Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the signing of an extremely promising Melodic Rock band from Finland, THE NIGHTS.
THE NIGHTS was formed in the summer of 2015 by Sami Hyde (vocals) and Ilkka Wirtanen (guitar). Both Sami and Ilkka have successful careers in music, in Finland and abroad. Sami has been a singer for many acts and projects, including the Tony Mills Band (SHY, TNT) in 2008 which also included Geoff Nichols (Black Sabbath) on keyboards and Neil Hibbs (SHY) on guitar. He has also written songs for many artists, including The Magnificent (“If It Takes All Night”, “Lost”, and “Drive”).
Ilkka Wirtanen is best known for his work as a producer with international acts like glam metal band Reckless Love, for whom he has produced four albums and co-written many of their popular songs, including “Hot” and “Night On Fire”. He has also produced several other rock bands (Baton Rogue Morgue, Hellcity Punks) and worked as a mixer for international acts (S.E.X. Department).
THE NIGHTS was formed because Sami and Ilkka felt a common need to write songs that “make you feel good and also give tribute to our everlasting heroes in music, for example TNT and Yngwie Malmsteen.” Frontiers interest was piqued by their songs featuring a superb mixture of classic pop melodies and modern melodic rock/metal production and the band was signed!
BREAKING NEWS:Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to present CRY OF DAWN, a new Melodic Rock/AOR project featuring Göran Edman on lead vocals and produced by Daniel Flores. The self-titled debut album will be released on September 23rd. For full details, check our website: http://www.frontiers.it/news/
CRY OF DAWN is a straight ahead AOR / Melodic Rock album that is a true feast for the ears of all lovers of this style of music. Picture hints of the likes of Night Ranger, Journey, Bad English and Starship and you’ll get a sense of what is in store for you! Hear for yourself with an album sampler:
In their 25-year career as a musical duo, Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, collectively known simply as Nelson, have grown from pop music idols to seasoned songwriters and performers. Now, as the brothers celebrate a quarter century at the forefront of the international music scene, they return with Peace Out, their most ambitious studio album to date.
Set for release in Europe on May 15th and North America on May 19th by Frontiers Music Srl, PEACE OUT marks a return to the well crafted songs that put the band at the top of the Billboard charts in the 1990s. From the anthemic “Invincible” to the rollicking soon-to-be classic “Back In the Day”, PEACE OUT is quintessential Nelson from start to finish.
“We set a pretty high standard with our previous release with Frontiers – Lightning Strikes Twice. That record received by far the most critical acclaim of any Nelson record to date… Peace Out was expected to be even BETTER, so the goal was to push ourselves to very limit- past what we believed we could do,” says Gunnar Nelson. “We wanted to write and record the most exciting, authentic, uplifting, and rockin’ Nelson record ever made! The mission: to make a classic.”
The brothers have always had their work cut out for themselves, being the third generation in one of America’s most celebrated entertainment families, who came into US households every week from 1952 through 1966 on the ABC sitcom, The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet. Their grandfather, Ozzie Nelson, was a celebrated big band leader, whose orchestra featured their grandmother, Harriet; and their late father, Ricky, was one of Rock’n’Roll’s earliest superstars, a member of The Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, and generally credited with creating the country-rock format.
When the Nelson twins burst onto the music scene with their own Billboard #1 hit “(I Can’t Live Without Your) Love & Affection,” in 1990, they set a Guinness World Record by being the only family to have three generations of #1 hits on the charts!
Nelson has gone on to release a half-dozen Rock albums selling nearly 7 million records, beginning with the multi-platinum After The Rain. Peace Out marks their fourth release on Frontiers since 2010. Look for Nelson to embark on a world tour upon the new album’s release. “We’re putting the live show together as we speak… And it will incorporate the very best live songs from our career… Focusing heavily on the PEACE OUT album,” says Gunnar.
The Nelsons have worked in a number of musical styles including pop, hard rock and even country. Now, Peace Out takes them to the musical home they have known the best: harmony-driven pop rock whose melodies are as infectious as they are lasting.
Peace Out – Track Listing:
1. Hello Everybody
2. Back In The Day
3. Invincible
4. Let It Ride
5. I Wanna Stay Home
6. On The Bright Side
7. Rockstar
8. Autograph
9. What’s Not To Love?
10. You And Me
11. Bad For You
12. Leave The Light On For Me
Frontiers Music SRL is honored to present a special tribute album conceived by iconic Grammy Award winner and founding member of Ides of March, Survivor and Pride of Lions, Jim Peterik, featuring an impressive array of guest musicians. The CD, titled “Torch: The Music Remembers Jimi Jamison and Fergie Frederiksen”, will be limited to 500 copies, to be sold exclusively at the Frontiers Rock Festival II, held at the LIVE MUSIC CLUB in Trezzo sull’Adda in Milan, Italy on April 11 and 12th, 2015.
Just as the musical influence of Dennis “Fergie” Frederiksen (of Le Roux, Angel, Toto, Frederiksen /Phillips, Mecca and Frederiksen/Denander) and Jimi Jamison (of Target, Cobra and Survivor) reverberated inside the melodic rock community, news of their passing within months of one another in 2014 sent waves of disbelief and sorrow throughout the brotherhood of singers, songwriters and musicians who had been touched by their talent and their spirit. The loss so profoundly impacted Peterik’s core that it was difficult at first to imagine a universe in which their lights no longer shined. After filtering his grief through the cathartic process of songwriting, Jim found solace by gathering a group of mutual friends to commemorate their departed comrades the only way they knew how – with music.
Peterik recently produced and co-wrote the debut album “Risk Everything” to introduce the world to the stunning, 5-octave tenor of singer Marc Scherer, who will appear onstage with headliners Pride of Lions at the Frontiers Rock Festival II. Scherer is a featured performer on Torch: The Music Remembers Jimi Jamison and Fergie Frederiksen, along with stars like Dave Bickler of Survivor, Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger, Bill Champlin of Chicago, David Pack from Ambrosia, Mike Reno of Loverboy, Bobby Kimball of Toto, Bruce Gaitsch of Chicago, Alessandro Del Vecchio of Hardline and Ricky Phillips of Styx.
As Peterik explains, ‘Hopefully, these songs and heartfelt performances will bring healing to all those suffering losses in their lives, as well as serve as a celebration of life itself.’
The album is comprised of four new songs and six alternate versions of previously recorded numbers, (never before heard in Europe), along with seven classics distilled from Jimi and Fergie’s most recent releases on the Frontiers label.
Passionate and intensely personal, this collection speaks to the heart of anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. Torch: the Music Remembers Jimi Jamison and Fergie Frederiksen [Fergie Frederiksen (Official Fan Page)] resists the temptation to wallow in sadness, choosing instead to joyously celebrate two beautiful souls who made the world a better place through the transcendent, healing power of song.
Please enjoy an EPK trailer of the album below:
Tracklist:
1.) The Music Remembers (A new song featuring Lars Säfsund and Robert Säll of Work of Art)
3.) Never Too Late (Taken from the Jimi Jamison album by the same name)
4.) I’ll Be the One (Taken from the Fergie Frederiksen album, Any Given Moment)
5.) Crossroads Moment (Torch Remix) (Previously unreleased – Original version included on the Jimi Jamison album by the same name)
6.) Follow Your Heart (From the Fergie Frederiksen album, Happiness is the Road)
7.) Heaven on Earth (From the Pride of Lions album, The Roaring of Dreams)
8.) Never Enough (A new song, featuring David Pack, formerly of Ambrosia)
9.) Last Battle of My War – Fergie and Friends Version – (Previously unreleased; featuring Bill Champlin, Alessandro Del Vecchio, Bruce Gaitsch, Ricky Phillips and Jim Peterik. Original version was included on the Fergie Frederiksen album, Any Given Moment)
10.) As Is – Treasure Beneath the Tears Mix (Previously unreleased; original version was included on the Jimi Jamison album, Crossroads Moment)
11.) Happiness is the Road (From the Fergie Frederiksen album of the same name)
12.) You’re in Our Hearts (A new song featuring Marc Scherer)
13.) Long Road Home (From the album World Stage, featuring Jim Peterik and Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger)
14.) Alive (Original European Bonus Track from the Jimi Jamison album, Crossroads Moment)
15.) When the Battle is Over (From the Fergie Frederiksen album, Any Given Moment)
16.) Streets of Heaven (Original Japanese Bonus Track from the Jimi Jamison album, Crossroads Moment)
17.) Ever Since the World Began (Previously unreleased version, featuring Dave Bickler)
Arguably the UK’s finest purveyors of Melodic Rock music, FM will release their new studio album “Heroes & Villains” on April 17th in Europe and April 21st in North America.
‘Heroes & Villains’ is FM’s (FM official) first release since signing to Frontiers Music Srl, and follows the band’s highly acclaimed 2014 E.P. ‘Futurama’ and sell-out UK arena tour with Foreigner and Europe. FM’s UK tour kicks-off in Bristol on Friday, 1st May, and includes dates in Wolverhampton, Portsmouth, Nottingham, Glasgow, Newcastle and Manchester, with the final night of the tour taking place at London’s O2 Shepherds Bush Empire on Sunday, 10th May and will be anticipated by the band’s eagerly awaited performance at the Frontiers Rock Festival in Trezzo sull’Adda (Milan) Italy on April 11th.
The fourth album since FM reformed in 2007, “Heroes and Villains” sees FM staying true to their musical legacy, offering their classic sound updated, with great songwriting and performances spiced-up by the golden voice of lead vocalist Steve Overland. Self-produced, the recording session took place at Tremolo Studios, before being mixed and mastered at Abbey Road Studios.
The album EPK can be enjoyed below:
Looking forward to the release of ‘Heroes and Villains’, Steve Overland said, “I think we have managed to capture the best elements of what the band are about in 2015. We had great fun making the record and we are all very proud of the finished result. There are big rock anthems in tracks like ‘Diggin’ Up The Dirt’ and ‘Fire and Rain’, and many melodic songs with FM’s trademark hooks and vocal harmonies. There are also not one, but two ballads. One of these (Walking With Angels) is a stripped-down acoustic song, which is something a little different for us.”
The band’s drummer, Pete Jupp, added: “After our shows in November the band was white-hot and the creative juices were in full flow, so the writing and recording process for Heroes and Villains was a prolific and painless affair. We’re looking forward to getting back out on tour, straining at the leash.”
Merv Goldsworthy, FM’s bassist, agrees: “All the songs all came together really quickly and the recording of the album went without a hitch. Once we started getting the mixes back of the first few songs we knew we were onto something. Heroes & Villains is a little rockier and a little more up tempo than Rockville, and that suits me fine! I’m really looking forward to touring this album this year – bring it on!”
Guitarist Jim Kirkpatrick confirmed what FM fans already know: “We’re on a roll! Some of the tracks on this album are better than anything that the band has ever produced, and Steve’s voice is as good as ever.”
Keyboard player Jem Davis, who has given the album a retro sheen by incorporating a Moog, Mellotron and a healthy dose of Hammond organ, is equally excited: “The band is on fire and the new album sounds HUGE! I think this is going to be an amazing year for FM!”
Listen to and watch the music video for Cold Hearted:
FM – HEROES AND VILLAINS TOUR DATES:
March 13 – Bedford, Esquires UK
March 14 – Pwllheli, HRH AOR 3 – Hafan Y Mor Holiday Park UK
April 3 – Grimsby Yardbirds UK
April 4 – Nantwich, Nantwich Jazz Festival Civic Hall UK
April 11- Trezzo SUll’Adda (Milano) Frontiers Rock Festival Live Club Italy
May 1 – Bristol, Bierkeller UK
May 2– Wolverhampton, Robin 2 UK
May 3 – Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms UK
May 5 – Nottingham, Rescue Rooms UK
May 6 – Glasgow, Classic Grand UK
May 8 – Newcastle, O2 Academy UK
May 9 – Manchester, Academy 2 UK
May 10 – London, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire UK
June 21 –Dessel, Graspop Metal Meeting Belgium
July 25 – Maidstone, Ramblin’ Man Fair Mote Park UK
Swiss/US rockers Khaøs have today revealed more information regarding the release of their much-anticipated debut album ‘Risen’. Recorded by Rolf Munkes at his Empire Studios in Germany and mastered by music legend and award winner for Adele’s ‘21’ Tom Coyne at Sterling Sound in New York; ‘Risen’ follows the bands revered 2012 ‘Rising’ EP and will be released on October 20th via PlasticheadDistribution/MRR Records.
‘Risen’ – Track Listing:
01) After The Silence
02) Crisis Factor
03) Exalted
04) Loaded Question
05) End Of Daze
06) Merchants Of Khaøs
07) Ride The Chain
08) Hung The Moon
09) Imagined Danger
10) Static Windows
11) As Far As We Go
12) The Breathing Room
Check Out The Album Trailer Below:
Guitarist Mark Rossi comments: “The subject matter transcends individual boundaries, hearkening to darker scenarios yet striving for resolution. The lyrical approach follows a trend of maintaining hope while facing difficulty and conflict. All the evil of mankind cannot suppress the people if they won’t let it. Aside from the lyrics and tone, the project’s unifying element is one of hard rock expression, which defies definition with every song.”
Frontman Chandler Mogel (also of Outloud & Chrome Public) adds: “Musically and lyrically ‘Risen’ is a continuation from ‘Rising’, which was just a taste but began to touch on some of the deeper subject matter that I wanted to develop further into my writing; I had also been writing some Outloud songs with deeper meanings but for me it wasn’t really working in that setting. I knew I needed a different approach musically for it, and Khaøs seemed like the right fit so I channeled this focus there. I wanted an outlet to really convey problems with society, personal struggles, mental mechanisms, and the reasons for all of this. As always I leave the lyrics open to interpretation from the listener as each person will take something different from them, but these are general themes that are prevalent here.”
Mark who designed the artwork himself discusses the cover art: “As a first full-length album, ‘Risen’ is a sort of baptism of fire for this band. The visual concept of the artwork tries to accentuate this primordial aspect, in a manner of speaking the birth of Khaøs and its origin. We used symbols like a faded version of Leonardo’s Vitruvian Man for the background, a theme I was dealing with before starting this project. This picture reflects somehow many of the topics treated in our songs. It is static in structure but dynamic in its presentation of a moving, living man. A bit like our music”
“I had different ideas for the album cover first. I started with an orb but decided it was maybe too simple and too generic for this type of album. Finally I used that idea for the design of my guitar pic. Then I switched to the griffin theme. Chandler liked my very first sketch and we ended up using that exact picture for the album cover.”
‘Risen’ will be released via Plastichead Distribution/MRR Records on October 20th.
Check Out The Lead Single Video ‘After The Silence’ Here:
BURNING KINGDOM – Watch the official video for Watching As It Burns, (below), from the (forthcoming) new Burning Kingdom release Simplified, available worldwide on October 22nd, via Avispa Records. Simplified, is Burning Kingdom’s third studio album, marking their first with vocalist DannyVaughn of Tyketto (and Waysted) fame.
The Melodic Hard Rock sound of BURNING KINGDOM is 100% contagious to my senses! With Danny Vaughn’s soaring, clean and inspiring vocals, coupled with the totality of meritable musicianship from the band, the official video for Watching As It Burns is:
INHALE THE FALL – Melodic Hard Rock and Melodic Metal fans get prepared. INHALE THE FALL have entered the Metal building. They’re new music video for their new song Weak is a totality of melodically heavy bliss. Both song and video = quality enriched. This Irish band should be on ALL Rock, Hard Rock and Metal aficionado’s radars… they have thatmuch sumptuous crossover appeal!
Jenny O’ Keeffe on vocals may have some Lzzy Hale appeal to her tones; only this original gal comes across as a legitimate contender for Heavy Rock’s top 20 female vocalist list… in our Metal future. This is a very astute band and I’m ready for more! Read below for a more detailed background on INHALE THE FALL. Take a listen and look below to the Weak music video and crank ‘er up high! Metal be thy name.
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While playing in various local bands Eibhlin Palfrey and Pavol Rosa decided to reach out and find a new sound. Inhale The Fall, the duo’s first major musical exploration emerges from the ashes and takes to the Cork (Ireland) music scene. The band’s video release, Weak, released June 2013, is an eclectic version of the Skunk Anansie track . Full of melodic arrangements with soaring vocals reminiscent of Halestorm and Guano Apes, this track will do Cork proud.
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INHALE THE FALL:
Jenny O’ Keeffe – Vocals
Pavol Rosa – Guitars
Eibhlin Palfrey – Bass
Branko Surmaj – Drums
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Utilizing a Cork based production team Epic Productions, Inhale The Fall explodes on to the Cork music scene with a hauntingly eerie music video that touches on disturbing issues that reflect people’s social lives today.
In an age of sludgy power chords, Inhale The Fall represents a needed breath of fresh air, where melody, lyrics, and song writing are just as important as loud guitars and a solid rhythm section.
Along with the newest video release, Inhale The Fall are determined to continue to take charge of that space in your head where the madness lives and Rock wants to thrive. The single Is available on iTunes along with other digital retailers, for more information on the forthcoming E.P. look up http://www.inhalethefall.com
* For more info on INHALE THE FALL, click on the link below!
EVILYN STRANGE are proud to announce their new single, Everything through Thirteen772 Music. The digital only single is taken from the band’s forthcoming debut album, Mourning Phoebe. This follows on from the recent success of the song, ‘Love Finds You’, which hit number 4 on the Rock/Metal Hot New Release Chart over at Amazon (UK). The release is also a good opportunity to thank the internet radio stations, DJ’s and websites who have supported the band.
“We really appreciate the contribution that those guys make. They enable people to hear what we do and, just as importantly, let them know that we exist!” says Phillip Strange (vocals/bass).
Alongside Phillip, the band also features Al Strange (drums, backing vocals), and MikaelJohannesson (lead guitar). The trio have co-produced eleven songs with Chris Hughes at Oscillate Studios, Manchester (UK). More details can be found at the bands Official Facebook page… Evilyn Strange
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Stone Says:Evilyn Strange has delivered once again! Everything balances a Hard Rock essence with Melodic Rock splendor. Phillip Strange has the vocals that resonate with both Classic Rock and Modern Rock grandeur, atop this textured song that also showcases the striking guitar playing of MikaelJohannesson. This trio comprising Evilyn Strange are masterly at their craft and will continue to win fans over worldwide with such accomplished songs as Everything.
California based rockers FAITHSEDGE has inked a worldwide management deal with Germany’s Rock N Growl Management. The follow up album to the debut is tentativley called “The Answer Of Insanity” is a concept record based on stories from singer/songwriter Giancarlo Floridia’s life that lead up to the first album with an intresting twist at the end. It’s sure to be melodic, progressive and intense!
After the critical acclaim of the Faithsedge debut around the world the band has a new keyboard player EricRagno. Eric is internationally known for being on many melodic rock albums such as Fergie Fredrickson (Toto) and Trixter’s return album New Audio Machine and many more. Eric has also done many live gig’s from playing with legends like Graham Bonnet (Rainbow) to also playing with vocal icons of other genre’s like Dawn Robinson of En Vogue.
FAITHSEDGE:
Giancarlo Floridia – Vocals, Guitar
Alex De Rosso – Lead Guitar
Tony Morra – Drums
Eric Ragno – Keyboards
Faithsedge is a heavy Heavy Metal/Hard Rock/Progressive project started by singer/songwriter GiancarloFloridia in Huntington Beach, California, in early 2009. Giancarlo has a solid musical background, having previously worked with renowned producers such as Mike Talanca (David Bowie/Foreigner) and Juan Croucier (ex-Ratt) among others.
Giancarlo contacted producer and bass player Fabrizio Grossi (Steve Lukather/Alice Cooper) after not only being impressed with his work on numerous albums as a producer but also with his amazing bass playing skills. Fabrizio has worked with some of the biggest names in the most diverse music genres (George Clinton, Ice T and Cypress Hill are among his endless list of collaborations) and after hearing Giancarlo’s demos put together an incredible band to back up the project along with himself playing bass duties and producing the resulting debut CD.
Alex De Rosso joined Faithsedge on guitar. Having handled live lead guitar duties in Dokken, with whom he toured the world and shared the stage with the likes of Scorpions, Whitesnake, Ratt, Warrant and Firehouse among others, Alex has also played on many critically acclaimed albums with artists such as Joseph Williams (Toto/Disney’s The Lion King), Kelly Hansen (Foreigner/Hurricane) and Pamela Moore (also known as Sister Mary from Queensryche’s concept album ‘Operation Mindcrime’).
Tony Morra completes the line-up on drums. Tony owns his own studio in Nashville, Tennessee, the Downtown Batterie and has played with many great artists such as Rebecca St James and Van Zant among others. He is also credited for playing on the Grammy Award winning album ‘Songs From The Neighborhood – A Tribute To Fred Rogers’ in 2006 and for touring as a member of pop legend Stevie B’s Band and Sweet Sensation. Tony has also played drums for different movie soundtracks such as ‘Chronicles Of Narnia’ and ‘Just Married’ to name a few.
The resulting effort is a perfect mix of Hard Rock, Heavy Metal and Progressive, with lots of vocals and hooks, shredding guitar solos, pounding bass and drums and plenty of melodically challenging songwriting. ‘Faithsedge’ was mastered by Tom Baker of Precision Mastering (Judas Priest/Motley Crue).
* For more info on FAITHSEDGE, click on the links below!
Dec. 11, 2012 – Chicago, IL – Much to the excitement of fans across the globe, Chicago melodic rock outfit CircleOf Fate released their new single The Other Side Of Me digitally on December 1, 2012. For the last 15 years Circle of Fate has been captivating audiences all over the world and now with their new single, fans of the band will not be disappointed! Lead vocalist and founding member Michele Caruso says, “The song is a punky song about different sides that a woman has to her. You never know what you are going to get. The songs, as always, are open to interpretation to the listener.”
Circle Of Fate features Michele Caruso on Lead Vocals. Michele has done jingle work for Chicago’s hit radio station B-96, and has also been an extra on a Bud Light commercial. On top of all that, Michele was on the Howard Stern show, singing one of her original songs. The show was also aired on live radio, CBS, and E-Entertainment. She has has performed jingles for Chicago’s rock station Q101 and Mancow’s Morning Madhouse where she sang the Gateway Chevrolet song live on the air.
Danny Charatin is feaured on Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals. Danny has been playing the guitar now for about 22 years. Danny’s past bands include Destiny, Moriah, Latent Fury and Ion Vein. Danny has also done some studio work in the past. He has played shows out-of-state to fill in for other bands and has a blues influence in his playing. He also enjoys playing classical pieces. Danny says, “My ideas and style fit perfect with Michele’s melodies and style. Together it’s the perfect combination for real music that comes from the soul”. Most recently the band acquired two new members; Lynn Parkinson on Drums – Lynn has been in the industry for many years and has played many styles of music. Bassist Jimi Swanson has also been in the music industry for a number of years and has been in many national acts such as Energy Vampires and Odette.
Michele describes Circle of Fate’s music as, “A break from the mundane. Our music has great melodies and it’s in your face rock. Our music tells a story and leaves you wanting more.” Andrew Dodge of Blog Critics touts, “This is quite simply driving metal that is done with lots of feeling and ability. If you are into good metal delivered well, then check this lot out soonest, you will be glad you did!” The band’s 2010 break-out release ‘Back To Life’ captured the attention of the music public at large and the response was no less than astounding. Described as “Pop rock with metal undertones”, Circle of Fate’s ‘Back To Life’ is an amalgamation of catchy melodies and hooky rhythms. Produced by Larry Sturm, who has worked with top music artists such as Destiny’s Child, Mary J. Blige and Disturbed, the CD garnered rave reviews worldwide.
Here’s what the press raved about Circle Of Fate’s ‘Back To Life ‘CD:
“As Circle Of Fate brings on their heavy repertoire, they may be one of the best bands blending classic hard rock sensibility with modern rock trends, and that in itself is quite an accomplishment. Recommended!” – Dangerdog Music Reviews
“Given a few spins, this one grows on you. It’s good tradesmen like performance highlighting Caruso’s vocal and Charatin’s rather tasty guitar playing. Keep an eye on this outfit for sure!” – Glory Daze Music Magazine
“Circle Of Fate will be the biggest band out of Chicago since the Smashing Pumpkins!” – Rocktober Magazine
In recent news, Circle Of Fate has been asked to perform on Chicago’s Late Night TV program ‘Seven On Ridge’. Danny explains, “We recently were asked to play for the ‘press release’ for the show ‘Seven On Ridge’, which is a new late night show in Chicago. We were booked for a slot on the show and they had to change the date due to extra taping they needed to do for producers in China. We will post the date we will be on once it’s announced. The host of the show is Michael Essany and he formerly had his own show on the E network.” You can see more on the show at http://www.sevenonridge.com
In the past year Circle of Fate has returned to the studio to record a new album, in which the new single “The Other Side Of Me” will be featured on “The new material we are recording will be our 5th CD for original members Danny and I,” explains Michele “With two new members on this CD we are very excited that this will give COF a fresh ‘edge’ in the music scene while keeping our own unique style. This extra ‘edge’ will keep Circle of Fate in the public eye and our fans wondering, ‘What will this band do next?’ This new CD will cross new thresholds for our band and will take us to the next level.” Adds Danny, “The new CD still contains much of Michele’s catchy melodies and strong lyrics, but the music has reformed to having a different edge to it than in the past. We started off on a lighter note on past CDs such as ‘Shades Of Gray’ and ‘Inner Sanctum’, which were more melodic. ‘Dawn Of A New Era’ was much heavier. The new album being put together contains a couple of strong ballads along with heavier faster paced songs such as ‘Too Much’, ‘What If’ and our new single ‘The Other Side Of Me’. We believe when the album is finished it will be a great listen from beginning to end with a nice flow from song to song, so when the CD is finished playing you are wanting more.”
Producer extraordinaire Eric Greedy, who has worked with such music legends as Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Elton John, Steven Tyler, Brian Wilson, Rage Against The Machine, Guns & Roses (the list goes on and on), produced two songs on the new CD. Also, formerly from Slash’s Snakepit, Matt Laug played drums on the two tracks. Both cuts wre mastered by industry legend Big Bass Brian, who’s impressive list of clients include the likes of Alice Cooper, Black Eyed Peas, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Grateful Dead, Hall & Oates and Kiss, just to name a few.
In closing the band has this to impart to their fans and listeners, “We have been together for over 15 years now and truly appreciate all of the support of our fans and listeners. You mean everything to us. We work very hard to not only put out great studio albums but to put on great live performances as well. As always, please spread the word and Step into the Circle… You’ll be glad you did!”
WISE GIRL – On Monday, December 3rd, I posted a press release featuring the 5 piece Melodic, Power/Pop Rock band known as Wise Girl. This talented band from NYC has a 3 song EP available on iTunes for just under $3 (U.S.) and it’s worth every Rockin’ penny. After I’ve listened (many, many times) to this Wise Girl EP, my only wish is for a full-length album from them… and soon! Um, please.
Sure, the lyrics of Wise Girl’s songs may not be about dragons, skulls, gore, insane keg parties and the fiery depths of hell; my Metal mind is cool with that and it’s all good. The exclamation point is that Wise Girl Rocks like yummy ear candy; while fusing an abundance of retro feel within their ultra relevant Rock sound.
There are those (not so often) occurrences when I hear a new (non-Metal) band for the first time and I wish I could be a record executive at a well-known record label and sign them on the spot. Wise Girl is one of those occurrences to my ears… and senses.
Then again… I’m the dude that feels Cheap Trick should have been inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame many years ago. On that off-topic note, there’s a bit-O Cheap Tricky vibe that does resonate from some of the melodies of Wise Girl, I will confidently add.
Abby Weitz
(Photo Credit: Andrew Gardner)
As I listen to the vocals and guitar of Abby Weitz, I cannot resist being reminded of my very early teen years and introduction to The Runaways (and eventual) Joan Jett solo albums. However, that was then and this is now. My appreciation for the Rock sound that Abbey Weitz is creating with Wise Girl feels so right to me. The mainstream should either move or get out of Wise Girl’s way. It’s a band like Wise Girl that clearly defines what a musically primed (underground) Power/Pop Rock band sounds like in 2012.
Abby and her band have created three songs that are clearly the welcome mat to what I believe will be an astounding Rockin’ and Rollin’ career for them. With such an over abundance of crap vocalists and bands winning the “lottery” on televised talent shows these days, Wise Girl is a solid-as-steel reminder to me that credible (Rock) musicians are out there, earning their way up the ladder and glowing with the skills to make a difference in the (severely) watered down mainstream of Power/Pop Rock.
You can purchase the Wise Girl songs Set In Stone, Wishful Thinking and Roles Are Reversed on iTunes, by clicking on the link below! Whoa!
ERIC MARTIN – Legendary singer Eric Martin of the also legendary, chart-topping and Melodic Hard Rockers, MR. BIG, will be embarking on an acoustic tour of Europe this November. As reported on MR. BIG’s facebook:
Dear BIG fans in Europe, Eric Martin is going to hold an Acoustic Tour on:
November 2 at the Woodstock (Como, Italy)
November 3 at the Il Peocio (Trofarello, Italy)
November 13 at the Outbaix (Ubach Palenberg, Germany)
November 15 at the Hamtorkrug (Neuss, Germany)
November 17 at the Bluesiana (Velden, Austria)
Don’t miss EM and his guitar! We will keep you posted when more details come! – DW
BEGGARS & THIEVES – The successful and critically acclaimed comeback album, We Are The Brokenhearted, from Beggars & Thieves was released back in 2011; on November 29th in North America and December 2nd in Europe, via Frontiers Records. Below is yet another very cool music video, inspired from Innocence, heard on the new album.
The Melodic Rock and Hard Rock of Beggars & Thieves weaves their past glory of sound with their present on We AreThe Brokenhearted. Plus, once you listen to the new songs from Beggars & Thieves, you shall become convinced that Classic Rock and AOR never says die! I dig this new music video, Innocence is proof that Beggars & Thieves are once again at the top of their Rockin’ game!
The idea of adding some Rock ‘N Roll eye candy to this Innocence music video was genius! Whoa! Oh, um, yeah… back to the song. Innocence can easily get stuck in your head; the melodic flow to this song is terrific. Louie Merlino on vocals and Ronnie Mancuso on guitar have never sounded better! Beggars & Thieves is a band I will always gleefully recommend to any fan of Melodic and Classic Rock. Metal be thy name.
Los Angeles, CA – Fools For Rowan pleases their fans once again with their new single, “Killed A Man Today“. The track, off their forth-coming EP, Who Killed Amanda Day?, is currently available on iTunes. The Nashville five-some will also be releasing a new music video to accompany the song.
Known for powerful vocals and fierce guitar progressions, Fools For Rowan are by no means new players to the Rock scene; touring with artists like Evanescence, Halestorm, and Trapt, a national college tour, and three invitations to play Summerfest, are just a few of their many achievements. The band is comprised of five very diverse and equally talented musicians and together they bring a tough, but emotional stance to the table through their lyrics and sound.
Recorded and engineered by Stoker White at Omnisound Studios, in their hometown of Nashville, “Killed A Man Today,” arose from Fools For Rowan’s partnering with producers Shaye Smith and Ken Harrell, as well as mixing and mastering from Beau Hill (Winger and Ratt). The drop of the new single is not only heavily awaited by fans, but also by the band, “We’ve been working on this for a while now so I am just dying to finally get it out there and get it in the hands of the fans that have supported and inspired all of this!” says lead vocalist, Erin Mullins.
Fools For Rowan is making impressive conquests in the rock scene and is a force to be reckoned with as they proceed to gain exposure. Their music video for “Dead” has been featured on Fuse TV On Demand and the band was named one of iHeartRadio’s Artists to Watch, as well as one of the “Hot 100 Unsigned Artists” by Music Connection Magazine. If “Killed A Man Today” provides any sort of looking-glass into the future, then expect great things from their sophomore album, Who Killed Amanda Day?
For more information, check out Fools For Rowan’s website or Facebook page.
HARDLINE – Check out the Official EPK for the new Hardline album Danger Zone below! This being the fourth studio album for Hardline, Danger Zone was released on May 18th in Europe and May 22nd in North America, 2012, via Frontiers Records.
Hardline is back and their Melodic Hard Rock sounds better than ever!
HARDLINE:
Johnny Gioeli – vocals
Alessandro Del Vecchio – keyboards and backing vocals
SUNSTORM – Excuse me for my uncontrollable smile as I write this… the legendary Joe Lynn Turner has returned again with another studio album of 100% pure Melodic Hard Rockin’ energy with Sunstorm and it’s titled: Emotional Fire. With such an extensive history of music and vocal sessions that Joe Lynn Turner has been an integral part of, coupled with talented songwriting from Soren Kronkvist, Tom and James Martin and Daniel Palmqvist, the 11 songs heard on Emotional Fire are beaming of both AOR and Melodic Hard Rock/Rock ultra-quality.
With the undeniably talented nucleus of Sunstorm still intact, this third album from them is one to play loud and over again. Joe Lynn Turner is so close to perfect on vocals on Emotional Fire that it’s scary. Okay, Joe’s vocals sound perfect to my ears anyways. While I listen to Joe sing Gina, I’m thinking hell, covering a Michael Bolton song is not a bad move at all. Just a terrific up-tempo song that resonates with melodic fever.
The opener for Emotional Fire is an inspiring listen called Never Give Up. Both musically and vocally, Never Give Up is signed, sealed and delivered with absolute emotion. This is a Hard Rockin’ song to listen to when the Metal chips are down, whoa. The title track, Emotional Fire, is an exquisite listen into the legendary vocals of Joe Lynn Turner. The vocal harmony from Joe Lynn Turner just rises to the top and spills over throughout this title track (and entire album for that matter).
Please understand, that this is not about a “once a fan, always a fan” album review for Sunstorm and Joe Lynn Turner. This is about letting those who care know, that Joe Lynn Turner is still a premiere Hard Rock vocalist and after all these years, doesn’t give off a single micro-sign of vocal fatigue. Sunstorm is a side project that is tailor fitted for Joe Lynn Turner. Whether it’s an oozy ballad (All I Am) as this album’s closer or a much heavier hitter like Torn In Half, Joe Lynn Turner can belt out the notes with seamless and confident execution.
The musicians of this Sunstorm project are a treat to listen to. Uwe Reitenauer on guitars is all about Classic Rock meets Hard Rock delight. The rhythm section of Chris Schmidt (drums) and Dennis Ward (bass, partial guitars, backing vocals) are rocklike and play with an affluent flair. Justin Dakey on keyboards gives this album a retrospective feel and vibe that will have you wishing MTV was a real Rock music video channel once again.
Any fan of Classic Rock, Melodic Hard Rock/Rock and AOR should dance themselves silly around their neighborhood after listening to Emotional Fire. Sunstorm and Joe Lynn Turner fans will understand what I mean by that preceding sentence. Emotional Fire is a can’t pass-up album for 2012. Give yourself the gift of quality Melodic Hard Rock this year and buy this new Sunstorm album! Oh, yeah… Metal be thy name.
Emotional Fire was released on February 24th, 2012, via Frontiers Records.
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Emotional Fire – Track Listing:
Never Give Up
Emotional Fire
Lay Down Your Arms
You Wouldn’t Know Love
Wish You Were Here
Torn In Half
Gina
The Higher You Rise
Emily
Follow Your Heart
All I Am
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* Emotional Fire was produced and mixed by Dennis Ward.
* For more info on SUNSTORM, click on the links below:
MECCA – Joe Vana, vocalist and founding member of MECCA, has once again assembled a group of seasoned musicians to showcase their skills on Undeniable. This being the sophomore release from MECCA, it firmly establishes why Joe Vana has all the reason in the world to carry out his musical visions. Released back on November 29th in North America, on Frontiers Records, Undeniable is undeniably melodic and lyrically engaging.
Wether it’s the mid-paced ballad Did It For Love or the steadier rocker W2W, MECCA bestows the talent for creating a mood within the song that compliments its respective story. Undeniable isn’t going to Rock your face off, instead this album will entertain with its eleven songs of emotion filled vocals from Joe Vana and soothing melodies that do soar, with the title track being a fine example of this. Joe Vana’s vocals are so identifiable for Melodic Rock and he easily seizes these songs on this album.
Life’s Too Short and Perfect World are two songs where MECCA combines philosophical lyrics with AOR quality that too often is missing on current American FM playlists. MECCA presents their music with intelligent lyrics, still the sappy meter does explode on such tracks as Did It For Love and From The Start. It’s the quality of the song, courtesy of the musicianship of MECCA, that makes me overlook any sappy saturation that happens lyrically. If you’ve ever been, want to be or are in love, these songs are accurately relevant.
In a Melodic Rock nutshell, MECCA has proven they can make me fall for the mellow and semi-hard side of Rock once again, with their respect for quality at every turn being a cumulative highlight for my ears. Undeniable is an album that also captures the spirit of AOR with its inspired vibes ever-present and lifeless moments nowhere to be found. This is an album of songs that belongs on my top shelf, I won’t be storing it away anytime soon.
Fans of Survivor, Toto, REO Speedwagon, Bryan Adams, Mister Mister and Foreigner (to name a many few) should enjoy the Rockin’, soothing and melodic ride that MECCA takes on Undeniable. AOR and Melodic Rock fans across the board could justifiably find many, if not all of these songs on Undeniable difficult to forget.
HOUSE OF LORDS – Released back in September of 2011 on Frontiers Records, Big Money is the eighth studio album from House Of Lords. The Melodic Hard Rock and AOR flavor of Big Money boils over, reminding me once again, what a tremendous listen this album is. Someday When is a song from Big Money and is enriched with a symphonic sound from the keyboards, elevating the mood and feel of this song.
Hard Rock, as with any music genre, is presented in countless styles. House Of Lords is no exception. Someday When exemplifies House Of Lords capturing their unique musical creativity and style, while allowing it to soar. Take a look and listen to Someday When below. I hope you enjoy this song and video as much as I do!
HOUSE OF LORDS:
James Christian – vocals
Jimi Bell – guitar
Chris McCarvill – bass
Bj Zampa – drums
HOUSE OF LORDS – BIG MONEY (Frontiers Records/2011)
* For more info on HOUSE OF LORDS, click on the links below:
MASS & Louis St. August – If there is that one excellent album from 2010 that I was late in grasping my ears onto, that album is Sea Of Black from MASS. Louis St. August (vocalist) and his band wrote a complete album of songs with Sea Of Black, there is no question in my Metal mind about that. An all inspiring listen that encompasses me is Sea Of Black, song after song. Add the fact that this album Rocks so solidly for me, that I can’t resist telling the world that Sea Of Black is a must acquisition from 2010.
The Right Side and the title track are two heavy hitters on Sea Of Black that are tailor-made for an open-air festival, with both songs carrying an anthem vibe and own unique message of spirituality. All The Years Gone is my favorite song on this album. This song sparks my thoughts to drift in retrospect, as I think about my own life and personal moments. MASS essentially created an amazing album with Sea Of Black. I find this album’s decisive appeal in its walloping sound of later 80’s Arena Rock commingling with a Hard Rock sound of today.
Louis and his band sound so sharp and reclaimed on Sea Of Black that it’s downright infectious. I recently was afforded the opportunity to ask Louis some questions regarding this Sea Of Black album. Louis was amicable as always and here’s what he had to say:
Stone: What was the chemistry like with the band, as you wrote and recorded “Sea Of Black”?
Louis: The band was itching and ready to get started on a brand new MASS album since our last release (Crack Of Dawn) was well over three years ago and with some of those songs recorded at various places and times. So “Sea of Black” was a more of a complete album for us and a real back to how we like to record. Myself and Gene would get together a few times and just set some basic foundations like melodies and basic song structure. We would then take it down to band rehearsals and Michael and Joey would all add their ideas and we were on our way building Sea Of Black.
The band was tight and we knew exactly what we were going to do before we entered the studio. The chemistry was great and the band laid down all twelve basic tracks in just two days. Then we added additional guitar tracks, lead solos, Lead vocals and backup vocals wrapping up the recording part of it in a little more than three weeks time.
It has been a while since we recorded a full album in just one studio and it was perfect. A week later the tracks were flown to Sweden where Martin Kronlund mixed and mastered the album. Every time a song was mixed we would all listen and tweak it until it was to our liking! Thank god for today’s technology that we can now work with overseas producers.
Louis St. August – 2011
Stone: I personally feel “Sea Of Black” is the best Mass album in your catalog. Were you at any point, aiming to create the best Mass album ever or did you just let fate take control?
Louis: Obviously you always go in with the intentions of trying to create the best album you possible can and try to surpass the last release. But it really does come down to fate on how it will all end up sounding in the end. With Sea of Black we really wanted to get back to more of our roots and style and what MASS was all about with big Guitars, Big Drums, Big Vocals and Big Bass. A “MASSive” sound you might say. (Laughs). I think we achieved that and the great reception from our old fans, new fans and media proved it.
Stone: Your intro vocal scream on “The Right Side” reminds me of Ian Gillan’s vocal intro on “Highway Star”. Was this a deliberate salute to a classic vocal moment in Rock history or an original idea of yours?
Louis: (Laughs). Funny you said that I remember saying that to Gene in the studio that it sounded very “Ian Gillanish”. So I am keeping it in. I am honored to have any comparisons with such a great Rock Icon for he was one of my many vocal idols growing up. But actually the scream is sort of a little trademark I have done over the years. It started with our first album where I do a similar scream on “Watch her walk”, then on our “Take you Home” album on a song called “Want it Back” and there may be a few others too. (Laughs).
Stone: Where, what or who did you draw inspiration from when writing the lyrics and/or music for “Sea Of Black”?
Louis: Most of the lyrics I write are autobiographical something I have personally experienced in my life or have either seen on the news, read in a book or witness happening to a friend. Songs like “Falling From Grace”, “The Right Side” are about my personal beliefs in accepting God into my life and choosing the right path for me. A song like “Justify” was written about 911 and how I felt on that and “Thru The Rain” is about war itself.
On “Till We Meet Again” I simply just put myself in the shoes of an old friend who recently had lost his dear wife, soul mate, lover and friend and how I would react and feel if it were to happen to me. The song is dedicated to the lovely Kyle Sweet (Wife of Michael Sweet of Stryper) who sadly passed away from cancer whom we had the pleasure of knowing for a short time.
Stone: Is MASS stronger today than they have ever been as a band? Is the present day for MASS a “New Birth” part two?
Louis: Yes I believe we have persevered over the years and have finally come to a point where we have gained much attention and respect from the music industry on what we started here in Boston over 30 years ago. Now in our late 40’s we appreciate what we have accomplished, created and are very thankful for all our loyal fans that have stood by us over the years. For we are truly nothing without them!
It does feel like a New Birth part two in a way, with a great 2010 being one of our busiest years with 3 releases and 2011 with continued rise in album sales and with some great recorded live performances to boot. Who knows what the future holds? With that we look forward to recording our ninth album this winter and releasing it worldwide in 2012! So stay tuned MASS fans, the best is yet to come!
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!
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