New York, NY --- Vandenderg’s MoonKings and Mascot Records / Mascot Label Group will release Rugged and Unplugged globally on November 23. The album is a beautifully stripped back acoustic album which features songs from across Adrian Vandenberg’s career. From his first band Teaser as a 20 year old he has always used an acoustic guitar in his recordings, which along with the electric guitar creates the light and shade dynamic that is the cornerstone to all of his records.

BLACK STAR RIDERS PART COMPANY WITH DAMON JOHNSON AND WELCOMES CHRISTIAN MARTUCCI

Black Star Riders are proud to announce that their new lead guitar player from January 1st 2019 will be Christian Martucci, from Stone Sour.

Hey everyone,

Well tomorrow is the big day!! I’m both excited and a little afraid! Not afraid of bad reviews....and please stay with me here......what I’m about to say.....I say with complete love, respect and understanding! But what I’m afraid of.......is that the internet has made it so easy for this music to be stolen!

I’m a fan who got into the band! I’ve had so many wonderful experiences, that I would never trade for the world. Many of us who made a name for themselves in the 80’s were paid as sidemen. We didn’t belong to bands with an equal share like the Van Halen’s, the Aerosmith’s, the AC/DC’s.....and so forth....and quite frankly I know many people think that since these bands became millionaires that they can miss a few royalties here and there......I can understand that!

I paid for the vinyl’s.....and the Cd’s......and as I moved from place to place.....apartment to apartment...and so forth.....a lot of those CD’s and vinyl records went missing......and since I already paid for them twice......I feel entitled to listen to certain songs for free on Youtube.....I understand that! I also understand that people became sick and tired of forking over $12-$15 dollars for a CD and only getting 2 or 3 good songs......I understand that! I understand that the song previews on iTunes can often be misleading......just like movie previews......and you go and pay to see the movie only to find out it sucked and you were misled by the previews.......I understand that too! And now many bands are over charging for concert tickets and meet & greets trying to compensate for their music getting stolen.....I understand that too to a certain extent! People often sit back and say...”OH here we go again.....another so-called super-group and everyone is doing ten different projects all at once......can’t they commit to one project?!!!”........Well, it’s those very same people that make us do ten different projects just so that they equal the amount of money that one used to bring in......and it’s because those same people are the one’s stealing our music!!

We must restore the balance again! I’m not asking to become rich off of the backs of people who are struggling to pay their rent! I’m not asking for fans to build me a mansion on the hill with a golden toilet seat.......I’m just tired of struggling and consistently putting in 24/7 type hours back to back, day to day, week to week, month to month and year to year......just to barely get by! I’m not asking for sympathy....I’m saying that if you like a song.....pay 99 cents or $1.29 for it! So many people say to me.....hey I’m following you on Spotify.......you guys are great.......well......that really breaks down to....thanks for the .000003% of a penny!! I understand streaming! Like Netflix for example!

 However....at least those movies got a chance in the theaters.....and then HBO and Showtime......and then On Demand for the cable subscribers.......then Redbox here in America......then Netflix. Our music most of the time goes straight to streaming!

Trying to get the world’s best musicians together.....to give their best performances.....their best ideas....only to have it stolen is a very difficult proposition! But that is what I’ve done here with Dream Child! Someone has to stand up and say to the world.....”I’ll do it”......”I’ll give it my best, and get the best musicians in the world together to give their best performances and best ideas in order to make a great album”.......and if you steal from me......well so be it......however let’s not forget that money is a tool.....to be used to make this world a better place for all of us!

I remember when I was still in Rough Cutt, Ronnie James Dio gave me an envelope with a name and an address and asked me to hand deliver it......he knew I would without question.....so I drove to the worst part of Hollywood, within the worst and most pain in the a** parking situation......found the place......knocked on the door......and handed the envelope to the person Ronnie wanted me to give that to......they looked at the envelope as if the President of the United States had just sent them a private message......it turned out to be a rent check.......that particular fan was having trouble paying their rent.....so Ronnie paid it for them! Ronnie said to me “Shhhhhh......don’t tell everyone.....cause then everyone will want me to pay their rent too......but some people just need a little extra helping hand once in a while”. I still think to this day that the “Sacred Heart” and the “Dream Evil’ stage sets never really got the message he was sending in full! For the same price that you could go see any other band.....you could go to a Dio concert......but at a Dio concert you got an 18 foot Fire Breathing Dragon that lasers shot out of his eyes and explosions would occur wherever those lasers landed......a Giant Metal Spider and lasers shot from my guitar hitting the Spider with explosions and so forth.....but he didn’t hike up the ticket prices for that.......it was his way of giving back to the fans! He did a string of concerts to build a shelter for a charity that would rescue kids caught up in drugs and prostitution when they flocked to Los Angeles in hopes of becoming a star. That shelter was a huge complex! It had counselors to help the kids get off the drugs......counselors to help them with why they got messed up with drugs in the first place......they could get their GED, a College Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, a Master’s Degree.......there was a ten or 15 year reunion with those kids that were rescued......and one of the before pictures was of a guy who pissed his pants because he was so high he didn’t even know he had to go.......and is now a 5 star General of the United States Army!!
This was made possible because of the balance between the band and the fans! Ronnie treated his fans so great! I definitely don’t have to go into detail about that! And that’s the reason behind my favorite part of touring with the Dio Disciples.......after the concert.....I get to go onto the floor in the middle of the crowd .....not by the merch table to try and sell T-shirts......not a paid meet & greet.......Ronnie never did paid meet & greets......but I get a chance to treat the fans in the crowd the way Ronnie did! So that way they knew that his “way” didn’t die with him! There’s so much more to this......but this is too long of a post as it is.......so.....I hope you like the new Dream Child album.......and I hope you think twice before you consider how easily it can be stolen.......and the ripple affect it actually has!!!

Thank you everyone! I love you and I will be on FB tomorrow to chat with those who leave comments.....I love having that time to chat in real time with you! I miss that and I miss you all and love and respect you all! Talk to you tomorrow!!

The legendary Steve Lukather of the band Toto is signing a limited number of his brand new memoir "The Gospel According to Luke", which tells the complete story of Toto. Get your autographed copy here, while they last: http://bit.ly/2Qd9w20.

Frontiers Music Srl is honored to announce the signing of a monumental project entitled “Jesus Christ - The Exorcist”, a Progressive Rock Opera written and produced by legendary musician and singer Neal Morse with performances by Neal and an all-star cast of singers and musicians.

Neal explains, "Sometimes providence comes with a whisper; sometimes it comes with an unexpected phone call. A friend of mine who works in the music business called me from New York one day in 2008 and said, "Hey man, a friend and I were listening to Jesus Christ Superstar last night and were saying, 'Man, somebody ought to do a new rock opera based on the Jesus story'. I told my friend, 'I know the guy!' He went on to tell me I ought to write an epic prog piece based on the gospels. With a New York accent he said, 'Ya gotta do it!' I laughed and said, 'Well, I'm busy right now, but I'll think about it.' Over the next couple of months, I began to feel that "yes" inside and spent a few months writing the first draft. The strong sense that I was onto something continued to grow and the people that sang on the original version were really into it. However, my friend from New York, (Michael Caplan) shopped it around and a lot of people loved it, but it never found a home....until NOW! Again, the phone rang and it was Michael. He said, 'You’re not gonna believe this, but I’ve got a company interested in the musical!' I replied, 'That’s great, ‘cause I am in the middle of a rewrite as we are putting it on at Morsefest 2018 in a few months.' Very timely! The company is called Frontiers Music Srl and after some communication, we struck a deal! Cool! So, here we are...ready to record and release this collection of songs and themes that is very dear to my heart and I believe tells the greatest story ever told in a powerful, new way."

With a cast of amazing singers and musicians like Ted Leonard, Eric Gillette, Nick D’Virgilio, Randy George, Bill Hubauer, Matt Smith, and others, this progressive rock opera is a landmark event that will leave its mark on every listener. “Let him who has ears to hear…let him hear!”

With recordings set to commence imminently, the record will be released in 2019 on a double album set featuring about two hours of music that will encompass all the spectrums and genres Neal Morse is known for and will, of course, tell the Story of Stories. In the meantime, you can hear an audio sample of DEMOS of the musical here: https://youtu.be/o2h1s-nrjNo

Additionally, the project will be performed live for the very first time on Saturday, September 15th at [Morse]Fest 2018 in Cross Plains, TN! “JESUS CHRIST - THE EXORCIST”, the world premiere of a musical written by Neal Morse will be performed by a Prog Rock all-star cast featuring Neal Morse (keys, guitar), Paul Bielatowicz (lead guitar), Bill Hubauer (keys), Randy George (bass), and Eric Gillette (drums). Featured vocalists will include Ted Leonard (Spock's Beard, Enchant), Nick D'Virgilio (Big, Big Train, Spock's Beard), Jake Livgren (Protokaw), Matt Smith (Theocracy), Wil Morse and more. Also, John Schlitt (Petra) and Rick Florian (White Heart) have been added to the performance as well.

FULL CAST:

Ted Leonard – Jesus
Talon David - Mary Magdalene
Nick D’Virgilio - Judas
Rick Florian - The Devil
John Schlitt - Caiaphas
Matt Smith - John the Baptist, Pharisee 3
Jake Livgren – Peter, Pharisee 4
Neal Morse - Pilate, Demon 1, Disciple 1
Mark Pogue - Israelite 1, the Madman of the Gadarenes, Pharisee 2
Wil Morse - Israelite 2, Demon 3, Pharisee 1,
Gabe Klein - Demon 2, Pharisee 4
Gideon Klein - Demon 4
Julie Harrison - Servant Girl

Plus strings, horns, orchestral percussion, vocal ensemble, and choir!

Visuals by Christian Rios.

More info and ticket information for [Morse]Fest 2018 is available here: http://www.radiantrecords.com/produ…/702-morsefest-2018.aspx

Widely regarded as one of the world's leading Progressive (“Prog") Rock musicians, there is now no doubt that Neal Morse is a prolific musical driving force and his desire to move people through his music burns brighter than ever before. Born in California in 1960 to a musical family, Morse played in many bands during his youth, learning and mastering several instruments along the way. In 1995, he wrote and recorded “The Light" with his then new band, Spocks Beard.  It was an album grounded strongly in the then-unfashionable progressive rock genre, but the album and especially the title track became modern prog classics and brought Morse and the band global recognition. Over the next seven years, Spock's Beard released six critically acclaimed studio recordings and multiple live recordings, while establishing a passionate fan base in the Prog Rock community.

In 2000, he formed the prog supergroup Transatlantic with drum legend Mike Portnoy (Sons Of Apollo, Winery Dogs, ex-Dream Theater), Marillion's Pete Trewavas, and The Flower Kings' Roine Stolt. In a remarkably brief but productive few days together, they knocked out “SMPTe", a richly received, massive work of vintage, long form prog. Two years later, the sophomore release, "Bridge Across Forever", solidified Transatlantic's global appeal. Additionally, in 2008 he also joined another prog rock supergroup,Flying Colors featuring Dave LaRue (Dixie Dregs, Steve Morse Band, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai), Steve Morse (Dixie Dregs, Deep Purple, Kansas), Mike Portnoy(Dream Theater, Transatlantic), and Casey McPherson. The band has released two studio albums and two live releases.

In 2001, Morse shocked his followers with word that he was stepping away from secular music…with no indication of where he was heading. Morse was now walking an unknown road. After success with Spock's Beard, he was starting all over again, this time boldly declaring his Christian faith and risking fan rejection and financial failure. He needn't have worried. As the “Testimony" Live DVD triumphantly documented, his solo tour was full of magical moments and was a deeply life affirming experience. Morse returned to the studio with Mike Portnoy and touring bass player Randy George to record 2004's “One", a conceptual album that was a vast, rewarding piece of music that reached new heights. Morse, Portnoy, and George stayed on this musical journey together until Bill Hubauer and Eric Gillette were added as permanent members of the Neal Morse Band in 2015 on "The Grand Experiment” album. This collective effort saw collaboration between all of the members and has subsequently yielded another studio album, the astonishingly brilliant “Similitude Of A Dream”, and two live releases.

Frontiers looks forward to partnering with Neal on his continuing musical explorations and extending his progressive rock legacy with his latest creative vision.

Website: http://www.nealmorse.com/
Website: http://www.radiantrecords.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nealmorse
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nealmorse
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nealmorse/
YouTube: https://bit.ly/2NT5E4Q

Full track listing and info on Midnite City's new album 'THERE GOES THE NEIGHBOURHOOD right here.

Our 2nd album will officially be released via AOR Heaven on October 19th and ASM - Anderstein Music in Japan on October 26th.

We are set to release the brand new studio album from Seventh Wonder, entitled "Tiara", on October 12, 2018. Today, the band has released a third track, “The Everones” from the album!

“Hey hey! Even though we are really getting close to the release, here is one more track off of "Tiara" to make sure you survive the home stretch. This is the song that really kicks the story into gear on the album. It has a few different flavors, compared to the other songs we’ve shared so far. A bit more sinister, a bit more to the point. This track was the second to last one to get written and arranged prior to us hitting the studio. Something is about to happen, and humanity will never be the same again. Prepare to meet ‘The Everones’,” says bassist Andreas Blomqvist.

The "Big Mama Jama Jamathon" pledge campaign is now live on PledgeMusic! Fans can pre-order volumes of music to be recorded at the upcoming Jamathon, get an ultra comfortable set of "Jamathon Jammies", take home signed guitars, purchase limited edition gicleé prints of Steve's artwork, order one-offs, hats, socks ....and the "just go for it" package: a 45 minute in-person lesson with Steve that includes a premium Ibanez JEM UV7! Steve's artwork. All proceeds directly benefit Extraordinary Families.

Guitarist Oz Fox intends to return to the road for most of the dates this fall, after suffering an on-stage medical emergency in August. Oz remains under doctor’s care, and additional testing and treatment will be necessary. However, he should be released to work this fall while his medical team decides the best course of action moving forward.

Tuesday, September 4, 2018 — After heavy touring for the first part of 2018, STRYPER will return to the road this fall for the second half of their God Damn Evil World Tour. And there is good news for STRYPER fans… guitarist Oz Fox intends to return to the road for most of the dates this fall.

This has been a challenging summer for Oz and his bandmates. On August 11th, Oz suffered a medical emergency while performing with a side project in Las Vegas. An on-stage seizure led to the discovery of some previously unknown “spots” on the brain. Oz has been released from the hospital, although additional testing and treatment will be necessary. However, he should be released to work this fall while his medical team decides the best course of action moving forward. You can view STRYPER's original statement here: http://prez.ly/IwM.

Oz was forced to sit out the Australia tour dates earlier this month, and he’ll miss the September dates as well due to air travel restrictions from his doctor. However he intends to rejoin STRYPER on the road in October. Oz handpicked Los Angeles-based guitarist Howie Simon to fill in for him on the September dates, allowing Oz additional time to rest and recover. Simon will be a familiar face to many STRYPER fans with performance credits that include Nelson, Jeff Scott Soto Band, Scrap Metal, Talisman, Eric Martin Band, Winger, and more.

"Howie Simon and I have been friends for well over a decade now,” says Oz. "It is great to have him help us out and fill in for me while I am in recovery. I am looking forward to catching some fan videos of him online. He's an excellent performer and his guitar playing outranks so many in the business. In my opinion, it is very important for the band to fulfill dates that have been booked for so long. I am thankful for the continued support of the fans while my STRYPER family and I face this detour in my career, and I look forward to seeing many of you on the road in October and November."

"We appreciate all the support, thoughts and prayers from everyone at this time,” says frontman Michael Sweet. "We look forward to having our brother Oz back as quickly as possible. We're also very grateful to Howie for working so hard learning the material and parts to be able to sit in with us for the time being. We'll do our best to bring you the absolute best show possible until Oz returns.”

STRYPER continues to dominate the hard rock/heavy metal scene with the their critically-acclaimed tenth studio album, God Damn Evil - released in April via Frontiers Music srl. Rocking since 1984, STRYPER is responsible for such classic '80s metal albums as Soldiers Under Command, To Hell with the Devil and In God We Trust. In fact, STRYPER is the first band to ever have two songs in MTV’s Top 10 simultaneously with their hits “Free” and “Honestly.” After a sabbatical for much of the 1990's, STRYPER returned strong in the early 21st century. To date, the Dove Award-winning and GRAMMY-nominated band has sold over 10 million records worldwide.

God Damn Evil is available now wherever you can buy or stream music: http://radi.al/GodDamnEvil

Watch STRYPER's “The Valley” Music Video: https://youtu.be/duEBraRtteo
Watch STRYPER's “Sorry” Music Video: https://youtu.be/ByWWzDl_xrw
Watch STRYPER's “Renewed” mini documentary here: https://youtu.be/69Zxu_LtNRI

STRYPER GOD DAMN EVIL TOUR DATES:

September 7 — Rocktember Music Festival — Hinkley, MN
September 8 — The Arcada Theatre — St. Charles, IL
September 13 — House of Blues Orlando — Lake Buena Vista, FL
September 15 — “Rockin’ Vivo Fest” at Vivo Beach Club — Carolina, Puerto Rico
October 12 — The Vogue — Indianapolis, IN
October 13 — Delmar Hall — St Louis, MO
October 14 — Diamond Ballroom — Oklahoma City, OK
October 18 — Stampede — Aurora, CO
October 20 — LeatherHheads — Draper, UT
October 25 — The Marquee — Tempe, AZ
October 26 — The Rialto Theatre — Tucson, AZ
October 27 — The Club @ Cannery Casino Hotel — North Las Vegas, NV
October 31 — Whiskey A Go Go — West Hollywood, CA
November 2 — San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino — Highland, CA
November 3 — The Canyon Theater — Santa Clarita, CA
November 4 — Ace of Spades — Sacramento, CA
November 6 — El Corazon — Seattle, WA
November 11 — Virginia St Brewhouse — Reno, NV
November 14 — Pub Station Ballroom — Billings, MT
November 17 — Anthem @ Hard Rock Casino — Sioux City, IA
January 31 — Tupelo Music Hall — Derry, NH
February 1 — Wolf’s Den @ Mohegan Sun — Uncasville, CT
February 9 — Kawasaki CLUB CITTA — Tokyo, Japan — RESCHEDULED
February 10 — Kawasaki CLUB CITTA — Tokyo, Japan — RESCHEDULED
**More dates to be added!

For tour dates, tickets and more information, visit www.stryper.com.

Frontiers Music Srl is thrilled to announce the signing of Alan Parsons! Alan is working on a new studio album, tentatively scheduled for release in the spring of 2019.

Alan and Frontiers' relationship began in 2010 when the label released “Eye 2 Eye - Live in Madrid”. They have kept in close contact since, with the ultimate goal to release another album together. Alan wanted it to be a really special album and only recently have the right plans and ideas fallen into place where Alan felt ready to enter the studio to record what he had in mind.

With FOREWORDS by Jeff Scott Soto, Jeff Paris & David Forbes (Boulevard). Discover the 400 ESSENTIAL AOR albums Like Bad English, Fergie Frederiksen, Balance, Aviator, Survivor, Journey, Night Ranger, Billy Satellite, LeRoux, Radioactive or Aldo Nova among MANY OTHER MASTERPIECES you may not have heard about !!! 

Special CHAPTERS about the best AOR PRODUCERS (Keith Olsen, Beau Hill, Tommy Denander, Alessandro Del Vecchio & more), Also THE BEST AOR LABELS + Tributes about Aor legends FERGIE FREDERIKSEN & JIMI JAMISON & MANY MANY other surprises !!! 280 pages all in color ! Be the first one to get it on AMAZON : (Links below)

AMAZON U.S:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1717714889/ref=sr_1_1…

Irish thrashers Gama Bomb have released a face-melting animated lyric video for new single ‘666teen’.

The blistering track is the first single from the band’s sixth album Speed Between The Lines, out October 12th on AFM Records!

The video riffs on the album’s retro cover art by New York-based artist Jarred Hageman AKA Chrome And Lightning and Rory McGuigan (Villagers), and also features scenes from 1950s public information movies. The album was produced by longtime GAMA BOMB collaborator Scott Atkins (Cradle of Filth, Sylosis).

Join Julien’s Auctions as we pay tribute to one of the most influential heavy metal heroes and forefathers of head–banging music with PROPERTY FROM THE ESTATE OF RONNIE JAMES DIO, live at The Hard Rock Café in New York on Friday, September 14 and Saturday, September 15 and online at JuliensLive.com.

Highlights of the auction will feature items from the legendary singer’s stellar career with iconic bands Rainbow, Black Sabbath and Dio including; several pieces of original album artwork including the acrylic painting by Barry Jackson used as the cover for the 1984 Dio album The Last in Line (estimate $20,000–$30,000); his pair of moon and stars patchwork jeans worn extensively on stage with Rainbow (estimate $2,000–$4,000); Dio’s custom made violet suede vest with tails and red leather shin guards worn on stage and in promotional photographs for the 1985 Sacred Heart Tour (estimate $2,000–$4,000); a personalized Black Sabbath hooded velour robe from the 1981 Mob Rules tour worn regularly back stage (estimate $1,000–$2,000); Dio’s personal rolling wardrobe case (estimate $800–$1,200); some of the most ambitious and spectacular stage design rock has ever seen with props such as a monumental animatronic sphinx on plinth base from the 1984 The Last In Line tour (estimate $2,000–4,000) and a massive animatronic dragon’s head from the 1985 Sacred Heart tour (estimate $3,000–5,000); an array of Dio’s studio and stage used instruments and gear such as a custom Charvel guitar featuring a one–of–a–kind wizard paint motif (estimate $3,000–$5,000); a 1978 "Gold" record award commemorating Australian sales of the Rainbow album Rising (estimate $600–$800) and a 1978 "Gold" record award for the album Rainbow: On Stage (estimate $600–$800) and much more.

More details can be found here - www.juliensauctions.com/

I’m now on the 3rd Chemotherapy session (every two weeks) and so far so good...

Nothing treacherous has happened, though I’m aware that ‘bad things may happen’ as one’s immune system takes a bashing from all the administered drugs etc.  All I can do is eat lots, sleep well, stay healthy & positive, & keep going as best I know.

NEW SOLO ALBUM FROM ZZ TOP GUITARIST/VOCALIST AND ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE BILLY F GIBBONS

The Big Bad Blues features BFG originals and classic blues covers.

For Immediate Release – Concord Records is releasing The Big Bad Blues, ZZ Top legend Billy F Gibbons’ second-ever solo release, on September 21, 2018. This is the follow-up to his acclaimed 2015 Afro-Cuban-flavored solo album Perfectamundo.

The Big Bad Blues, as the title suggests, focuses on Gibbons’ lifelong love of the blues and rock & roll, showcasing the blues-influenced vocals and guitar licks that have together served as the foundation for his numerous hits over the past five decades. The album features 11 tracks balancing some classic covers like “Rollin’ and Tumblin’” and “Standing Around Crying,” along with some of Billy’s signature new blues originals. 

“We successfully made our way through those uncharted waters with the Cubano flavor of Perfectamundo and completed the journey,” says Gibbons in distinguishing The Big Bad Blues from its predecessor. “The shift back to the blues is a natural. It’s something which our followers can enjoy with the satisfaction of experiencing the roots tradition and, at the same time, feeling the richness of stretching the art form.”

Gibbons, of course, has long been one of the most important and influential artists to emerge from the blues traditions, carrying it forward in a career honored by his 2004 induction, with ZZ Top, into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. As he notes, he was blues-influenced “right from the beginning—and it’s never let up.”

“There’s something very primordial within the art form,” he says. “Nobody gets away from the infectious allure of those straight-ahead licks!”

He notes it would take many hours just to scratch the surface surrounding this enduring love affair: “I suspect Jimmy Reed did me in early on. The inventiveness of that high and lonesome sound remains solid and stridently strong to this day. We could go on to mention the lineup of usual suspects, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy, all three Kings [B.B., Albert and Freddie]. The lengthy list of champions are forever carved in stone.”

After the success of Perfectamundo, Concord Records president John Burk expressed his intent on following up with another artistic offering with a more familiar, bluesy kind of content. “Billy has an incredibly deep knowledge of the great blues tradition and has carried that tradition forward in his music throughout his incredible career. Therefore, it seemed natural to do a project that centered on his musical roots, and the music that so inspired him from the very beginning.”

Gibbons remarked, “We were delighted to follow suit: It’s steeped in the tradition of ‘BFG meets blues giants’ with an adventurous expression to keep it fresh.”

BFG and Burk met in an underground parking garage of a favorite Hollywood bistro from the comforts of JB’s top-down ride, playing some tracks, LOUD, with the music bouncing off the walls beneath a couple floors of raw concrete.”… Gibbons got the nod. He and his “greasy” gang of unbridled players were delivering the goods.

“From deep in the heart of Texas, our Hammond organ specialist, Mr. Mike Flanigin, stepped forward and accepted the invitation to step from the B3 bench to take on the task of pounding the ivory 88’s,” says Gibbons, adding, “Great piano stuff from Mike ‘The Drifter’ Flanigin. 

“Master of the Fender Bass-guitar, Joe Hardy lent his low-down sound with his fearless funkiness, SO fine!

“Also, in the mash-up mix, the man-with-the-backbeat-plan, Greg Morrow. G keeps the skins alive and kickin’. And while we’re on that backbeat thang… 

“Matt Sorum steps forward with his super-syncopation, thrashing the skins like no buddies business.

“Alabama–come-California soulster Austin Hanks, roughs up the riffs with his left-handed six-string electric. Have mercy!”

Gibbons himself shares the harmonica chops with James Harman who has appeared over the years doin’ that Mississippi-sounding thing. “James is the fastidiously fierce follower of the real deal when it comes to blowing’ the harp. 

“As for the album content, check it out… Hey now!

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue,” he says. “It’s no secret there are several favorites from the way-back starting with not one, but two, from the Bo Diddley catalog [‘Bring It to Jerome’ and ‘Crackin’ Up’]. We dusted off an old Gretsch Duo-Jet guitar which put it squarely with that infamous Bo Diddley sound. Once covered, we made way into another side—a much earlier number from Muddy Waters, ‘Standing Around Crying.’ The ragged edges with the meanness of James’ bad self on harp seemed to fit the bill to enter the lineup.”

As for favorites, Gibbons notes, “‘Missin’ Yo’ Kissin’ is a gift from Miz Gibbons. She knows what girls want and laid it out cold. And ‘Second Line’ is a definite throwback to many good days and nights down New Orleans way.

“Other tracks on The Big Bad Blues are easy pickin’, sayin’ it all. It’s a street affair.”

Tour dates to be announced soon. 

Signed & Exclusive Bundles: http://found.ee/BillyFGibbons_webshop
Additional pre-order: http://found.ee/BillyFGibbons_multi 

Billy F Gibbons on the web:
Website: www.billygibbons.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BillyFGibbonsOfficial/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/billyfgibbons

Online media kit: http://mediakits.concordmusicgroup.com/p/big-bad-blues

Track list (all songs by Billy F Gibbons except where noted):

1) Missin’ Yo’ Kissin’ (Gilly Stillwater)
2) My Baby She Rocks
3) Second Line
4) Standing Around Crying (Muddy Waters)
5) Let The Left Hand Know…
6) Bring It To Jerome (Jerome Green)
7) That’s What She Said
8) Mo’ Slower Blues
9) Hollywood 151
10) Rollin’ and Tumblin’ (Muddy Waters)
11) Crackin’ Up (Bo Diddley)

For more information:

Bob Merlis/M.f.h. at 323-962-6887
bobmerlis@bobmerlis.com

Mike Wilpizeski/Concord Records at 718-459-2117

Mike.Wilpizeski@concordrecords.com

Metal Blade Records is proud to welcome East Coast thrashing legends Whiplash to its ranks! Whiplash is an original thrash metal band, and Tony Portaro delivers over 30 years of power thrashing death. Comments Whiplash's very own Tony Portaro on the signing: "My main influences were the West Coast thrash bands that Brian Slagel brought into the limelight in the early 80's. Without them attracting my attention in the first place, I never would have written 'Power and Pain.' And the fact that Metal Blade is still promoting old school thrash and believing in me, gives me the inspiration to continue creating my East Coast style of metal."

Ayreon - IInto the Electric Castle

20th Anniversary Re-Issue – Remixed & Remastered by Arjen Lucassen.  Out on 3LP, 5-disc Earbook and Limited Edition Castle Box Set

Manowar: 'Fighting the World', 'Kings of Metal', 'Triumph of Steel' LP re-issues now available via Metal Blade Records.

On August 24th, Manowar will release LP re-issues of their classic albums Fighting the World, Kings of Metal, and Triumph of Steel via Metal Blade Records. See below for an overview of all versions; pre-order your copies now at: https://www.indiemerch.com/metalbladerecords/search/…

The Memphis hard rockers will release a new studio album in 2019!

Frontiers is thrilled to welcome Memphis, TN hard rockers Roxy Blue to the family! Their legendary debut album, "Want Some" is a classic of the early '90s hard rock scene that had continued on from the '80s heyday. The band is currently busy writing and recording a brand new studio album that will be released in 2019.

Hello my friends, 

I just wanted to express my condolences to Terry Ilous for the deceitful way my X band members dealt with the situation of his termination kind of reminds me of something else. Huh? In the last few months Terry and I have gotten to know each other through Linkedin have become what I would say friends. As far as I'm concerned he's a great guy and he had an opportunity and he took it. The fact is it was my fault that it all happened to begin with. 

I was unreliable, unhealthy and my addiction ruled my world. I wouldn't have wanted to play with me either if I were them. The only thing I was very upset about was the way they went about it. But at least Terry got an email where I received nothing not even a phone call or a return message. But this is not about me this is about Terry. 

I'm sure he will find his way to a better place as he is a great singer and has a lot of talent and I have a lot of respect for him. I wish him well and I hope you will all support him in his future efforts. God bless you all, and as always keep the rock alive! It's up to you. All my love, Jack Russell

A full North American tour starting this September. Please check back soon for final date announcements.

From the UTA post:

LISTEN UP UTA FANS OF NORTH AMERICA!

We know you guys have been waiting extremely patiently for us to announce our North American tour, but we are still waiting for a few venues to confirm, so all we can tell you right now is that IT IS HAPPENING and that all dates will be announced next week. We are so excited to come play for our Canadian and American fans, and we want you all to know that this tour is BIG. It will hit up both coasts as well as the south, the Midwest and Canadian prairies, hence why it is taking so long to complete. Another thing we are allowed to tell you is that we will be hitting the road with two insanely talented bands, both of whom we consider close friends, so get your stoke on, 'cause Striker (CAN) and Helion Prime are gonna slay some face along with UTA this fall! Seriously can't wait for this guys, we'll see you all soon! \m/

STAY TUNED NEXT WEEK FOR FULL DETAILS!!!

 Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the release of new project featuring singer Steve Overland of FM and Robert Säll of Work of Art & W.E.T. under the moniker GROUNDBREAKER.

The self-titled debut will be released on September 14th. First single and video, "Over My Shoulder” available now!

The album is simply everything that a melodic rock fan could hope for: soaring hooklines, magnificent melodies, amazing musical performances, and in Overland, a stunning vocalist. Mixing the British and Swedish melodic rock/AOR styles, Groundbreaker is truly the best of both worlds and surely destined to be one of the highlights of the year in an already stellar year for melodic rock!

GROUNDBREAKER came about when a conversation between Frontiers’ President Serafino Perugino and Overland revealed that the latter was eager to collaborate with new and exciting musicians from the European melodic rock scene. The idea was immediately brought up to involve Robert Sall of Work of Art and use Alessandro Del Vecchio’s production abilities. Overland loved the initial material that was submitted and consequently, they all started to work on songs. The process was very smooth and the final result was so good that everyone thought that the name “GROUNDBREAKER” was the right way to describe the power and the vibe of the music.

"I’m the main composer for about half of the songs, but Ale and Steve wrote a lot as well,” tells Robert Sall. “I had to write songs with Steve´s voice in mind and that was new, but very inspiring to me. But for any fan of FM or Work of Art, I think they will be very familiar with the sound of this record!”

“The idea for the album was to make a classic AOR album and I think between Robert, Alessandro, Pete Alpenborg and myself, we came up with a great collection of songs,” adds Overland. "I think this is some of the best material I've worked on in a while and all of the musicians on the record are fantastic, not only as players, but to work with. I knew of Robert's writing talents on the Work of Art records, but it really turned out to be a great collaboration and I'm so proud of the results! My personal favourite song on the record is "Will It Make You Love Me.” We’ve shot a video for it and I think it's truly a future classic!"

If you like, no LOVE melodic rock, then this is simply a must hear album!

GROUNDBREAKER Tracklisting includes:

Over My Shoulder

Will It Make You Love Me

Eighteen Til I Die

Only Time Will Tell

Tonight

Standing Up For Love

Something Worth Fighting For

The Sound Of A Broken Heart

The First Time

The Days Of Our Life

The Way It Goes

GROUNDBREAKER:  Steve Overland - Vocals, Robert Sall - Guitars, Nalley Pahlsson - Bass, Herman Furin - Drums, With Alessandro Del Vecchio - Keyboards

Produced by Alessandro Del Vecchio

www.facebook.com/Groundbreakerband/

Photo credit: Richard Manley

Dear Friends,

Unfortunately, we are forced to postpone the first four dates of our up-coming US tour for now.

Our work Visas have been delayed through no fault of our own. This has happened each year since 2014, but so far, the Visas were always granted at the last minute.

We don't know why, but each year it is getting harder to obtain the required work Visas for foreign artists like myself, no matter how far in advance we are applying and no matter what we do. The hurdles are considerable and each year the bar gets raised it seems.

We don’t know why that is. I suppose, one needs to be patient.

Phil Mogg has confirmed that next year’s 50th anniversary tour with UFO will be his last as the frontman of the long-running hard rock band. Consequently, it seems almost certain that at that point they will cease to exist. UFO were formed in London in 1969 and Mogg is their only ever-present member, performing on all of the group’s 22 studio albums.

“This decision has been a long time coming, I’ve considered stepping down at the end of UFO’s previous two tours,” Mogg explains. “I don’t want to call this a farewell tour as I hate that word, but next year’s gigs will represent my final tap-dancing appearances with the band.

“2019 marks UFO’s 50th anniversary, so the timing feels right,” he continues. “There will be a final tour of the UK and we will also play some shows in selected other cities that the band has a strong connection with. But outside of the UK this won’t be a long tour. Being out on the road isn’t always tremendously luxurious and although the playing is as great as it ever was, the stuff that surrounds it becomes very tiresome. I always told myself that when I reached that stage I would step down, and that’s what I’m going to do. This is the right time for me to quit.”

Mogg turned 70 back in April and although his voice remains strong, he admits that age played its part in his conclusion.

“I’m a big reader of obituaries, and my finger always goes down to: ‘I wonder how old they were…’,” he chuckles. “The last few years have been tough, losing Lemmy was awful and I was sad that Jimmy Bain passed on a cruise ship. That distressed me quite a lot.”

While many veteran bands in such a position simply cease playing live and continue to record, UFO will no longer be releasing new music. Last year’s covers collection ‘The Salentino Cuts’ is set to become a signing-off point, though Mogg insists that however unlikely the prospect might seem – the singer is a lone strand of consistency throughout a 50-year history – he would have no problem with UFO continuing with a replacement.

The band’s current line-up – completed by keyboard player/second guitarist Paul Raymond, guitarist Vinnie Moore, drummer Andy Parker and bassist Rob De Luca – have of course been informed of Mogg’s decision.

“I’ve told the guys that this is how it is,” he says. “They know it’s my time to go and they know that they can do whatever they want to do without me but I don’t want to play live or make records anymore, though having said that I might go on and do an album of my own. I’ll have to see how I feel about that.”

Of course UFO have either split up, retired or gone on hiatus several times before but Mogg is keen to make the distinction that next year’s dates don’t just mark the end of his touring commitments with UFO – for Phil, there will be no further concerts of any kind.

“For me, this is the end of my stint with UFO,” he clarifies. “This is a line in the sand. I’m suggesting we call the tour ‘Last Orders’, though I also like ‘The Bar Is Closing’. I’m also tempted to name it ‘The Drinks Are On Parker’,” he chuckles, referring to long-suffering sticksman Andy Parker.

You’ll have gathered that Mogg is not about to slash his wrists anytime soon. Of course he is sad that the finishing line is now within sight but has had sufficient time to live with and process such a massive personal decision.

“Maybe the best word to use is ‘bittersweet’,” he concludes. “But my time has arrived and all that remains is to make sure that we have a good tour.”

Members of MAGNUM’s classic-era line-ups reunite for a celebration of the band’s much- loved back catalogue covering the period 1978-94.

One of the UK’s finest exponents of melodic rock music, Magnum achieved high album and singles chart positions in both the UK and Europe and gained a reputation as one of the hardest-working bands on the touring circuit, delighting audiences with concerts that were always captivating both musically and visually. Highlights of the band’s career include regular sold-out theatre tours including a memorable five nights at London’s legendary Hammersmith Odeon performed during 1988 together with headline appearances at Birmingham NEC and Wembley Arena, as well as appearances at major festivals.

Kingdom of Madness features Mark Stanway, Richard Bailey, Micky Barker, Laurence Archer and Mo Birch – all of whom have toured and / or recorded with Magnum – together with legendary bassist Neil Murray and acclaimed vocalist Chris Ousey – establishing a pedigree line-up of world class musicians. Kingdom of Madness not only celebrate the legacy of Magnum’s classic period, but also include key tracks from Grand Slam – Stanway and Archer’s collaboration with Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott.

“There is an extensive catalogue of great songs from the classic years of Magnum which have not been performed on stage in many years and which audiences have constantly requested” says Mark Stanway, keyboard player with Magnum for 36 years. “Having said that, I should state that we by no means consider ourselves a Magnum “tribute” – how can it be when five of the members have a shared legacy with the band? I’m delighted to be working with Richard, Micky, Laurence and Mo again and in Neil and Chris we have two musicians with their own distinct history who will obviously bring their personal musical identity to the project. In addition, with our focus being firmly on the music from the earlier period, we do not perceive ourselves as being in “competition” with the current Magnum. There is more than enough music to keep both bands busy - a fitting testament to the song-writing of Tony Clarkin. “I’m truly looking forward to performing classic Magnum music as well as the best of the Grand Slam tracks with such a prestigious line-up.”

Kingdom of Madness will make its live debut at Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton on Friday
December 21st 2018. Tickets available very soon from: www.newhamptonarts.co.uk

Featuring: MARK STANWAY - Keyboards (Magnum 1980-2016, Grand Slam) RICHARD BAILEY – Keyboards / flute (Magnum 1975-80, Whitesnake) MICKY BARKER – Drums (Magnum 1985-95)
LAURENCE ARCHER – Guitar (Magnum 1984, Grand Slam, UFO)
NEIL MURRAY – Bass (Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, Snakecharmer)
CHRIS OUSEY – Lead vocals (Snakecharmer, Heartland)
MO BIRCH – Backing vocals / percussion (Magnum, Go West, UB40)

Following up the worldwide top 10 video chart success “Act I”, Tarja and earMUSIC are happy to announce the release of the long-awaited follow up “Act II” this summer.

Filmed during Tarja’s world tour “The Shadow Shows”, during which the influential heavy rock singer circled the world for 7 ½ times with over 300.000 km travelled and played over 200 shows in 40 countries in front of 1 million people.

 “Act II” consists of the singer’s very intimate set filmed and recorded live at the Metropolis Studio in London, UK and the breathtaking live performance of one of her shows in Milan, Italy, as well as previously unreleased interviews and photo galleries.

The theatrical rock adventure “Act II” combines two incredible, yet slightly different live performances on video:

The first chapter, “Metropolis Alive”, has been filmed two months prior to the release of Tarja’s 2016 success “The Shadow Self”. Twenty (20) winners from all over Europe were lucky to witness Tarja’s intimate, yet rocking 75 minute set at renowned Metropolis Studios in London, UK where the singer performed songs from her then unreleased album – for the first time in front of an audience.

“Act II’s” second chapter has been recorded on November 29th, 2016 at the magnificent Teatro della Luna in Milan, Italy and includes hits from all four Tarja albums such as “Innocence”, “Die Alive”, “Until My Last Breath” as well as an incredible cover of Muse’s classic “Supremacy”. That night’s set list also enchants the soprano’s long-time fans with a medley consisting of the distinctive Nightwish evergreens “Ever Dream”, “Slaying The Dreamer” and “The Riddler”. All topped off with a remarkable acoustic set which presents Tarja classics in a brand new way.

Even though the shows deliberately differ in look, sound, approach to the music and adrenalin, both have one thing in common: from the very first to the very last tune, the state of the art production displays Tarja’s energetic performance and her graceful, charming presence.

“Live videos became more and more mere documentations focusing on a band’s performance in a remote, distant and technical way. The lightshow and the LED’s only support the band’s performance but have no significance of their own.

With “Act II” it is different. Here everything has a significance, every little detail is important because it is not only a live-recording, a live-documentation.

In the video, every song was treated in order to transport the feeling I wanted to express live at the show. As close as possible to the way the audience might have felt it that night. We used additional footages, used video snippets, photos and graphics and worked with lights, framings and reflections, changed colours and created moods, distorted pictures and inserted slides. And sometimes we kept the pure picture because itself it transported everything we wanted.

“Act II” is not a live-video, it is a live-art-video and you are free to discus it very controversially; what is exactly what I want.”

 “Act II” is going to be released on July 27th, 2018 on earMUSIC as 2CD digipak, 3LP Gatefold (180g, black), DVD, Blu-ray, Limited Mediabook 2CD+2BD (incl. two full live shows filmed at Woodstock Festival in Poland and Hellfest in France as bonus) and Digital.

A wide variety of exclusive, limited fan items and bundles can be found on Tarja’s official web shop: https://tarja.tmstor.es

“Act I”, Tarja’s first ever live release, charted Top 10 all over Europe as well as almost all over the world, with a sensational #5 in Germany's General Charts. The video version even remained for over two months at the peak of the Finnish music video charts.

“Act II” keeps the energy and aesthetics of its predecessor, but adds a new chapter to the live saga in a brand new way.

“Turn of the lights, volume up and dive into the show!” - Tarja

PREORDER THE ALBUM HERE:

Blu-ray: https://tarja.lnk.to/Act2_Blu-ray

DVD: https://tarja.lnk.to/Act2_DVD

Vinyl: https://tarja.lnk.to/Act2_Vinyl

Mediabook: https://tarja.lnk.to/Act2_Mediabook

Digital: https://tarja.lnk.to/Act2_Digital

CD: https://tarja.lnk.to/Act2_CD

Official webstore: https://tarja.tmstor.es

TRACK LIST

2CD

CD1
No Bitter End / 500 Letters / Eagle Eye / Demons In You / Lucid Dreamer / Shameless / The Living End / Calling From The Wild / Supremacy / Tutankhamen - Ever Dream - The Riddler - Slaying the Dreamer

CD2
Goldfinger / Deliverance // Acoustic Set: Until Silence - The Reign - Mystique Voyage - House of Wax - I Walk Alone // Love To Hate / Victim of Ritual / Undertaker / Too Many / Innocence / Die Alive / Until My Last Breath  

3LP+download code

Side A
No Bitter End / 500 Letters / Eagle Eye / Demons In You

Side B
Lucid Dreamer / Shameless / The Living End / Calling From The Wild

Side C
Supremacy / Tutankhamen - Ever Dream - The Riddler - Slaying the Dreamer / Goldfinger / Deliverance

Side D
Until Silence - The Reign - Mystique Voyage - House of Wax - I Walk Alone

Side E
Love To Hate / Victim of Ritual / Too Many

Side F
Undertaker / Innocence / Die Alive / Until My Last Breath  

 BD // DVD

Filmed at Metropolis Studios, London, UK, 6th of June 2016.

No Bitter End / Eagle Eye / Sing For Me / Love To Hate / The Living End / Medusa / Calling From The Wild / Victim Of Ritual / Die Alive / Innocence / Until My Last Breath / Too Many  

Filmed at Teatro della Luna Assago in Milan, Italy, 29th of November, 2016.

Against The Odds / No Bitter End / 500 Letters / Eagle Eye / Demons In You / Lucid Dreamer / Shameless / The Living End / Calling From The Wild / Supremacy / Tutankhamen – Ever Dream - The Riddler – Slaying the Dreamer / Goldfinger / Deliverance // Acoustic Set: Until Silence - The Reign - Mystique Voyage - House of Wax - I Walk Alone // Love To Hate / Victim of Ritual / Undertaker / Too Many / Innocence / Die Alive / Until My Last Breath  

Bonus Material
Interviews with Tarja and band members
PhotoGallery 1: Through the eyes of the fans
PhotoGallery 2: From stages and streets by Tim Tronckoe

Limited Mediabook

BD1
Filmed at Metropolis Studios, London, UK, 6th of June 2016
No Bitter End / Eagle Eye / Sing For Me / Love To Hate / The Living End / Medusa / Calling From The Wild / Victim Of Ritual / Die Alive / Innocence / Until My Last Breath / Too Many  

Filmed at Teatro della Luna Assago in Milan, Italy, 29th of November, 2016.

Against The Odds / No Bitter End / 500 Letters / Eagle Eye / Demons In You / Lucid Dreamer / Shameless / The Living End / Calling From The Wild / Supremacy / Tutankhamen – Ever Dream - The Riddler – Slaying the Dreamer / Goldfinger / Deliverance // Acoustic Set: Until Silence - The Reign - Mystique Voyage - House of Wax - I Walk Alone // Love To Hate / Victim of Ritual / Undertaker / Too Many / Innocence / Die Alive / Until My Last Breath  

Bonus Material
Interviews with Tarja and band members
PhotoGallery 1: Through the eyes of the fans
PhotoGallery 2: From stages and streets by Tim Tronckoe

BD2
Filmed at Woodstock Festival, Poland, 16th of July, 2016.

Against The Odds / No Bitter End / Demons In You / 500 Letters / Ciaran’s Well / Supremacy / Calling From The Wild / Tutankhamen – Ever Dream - The Riddler – Slaying the Dreamer / Innocence / Victim Of Ritual / Die Alive / Until My Last Breath / Over The Hills And Far Away

Filmed at Hellfest, France, 19th of June, 2016.
No Bitter End / Never Enough / Ciaran’s Well / Calling From The Wild / Supremacy / Victim Of Ritual / Tutankhamen – Ever Dream - The Riddler – Slaying the Dreamer / Die Alive / Until My Last Breath

CD1
No Bitter End / 500 Letters / Eagle Eye / Demons In You / Lucid Dreamer / Shameless / The Living End / Calling From The Wild / Supremacy / Tutankhamen - Ever Dream - The Riddler - Slaying the Dreamer

CD2
Goldfinger / Deliverance // Acoustic Set: Until Silence - The Reign - Mystique Voyage - House of Wax - I Walk Alone // Love To Hate / Victim of Ritual / Undertaker / Too Many / Innocence / Die Alive / Until My Last Breath  

……………………..

Tarja with her band and Stratovarius will be out on tour! 

A Nordic Symphony ‘18 - routing:

01.10.2018 - Frankfurt - Batschkapp

02.10.2018 - Kiel - Max

03.10.2018 - Hannover - Capitol

05.10.2018 - Karlsruhe - Substage

07.10.2018 - Utrecht - TivoliVredenburg

09.10.2018 - Bochum - Matrix

10.10.2018 - Cologne - Essigfabrik

11.10.2018 - Saarbrücken - Garage

13.10.2018 - Solothurn - Kofmehl

14.10.2018 - Grenoble - La Belle Electrique

16.10.2018 - Rome - Orion

17.10.2018 - Milan - Alcatraz

18.10.2018 - Munich - Backstage

20.10.2018 - Innsbruck - Music Hall

21.10.2018 - Prague - Forum Karlín

22.10.2018 - Berlin - Festsaal Kreuzberg

24.10.2018 - Gdansk - B90

25.10.2018 - Krakow – Studio

26.10.2018 - Dresden - Reithalle

28.10.2018 - Budapest – Barba Negra

29.10.2018 - Sofia - Universiada Sports Hall

The New Breed is our growing stable of young, exciting, up-and-coming bands who represent the future of hard rock and metal. The label is focused on finding and developing new bands from many different territories that will show the world that rock is indeed far from dead.

We have put together a sampler that includes tracks from some of the New Breed bands to whet fans’ appetites worldwide for these new signings. A FREE 12 track sampler can be downloaded from the label's website at www.frontiers.it and CD version of the same sampler is available from select New Breed artists' merch booths at current and upcoming gigs.

The New Breed sampler is also available on streaming services too, including:

YouTube: https://bit.ly/2GjCvf9

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2IZMkRd

Apple Music: https://apple.co/2LrRjeC

Deezer: https://bit.ly/2GJ9hpq

In addition to the sampler, Frontiers has also launched a New Breed Playlist on Spotify, which will be updated frequently. Be sure to follow it here: spoti.fi/2IJ2dLt

Follow the bands and the label and help FRONTIERS MUSIC show the world that #RockAintDead

Frontiers' President, Serafino Perugino says "In the past few years, we have been receiving more and more solicitations from new bands whose material has been of the utmost quality and immediately made us stand up and take attention! Like never before have we seen this much young talent surfacing all over the globe. So, we have set off on a journey to rejuvenate the rock scene, trying to find even more of the most exciting new acts in hard rock, metal, and melodic rock.

The NEW BREED, as we call them, are artists who will showcase to the fans some of the best new talent in rock 'n roll music!

We are confident fans will enjoy this music as much as we do because at the end of the day, we are just a bunch of music fanatics too! Music fans have an overwhelming amount of new music presented to them these days, but if they give the New Breed acts a chance, they will enjoy what they hear and quite possibly find their new favorite band or bands...

Looking forward to showing everyone out there that Rock Ain’t Dead!"

GM of US Operations, Nick Tieder, says of the New Breed, "New Breed is a concept we came up with to separate our developing acts from the established artists on the roster. Many of the New Breed bands are certainly influenced by music from the '70s, '80s, and or '90s, but they also have their feet firmly planted in the 21st century. We wanted to make sure fans are aware that not only is Frontiers the home for their favorite artists from yesteryear, but also home to a stable of emerging new talent. We see a TON of comments on social media from fans bemoaning the current state of rock music, seemingly unaware that there is a wealth of great new rock bands not only on Frontiers, but in the genre in general right under their noses. We are on a mission to remedy the perception that rock music is dead. It is quite the opposite, in reality.

And within the New Breed talent pool is a lot of diversity. They are running the gamut from modern hard rock to alternative rock to melodic rock to bluesy hard rock and more. The common theme they all share is loud guitars, excellent vocals, pulsating rhythm sections, and superb songwriting.

We hope rock fans out there, if they are so inclined, will take the time to download this free sampler and/or check it out on any of the digital streaming services. We're confident you'll not only find something you like, but something you LOVE!

Rock. Ain't. Dead.

Bands that make up the New Breed at the moment are…

- Croatia
ANIMAL DRIVE

- Finland
KING COMPANY
ONE DESIRE
SHIRAZ LANE

- Spain
LORDS OF BLACK

- Sweden
CREYE
PALACE
PERFECT PLAN

- United Kingdom
BIGFOOT
CITY OF THIEVES
DIRTY THRILLS
DOOMSDAY OUTLAW
INGLORIOUS
MASON HILL
THE BRINK
THE TREATMENT
TOSELAND

- United States
WAITING FOR MONDAY

We are officially opening applications for the position of lead vocalist in Bigfoot. We are a signed, touring band so serious applicants only please.

We are based in Greater Manchester but are willing to consider applicants in all locations and will adapt for the right person.

If you think you are right for the position please send a bio with any examples of your previous work directly to us via message on our Facebook page or to bigfootrockuk@gmail.com to be considered and receive further details.

Thank you in advance!

Sad news from the Bigfoot camp…after nearly 4 years, singer Antony ‘Ant’ Ellis has made the decision to move on from the band for personal reasons.

Ellis states, “I've decided I needed this simply for my overall happiness. I wish the lads all the luck in the world and I’m sure they will find a suitable replacement. Don't worry, I'll not be disappearing off the face of the earth and will be getting to as many gigs as I can to see you all. With love my friends/family - Ant”.

A statement from the band includes, “We would like to wish Ant the best of luck with his future and all that he pursues. As for us, we are looking to the future with positivity and have made the decision to continue the vision that we originally set out to create with the band. We hope all the fans, friends and colleagues we have met along the way will see this as a respectful parting of ways in this amicable decision. Sam, Tom, Mick & Matt”.

At present time there is no new singer in place but the band will be hard at work sifting through suggestions and resumes. Bigfoot will continue with plans for the next album and upcoming dates.

"FOOL (Fight of our Lives), the first single from the new SIR REG album is about pulling yourself back from the brink the minute you feel all hope is lost. Nothing and nobody can stand in your way when you decide to go grab your hopes and dreams and achieve everything you believe is rightfully yours.”  - Brendan Sheehy

SIR REG is an energetic six piece from Sweden fronted by Irishman Brendan Sheehy on vocals, who left his home-town of Dublin to come to Sweden to fulfill his dream – to put together the most amazing band possible.

With songs about everything from the issues of modern day society to finding the right bar on a Saturday night, combined with strong melodies and explosive live shows, SIR REG have made a name for themselves in the Celtic punk and rock scene.

Since the birth of the band in 2009 they have released four critically acclaimed albums and have performed on many of Europe’s biggest stages alongside bands like The Mahones, The Misfits, Thin Lizzy and The Real McKenzies. The band’s latest album Modern Day Disgrace (2016) has been hailed as their best to date by many fans and critics.

Later this year SIR REG will release their fifth studio album 'The Underdogs' on the Swedish based label Despotz Records. Here's what the band has to say about the album;

"The Underdogs is the new album from Celtic punk band SIR REG. Everyone loves an Underdog. They represent the belief that anyone can achieve and accomplish whatever they believe in, despite overwhelming odds. This album deals with the struggles and fighting of the ordinary men and women, to make their voice heard and their opinions count, whilst not losing their spirit and ability to enjoy the simpler things in life, like hanging out with friends at their favourite bar on a Saturday night.”

SIR REG are:

Brendan Sheehy - vocals / acoustic guitar
Karin Ullvin - violin
Chris Inoue - guitar
Mattias Söderlund - bass
Filip Burgman - mandolin
Mattias Liss – drums

Discography:
SIR REG (2010)
A Sign of the Times (2011)
21st Century Loser (2013)
Modern Day Disgrace (2016)

More from SIR REG
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
www.sirregband.com

Lizzy Borden returns with new Album 'Obsessed With You'

For decades, Lizzy Borden has been one of theatrical rock's top front-men. Released on June 15th, Borden will issue his first album in 11 years, My Midnight Things, via Metal Blade Records. With the hard n' heavy tracks of the album opening title cut "Obsessed With You" and "The Scar Across My Heart", the extended layoff between albums has not dulled his desire to rock and shock. "Although we have stayed busy touring all over the world, I missed being a recording artist. I look at the new album as a new beginning, I pushed the restart button on my career," Borden comments. 

The album can be ordered (and the "My Midnight Things" lyric video can be viewed) via this link: metalblade.com/lizzyborden - where the record is available in the following formats: 

--limited 1st edition Digipak-CD (includes bonus tracks)

--jewelcase-CD

--180g black vinyl

--clear pacific blue marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 300 copies)

--clear burgundy marbled vinyl (EU exclusive - limited to 200 copies)

--olive/black marbled vinyl (US exclusive - limited to 300 copies)

--opaque cool gray marbled vinyl (US exclusive - limited to 200 copies)

* exclusive bundles with a shirt, plus digital options are also available!

Having signed a new contract with Metal Blade on the strength of three demo tracks, Borden opted to produce My Midnight Things himself, with Joey Scott as co-producer, who also handled all the drumming duties. "I knew what I was going for and had doubts that I could find a producer who would understand that," Borden explains. "My approach is very different than what is happening in today's current sound."

The album was also mixed by Greg Fidelman (Metallica, Black Sabbath, Adele, U2) and mastered by Tom Baker (David Bowie, Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, Tom Petty).

Borden is planning on hitting the road shortly. "I've already started working on the 'My Midnight Things' show, and I really can't wait to play these songs live," Borden adds. "There are so many talented players out there in the world, I know I will find the right musicians to be on stage with me in my touring band in the new show. And just based on what is being talked about so far, it will be the best show I've ever done. I really do feel a new excitement that I have not felt in years. The best is yet to come."

My Midnight Things track-listing:

1. My Midnight Things 

2. Obsessed with You 

3. Long May They Haunt Us 

4. The Scar Across My Heart 

5. A Stranger to Love 

6. The Perfect Poison 

7. Run Away with Me 

8. Our Love Is God 

9. My Midnight Things (Reprise) 

10. We Belong to the Shadows 

Lizzy Borden online:   http://www.lizzyborden.com   http://www.facebook.com/lizzybordenband
https://twitter.com/realLizzyborden   https://www.instagram.com/reallizzyborden

Lord Of The Lost are a multi-talented, modern metal band whose music presents itself far beyond genre stereotypes: a solid metal base featuring industrial parts or other dark rock elements – nothing is impossible. 

This band takes a flying leap beyond genre parameters – better than ever! Their previous releases topped the German album charts already, while the upcoming release “Thornstar” will in no way be inferior to past efforts.

This, their sixth studio album, reveals even more sonic facets of the band, all the while remaining hard and forceful.

The deep and emotional concept behind the album follows the story of a doomed high civilization - “Thornstar” is a record unique in both sound and concept

Singer Chris Harms on this concept:

“From the beginning it has been a big vision we had with "Thornstar" – the concept demands a lot of responsibility. And the final result overtook us completely”.

“Thornstar” will be released on August 3rd, 2018, via Napalm Records. Pre-order the album here.

Tracklist:

CD1:
1. On This Rock I Will Build My Church
2. Loreley
3. Black Halo
4. In Our Hands
5. Morgana
6. Haythor
7. Naxxar
8. Cut Me Out
9. The Mortarian
10. Under the Sun
11. In Darkness, In Light
12. Forevermore
13. Ruins

     
CD2:
1. Abracadabra (feat. Dero Goi)
2. Voodoo Doll
3. The Art of Love
4. Lily of the Vale
5. Penta
6. Free Radicals
7. Live Pray Die Repeat

On the “Thornstar Tour 2018” Lord Of The Lost will make their way through Germany and Switzerland and even play their first headline shows in Spain, France and the UK. It will be loud, relentless and a display of pure joy for playing music – it is not without a reason, that Lord Of The Lost are one of the most sought after live bands of the scene!

Additional international shows are in the works. See all dates below.

European & UK Tour Dates 2018:

04.10.18 DE - Frankfurt / Batschkapp
05.10.18 DE - Hannover / Musikzentrum
06.10.18 DE - Berlin / Columbia Theater
11.10.18 DE - Nuremberg / Hirsch
12.10.18 DE - Cologne / Essigfabrik
13.10.18 DE - Dresden / Alter Schlachthof
18.10.18 CH - Pratteln / Z7
19.10.18 DE - Munich / Backstage
20.10.18 DE - Stuttgart / Im Wizemann
26.10.18 DE - Leipzig / Werk 2
27.10.18 DE - Hamburg / Markthalle
31.10.18 ES - Barcelona / Salamandra 1
01.11.18 FR - Toulouse / Rex
02.11.18 FR - Nantes / Ferrailleur
03.11.18 FR - Paris / Boule Noire
21.11.18 UK - Newcastle Upon Tyne / The Cluny
22.11.18 UK - Glasgow / Ivory Blacks
23.11.18 UK - Manchester / The Ruby Lounge
24.11.18 UK - London / Electrowerkz
25.11.18 UK - Bristol / The Fleece Bristol

Get tickets here.

Weblinks:  www.lordofthelost.de   www.facebook.com/lordofthelost

Airrace and The Treatment announce joint UK tour

One of the UK’s pioneering AOR acts, Airrace were originally formed in 1982. Having recently re-signed to the Frontiers label, they have today released a new single and announced a forthcoming album and
a tour to promote it.

The single, ‘Summer Rain’, is described by band leader and guitarist Laurie Mansworth as “a song for the summer. I wanted to write something upbeat with a positive feel, as there is far too much doom and gloom around at the moment. This song will hopefully take you to a sunny day and lift your spirit."

Watch the video and hear the song, "Summer Rain" here: https://youtu.be/-RAP_1jj87w

Pre-order "Untold Stories" here: http://radi.al/AirraceUntoldStories

The album, entitled ‘Untold Stories’, will be released on 10th August. Mansworth continues : “We had a great time making the record. It’s not typically Airrace, with a lot of the material being more 70’s influenced. There is also a much wider spectrum between light and shade in the writing. I have always liked a wide range of different musical styles, from ELO to Led Zep, and when writing these songs I incorporated many of my influences from over the years.”

An eight date UK tour in September to promote the album will see Airrace pairing up with Frontiers labelmates The Treatment with support from Tequila Mockingbyrd. The itinerary is :

21.09.18 CARDIFF Clwb Ifor Bach
22.09.18 LONDON Underworld
23.09.18 NORWICH Waterfront
24.09.18 CAMBRIDGE Portland
27.09.18 WOLVERHAMPTON Slade Rooms
28.09.18 SHEFFIELD Corporation
29.09.18 NEWCASTLE Cluny
30.09.18 GLASGOW Stereo

Known in Hard Rock circles for being the band that saw the musical debut of drummer Jason Bonham, Airrace was the brainchild of former More guitarist Laurie Mansworth. Following the acclaimed 1984 release of their debut album, ’Shaft Of Light’, the band supported rock titans such as Queen, AC/DC and Meat Loaf, but they had crash-landed by the summer of 1985. It took a 25th anniversary reissue of the record to reunite the group (with a slightly amended line-up), and they eventually issued a second album, ‘Back To The Start’, via Frontiers in 2011.

AIRRACE
Adam Payne - vocals
Laurie Mansworth - guitar
Rocky Newton - bass
Linda Kelsey Foster - keyboards
Dhani Mansworth - drums

Glasgow rockers HEAVY PETTIN' have announced UK tour dates in October 2018 with Punky Meadows & Frank Dimino of ANGEL - on their first ever UK tour. Heavy Pettin' will also be doing extra Headline Shows in Glasgow and Milton Keynes.

UK Tour dates:

12th OCT - Eleven, Stoke w/ Punky Meadows & Frank Dimino of Angel
13th OCT - The Underworld Camden, London w/ Punky Meadows & Frank Dimino of Angel
14th OCT - The Robin 2, Bilston w/ Punky Meadows & Frank Dimino of Angel
15th OCT - Bannermans Bar, Edinburgh w/ Punky Meadows & Frank Dimino of Angel
16th OCT - The Cat House, Glasgow - Headline Show
17th OCT - Trillians Newcastle, Newcastle w/ Punky Meadows & Frank Dimino of Angel
18th OCT - ROCK CITY, Nottingham w/ Punky Meadows & Frank Dimino of Angel
19th OCT - The Craufurd Arms, Milton Keynes - Headline Show

Stardom beckoned for Heavy Pettin' back in the early 80's with arena tours supporting Kiss, Ozzy and Mötley Crüe and along with the help of MTV, the band scored a couple of Stateside hits.

However, after two hit albums with 'Lettin' Loose' in 1983 and two years later with 'Rock Ain't Dead', they literally ended with a 'Big Bang' after a misguided attempt at the Eurovision Song Contest in '87 resulting in the band breaking up with their third album released after their demise two years later.

News of their reunion came as a complete surprise when earlier last summer Steve 'Hamie' Hayman flew over from the States from where he now resides to exclusively announce to MetalTalk & TotalRock that the band were reforming for a gig at WinterStorm and they did a triumphant return - with the prospect of further gigs across Europe/UK for 2018.

www.facebook.com/heavypettinofficial

LORDI - Your Tongue's Got The Cat (2018) // Official Lyric Video // AFM Records taken from the album 'Sexorcism', to be released May 25th, 2018. 

Pre order now and choose your store! EN: http://promo.afm-records.de/en/lordi DE: http://promo.afm-records.de/de/lordi

Powerwolf, Germany's most successful metal band, is back! 

After having released first details of the upcoming studio album “The Sacrament of Sin”, it's time for pre-orders to go live!

“The Sacrament of Sin” will be released on July 13th, 2018 via Napalm Records.

Pre-order the album here in the following formats:

Regular Editions:

• 2 x 1 CD Mediabook (36 pages + 24 pages)
• 1 CD Jewelcase
• 1 LP Gatefold black

Special Editions:

• 1 LP Gatefold green
• 1 LP Gatefold gold
• “Priest-Edition”: 3-CD Earbook (regular-, cover-, & orchester album) + Metal Cross (14 x 10 cm, Antique Copper Look) + Manipel (Preacher Scarf - 150 x 16 cm, Cotton with Embroidered Logo)

Deluxe Hardcover Box (only Non-Europe):

• 3-CD Earbook (28 x 28 cm, 80 pages) incl. Bonus Track (Earbook Exclusive) + Bonus Album (Cover Songs – 10 POWERWOLF Hits performed by Various Artists) + Bonus Album (Orchestral Songs – Earbook Exclusive)
• 1-LP in Gatefold (Gold)
• Bonus 1-LP in Silver (Cover Songs – Deluxe Box Exclusive)
• Cover Flag (150 x 100 cm)
• 5 Signed Photo Cards
• Cotton Bag
• Sticker

Matthew Greywolf on the upcoming release:

“We're proud to finally unveil the album title along with the amazing cover artwork of "The Sacrament of Sin". While we are in the final stage of mixing the album at Fascination Street Studios we can't wait to unleash this monster and celebrate this new chapter together with all of you - expect nothing less but a mass more intense than ever, bringing some new elements to the liturgy while being as wild and wolfish as it could!”...

Tracklist:

1. Fire & Forgive
2. Demons are A Girl's Best Friend
3. Killers with the Cross
4. Incense And Iron
5. Where the Wild Wolves Have Gone
6. Stossgebet
7. Nightside of Siberia
8. The Sacrament of Sin
9. Venom of Venus
10. Nighttime Rebel                                
11. Fist By Fist (Sacralize or Strike)
12. Midnight Madonna (Bonus Track – only available at EMP and Napalm Records-Mailorder)

Powerwolf's history of success is a true metal fairytale! With their last three records all hitting the Top 3 of the German album charts, two of them at Number 1, sold-out headline shows and frenetically celebrated festival gigs all over Europe, Powerwolf prove: Metal is religion and with their new effort The Sacrament Of Sin the best is yet to come!

After loads of captivating live gigs, sold-out headliner shows - Grab your chance to meet Powerwolf again at these very special summer festival appearances as well as on a full European headlining tour run together with Amaranthe and Kissin Dynamite! Get your tickets here.

Summer Festivals 2018:

15.06.18 FR - Paris / Download Festival
22.06.18 BE - Dessel / Graspop Metal Meeting
04.07.18 DE - Ballenstedt / Rock Harz Open Air
11.07.18 HU - Budapest / Rock Marathon Festival
12.07.18 CZ - Vizovice / Masters Of Rock Festival
14.07.18 DE - Balingen / Bang Your Head Festival
03.08.18 RO - Rasnov / Rockstad Extreme Fest
10.08.18 ES - Villena / ESP Leyendas Del Rock
16.08.18 DE - Dinkelsbühl / Summer Breeze Open Air
17.08.18 AT - Graz / Metal On The Hill
18.08.18 SE - Falun / Sabaton Open Air

European Tour Dates 2018:

26.10.2018 DE - Wiesbaden, Schlachthof
27.10.2018 DE - Oberhausen, Turbinenhalle
29.10.2018 DE - Hamburg, Grosse Freiheit 36
31.10.2018 DE - Berlin, Huxleys
01.11.2018 PL - Warsaw, Progresja
02.11.2018 DE - Leipzig, Haus Auensee
06.11.2018 AT - Vienna, Arena
07.11.2018 IT - Milan, Live Club
09.11.2018 DE - Munich, Tonhalle
10.11.2018 DE - Ludwigsburg, MHP Arena
11.11.2018 NL - Eindhoven, Effenaar
12.11.2018 UK - London, Koko
14.11.2018 CH - Lausanne, Les Docks
15.11.2018 CH - Zurich, Komplex 457
16.11.2018 DE - Geiselwind, Music Hall
17.11.2018 DE - Saarbrücken, Saarlandhalle

Tickets for all shows can be purchased here.

Weblinks:
www.powerwolf.net
www.facebook.com/powerwolfmetal

Heeding the ravenous Seventh Wonder fans’ requests to hear new music from the band, Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to finally announce the release of “Victorious”, the first single off of Seventh Wonder’s brand new studio album “Tiara”, which is scheduled for release on October 12th, 2018!

Hailing from Sweden, progressive metal greats Seventh Wonder are thrilled to be releasing their long in the making fifth studio album “Tiara”, their first batch of new material since “The Great Escape,” originally released in 2010. Having previously released via Frontiers the live album and long-form video, “Welcome to Atlanta” (recorded at the ProgPower Festival in 2014), the band is now ready to “unleash the beast”!

Says bassist Andreas Blomqvist: “It has been many years in the making, but it is finally done and we couldn’t be happier with it. "Tiara" is everything you have come to expect from Seventh Wonder, but I also hope there are some new flavors in there to keep it interesting. We really didn’t think too much about what sound we were going for, nor did we have to force it, it all came natural, albeit slow this time around… We are super proud of this album and we are so much looking forward to sharing it with you!”...

Continues Andreas: “"Victorious" was the first song on the album that was completed. It wasn’t written first, but it was the first one we sat down and wrote the lyrics for, so it is special to us. I am thrilled to finally be able to share a song off of Tiara with you!”...

“Tiara” will be released on October 12th, 2018 on CD, 2xLP, and MP3.

Pre-order “Tiara” here. Limited edition colored vinyl, t-shirt bundles, and more are available from Frontiers' webstore here.

Originally formed in Stockholm in 2000, the band debuted in 2005 with “Become”. The second album, “Waiting in the Wings” - and first to feature Tommy Karevik on vocals - followed in 2006. Two more successful records, the concept album, “Mercy Falls” (2008) and “The Great Escape” (2010) followed before the band went on a hiatus of sorts following singer Tommy Karevik being chosen to take Roy Kahn’s place in Kamelot.

Tracklist:

1. Arrival
2. The Everones
3. Dream Machines
4. Against the Grain
5. Victorious
6. Tiara's Song (Farewell Pt. 1)
7. Goodnight (Farewell Pt. 2)
8. Beyond Today (Farewell Pt. 3)
9. The Truth
10. By The Light of the Funeral Pyres
11. Damnation Below
12. Procession
13. Exhale

Line-up:

Andreas Blomqvist - Bass
Johan Liefvendahl - Guitar
Tommy Karevik - Vocals
Andreas Söderin - Keys
Stefan Norgren - Drums

Weblinks:
www.seventhwonder.se
www.facebook.com/seventhwonderofficial

Saarbrücken, Germany based melodic black/death metal newcomers The Spirit are pleased to announce that they've signed a deal with Nuclear Blast Records.

In the 1990s, the harshness of melodic death metal and the attitude of black metal were combined by a couple of Scandinavian bands, inventing a whole new breed of darkness and kick starting a new chapter in heavy music. The Spirit have taken this groundwork, adding their own impressive touches and unique identity, whilst always keeping their musical roots close to mind. Their songs are full of creative rhythms, clashing melodies and sharp sentiment; delivered fast-paced - vividly presenting the band's spirit.

The quartet's debut Sounds From The Vortex has already been highly praised by press and fans for its irrepressible power and passion. Every note is presented with a lot of heart and manic undertones. At this year's Party.San Open Air and Summer Breeze, The Spirit will spread their unholy atmosphere and prove their impeccable live skills.

The band stated on their alliance with Nuclear Blast:

"We are very proud that we could arouse Nuclear Blast's interest, which is such a renowned label that has released so many great albums throughout the years. There is no doubt that this collaboration is a giant step for The Spirit. Sinister music created with high passion is what you can expect. Sounds From The Vortex is just the beginning! We are looking forward to working with Nuclear Blast in the future and we are glad that they will spread our sounds all over the globe from now on."

The Spirit is: MT | vocals, guitars, AK | guitars, AT | bass, MS | drums

The Spirit have also announced that they'll be opening for death metal legends and label mates Kataklysm and Hypocrisy on their upcoming 'Death…Is Just The Beginning' European run in October/November. Full dates are below.

The Spirit live:
28.04. DE Saarbrücken - Kleiner Klub (w/ NARVIK, CARN DÛM)
09. - 11.08. DE Schlotheim - Party.San Open Air
15. - 18.08. DE Dinkelsbühl - Summer Breeze

'Death…Is Just The Beginning'
w/ KATAKLYSM, HYPOCRISY
18.10. DE Wiesbaden - Schlachthof
19.10. DE Stuttgart - LKA Longhorn
20.10. DE Munich - Backstage
23.10. HU Budapest - Barba Negra
24.10. AT Vienna - Arena
25.10. PL Wrocław - Zaklęte Rewiry
26.10. DE Geiselwind - MusicHall
27.10. IT Milan - Live Music Club
28.10. CH Pratteln - Z7
29.10. FR Lyon - Ninkasi Kao
31.10. ES Madrid - Sala Mon
01.11. ES Barcelona - Razzmatazz 2
02.11. FR Limoges - CC John Lennon
03.11. FR Paris - La Machine du Moulin Rouge
04.11. BE Antwerp - Trix
05.11. DE Hamburg - Docks
06.11. SE Gothenburg - Trädgår'n
07.11. SE Stockholm - Fryshuset
09.11. FIN Helsinki - The Circus
10.11. FIN Tampere - Pakkahuone
12.11. DK Copenhagen - Pumpehuset
13.11. NL Leeuwarden - Neushoorn
14.11. DE Berlin - Kesselhaus
15.11. DE Dresden - Eventwerk
16.11. DE Oberhausen - Turbinenhalle 2
17.11. DE Leipzig - Hellraiser

More info: www.thespiritmetal.bandcamp.com  www.facebook.com/thespiritband
www.nuclearblast.de/thespirit

I can't believe we are back on tour next month and with Danny back in the band, it's crazy!

Now I'm sure you all know how volatile and unsettled a band The Wildhearts have always been but right now there is a solidarity in our camp. This time last year Ginger and I were not even speaking to each other and here we are about to take our monster of a band back out on the road. We have started work on a new album and our differences have been well and truly buried. We have new management and we have major plans afoot.

Life is way too short and you need to make the most of all that you are given. We are so lucky that we still do this for a living and that enough folks out there give a fuck about us. Our fans are a truly lovely bunch, the best, who sing louder than most and in May we need you to come and support us, Reef, Terrovision and Dodgy and enjoy a huge big slice of muthafuckin Britrock!

For those about to ROCK!!!

Big Love

CJ

Keyboardist Vikram Shankar has joined progressive metal band Redemption. Nick van Dyk - the band's guitarist and songwriter, who has also played the majority of keyboards on Redemption's seven studio albums - comments: "We haven't had a dedicated keyboard player since before 2011's 'This Mortal Coil'. We were very happy and fortunate to have had Greg Hosharian in the band for some time, but when Greg left to focus on composing and conducting classical music, we decided to continue without replacing him and I returned to playing keys in addition to guitar. I'm comfortable enough handling things, but at the same time, from a performance and also from a compositional standpoint, it's always been in the back of my mind that having a dedicated keyboardist allows us to do more, sound better, and grow."

Van Dyk continues: "Almost as soon as Tom [Englund, vocals] joined Redemption, he introduced me to Vikram by way of Vik’s YouTube channel, where Vik showcases both original compositions as well as stunning arrangements of some great progressive metal songs. I was utterly floored. This is a guy who has perfect pitch, tremendous feeling to his playing, and is absolutely a virtuoso - I mean he literally plays blindfolded to perfect his technique. I've never seen anything like it. Then we spent some time together, both one on one and then with the rest of Redemption, and learned he’s a terrific guy as well as a terrific musician. He came out to LA for a few days and spent some time adding some parts to our otherwise-finished upcoming release, Long Night's Journey into Day, and it was evident that not only does he have technique and feel for miles to enhance our musicianship, but he and I share a similar compositional sensibility. We hear things the same way, plus Vikram adds fresh ideas and his tremendous talent as an arranger and writer. I can't wait to involve him more in songwriting for future material, and we are all thrilled to have him join us on stage and in the studio. He's an absolutely stunning talent."

"I'm honored to have the opportunity to play alongside the talented folks in Redemption!" enthused Vikram. "The guys are wonderful musicians and wonderful people, and I can't thank them enough for welcoming me into the fold as they have. Can't wait to see and play for all the Redemption fans at Progpower USA and elsewhere, and for the future of our music and collaboration!"

Already confirmed to headline ProgPower USA 2018, Redemption - featuring Tom Englund (vocals; Evergrey), Nick van Dyk (guitars and keyboards), Sean Andrews (bass), Chris Quirarte (drums), Vikram Shankar (keyboards) - will release their seventh full-length album, Long Night's Journey into Day, this summer via Metal Blade Records. The first to be produced with Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Primal Fear, Amaranthe, Doro, etc.), Long Night's Journey into Day also features guest guitarists Chris Poland (Megadeth, OHM) and Simone Mularoni (DGM). Stay tuned for more Redemption news coming soon!

https://www.facebook.com/RedemptionBand  https://twitter.com/redemptionmetal
http://redemptionweb.com/

Irish Pagan Metal Gods Primordial have just released their new album, Exile Amongst The Ruins, through Metal Blade Records. The album entered multiple charts globally, including a Top 10 entry in Germany. Comments Primordial: "It gives the statistician within us a very nice smile over our first week chart entries! Thanks to everyone who went out there and bought it in week one and supporting real independent music and to Metal blade for all the hard work! To the bitter end!"

Exile Amongst The Ruins chart numbers:

USA Current Hard Music Albums # 20

USA Top New Artist Albums # 28

USA Record Label Independent Current Albums # 61

USA Top New Artist Albums Consumption # 104

Canada Top 200: #140

Canada Hard Music Charts: #40

Germany album charts: # 9

Austria album charts: # 26

Switzerland album charts: # 27

Finland physical album charts: # 6

Sweden physical album charts: # 21

Sweden metal charts: #5

United Kingdom official rock & metal album charts: # 18

United Kingdom independent charts: # 39

To preview and purchase Exile Amongst The Ruins, please visit http://metalblade.com/primordial

Once again building upon their signature sound, the follow up to 2014's Where Greater Men Have Fallen is a more raw, "old school sounding" record than its predecessor. Hitting home with what vocalist A.A. Nemtheanga describes as "a direct energy" and wielding an urgency that is undeniable, the Irish quintet once again effortlessly blend elements of tragedy and might like no one else. Likewise, the evolution in their sound continues to be organic and unforced, ensuring that Exile Amongst The Ruins is essential listening for both their long term faithful and those only now drawn into their world.

Heathen Crusade 2018 tour dates

Presented by Metal Hammer, Deaf Forever, Guitar, Kulturnews, Metal.de, Firebird Industries & Dragon Productions

Featuring Primordial, Moonsorrow, Der Weg Einer Freiheit

Apr. 12 - Leeuwarden, Netherlands - Neushoorn
Apr. 13 - Tilburg, Netherlands - 013
Apr. 14 - Paris, France - Trabendo
Apr. 15 - Brugge, Belgium - Entrepot
Apr. 16 - London, UK - Islington Assembly Hall
Apr. 17 - Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg - Kulturfabrik
Apr. 18 - Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
Apr. 19 - Ludwigsburg, Germany - Rockfabrik
Apr. 20 - Leipzig, Germany - Hellraiser
Apr. 21 - Prague, Czech Republic - Akropolis
Apr. 22 - Kosice, Slovakia - Colloseum
Apr. 23 - Budapest, Hungary - Barba Negra
Apr. 24 - Wien, Austria - Szene
Apr. 25 - Munchen, Germany - Backstage
Apr. 26 - Aschaffenburg, Germany - Colos-Saal
Apr. 27 - Bochum, Germany - Matrix
Apr. 28 - Hamburg, Germany - Markthalle

Get your tickets now: dragon-productions.eu
Further info here: facebook.com/HeathenCrusade

Further Primordial festival appearances:

May 12 - Haugesund, Norway - Karmoygeddon
May 26 - Dublin, Ireland - Tivoli Theatre
June 9 - Solvesborg, Sweden - Sweden Rock
July 14 - Balingen, Germany - Bang Your Head!!!
July 20 - Bertingen, Germany - Rock Unter Den Eichen
July 21 - Brescia, Italy - Colony Festival
July 27 - Tolmin, Slovenia - Metaldays
Aug. 11 - Villena, Spain - Leyendas Del Rock
Aug. 12 - Kortrijk, Belgium - Alcatraz Metal Festival
Aug. 26 - Suceava, Romania - Bucovina Rock Castle

Primordial line-up:  A.A. Nemtheanga - Vocals, Ciarán MacUilliam - Guitar, Michael O'Floinn - Guitar, Pól MacAmlaigh - Bass, Simon O'Laoghaire - Drums

https://www.facebook.com/primordialofficial   https://www.youtube.com/user/primordialvideo
http://www.primordialweb.com/

Frontiers Music Srl is excited to announce the release of the new studio album, "Tectonic" from Amanda Somerville’s TRILLIUM on June 8th !

Best known for her collaborations with various high profile European metal bands like Avantasia, Epica, KAMELOT, After Forever, and her amazing musical partnership with Helloween vocalist Michael Kiske under the Kiske/Somerville banner, Amanda Somerville is easily one of the most sought after and gifted female vocalists of the current hard rock and metal scene. With a vocal range from tenor to soprano and a stylistically diverse singing ability, Amanda’s voice is well suited for multiple styles, but this new TRILLIUM album is firmly rooted in the metal genre, thanks also to the creative contribution from Amanda’s husband, former After Forever and HDK guitarist Sander Gommans.

"Where [Trillium debut album] “Alloy” was rather dark and moody and restless, Tectonic is on the whole more uplifting and full of strength and character, though it’s just as full of emotion,” explains Amanda. "My life was shaken up by figurative earthquakes through several elements shifting in recent years and that’s what this album represents. It’s a challenge to make an album that’s musically heavy without being dragged down by melancholy, but that’s what Sander and I set out to do from the beginning and it worked out beautifully!”

Amanda continues, “The core and essence of Tectonic is very personal and comes, basically, from the hearts and minds of a singer and a guitar player and I think that’s very apparent when you listen to the songs. Sander and I didn’t want to overthink things and over-complicate the songs. There’s definitely some bombast in there because we both have a love of keyboard arrangements, but they don’t rule the roost here. Also, the only guest performances are by good friends from my hometown in Flint, Michigan who also played live with me solo and with Trillium, and also some great mates and colleagues of Sander’s, so it’s really a “family” kind of album. We tried to keep things simple, and yet I think it’s anything but low-key!”

Today, the first song and video, "Time To Shine" from the album has been premiered:

 https://youtu.be/CyOpQ932n2E "The focus for the video was something where I wanted to show the essence of the album’s hopeful and uplifting spirit. “Time To Shine” depicts that positivity while maintaining a serious, hard-edge vibe, so it’s a good combination of the elements that I love about Tectonic. Besides being autobiographical, I feel like this is a song that says, “OK, I’ve arrived and it’s where I want to be: here I am, now let’s keep it going,” says Amanda.

Fans of Trillium’s debut album, “ALLOY” as well as artists like The Dark Element, Tarja, Cellar Darling, Lacuna Coil, and the like will find much to enjoy in this beautiful new record!

1. Time To Shine
2. Stand Up
3. Full Speed Ahead
4. Hit Me
5. Fighting Fate
6. Nocturna
7. Fatal Mistake
8. Shards
9. Cliché Freak Show
10. Eternal Spring

Produced by Amanda Somerville & Sander Gommans

Amanda Somerville’s TRILLIUM are:  Amanda Somerville - vocals, Sander Gommans - guitars & bass, Erik Van Ittersum - keyboards, Andre Borgman - drums

Except on: “Full Speed Ahead”: bass by Mark Burnash, 2nd guitar solo by Paul Owsinski

www.amandasomerville.com   www.facebook.com/amandasomervilleofficial
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Metal Blade Records is proud to announce the addition of epic melodic death metallers Nothgard from Germany to its roster! The Bavarian quartet has signed a multiple album deal with Metal Blade and is right now in the middle of recording their tentative new album, to be released during the second half of 2018!

Comments Nothgard singer/guitarist Dom R. Crey: "We are really happy to announce the signing with the renowned label Metal Blade Records. For years we have had an eye on the countless and fantastic releases Metal Blade has launched. Eventually we can call ourselves part of this family, something that makes us really proud. We are looking forward to a great collaboration and cannot wait to usher into a new era of Nothgard."

Dom is also presenting us an outlook on the upcoming new Nothgard album: "This exciting chapter will be initiated by a new studio album! In the history of the band we have never worked harder on an album. And to be honest we never had a clearer view on our approach of composing and on our sound. We listened to both, our fans and ourselves. We have clearly analyzed our strength and how to transfer this awareness to our material. Right now tons of work are still laying ahead of us and in the end our fans will judge the result. But let me tell you: As a band we are more than happy about the outcome so far and can't wait to present it to the rest of the World!"

Founded in 2008 by singer and lead guitarist Dom R. Crey, Nothgard dragged along the winning ways since their debut album, Warhorns Of Midgard, from 2011. The high technical quality of their guitar work and the epic orchestration of their melodic death metal is exciting to fans and critics alike. In 2014, the band released another epic milestone of deadly metal, memorable melodies and influences from both neo-classical and folk music called Age Of Pandora. After the release, Nothgard finally signed to Noise Art Records who released the band's latest album, The Sinner's Sake, their most serious approach yet to enter the melodic death metal throne. On The Sinner's Sake, deadly riffs meet playful, catchy lead guitars, while the epic orchestration arranges for a cinematic atmosphere that will bring goosebumps to your skin! Completed by Dom R. Crey's raw vocals, Nothgard's sound is both stormy-spectacular and full of a sublime atmosphere. With The Sinner's Sake, Nothgard set off into the most spectacular chapter in the band's history so far. And the best is yet to come!

Nothgard line-up:  Dom R. Crey - Vocals, Lead Guitar, Studio Keyboards, Skaahl - Guitars, Nico Kolja - Bass, Felix Indra - Drums

Nothgard live:

May 20 - Leipzig, Germany - Wave Gotik Treffen
June 14 - Uttenhofen, Germany - Aaargh Festival
July 5 - Ballenstedt, Germany - Rockharz Open Air
July 15 - Manrode, Germany - Fest Evil Manrode 2018
Aug. 24 - Cham, Germany - Mosh Open Air 2018
Aug. 31 - Nauen, Germany - Rock for Roots XV

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