Dream Evil - The book of Heavy Metal
5. Edguy - Hellfire club
6. Seventh Key - The raging fire
7. Europe - Start from the dark
8. Spin Gallery - Standing tall
9. Nightwish - Once
10. Thunderstone - The burning
11. Evergrey - The inner circle
12. Threshold - Subsurface
13. After Forever - Invisible circles
14. Stan Bush - Shine
15. TNT - My religion

BEST SONGS OF 2004:

1. Seventh key - Always from the heart
2. Vision Divine - La vita fugge
3. Spin Gallery - Standing tall
4. Europe - Hero
5. Nocturnal Rites - New world messiah
6. Pride Of Lions - Born to believe in you
7. Dream Evil - Into the moonlight
8. Feinstein - Rule the world
9. Evidence One - Written in blood
10. Grand Illusion - When you were mine
11. After Forever - Digital deceit
12. Threshold - Mission profile
13. Edguy - The piper never dies
14. Within Temptation - Stand your ground
15. Thunderstone - Tin star man
16. Nightwish - Dark chest of wonders
17. Frontline - Part of my life
18. Scorpions - Deep and dark
19. Guardians Of Time - Triopticon
20. Final Frontier - Runaway
21. Manigance - Heritier
22. From the Inside - Stop
23. Jaded Heart - Healer
24. Dreamscape - Short-time news
25. Vagh - Don't turn away
26. Bonrud - Desperate heart
27. Nostradameus - Hellbound
28. Wigwam - Crazy thigns
29. Heavenly - Lust for life
30. Power Quest - Forever more
31. Vox Tempus - Escape
32. Dionysus - Heart is crying
33. Jeff Scott Soto - If this is the end
34. TNT - Lonely nights
35. Axel Rudi Pell - Only the strong will survive
36. Fates Warning - Another perfect day
37. Human Temple - I'm sorry
38. Shadows Fade - Sooner or later
39. Xandria - Ravenheart
40. Silent Force - No one lives forever
41. Tierra Santa - Rumbo a las estrellas
42. Evergrey - More than ever
43. Stan Bush - I will be there
44. Danny Danzi - All or nothing
45. Mystic Prophecy - Time will tell
46. Kotipelto - Reasons
47. Leaves' Eyes - Into your light
48. Last Autumn's Dream - Again and again
49. House Of Mirrors - Nightflight to paradise
50. Stage Dolls - Runnin' back to you

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

 

 

UPDATED ON DECEMBER 10 - 2004

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!

 

UPDATED ON NOVEMBER 15 - 2004

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
Masters Of Metal

April 2nd 2005 Lauda-Koenigshofen, Tauberfrankenhalle Germany

AGENT STEEL (USA)
SATAN (UK)
DEADLY BLESSING (USA)
(Original Line Up/First Time In Europe)
MAJESTY (GER)
OVERLORDE (USA)
(First Time In Europe)
TORCH (SWE)
(First Time In Germany)
THUNDER RIDER (CAN)
(First Time In Europe)
PARAGON (GER)
VORTEX (NL)

One Opener and one co-headliner To-Be-Announced.

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

Dear Friends:

This year the legendary band Judas Priest reaches 30 years of musical trajectory and, due to this and the return of the "Metal God" Rob Halford to the original line-up of the famed band, local bands Acero,  Trauma and Slavon will be presenting on Saturday December 4th a tribute to this band at Bar El Atico at 8 p.m.

Some of the songs to be played by these bands include Painkiller, Hell  bent for leather, Heavy metal, Freewheel burning, Breaking the law and many more.

Bar el Atico is located 100 meters north of the Fuente de la Hispanidad in San Pedro, upstairs from restaurant Jalisco.

We will be waiting for all Judas Priest fans and all those who want to enjoy a night of metallic mayhem!

Grupo Acero
http://www.grupoacero.com/
 

 

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:

www.motorcityrock.com

 

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.

 

UPDATED ON NOVEMBER 8 - 2004

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!

 

UPDATED ON NOVEMBER 1 - 2004

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!

 

UPDATED ON OCTOBER 18 - 2004

DEEP IMPACT -
DEEP IMPACT FESTIVAL
MUNICH 14 AUGUST 2004

It was a cold rainy day in Munich, Germany when me and my brother entered the festival area, which was supposed to be held inside when the weather was bad, but somehow the organisation decided to keep it outdoors anyway. This years Deep Impact Festival had an incredible line-up, with as highlights TNT, DARE and GOTTHARD, but some others were interesting as well. We arrived a bit late (around 14:30), because in the morning we had been visiting the local record stores in Munich (and there are many, trust me!). I had bought a lot of cheap CDs, some Japanese imports at a ridiculous low price (I believe there was a sell-out in the WOM record store) and a lot of new releases, so this day was going to be quite pleasant, because the festival had not even started! Anyway, we had missed the shows of MIDNITE SKY and sadly the reunion show of FATE, but I wouldn’t call that a reunion show, because only one original member was present (not even the vocalist!). Nevertheless, the festival was organised very well, despite the rain, because every band performed the exactly on the scheduled time.

When we entered the area, KINGDOM COME was playing and happily it began to clear up and everything was looking quite well, although towards the end of their set it started to rain again and this eventually took almost 6 hours before it stopped raining. However, all the performances of all bands were very impressive. KINGDOM COME gave away a good performance, although I am not too impressed with the band’s new material. Their first few albums were classics, very LED ZEPPELINish, but nowadays it all sounds a bit too modern, dark and depressive, so the performance was good, but none of the new songs made an impression. Lenny Wolf should have played a lot more of his older songs instead of the weaker new tunes. Anyway, the next band to perform was DARE and Mr. Darren Wharton always gives a fantastic performance. His vocals and songs are always a pleasure to hear, and the live performance is always nailed down to perfection. A lot of the AOR fans were pleased to hear DARE play all their old AOR classics (“Abandon”, “Into the fire”, “Return the heart” etc.) and even the newer songs like “Sea of roses” sounded great. Despite the pouring rain, the crowd went wild during the DARE performance.

Because of the rain really crashing down constantly, we decided to leave the festival for some time after the DARE performance and looked not only for shelter, but also for some food, because that was not available on the festival area. The restaurant outside was quite expensive, but you had to eat something I guess, so we sat down and ate and drink something. The festival was held in a sort of empty industry area, where about 20 clubs are (all focused on a different music genre), and this DEEP IMPACT FESTIVAL was organised by the Rockclub Garage. The festival was actually held on the parking place near the Garage club. If only the rain had not been coming down so heavily, I think the festival would have been visited by many more people, because now only 500 people showed up, whom ignored the rain. Anyway, when we head back to the festival, PRIMAL FEAR had started, and they had the honour to play as the only Metalband on this Melodic Rock orientated festival, but they definitely gave a great performance, with most of the PRIMAL FEAR classics being played in front of an exciting audience.

After PRIMAL FEAR it was up to TNT, the Norwegian band everyone in the audience came for in the first place, because it was so many years ago (17 years I believe!) the original TNT line-up had played a concert in this area. Their recent new CD was quite good, with even some classic TNT type of songs, so anything they would play this evening was great. And they gave an excellent performance, performing a lot of the TNT classics, and as highlights I would like to mention “As far as the Eye can see”, “Seven Seas”, “Intuition”, “Listen”, “10000 Lovers” and ”Everyone’s Star”. Actually the whole concert was a highlight, with both a fantastic vocal (Tony Harnell) and guitar performance (Ronni Le Tekro). The band played a concert nobody will forget if they have seen it. Without a doubt, this was one of the year’s highlights, because except for the bad weather it was a superb performance which once agasin proved that TNT are still one of the best live bands in the Hardrock/Metalgenre.

The festival wasn’t over yet, because headliner GOTTHARD ended the festival. I had been looking forward to their performance, because their CDs have always been very good, but live they are supposed to sound better (according to many people). Without a doubt, this is the absolute truth, because the performance of GOTTHARD was basically perfect. Finally also the weather started to look better, so in the end it looked like everything was just perfect. The band played all their well-known songs (and covers – “Hush” and “Mighty Quinn”). Especially “Standing in the light”, “Come along”, “Still I belong”, “Let it be”, “Top of the world” and “Heaven” sounded amazing, with as absolute winner the band’s lead singer () who gave an excellent performance and once again proved there are still singers who sing in the David Coverdale style. Together with TNT, GOTTHARD were the winners of this festival.

The organisation of the festival was done very well, although maybe it would have been better to do it indoors because of the pouring rain. Also the places to eat were very limited, but on the other hand where are you able to see so many great melodic rockbands on one day? Therefore I am very positive about this festival, which I hope will be organised again next year and hopefully we then have some better weather…

 

UPDATED ON OCTOBER 17 - 2004

ASIA BOOK - ASIA: The Heat Goes On, 2nd edition

Hot on the heels of the release of Asia's latest studio album, "Silent Nation", the second edition of David Gallant's band biography "Asia: The Heat Goes On" is now available.

Three years after the release of Gallant's sold-out first edition, the author has released what he considers to be the definitive version of the book. "In many ways, this is the book that I wanted to do the first time out, but financing was a problem. When a publisher couldn't be found to take on the project, I had to go it alone. As a result, we had to be somewhat conservative in how we spent our money on the first edition. Hopefully the readers will agree that this second edition is a superior product."

· The new edition features several changes and additions:
· Larger 8.5" by 11" format
· New chapters updating the band's activities 2001 to present
· 50+ new photos from all stages of the band's history
· A complete two page spread Asia family tree
· Track-by-track commentary by John Payne and Geoff Downes on Silent Nation
· New track-by-track commentary from John Wetton and Geoff Downes on the creative process behind the debut Asia album
· An exclusive interview with legendary A&R man, John Kalodner, who was at ground zero as Asia formed back in 1981
· Amazing new cover design

Gallant, webmaster of the band's official web site, is also the creator of the weekly Armada newsletter - now in its ninth year of publication.

For all of the details on the new book, please drop by the official Asia web site at www.asiaworld.org or contact the author directly at
book@asiaworld.org

 

 

UPDATED ON OCTOBER 4 - 2004

STRUTTER 'ZINE - New update on the REVIEWSPAGES, with much more to come soon, some specials and believe it or not, but about 10-20 new reviews of rare underground aor/rock/metal releases from the past are in the can. Hopefully soon I will be able to completely revamp the site, with a new look and who knows what will happen more, I can guarantee you 2005 will bring a much better and more frequently updated website (I promise!). For now check out all the new reviews...

 

UPDATED ON SEPTEMBER 13 - 2004

STRUTTER 'ZINE - Check out the INTERVIEWSPAGE for an interesting long interview with KEITH OLSEN. Next week big update with loads of new CD and DVD reviews, as well as some label specials and interviews with several bands.

 

UPDATED ON AUGUST 20 - 2004

STRUTTER 'ZINE - Finally an update you might think! This is partly due to the holidays, I have been travelling a bit through Europe, but in the meantime I have done a lot of reviews, interviews and also collected some news. Right now check out the 4 new reviewspages, either start from clicking on any of the covers on the frontpage or below:

HOT NEW REVIEWS AUGUST UPDATE PAGE 1

HOT NEW REVIEWS AUGUST UPDATE PAGE 2

HOT NEW REVIEWS AUGUST UPDATE PAGE 3

HOT NEW REVIEWS AUGUST UPDATE PAGE 4

So there you have it, about 200 new CD reviews added today, and in the next few days also a few new interviews (DORO, DREAM EVIL and a very long one with legendary producer KEITH OLSEN - best known as THE 80s AOR producer and more recently for his BONRUD production). Further the newspage has been updated, and hopefully soon (when I find the time) a few label specials, the playlist update and maybe even some new classic rock reviews (80s AOR freaks stay tuned!!!). For now start reading the 200 new CD reviews and also all the news below! Check back early next week for those new interviews and more.

 

RENEGADE - Canadian AOR sensation RENEGADE leader JIM BUCKSHON just finished a European Promo Tour for his band, and I had a meeting with them here in Rotterdam. Jim talked about his band RENEGADE, and how it all came to the release of the 2 CDs. Both albums contain material recorded back in the late 80s, but it's only available on CD recently. On the latest disc 'On the edge' we could even find 2 new songs, but there's plenty more to come soon. Jim told me he is going to release a CD of an other band called MATRIX and at the moment a new RENEGADE CD is in production. It will feature the same singer as on the 'Back from the dead' album. Musically it will all be in the same Canadian 80s AOR style as the RENEGADE album that were released recently, so this will be something to look forward to if you're into bands like LOVERBOY, HAYWIRE, HONEYMOON SUITE, WORRALL... More info will follow soon... In the meantime check out their site at: http://www.renegadesounds.com

 

EUROPE - Reunited Swedish hard rockers EUROPE have finalized the track listing for their much-anticipated new studio album, "Start From the Dark", due in Europe on September 27 through Epic Records. The group's first collection of new material since 1991's "Prisoners In Paradise" was produced by Kevin Elson (who had previously worked with EUROPE on their multi-platinum 1986 release, "Final Countdown") and is said to feature a "heavier" direction, in the vein of the group's earlier albums.

"Start From the Dark" track listing:

01. Got to Have Faith
02. Start from the Dark
03. Flames
04. Hero
05. Wake Up Call
06. Reason
07. Song #12
08. Run With You
09. Sucker
10. Spirit of the Underdog
11. America
12. Settle for Love

 

BOOK - How Not To Make It In The Music by Nicholas Clemente is now available!

In the 1980s known to those of us in the Rock and Roll world as the decade of decadence, there were two places to be from if you were a Rock and Roll band; Hollywood, California or New Jersey. Hollywood had spawned Motley Crue, Ratt, Guns 'N' Roses and many more and New Jersey had delivered Bon Jovi and Skid Row. Being in the clubs of New Jersey in the 1980s was a lot like being in the clubs on the Sunset Strip. Lots of bands, hair, hairspray, half dressed ladies and the craziness that went along with Rock and Roll. "How Not To Make It In The Music Business" is the story of a group of guys who tried to make it in the clubs of New Jersey in the 1980s. They did not get the gold ring but, had the time of their lives chasing it. If you are in a Rock and Roll band, used to be in a Rock and Roll band or just daydreamed about being a Rock Star, this book is for you. Now let's follow the career of an American Rock and Roll band and their rise to the bottom.

"How Not To Make It In The Music Business" is a fun read for anyone who's in a band, or even entertaining the idea of working in the Music Industry." By: Joe Lynn Turner
Joe Lynn Turner singer of Rainbow, Deep Purple, Yngwie J. Malmsteen's "Rising Force" and HTP.

"How Not To Make It In The Music Business" is a MUST READ for EVERY unsigned band! It's a comical, fun read about the rise and demise of New Jersey's Sinnocence. From personality quirks, fights and substance abuse, to dealing with club owners and girlfriends- "How Not To Make It In The Music Business" is a humorous ride of what NOT to do (unless you want to have a shit load of laughs)! We thoroughly enjoyed it!
- Ralph Sutton and Stacey X from the TOUR BUS nationally syndicated radio show

"When I read this book, it was like entering a time warp. Not only have I played many
of the same venues as the author, but have experienced virtually every scenario within these pages. From the excitement of live shows to the disappointment of ever-changing band lineups, it's all here. For all musicians starting up, this book will educate you as to what to expect. Nick gives it to you straight, from the girls to the parties to the incidents with the law, and any other occurrences associated with being in a rock band.""As the book shows, it's not always a walk in the park being a struggling musician, but there's nothing else that can replace the day to day experiences which Nick has thoroughly laid out for all of us to enjoy. A must read for musicians and music fans alike."
-Steve Blaze: Guitarist for Lillian Axe and Angel

To purchase "HOW NOT TO MAKE IT IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS" visit Quig's Musical Sideshow at:
http://www.quigsmss.com

Next update on our site will see a review of the book.

 

SACRED HEART - The UK AOR sensation has some more tour dates prepared:

Saturday 4th September: "X-Fest" at The Railmens Club, Wind Street, Swansea, UK. Featuring: Lost Weekend, Sacred Heart, Quecia & Sheer Shock Revival, Doors: 6:45pm. Tickets £10 adv, £12 door. Tickets can be purchased direct (please e-mail webdesign@punchlinepromotions.co.uk with the subject "X-FEST") or from Musiquarium Records on 01792-465256. www.punchlinepromotions.co.uk

Thursday 15th September: "Pulse Unsigned" present SACRED HEART (+guests) at Chicago Rock Cafe, Norwich, UK.
www.pulseunsigned.com

 

HANKER - Latest news on the Canadian Power Metalband:

Hello everyone and welcome to this twelfth Hanker newsletter. Summer 2004 is a particularly hot period for Hanker and here is the proof!

Web Of Faith in stores soon!

The release date for Hanker's newest CD will be on Tuesday August 17, 2004 on Skyscraper Music! Head on to the Hanker Web site to listen to some samples in MP3 format, discover the tracklisting, cover art, where to order the CD and more about Web Of Faith.

Web Of Faith record launch:

Here are the details about the record launch of Hanker's newest CD in Quebec City. It will be on Tuesday August 24, 2004 at 5:00 PM («5 to 7» style) at the Liquor Store Cabaret. There will be a full listening session of the new album with footage of their recent trip in Germany. The band will be there to talk with their fans and to sign autographs. Web Of Faith CDs and t-shirts will be also available. Admission is free, there will be a buffet and many prizes drawn. This special event is organized by the Capital Of Metal team. You are all cordially invited.

Liquor Store Cabaret
Place de la Cité
2600 Laurier boulevard
Sainte-Foy, Québec G1V 4T3
CANADA

Furthermore, Web Of Faith record launch in Montreal will be on Thursday September 16, 2004 at 8:00 PM at the Club Soda where Hanker will be the opening act for German Power Metal band Edguy. All details under Show Dates. Note that release date for Web Of Faith in North America will be on Tuesday August 17, 2004.

Web Of Faith t-shirts now available!

The new Hanker t-shirt is now revealed. It's a black t-shirt with the Web Of Faith cover on the front and the set list on the back. They are currently available at Hellion Records, Vision Rock (next Tuesday) and on the Hanker Web site. All details under Order (t-shirt and mail).

Back from Germany!

Hanker have just returned from their tremendous trip in Germany where they played at the Headbangers Open Air festival and at the Headbangers Ballroom in Hamburg. The band members informed me that they had a great time and met great true metal fans and bands! Check out the Web site to read a gig review and see many pictures of Hanker's 2 gigs.

Main additions to the site:

Here are the main additions to the Hanker Web site since the last newsletter: Added new pictures, 3 reviews with pictures of the Helloween/Jag Panzer/Hanker gig in Montreal, a Web Of Faith banner, many new CD and LP reviews of In Our World, The Dead Ringer and Snakes And Ladders. Finally, an interview of Pascal Cliche with Den Of Iniquity, articles featuring Hanker with Schleswig-Holsteinischer (Germany), L'Autre Voix, Le journal de Québec and Le Soleil (in French), the latter about the strong popularity of heavy metal music in Quebec (Canada).

That's all for now folks. Feel free to come discuss about Hanker on the online forum. Have fun!

http://www.hankermetal.com

 

Z RECORDS - GYPSY ROSE SUFFER BLOW...

Gypsy Rose have suffered a totally unexpected blow today re their planned appearance at Z Rock 2004.

The band have had some delays in obtaining new passport details which has resulted in their work permit applications being refused. The band are as can be expected very disappointed, but fans can rest assured that they will be appearing in Europe once the relevant information has become available.

Z ROCK 2004 UPDATE:

Lionsheart have been confirmed as the replacement band for Gypsy Rose at Z Rock 2004 on September 19th in Liverpool. The full line up is now......................

WAR & PEACE [feat Jeff Pilson]
ADAM BOMB
JESSE DAMON [of Silent Rage]
LIONSHEART
MITCH MALLOY
TORINO
ENZIGN

 

INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION -

2004 International Songwriting Competition (ISC) Now Accepting Entries

ISC is the perfect opportunity for bands, artists and songwriters looking to gain exposure in the music industry. In addition to celebrity judges such as Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, Bo Diddley, John Ondrasik (Five For Fighting) and more, ISC judges also include many high-profile record label executives who turn to ISC, looking for new talent. "This (ISC) is a great A&R source to find new artists," stated Monte Lipman, President of Universal Records.

ISC 2004 will yield 50 winners that will share in $100,000 cash and prizes; but for many songwriters, the prizes are just one of the many benefits from winning a competition of this stature. Today's music industry is highly competitive, and winning the ISC can help open doors for an artist: "I've had requests from labels in America asking me to send them more music, and there just seems to be so much good will with this competition" said British singer-songwriter Jane Taylor (2003 ISC Folk/Singer-Songwriter category winner).

The exposure and attention given to their songwriting achievements is another benefit for many ISC winners. "Winning the ISC is the highlight of my composing career. Radio stations celebrated my win in their news bulletins, with one even describing me as a national treasure!" said 2003 Grand Prize winner Moana Maniapoto. Echoing that sentiment is Rick Fines, the 2003 Blues category winner: "The media has been really good to me since winning! I am thrilled with the prizes and the media attention!"

ISC is now accepting entries in 16 musical categories. Deadline for submission is October 15, 2004. Enter ISC by August 31, 2004 and save on multiple-song entries.

http://www.songwritingcompetition.com

2004 Judges:
Monte Lipman (President, Universal Records); Bo Diddley; John Ondrasik (Five For Fighting); Taj Mahal; Clint Black; Sean "P. Diddy" Combs; Macy Gray; Aaron Lewis (Staind); David Hidalgo (Los Lobos); Branford Marsalis; Darryl McDaniels (Run D.M.C.); Peter Furler (Newsboys); Sully Erna (Godsmack); Stacey Earle; Scott Kirkland (The Crystal Method); Michael Gudinski (Chairman, Mushroom Group of Companies); Alan Meltzer (CEO, Wind Up Records); Tara Griggs-Magee (Executive VP Gospel/Urban Music, Sony Records); Michael McDonald (President, ATO Records); Tracy Gershon (Sr. Dir A&R/Artist Dev, Sony Records Nashville); Chris Parr (VP of Music Programming & Talent Relations, CMT); Peter Asher (Co-President, Sanctuary Artist Management); Kim Stephens (VP A&R, Lava Records); Barbara Sedun (VP Creative, EMI Music Publishing Canada) and Leib Ostrow (CEO, Music For Little People).

Categories for 2004:
AAA/Roots/Americana, Dance/Electronica, Jazz, R&B/Hip-Hop, Blues, Folk/Singer-Songwriter, Lyrics Only, Rock, Children's Music, Gospel/Christian, Performance, Teen, Country, Instrumental, Pop/Top 40, World Music

International Songwriting Competition 211 Seventh Avenue North, Suite LL-20 Nashville, TN 37219
Phone: 615.251.4441 Fax: 615.251.4442
www.songwritingcompetition.com

 

CELTIC LEGACY - Latest 'sad' news on CELTIC LEGACY...

Hi all,

Firstly, thank you to you all for your continued and generous support for Celtic Legacy over the past year or so. The reviews each of you have given to the band's last album have been nothing short of magnificent and took us completely by surprise. I hope that we can repay your faith in us by producing another album that dwarfs Resurrection.

I do however have bad news on the band front. The band has split and we are currently assessing our situation. Although this is a sad fact, and as much as I really don't want to go into the dirty details of the split, the reality was that the hard work, attitude and dedication that went into the Resurrection campaign and which finally got the album done in the first place was not rubbing off on other members of the band and so it was best for all concerned to part company before things got any worse.

Celtic Legacy now consists (yet again) of the two founder members: myself and Dave Boylan. Both of us are writing new material for an album next year and we hope to begin recording our next album early in 2005. While it's still uncertain whether we will try to recruit full time musicians again or just go for session players in the short term, we are at least making plans and we have the full backing of our loyal German supporters who made Resurrection a reality in the place. In effect we are back at the same point as we were when we began thinking about that very album. The difference is that with your help and support, our profile is significantly higher than it was before, so we thank you for helping get another step up the ladder.

All this makes both Slim and myself even more determined to eclipse Resurrection with our next release. The spirit hasn't been dampened, in fact it's grown! We hope you will still be willing to give the next album the same support you kindly gave to the last one.

Thanks again for your generosity towards Legacy over the past year...we DO appreciate it believe me!

Both myself and Vladi can be contacted through this new address
info@celtic-legacy.com The website is also being updated and should be up to date by the weekend.

All the best and keep the faith,
Dave

 

ECHOLYN - There's a DVD release coming up of the US Progressive Rockband ECHOLYN. Here's their latest newsletter...

There is a band that needs to be seen live. This band is echolyn. Yes, the studio albums are wonderful and to them we listen. But echolyn was and is more than their albums. Stars and Gardens is echolyn. For many, the footage here on these DVD’s may be their first look at one of the most remarkable American bands of our time. Enjoy the performance. Enjoy the artistry. Enjoy the embrace. For other’s, like myself, watching Stars and Gardens helps us feel as we did when we sat in the theaters and clubs that housed the intensity that is echolyn. Stars and Gardens forever captures not only the music but it also showcases, astonishingly well, the people who are the music.

On September 7, 2004, MM3 is releasing Stars and Gardens, echolyn’s first DVD. Stars and Gardens is over 3 and ½ hours in length, 150 minutes on stage and 70 minutes of echolyn history. The concert footage was filmed May 25, 2003, at Sellersville Theater using 6 cameras, HD, 16 mm, BETA SP. The audio was recorded digitally live with 32 channels and mixed by Brett Kull.

Echolyn has been creating music for 15 years. They have composed and produced over 80 songs. They have gained an international audience and have a new album and a European Tour in the works for 2005.

http://www.starsandgardens.com

 

Dong Open Air festival - A smal German festival to take place soon, here's their newsletter...

The DOA is a small Metal Festival that takes place on a hill in Neukirchen-Vluyn/near Duisburg in Germany, and is organized by a group of private laymen. In spite of the fact that we are only 30 km from the Dutch border, hardly anyone in the Netherlands knows about us. This is something we want to change in
the future.This year, we had a total of 18 bands, that played styles from death metal to black metal to power metal to to thrash metal to viking metal to hard rock to prog rock and folk metal. The bands are a mix of completely underground, medium and wellknown ones such as Skyclad, Burden of Grief, Night In Gales, My Darkest Hate and Vintersorg. This year we had a total of 1000 visitors and we plan to reach at least this number in the next year. In our near vicinity, we are sort of famous for the family-like feeling and the beer price of 1 EURO for 0,5l (and no cheap brand of beer, that is). Now while reading all this you propably think "what the heck does this idiot want from me" which I can understand quite well ;-)We'd like to get some Dutch metalheads over to our festival, and so we'd like to ask you to cover us in some way on your page. We'd appreciate every piece of help, and if we can help you with anything in any way, we'll gladly do so. I hope we can work out something that we'll both benefit from.

Regards, and metal on!,
Benjamin
DOA team

 

AFTER THE SILENCE - The Dutch Melodic Rockband AFTER THE SILENCE has some news (in Dutch only!):

Op 7 augustus j.l. vond in "So What" in Ede het voorlopig laatste optreden plaats van zangeres Ingrid van den Hof - van den Berg bij After The Silence, daar zij rond 10 september a.s. haar tweede kind verwacht. De afgelopen weken werd zangeres Carmen Agtsteribbe in de ATS-oefenruimte klaargestoomd om Ingrid tijdens haar zwangerschapsverlof tijdelijk waar te nemen. Carmen's eerste officiële optreden met ATS was tevens in Ede te aanschouwen. Het volgende optreden van de band zal zijn op vrijdag 24 september a.s. in Musicon Den Haag in het kader van het "Awake With Prog-Sympho"-festival. Andere bands die je daar kunt zien zijn Sanity en de uit de U.S.A. afkomstige band All Too Human. Hoogtepunt van de avond is ongetwijfeld dat All Too Human bijgestaan wordt door special guest" ex-Dream Theater-toetsenist Derek Sherinian! Meer info: www.afterthesilence.nl

Voor de Concertagenda:
Vrijdag 24 september, Musicon Den Haag, Awake With Prog-Sympho Festival, aanvang 21.30 uur met: After The Silence, Sanity, All Too Human (From the U.S.A., featuring special guest: ex-Dream Theater DEREK SHERINIAN)

 

X-FEST - X-FEST VERS. 1.0 Festival news!

The line up for this year's X-Fest is now complete. SACRED HEART will round of the bill along with LOST WEEKEND, QUECIA and Swansea's own SHEER SHOCK REVIVAL.

SACRED HEART are one of the hardest working bands to emerge from the UK in recent years. With many gigs under their belts and a string of self financed releases, the band prove to be a popular draw at any show or festival.

The band are extremely happy to be added to the bill and look forward to playing in front of a Welsh crowd.

The festival will take place at the Railmens Club in Wind Street, Swansea. The full line up for the show including times is as follows...

6:30pm to 6:45pm :: Doors Open.
6:45pm to 7:15pm :: Sheer Shock Revival
7:30pm to 8:10pm :: Quecia
8:25pm to 9:25pm :: Sacred Heart
9:40pm to 11:10pm :: Lost Weekend

The venue will close at 12 midnight, so there is plenty of time to have a beer (or two) with the bands after the final performance.

Punchline Promotions will also be selling various merchandise from all the bands during the evening plus some additional stock from Now And Then Records, Fireworks magazine plus more to be announced soon...

Tickets can be purchased from us direct (please email
webdesign@punchlinepromotions.co.uk with the subject "X-FEST") or from MUSIQUARIUM RECORDS on 01792-465256. These are priced at £10 in advance with NO booking fee!!! Tickets purchased on the day with be £12 so we suggest that you get your tickets now...

All details now available at
www.punchlinepromotions.co.uk

 

STEEL ATTACK - STEEL ATTACK release their new album ³Enslaved² in October 2004.²Enslaved² was recorded at Black Lounge Studios and mastered by Peter In de Betou.

Tracklisting :
1- Gates Of Heaven
2- Out Of The Flames
3- Forsaken
4- Bless My Sins
5- Immortal Hate
6- Son Of A Thousand Souls
7- Enslaved
8- Voices
9- When You Dream
10- Afraid No More

John Allan (guitar) talks about ³Enslaved²:

The new Steel Attack album, should not be compared at all with the old albums, this is the best album that the band released so far. There are a lot that differ the sound from the previous ones. Like the sound of the new lead singer Ronny Hemlin who got a very wide range in his voice and sings with an attitude that let all words got the right touch to the sound that the members in the musical way brings on as well.

The lyrics throughout the album are about religions in different angles and point of views mostly relating to the illogical sides and the ones with big question marks, such as-

³No matter what evil deed you do, it is all right if you do it in the name of God² (that sucks).

The songs through out the album should be taken to each listeners own point of view, when it comes to the lyrics its up to the listener to treat the content in his or hers own way of understanding and judgement of its content and meaning. So our point of view in the songs will not be told, as then the multiple point of view to each listener will be spoiled.

See the songs as a mix of a very varied album, both fast and some slower parts; there are no ballads, since none of us got the music at this time for such kind of songs at this time in the new Steel Attacks sound

³Enslaved² track available at
www.steelattack.com

Arise Records
www.arisemetal.com

 

BLACK MAJESTY - Australian power metallers BLACK MAJESTY will begin recording their second album with acclaimed producer (and of course guitarist of Iron Saviour) Pete Sielck in Germany. The band will commence recording drums in November 2004 at Sielck's Powerhouse Studios in Germany. Sielck's production duties already include Gamma Ray, Blind Guardian, Grave Digger and Saxon. Black Majesty have spent the last 6 months in pre production aiming for a mid 2005 release through their Limb Music Products label. For more info checkout www.blackmajesty.com

 

ECLECTIC DISCS RECORDS - Sept 6th sees the following remastered reissues complete with much enhanced artwork and bonus tracks. website has full details of track listings
www.eclecticdiscs.com

Egg-Egg
Egg-Polite Force

East Of Eden-Mercator Projected
East of Eden-Snafu

Khan-Space Shanty

4th October see a brand new Nektar studio album "Evolution" featuring Roye Albrighton, Taff Freeman, Ron Howden and Randy Dembo. Album is a real return to classic Nektar sound with a modern twist . 4th October also sees Nektars classic album "Live in New York" from 1974 remastered and released in SACD hybrid.

UK distribution with RSK
USA distribution with Navarre
Germany-Soulfood
France-Musea
Netherlands-Bertus

Anyone unable to buy from distributors seeking direct sales to contact at
vicky@eclecticdiscs.com

Caravan and Nektar are touring USA together from 7th-24th September. Tour itinerary at
www.nektarmusic.co.uk East coast and mid west.

www.eclecticdiscs.com

 

NOW AND THEN RECORDS - News August 6th 2004

ORPHAN PROJECT
===============
Now And Then is extremely proud to be able to announce the signing of the most exciting new progressive rock band in recent years.....Orphan Project. The band's beginnings stretch back to November of 2001 when singer/lyricist Shane Lankford approached John Wenger (guitars, keyboards and music) with an idea to write a concept album about physical and spiritual adoption. After a few months of waiting, John said yes and the process began to create a soundscape that could handle the lyrical depth of what Shane wanted to, and in alot of ways, needed to get out.

Musically the major influences are Kansas, Spock`s Beard, Yes, Peter Gabriel, Dream Theater, Whiteheart and quality music in general.

Shane asked good friends, guitarist Chris Maggitti, drummer Nathan Grant, violinist Cindy King, and bassist Jason Chaillou to play in the studio on the cd and John gathered bassist Colin McGough, celloist Ben Hardesty. Together with the incredible leadership of John Grant and Tony Correlli they recorded "Orphan Found" during April- June '03.

A child of adoptive parents, Shane found his way into his first family in July of 1971. Growing up in a family as an adoptee left Shane with the burning question "In whom do I find my identity?" Spurred on by his love of music, Shane explored these questions while performing with several bands including About A Day. With his characteristic exuberance and "everyman" qualities, Shane contributed thought provoking, deep lyrics that were accessible to all audiences.

In his latest project, Shane explores the topic of adoption from his very personal experience. Elements of longing for acceptance, desire to establish an identity, coupled with a real sense of peace that comes only from above, pervade the new lyrical verse entitled "Orphan Found". The depth of feeling and the joy of this story carry you from beginning to end of this amazing piece. He aims to make you laugh, break your heart, and let you take a glimpse of the pure joy that he has found in his search for his true Father.

As soon as the deal with Now And Then was inked, Orphan Project set about extensively re-recording and completely remixing the album, with the results taking it to an even higher level than was already apparant.

Media reaction has been universally positive, with Nick Shilton of Classic Rock magazine describing it as "Probably the most exciting debut album from a US band since Spock`s Beard`s "The Light" back in 1995. Yes, it`s that good. Imagine a mix of prime Kansas, latter day Asia and Dream Theater at their most commercial."

Kaj Roth of Melodic.net had this to say -

"Do you like classy modern progressive rock like Enchant, Threshold, Cairo and Dream Theater with some classic and honorable winds from the 70´s such as Kansas and Yes? This breathtaking debut from Orphan Project is well worth the money without checking ´em out first. I myself have Kansas as one of the best bands ever so I don´t talk BS here...just buy it and you won´t be disappointed my friends."

The album will be released in September and there are already plans afoot to bring the band over to Europe for some showcase events.

MILLENIUM
==========
The bands long awaited "Jericho" CD is released now in parts of Europe. The reviews in the metal press have been very encouraging so far.

Rock Hard (Germany) - "Timeless and very well done American style melodic hard rock...Epic, diverse compositions such as the track "Let There Be light" with it's driving rhythms and the athmospheric solo part are seldom heard these days." 8/ 10 points

Break Out (Germany) - "...The band has added a lot of heaviness to their sound which fits them excellently and fills in the gap that Savatage have left since the departure of Zakk Stevens song-wise."

Powermetal.de - "epic melodic metal and hard rock which is founded on Rainbow or Uriah Heep and reaches over to Dio, Black Sabbath ("Heaven and hell" and "Headless Cross" eras), from Malmsteen to At Vance and Mob Rules...The steel flows slowly but will remain forever. When the sing-along-songs from other bands have lost their charm, Millenium will still be being listened to with pleasure. And this is the reason that makes this album so great." 10/12 points

Heavy-metal.de - "A wide diversity of compositions is offered here and is very well recieved in our ears. Also, Plant's rough voice and the upfront rhythm work is a big winner as well. Example: the powerful "Enemy Of The Sun" and "Wheel Of Fortune" - I can't make a decision which one is the best song here. We nevertheless kindly ask you to help to bring Millenium to the light."

Soundbase - "As the Jorn maniac I am, I naturally would have liked to see another album by Millenium with my favorite singer but "Jericho" needs to be honoured: Santolla, Plant & Co. have created a great and rocking album which should be checked out by both hard rockers and metal fans. 10 points for a welcome return!"

Fireworks Magazine - "The hooks aren’t always that obvious, especially on the less commercial tracks like ‘Heresy’ and ‘Morning Star’, but they’re like looking at magic eye pictures, once you’ve seen it then you can’t not see it. There are blazing guitar parts everywhere, weaving in and out of each other with some bizarre runs and unconventional scales, and the soaring vocals of Todd Plant are refreshingly familiar.
The attractions of the gloriously catchy and mid-paced ‘My War’ and ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ are a little more obvious, while ‘Above This World’ and ‘Let There Be Light’ are high energy work-outs with at least one foot rooted in traditional hard rock. However, the monumental ‘Burning Again’ is the undoubted highlight, a complete atmospheric tour-de-force on which Todd Plant is simply awesome, it’s part Triumph’s ‘Just A Game’ and part Queensryche’s ‘Roads To Madness’. It’s a powerful metal record with some astounding guitar playing, a great vocal performance, and no weak songs."

Idioglossia.de - "Millenium can be easily put into the same shelves as Dokken, Masterplan & Axel Rudi Pell."

Schweres-metall.de - "Original singer Todd Plant shines with an outstanding performance with his rough and powerful voice...An album that will leave all fans of Savatage and Masterplan with a big grin in the face!" 7.5/10 points

Metalmafia.de - "Millenium definitely stands for versatile and punchy melodic metal. One can recognize immediately that the musicians work with their hearts and souls involved here. Both instrumentation and vocal performance shine perfectly, especially the guitarists have a lot of space for a solo playground. The songs are diverse and the production suits the sound right. Melodic metal fanatics shouldn't miss this album!"

Squealer - "Usually, most albums offer 3-4 highlight songs these days and that`s it. On "Jericho", it is almost impossible to pick a couple of favorites though as I easily could have mentioned seven songs now. This is proof enough how strong this band is. Respect!"

The album is also receiving good airplay in Germany and is currently sitting just outside the top 30 of the hugely influential World DJ Charts.

For updates / further info check out the Now & Then website at
www.nowandthen.co.uk

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