| LATEST NEWS |
|
STRUTTER'ZINE - Check the reviewspages as we have updated with a lot of new reviews, stuff from the underground in the world of melodic rock, aor and prog/power metal!
|
|
JOURNEY - New year, new singer, new album, new tour, well, JOURNEY seems to be heading into another new chapter and even signed a deal with WALMART in the USA for the new album. Europe has the FRONTIERS deal and below is all the info on the new JOURNEY release. In the meantime check out samples at: http://downloads.walmart.com/swap/LoadAlbumSongList.do?itemId=9911197 Frontiers Records is proud to present the new chapter in the legendary career of multi-Platinum US rockers Journey - Neal Schon (guitar), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Ross Valory (bass), Deen Castronovo (drums) and Arnel Pineda (vocals) – entitled “Revelation”. The brand new record will come in a beautifully packaged two cd set which will include 11 new songs and 11 re-recorded classics and will be released in Europe on Frontiers Records on June 6th 2008. “Revelation” is the first Journey album to feature the angelic voice of Philipino singer Arnel Pineda. Guitarist Neal Schon says about him “We feel reborn. I think there’s a lot of chemistry between the five of us. The new stuff sounds tremendous. Everyone’s so stoked about it. We feel very fortunate to have found Arnel”. “Arnel brings a soulful and passionate voice to Journey”, continues keyboardist Jonathan Cain. “His personality is very well-suited to our music. He’s a sincere, authentic person with a great smile and a big heart. I think fans are really going to love him. With Arnel’s soaring tenor, Journey returns to our heritage sound.” The first album with lead vocalist Arnel Pineda, “Revelation” is Journey running on no less than twelve cylinders, a fine-tuned offering that sounds every bit like a band hitting their stride. Schon and Cain penned all 11 of the new tracks on “Revelation”. There is no lack of chemistry in Journey, beginning with the songwriting core of Schon and Cain. “I felt strongly about moving forward and writing new material. It was time,” Schon states. Schon then put the call into Cain and started the song writing process which has now become the album, “Revelation”. “There’s an innate trust and respect for what we each do as we weave our way through this music,” says Cain. Schon adds, “In the alphabet, I might be a Z and Jonathan the A, that’s just how opposite we are musically sometimes. I write mostly rock and Jonathan writes most of the ballads, but when you combine the chemistry of us together, you’ll find that it is the nucleus and sound of what is and has been Journey. And now, with the right voice in place, we have all the right ingredients.” “Never Walk Away” kicks “Revelation” off with the resilient air and upbeat optimism fans have come to expect from Journey, a melody-soaked and guitar-driven anthem sure to ignite the live circuit just as it lights up the new release. The heartwarming sentiment offered by “Like a Sunshower” gives a more poetic and reflective look at relationships. It’s an uncharacteristic ballad from the more hard rock-inclined Schon. There’s even an instrumental, “The Journey (Revelation)”, at the request of producer Kevin Shirley, who returns to the fold after working with the band on “Trial By Fire” (1996) and “Arrival” (2000), the band’s first instrumental since “Departure” (1980) and “Evolution” (1979). “This is a special song for me”, Schon says of the sprawling track, “it was extremely gratifying to express myself on my instrument in this way”. This is a great performance from everyone in the band and truly a majestic track. But every member of Journey shines on the whole of “Revelation”. Lead singer Arnel Pineda does plenty of head turning of his own throughout the new recordings, as well as the 11 classic hits that the band re-recorded. Jonathan Cain’s keyboards elevate “After All These Years” to new emotional heights. “What I Needed” is a power ballad, driven by heavy guitars, reminiscent of the early Journey that so many bands have modeled themselves after. Deen Castronovo drums up a frenzy during the hard-driving rock song, “Wildest Dream.” The talented Castronovo also sings most of the high harmonies heard throughout the album, proving that not only is he an amazing drummer, but he’s a dynamic vocalist as well. Schon’s smoking guitars rip through this track with a cool, eastern flavor. Bassist Ross Valory is steady throughout, a stabilizing force through the albums more driven highs and heartfelt lows. Frontiers Records President Serafino Perugino comments: “Working again with Journey is more than an honour for us. I wish to thank all the parties that worked hard to make this release happen, including Gabe Reed Esq, Azoff Management and the band for the continued trust in our job”. “Revelation” tracklisting will include the following songs: Cd1: Never Walk Away; Like A Sunshower; Change For The Better; Wildest Dream; Faith In The Heartland; After All These Years; Where Did I Lose Your Love; What I Needed; What It Takes To Win; Turn Down The World Tonight; The Journey (Revelation). Cd2: Only The Young; Don't Stop Believin'; Wheel In The Sky; Faithfully; Any Way You Want It; Who's Crying Now; Separate Ways (Worlds Apart); Lights; Open Arms; Be Good To Yourself; Stone In Love. Journey will support the new album release in Europe with a highly anticipated tour which will include the following dates in June 2008: 6 La Riviera Madrid, Spain 10 Ewerk Koln, Germany 11 Schwarzwaldhalle Karlsruhe, Germany 13 Hessen State Fair, HombergEfze, Germany 14 Jako Arena Bamberg, Germany 15 Arrow Classic Festival, Holland 17 Hammersmith London, England 19 Apollo Manchester, England 20 Clyde Auditorium Glasgow, Scotland 22 Civic Theater Wolverhampton, England 23 Cardiff International Arena Cardiff, Wales 25 National Stadium Dublin, Ireland 27 Nottingham Arena Nottingham, England 28 Harewood House Harrogate, England “Revelation” is the album to look for. The future looks bright once again.
|
|
THY MAJESTIE - press release We are proud to announce that the 4th Thy Majestie full lenght has been completed. Recording, mixing and mastering are now finally over. We are ENTHUSIASTIC of the final result. We think (and we don't say that only because it's usual to say these things after a new album) that this is the best album Thy Majestie have ever recorded Catchy melodies, amazing guitars and keyboards solos (thanks to the guitar hero Simone Campione and the virtuoso Valerio Castorino) and a great, stunning, unbelievable vocal performance by Dario Cascio. "DAWN" is ready and will be released by Dark Balance Records in July the 2nd . Thy Majestie will be headliners at FEAR DARK festivals in Holland in the end of May and we'll play at Stuttgard (Germany) in the 2nd of June Claudio Diprima / Thy Majestie www.thymajestie.com www.myspace.com/thymajesty
|
|
HEAVENWOOD - In addition to already-announced guests Tijs (OCEANS OF SADNESS) and Gus G (FIREWIND), Portuguese Metallers HEAVENWOOD announce that ANNIHILATOR's Jeff Waters will be a very special guest on the band's new album. Jeff will appear on what is described as "the band's most intense and metal song of their career", a track well-suited to Waters titled 'Bridge To Neverland'. HEAVENWOOD's guitarist, Ricardo Dias says: "Jeff Waters has been building his own metal bridge for years and influencing so many guitarists/ bands, Heavenwood included. It is fair to say that we crafted the song "Bridge To Neverland", clearly as a result of our "Waters/Annihilator" influences. It is an honor for all of us in Heavenwood to have this man on our cd, along with Gus and Tijs. ANNIHILATOR released its latest album, "Metal", in North America on January 15 via SPV. The CD's ten new tracks were recorded by Jeff Waters (guitar, bass and lead vocals on one song), drum legend Mike Mangini and Dave Padden (longtime vocalist and touring guitarist/vocalist). The album features killer performances by some of metal's finest players and ANNIHILATOR's good friends, like Alexi Laiho (CHILDREN OF BODOM), Danko Jones, Michael Amott and Angela Gossow (ARCH ENEMY), Corey Beaulieu (TRIVIUM), William Adler (LAMB OF GOD), Jeff Loomis, Jesper Strömblad (IN FLAMES), Steve "Lips" Kudlow, Anders Björler (THE HAUNTED), Jacob Lynam (LYNAM) and more. Jeff Waters photo - http://www.bspix.fr/ Meanwhile, a new Heavenwood video report ( Heavenwood - Orebro, Sweden - April 2008 - Episode 2) filmed on the Fascination Street Studios with producer Jens Bogren on scene, can be viewed at: http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=32980671 For more info about the band, please feel free to visit http://www.myspace.com/heavenwood or mail to filipe.marta@recitalrecords.com
|
|
CRYSTAL TEARS - CRYSTAL TEARS NEWS MAY 2008: "Crystal Tears have joined forces with Ian Parry (Elegy, Consortium), who was invited to write the lyrics and vocal melody lines as a guest vocalist on the new CD!!! The band has also joined forces with R. D. Liapakis (Mystic Prophecy, Firewind, Chastain, Eldritch etc.), who will produce the album in Germany!!! Crystal Tears will enter the studio mid May, while Ian plans to start his vocal recordings at his own studio in the Netherlands shortly after." www.myspace.com/crystaltearsgr www.myspace.com/ianparrytheartist www.myspace.com/rdliapakis
|
|
GAIA EPICUS - Last names announced for guests on new Gaia Epicus album! Here is the final names for the guest musicians appearing on "Damnation". Renato Tribuzy (Tribuzy) will do some vocals on one song of the new album. Renato is a great singer and he has worked with stars such as Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), Matt Sinner (Sinner), Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), Michael Kiske (ex-Helloween),Roy Z, Roland Grapow and more. Tribuzy released their debut album "Execution" in 2005 via Locomotive Records, in 2007 the band released the live album “ Execution Live Reunion” Via MTM Records and the live DVD “Execution Live Reunion” via Locomotive Records in 2008. www.tribuzy.com And then we have Dominique Leurquin (Rhapsody of fire, Luca Turilli's Dreamquest) who will play a guitar solo on one song. Dominique is a great guitarist and has been a LIVE guitarist for Rhapsody of fire since the year 2000, and he also plays on their albums. He has been a member of Luca Turilli's solo band since 2006. There will also be some guitar solos done by Lasse Jensen (Oceans of time), and some keyboard solos done by Fabrizio S Muratori (NhorizoN). Gaia Epicus is extremely honoured to have all these fantastic people on the album! Guest line-up for the album: Roland Grapow from the band Masterplan, ex-Helloween Dominique Leurquin from the bands Rhapsody of fire-live, Luca Turilli's Dreamquest Renato Tribuzy from the band Tribuzy Andreas Olsson from the bands Narnia, Divinefire, Rob Rock, Stormwind Michael Troy from the band Yngwie Malmsteen-live Jonas Hörnqvist from the band Treasure Land Lasse Jensen from the band Oceans of time Fabrizio S Muratori from the band NhorizoN More news at www.gaia-epicus.com
|
|
ERIK NORLANDER - Erik Norlander's "Neurosaur" Included in MTV Fashion Show Models walk the runway to "Neurosaur" in MTV's "If I Were King" April 10, 2008 El Dorado Hills, CA - Models walked the runway to keyboard virtuoso Erik Norlander's song "Neurosaur" in the new Bad Boy Films MTV show "If I Were King" which premiered April 9th. The documentary celebrates the 10th anniversary of Diddy's Sean John fashion line. It offers a private look at one of the most public figures in entertainment. The premiere episode will be rebroadcast on Saturday, April 12 at 2PM ET. "Neurosaur" songwriter Erik Norlander comments, "I was really impressed with how well my song suited Diddy's event. The cathedral - like hall in which the runway segment was staged -- giant hanging chandeliers and all -- certainly called for a weighty, epic soundtrack with some strong gothic and classical overtones. I am happy to have provided it with "Neurosaur". The show's producers have really shown some great vision, both optically and sonically." "Neurosaur" was originally released in 1997 on Erik Norlander's debut solo CD "Threshold" and then re-released and remastered on the "Threshold Special Edition" 2CD reissue in 2007 on Norlander's Think Tank Media label, distributed by ProgRock Records / Ryko Distribution. Norlander's strong compositional vision, state-of-the-art production sensibility, command of vintage technology and masterful keyboard technique permanently burned "Threshold" into progressive rock history. Virtuoso keyboardist Erik Norlander was joined by drummer / percussionist Greg Ellis (The Matrix films, Vas) and bassist Don Schiff (Rocket Scientists, Lana Lane) to create a prog rock power trio whose depth and range matched past greats such as ELP, Rush and Cream. In 2007, Erik re-released the astounding 2CD version of "Threshold" complete with 10 bonus tracks and a high-resolution Quicktime video of Erik performing his legendary "Trantor Station" live at the California ProgWest progressive music festival on his famous modular Moog synthesizer. In addition, the Special Edition package includes an ultra-deluxe 20-page full-color CD booklet with extensive liner notes by Erik, rock keyboard icon Keith Emerson, the participating musicians and numerous others contributors associated with the album. "Neurosaur" also appears on Erik Norlander's two live releases, the "Stars Rain Down" CD (2004) and "Live in St. Petersburg" DVD (2006). For more information about Erik Norlander, please visit http://www.eriknorlander.com and http://www.myspace.com/eriknorlanderandlanalane . For more info about "If I Were King", please visit http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/if_i_were_king/series.jhtml. Disclaimer: Erik Norlander, Think Tank Media, and Serge Entertainment PR are in no way affiliated with Bad Boy Entertainment or Bad Boy Films. |
|
METAL HEAVEN - ::: AOR & Metal Heaven - June 2008 releases & some news ::: ::: DARK SKY - new studio album "Empty Faces" due on AOR Heaven on June 27th, 2008 ::: DARK SKY had been founded as a school band in the very early 80’s in the South German city of Rottweil. The release of their 3rd studio album "Living & Dying" (2005) marked the first output for their current label AOR Heaven. After playing lots of concerts during 2005 and 2006 the band started to pre-produce songs for the new album “Empty Faces”. It was again producer Markus Teske (VANDEN PLAS) who made sure that “Empty Faces” was provided with the required power. The recordings were finished in February 2008. Track list: 1. Hands Up, 2. Empty Faces, 3. Slave Of Time, 4. Send Them To Hell, 5. Chase Your Dreams, 6. Maniac, 7. Saints Beneath The Sky, 8. Pleasure & Pain, 9. Believe It, 10. Meaning Of Life, 11. Final Day (Hidden Track) Vocals: Frank Breuninger; Guitars: Steffen Doll; Drums: Uwe Mayer; Bass: Winny Zurek ; Keyboards: Claudio Nobile -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ::: "That's Live" - German Hard Rockers SOUL DOCTOR return with their first ever live release!" After the successful and highly acclaimed release of their latest, in total 4th, studio recording entitled “Blood Runs Cold”, the time was right for SOUL DOCTOR, the energetic Hard Rock band from Berlin, Germany to release their first ever live album. The band around singer Tommy Heart and guitarist Chris Lyne is a powerful live piece which the band impressively confirms on the “That’s Live” opus. Recorded during the years 2005-2007, the disc contains 13 songs which originally had come from all four studio albums. „That’s Live“ will be released in Europe as limited, exclusive double CD package. Whilst CD 1 contains the live recordings, CD 2 offers for bonus tracks from the archives of the Germans, i.e. „Revolution“ (different version), „Laugh In The Face Of Danger“ (different version), „Justine“ (acoustic version) und „The Ocean“ (acoustic version). Additionally incuded in the limited edition of the his release will be a numbered tour pass as goodie for the fans. This pass also is a part of a competition where one lucky number will win a original Epiphone acoustic guitar signed by the band! The album will be released on Metal Heaven on June 27th, 2008. Live songs on CD 1 (not final running order): Blood Runs Cold, Under Your Skin, Good Time's Slippin' Away, Temptation, See You In Heaven, Eatin' On Me, Laugh In The Face Of Danger, Get It On, Goodbye, Unspoken Words, What Do U Want, Soul Doctor, Just Can't Get Over You www.souldoctorrocks.com & www.myspace.com/souldoctorrock -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ::: SANDALINAS - 2 gigs with TESTAMENT in Spain! ::: Please spread around the following dates: 24.06.2008 E-Madrid, Heineken 25.06.2008 E-Barcelona, Apolo TSO and former Savatage guitar player Chris Caffery will join SANDALINAS on stage during these shows. New album: "Fly To The Sun" - out now on Metal Heaven. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ::: Fires Of Babylon @ Myspace ::: FIRES OF BABYLON set up some soundclips on their myspace site at: http://www.myspace.com/firesofbabylon Check them out there! The band's debut self-titled album will be released on April 25th on Metal Heaven. |
|
MOONMADNESS - MoonMadness debut album ”All In Between” out in May! MoonMadness releases their debut album ”All In Between” in Finland on May 7th. On this the MoonMads marry together something old with something new in uninhibited manner. The result is material of which not exists any excess supply; timeless hard rock with some sharp defined vintage flavours! “Shot Through The Wing”, the single from the album will be available from download stores on March 26th. The video of the same song is now on the MoonMadness Myspace! MoonMadness started already around the Millennium, so what will be soon available has been prepared with time and affection. “Stroke of Midnight”, the opening track of the album, was released already as a single last year and made the Finnish top-20. MoonMadness has toured around Finnish rock clubs for couple of years and has supported names as Yngwie Malmsteen and Sonata Arctica on the way. As “All In Between” is released in May the band hits the road, this time highlighted with a performance at Sauna Open Air festival in hometown Tampere in June. MoonMadness: Heidi Bergbacka - Vocals Otto Hallamaa – Guitar Juha Leppäharju - Bass Antto Nikolai Tuomainen - Drums Turkka Vuorinen - Keyboards internet: www.myspace.com/moonmadnessband www.moonmadness.fi |
|
URIAH HEEP - "WAKE THE SLEEPER - THE NEW URIAH HEEP ALBUM, TO BE RELEASED June 2th 2008. Here is the cover artwork!
30 million album selling British rock legends return with first new studio album in ten years…. Announce Release Of New Studio Album Album: “Wake The Sleeper” Release Date: 2nd June 2008 Universal Music are delighted to announce the release of a new studio album from British rock legends Uriah Heep in June 2008. “Wake The Sleeper” will be Uriah Heep’s first studio album in almost ten years (the first since 1998’s “Sonic Origami”) and is set to herald an exciting new phase for the band. The album see’s Uriah Heep back to their very best and is set to become a future classic – sure to please their dedicated worldwide fan base and fans of progressive rock in general. Recorded in 2007 the album was produced by Mike Paxman (Status Quo, Judie Tzuke). In the words of Mick Box, “We are delighted to be reunited with a major label in Universal music. “Wake The Sleeper” is an album we are incredibly proud of, and one that we hope the fans will see as one of Uriah Heep’s best. We can’t wait to get back out on the road to showcase the new songs.” The live arena has been vital to the longevity of Uriah Heep. So in addition to album sales of over 30 million worldwide the band have toured in 52 countries and established themselves as consummate live performers. The band has a series of impressive firsts including being the first British rock band to play Russia in December 1987. This is the band's first album without their long-standing and original drummer, Lee Kerslake who sadly had to leave the band due to ill health in January 2007. Filling the drum stool for the very first time is the hugely well respected Russell Gilbrook (Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath), Van Morrison, John Farnham and Lonnie Donnegan). Current band line up is Mick Box – Guitar, Vocals Trevor Bolder – Bass, Vocals Phil Lanzon – Keyboards, Vocals Bernie Shaw - Lead Vocals and Russell Gilbrook – Drums, Vocals. Full album tracklisting as follows: 1 – Wake The Sleeper 2 – Overload 3 – Tears Of the World 4 – Light Of A Thousand Stars 5 – Heavens Rain 6 – Book Of Lies 7 – What Kind Of God 8 – Ghost Of The Ocean 9 – Angels Walk With You 10 – Shadow 11 – War Child Uriah Heep's progressive heavy metal made the British band one of the most popular hard rock groups of the early '70s. Formed by guitarist Mick Box and vocalist David Byron in the late '60s, Uriah Heep released their debut album “Very ‘eavy…Very ‘umble” in 1970. Since then the band have released 20 studio albums and played to millions of fans across the globe. Uriah Heep remain one of British rocks most consistent and long standing acts with album sales of over 30 million worldwide. “Wake The Sleeper” will be Uriah Heep’s 21st studio album… Wake The Sleeper will also be released on Vinyl as a 12” Limited Edition in a stunning gatefold sleeve. “Wake The Sleeper” is released through Universal Music on the 2nd June 2008. The album will also be available as a limited edition 12” vinyl. Cat no: CMEVD441
|
|
AXEMASTER -
|
|
LOST WEEKEND
-
"LOST WEEKEND were in
the studio last weekend demoing material for their 5 studio album. Paul
Uttley describes the new material as having influences from the classics
that Thunder, UFO, Scorpions and Whitesnake are best known for, which is
far removed from anything that LOST WEEKEND have done previously. With a
twin guitar line-up, the band feel that they can stretch their creative
muscles further than in previous incarnations of the band. "New" boy,
Paul 'Squiz' Surrall, has helped mould a new and improved version of the
band and has injected a renewed enthusiasm into the existing band
members. Tracks that were demoed include : Stone Hearted Women, Find My
Own Way, The Eagle, Another Lonely Night In Tears, Only The Strong
Survive, Life With The Lid Taken Off and Backstreet Living.
|
|
JEFF SCOTT SOTO - Personally visited one of his gigs a few days ago and filmed myself an amazing version of the TALISMAN classic "I'll be waiting".
CHECK THIS LINK to see an
amazing 10 minute version of TALISMAN CLASSIC "I'LL BE WAITING",
which includes BON JOVI "YOU GIVE LOVE A BAD NAME":
JEFF SCOTT SOTO I'LL BE
WAITING MARCH_6_2008 ZOETERMEER, WITH TEMPESTT. If anyone is
interested I will upload more videos I shot myself during this gig,
GOTTHARD and KAYAK, more to follow later this year with rare clips
of live performances from JIMI JAMISON, JOE LYNN TURNER, KANSAS, REO
SPEEDWAGON, DEF LEPPARD, JOURNEY, all shot by me personally...
|
|
DGM - DGM, one of Europe’s finest and most renowed power-progressive acts, have just announced that Mark Basile (B.R.A.K.E., Mind Key) is the new singer of the band. Mark was chosen among several auditions throughout Italy, Europe and America. The band would like to thank all those who have sent their material for being so professional. DGM are excited to work with Mark on the songs for the new album, which is expected soon. In the meantime, the new line up will play the following shows:
02/03/2008 Italian Gods Of Metal - Alcatraz (Milano) 29/03/2008 Heavy Naples Fest - Palapartenope - Fuorigrotta (NA)
|
|
STRUTTER'ZINE
AWARDS 2007 ---THE YEAR IN REVIEW--- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BEST ALBUMS OF 2007:
|
