Archive for progressive rock

Bass Player Antoine Fafard To Release Second Album ‘Occultus Tramitis’ Featuring Former Frank Zappa, Jeff Beck, Mahavishnu Orchestra, King Crimson Members!

Posted in instrumental rock, jazz fusion, jazz rock, Music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 10, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Antoine Fafard Occultus Tramitis - promo - (cover)

Featuring! Terry Bozzio (Jeff Beck, Frank Zappa), Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra), Gavin Harrison (King Crimson, Porcupine Tree), Scott Henderson (Tribal Tech), Simon Phillips (Jeff Beck, Toto), Chad Wackerman (Allan Holdsworth, Frank Zappa) and Dave Weckl (Chick Corea, Mike Stern)

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London, UK - Much to the excitent of music aficionados across the globe, the second solo album by composer and bass player Antoine Fafard, ‘Occultus Tramitis’, will be released digitally on May 15 and on CD June 1, 2013. Featuring the contributions of a number of jazz-rock legends including Terry Bozzio (Jeff Beck, Frank Zappa), Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra), Gavin Harrison (King Crimson, Porcupine Tree), Scott Henderson (Tribal Tech), Simon Phillips (Jeff Beck, Toto), Chad Wackerman (Allan Holdsworth, Frank Zappa) and Dave Weckl (Chick Corea, Mike Stern), ‘Occultus Tramitis’ encompasses 11 tracks presenting almost an hour of exciting new music.

“Working on Antoines project was a real treat…his compositions and playing made it a unique experience. Both challenging and joyful at the same time! He put together a great team of players and I only wish we could have been playing in the same room!” – Jerry Goodman

Says Antoine, “I started to work on this CD in September 2011, right after the release of the ‘Solus Operandi’ album, and was still working on it in April 2013. I began to compose music with specific players in mind, hoping that they would eventually agree to participate. I guess that the players themselves were a great source of inspiration during the composition process. Interestingly, I wasn’t present during the recording sessions of any of the collaborators on this CD (all 15 of them). Each player on this album recorded their tracks in their home studios and all the songs were mixed in my home studio.”

Antoine Fafard Occultus Tramitis - promo - (cover)

Drum legend Terry Bozzio comments on the track he performs on: “This is a really challenging piece. It was very subtle – it’s in eleven and it’s very sneaky… It is deceptively simple because it has an open, very flowing feel to the piece.”

Antoine Fafard’s recording career began with his band Spaced Out, who released their first album in 2000. By 2008 Spaced Out had recorded five studio albums, one live album and two DVDs, and had performed on international stages including Nearfest, USA in 2002 and Crescendo, France in 2006.

In 2010, Antoine decided to begin recording under his own name, without the limitations of the band format. His first solo album, ’Solus Operandi’, released in August 2011, features more than an hour of original instrumental music by Antoine, working with a total of 13 collaborators, including world-class performers such as Dave Weckl (Chick Corea, Mike Stern), guitarist Jerry De Villiers Jr and drummer Magella Cormier. ’Solus Operandi’ was composed on electric fretless bass and classical guitar, after Antoine re-acquainted himself with the guitar following many years focusing on the bass.

Which brings us to 2013 and the release of Antoine’s highly anticipated new solo album, ‘Occultus Tramitis’. The music on ‘Occultus Tramitis’ differs between the tracks, and the fusion of influences that characterizes Antoine’s music means it doesn’t fall easily into a single style or genre. However, the album was composed as a complete work. Melodic aspects are beautifully realized by Jerry Goodman, who is featured on more than half of the tracks among odd time signatures, multiple modulations and rhythmical illusions. There are exceptional performances from all Antoine’s collaborators, including spectacular solos.

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“Antoine is a fantastic musician. It was a real joy to play on this CD.” – Chad Wackerman

‘Occultus Tramitis’ is an independent release presenting exciting and powerful new music for any fan of instrumental jazz-rock, progressive and fusion music.

Antoine Fafard’s ‘Occultus Tramitis’ can be puchased on Amazon.com, itunes and most online music stores.

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To listen to audio excerpts and pre-order a signed copy of the CD, go to www.antoinefafard.com

To Pre-order ‘Occultus Tramitis’ CD via Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Occultus-Tramitis-Antoine-Fafard/dp/B00CMDPTEA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367604370&sr=8-1&keywords=occultus+tramitis

Digital release: May 15, 2013

CD release: June 1, 2013

Antoine’s website: www.antoinefafard.com

unicorn_digital - logo

Unicorn Digital’s website: www.unicorndigital.com

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(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE ANTOINE FAFARD.

Stone.

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UK Modern Prog Ensemble SANGUINE HUM Release Eagerly Awaited New Studio Album: ‘The Weight Of The World’

Posted in Music, prog rock, progressive rock, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on May 6, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Sanguine_Hum_Album - The Weight Of The World - promo picjpg

London, UK – Esoteric Antenna is pleased to announce the release of the eagerly awaited new studio album by Modern Progressive Rock ensemble Sanguine Hum. ‘The Weight of the World’ sees Oxford, UK’s Sanguine Hum expand their musical horizons on all fronts with a seven-track collection of diverse compositions – technically challenging and exciting yet always melodic and direct. Songs such as “From the Ground Up”, “Cognoscenti” and “System for Solution” pursue the Porcupine Tree meets Radiohead approach of their debut record ‘Diving Bell’ with powerful yet intricate riffs propelling the songwriting that continues to make ever more inventive use of surprising twists and turns in the arrangement.

“Best prog rock album so far this century. The kind of record that prog rock bands 40 years from now will try to copy…” - Michael Bjorn, Strange Days (Japan)

Surprises are to be found as well in the instrumentation as the band open up the sound and more explicitly reference a love of electronica and the music of artists such as Boards of Canada and Aphex Twin, best heard in the song “Day of Release” as synthetic percussion and rumbling synths give way to chiming acoustic guitar and a soaring vocal melody. As a counterpoint, the album also features the highly atmospheric “Phosphor”, which sees Sanguine Hum break new creative ground.

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Perhaps even more exciting for a band that perhaps held some of their progressive influences in check on their debut album, is the 15-minute title track that manages the task of combining effective and emotional songwriting with thrilling musical developments that push the band to the limit. ‘The Weight of the World’ breaks new ground for a band at the forefront of truly “progressive” music.

Recorded at Oxford’s Evolution studios, Joff Winks (vocals, guitars, programming), Matt Baber (keyboards, percussion, programming), Brad Waissman (bass) and Andrew Booker (drums, percussion) have pushed the creative boundaries of Sanguine Hum to produce one of THE truly progressive and landmark albums of 2013.

In support of the release of ‘The Weight of the World’, Sanguine Hum will be performing at The Borderline in London on Friday June 7th with TIN SPIRITS and MATT STEVENS. The band will also be playing at Band on the Wall in Manchester on June 21st – same line-up as at the Borderline.

ESOTERIC RECORDINGS LOGO Promo HI RES

SANGUINE HUM – ‘The Weight of the World’ CD can be purchased at http://www.cherryred.co.uk/esoteric-exd.asp?id=4017

SANGUINE HUM - ‘The Weight of the World’ Limited Digipack 2 disc deluxe edition with Bonus DVD (NTSC Region Free): The Making of ‘The Weight of the World’ home movie.

Cherry Red Records logo

For More Information:

www.troopersforsound.com

www.esotericrecordings.com

Esoteric Antenna is a Cherry Red Records label

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(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

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LONG LIVE SANGUINE HUM.

Stone.

NEKTAR – UK Prog Legends Nektar To Tour The US Summer 2013!

Posted in classic rock, Hard Rock, Music, prog rock, progressive rock, progressive rock bands, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 4, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Nektar - Time Machine - promo cover pic

London, UK – One of the summer’s most highly anticipated tours, “Legends of U.K. Classic Rock”, will feature progressive rock legends Nektar, beginning in June 2013. After a bit of an absence from U.S. Stages, Nektar is sure to be a treat for concert-goers who will be fortunate enough to catch one of the shows!

Nektar founding member Roye Albrighton (guitars/lead vocals) says, “We can promise you high quality performances wherever we play. I know I speak on behalf of the band when I say we are all looking forward to it.”

Nektar, featuring Albrighton, founding drummer Ron Howden, keyboardist Klaus Hentasch and bassist Lux Vibratus, is British, but was formed in Hamburg, Germany in 1970. Their early albums featured a heady, exhilarating mix of progressive, experimental rock sounds that soon caught on worldwide at the height of the international prog-rock boom. Touring the world behind numerous album releases throughout the ‘70s & ‘80s helped to cement the band’s reputation as an influential prog-rock legend.

Nektar cleo photo - promo - 2013

Having undergone a variety of personnel changes over the past decade or so, the band now boasts its strongest lineup in years and is ready to prove so yet again to its many fans throughout North America. In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the original release date of the band’s classic album, Remember the Future, Nektar is looking to perform in its entirety this most heralded release from its vast catalog, a rarity in that the band has not performed the entire album live in years.

Nektar’s new album, Time Machine, featuring the band’s first album of new original material in several years, will be released on Cleopatra Records on June 18.

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Nektar Tour Dates:

June 20 – Chantilly, WV – Sully’s

June 21 – Pittsburgh, PA – Altar Bar

June 22 – Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theatre

June 23 – New York City – B.B. King’s

June 26 – Cleveland, OH – The Winchester Music Hall

June 28 – Milwaukee, WI – Shank Hall

June 29 – Lincolnshire, IL – Viper Alley

June 30 – Minneapolis, MN – Famous Dave’s Blues Club

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For Further Information:
 

Nektar facebook page: 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nektar/198355536955655

Nektar website: http://nektarsmusic.com/nn/home/home_new.asp

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(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

For more info on NEKTAR, click on the link below!

http://www.cleopatrarecords.com

Stone - Motorhead Tee  pic:small

LONG LIVE NEKTAR.

Stone.

Prog Legends SPOCK’S BEARD Film New Video In Support Of Newly Released Album ‘Brief Nocturnes And Dreamless Sleep’

Posted in Hard Rock, Music, prog rock, progressive rock, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on April 26, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Spocks Beard cover - Brief Nocturnes

Los Angeles, CA – Prog legends Spock’s Beard, in support of their newly released and critically acclaimed album, ‘Brief Nocturnes And Dreamless Sleep’, are filming a video for the track Submerged. The three-day shoot is based in Los Angeles, and inside sources say it is a full-on music spectacle! Released on April 2nd, ‘Brief Nocturnes And Dreamless Sleep’, marks the return of Spock’s Beard to the InsideOut Music label, and the two-disc set has been garnering rave reviews from fans and critics alike worldwide.

Founding band member Alan Morse comments about the video: “’Brief Nocturnes And Dreamless Sleep’ is a new and exciting direction for us, and when we read the director’s treatment for the video, we immediately knew we had found the perfect person to help us bring our musical vision to the screen. It is equal parts performance and concept, and  there will be as many twists and turns in the video as there are in our music. You’ll never hear ‘Submerged’ the same way again.”

Spocks Beard - video pic - promo - #1

In their 20 years together, Spock’s Beard have built a reputation for invention, musicality and sheer restive energy. Yet perhaps nothing they have done before can properly prepare you for their 11th studio album. ‘Brief Nocturnes And Dreamless Sleep’ is an album that will constantly surprise. Featuring the recording debut of long-time tour drummer Jimmy Keegan (Santana), and vocalist/guitarist Ted Leonard (Enchant, Thought Chamber), it also sees the return of a familiar name to the song-writing credits – Neal Morse, who has co-written two tracks, his first since leaving the band more than a decade ago.

Gary Brown of Classic Rock Radio Dot EU raves about Spock’s Beard’s ’Brief Nocturnes And Dreamless Sleep’, “Perfect album from start to finish…one of the best hard rock/mainstream prog albums I’ve heard in a long time!” Ytsejam touts, “In the end, it is the Spock’s Beard album we all have been waiting for, as Morse, Meros, Okumoto, Leonard and Keegan have produced another excellent offering of musical mayhem. A true testament to what progressive rock is in the 21st Century and beyond.”

Co-produced by Alan Morse, Rich Mouser and John Boegehold, ‘Brief Nocturnes And Dreamless Sleep’ is described by Meros as, “quirky, edgy, and reminding us a little bit of older times in the band, but also taking us further forward.” In regards to the song the band is filming the video to, “Submerged”, Dave explains, “Ted had originally written and recorded this for his solo album ‘Way Home’ (released in 2007), and it’s a real stadium rocker. We’ve adapted it to our own sound but stayed faithful to Ted’s original arrangement. I wouldn’t say it’s strictly Prog Rock, but fits what we do and is a great song.”

Spocks Beard - video pic - promo - #2

Spock’s Beard Is:

Alan Morse – guitar, vocals

Dave Meros – bass guitar, vocals, keyboards

Ryo Okumoto – keyboards, vocals

Jimmy Keegan – drums, vocals

Ted Leonard – vocals, guitar

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In closing Dave has this to impart about ‘Brief Nocturnes & Dreamless Sleep’, “I am proud of what we’ve done. I believe this is the way Spock’s Beard should sound in 2013.”

Spock’s Bears ‘Brief Nocturnes & Dreamless Sleep’ (2CD)(INO0647-2):

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/brief-nocturnes-dreamless/id628629207

http://www.amazon.com/Brief-Nocturnes-and-Dreamless-Sleep/dp/B00C40DJ1G/ref=sr_1_6?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&qid=1364924098&sr=1-6&keywords=spock%27s+beard

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For more information on SPOCK’S BEARD, visit:

www.spocksbeard.com

www.facebook.com/spocksbeard

www.twitter.com/spocksb

www.youtube.com/Spocksbeard 

www.insideoutmusic.com

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(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

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LONG LIVE SPOCK’S BEARD.

Stone.

Debut Release By UK Prog Band LIFESIGNS Featuring Guest Appearances By Steve Hackett, Thijs Van Leer (Focus) and Jakko Jakszyk (King Crimson) Now Available On Esoteric Antenna Records

Posted in Music, progressive rock, progressive rock bands, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on April 22, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Lifesigns - promo cover pic - debut album

London, UK – Esoteric Recordings are pleased to announce the latest release on new front-line label, Esoteric Antenna, dedicated to new releases by both new acts and established artists. Lifesign’s eponymous release has the hallmarks of being one of the finest Progressive Rock albums of 2013! Making the album even more impressive is the guest appearances from such respected figures in progressive music as Steve Hackett, Thijs Van Leer (focus), Jakko Jakszyk (King Crimson), and Robin Boult (John Young Band).

Lifesigns features John Young (keyboards, lead vocals), Nick Beggs (bassist, Chapman Stick player, backing vocals) and Frosty Beedle (drums). The material reflects the excellence of the musicians who perform on the album. John Young is a classically trained composer, keyboardist and vocalist, who has worked with the likes of Asia, the Strawbs, Greenslade, Fish, Uli Jon Roth and his own John Young Band. He also tours with Bonnie Tyler. Bassist/Stick player Nick Beggs was the founding member of 80s group Kajagoogoo and has worked with artists like Alphaville, Belinda Carlise, John Paul Jones, Gary Newman, Steve Hackett, Steve Howe, Tina Turner and many others. He is currently on tour with Steven Wilson. Drummer Frosty Beedle has worked with the likes of the Cutting Crew, Sarah Brightman, Russell Watson and Zucchero.

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Here’s what the press have been raving about Lifesign’s debut album:

“’Lifesigns’ is a tremendous listening experience… It’s extremely well written, the playing is superbly engaging, tones are tweaked to perfection, and the vocals are just amazing!” - Tony Conley, Rock Guitar Daily

“This is a stunning example of when Prog gets it right!” - Music-News.com

“These fine musicians have created quite their own ‘voice’, a fresh new leaf on the solid old progtree and what a leaf!!” – Prog Planet

“There have been precious few modern British bands making albums on the same level as the classic symphonic bands, you know, the ones who invented progressive rock. Which makes Lifesigns a nearly a national treasure. You’ll hear similarities to Peter Gabriel, YES, Genesis, National Health, Happy The Man, Bruford, and a couple of others we’re overlooking, but it doesn’t sound retro or derivative. We don’t often write ‘must have’ but there, we’ve done it!” – Kenesis

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Working with engineer Steve Rispin (Asia, Uriah Heep, Dave Kilminster, Snakecharmer), ‘Lifesigns’ is a tuneful, innovative and hugely impressive debut album certain to appeal to those who appreciate the finer aspects of modern Progressive Rock.

To purchase Lifesigns -’Lifesigns’ CD:

http://www.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=3965

For more information: 

www.lifesigns.me

www.esotericrecordings.com

ESOTERIC RECORDINGS LOGO Promo HI RES

Cherry Red Records logo_______________________________________________

(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

MetalOdyssey

LONG LIVE LIFESIGNS.

Stone.

REVELATION – “Inner Harbor” Releasing Via Shadow Kingdom Records On April 30th

Posted in doom metal, Heavy Metal, Metal, metal music, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on February 18, 2013 by Metal Odyssey

Revelation - Inner Harbor - promo cover pic!

April 30th, 2013 will see the release of Inner Harbor, the newest album from long-running Prog Rock/Doom outfit REVELATION.

In existence since the mid-80′s REVELATION has earned the respect of many bands and fans from all around the world and are often credited with creating the Progressive Doom Metal genre. They’ve taken the very best sounds of Rush, Black Sabbath, and early Heavy Metal to  create yet another masterpiece amongst a catalog of many with Inner Harbor. This is quite possibly the band’s most fluid and laid-back release to date. While the sound is difficult to pinpoint, one can hear classic REVELATION mixed in with a dash of 70′s Italian Progressive Rock. The music flows through you so smoothly and freely, that you’re going to feel like you’re in a state of deep relaxed meditation.

The combined creative forces of drummer Steve Branagan, guitarist/vocalist John Brenner and bassist Bert Hall Jr. are responsible for over twenty full-length releases – split between REVELATION and their eclectic alter-ego AGAINST NATURE – and countless demos and EPs. Inner Harbor was made available as a digital release last year by the band’s own Bland Hand Records (www.againstnature.us/BH/) and will see worldwide distribution on CD format by Shadow Kingdom Records in April. Pre-orders are being taken at the newly revamped Shadow Kingdom Records Webstore at http://shadowkingdomrecords.com.

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CRITICAL PRAISE:

“Inner Harbor is a deft blend of the classic doom and progressive rock you expect from this trio…” – Terrible Certainty ‘Zine

“Inner Harbor finds Revelation as productive and relevant as ever. Long gone is the echo-y crunch of 20 years ago, and in its place is a record proudly recorded in a basement and challenging the very meaning of doom as many people claim to understand it.” -Stereokiller.com

Shadow Kingdom Records - Large Logo!_______________________________________________________

(Source: ClawHammer PR)

For more info on REVELATION & SHADOW KINGDOM RECORDS, click on the links below!

http://shadowkingdomrecords.com

facebook: Shadow Kingdom Records

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LONG LIVE REVELATION.

Stone.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra “Dreams of Fireflies (On A Christmas Night)” – Is Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day!

Posted in christmas, christmas albums, christmas rock albums, Heavy Metal, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on December 13, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Dreams of Fireflies (On A Christmas Night) - promo cover!

Trans-Siberian Orchestra – Paul O’Neill has once again assembled his ultra-magnificent musicians and vocalists of Trans-Siberian Orchestra for a brand new studio offering titled: Dreams of Fireflies (On A Christmas Night). This 5 song EP is everything brilliant about TSO, with majestic orchestration, Progressive Rock, vocals to leave you spellbound and plenty of Christmas atmosphere to last beyond the holiday season!

With more than 7 million albums sold throughout this now legendary journey of TSO, loyal fans know this tidy EP is a must have. New fans will surely be born from the spirited musicianship that Paul O’Neill (guitars), Jon Oliva (keyboards), Al Pitrelli (guitars), Chris Caffrey (guitars), John O’Reilly (drums), Jeff Plate (drums), Johnny Lee Middleton (bass) and a host of other talents have created here!

I without a micro-doubt embrace TSO! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this new EP from TSO and it has added that extra spark to my holiday season, while thrilling my Metal soul with every note! That is why Dreams of Fireflies (On A Christmas Night) from Trans-Siberian Orchestra is: Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day! Metal be thy name.

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Take Note, Cause This Is Cool: This newly released 5 song EP is also included with every online ticket purchased to the live debut of The Lost Christmas Eve 2012 Tour as a digital download!

Produced by Paul O’Neill and Co-Produced By Dave Wittman

Lead Vocals:

Erika Jerry – (I Had A Memory)

Tim Hockenberry – (Someday)

Georgia Napolitano – (Time You Should Be Sleeping)

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Dreams of Fireflies (On A Christmas Night) – Track List:

Winter Palace

Dreams of Fireflies (On A Christmas Night)

I Had A Memory

Someday

Time You Should Be Sleeping

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Logo - Red!________________________________________________________

For more info on TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, click below!

http://www.trans-siberian.com

facebook: Trans-Siberian Orchestra

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LONG LIVE TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA.

Stone.

RUSH – To Finally Be Inducted Into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame! HEART Are Finally Inducted Too! Whoa!

Posted in blues rock, classic rock, disco, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Music, progressive rock, rock and roll, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on December 11, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

RUSH - publicity pic - #1 - 2011

As reported by Roadrunner Records:

It’s official; Rush will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. They will join Public Enemy, Heart, Randy Newman, Albert King, and Donna Summer. Lou Adler and Quincy Jones will both receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award for non-performers. The ceremony will be held on April 18 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.

Read Geddy’s Lee’s comments here!

Pick up a copy of Rush’s latest record, Clockwork Angels, from the Roadrunner store. It’s 20% off for a limited time!

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Heart - Fanatic - cover promo pic!

As reported on the facebook of HEART:

It’s official…we have been inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Thank you to all of our fans for the support throughout our musical journey. We wouldn’t be here without you!

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For more info on RUSH, click on the links below!

http://www.rush.com

facebook: RUSH

For more info on HEART, click on the links below!

http://www.heart-music.com

facebook: Heart

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CONGRATULATIONS RUSH! WHOA!

LONG LIVE RUSH.

CONGRATULATIONS HEART! WHOA!

LONG LIVE HEART.

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Rest In Peace, Donna Summer.

Rest In Peace, Albert King.

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CONGRATULATIONS RANDY NEWMAN & PUBLIC ENEMY.

CONGRATULATIONS LOU ADLER & QUINCY JONES.

Stone.

Progressive Rock Icons NEKTAR To Release Covers CD “A Spoonful Of Time” Featuring All-Star Guest Line-Up

Posted in classic rock, Music, prog rock, progressive rock, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on November 3, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Features performances by members of YES, King Crimson, Deep Purple, Symphony X, Opeth, Marillion, Asia, The Moody Blues, Dream Theater, Tangerine Dream, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Hawkwind, The Zombies and Cream!

London, UK – Progressive Rock fans worldwide are buzzing with excitement about the forthcoming release of a new covers CD by music legends Nektar called “A Spoonful Of Time”, featuring an all-star guest line-up! Celebrating their 43rd Anniversary, Nektar’s contribution over the past four decades has quite rightly earned them their place in any ‘Progressive Rock Hall of Fame’. But the band is much more than a “prog legend;” the Nektar brand of innovative composition, performance and visuals is simply unique. And now on November 27th, Cleopatra Records will be releasing the first ever covers album by the iconic UK ensemble, joined by an incredible gathering of musical heroes from a wide variety of genres!

Says founding Nektar member Roye Albrighton, “The idea originated from Cleopatra themselves…they thought it might be a good idea to do an album of classic songs with a multitude of different players but under the Nektar banner. Klaus, Ron and myself were to be the staple musicians taking part and the files would be given out to various musicians to do their parts. I was asked to do most of the vocals except for the one track which was (“Africa”) and quite a few guitars too. Ron did a lot of the drums and Klaus was prominent on several of the tracks on Hammond and mellotron.”

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Track listing:

01. Sirius featuring Michael Pinnella (Symphony X)

02. Spirit Of The Radio featuring Mark Kelly (Marillion)

03. Fly Like An Eagle featuring Geoff Downes (Asia / Yes) • Joel Vandroogenbroeck (Brainticket)

04. Wish You Were Here featuring Edgar Froese (Tangerine Dream)

05. For The Love Of Money featuring Ian Paice (Deep Purple) • Nik Turner (Hawkwind)

06. Can’t Find My Way Home featuring Steve Howe (Yes) • Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater/Black Country Communion) • Mel Collins (King Crimson)

07. 2000 Light Years From Home featuring Simon House (Hawkwind)

08. Riders On The Storm featuring Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big) • Rod Argent (The Zombies / Argent)

09. Blinded By The Light featuring Joakim Svalberg (Opeth) • Ginger Baker (Cream)

10. Out Of The Blue featuring Simon House (Hawkwind)

11. Old Man featuring David Cross (King Crimson)

12. Dream Weaver featuring Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra)

13. I’m Not In Love featuring Rick Wakeman (Yes)

14. Africa featuring Bobby Kimball (Toto) • Patrick Moraz (The Moody Blues)

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Nektar’s “A Spoonful Of Time” was produced by the band and mixed by prog icon Billy Sherwood, who also played bass on some of the tracks.

Says Billy, “I really enjoyed working with Nektar on their new record, it was an honor playing bass on the entire project too!! Roye is very creative and inspiring to be around, Ron and Klaus are great to work with too… I felt like it was working with friends, making music, as it should be. I look forward to playing some gigs with them in the future.” Roye adds, “The songs featured on the album were chosen by Cleopatra, of which a few of them I quite like. It was good working with Billy, on this covers album and our new studio album ‘Time Machine’, and like me, he wants the absolute best for the music.”

The Nektar story is a remarkable one. A British rock band that found stardom and major success in Germany and the USA, yet failed to make a significant breakthrough in their own country. With three gold albums under their belt (“Remember The Future”, “Down To Earth” and “Recycled”), Nektar produced some of the most original work of the seventies and eighties. In virtuoso guitarist Roye Albrighton, Nektar had a charismatic front man who had shared a stage with Jimi Hendrix, in Allan “Taff” Freeman a unique keyboard player, in Derek “Mo” Moore a bass playing powerhouse and in Ron Howden a fluidity rarely found in a drummer. Fifth member Mick Brockett was not a musician, but was responsible for one of the most stunning light and visual shows ever to grace a rock stage. Nektar’s history appeared to have been written when they finally split in the eighties. Despite attempts to re-kindle the flame, the Nektar light, it seemed was out…until the year 2000. The new millenium saw the long-awaited reunion tour of the classic line-up, to rave reviews and fantastic receptions.

“The light we thought was out, had in fact been kept aglow, by loyal fans across the globe! “It’s pretty timeless music,” says Albrighton, “and what I’m hearing from most of the new, younger fans that are now coming to our shows, is that it’s like going back in time. They are starting to really discover music again, which, of course, is a great thrill to us and some of the older bands from our time.”

An American tour in September 2004 saw Taff Freeman depart the band for personal reasons and his successor, Hammond virtuoso Tom Hughes, instantly earning a place in the hearts of the Nektar faithful. With continued concert dates, along with the remastering of the remainder of the Nektar back catalogue on CD, this legendary band has become once more a proud force to be reckoned with in the world of progressive music. In 2007 Nektar truly took over their own management, procured their official website as their own, became an entity entirely under their own control and went on a 22-date tour of Germany. The band released the critically acclaimed CDs ‘Book of Days’ in 2008 and the live DBL CD ‘Fortyfied’ in 2009. Signing with US label Cleopatra in 2011, the band competed its first U.S. Tour in seven years by virtue of a successful month-long jaunt of the States, to the delight of their U.S. fans both old and new. Nektar is set to make its mark once again with the release of their critically acclaimed studio album “Time Machine.” Now with the release of “A Spoonful Of Time,” Nektar is back with a psychedelic head trip through classic rock radio with artful twists on classics by The Doors, Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, Blind Faith, Steve Miller, 10cc and others!

As far as future plans for Nektar: “To make more music, and to experiment more in different ways,” says Albrighton. Nektar will be a part of the Cruise to the Edge cruise in March with the Yes, Tangerine Dream, Saga, Steve Hackett, Carl Palmer Band, UK and others. In closing Roye has this to impart to the band’s long-standing fans, “A huge thanks to all those fans who have stuck by the band through thick and thin over the years… We are only doing it for you.”

Nektar “A Spoonful Of Time” is available for pre-order now at iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/spoonful-time-feat.-steve/id570409022

- and at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Spoonful-feat-Wakeman-Sherinian-Argent/dp/B008KRWKGW/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1351272833&sr=1-1&keywords=nektar+spoonful+of+time

For more information visit Nektar’s official website: www.nektarsmusic.com

Cleopatra Records: www.CleopatraRecords.com

____________________________________________________________

(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

LONG LIVE NEKTAR.

Stone.

FOCUS – Dutch Rock Legends Focus To Undertake Worldwide Tour In Support Of Forthcoming CD Release ‘Focus X’

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, Music, progressive rock, rock bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on October 27, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

London, UK – Much to the excitement of music fans across the planet, Dutch rock legends Focus will be undertaking a worldwide tour beginning November 2012 in support of their forthcoming CD Focus X. With their unique brand of progressive rock, Focus manifested themselves at the start of the ’70s as the most successful and appreciated of all the Dutch pop-rock exports. Fronted by founding member Thijs Van Leer, and best known for their hits “Hocus Pocus”, “House of The King” and “Sylvia”, as well as critically acclaimed albums ‘Moving Waves’, ‘Focus 3′ and ‘Hamburger Concerto’, the iconic Dutch music masters are back with their tenth album, which is guaranteed to please their legions of fans!

After a comeback in the early 2000′s, which resulted in the well-received albums ‘Focus 8′ and ‘Focus 9′, the band regrouped with a fantastic new line-up. Along with Thijs van Leer on vocals, flute and keyboards, back on the drums is famed Focus drummer Pierre van der Linden, who joined the group on their second album ‘Moving Waves’ in 1972. Internationally renowned for his rhythmic skills, Pierre remains a defining factor in the Focus sound. Bassist Bobby Jacobs, who comes from a well-acclaimed Dutch musical family and guitarist Menno Gootjes, who participated in Focus at an earlier stage, completes the band’s current line-up. Recently, Focus’s biggest hit “Hocus Pocus” was used in a 4-minute Nike commercial before the World Cup broadcast. Focus music can be regularly heard on Top Gear and Saxondale TV.

A new Focus era has arrived! There is a rejuvenated passion in the new compositions that adorn the new album ‘Focus X’, which features a full-scale Roger Dean painting on the cover. Says Thijs van Leer, who holds the distinction of being the first ever knighted musician in Holland, “It’s a thrill to have finally completed ‘Focus X’; we are all ecstatic and looking forward to playing the new material on the forthcoming Focus X Tour.”

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Focus X – UK Tour Dates:

November 08 – Opera House – Buxton

November 09 – Town Hall – Hessle

November 10 – The Ferry – Glasgow

November 11 – Bridge Trades Club – Hebden

November 13 – Robin 2 – Wolverhampton

November 14 – The Brindley – Runcorn

November 15 – Birdwell – Barnsley

November 16 – Trading Boundaries – Fletching

November 17 – The Wharf – Tavistock

November 18 – Boom Boom Club – Sutton

November 19 – The Stables – Milton Keynes

November 20 – Beaverwood Club – Chislehurst

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Title: ’Focus X’

Release Date: November 5, 2012

Label:  East World Recordings.

Focus X website: http://www.focus10.net/

Visit the official Focus website: http://www.focustheband.com/

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(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

LONG LIVE FOCUS.

Stone.

RUSH – Has The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Ignored These Prog Legends Long Enough? Take The Poll!

Posted in classic rock, classic rock bands, Hard Rock, Music, progressive rock, progressive rock bands, rock bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on October 23, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

RUSH - Canada’s greatest Rock & Progressive Rock band ever. You can even throw in Canada’s greatest Hard Rock band ever too, if you like. Simply put, one of the greatest bands in Rock Music history. RUSH has been ignored by The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for what reason(s) again? I would certainly like to know the reason(s) for RUSH not being enshrined inside that building in Cleveland, Ohio.

Let’s face it, the legendary RUSH has been influencing countless bands and musicians, while psyching-out their fans, going on 5 decades now! RUSH is a pioneering Progressive Rock band that makes credible all-time lists at every turn, with absolutely no sign of stopping! Whoa! Metal be thy name!

The musical excellence that Geddy Lee (bass & vocals), Alex Lifeson (guitars) and Neil Peart (drums & percussion) radiates from their vast catalog of studio and live albums is mind-boggling to me… and I shall never stop saluting this unreal important band.

Okay, with all that cool stuff blabbed, it’s time for your voice to be heard! Take the poll below and answer this simple question: Shouldn’t RUSH be in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame by now?

RUSH – Stats Of Note:

Debut/ST album released in 1974

Inducted into the Canadian Music Hall Of Fame – Class Of 1994

Inducted into Canada’s Songwriting Hall Of Fame – Class Of 2010

Bestowed the Order of Canada – 1997

Have earned 24 Gold Records

Have earned 14 Platinum Records

RUSH has sold more than 40 million records worldwide

3 records have gone multi-platinum

7-time Grammy Nominee

* Winner of 8 JUNO Awards

Awarded a star on both the Hollywood Walk Of Fame (2010) and Canada’s Walk Of Fame (1999)

RUSH – 2112 (1976 – Mercury Records)

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(Stats Sources: Canadian Music Hall Of Fame, RIAA, The JUNO Awards)

For more info on RUSH, click on the links below!

http://www.rush.com

facebook: RUSH

LONG LIVE RUSH.

Shame On You, Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Shame On You.

Stone.

Progressive Rock Icon Billy Sherwood To Release New Solo Album ‘The Art Of Survival’

Posted in Music, progressive rock, progressive rock music, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on October 16, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Oct. 16, 2012 – Los Angeles, CA – Much to the excitement of Progressive Rock fans worldwide, multi-instrumentalist, producer/engineer, singer/songwriter Billy Sherwood is releasing his new solo CD ‘Art Of Survival’ on October 5, 2012. As well as being band member/producer of bands such as CIRCA:, YES, World Trade, Conspiracy and more recently The Prog Collective and The Fusion Syndicate, this CD marks the 6th solo release from Sherwood, who performs all instruments and vocals, as well as delivering his signature sonic spectrum in the production.

Billy broaches a number of controversial and topical subjects in ‘The Art Of Survival’. Songs with titles such as “Drone Decipher”, “Chosen By Divinity”, “The Military Industrial Complex” and “Whose Side Are We On” explore topics such as the idea of extremes in surveillance, paranoia, propaganda, geo-politics, modern age warfare, technology, faith and the art of survival. “The idea of the CD is how the integration of politics, technology, faith and zealotry mix and mingle,” explains Billy.

In other news, along with the release of ‘The Art Of Survival’, Billy has been producing a number of projects including the latest release by UK prog legends Nektar, The Prog Collective and The Fusion Syndicate projects, Days Between Stations second release and others. “I produced/recorded/mixed Nektar’s new studio record called ‘Time Machine’, coming soon,” says Billy. “The Prog Collective is an all original record I wrote/produced/mixed and then played on, featuring many great artists from the prog genre. It is a very special record containing some of progs biggest names. I am currently writing the next PC record as we speak.” The Fusion Syndicate is a similar production as The Prog Collective, following the same model except in the fusion-jazz genre. Also, CIRCA: recently performed a series of successful shows in Brazil. Says Billy, “We are assembling music from various live performances and looking forward to releasing a live record as the next CIRCA: CD. We are discussing making a new studio record as well.” Lastly, Billy will be producing and writing material for legendary actor William Shatner’s new solo CD; a concept album featuring amazing guest artists!

Join Billy Sherwood and the Prog Collective on the Moody Blues’ Moodies Cruise! Setting sail to Jamaica March 20-25, 2013, along with the Moody Blues, the Prog Collective (featuring Billy Sherwood and Tony Kaye) will be joined by The Strawbs, The Zombies, Little River Band, Ambrosia, Stephen Bishop, Asia Feat. John Payne and Joe Williams of Toto. For more information on this unique cruise check out the website at http://moodiescruise.com/

In conclusion, Billy has this to impart to his fans and listeners: “I appreciate the support and hope you enjoy this new record.”

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Please visit the online store to purchase ‘The Art Of Survival’ along with other Billy Sherwood solo works: www.billysherwoodhq.com

“Whose Side Are We On?” video: 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUpVAhSCOi4&list=PL5A6348E726E47AA2&index=2&feature=plcp

“Drone Deciphers” video: 

Billy Sherwood’s YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/billysherwoodhq

Billy Sherwood’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/billy.sherwood.54?ref=tn_tnmn

________________________________________________________________

(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

LONG LIVE BILLY SHERWOOD.

Stone.

Jazz-Fusion and Prog Legends Join Together On New CD Release ‘The Fusion Syndicate’

Posted in Metal with tags , , , , , , on October 11, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Features performances by members of the biggest names in Fusion and Prog including Mahavishnu Orchestra, Yellowjackets, Brand X, Soft Machine, Spyrogyra, Yes, Dream Theater, King Crimson, Tool, Porcupine Tree, Hawkwind and more!

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October 10, 2012- Los Angeles, CA – One of the most amazing collection of jazz-fusion and progressive rock legends ever to assemble on one CD has happened with the new release by The Fusion Syndicate, available October 16, 2012 on Purple Pyramid Records. Brought together by multi-instumentalist, producer Billy Sherwood (Yes, CIRCA:), who gave us the fascinating release by the Prog Collective earlier this year. Now, Billy has produced, recorded and written tracks for a new jazz-rock-fusion supergroup of musical virtuosos – The Fusion Syndicate!

Featuring! Rick Wakeman, Jerry Goodman, Nik Turner, Jimmy Haslip, Steve Stevens, Jordan Rudess, Mel Collins, Billy Cobham, Jay Beckenstein, Billy Sheehan, Gavin Harrison, David Sancious, Larry Coryell, Derek Sherinian, Eric Marienthal, Chester Thompson, Steve Morse, Jim Beard, Randy Brecker, Percy Jones, John Etheridge, Tony Kaye, Chad Wackerman, Steve Hillage, Scott Kinsley, Theo Travis, Justin Chancellor and Asaf Sirkis – Produced by Billy Sherwood

“When I was asked to write/produce a fusion record I jumped at the chance. I’ve always had a deep love of Jazz and Fusion music having grown up listening to Weather Report, Return To Forever, the Mahavishnu Orchestra among many others in the genre. The record has become a musical dream team, including some of the world’s most reknowned players in the field. The music reflects a time when virtuosity was the standard and incredible musicianship was the order of the day. Each artist sharing their talent and skill, blending it all into a bigger musical picture, creating an amazing expression of unity and purpose. I’m honored to be a part of it all and I thank all the artists who joined me on this journey, they have all lifted the music to a higher level.” – Billy Sherwood, producer

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Tracks include:

  1. Random Acts Of Science – Rick Wakeman (Yes), Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra), Nik Turner (Hawkwind), Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets/Alan Holdsworth)
  2. Stone Cold Infusion – Steve Stevens, Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater/Liquid Tension Experiment), Mel Collins (King Crimson), Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree), Billy Cobham (Mahavishnu Orchestra)
  3. Molecular Breakdown – Jay Beckenstein (Spyrogyra), Billy Sheehan (Steve Vai), Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree), David Sancious (The E Street Band)
  4. Particle Accelerations – Larry Coryell, Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater/Black Country Communion), Eric Marienthal (Chick Corea Elektric Band), Chester Thompson (Genesis/Frank Zappa)
  5. At The Edge Of The Middle – Steve Morse (Dixie Dreggs/Deep Purple), Jim Beard (Mahavishnu Orchestra), Randy Brecker (Blood, Sweat & Tears/Brecker Brothers), Percy Jones (Soft Machine/Brand X)
  6. Atom Smashing – John Etheridge (Soft Machine), Tony Kaye (Yes), Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa),
  7. In The Spirit Of – Steve Hillage (Gong), Scott Kinsey (Tribal Tech), Theo Travis (Steven Wilson Band), Justin Chancellor (Tool), Asaf Sirkis (The Orient House Ensemble)

“Always a pleasure to work with Billy Sherwood and all the other musicians he chooses. Add some great music and the combination is complete.” – Rick Wakeman

“Fusion music gave me a way to relate to jazz. I liked the rock energy, and the unexpected twists, turns and rhythms that made it fun to play. So, it’s a big influence on the direction I took.” – Steve Morse

____________________________________

The Fusion Syndicate is avaliable from Purple Pyramid Records and can be pre-ordered at:

http://cleorecs.com/store/shop/the-fusion-syndicate/

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fusion-syndicate-feat.-rick/id564409590

For more information: http://cleorecs.com/store/

_____________________________________________________________

(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

LONG LIVE THE FUSION SYNDICATE.

Stone.

Australian Prog Legends Unitopia To Release Highly Anticipated New CD ‘Covered Mirror’

Posted in Music, prog rock, progressive rock, progressive rock bands, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on September 28, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Sept., 2012 – Australia – Much to the excitement of progressive rock fans around the globe, legendary Australian prog ensemble Unitopia is releasing a new CD of cover songs titled Covered Mirror on October 31, 2012. The most well-known and respected progressive rock band to emerge from Down Under, Unitopia is back with a ground breaking, powerful new release!
 
“Making a covers album is always a challenge,” confesses lead vocalist Mark Trueack, “and reproducing classic songs and making them ours was always going to be difficult.We spent a great deal of time coming up with ideas and we are very proud of the results. We wanted to take the listener on a journey or experience, if you like. We fused together progressive, pop and rock music into one smooth sound.”
 
Based in Adelaide, South Australia, Unitopia endeavours to draw from the heart and soul of the listener thought-provoking topics such as environmental awareness, political and social upheaval and the hectic pace of life and human relationships in a positive and uplifting light. Using progressive themes as a framework, Unitopia’s music includes elements of world, classical, jazz, heavy rock and groove.
_________________________________
Mark Trueack (composer/lead vocals/producer), Sean Timms (composer/keyboards/backing vocals/producer) and Matt Williams (guitars/backing vocals/producer) form the nucleus of the band. To complete the line-up, they chose the combined drum/percussion batteries of David Hopgood and Tim Irrgang, Craig Kelly on bass and Daniel Burgess (sax/clarinet/flute/piccolo/didgeridoo).
 
Unitopia released their first album ‘More Than A Dream’ in 2007 on the Canadian label Unicorn Digital. The band signed a three-album deal with InsideOut Music in Germany in 2008; the only Australian band to have signed with the label to this day. Unitopia’s second album ‘The Garden’, released that year, established the band as one of the premier progressive rock acts in the world. With the release of their critically acclaimed third CD ‘Artificial’ and a subsequent successful tour of Europe in 2010, the critics were unanimous. “Unitopia has been one of the best live acts on the Progressive Rock scene in the last few years!”
 
The band’s performance at the Boerderij, Zoetermeer in the Netherlands during the 2010 European tour was filmed and recorded. A subsequent live CD and DVD ‘One Night In Europe’ were released in 2011, successfully capturing the excitement of Unitopia in concert. Adding another dimension to Unitopia’s conceptuality, renowned artist Ed Unitsky was brought into the fold, touted as the “fourth Unitopian”. Says Mark in a recent interview with Prognaut, “We found each other on the net. He liked our sound so we started the process of getting to know his art, before engaging in his work.”
 
And now Unitopia has taken their music to another level with their new CD of cover songs. “Both Sean and I chose songs that we both liked and wanted to give them our Midas touch,” says Mark. “We wanted to bring these songs together, by bridging nice musical segways.”
_________________________________
 
Tracks Include:
 
1.  Signs of Life (Prelude) Sean Timms
2.  Calling Occupants (Klaatu)
3.  Easter (Marillion)
4.  Man of Colours (Icehouse)
5.  Genesis Medley (Genesis)

  • The Silent Sun
  •  Suppers Ready
  • Dancing with the Moonlit knight
  • Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
  • Carpet Crawlers

6.  Rain Song (Led Zeppelin)
7.  Even in the Quietest Moments (Supertramp)
8.  Can We Still be Friends (Todd Rundgren)
9.  Speaking The Truth (Dan Burgess/Matt Williams)
10. Everybody’s Gotta learn Sometime (Korgies)
11. Yes Medley (Yes)

  • And You and I
  • Awaken
  • Close to the Edge
  • Soon
  • Onward
  • South Side of the Sky
  • Owner of a lonely Heart

12. To one in Paradise (Alan Parsons)
13. The Way the Waters Moving (The Flower Kings) Bonus Track Remix 2012

 
To purchase Unitopia ‘Covered Mirror’:
As of September 24th - www.unitopiamusic.com 
As of October 31st – Musea Records - www.musearecords.com 
As of December 1st – Bird’s Robe Records - www.birdsrobe.com
 
For more information: http://www.unitopiamusic.com/fr_intro.cfm
_______________________________________________________________
(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

LONG LIVE UNITOPIA.

Stone.

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – The Golden Ticket: Win A Trip To New York

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, Metal, metal music, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on September 23, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Check this out all you COHEED AND CAMBRIA fans! Whoa!

Every fan that purchases The Afterman Limited Edition Box Set is entered to win the Golden Ticket. The winner will see and hang out with Coheed and Cambria at the SOLD OUT Webster Hall (Oct. 11) show and spend the day at New York Comic Con. The ticket will include flight, hotel, show, and NYCC pass costs. Pre-order your Box Set HERE for a chance to win!

_________________________________________________________________

For more info on COHEED AND CAMBRIA, click on the links below!

Official facebook: Coheed and Cambria

http://www.coheedandcambria.com

http://www.twitter.com/coheed

LONG LIVE COHEED AND CAMBRIA.

Stone.

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – Reveal ‘THE AFTERMAN: ASCENSION’ Album Art; New Midwest Tour Dates Announced

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock concerts, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on August 22, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

The album art (above) for the new COHEED AND CAMBRIA album, The Afterman:Ascension. The release date for this highly anticipated album is October 9th, 2012.

Today, COHEED AND CAMBRIA launched the pre-order of “The Afterman Limited Deluxe Box Set” for their new album, The Afterman: Ascension, available October 9th. It includes a 78 Page Book, 4 CD’s, VIP Tour Laminate, a Medallion & Certificate and a Documentary DVD.

Visit CoheedandCambria.com right now to pre-order!

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Take a look below at the NEW Midwest Tour Dates!

Pre-sale tickets for the mid-west dates below will be available Wednesday at 12pm CST/1pm EST HERE!

Oct 16: Cleveland, OH – House of Blues**

Oct 17: Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s**

Oct 18: Fort Wayne, IN – Piere’s**

Oct 20: Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre**

Oct 21: Sauget, IL – Pops Nightclub**

Oct 23: Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom**

Oct 26: Springfield, MO – Gillioz Theatre **

Oct 27: Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works**

* w/ 3

** w/ 3 and Deerhunter

__________________________________________________________________

(Source: COHEED AND CAMBRIA)

For more info on COHEED AND CAMBRIA, click on the links below!

http://www.coheedandcambria.com

http://www.twitter.com/coheed

LONG LIVE COHEED AND CAMBRIA.

Stone.

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – New 2 Volume Album “The Afterman”, New Tour Dates & Video Trailer

Posted in Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, heavy metal albums, metal music, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , , on August 1, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Our sixth studio album will be a double concept album entitled, The Afterman,’ and will be released in two separate full-length volumes.  The first volume, ‘The Afterman: Ascension,’ will be available on both physical and digital platforms October 9, 2012 via Hundred Handed/Everything Evil, and distributed through Fontana/Ingrooves. 

The second volume, ‘The Afterman: Descension’ is slated for release in Febrary 2013. The band  has also confirmed a handful of intimate Northeast U.S. club shows leading up to the release of ‘The Afterman.’ The tour starts September 13 in Kingston, NY (dates are below).

Tickets to all fall shows: http://bit.ly/MEn1TU 

A deluxe version of the ‘The Afterman’ will include a hardcover coffee-table book with expansive art by Heidi Taillefer and Nathan Spoor with collaborative written work from singer/creator Claudio Sanchez and writer Peter David that will create a song by song experience.  David previously worked with Sanchez on the prose novel adaptation of the band’s 2010 album “Year of the Black Rainbow,” and the graphic novel adaptation of their 2003 album “In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 (which reached #4 on the New York Times Bestsellers list for graphic novels earlier this year).” All the band’s titles, including ‘The Afterman,’ fall into a grand sci-fi story arc called ‘The Amory Wars.”It was announced previously at this month’s San Diego Comic Con that The Amory Wars has been picked up by Mark Wahlberg and Stephen Levinson of Leverage Productions to be developed into a live-action feature film.Coheed and Cambria is currently on the road with rock legends, Iron Maiden.UPCOMING TOUR DATES:AUGUST01 Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre with Iron Maiden02 Reno, NV – Knitting Factory*03 Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre w/ Iron Maiden04 Sacramento, CA – Sleep Train Amphitheater w/ Iron Maiden

06 Phoenix, AZ – Ashley Furniture HomeStore Pavilion w/ Iron Maiden

07 Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theater*

09 Irvine, CA – Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre w/ Iron Maiden

10 Irvine, CA – Verizon Wireless Amphitheater w/ Iron Maiden

12 Albuquerque, NM – Hard Rock Pavilion w/ Iron Maiden

13 Denver, CO – Comfort Dental Amphitheater w/ Iron Maiden

15 San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center w/ Iron Maiden

16 Pharr, TX – Pharr Events Center*

17 Dallas, TX – Gexa Energy Pavilion w/ Iron Maiden

18 Houston, TX – Woodlands Pavillion w/ Iron Maiden

*Headline show

24 Reading, UK – Reading Festival

25 Leeds, UK – Leeds Festival

tickets to all fall shows: http://bit.ly/MEn1TU 

SEPTEMBER

13 Kingston, NY – Ulster Performing Arts Center*

15 Chicago, IL – Riot Fest Chicago

16 Charlotte, NC – WEND Wienie Roast

19 Buffalo, NY – Town Hall*

20 Toronto, ON – Mod Club*

21 Rochester, NY -  Water Street*

22 Albany, NY – Hart Theater at The Egg*

24 Syracuse, NY – Wescott Theater*

25 Burlington, VT – Higher Ground*

26 Hartford, CT  Webster Theater*

28 Worcester, MA – Palladium**

29 Atlantic City, NJ – House of Blues**

* w/ 3

** w/ and Deerhunter

OCTOBER

31 Hamburg, DE – Grunspan

NOVEMBER

01 Dortmund, DE – Visions Westend Festival

02 Utrecht, NL – Tivoli

04 Brussels, BE – VK Club

05 Paris, FR – La Fleche D’Or

08 London, UK – Koko

09 Glasgow , UK- ABC

11 Birmingham, UK – Academy

12 Manchester, UK – Ritz Ballroom

About The Amory WarsAn epic, sci-fi fantasy set in an alternate universe (Heaven’s Fence) that chronicles the rise of superhuman dictator Wilhelm Ryan, and the one family that could hold the key to liberating the world from his tyrannical reign. The mythology was originally created by Sanchez to serve as inspiration for the band’s albums, but the series expanded to other mediums, including both prose and graphic novels.

About The Afterman:  Sirius Amory, the most celebrated astronomer/scientist in the alternate universe of Heaven’s Fence is ‘‘The Afterman.’  Sirius (pronounced “Sy-ruhss”) is credited with the discovery of the energy force (known as The Keywork) that binds the 78 planets of these worlds together. He embarks on the greatest discovery of his existence, and possibly mankind’s.  By doing so, what is truly most important to him begins to slip right through his fingers

___________________________________________________________________

(Source: COHEED AND CAMBRIA newsletter)

For more info on COHEED AND CAMBRIA, click on the links below!

http://www.coheedandcambria.com

http://www.twitter.com/coheed

LONG LIVE COHEED AND CAMBRIA.

Stone.

Prolific Progressive Rock Icon NEAL MORSE Moves Forward With a Blistering and Melodic New Release: “Momentum”

Posted in Guitar, guitarists, Hard Rock, Music, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , on July 17, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

Nashville, TN—Coming off of a highly successful 2011 marked by the release of the critically acclaimed “Testimony 2” and an enthusiastically attended tour throughout the U.S., Mexico and Europe, Neal Morse could easily have justified going on a creative hiatus to catch his breath. But that would fly in the face of his convictions and the sense that he is being led to build upon the swell of success he is experiencing.

In January 2012, Morse was pondering the possibilities of a change in direction. After all, it had been a decade since he left the Progressive Rock stalwart Spock’s Beard to pursue a solo career that would allow him to write more freely about his personal faith. And in that time he had recorded 6 impressive studio records that were heralded for their unique hybrid of epic compositions that tested the boundaries of musicianship while maintaining a remarkable sense of melody through irresistible hooks and addictive choruses. He could have taken a break. Or gone in an entirely new direction. But he felt led otherwise, as summed up in the new record’s title track: “You’ve got some new momentum, you better keep going.”

Morse’s long time studio partner and friend Mike Portnoy had a small window in January 2012 when he could record. The only problem was, there was only one song and a few bits and pieces written. Taking a leap of faith, he scheduled a recording session with the drumming legend and longtime bass player Randy George in two weeks, hoping that the music would arrive before the musicians. And boy did it ever.

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“Momentum” features five exceptional stand alone songs and one longer conceptual piece. In addition to the accessible title track, there’s the quirkily clever, Gentle Giant-inspired “Thoughts Part 5,” which follows in the footsteps of the previous “Thoughts” tracks penned by Morse with Spocks Beard. “Smoke and Mirrors” trods an introspective, acoustic path, while “Weathering Sky” offers a raucous cry for deliverance and renewal from a searching soul. Rounding out the shorter tracks is “Freak,” an upbeat, strings-charged song unlike anything Neal has recorded to date. Last comes “World Without End,” a near 34-minute, six-part epic that contains everything that defines Morse as a master of the genre.

Another highlight of this record is that, in addition to a masterful solo by guitar wizard Paul Gilbert, there are contributions from Adson Sodré, Bill Hubauer and Eric Gillette; three musicians who were selected as members of Morse’s new touring band through an exciting YouTube driven open audition process.

While “Momentum” propels Morse forward and further cements his standing as a prolific Progressive Rock icon, it steers clear of the potential “more of the same” trap, and features fresh musical angles and some of the finest performances to date by the Morse, Portnoy, George team.

The release of “Momentum” on September 11 will be quickly followed up by a North American tour that spotlights the fresh talent of his new live band, with stops in such cities as Nashville, Jacksonville, New York, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Seattle and Mexico City.

Much to the delight of progressive Rock Fans around the globe, Neal Morse is moving ahead with “Momentum” and there doesn’t appear to be any kind of end to his unique creative talent in sight.

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MOMENTUM – Track Listing:

Momentum (6:25)

Thoughts Part 5 (7:51)

Smoke and Mirrors (4:38)

Weathering Sky (4:15)

Freak (4:29)

World Without End (33:39)

i Introduction

ii Never Pass Away

iii Losing Your Soul

iv The Mystery

v Some Kind of Yesterday

vi World Without End

Total Length: 61:17

Written and Produced by Neal Morse

“Thoughts Part 5”—Written by Neal Morse and Randy George

“Smoke and Mirrors” and “The Mystery”—Music by Neal Morse, Lyrics by Chris Thompson and Neal Morse

Mixed by Rich Mouser

Featured Musicians:

Neal Morse – Keyboards, Guitars, Vocals

Mike Portnoy – Drums

Randy George – Bass

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Additional Musicians:

Paul Gilbert – Guitar solo on “Momentum”

Adson Sodré – Guitar Solos on “World Without End”

Bill Hubauer – Clarinet, flute, guitar and additional keys on “The Mystery”

Eric Gillette – Additional vocals on “Thoughts Part 5”

Wil Morse – Additional vocals on “Thoughts Part 5”

Chris Carmichael – Strings

Rick Altizer – Additional vocals on “Weathering Sky” and “Smoke and Mirrors”

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(Source: Glass Onyon PR)

For more info on NEAL MORSE, click on the links below!

nealmorse.com | facebook.com/nealmorse | twitter.com/nealmorse

nealmorsefans.com

Radiant Records: Official site

LONG LIVE NEAL MORSE.

Stone.

ASIA – “Face On The Bridge” (Official Video); Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day!

Posted in Music, progressive rock, rock albums, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on May 1, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

ASIA TO RELEASE NEW STUDIO ALBUM “XXX” WITH ORIGINAL LINE-UP: GEOFF DOWNES, STEVE HOWE, CARL PALMER & JOHN WETTON

ASIA will release their new studio album “XXX” (pronounced Triple X) on Frontiers Records on June 29th in Europe and July 3rd in North America. The new record, produced by Mike Paxman, which is being hailed as ASIA’s best album since its classic early 80s releases, will be released as a CD, collector’s edition CD/DVD (featuring new music videos and behind the scenes footage), and on vinyl (limited edition Europe only). Original artwork for “XXX” album courtesy of Roger Dean.

Stone Says: I love this song! Everything about Face On The Bridge just resonates the classic sound and appeal of this original ASIA lineup! I absolutely cannot wait to hear this entire new album from ASIA! Those ASIA vibes I’m feeling from this song takes me back to another time; those days when I played their debut album continuously during the entire Summer of ’82. This new ASIA song and video, Face On The Bridge, is my Metal pick of the day!

ASIA:

Geoff Downes – keyboards

Steve Howe – guitars

Carl Palmer – drums

John Wetton – bass, vocals

ASIA – XXX (Frontiers Records)

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For more info on ASIA, click on the links below:

http://www.originalasia.com

FRONTIERS RECORDS

(Source: Frontiers Records)

LONG LIVE ASIA.

Stone.

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – Introduces Zach Cooper as New Bassist

Posted in Heavy Metal, heavy metal news, metal music, Music, progressive metal, progressive rock, rock music, rock music news with tags , , , , , , on April 28, 2012 by Metal Odyssey

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – Check out the video below for introduction to bassist Zach Cooper, the newest family member to Coheed And Cambria.

Stone Says: Zach Cooper appears to be one cool dude. Plus, he must play some damn fine bass if Coheed And Cambria came knocking on his door! Congratulations and all the best to Zach Cooper! Metal be thy name.

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COHEED AND CAMBRIA 2012 TOURS:

For ALL 2012 Tour Dates/Venues, click the large links below!

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – Announce Intimate Club Shows In The Southeast For Spring 2012

COHEED AND CAMBRIA – Announces 2012 Tour Dates With IRON MAIDEN

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For more info on COHEED AND CAMBRIA, click on the link below!

CoheedAndCambria.com

LONG LIVE COHEED AND CAMBRIA.

Stone.

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