Norwegian melodic hard rock band Lily Löwe has dropped their latest single, “Haunted House,” a chilling and cathartic track that arrives just in time to soundtrack your Halloween. The single is the sixth release from their upcoming sophomore album, Beautiful Disaster, set to arrive February 6, 2026.
“Haunted House” dives deep into the shadows of the mind, using the metaphor of a haunted home to explore themes of anxiety, inner demons, and emotional chaos. With heavy basslines, modern production, and frontwoman Lily’s commanding vocals, the track delivers a visceral listening experience, dark, raw and emotionally charged.
“It’s about being trapped inside your own head. We wanted the music to reflect that, heavy, haunting, but also cathartic,” says Lily.
The single follows a string of high-voltage releases in 2025, including “Wild,” “Demons,” “Puppet Master,” “Glitter & Gore” and the title track “Beautiful Disaster.” Each song reveals a different facet of the band’s evolving sound, melodic, punchy and unapologetically heavy.
Formed after Lily’s solo debut at Melodi Grand Prix 2022, Lily Löwe quickly grew into a full band featuring some of Norway’s top heavy rock talent: Adrian Sunde Bjerketvedt (Jorn), Patrik Svendsen (Tonic Breed), Stian Hansen (Suicide Bombers) and Eiliv Sagrusten (Invasion). Their debut album LÖWE earned critical acclaim, and their upcoming release promises to push boundaries even further.
“Beautiful Disaster” is a sonic journey through power, vulnerability, and transformation, blending classic hard rock roots with modern edge. From the glam-punk riot of “Glitter & Gore” to the emotional wreckage of the title track, the album is “all killer, no filler,” according to the band.
Fans can expect more singles leading up to the album’s release, and a live show that’s as intense as the music itself, with raw emotion, heavy riffs, and hooks that stick.
“Haunted House” is available now on all major streaming platforms. Beautiful Disaster arrives February 6, 2026.
While Swedish modern melodic metal outfit, dEMOTIONAL, is currently gearing up to reissue their latest, much acclaimed masterpiece album Scandinavian Aftermath, due out on May 26, 2023 via AFM Records. Today, the band has shared a brand new lyric video for the song “Boiling Point”: HERE
With four albums under their belt and following their recent, worldwide signing with AFM Records, the Hamburg-based powerhouse label is proud to present the band’s self-released 2021-offering, Scandinavian Aftermath, to a global audience. With over 15 million streams on Spotify alone and a constant listener base of 100k, various live shows, tours and radio airplays, dEMOTIONAL have aready proved to be one of the most exciting, up-and-coming bands of their genre and now they are ready more than ever to conquer the world!
The quintet from Gothenburg, that already became an anchor in the Swedish metal scene, has caused a stir with the release of their much-acclaimed debut album, STATE: IN DENIAL, in 2013. And they have not been slowing down since. Their second album TARASSIS got them a spot as main support on DEAD BY APRIL’s European tour and also their own headline shows around the world.
Scandinavian Aftermath will be reissued as a Deluxe Edition on May 26, 2023, visit the AFM Records shop at THIS LOCATION!
Scandinavian Aftermath – track listing:
Scandinavian Aftermath
Bärsärk
My Own Enemy
My Heart (Feat. Matt Guillory & Jenny Fagerstrand)
S.O.A.K
Cornered
All That I Knew
Young Wolves
Boiling Point
Typhoon
Northern Star
Fear Of Success
Don’t Wake Me Up
Close Yet Far
Lost in This City
Everbound
SINGLES/ VIDEOS: dEMOTIONAL – Boiling Point (2023) watch HERE dEMOTIONAL – Lost In This City watch HERE dEMOTIONAL – Bärsärk watch HERE dEMOTIONAL – Scandinavian Aftermath watch HERE
Melodic hard rock supergroup OUTOFTHIS WORLD featuring legendary names such as Kee Marcello (Europe), Tommy Heart (Fair Warning), Ken Sandin (Alien), and Darby Todd (Devin Townsend, Gary Moore, The Darkness), have officially unveiled their self-titled debut full-length, out now on Atomic Fire Records!
In celebration of the record’s release, the band is pleased to deliver a video for the hugely epic “In A Million Years.” The track was originally written by Kee Marcello for Europe’s PrisonersInParadise and spent the past thirty years in his drawer. “But with this voice, it was just perfect,” Marcello raves of his vocal force Tommy Heart. “To me, it’s one of the highlights of the album.”
View OUT OF THIS WORLD’s “In A Million Years” video at THIS LOCATION and below:
View the band’s previously released video for “Hanging On” HERE.
Out Of This World is available now on CD, LP, and digital formats. Find ordering options at the Atomic Fire webshop HERE.
It’s no coincidence that Marcello’s latest endeavor bears the name of that legendary multi-platinum Europe album released back in 1988. “When I told people about my new project, someone suggested I call it something like Kee Marcelo’s Europe. But that’s terrible,” he laughs. “I hated it. Tommy suggested to call it OUT OF THIS WORLD, simple as that. Just as the Black Sabbath guys and Dio did with Heaven And Hell.”
The same vibe, the same ear for melody, the same hooks permeate an album that was brought to life with the vigor and passion you wouldn’t exactly expect in a rock star who’s seen it all and done it all in the past forty years. “I’ve always concentrated on music, and my passion for that never changed,” he says. “I’ve never changed style; I’ve never tried to do anything I’m not doing well.”
Out Of This World beams with a freewheeling and overflowing sense of fun, musicianship, and togetherness. It’s an effortless flux that’s just not normally found on a debut. “You have to remember that Darby, Ken, and I go way back,” the legendary axe-man notes of his rhythm section. “We did hundreds of gigs together and are as tight as a thumbscrew. Same thing goes for Tommy and I. We clicked instantly when working together for the first time a couple of years ago. We have this almost brotherly connection. We’re literally reading each other’s minds, man. There was no stumbling block, it was all a self-playing piano.”
It’s the same for vocalist Tommy Heart who’s been around in this game forever as well. “You meet, you play, and sparks begin to fly,” he describes the chemistry between the members. “We don’t even talk that much. We simply let the music speak. We touch our hearts when we play which is something that’s incredibly rare to find. Nobody has to explain himself; everybody is doing just what anybody else would do at that moment.” Heart was instantly hooked when he realized that OUT OF THIS WORLD was more than a one-off thing between bored musicians in lockdown. “I don’t like these temporary projects,” he muses. “This here is the real deal.”
“With OUT OF THIS WORLD, though, it never felt like a project,” says Marcello and he admits: “It felt like a band from day one. This is why the album turned out so well. It has a genuine band feel to it.” At their very first rehearsal session in Marcello’s hometown of Gothenburg, they sketched a couple of songs that would later wind up on their debut, namely “Twilight,” “Lighting Up My Dark,” and “In A Million Years.” “We actually found ourselves right in the middle of our first recording session without even knowing it,” he marvels. “Everything felt so natural and so good that writing the rest of the songs was a walk in the park.”
Graced by additional key wizardry courtesy of Deep Purple’s very own Don Airey and embellished by a Ron Nevison mix (Kiss, Bad Company, Ozzy Osbourne, Meat Loaf, Heart, Chicago, Damn Yankees, etc.) who reunited with Marcello for the first time since producing Europe’s Out Of This World a staggering thirty-three years ago, the songs masterfully transport the bygone era of melody driven, anthemic hard rock into the present. From uptempo rocking first single “Hanging On” via “In A Million Years,” originally written for Europe’s Prisoner In Paradise, to colossal anthem “Lighting Up My Dark,” and prog-rock playground “Staring At The Sun,” OUT OF THIS WORLD solitarily resurrect a genre we thought was lost long ago.
OUT OF THIS WORLD: Tommy Heart – vocals Kee Marcello – guitars, keyboards Ken Sandin – bass Darby Todd – drums
Frontiers Music SRL is excited to announce the release of the brand new studio album from ROYAL HUNT entitled “Devil’s Dozen” on August 21st in Europe and North America.
With keyboardist and songwriter André Andersen still at the helm, ROYAL HUNT have once again created an album that combines the basic sound and core values of classic rock with progressive rock and more current musical elements. After selling approximately 1.7 million albums globally and touring the world numerous times, the band’s still going strong…and now gets to release their 13th studio album entitled “The Devil´s Dozen”.
André Andersen says: “We´re very pleased to be able to present our new, thirteenth studio album. While staying on course with all traditional Royal Hunt´s musical values this one contains quite a bit of variety – from an up-tempo, double kick driven “May You Never (Walk Alone)” to the bluesy “Heart On A Platter” and probably our best ballad to date – “Until The Day”. Counting in Royal Hunt´s usual attention to details – playing wise as well as production wise – I´m sure that any fan of symphonic/melodic yet hard rocking music will be pleased with our latest offering.”
The new recording stays true to the original, larger-than-life Royal Hunt sound, with imaginative instrumentation, intricate arrangements, soaring vocals and catchy, massive choruses. Yet, the addition of classical musicians/instruments and contemporary, modern-day production elements move to twist the outcome into a unique sonic palette. The album is chock full of carefully crafted songs, recorded and mixed by a team who combined crystal clear sonics with a weighty punch.
Featuring once again the talents of the awesome US singer DC Cooper – who, after numerous requests from fans and promoters worldwide decided to reunite with the band in 2011 – Royal Hunt features – besides André Andersen on keyboards – long time member Andreas Passmark on bass, Jonas Larsen on guitar and new drummer Andreas Habo Johansson (ex Narnia). Royal Rock… no substitutes!
“Devil’s Dozen” tracklisting: So Right So Wrong; May You Never (Walk Alone); Heart On A Platter; A Tear In The Rain; Until The Day; Riches To Rags; Way Too Late; How Do You Know (bonus track).
Frontiers Music SRL is honored to present a special tribute album conceived by iconic Grammy Award winner and founding member of Ides of March, Survivor and Pride of Lions, Jim Peterik, featuring an impressive array of guest musicians. The CD, titled “Torch: The Music Remembers Jimi Jamison and Fergie Frederiksen”, will be limited to 500 copies, to be sold exclusively at the Frontiers Rock Festival II, held at the LIVE MUSIC CLUB in Trezzo sull’Adda in Milan, Italy on April 11 and 12th, 2015.
Just as the musical influence of Dennis “Fergie” Frederiksen (of Le Roux, Angel, Toto, Frederiksen /Phillips, Mecca and Frederiksen/Denander) and Jimi Jamison (of Target, Cobra and Survivor) reverberated inside the melodic rock community, news of their passing within months of one another in 2014 sent waves of disbelief and sorrow throughout the brotherhood of singers, songwriters and musicians who had been touched by their talent and their spirit. The loss so profoundly impacted Peterik’s core that it was difficult at first to imagine a universe in which their lights no longer shined. After filtering his grief through the cathartic process of songwriting, Jim found solace by gathering a group of mutual friends to commemorate their departed comrades the only way they knew how – with music.
Peterik recently produced and co-wrote the debut album “Risk Everything” to introduce the world to the stunning, 5-octave tenor of singer Marc Scherer, who will appear onstage with headliners Pride of Lions at the Frontiers Rock Festival II. Scherer is a featured performer on Torch: The Music Remembers Jimi Jamison and Fergie Frederiksen, along with stars like Dave Bickler of Survivor, Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger, Bill Champlin of Chicago, David Pack from Ambrosia, Mike Reno of Loverboy, Bobby Kimball of Toto, Bruce Gaitsch of Chicago, Alessandro Del Vecchio of Hardline and Ricky Phillips of Styx.
As Peterik explains, ‘Hopefully, these songs and heartfelt performances will bring healing to all those suffering losses in their lives, as well as serve as a celebration of life itself.’
The album is comprised of four new songs and six alternate versions of previously recorded numbers, (never before heard in Europe), along with seven classics distilled from Jimi and Fergie’s most recent releases on the Frontiers label.
Passionate and intensely personal, this collection speaks to the heart of anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. Torch: the Music Remembers Jimi Jamison and Fergie Frederiksen [Fergie Frederiksen (Official Fan Page)] resists the temptation to wallow in sadness, choosing instead to joyously celebrate two beautiful souls who made the world a better place through the transcendent, healing power of song.
Please enjoy an EPK trailer of the album below:
Tracklist:
1.) The Music Remembers (A new song featuring Lars Säfsund and Robert Säll of Work of Art)
3.) Never Too Late (Taken from the Jimi Jamison album by the same name)
4.) I’ll Be the One (Taken from the Fergie Frederiksen album, Any Given Moment)
5.) Crossroads Moment (Torch Remix) (Previously unreleased – Original version included on the Jimi Jamison album by the same name)
6.) Follow Your Heart (From the Fergie Frederiksen album, Happiness is the Road)
7.) Heaven on Earth (From the Pride of Lions album, The Roaring of Dreams)
8.) Never Enough (A new song, featuring David Pack, formerly of Ambrosia)
9.) Last Battle of My War – Fergie and Friends Version – (Previously unreleased; featuring Bill Champlin, Alessandro Del Vecchio, Bruce Gaitsch, Ricky Phillips and Jim Peterik. Original version was included on the Fergie Frederiksen album, Any Given Moment)
10.) As Is – Treasure Beneath the Tears Mix (Previously unreleased; original version was included on the Jimi Jamison album, Crossroads Moment)
11.) Happiness is the Road (From the Fergie Frederiksen album of the same name)
12.) You’re in Our Hearts (A new song featuring Marc Scherer)
13.) Long Road Home (From the album World Stage, featuring Jim Peterik and Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger)
14.) Alive (Original European Bonus Track from the Jimi Jamison album, Crossroads Moment)
15.) When the Battle is Over (From the Fergie Frederiksen album, Any Given Moment)
16.) Streets of Heaven (Original Japanese Bonus Track from the Jimi Jamison album, Crossroads Moment)
17.) Ever Since the World Began (Previously unreleased version, featuring Dave Bickler)
Arguably the UK’s finest purveyors of Melodic Rock music, FM will release their new studio album “Heroes & Villains” on April 17th in Europe and April 21st in North America.
‘Heroes & Villains’ is FM’s (FM official) first release since signing to Frontiers Music Srl, and follows the band’s highly acclaimed 2014 E.P. ‘Futurama’ and sell-out UK arena tour with Foreigner and Europe. FM’s UK tour kicks-off in Bristol on Friday, 1st May, and includes dates in Wolverhampton, Portsmouth, Nottingham, Glasgow, Newcastle and Manchester, with the final night of the tour taking place at London’s O2 Shepherds Bush Empire on Sunday, 10th May and will be anticipated by the band’s eagerly awaited performance at the Frontiers Rock Festival in Trezzo sull’Adda (Milan) Italy on April 11th.
The fourth album since FM reformed in 2007, “Heroes and Villains” sees FM staying true to their musical legacy, offering their classic sound updated, with great songwriting and performances spiced-up by the golden voice of lead vocalist Steve Overland. Self-produced, the recording session took place at Tremolo Studios, before being mixed and mastered at Abbey Road Studios.
The album EPK can be enjoyed below:
Looking forward to the release of ‘Heroes and Villains’, Steve Overland said, “I think we have managed to capture the best elements of what the band are about in 2015. We had great fun making the record and we are all very proud of the finished result. There are big rock anthems in tracks like ‘Diggin’ Up The Dirt’ and ‘Fire and Rain’, and many melodic songs with FM’s trademark hooks and vocal harmonies. There are also not one, but two ballads. One of these (Walking With Angels) is a stripped-down acoustic song, which is something a little different for us.”
The band’s drummer, Pete Jupp, added: “After our shows in November the band was white-hot and the creative juices were in full flow, so the writing and recording process for Heroes and Villains was a prolific and painless affair. We’re looking forward to getting back out on tour, straining at the leash.”
Merv Goldsworthy, FM’s bassist, agrees: “All the songs all came together really quickly and the recording of the album went without a hitch. Once we started getting the mixes back of the first few songs we knew we were onto something. Heroes & Villains is a little rockier and a little more up tempo than Rockville, and that suits me fine! I’m really looking forward to touring this album this year – bring it on!”
Guitarist Jim Kirkpatrick confirmed what FM fans already know: “We’re on a roll! Some of the tracks on this album are better than anything that the band has ever produced, and Steve’s voice is as good as ever.”
Keyboard player Jem Davis, who has given the album a retro sheen by incorporating a Moog, Mellotron and a healthy dose of Hammond organ, is equally excited: “The band is on fire and the new album sounds HUGE! I think this is going to be an amazing year for FM!”
Listen to and watch the music video for Cold Hearted:
FM – HEROES AND VILLAINS TOUR DATES:
March 13 – Bedford, Esquires UK
March 14 – Pwllheli, HRH AOR 3 – Hafan Y Mor Holiday Park UK
April 3 – Grimsby Yardbirds UK
April 4 – Nantwich, Nantwich Jazz Festival Civic Hall UK
April 11- Trezzo SUll’Adda (Milano) Frontiers Rock Festival Live Club Italy
May 1 – Bristol, Bierkeller UK
May 2– Wolverhampton, Robin 2 UK
May 3 – Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms UK
May 5 – Nottingham, Rescue Rooms UK
May 6 – Glasgow, Classic Grand UK
May 8 – Newcastle, O2 Academy UK
May 9 – Manchester, Academy 2 UK
May 10 – London, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire UK
June 21 –Dessel, Graspop Metal Meeting Belgium
July 25 – Maidstone, Ramblin’ Man Fair Mote Park UK
WITHIN TEMPTATION – Need help finding HYDRA at your local music stores and online? Check out this list of retailers that are unleashing the beast! http://bit.ly/wt-hydra-usa-retailers
INHALE THE FALL – Melodic Hard Rock and Melodic Metal fans get prepared. INHALE THE FALL have entered the Metal building. They’re new music video for their new song Weak is a totality of melodically heavy bliss. Both song and video = quality enriched. This Irish band should be on ALL Rock, Hard Rock and Metal aficionado’s radars… they have thatmuch sumptuous crossover appeal!
Jenny O’ Keeffe on vocals may have some Lzzy Hale appeal to her tones; only this original gal comes across as a legitimate contender for Heavy Rock’s top 20 female vocalist list… in our Metal future. This is a very astute band and I’m ready for more! Read below for a more detailed background on INHALE THE FALL. Take a listen and look below to the Weak music video and crank ‘er up high! Metal be thy name.
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While playing in various local bands Eibhlin Palfrey and Pavol Rosa decided to reach out and find a new sound. Inhale The Fall, the duo’s first major musical exploration emerges from the ashes and takes to the Cork (Ireland) music scene. The band’s video release, Weak, released June 2013, is an eclectic version of the Skunk Anansie track . Full of melodic arrangements with soaring vocals reminiscent of Halestorm and Guano Apes, this track will do Cork proud.
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INHALE THE FALL:
Jenny O’ Keeffe – Vocals
Pavol Rosa – Guitars
Eibhlin Palfrey – Bass
Branko Surmaj – Drums
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Utilizing a Cork based production team Epic Productions, Inhale The Fall explodes on to the Cork music scene with a hauntingly eerie music video that touches on disturbing issues that reflect people’s social lives today.
In an age of sludgy power chords, Inhale The Fall represents a needed breath of fresh air, where melody, lyrics, and song writing are just as important as loud guitars and a solid rhythm section.
Along with the newest video release, Inhale The Fall are determined to continue to take charge of that space in your head where the madness lives and Rock wants to thrive. The single Is available on iTunes along with other digital retailers, for more information on the forthcoming E.P. look up http://www.inhalethefall.com
* For more info on INHALE THE FALL, click on the link below!
EVILYN STRANGE are proud to announce their new single, Everything through Thirteen772 Music. The digital only single is taken from the band’s forthcoming debut album, Mourning Phoebe. This follows on from the recent success of the song, ‘Love Finds You’, which hit number 4 on the Rock/Metal Hot New Release Chart over at Amazon (UK). The release is also a good opportunity to thank the internet radio stations, DJ’s and websites who have supported the band.
“We really appreciate the contribution that those guys make. They enable people to hear what we do and, just as importantly, let them know that we exist!” says Phillip Strange (vocals/bass).
Alongside Phillip, the band also features Al Strange (drums, backing vocals), and MikaelJohannesson (lead guitar). The trio have co-produced eleven songs with Chris Hughes at Oscillate Studios, Manchester (UK). More details can be found at the bands Official Facebook page… Evilyn Strange
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Stone Says:Evilyn Strange has delivered once again! Everything balances a Hard Rock essence with Melodic Rock splendor. Phillip Strange has the vocals that resonate with both Classic Rock and Modern Rock grandeur, atop this textured song that also showcases the striking guitar playing of MikaelJohannesson. This trio comprising Evilyn Strange are masterly at their craft and will continue to win fans over worldwide with such accomplished songs as Everything.
LOVE.MIGHT.KILL – Releasing on March 8th, 2013, via Massacre Records, is the digital-only release from LOVE.MIGHT.KILL – 10 Mighty Killers. This digital-only offering of 10 Mighty Killers will be available for purchase on March 8th, by clicking the link below. You also can listen to samples of this fabulous compilation of LOVE.MIGHT.KILL songs by clicking the same link below:
Swedish Melodic Rock legends Treat are celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2013 and announce some mouth-watering news for all their fans. Treat will release a special 30th anniversary edition package, containing a best of-album with two brand new songs and two previously unreleased songs, and their latest album “Coup de Grace”, regarded as a “masterpiece” by Classic Rock Magazine and voted “Melodic rock album of the year 2010” with an extra track.
Treat also plans a big tour, that will kick off with some major festival gigs in the summer, and will see them rockin´on the road in to the autumn. Then it´s over. For good.
”We have a saying in Sweden: You should always leave the party when you have the most fun”, says guitarist and songwriter Anders Wikström who formed the band back in 1983 together with singer Robert Ernlund. Say what? Treat is breaking up! Treat has never been a more tight-knit Rock’n’Roll unit than now, and the band is brimming with creativity and excitement. That´s why the band now chooses to call it a day; they want to, as they put it, ”end on a high note”.
”We´re doin’ it out of love and respect for our fans”, Anders Wikström says. ”We quit before they ask us to get the hell out. We want Treat´s legacy to be pure Rock´n´Roll happiness!”
The decision to close down operation is most amicable, and kind of grew upon the five in the band, but when the decision was made, the band almost immediately started making plans for the farewell party next year.
”We´re going out with a bang and will give our fans a ride they didn´t even knew they wanted.”, says Anders Wikström.
Treat, who released their classic debut album ”Scratch and Bite” back in 1985, now also introduces the new bass player Fredrik Thomander, who’s for years been close to The Band Of Brothers that Treat are: Fredrik has been co-writing songs with the band, mixed ”Coup de Grace” and has already done some gigs as a Treat Brother.
Anders Wikström (guitar and vocals), Robert Ernlund (lead vocals), Jamie Borger (drums), PatrickAppelgren (keyboards and vocals) and Fredrik Thomander (bass and vocals) take Sweden on a turbo charged Rock´n´Roll journey in 2013. There’s many ways to say goodbye.
”We wanna party with our fans”, says Robert Ernlund and adds: “The Treat’s on us”!
California based rockers FAITHSEDGE has inked a worldwide management deal with Germany’s Rock N Growl Management. The follow up album to the debut is tentativley called “The Answer Of Insanity” is a concept record based on stories from singer/songwriter Giancarlo Floridia’s life that lead up to the first album with an intresting twist at the end. It’s sure to be melodic, progressive and intense!
After the critical acclaim of the Faithsedge debut around the world the band has a new keyboard player EricRagno. Eric is internationally known for being on many melodic rock albums such as Fergie Fredrickson (Toto) and Trixter’s return album New Audio Machine and many more. Eric has also done many live gig’s from playing with legends like Graham Bonnet (Rainbow) to also playing with vocal icons of other genre’s like Dawn Robinson of En Vogue.
FAITHSEDGE:
Giancarlo Floridia – Vocals, Guitar
Alex De Rosso – Lead Guitar
Tony Morra – Drums
Eric Ragno – Keyboards
Faithsedge is a heavy Heavy Metal/Hard Rock/Progressive project started by singer/songwriter GiancarloFloridia in Huntington Beach, California, in early 2009. Giancarlo has a solid musical background, having previously worked with renowned producers such as Mike Talanca (David Bowie/Foreigner) and Juan Croucier (ex-Ratt) among others.
Giancarlo contacted producer and bass player Fabrizio Grossi (Steve Lukather/Alice Cooper) after not only being impressed with his work on numerous albums as a producer but also with his amazing bass playing skills. Fabrizio has worked with some of the biggest names in the most diverse music genres (George Clinton, Ice T and Cypress Hill are among his endless list of collaborations) and after hearing Giancarlo’s demos put together an incredible band to back up the project along with himself playing bass duties and producing the resulting debut CD.
Alex De Rosso joined Faithsedge on guitar. Having handled live lead guitar duties in Dokken, with whom he toured the world and shared the stage with the likes of Scorpions, Whitesnake, Ratt, Warrant and Firehouse among others, Alex has also played on many critically acclaimed albums with artists such as Joseph Williams (Toto/Disney’s The Lion King), Kelly Hansen (Foreigner/Hurricane) and Pamela Moore (also known as Sister Mary from Queensryche’s concept album ‘Operation Mindcrime’).
Tony Morra completes the line-up on drums. Tony owns his own studio in Nashville, Tennessee, the Downtown Batterie and has played with many great artists such as Rebecca St James and Van Zant among others. He is also credited for playing on the Grammy Award winning album ‘Songs From The Neighborhood – A Tribute To Fred Rogers’ in 2006 and for touring as a member of pop legend Stevie B’s Band and Sweet Sensation. Tony has also played drums for different movie soundtracks such as ‘Chronicles Of Narnia’ and ‘Just Married’ to name a few.
The resulting effort is a perfect mix of Hard Rock, Heavy Metal and Progressive, with lots of vocals and hooks, shredding guitar solos, pounding bass and drums and plenty of melodically challenging songwriting. ‘Faithsedge’ was mastered by Tom Baker of Precision Mastering (Judas Priest/Motley Crue).
* For more info on FAITHSEDGE, click on the links below!
Dec. 11, 2012 – Chicago, IL – Much to the excitement of fans across the globe, Chicago melodic rock outfit CircleOf Fate released their new single The Other Side Of Me digitally on December 1, 2012. For the last 15 years Circle of Fate has been captivating audiences all over the world and now with their new single, fans of the band will not be disappointed! Lead vocalist and founding member Michele Caruso says, “The song is a punky song about different sides that a woman has to her. You never know what you are going to get. The songs, as always, are open to interpretation to the listener.”
Circle Of Fate features Michele Caruso on Lead Vocals. Michele has done jingle work for Chicago’s hit radio station B-96, and has also been an extra on a Bud Light commercial. On top of all that, Michele was on the Howard Stern show, singing one of her original songs. The show was also aired on live radio, CBS, and E-Entertainment. She has has performed jingles for Chicago’s rock station Q101 and Mancow’s Morning Madhouse where she sang the Gateway Chevrolet song live on the air.
Danny Charatin is feaured on Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals. Danny has been playing the guitar now for about 22 years. Danny’s past bands include Destiny, Moriah, Latent Fury and Ion Vein. Danny has also done some studio work in the past. He has played shows out-of-state to fill in for other bands and has a blues influence in his playing. He also enjoys playing classical pieces. Danny says, “My ideas and style fit perfect with Michele’s melodies and style. Together it’s the perfect combination for real music that comes from the soul”. Most recently the band acquired two new members; Lynn Parkinson on Drums – Lynn has been in the industry for many years and has played many styles of music. Bassist Jimi Swanson has also been in the music industry for a number of years and has been in many national acts such as Energy Vampires and Odette.
Michele describes Circle of Fate’s music as, “A break from the mundane. Our music has great melodies and it’s in your face rock. Our music tells a story and leaves you wanting more.” Andrew Dodge of Blog Critics touts, “This is quite simply driving metal that is done with lots of feeling and ability. If you are into good metal delivered well, then check this lot out soonest, you will be glad you did!” The band’s 2010 break-out release ‘Back To Life’ captured the attention of the music public at large and the response was no less than astounding. Described as “Pop rock with metal undertones”, Circle of Fate’s ‘Back To Life’ is an amalgamation of catchy melodies and hooky rhythms. Produced by Larry Sturm, who has worked with top music artists such as Destiny’s Child, Mary J. Blige and Disturbed, the CD garnered rave reviews worldwide.
Here’s what the press raved about Circle Of Fate’s ‘Back To Life ‘CD:
“As Circle Of Fate brings on their heavy repertoire, they may be one of the best bands blending classic hard rock sensibility with modern rock trends, and that in itself is quite an accomplishment. Recommended!” – Dangerdog Music Reviews
“Given a few spins, this one grows on you. It’s good tradesmen like performance highlighting Caruso’s vocal and Charatin’s rather tasty guitar playing. Keep an eye on this outfit for sure!” – Glory Daze Music Magazine
“Circle Of Fate will be the biggest band out of Chicago since the Smashing Pumpkins!” – Rocktober Magazine
In recent news, Circle Of Fate has been asked to perform on Chicago’s Late Night TV program ‘Seven On Ridge’. Danny explains, “We recently were asked to play for the ‘press release’ for the show ‘Seven On Ridge’, which is a new late night show in Chicago. We were booked for a slot on the show and they had to change the date due to extra taping they needed to do for producers in China. We will post the date we will be on once it’s announced. The host of the show is Michael Essany and he formerly had his own show on the E network.” You can see more on the show at http://www.sevenonridge.com
In the past year Circle of Fate has returned to the studio to record a new album, in which the new single “The Other Side Of Me” will be featured on “The new material we are recording will be our 5th CD for original members Danny and I,” explains Michele “With two new members on this CD we are very excited that this will give COF a fresh ‘edge’ in the music scene while keeping our own unique style. This extra ‘edge’ will keep Circle of Fate in the public eye and our fans wondering, ‘What will this band do next?’ This new CD will cross new thresholds for our band and will take us to the next level.” Adds Danny, “The new CD still contains much of Michele’s catchy melodies and strong lyrics, but the music has reformed to having a different edge to it than in the past. We started off on a lighter note on past CDs such as ‘Shades Of Gray’ and ‘Inner Sanctum’, which were more melodic. ‘Dawn Of A New Era’ was much heavier. The new album being put together contains a couple of strong ballads along with heavier faster paced songs such as ‘Too Much’, ‘What If’ and our new single ‘The Other Side Of Me’. We believe when the album is finished it will be a great listen from beginning to end with a nice flow from song to song, so when the CD is finished playing you are wanting more.”
Producer extraordinaire Eric Greedy, who has worked with such music legends as Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Elton John, Steven Tyler, Brian Wilson, Rage Against The Machine, Guns & Roses (the list goes on and on), produced two songs on the new CD. Also, formerly from Slash’s Snakepit, Matt Laug played drums on the two tracks. Both cuts wre mastered by industry legend Big Bass Brian, who’s impressive list of clients include the likes of Alice Cooper, Black Eyed Peas, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Grateful Dead, Hall & Oates and Kiss, just to name a few.
In closing the band has this to impart to their fans and listeners, “We have been together for over 15 years now and truly appreciate all of the support of our fans and listeners. You mean everything to us. We work very hard to not only put out great studio albums but to put on great live performances as well. As always, please spread the word and Step into the Circle… You’ll be glad you did!”
WISE GIRL – On Monday, December 3rd, I posted a press release featuring the 5 piece Melodic, Power/Pop Rock band known as Wise Girl. This talented band from NYC has a 3 song EP available on iTunes for just under $3 (U.S.) and it’s worth every Rockin’ penny. After I’ve listened (many, many times) to this Wise Girl EP, my only wish is for a full-length album from them… and soon! Um, please.
Sure, the lyrics of Wise Girl’s songs may not be about dragons, skulls, gore, insane keg parties and the fiery depths of hell; my Metal mind is cool with that and it’s all good. The exclamation point is that Wise Girl Rocks like yummy ear candy; while fusing an abundance of retro feel within their ultra relevant Rock sound.
There are those (not so often) occurrences when I hear a new (non-Metal) band for the first time and I wish I could be a record executive at a well-known record label and sign them on the spot. Wise Girl is one of those occurrences to my ears… and senses.
Then again… I’m the dude that feels Cheap Trick should have been inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame many years ago. On that off-topic note, there’s a bit-O Cheap Tricky vibe that does resonate from some of the melodies of Wise Girl, I will confidently add.
Abby Weitz
(Photo Credit: Andrew Gardner)
As I listen to the vocals and guitar of Abby Weitz, I cannot resist being reminded of my very early teen years and introduction to The Runaways (and eventual) Joan Jett solo albums. However, that was then and this is now. My appreciation for the Rock sound that Abbey Weitz is creating with Wise Girl feels so right to me. The mainstream should either move or get out of Wise Girl’s way. It’s a band like Wise Girl that clearly defines what a musically primed (underground) Power/Pop Rock band sounds like in 2012.
Abby and her band have created three songs that are clearly the welcome mat to what I believe will be an astounding Rockin’ and Rollin’ career for them. With such an over abundance of crap vocalists and bands winning the “lottery” on televised talent shows these days, Wise Girl is a solid-as-steel reminder to me that credible (Rock) musicians are out there, earning their way up the ladder and glowing with the skills to make a difference in the (severely) watered down mainstream of Power/Pop Rock.
You can purchase the Wise Girl songs Set In Stone, Wishful Thinking and Roles Are Reversed on iTunes, by clicking on the link below! Whoa!
Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of ISSA’s third album entitled “Can’t Stop” on November 2nd in Europe and November 5th in North America.
“Can’t Stop” is a very special album for ISSA, since it includes some blistering versions of carefully selected hidden AOR gems that the singer treats her own way. These tracks have been originally included on albums by Mark Free, Aviator, 21 Guns, Atlantic, Regatta, Worrall, Blvd, Tower City and other AOR luminaries.
Issa has created her own style and approach to Melodic Rock by mixing her peculiar and unique melodic sensibility with a rocking attitude which is unseen in today’s Pop singers: real rock with a commercial sheen. These reworkings show how Issa is at ease when working on classic AOR musical material.
“Serafino at Frontiers came up with the concept of me recording an album of some loved and cult melodic rock songs and sent me through the song choices” says Issa “Some I was familiar with, like Tower City’s “Surrender” and Mark Free’s “State of Love”, but several others were new to me. I thought the songs that suited me best are “Just a Wish” and “These Eyes” originally recorded by 21 Guns. They have nice structures and ballad like intros that build to a big chorus. Can’t Stop is a great rocker too and I love the melodies and lyrics in the Tower City track”.
Issa versions of these amazing tracks ooze class and update to the modern-day some truly immortal melodies, with some masterful arrangements provided by producer Alessandro Delvecchio (Hardline). Since her debut “Sign of Angels”, Issa has often been compared to such music stars as Celine Dion, Avril Lavigne and Amy Lee (Evanescence). Though she is now ready to take her legitimate place in between the great AOR chanteuses such as Ann Wilson and Robin Beck. “Can’t Stop” shows that Issa is a solid Rock Music star and a true uprising Rock diva, who is set to alight hearts and minds of Melodic Rock fans for the years to come.
“Promoting this album is my priority for now with some live dates around Europe” concludes Issa. “I have 3 albums now so my set is really cool. I’ve been doing a lot more songwriting as well for my next original album which i hope we can start working on at some point next year”.
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“Can’t Stop” includes the following tracks:
Can’t Stop; Power Over Me; Wherever I Run; Just A Wish; If You Ever Fall; Do You Ever Think Of Me; Dream On; Stranded; Heat Of The Night; I Won’t Surrender; State Of Love; These Eyes.
FOOLS FOR ROWAN – While the Modern Rock world jumps up and down for the likes of Daughtry, Shinedown, Cavo, Sick Puppies and Halestorm, (and rightfully so), there is another band that deserves the same treatment: Nashville, Tennessee’s Fools For Rowan. Here’s the slick groovy part: Fools For Rowan have even outshined their last full-length Twisted. Tied Up. Tangled.and I LOVE that album. Who Killed Amanda Day? is a whole new era for Fools For Rowan and they best strap themselves in for a high-speed Rockin’ road of continued success.
If an already seasoned and multi-talented band can maximize their songwriting and musicianship to a higher level than they were before; then Fools For Rowan is such a band. Yes, Fools For Rowan have recently opened for the legendary Evanescence, while also sharing the stage with the mega-famous Candlebox; only it’s a matter of time before Fools For Rowan will own the marquee on different shores and you’ll remember Stone told you so.
Led by the dynamic Erin Mullins on vocals, the melodic driven songs on Who Killed Amanda Day? are insanely memorable and relevant… and I’m an Extreme Metal loyalist who has been kidnapped by this band’s glowing Modern Rock tonality. Among my six favorite songs (on this 6 song EP) is Crave. Kelly Clarkson (my favorite AI winner ever) holds nothing over Erin Mullins when it comes to vocal resonance and prowess. Throughout Who Killed Amanda Day?, Erin steals the show and her band steals it right back… it’s incredible to hear.
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The closing track is Leave, which has Erin dialing into some Stevie Nicks juju. A mellow and still dramatic vocal performance Erin gives on Leave. Back to Crave… Metal Odyssey’s Rock Song Of 2012? Just saying. I’m just enamored by Erin’s vocals and the band’s total musical output; for the simple reason I have never heard a hint of anything superficial from them on any of their songs… ever.
Refuge, Chameleon, and You Can’t Stop Me are Modern Rock charms that rise to the top; all three songs carrying their own flash and color of sonic appeal. The lead single, Killed A Man Today, is easily a song to narrow down as showcasing everything great about Fools For Rowan since the very beginning. There is a Rockin’ drive about this band that I hear and feel in their music which is without dispute; Killed A Man Today just solidifies this drive I’ve been hearing from Fools For Rowan.
Fools For Rowan has an ace in their box of talented tricks and it’s called Rockin’ passion. I hear it. I feel it. It flows through my veins. I’ve now told the world about it and I’m better off for it. Metal be thy name.
* Who Killed Amanda Day? was released on July 3rd, 2012, via Lava Lamp Records. Who Killed Amanda Day? is available on iTunes and at Amazon.com.
ERIC MARTIN – Legendary singer Eric Martin of the also legendary, chart-topping and Melodic Hard Rockers, MR. BIG, will be embarking on an acoustic tour of Europe this November. As reported on MR. BIG’s facebook:
Dear BIG fans in Europe, Eric Martin is going to hold an Acoustic Tour on:
November 2 at the Woodstock (Como, Italy)
November 3 at the Il Peocio (Trofarello, Italy)
November 13 at the Outbaix (Ubach Palenberg, Germany)
November 15 at the Hamtorkrug (Neuss, Germany)
November 17 at the Bluesiana (Velden, Austria)
Don’t miss EM and his guitar! We will keep you posted when more details come! – DW
NIGHT RANGER – That’s it at the top! That really cool (and authentic) autographed photo of Night Ranger came to me, courtesy of Best Metal Buddy Scott Coverdale. Back in 2010, he went to see Night Ranger perform at the Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Coverdale had a blast seeing Night Ranger live; he said they were pretty amazing that night. I believe him. I’ll also be thanking Coverdale for this really cool autographed photo, until I’m in my 90’s. Metal be thy name.
Night Ranger, from left to right in the above autographed photo: Christian Cullen, Kelly Keagy, Jack Blades, JoelHoekstra and Brad Gillis.
Back on June 21st, 2011, Somewhere In California, the tenth studio album from Night Ranger was released via Frontiers Records. I can admit without hesitation, that this Night Ranger album is one of the best from their catalog; if not the very best. Somewhere In California is a Night Ranger album that pumps up my Rock ‘N Roll adrenaline; what more could I possibly ask for from any album that I listen to? Metal be thy name.
FOREIGNER – I imagine that the past accomplishments of Foreigner can undoubtedly be looked upon as legendary; while the present-day Foreigner lineup can be upheld as superheroes protecting, celebrating and building upon an enviable Rock ‘N Roll legacy. For a Rock/Hard Rock band that should be enshrined in The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, only to be ignored by the political party that oversees it, Foreigner justifiably has the world-wide popular vote among generations of fans that know ultra quality when they hear and see it.
Alive & Kickin’is proof positive that Foreigner still connects their illustrious past to the present. A live recording from their 2006 performance at the Bang Your Head!!! Festival in Balingen, Germany; Foreigner is a band continuously touring to this very day and bringing to life a catalog of songs from albums that have sold over 70 million world-wide.
Any “famous” band in the land (switching around vocalists) can learn a valuable lesson from Foreigner: make absolutely certain your new lead singer can relate the true emotion of the song; while capturing the essence of what it means to vocally represent such band’s storied history of music. With Hurricane as his credible launching pad, lead vocalist Kelly Hansen has earned his Rock ‘N Roll doctorate with Foreigner, by excelling at following Lou Gramm so effortlessly well.
As my ears dictate, Foreigner hasn’t succumbed to being a stale semblance of what once was. Still recording and touring to sell-out crowds, spanning five decades, equates that Rock ‘N Roll magic is consistently being captured by this band. Alive & Rockin’ projects the sounds and vibes of a profoundly memorable Classic Rock era, celebrating both Foreigner’s hit songs and their legendary past; bringing me back to those starry-eyed days of my teen-hood, while erasing the momentary stress I encounter on the present day.
If there ever was a power-house quinary of albums in the history of Rock, that can be used as the measuring stick to both Rock and Hard Rock mainstream success, then Foreigner’s 1977 self-titled debut, 1978’s Double Vision, 1979’s Head Games, 1981’s 4 and 1984’s Agent Provocateur are to be celebrated as such.
This is a quality performance that was recorded on Alive & Rockin’, with my lone gripe of wanting to hear Kelly Hansen chat-it-up more with the thousands of fans in attendance. (I’ve always been a sucker for that lead singer-to-crowd interaction). Alive & Rockin’ was released this past May 29th, via Eagle Rock Entertainment. I couldn’t argue with any better time for this live album release, especially since Summer is here and the urge to play Classic Rock on high volume with the car windows down is epidemic.
Mick Jones should feel very proud of his success at keeping this (his) Rockin’ Foreigner ship sailing. I strongly recommend Alive & Rockin’ to any and all Classic Rock, Rock and Hard Rock fans. Only the strong, talented and wise survive, yet in Rock music you must add adaptable to the mix… and Foreigner bestows these attributes while carrying the torch of relevance high in the air. I won’t stamp this as an all-time great live album in Rock history; still it’s Foreigner at their live Rockin’ best and I couldn’t ask for more than that. Alive & Rockin’ is sound proof of my Rockin’ beliefs I’ve just written. Metal be thy name.
BEGGARS & THIEVES – The successful and critically acclaimed comeback album, We Are The Brokenhearted, from Beggars & Thieves was released back in 2011; on November 29th in North America and December 2nd in Europe, via Frontiers Records. Below is yet another very cool music video, inspired from Innocence, heard on the new album.
The Melodic Rock and Hard Rock of Beggars & Thieves weaves their past glory of sound with their present on We AreThe Brokenhearted. Plus, once you listen to the new songs from Beggars & Thieves, you shall become convinced that Classic Rock and AOR never says die! I dig this new music video, Innocence is proof that Beggars & Thieves are once again at the top of their Rockin’ game!
The idea of adding some Rock ‘N Roll eye candy to this Innocence music video was genius! Whoa! Oh, um, yeah… back to the song. Innocence can easily get stuck in your head; the melodic flow to this song is terrific. Louie Merlino on vocals and Ronnie Mancuso on guitar have never sounded better! Beggars & Thieves is a band I will always gleefully recommend to any fan of Melodic and Classic Rock. Metal be thy name.
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