STRIKEFORCE are a Classic Hard Rock band that formed back in 1982. Lead by founding member and guitarist Duke Jackson, Strikeforce also features Jim Burdette on drums, Daryn Unterbrink on vocals, and bassist James Murphy. The newest studio album from Strikeforce, Elegant Steel, was released back on December 9th, 2014, via HighVolMusic. Duke Jackson is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio and serves as a founding member, writer and producer of Strikeforce.
This five song album (EP if you will) is jam-packed with many hooks and high energy Hard Rock songs, all guitar driven and I’ve been reeled in! This is an album that is tailor-made for good-times, whether you’re partying or hitting the open highway; these are songs that have succeeded in making me feel that Classic Hard Rock goodness!
My favorite song on this album is Let Me Rock U, a song that can stand head-to-toes with many (historically untouchable) Mötley Crüe songs and I’m not talking junk here at all. Live Action is a freaking refreshing way to dropkick any dumbass mood I might be in. Yeah, Strikeforce is a tried and true Hard Rock force, from their songwriting to their musicianship, with Duke Jackson shredding away in many eye-popping moments!
Daryn Unterbrink’s vocals are memorable and melodious; this guy can sing! The rhythm section does a bang-up job and everything just comes together so ideally, on Elegant Steel. This album from Strikeforce essentially comes at me like a bonus for 2014; sometimes special Rockin’ surprises do come in small packages! Metal be thy name! – Stone
Elegant Steel – Track List: All About The Money, Falling Down, Live Action, Doomsday, Let Me Rock U
On March 14th, 1971 – The hit single, Me and Bobby McGee, by Janis Joplin was at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart in the United States. This hit is featured on the 1971 album from Janis Joplin: Pearl. This song was written by Kris Kristofferson and Fred Foster and originally recorded by Roger Miller.
On this day in 1974 – The legendary Aerosmith performed at the New Haven Coliseum, in New Haven, Connecticut. Aerosmith were touring in support of their second studio album: Get Your Wings. Yes, this album features the memorable song: Same Old Song and Dance.
On March 14th, 1975 – The great Led Zeppelin performed at the Sports Arena in San Diego, California. Whoa!
On this day in 1980 – The sensational Def Leppard released their debut studio album: On Through The Night.
On March 14th, 1989 – Boston’s very own Extreme released their debut and self-titled studio album. Yes, this album features the song: Kid Ego.
On this day in 1992 – RUSH performed a concert at the New Haven Coliseum, in New Haven, Connecticut. RUSH had released their 14th studio album in September of 1991: Roll The Bones.
On March 14th, 2015 – Master Of Puppets from the super-mighty Metallica has returned to the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, sitting at #192! Whoa, man! This third studio album from Metallica was released back in March of 1986, peaking at #29 on this same chart. Master Of Puppets has spent 73 non-consecutive weeks on the Billboard Top 200. Without this Metallica album existing, life would super-duper and 100% suck to the maximum. Metal be thy name. – Stone
Papa Roachvisit hmv during their UK tour to sign t-shirts.
When and where?
Tue 17th March – 5:30pm – hmv Birmingham Bullring
Recorded in Las Vegas with producers Kevin and Kane Churko (Ozzy Osbourne, Five Finger Death Punch), Papa Roach release their eagerly anticipated new album F.E.A.R. The band preserve the robust riffs and swaggering rhythms that marked their initial call-to-arms, while seamlessly infusing cinematic electronic flourishes, sweeping hooks and magnetic melodies.
The first single and title track explodes into an arena-ready refrain that’s as anthemic as it is atomic. Muscular guitars give way to an industrial stomp before sparking an uplifting and undeniable chant. Frontman Jacoby Shaddix said of the album to Kerrang! “There obviously has been an element of hope within the despair of the music that we write, and I think that that’s always key, and that’s very important to waht we do, is to always have the element of hope, and that’s laced throughout the record.”
Papa Roach visit hmv Birmingham on the day that their ‘F.E.A.R’ world tour hits Birmingham’s 02 Academy.
RUSH’s 2112 has been newly remastered on 200-gram, heavyweight vinyl at legendary Abbey Road Studios using the Direct to Metal Mastering (DMM) audiophile copper plating process, all from original analogue masters. The band’s fourth album, 2112, first released in 1976, proved a breakthrough, highlighted by its seven-part title suite – written by Lee and Lifeson, with lyrics by Peart – recounting a dystopian story set in the year 2112. It came in at #2 on Rolling Stone’s list of ‘Your Favorite Prog Rock Albums of All Time.’ Most Rush fans consider it the band’s definitive recording and it has sold over 3 million albums in the U.S.
This unique reissue showcases a custom, limited-edition, hand-etched hologram of the ‘Red Star of the Federation’ pressed in the album’s dead wax runout of side two. To reveal the spinning hologram, fans can use any focused source of light, such as the LED flashlight on a smartphone, directly above the turntable while playing.
1988 – The charismatic David Lee Roth has his hit single, Just Like Paradise, sitting at #6, on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. Just for the Metal record, I happen to absolutely, 100%, without a micro doubt… love this song. Just Like Paradise is featured on the second full-length album from David Lee Roth, released back in 1988: Skyscraper.
As reported on the KISS Facebook page:
THIS DAY IN KISSTORY 1996:
KISS MTV UNPLUGGED RELEASED
On March 12, 1996, the KISS MTV Unplugged CD and VHS Video were released in the US. KISS MTV Unplugged was recorded August 9, 1995 at Sony Music Studios in New York City. The majority of the CD/VHS features Paul, Gene, Eric Singer and Bruce Kulick. Ace Frehley and Peter Criss join Paul and Gene for ‘2000 Man’ and ‘Beth’. All six members close out the CD/VHS with ‘Nothin’ To Lose’ and ‘Rock and Roll All Nite’. MTV originally broadcast KISS Unplugged on October 31, 1995.
Comment from Paul on Unplugged:
‘Unplugged was a chance for us to celebrate the musical history of the band by stripping, some great songs from different points in our history, down to the bare essence of what makes them great.’
TRACK LISTING:
Comin’ Home / Plaster Caster / Goin’ Blind / Do You Love Me / Domino / Got To Choose / Sure Know Something / A World Without Heroes / Rock Bottom / See You Tonight / I Still Love It / Every Time I Look At You / 2000 Man / Beth / Nothin’ To Lose / Rock and Roll All Nite
‘Got To Choose’ appeared on the VHS and the Vinyl versions of KISS Unplugged but not the US CD.
On March 12th, 1962, Darryl Strawberry was born in California. Happy Birthday, Darryl Strawberry! Whoa! The legendary Darryl Strawberry won a World Series with the New York Mets back in 1986, defeating the Boston Red Sox. After playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants, Darryl went on to become a valuable member of the New York Yankees, winning three World Series with them in 1996, 1998 and 1999.
Thanks for the fun baseball memories, Darryl! Long live Darryl Strawberry! Oh, yeah, one more thing… Darryl Strawberry is… Metal. – Stone
Teen Rock sensation, vocalist and songwriter DIAMANTE, will be supporting the legendary David Coverdale and his spectacular band WHITESNAKE, on select U.S. tour dates, this June. Whitesnake will be embarking on The Purple Tour, in support of their new studio release: The Purple Album. Diamante will be touring in support of her forthcoming EP: Dirty Blonde.
I am very proud of Diamante for earning this exciting supporting role for Whitesnake; Diamante’s hard work and old school dedication to Rock ‘N’ Roll is admirable and widely known. Her many musical achievements these past few years are obviously only just the beginning. Metal be thy name! – Stone
Supporting Whitesnake In June:
02 – Santa Rosa, CA @ Wells Fargo Center
04 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint
09 – Beverly Hills, CA @ Saban Theatre
11 – San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom
15 – Colorado Springs, CO @ Pikes Peak Center
20 – Houston, TX @ House Of Blues
DIAMANTE – Dirty Blonde EP Teaser:
Pre-Order “Dirty Blonde” EP on iTunes, by clicking link below! The title track (and second single from this EP) will be an automatic grat track when you order this EP on iTunes!
On March 11th, 1972 – The iconic Black Sabbath had their timeless song, Iron Man, sitting at #52 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. This song is featured on their whiz-bang studio album from 1970: Paranoid. Whoa!
On this day in 1975 – The fabulous Led Zeppelin performed at the Long Beach Arena in Long Beach, California, USA. Ticket prices were $6.50, $7.50 or $8.50, depending on the seating area. Whoa!! There was also a meager 50 cent service charge per ticket order. Unreal!
On March 11th, 1978 – The debut and self-titled album from the incredible Van Halen was invading the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. This glorious album eventually earned Diamond Status by the RIAA, selling 10 million (plus) units in the United States. Metal be thy name!
On this day in 1983 – The third studio album, Metal Health, from the amazing QUIET RIOT was released. This outstanding album is considered the first Heavy Metal album to reach #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. To this very Metal minute, Metal Health (Bang Your Head) is my favorite Heavy Metal anthem of all-time. Over thirty years later, this song continues to make me psyched-out beyond belief. Rest in peace, Kevin DuBrow.
On March 11th, 1989 – The rabid Guns N’ Roses hit single, Paradise City, was resting at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. Paradise City is featured on the legendary debut GNR studio album, from 1987: Appetite For Destruction. This song was a strip club sensation; I’m just guessing for I never recall going to those places back in the day. Um, yeah.
On this day in 2015 – The reissue of Led Zeppelin’s marvelous studio album, Physical Graffiti, returned to the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart and is impressively resting at #11. Whoa!! Originally released back in 1975, this album reached #1 on this chart and that was many Metal moons ago. This proves that Led Zeppelin are forever relevant and this album’s place in Rock history is immeasurable.
On March 11th, 2015 – Journey’s Greatest Hits has climbed up to #67 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. This compilation album from Journey has peaked at #10, while spending a prodigious 345 weeks on this chart!! Long live Journey!
Above: Modern Drummer (August – 1994)
Above: Close-Up (Sweden – May of 2014)
VINNIE PAUL
On March 11th, Vincent Paul Abbott aka Vinnie Paul was born in Texas. Happy Birthday, Vinnie Paul! Hell Yeah!! Vinnie Paul is world-famous as the drummer and co-founder of Pantera, Damageplan and currently raising hell with the supergroup Hellyeah. Long live Vinnie Paul!!
New Noise Magazine has debuted the title track off ofMen Become Gods, the new EP from Austin-based ragers DEAD EARTH POLITICS. The EP is second in a series of three that began with last year’s acclaimed The Queen of Steel, and will be out on March 14.
DEAD EARTH POLITICS will celebrate the release of Men Become Gods with a CD Release Party on March 14 at Dirty Dog Bar in Austin. Texas. The following week, the band will make an official SxSW appearance with a March 17th show at Dirty Dog. A full list of upcoming DEAD EARTH POLITICS shows can be found below.
DEAD EARTH POLITICS – live dates:
03/14 – CD Release Party & Metal Monsters of Texas – Austin, Texas @ Dirty Dog Bar
03/17 – SxSW performance – Austin. TX @ Dirty Dog Bar
“Bang your head proudly when you listen to these guys” – Metal Machine
“In a world where all seems hellbent against us and the future looks ever more dismal, Dead Earth Politics provide a way forward and give you the strength to carry on.” – Two Guys Metal Reviews
A message from Flyleaf: We’re very excited to announce we are headlining the Revolver: Hottest Chicks in Hard Rock Tour (2015) along with The Agonist, Fit For Rivals, DIAMANTE and Falling For Scarlet! Check to see if we’re hitting your city and if so you can’t miss this tour! Buy tickets today!
Supergroup Pink Velvet Krush originate from Long Island, New York and they released a marvelous EP of five songs in the latter part of 2014, via HighVolMusic. If this EP from Pink Velvet Krush, F.S.O.A., is an indication of what’s to come from them, then I am holding my spot as first in line! Everything about this EP is BIG sonically and makes me feel freaking amazingly great!
Buy, Support And Check Out Pink Velvet Krush:
I cannot help hearing the passion that Pink Velvet Krush has towards their own music and the Rock ‘N’ Roll legends that have influenced them. This band is so grand to listen to on this E.P. that it’s downright stunning. Make no mistake, Pink Velvet Krush are an original group and are/would be an asset to any open-air festival of Hard Rock and/or Metal. Pink Velvet Krush ROCK so damn fine that Mötley Crüe, Judas Priest, Def Leppard and KISS should be knocking down PVK’s door to be their opening band. I’m not talking shit here, I put my Metal reputation on it. All five songs on F.S.O.A. rain down with that glorious 80’s Arena vibe and chills. I love that. I NEED to see this band live!
If you take the classic Hard Rock atmosphere (aka) 80’s Arena Rock, Bon Jovi’s New Jersey album with Salty Dog and mix it all together, you get… Pink Velvet Krush. Maybe I’m getting too nostalgic or something, still, Pink Velvet Krush come packaged with enough relevancy and talent to challenge many current and well-known Hard Rock bands on the scene today. Metal be thy name. – Stone
PINK VELVET KRUSH includes former Gene Loves Jezebel drummer Joe Larsen, former Steelheart/Britny Fox guitarist Greg Polcari, former Dust and Bones guitarist Sean Quidgeon, former Vaudeville vocalist Doug ‘Savage’ Ramey, and former Sacred Edge bassist Shane West.
F.S.O.A. – Track List: 1. Nothin’ To Lose, 2. Take My Life, 3. F.S.O.A.(Fifty Shades Of Anything), 4. These Chains, 5. Obsession
Guitar World’s April 2015 issue features rock’s super virtuosos, Tosin Abasi, Joe Satriani, and Guthrie Govan. These three are the wisest of the wise when it comes to the art of guitar playing and teaching. Now they’re joining forces for an epic four-day summer shred summit.
Then, read up on Guitar World’s2015 album preview. As Dream Theater, Anthrax, Jeff Beck, Iron Maiden, Joe Satriani and others gear up to release new albums, GW takes a look at the road ahead to see what’s in store for 2015.
Later, for over 30 years, guitarist Gary Holt has kept Bay Area legends Exodus alive and thrashing. Here, Holt and co-guitarist Lee Altus get to the heart of the aggression heard on their most recent record, Blood In, Blood Out.
Also, from amps to axes to pedals and cables, Guitar World picks the most exciting new pieces of gear from the 2015 NAMM Show.
Finally, with their third album, Into the Wild Life, Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale and her hard-rocking crew throw caution to the wind and come out more inspired than ever.
On March 6th, 2015 – The seventh studio album from All That Remains, The Order Of Things, debuts at the #25 position, on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. These Massachusetts Metal warriors are signed to Razor & Tie.
On this day in 2015 – Spookshow International: Live, the newly released live album from the great Rob Zombie enters the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, at #118.
On March 6th, 2015 – The Hard Rock supergroup, Revolution Saints, which features Deen Castronovo (drums, vocals), Jack Blades (bass, vocals) and Doug Aldrich (guitars) have their newly released debut and self-titled studio album entering the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart at #198.
On this day in 2015 – Yes, Nickelback’s new studio album, No Fixed Address, is persevering on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, falling one notch to #110. This album has spent 15 consecutive weeks on this chart, peaking at #4.
PAUL BOSTAPH
On March 6th, 1964, Paul Bostaph was born in California. Happy Birthday, Paul Bostaph! Hell and yeah! Paul Bostaph is currently the drummer for the fearsome Slayer. Paul’s impressive past with Slayer includes touring with and being the drummer on four of their studio albums: God Hates Us All, Diabolus In Musica, Undisputed Attitude and Divine Intervention. Slayer’s new studio album featuring Paul Bostaph will be released this year.
Paul Bostaph can also boast to being a drummer for such other legendary Metal bands as: Forbidden, Exodus, Testament and Systematic. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Paul also started his own Metal band: BlackGates.
Paul Bostaph is endorsed by Yamaha drums, Paiste cymbals, Remo heads, and Vater sticks.
March 5, 2015, ATLANTA – Royal Thunder, the Atlanta-based outfit helmed by Mlny Parsonz and Josh Weaver, share Crooked Doors’ album opener, “Time Machine,” via NPR:
“You can’t go back,” says Parsonz of the song’s message. “There is no such thing as a time machine. Live for now and learn forever. Beware the black streak that resides within each one of us. Relax, it’s just livin’.”
Digital pre-orders include an instant download of “Forget You” and “Time Machine.” >>
Royal Thunder plays SXSW on March 17 (Dirty Dog). The band joins Halestorm and Rival Sons for a brief western U.S. tour in June:
June 05 Anaheim, CA @ The Grove
June 06 San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
June 08 Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
June 09 Seattle, WA @ Showbox SoDo
June 10 Boise, ID @ Revolution Center
June 12 Missoula, MT @ Wilma Theatre
June 13 Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory
June 14 Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
Royal Thunder is Mlny Parsonz, Josh Weaver, Evan Diprima and Will Fiore. Royal Thunder began work on the album in early 2014, returning to work at the Aria Recording Studio where they recorded the band’s critically lauded debut, CVI.
Pitchfork described singer Mlny Parsonz as “a blues-rock banshee of a woman, equal parts riot grrl and gospel diva” while Spin said she “commands a bluesy mix of Led Zep and Sleater-Kinney.” Rolling Stone’s David Fricke said Weaver’s playing has “the meaty, base elements of early-Seventies British blues.”
On March 4th, 1972 – The legendary T. Rex hits #10 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart with Bang a Gong (Get It On). This great song is featured on the 1971 studio album from T. Rex: Electric Warrior. Rest in peace, Marc Bolan, Mickey Finn and Steve Currie.
On this day in 1989 – Cinderella’s hit, The Last Mile, was sitting at #36 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. This song is featured on Cinderella’s second studio album, from 1988: Long Cold Winter.
On March 4th, 2015 – AC/DC’s studio album from 1980, Back In Black, is resting at #98 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. This amazing album has spent 166 weeks on this chart and peaked at #4. Timeless Hard Rock this AC/DC album is.
SABRINA SABROK
On March 4th, 1967, Sabrina Sabrok was born, in Argentina. Happy Birthday, Sabrina! Whoa and yeah! The beautiful Sabrina Sabrok is a world-famous model, singer, Playboy model and television host. Sabrina’s studio albums and music videos range from Metal to Cyberpunk. Sabrina has shared the stage with many world-class bands, including the mighty Queensrÿche.
Sabrina, El Sexo en su Máxima Expresiónis the name of Sabrina’s television show, which airs on Mexico’s TeleHit. Sabrina also appeared on the Mexican version of the reality television show Big Brother VIP in Mexico. Long live Sabrina Sabrok!
On March 3rd, 1973 – England’s legendary SLADE reaches #1 in the UK with their hit song: Cum On Feel The Noise. I remember never knowing that SLADE originally wrote and recorded this song, until I heard the Quiet Riot cover version on Metal Health, back in 1983. I remember some DJ on WHCN, WCCC or WPLR (FM) up in Connecticut, speaking about the history of this song, when it first released. Good times.
On this day in 1979 – The great Foreigner is at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart with their hit song: Blue Morning, Blue Day. Written by Lou Gramm and Mick Jones, this song is featured on Foreigners amazing second studio album, from 1978: Double Vision. The Double Vision album is my favorite of all Foreigner albums! I remember receiving Double Vision as a birthday gift from my mother, back in January of 1979. God rest her loving soul.
On March 3rd, 1986 – The mighty METALLICA released their third studio album: Master Of Puppets. This happens to be my favorite METTALICA album of all-time! This is THE studio album, that without a doubt, launched METALLICA into the legendary stratosphere of Thrash Metal and ALL of Metal!
Master Of Puppets raised the Metal bar for ALL other Thrash Metal bands too. Unfortunately, this would be the last studio album that features classic member, co-songwriter and bassist Cliff Burton. Man I love this Master Of Puppets album! Battery!! Rest in peace, Cliff Burton.
On this day in 1990 – Warrant reaches #20, on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart with their hit song: Sometimes She Cries. This song is featured on Warrant’s debut studio album, from 1989: Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich. I remember buying the album on vinyl and I later bought it (used) on cassette; this way I was able to listen to it in my car. Good times. Rest in peace, Jani Lane.
On March 3rd, 2015 – Nickelback – The Best Of Nickelback: Volume 1 moves up five notches and is sitting at #15 on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums Chart. This greatest hits has spent 57 weeks on this chart, peaking at #2. Long live Nickelback!
On this day in 2015 – It’s Nickelback again, sitting at #2 on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums Chart, with their eighth studio album: No Fixed Address. This album moved up from being last week’s #4 and has spent 14 weeks on this chart. Whoa!
The tenth studio album from IMPELLITTERI, Venom, will be released this April, via Frontiers Music SRL. Chris Impellitteri is a world-famous guitar virtuoso, a top of the tier guitar shredder. On lead vocals is the incredible and original member Rob Rock, with drummer Jon Dette (Slayer, Testament) and James Pulli on bass.
Since 1987, Chris Impellitteri has written and recorded awe-inspiring music that includes some of the most jaw-dropping solos, while rewriting the definition of a lead guitarist.
Release dates for Venom are: April 17th in Europe and April 21st in North America.
On February 26th, 1972 – The Midwest’s very own Grand Funk Railroad had their hit single, Footstompin’ Music, placed at #29, on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. Pictured above is the (Mexican version) cover sleeve for the 7″ record.
On this day in 1981 – The seventh studio album from the amazing Judas Priest, Point Of Entry, was released. This album features the Metal classics: Hot Rockin’ and Heading Out To The Higway. I always really liked this Judas Priest album, regardless of it being sort of ignored by some.
On February 26th, 1983 – Sammy Hagar aka The Red Rocker had his hit single, Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy, sitting at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. This song is featured on Sammy Hagar’s 1982 studio album: Three Lock Box. Pictured above is the cover sleeve for the 45rpm single.
On this day in 2015 – This day in KISSTORY – The iconic KISS performed at the Hiroshima Sun Plaza, in Hiroshima, Japan. Whoa!
On February 26th, 2015 – The Best Of Foreigner 4 & More has broken into the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart! This live album debuts at #161. Long live Foreigner! This new Foreigner album was released on December 16th, 2014.
On this day in 2015 – Nickelback show’s their perseverance by remaining on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart, moving backwards a bit to #109, with their No Fixed Address studio album. This album has spent 14 consecutive weeks on this chart.
FATS DOMINO
On February 26th, 1928, the legendary Fats Domino was born in Louisiana. Happy Birthday, Fats Domino! Whoa! Fats Domino is a Rock ‘N’ Roll pioneer, as a pianist, singer and songwriter. Fats Domino is world-famous for dozens of hit songs; with such timeless Rock ‘N’ Roll classics as: Ain’t That A Shame, Blueberry Hill, Blue Monday, I’m Walkin’, The Big Beat, I hear You Knocking and so many more.
* Fats Domino was awarded the National Medal Of Arts, from President Bill Clinton.
* Fats Domino lost all of his personal possessions and his home was wrecked by Hurricane Katrina, back in August of 2005.
* Fats Domino was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, back in 1986.
Here’s to many more birthdays, Fats Domino! Long live Fats Domino!
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)
(February 25th, 2015 – New York, NY) – Rock icons Whitesnake are set to return with their 12th studio album this spring. The Purple Album will be released in North America on May 19th via Frontiers Music SRL. The Purple Album is a re-imagination of classic songs from David Coverdale’s time as the lead singer for Deep Purple’s Mark 3 and Mark 4 studio albums. The album is currently available for pre-order on Amazon in a deluxe edition format ( http://geni.us/WSPurpleDLXamz ) featuring 2 bonus tracks, 4 music videos and a Behind The Scenes featurette on the recording of the album. A standard edition and a double LP vinyl format will be available in the near future. Plans are also underway for a special limited box set edition with memorabilia and merchandise. All details will be announced soon.
“It’s a tribute. A homage. It’s a huge thank you from me to Deep Purple for the opportunity I was given over 40 years ago,” states Coverdale. “As I said to Ritchie, you guys set me on an incredible journey that continues today and I couldn’t have asked for better teachers. The University of Deep Purple was an extraordinary, amazing school to learn from. We can’t wait to play these songs in concert!”
From the opening notes of the classic track “Burn,” to album closer “Stormbringer,” Whitesnake are back and better than ever. Songs like “Lady Double Dealer,” “Soldier of Fortune” and “Sail Away” are given a new energy in the very capable hands of the current Whitesnake lineup featuring David Coverdale on vocals, Reb Beach and Joel Hoekstra on guitars, Michael Devin on bass and Tommy Aldridge on drums. A video for the first single “Stormbringer” can be seen below:
Whitesnake was formed in England in 1978 by David Coverdale. The band has released multi-platinum selling albums throughout the years and have been known for hits such as “Slide It In,” “Here I Go Again,” “Still Of The Night” and “Is This Love.” Whitesnake will hit the road this summer on a headlining world tour.
On February 25th, 1984 – Van Halen enjoys seeing their first #1 hit, Jump, on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. This song is featured on Van Halen’s sixth studio album released back in 1984: MCMLXXXIVor 1984.
On this day in 2003 – The mighty Scorpions performed at Magness Arena in Denver, Colorado, USA.
On February 25th, 2013 – The incredible SLAYER performed at Big Top Luna Park in Sydney, Australia. The great Gary Holt played guitar in place of the late/legendary Jeff Hanneman and Jon Dette was the drummer.
On this day in 2015 – AC/DC has their hit, Thunderstruck, sitting at #3 on the Billboard Hard Rock Digital Songs Chart. This song was originally released back in September of 1990! Whoa, man! Thunderstruck is featured on AC/DC’s 1990 studio album: The Razors Edge. Shown above is the 10″ AC/DC Thunderstruck two song picture disc.
On February 25th, 2015 – AC/DC has their new studio album, Rock Or Bust, at #1 on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums Chart. This is the second week in a row Rock Or Bust is sitting at #1 and has spent 11 consecutive weeks on this chart. Metal be thy name!
On this day in 2015 – The Pretty Reckless have their second studio album, Going To Hell, resting at #11 on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums Chart. Going To Hell peaked at #1 on this chart, where it has spent 47 whopping weeks as well! Whoa!
“NATURE BOY” RIC FLAIR
On February 25th, 1949, Ric Flair aka “Nature Boy” was born, in Tennessee. Happy Birthday, Ric Flair! WOOOOOO! Ric Flair is a 16 time World Heavyweight Champion; the most decorated champion in history! From the NWA, NWO, WCW to TNA and the WWE, Ric Flair has conquered the best! Ric Flair has also survived being struck by lightning… twice!
Ric Flair is a two-time inductee in the WWE Hall Of Fame, once as an individual wrestler and the second time with The Four Horseman. Ric Flair’s signature move is the figure-four leglock. Ric Flair is also my favorite Pro Wrestler of all-time! Ric Flair is… Metal. Long live Ric Flair and… Metal be thy name!
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Metal Odyssey's Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Hall of Fame! These Are The Rock And METAL Legends Wrongfully Ignored By "The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame"
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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