Prepare to be transported to a “New World” with the magical offering from LINDSAY SCHOOLCRAFT. Featuring a duet with Fabienne Erni of ELUVEITIE and a guitar solo by Jen Majura of EVANESENCE, the new release delivers an epic sound infused with Celtic elements.
Landing just in time for St Patrick’s Day, “New World” is the first heavy driven song to be unleashed since the release of LINDSAY’s full-length album Martyr. Made possible through the Patreon community, a symphonic/ folk version will also be available as a Patreon exclusive. Emerging out of ethereal realms, ghostly Celtic folk instruments perform an alluring backdrop for LINDSAY’s haunting vocals. Melodies soar gracefully seeing a subtle dark undertone weaving throughout. Explosive metal instrumentation thunders into existence elevating the track with an intense manifestation of power.
Fabienne Erni’s dynamic vocals beautifully complement the atmosphere of “New World”; it’s a stunning duet. Enthralling distorted guitars and bass tones provide a grounding contrast to the soaring melodies, and Jen Majura’s solo enhances the sound even further.
Become immersed in a dramatic tale of folklore, an exploration into stunning soundscapes and thrilling composition. “New World” is a truly bewitching release to kick off 2022. LINDSAY is already hard at work on her next release, preparing another heavy composition in collaboration with SARAH JEZEBEL DEVA.
“New World” Guest Appearances: Fabienne Erni – Guest Vocals JenMajura – Guitar Solo Rocky Gray – Guitar, Bass, Drums IVEEN – Folk Instruments and Backing Vocals Christopher Caouette – Orchestration Dagda – Viola
This year’s Monsters of Rock Cruise was captained by none other than Alice Cooper. Due to the size, the amount of guests on the cruise and the size of the room in which Alice would be performing, the cruise decided to split guests into two groups. The red group would see Alice perform on the 12th while the blue group would see him on the 13th. The red group’s show started at 7:30 PM and the crowd packed in quickly.
The stage was hidden by a beautiful curtain that would rise revealing a scaled down, yet still highly decorated, version of Alice’s normal stage set up. The crowd roared as the intro of “Feed My Frankenstein” began. Members of the band walked on stage and began to play. Right after the first strum all sound in the house vanished. Fans began pointing at their ears trying to let the band know we could not here them. The band finished the song and they all exited the stage, Alice leaving with noticeable anger.
Ryan Roxie informed a group of fans, who attended an unannounced Rock N’ Roll Parking Lot (on a boat), what had happened that night. According to Roxie, Alice was the first band to use the curtain on this cruise. As the curtain lifted it pulled the main cable to the PA system out completely. The crew worked hard and fast to figure out the issue and sound was restored within five minutes. Roxie also let fans know that because everyone on stage was wearing a monitor and could hear what they were playing, they did not realize what was going on. It was not until the second verse of the song that they noticed something was wrong. Roxie said they all looked out trying to find the devoted fans and did not understand why everyone was not singing along.
Once the technical difficulty was fixed the show continued without a single problem. Even though the stage and set up were smaller than normal, that did not stop Alice from pulling out all the stops. Props were used as normal including crutches, knives, and canes. During “Billion Dollar Babies” a giant baby paraded on stage meeting Alice’s minions who brought out a giant confetti cannon that shot gold, silver, and green pieces of confetti, as well as fake money with Alice’s face on it into the audience.
The fun continued all through the show as Alice and his gang of ghouls wowed the audience with their fine-tuned sound and silly stage antics. During “Teenage Frankenstein” Alice chased his band around the stage with arms stretched out in frontof him and knees locked like Frankenstein. It did not stop there. As Alice and his band walked back on stage for the famous encore of “School’s Out” one extra musician joined them. Taime Downe of Faster Pussycat came out to sing and enjoy the pleasure of popping many confetti filled balloons over the crowd with one of Alice’s knives.
Alice has been performing for over 50 years and at the ripe age of 74, is still performing with as much heart and soul as he did when he first began. His voice has not changed and everything you have heard about Alice Cooper you get times 10.
Having been haunting stages all over the world for thirty-three years, goth ‘n’ roll pioneers THE69EYES seem to be a truly immortal part of the dark rock/metal scene. Widely known as the Helsinki Vampires, the quintet gained several platinum albums with BlessedBe and ParisKills and not only reached the #1 spots on the single and album charts in their home country of Finland, but also plunged the world into a sinful cosmos of love, death, and melancholy, outliving any other band emerging from the goth hype of the early 2000s.
By developing their sound further into sleaze rock on Devils (2004) and Angels (2007) and not shying away from pitch black Elvis allusions in singer Jyrki69’s dark voice and unique onstage dance moves, the band has established a worldwide following. Over the course of over three decades, THE69EYES has toured relentlessly throughout Europe, America, Asia, and Australia and released twelve full-length studio albums.
Today, THE69EYES announces their signing to Atomic Fire Records (worldwide excluding Finland). Get your vampire teeth sharpened as news songs and tours are in the horizon!
Singer Jyrki69 comments on this unholy new alliance: “We are back in a full swing! Our paths here in Helsinki crossed with our old A&R guy Gabi Hakanen who was with us when we released our highest selling albums Devils and Angels, so as he heard our new demos, we sort of just continued like right after last time. So, he got us in his label’s studio right away at Vallila Music House (Hanoi Rocks’ Sami Yaffa, Ville Valo & Agents). Simultaneously, we also hooked up with the brand new Atomic Fire Records label which has our classic former Nuclear Blast dream team there, so this ‘new’ and fresh beginning for THE69EYES sounds like a dream, really! New big-time rocking music comes out very soon!”
CEO and A&R MarkusWosgien adds, “We are more than happy to welcome our beloved Helsinki Vampires, the most unique and by far coolest gothic band in hell and on earth. We worked together for more than ten years and their four latest studio albums, and will continue now, reunited under the Atomic Fire banner. This feels like coming home to all of us and we are honored to continue our long term relationship.”
Heavy rockers NOTINGODZ will release their self-titled EP on April 8, 2022.
The trio are a powerhouse of groove rhythms, soaring melodies and distortion. From “I Walk Alone” to “Hell Yeah” their energy never falters. Forging a full sound drawing influences from traditional metal such as BLACK SABBATH, to the heavy of ROB ZOMBIE, and melodic style of GHOST, NOTINGODZ deliver a heavy modern twist with a rock ‘n’ roll edge.
The epic impact of the intro riff in “I Walk Alone” establishes the hard-hitting intensity NO TIN GODZ produce. Melodic commanding vocals and intricate guitar leads, along with rhythmic experimentation, show the clever manipulation of dynamics across the tracks which cultivate charismatic moods. “We Are Zombies” combines NOTINGODZ energy with a darker atmosphere. While “Just Before Dawn” ventures into a greater focus of guitar riffs and licks, with a raw sentiment portrayed through the chorus.
NOTINGODZ’s unyielding spirit storms through the album. Exposing all sides of the human condition with great enthusiasm, the new EP is a model of pure, high voltage heavy metal.
Nearly three years since first setting foot in the studio, Austin, Texas stoner rocker frontrunners GREENBEARD will unveil their long-awaited new full-length, Variant, on April 1st via Sailor Records in the US and Kozmik Artifactz in Europe.
The serendipitously named album was subject to a long incubation period, due largely to Covid-related challenges, as well as lineup changes and industry-wide delays in vinyl production. Nevertheless, Variant emerges as a valiant tribute to new directions, creative experimentation, and engagement with the wider musical community. The album represents a departure in sound for the group, which has traditionally been situated squarely at the intersection of desert and stoner rock. Songs incorporate significant soul and R&B influences, with crooning vocal interludes and surprise instrumentation, while still tapping into their heavy stoner roots.
“Wanting to blend stoner rock and soul, we entered into the recording process with a collaborative mindset, leaving room for the process to unfold in the studio,” remarks GREENBEARD frontman, Chance Parker.
In advance of the record’s release, the band unveils, “Exodus,” the first in a trilogy of singles leading up to Variant’s drop date. Notes Parker, “We chose ‘Exodus’ as the first single because it works as a Trojan horse for all the weird stuff we are about to unload on this album.”
View GREENBEARD’s “Exodus” at THIS LOCATION or below:
Having begun production in 2018, GREENBEARD set forth wanting to depart from the stereotypical derivatives of stoner rock and chose to take elements of soul music with them into the studio. They broughtin layers of strings, slide guitar, horns, and sonorous melodies to realize this vision.
Suddenly Covid-19 struck. The band was unable to play live shows, and their support tour with Texas legends …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of The Dead was cancelled. Their former bassist departed, another was hired, then left to look for work in Hawaii. However, in the midst of all these changes, PatSeals (Flyleaf, Kimberly Dunn, Belle & The Dragon) joined the band, bringing signature energy to their stage performances. The band then brought on Joe Samson as second guitarist, rounding out their lineup. The new album represents an openness to change and a melding of minds.
Stand by for Variant artwork, preorders, and further info to be announced in the coming weeks.
Heavy psychedelic rockers DESERTCLOUDS are pleased to announce that they will release their album Planexit via MandroneRecords on March 25 2022.
The band comments:
“This new album is a journey throughout the inner side of the human being, represented by a nameless man who is trying to escape the surrounding environment that overwhelms him.”
Drawing inspiration from all genres and influences from the likes of SYD BARRETT to LED ZEPPELIN to NIRVANA and TOOL. Lyrically they explore the darker side of the human condition and draw on interests such as the Italian artistic movement Decadentism, along with existentialism. Opening the album is the dynamic title track “Planexit”, taking a humorous twist on Brexit delivers a theatrical and genre mixing experience. Classic, psychedelic rock styles fuse with overdriven guitars and progressive elements to create a distinctive soundscape. From the high-energy, fast-pace of “Mamarse” to the serene, atmospheric “Deceivers”, the new album delves into dystopian themes aptly explored through compelling composition.
Venture on a thrilling voyage with Planexit. Melodicriffs and hard hitting rhythms fuel the powerful impact of the music. DESERTCLOUDS‘ experimental sound produces colourful musicality enhanced with a heavy intensity.
Raised during the 80’s debauchery on the Sunset Strip and still going strong in 2022, JIZZY PEARL’S LOVE/HATE recently released their third single titled ‘Gonna Take You Higher’ on all digital platforms. ‘Gonna Take You Higher’ comes from the upcoming albumHELL, CA.which is available to pre-order/add/save now and out on March 11, 2022, through Golden Robot Records.
‘Gonna Take You Higher’ was preceded by two absolutely cracking singles ‘Wanna Be Somebody’ and ‘Soul Mama’ which both show Jizzy in fine form and gives a strong indication as to what to expect from Hell, CA.
HELL, CA. is a collection of 10 hard-hitting rock anthems, all with that distinctive Love/Hate style, with Jizzy Pearl’s trademark vocals taking the songs up and beyond and the heavy guitars doing the rest.
JIZZY PEARL’S LOVE/HATE has been a staple on the rock scene since their first record BLACK OUT IN THE RED ROOM earned them “Best Record of the Year 1990” from Kerrang! and Metal Hammer magazines.
LOVE/HATE has been a fixture on the Hollywood Sunset Strip since they released their debut album on Columbia Records BLACKOUT IN THE REDROOM in 1990. BLACKOUT IN THE RED ROOM received much critical acclaim and was awarded “Best Record of the Year” from both Kerrang! and Metal Hammer magazines. The original LOVE/HATE released five records in the 1990’s and toured with such bands as Skid Row, Dio, Ozzy Osbourne & AC/DC.
Since that time, singer Jizzy Pearl has kept the band alive with his own version, JIZZY PEARL’S LOVE/HATE, and at the same time played, recorded and toured with such platinum artists as RATT, L.A. Guns, Steven Adler and currently Quiet Riot. Jizzy Pearl has released five solo records as well, including 2018’s Frontiers record ALL YOU NEED IS SOUL.
Texas-based metal band SUDDEN DEAF are pleased to announce that they will release their debut album in the summer of 2022.
Producing an implosion of influences, drawing from traditional, speed and groove, along with some classic rock and experimental elements, SUDDEN DEAF’s sound is a melting pot of heavy. With their debut album currently in progress, the outfit are kicking off with the single “Headhunter” which will debut on Feb 18th. The narrative focus is on a tale of a Viking, but the track also delves into emotions of rage and greed, lust and distain that we all feel. A thundering introduction driving a fury of anticipation leads to the hard-hitting pay off seeing epic wailing guitars and head-banging rhythms.
Intense energy and a fast pace results in sheer chaotic havoc. Being engulfed by SUDDEN DEAF’s wall of sound may leave you deaf but it’ll be worth it! And watch out for any demons accidentally summoned in the process.
The band comments:
“We are thrilled to release our debut single; a song about rage, power and disdain, ‘Headhunter’ stands as the first song off our upcoming album and sets the initial tone for what’s to come”
Line Up: Drew Potter— Lead vocals and Bass Dylan Bigelow—- Guitar Alex Turner— Guitar Max Cortez—- Drums
Exciting news! We are pleased to announce the upcoming release of a new studio album w/ Frontiers Music. We are looking forward to introducing our newest collection of hard rock music across the globe. A very special thank you to Serafino, Mario & the entire Frontiers Family!
From Frontiers Music srl Twitter timeline:
Autograph has signed to Frontiers and is currently working on a new album! Autograph features vocalist Simon Daniels, guitarist Jimi Bell, bassist Randy Rand, and drummer Marc Wieland. Stay tuned for more news as we have it!
We’re thrilled drummer extraordinaire Brian Tichy has returned to the Daisies fold.
“Well, what a nice way to start off 2022. I’m excited to get behind the drum kit and do some powerful, groovy rocking with my good friends Doug Aldrich, Glenn Hughes, and David Lowy in The Dead Daisies! Looking forward to seeing you all out on tour this year!”- Brian Tichy
Can’t wait to get out and play some showstogether!
HOOKERS & BLOW, the now legendary project formed by long time Guns N’ Roses keyboardist Dizzy Reed and Quiet Riot guitarist Alex Grossihave announced a handful of March tour dates to celebrate the recent success of their debut covers album released last August via Golden Robot Records.
These shows will be HOOKERS & BLOW‘s first live performances since the release of their highly anticipated covers album. After teasing their fan base for nearly 2 decades the band finally released their self-titled covers album digitally, on CD as well as limited edition Vinyl last August via Golden Robot Records. Since the release, the band has had 2 tracks on the album chart internationally, with the initial pressing of the limited vinyl selling out almost immediately.
In addition, the album was picked as one of 2021’s Top 50 Hard Rock/Metal releases by Audio Ink Radio, with HUSTLER Magazine naming them “the greatest cover band of all time”. Along with Reed and Grossi, HOOKERS & BLOW current lineup includes Johnny Kelly (Danzig, Type O Negative), Mike Duda (W.A.S.P.), and Nadja Reed.
Supporting Hookers & Blow on each date will be DEAD FERVOR.
2022 Dates are as follows: 3/03/22 – HOOKERS & BLOW – The Tiki Bar – Costa Mesa, CA 3/04/22- HOOKERS & BLOW – The Whisky A Go Go – Hollywood, CA 3/05/22 – HOOKERS & BLOW – Fremont Country Club – Las Vegas, NV 3/06/22 – HOOKERS & BLOW – Lake Havasu, AZ 3/11/22 – HOOKERS & BLOW – The Roadhouse – Idaho Falls, ID 3/12/22 – HOOKERS & BLOW – Salt Lake City, UT
WILDSTREET had a huge 2021 and are set to follow suit in 2022. They released their stunning new album WildstreetIII via Golden Robot Records. The band spent most of 2021 on tour in the USA which included Rockfest WI, but they remarkably also toured in Europe performing at Swiss Rock Cruise in Switzerland, France and Belgium.
They are set to release 2 new singles on February 15th: One Tattoo’ and ‘Born to Be (RLK)’. Both tracks were originally released in 2014 under the name RAVE LA KILL and both will be released with accompanying lyric videos.
‘One Tattoo’ is an electronic love song which is slick and modern. On ‘Born To Be (RLK)’ the song structure is identical to the version on Wildstreet III. This version has a more modern and electronic vibe, with all the arena hooks one would expect from WILDSTREET. Both singles were mixed by Kyle Kelso and mastered by Howie Weinberg.
Watch the Wildstreet III album version of ‘Born to Be’ HERE
About Wildstreet: After WILDSTREET reportedly broke up in 2013, Eric Jayk and co-founder Jimmie Marlowe teamed up with New Jersey guitarist/vocalist Felix Skiver & using the pseudonym RAVE LA KILL. The project released two singles in 2014, ‘Born to Be’ & ‘One Tattoo.’‘Born to Be’ was later re-recorded and released as part of Wildstreet III, released in 2021. The album has 1.8 million streams on Spotify. They also released a cover of THE 69 EYES classic ‘Mrs.Sleazy.’ They have been added to editorial playlists by Apple Music and Spotify.
In 2022, WILDSTREET has festival dates confirmed in the USA, Mexico, Colombia, the UK and Europe. They will also begin work on a full-length follow up album III.
The New Jersey-based power trio are preparing to unleash their new offering “Rinky Dink City”/ “Slow Cookin'”. Initially forming over a love of lo-fi aesthetics, early 1980s hardcore, classic psychedelia, B movies, heavy metal, and outsider art, PYREFYRE strive to experiment with each release.
The band comments: On “Rinky Dink City”: “This song is about those little cities all over America. They might still have pay phones or arcade machines. Maybe not. Maybe the apartment won’t shut the heat off. Maybe you can’t find good takeout..”
On “Slow Cookin’: “PYRE FYRE have historically eaten a lot of fast food, but that doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate a good old fashioned home cooked meal.”
Sludgy overdriven guitars drive the energetic rhythms across the tracks. With humorous lyrics and chaotic genre mixing, the new release from the whimsical bunch is jam-packed with intensity and horseplay. Recorded in Morristown, NJ at Heavy Air Studios, “Rinky Dink City”/ “Slow Cookin'” features amazing background vocals by AMBRIOSIA GAINOUS and a guitar solo by Dustin Bartee of ETHEREAL SEA.
Line-up: Mike Montemarano on drums/vocals Dan Kirwan on guitar AndrewStanish on bass
Italian melodic metal masters STRANGER VISION have recently joined Eagles Nest Production management and have entered the studio to record their sophomore album.
The follow-up to the debut“Poetica”, released in March 2021 via the German label Pride & Joy Music, is being recorded at the renowned Domination Studio in San Marino (LABYRINTH, T/L RHAPSODY, MICHAEL ROMEO). Once again the sound will be shaped by producer Simone Mularoni, who will be taking care of mixing and mastering.
No titles or other album details such as guests have been leaked yet, but the record is going to be a concept based on a poem by famous American poet T.S. Eliot.
Watch for more info on the new album release, new tour updates, and more news on other upcoming STRANGER VISION activities to be posted shortly.
Acclaimed King’s X guitarist, songwriter, and co-vocalist Ty Tabor has today announced his latest solo album, Shades, out on March 4th via RatPakRecords. The upcoming 11th solo album features 10 brand new songs with three bonus tracks and is available via CD, vinyl and digital download and follows the successful release of 2018’s Alien Beans.
“When it comes to what I write for solo material, I don’t really think about bands or anything like that. These new songs explore different sides of life and death,” Ty explains. “I was dealing with the recent loss of my dad when some of this was written. There are lighter moments mixed in to keep it from being too focused on loss or sadness. I also resurrected a couple of old ideas that weren’t ready until now. I just write music that makes me happy, and I’ve ended up with an album I really love!”
From the opening chords of “Come Home,” it is clear that Ty Tabor’s trademark guitar tone lays the bedrock for his latest solo release Shades. Ty tackles a wide array of emotions and topics with layered harmonies, hooky pop sensibilities, and the total riffage that remains a crucial ingredient to the King’s X sound. Songs like “What You’re Thinking,” “One Drop of Water,” and “Doesn’t Linger” show Ty’s penchant for crafting tunes with tremendous melodies, while songs like “Shallow,” and “Your Fantasy,” trend heavy and exemplify why Ty is one of the most influential guitarists of the last three decades!
TRACK LISTING:
01 Come Home 02 Shallow 03 Your Fantasy 04 What You’re Thinking 05 Sister Genocide 06 Best Day in a While 07 Insane 08 One Drop of Water 09 Doesn’t Linger 10 Leaves Falling Down 11 Ashes – (Bonus Track) [CD & Digital Download only] 12 Political Nonsense – (Bonus Track) [CD & Digital Download only] 13 Ashes (Acoustic) – (Bonus Track) [CD & Digital Download only]
Connecticut-based hard rock juggernaut KINGSANDLIARS – featuring members of THE DEE SNIDER BAND, JASTA andENTIERRO have released the video for their newest single, “Conquering the Fear.” New Noise Magazine is hosting the exclusive premiere of “Conquering the Fear.” Watch the video now at this location.
Guitarist/vocalist Charlie Bellmore said this about the song, “This is an important song for me, it’s about not giving up when your entire life feels like it’s crumbling around you and fixing it all. It’s dedicated to anyone who’s ever been a victim of sexual assault.”
“Conquering the Fear” comes off the band’s forthcoming new album, Transition Animals, due out January 28 on Salt of the Earth Records.
Compared to previous releases, Transition Animals sees a more streamlined band returning to the spotlight as a three-piece, hell-bent on delivering some heavy as all hell, well-crafted, catchy songs.
The members of KINGS AND LIARS share international notoriety as members of some severely ass-kicking bands… Kingdom Of Sorrow, The Dee Snider Band, Jasta, Entierro, and Toxic Holocaust to name a few. Charlie and Nick Bellmore have also written and recorded material for the upcoming solo album by George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher (Cannibal Corpse).
Dummer NickBellmore is an uber-producer who has been at the helm of many many kick-ass releases. When great artists want to up the heavy, they call these guys.
KINGS AND LIARS will hit the road early this year in support of Transition Animals. They will be joined by ’70’s-style Hendrixian Motör Funk band LORDBISHOP. Dates are as follows:
1/28 – Pompano Beach, FL @ Pipers 1/29 – Orlando, FL @ Shovelhead 1/30 – Spartanburg, SC @ Ground Zero 2/01 – Murfreesboro, NC @ Zakk’s Coffeehouse 2/02 – Chesapeake, VA @ Riff House 2/03 – Baltimore, MD @ Zen West 2/04 – Clifton, NJ @ Dingbatz 2/05 – Hamden, CT @ The Cellar on Treadwell (CD Release Party)
KINGS AND LIARS: Charlie Bellmore: vocals/guitars Nick Bellmore: drums/vocals Christopher Taylor Beaudette (vocals/bass)
Melodic hard rock supergroup OUTOFTHIS WORLD featuring legendary names such as Kee Marcello (Europe), Tommy Heart (Fair Warning), Ken Sandin (Alien), and Darby Todd (Devin Townsend, Gary Moore, The Darkness), have officially unveiled their self-titled debut full-length, out now on Atomic Fire Records!
In celebration of the record’s release, the band is pleased to deliver a video for the hugely epic “In A Million Years.” The track was originally written by Kee Marcello for Europe’s PrisonersInParadise and spent the past thirty years in his drawer. “But with this voice, it was just perfect,” Marcello raves of his vocal force Tommy Heart. “To me, it’s one of the highlights of the album.”
View OUT OF THIS WORLD’s “In A Million Years” video at THIS LOCATION and below:
View the band’s previously released video for “Hanging On” HERE.
Out Of This World is available now on CD, LP, and digital formats. Find ordering options at the Atomic Fire webshop HERE.
It’s no coincidence that Marcello’s latest endeavor bears the name of that legendary multi-platinum Europe album released back in 1988. “When I told people about my new project, someone suggested I call it something like Kee Marcelo’s Europe. But that’s terrible,” he laughs. “I hated it. Tommy suggested to call it OUT OF THIS WORLD, simple as that. Just as the Black Sabbath guys and Dio did with Heaven And Hell.”
The same vibe, the same ear for melody, the same hooks permeate an album that was brought to life with the vigor and passion you wouldn’t exactly expect in a rock star who’s seen it all and done it all in the past forty years. “I’ve always concentrated on music, and my passion for that never changed,” he says. “I’ve never changed style; I’ve never tried to do anything I’m not doing well.”
Out Of This World beams with a freewheeling and overflowing sense of fun, musicianship, and togetherness. It’s an effortless flux that’s just not normally found on a debut. “You have to remember that Darby, Ken, and I go way back,” the legendary axe-man notes of his rhythm section. “We did hundreds of gigs together and are as tight as a thumbscrew. Same thing goes for Tommy and I. We clicked instantly when working together for the first time a couple of years ago. We have this almost brotherly connection. We’re literally reading each other’s minds, man. There was no stumbling block, it was all a self-playing piano.”
It’s the same for vocalist Tommy Heart who’s been around in this game forever as well. “You meet, you play, and sparks begin to fly,” he describes the chemistry between the members. “We don’t even talk that much. We simply let the music speak. We touch our hearts when we play which is something that’s incredibly rare to find. Nobody has to explain himself; everybody is doing just what anybody else would do at that moment.” Heart was instantly hooked when he realized that OUT OF THIS WORLD was more than a one-off thing between bored musicians in lockdown. “I don’t like these temporary projects,” he muses. “This here is the real deal.”
“With OUT OF THIS WORLD, though, it never felt like a project,” says Marcello and he admits: “It felt like a band from day one. This is why the album turned out so well. It has a genuine band feel to it.” At their very first rehearsal session in Marcello’s hometown of Gothenburg, they sketched a couple of songs that would later wind up on their debut, namely “Twilight,” “Lighting Up My Dark,” and “In A Million Years.” “We actually found ourselves right in the middle of our first recording session without even knowing it,” he marvels. “Everything felt so natural and so good that writing the rest of the songs was a walk in the park.”
Graced by additional key wizardry courtesy of Deep Purple’s very own Don Airey and embellished by a Ron Nevison mix (Kiss, Bad Company, Ozzy Osbourne, Meat Loaf, Heart, Chicago, Damn Yankees, etc.) who reunited with Marcello for the first time since producing Europe’s Out Of This World a staggering thirty-three years ago, the songs masterfully transport the bygone era of melody driven, anthemic hard rock into the present. From uptempo rocking first single “Hanging On” via “In A Million Years,” originally written for Europe’s Prisoner In Paradise, to colossal anthem “Lighting Up My Dark,” and prog-rock playground “Staring At The Sun,” OUT OF THIS WORLD solitarily resurrect a genre we thought was lost long ago.
OUT OF THIS WORLD: Tommy Heart – vocals Kee Marcello – guitars, keyboards Ken Sandin – bass Darby Todd – drums
UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER is THE constant among the German metal scene. Originally becoming world-famous as a founding member of Accept, he continues to steadily expand upon his international successes with his U.D.O. and DIRKSCHNEIDER outfits. Remaining true to himself over the years in a way few musicians could, Dirkschneider consistently bucks music industry trends in favor of following his heart and his most personal and extraordinary album to date will be released on April 22nd via Atomic Fire Records.
Titled MyWay, the record contains seventeen cover versions of the very songs that have influenced the musician and singer the most. All kinds of classics from music history are among them – including those that you might not expect from Dirkschneider. Not only does a very personal story lie behind each of the tracks, but also a sometimes-surprising arrangement that, despite the very individual implementation, lives and breathes Udo’s manuscript throughout.
Udo: “Now, when I hear the song, I remember the time when, as a very young Udo, I’d go out to light up the town and lived all the stories that can only be experienced late at night in the clubs,” he recalls. Here, Alex Harvey’s “Faith Healer” allows the artist to feel those days of an era long past. The fact that “Nutbush City Limits” is also on the album reveals a secret rarely told until now, “What hardly anyone knows so far: I was a huge fan of Ike and Tina Turner, and especially Tina’s voice. We always covered this song during Accept rehearsals in the early days. It was one of the mainstays of our Accept rehearsal repertoire for years. Regrettably, there is no recording of it.”
With Wolfsheim’s “Kein Zurück,” Dirkschneider sings in German for the first time in his career, “I immediately felt like the words understood me. It seemed to me that the lyrics were telling the story of my career, of my highs and lows and all the good and bad experiences that life has. There simply is ‘no going back’ for those who choose to live as a musician.”
The cover album also makes one thing clear: Just how many in the music industry have come and gone over the years. Yet, UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER is still here.
GRAMMAVEDETTA has released their new album The Hum Of The Machine in its entirety, as an 8Bit version. Available on their Bandcamp, this is a nice surprise for their fans as they await the release of the full album.
“We recommend listening to this gem in headphones while waiting for the full release, the one made with loud amplifiers, various noises, bang, crash, boom and aaaaaarrrrgghhgghgh, out on May 27th via Mandrone Records.”
The idea was born from Marco’s experiments with the virtual-synth “Super Audio Boy” during the release of the previous EP and it has now become his (and the band’s) tradition to publish the rearranged songs in a version that pays homage to the music of 1980s and ’90s video games.
The artwork was created by Dan as a tribute to the cartridge artwork from Nintendo, Sega and Commodore 64.
Tracklist:
A Chance To Win The Orb (8Bit)
Starlight Portal Show (8Bit)
Robots For War (8Bit)
A Broken Time Machine (8Bit)
The Electric Game (8Bit)
The Future Of The Past (8Bit)
Transmission’s On (8Bit)
The General Magnetic And The Spanish Wormhole (8Bit)
I Feel The Comfort (The Hum Of The Machine) (8Bit)
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
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"
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