Animal Drive go 'Back to the Roots'

Animal Drive have announced a new covers EP, "Back To The Roots" out April 5, 2019. We know you guys were really digging vocalist Dino Jelusic's vocal cover of Badlands' "The Last Time", so be sure to check out their new cover of the classic SKID ROW track, "Monkey Business", released today. Listen here: https://youtu.be/ne4wLcyOMMg

Stream or download "Monkey Business" on your preferred digital retailer HERE: http://radi.al/AnimalDrive

The band is set to commence work on a new studio album soon!

Croatian hard rockers Animal Drive are preparing to begin work in earnest on the follow-up album to their stunning debut, "Bite!". To hold fans over while they wait for the band's new album, Animal Drive jumped in the studio to record a covers EP, “Back to the Roots”. The tracklisting includes a super-heavy rendition of Roxette’s “The Look” (featuring the guest vocals of Frontiers labelmate and fellow Trans-Siberian Orchestra artist Rosa Laricchiuta), a magnificent and epic version of Whitesnake/David Coverdale’s “Judgement Day”, Skid Row’s “Monkey Business”, and WARRANT’s evergreen classic “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” Animal Drive showcase how much musical prowess the band possesses by covering these three hard rock classics and a mainstream '90s hit and completely making them their own.

On why the band chose to cover Skid Row's "Monkey Business", Dino Jelusic says “people used to, and still do sometimes, compare Animal Drive to Skid Row and their "Slave To The Grind" era. That song opens the "Slave To The Grind" album and it’s a monster jam, so it felt like a logical fit. Of the other covers on "Back To The Roots", Jelusic continues, "the other three songs are "Uncle Tom’s Cabin" by Warrant, "Judgement Day" by Whitesnake and "The Look" by Roxette. I've always wanted to cover "The Look" in a heavy way, so it was cool to finally do it. We are big Whitesnake fans and had to go for one of their more epic jams. The Warrant song is one of their absolute best and shows what a great songwriters Jani and the band are, plus it's a great fit for a heavy band to cover."

As for what can fans expect from the next Animal Drive album, Jelusic says, "I more or less have all the songs down. It will be epic, a lot more versatile than the first album, more pianos and orchestra, progressive, but still very heavy and melodic. Probably my finest lyrical and musical work to date."

Animal Drive's debut album, “Bite!” caused quite a stir in the hard rock scene, showcasing for the first time to the world the amazing vocals of Croatian singer Dino Jelusic. Originally formed in 2012 by Jelusic, who is the primary songwriter and driving force behind the band's sound, the band also features guitarist Ivan Keller, bassist Roko Nikolic aka Rokindja, and drummer Zvonimir Mihaljevic aka Zvone. Dino was chosen by the late, great Paul O'Neill to tour as a featured vocalist on Trans-Siberian Orchestra's most recent U.S. tours. Often compared to the likes of David Coverdale, Russell Allen, Sebastian Bach, and Steve Lee, Jelusic's commanding vocal presence is perfectly matched in Animal Drive's sound by guitarist Ivan Keller's monster riffs and screaming solos, and the thunderous rhythm section of Rokindja and Zvone.

Overall, Animal Drive showed, on their debut album, an impressive range of styles from Whitesnake and Skid Row at their heaviest to more modern hard rock/metal like Avenged Sevenfold and Alter Bridge to touches of progressive rock and metal elements the likes of Dream Theater thrown in the mix. The final result is melodic yet always very much possessing the hard rock "in your face" attitude.

"Back to the Roots” is a great chance to get accustomed with one of the hottest new hard rock bands around. Enjoy!

Tracklisting:

- "The Look" (featuring Rosa Laricchiuta)

- "Judgement Day"

- "Monkey Business"

- "Uncle Tom’s Cabin"

Band:

Dino Jelusic – vocals & keyboards

Keller – Guitar

Rokindja – bass

Zvone – Drums

Produced by Dino Jelusic

• Website: http://animal-drive.com/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalDrive69/

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/animaldrive1

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animaldrive/

Alice is once again bringing a killer bill. Iconic UK band The Stranglers are special guests plus MC50 (featuring Wayne Kramer).

The Stranglers boast a rich history, breaking the punk mould to produce many iconic hits down the years. From the languid ‘Peaches’, to the anthemic ‘No More Heroes’ and ‘Golden Brown’, the Londoners remain a visceral live act.

MC50 is original frontman Wayne Kramer’s celebration of 50 years of the MC5’s Kick Out The Jams, one the most incendiary rock albums ever. Playing the record from start to finish, Kramer has assembled a new line-up that recently completed both a US and a UK European tour in 2018, featuring Soundgarden’s Kim Thayil, and Fugazi’s Brendan Canty.

The MC5 and Alice Cooper have history. Alice was a Detroit native and returned there in 1970 to make his name in the city while The MC5, The Stooges and Bob Seger, among others, were tearing up the city. Harder, faster, stronger and darker than the hippies on the west coast, they changed music forever.

Commented Alice ‘We’re coming back in October for a big tour with our new show ‘Ol Black Eyes Is Back’ it’s going to be a great night with my very special guests The Stranglers plus the MC50’.

For more information visit www.alicecooper.com

Presale begins tomorrow at 10am local and tickets go on sale Friday Feb 22 at 10am local.

Tour Dates

October 2019:
4th - Manchester - Manchester Arena
5th – Aberdeen – Event Complex
7th - Leeds - First Direct Arena
8th – Brighton – Brighton Centre
10th - London – The O2
11th - Birmingham – Resorts World Arena
12th – Cardiff Arena

Bigfoot decide to call it a day ...

It is with great sadness that we are writing this. But after multiple meetings and discussions we have mutually agreed to part ways with Bigfoot after we have seen out our upcoming tour dates and commitments. No one is giving up music, so keep an eye out and I’m sure everyone will be bringing new music to you in the future.

Metal Blade Records is proud to welcome Fates Warning to its worldwide roster! Fates Warning began in the early 1980's playing a traditional style of heavy metal. However, they quickly began to adopt a more technically proficient style and are considered by many to be the first true prog-metal band. While the band has subsequently moved in more melodic and ambient directions, they have remained a vibrant and well-respected cornerstone for the prog camp within the heavy metal strata.

Jim Peterik & World Stage announced a new album, "Winds Of Change", will be out April 26, 2019 on Frontiers. First single, "Without A Bullet Being Fired" featuring Mike Reno of Loverboy is out now.

Pleased to share that our new U.S. webstore (that ships worldwide) is up & running! We've got signed stuff from L.A. GUNS, The End machine, & Burning Rain available as well as exclusive limited edition color vinyl from those bands & Whitesnake/David Coverdale too! (Sorry, the signed Whitesnake items SOLD OUT already.)

David Johansen, John Waite and other prominent 1970s musicians filed lawsuits on Tuesday accusing Sony Music Entertainment Inc. and UMG Recordings Inc. of improperly refusing to let them reclaim rights to songs they had long ago signed away. 

proposed class actions filed in Manhattan federal court said US copyright law gives songwriters who bargained away their works on unfavorable terms a “second chance” to reclaim their rights by filing termination notices after 35 years. But they said Sony and UMG have “routinely and systematically” ignored hundreds of notices, mainly because they deemed the songs “works made for hire” under their recording contracts and therefore not subject to being reclaimed. 

The named plaintiffs in the Sony case are Mr. Johansen, formerly of the New York Dolls and who as Buster Poindexter recorded “Hot Hot Hot”; John Lyon, who performs as Southside Johnny; and Paul Collins, known for the Paul Collins Beat. Plaintiffs suing UMG, a unit of France’s Vivendi SA, include Waite, formerly of The Babys and later known for his 1984 hit “Missing You”; and Joe Ely, a guitarist who has performed with The Clash, Bruce Springsteen and others. 

Sony and UMG did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The plaintiffs are represented by the law firm Blank Rome and by Evan Cohen, a Los Angeles lawyer. “We represent well over 100 artists from the late ’70s and early ’80s who want to own their US copyrights, but are being stonewalled by Sony and Universal after sending notices,” Mr. Cohen said in an interview. “In many cases, we are talking about artists who have never received royalties from the recordings.” 

Both lawsuits cover recording artists who served termination notices effective Jan. 1, 2013 or later. They seek injunctions requiring that the notices be honored, monetary damages and other remedies.

 — Reuters

"Power Crazy” is the band’s fourth full-length album and continues their successful formula of coupling sonic power with a taste for infectious riffs. With this record, The Treatment are firing on all cylinders with their slice of no frills hard rock. A quick listen will instantly reveal the essential ingredients of a classic hard rock album: riffs, huge choruses, catchy licks, and straight to the point songs.

“Power Crazy” is also The Treatment’s first album to feature new singer Tom Rampton. With his raspy voice reminiscent of the classic Bon Scott tone, you can rest assured he knows how to ride high on the guitar attack from guitarists Tao and Tagore Grey.

“We believe this record is a strong statement from the band and we look forward to playing the new songs live. We will be touring throughout 2019 and can’t wait to see all you Treatment troops at our shows next year,” says the band.

Tracklisting:

1. Let's Get Dirty

2. Rising Power

3. On The Money

4. Bite Back

5. Luck Of The Draw

6. Hang Them High

7. Scar With Her Name

8. King Of The City

9. Waiting For The Call

10. Laying It Down

11. The Fighting Song

12. Falling Down

To coincide with the release of “Power Crazy”, The Treatment will embark on a co-headline UK tour with Airrace in March and will hit the road in the UK  once again in May on the headlining “Power Crazy Tour” with special guests Bigfoot​. The Treatment are renowned for their high energy live show. The band have toured with the likes of Alice Cooper, Steel Panther, Thin Lizzy, Kiss, Motley Crüe, and Slash as well as gracing the stages at Download and Hellfest festivals, amongst others.

Co-headline with Airrace

Thurs 21st March - 02 Academy, Oxford 

Fri 22nd March - The Iron Road, Pershore

Sat 23rd March - Queens Hall, Nuneaton 

Sun 24th March - The Waterloo, Blackpool 

“Power Crazy Tour” with special guests Bigfoot

Wed 22nd May - The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton

Thurs 23rd May - Hanger 18, Swansea

Fri 24th May - The Underworld, London TICKETS HERE

Sat 25th May - The Waterfront, Norwich

Mon 27th May - The Portland, Cambridge TICKETS HERE

Wed 29th May - Corporation, Sheffield

Thurs 30th May - Rebellion, Manchester TICKETS HERE

Fri 31st May - Stereo, Glasgow TICKETS HERE

Sat 1st June - The Brickyard, Carlisle

Sun 2nd June - The Cluny, Newcastle  

The  Treatment  Are:  Tom  Rampton  –  Vocals,  Dhani  Mansworth  –  Drums,  Tagore  Grey  –  Guitar,  Tao  Grey  –  Guitar,  Rick  Newman  –  Bass  

Los Angeles, CA --- TOTO have released a brand new lyric video for "Devil's Tower."  Taken from their definitive box set: All In via Legacy Recordings (a division of Sony Music). 

“We originally recorded this track with Mike and Jeff Porcaro back in 1981 during the sessions for TOTO IV," Steve Lukather remarked.  "We never recorded a lead vocal or had lyrics for this one, so Joseph finished it up for us recently."  

The track is also available on all of the major streaming services as a stand alone single.  TOTO begins a eight show run in Japan on February 14th in Hiroshima.  The show in Toyko on February 20th at Budokan has already sold out.

TOTO will be busy in 2019. The band just returned from a standing room only run of Australia and New Zealand, and head to Japan and Indonesia in February.  This spring in to the Summer, they’ll stage a long tour of Europe, combining top billing festival appearances and headline dates, after which they’ll bring their “An Evening With” show to North America this Fall.  The 40 Trips Around The Sun tour is the band’s most extensive run in years with many more announcements to come.

Few ensembles in the history of recorded music have individually or collectively had a larger imprint on pop culture than the members of TOTO.  As individuals, the band members can be heard on an astonishing 5000 albums that together amass a sales history of a half a billion albums.  Amongst these recordings, NARAS applauded the performances with more than 200 Grammy nominations.  Collectively TOTO has over a billion streams worldwide on all streaming services.

With over 40 years together and literally thousands of credits, including the biggest selling album of all time: Michael Jackson’s Thriller, and accolades to their names, TOTO remains one of the top selling touring and recording acts in the world. They are the benchmark by which many artists base their sound and production, and they continue to transcend the standards set by the entire music community, being simply synonymous with musical credibility.  Their repertoire continues to be current via high profile usage on broadcast television.  They are pop culture, and are one of the few 70’s bands that have endured the changing trends and styles to a career enjoy a multi-generational worldwide fan base.

TOTO – 2019 - 40 TRIPS AROUND THE SUN TOUR

2/14    Hiroshima, JP                Bunka Gakuen HBG Hall
2/16    Kanazawa, JP                Kanazawa Kagekiza
2/18    Fukoka, JP                    Fukuoka Shimin Kaikan
2/20    Tokyo, JP                      Budokan
2/21    Osaka, JP                     Osaka Castle Hall
2/23    Morioka-Shi, JP            Morioka Iwate Kenmin Kaikan
2/25    Nagoya, JP                   Century Hall
2/27    Sendai, JP                    Sun Plaza
3/3      Jakarta, ID                    Java Jazz Festival
6/13    London, UK                  Live at Chelsea
6/15    Cork, IRL                      Live at the Marquee - Cork
6/18    Gavle, SE                    Gasklockorna 
6/20    Oslo, NO                      OverOslo 
6/21    Langesund, NO            Wrightegaarden
6/22    Sarpsborg, NO             Kulasparken 
6/23    Aarhus, DK                  Ceres Arena 
6/25    Sopot, PL                     Opera Lesna 
6/27    Budapest, HU              Budapest Arena 
6/28    Klam Bei Grein, AT      Clam Rock 
6/29    Eisenstadt, AT             Lovely Days 
6/30    Berlin, DE                    Zitadelle Open Air 
7/02    Munich, DE                 Tollwood Festival 
7/03    Marostica, IT                Piazza Degli Scacchi 
7/04    Rome, IT                     Auditorium Cavea 
7/05    Lucca, IT                     Piazza Napoleone 
7/07    Albi, FR                       Pause Guitare 
7/08    Cognac, FR                Cognac Pubic Garden
7/10    Barcelona, SP             L’Auditori del Forum
7/11    Nimes, FR                   Festival de Nimes
7/14    Gelsenkirchen, DE     Gelnsenkirchen Amphitheater 
7/16    Pratteln, CH                Z7 Summer Nights Open Air
7/17    Fussen, DE                Barockgarten 
7/18    Salem, DE                 Schloss Open Air 
7/20    Pori, FI                      Pori Jazz Festival 

Additional appearances will be announced in the coming months…

www.facebook.com/totoband  www.twitter.com/toto99com   www.totoofficial.com

Appearance of Nothing to release 'In Time of Darkness' on Escape Music 

Escape Music is pleased to announce the return of Swiss Progressive Melodic Metal Band Appearance of Nothing with their fourth album "In Times Of Darkness".

Precision and prog metal: the two go hand in hand - especially in Switzerland, home to clockworks and quality craftsmanship.

True to that national spirit, Appearance Of Nothing are stepping right into the tradition of outstanding and unique metal, Made In Switzerland (ever heard of Coroner, Eluveitie, or perhaps Celtic Frost?). Honing their skills together since 2004, the band around founding members Marc Petralito (piano, hammond, synths) and Omar Cuna (bass & vocals), along with shredders Manuel Meinen & Albert Ibrahimaj  and drummer Ronnie Wolf, have always felt true to Prog with a capital letter - think Opeth, Dream Theater,, or Symphony X.

With their new single ‘Storm’ they mark an explosive return after parting ways with their former lead singer in 2017. Keys blazing, the creative driving force Marc proudly places his giant synth walls right where they should be: front and center. The newest family members Albert Ibrahimaj (two-time winner of a prestigious Berklee College of Music scholarship) and Manuel Meinen - both acclaimed guitar teachers - have found themselves right at home, driving the band’s sound forward along with Ronnie, who has been making a name for himself for over 30 years ever since his work on the legendary 1985 album ‘Young Blood’ by Killer. Omar, finally, having already made the unusual transition from dancer to bass player early in his career, showcases how he inherited the position of main vocalist and frontman without skipping a note on his bass.

A new album has been completed as well, although the band remain shrouded regarding a potential release date. They can, however, announce some explosive details already: the record has been recorded and produced with none other than the undisputed queen of Swiss metal, Anna Murphy (Cellar Darling, ex-Eluveitie) at Soundfarm Studios, has been mastered by Jens Bogren (Opeth, Leprous, Symphony X & more), and features illustrious guest performers including Anna Murphy herself, cello virtuoso Tina Guo (Hans Zimmer, ‘Wonder Woman’ soundtrack), Devon Graves of the legendary Psychotic Waltz, and former Scar Symmetry vocalist Christian Älvestam. Last, but not least, Appearance of Nothing’s new guitar sound was created at Swiss guitar legend Tommy Vetterli’s New Sound Studio.

Appearance of Nothing are getting ready to take part in the European stages in 2019.

Tour dates so far:

02.03.2019 - Switzerland, Musigburg Aarburg

UK & Ireland

21.03.2019 - Sheffield Studio

22.03.2019 - North Wales, Hammerfest

23.03.2019 - Cardiff The Globe

24.03.2019 - Birmingham Hare & Hounds

26.03.2019 - Norwich The Waterfront Studio

27.03.2019 - Hull The Welly 2

28.03.2019 - Glasgow Audio

29.03.2019 - Dublin On The Rox

30.03.2019 - Manchester Academy 3

31.03.2019 - London Jazz Cafe Camden

20.04.2019 - Germany, Lörrach

31.08.2019 - Switzerland, Club Natters

21.09.2019 - Switzerland, Club Metbar Lenzburg

13.09.2019 - Italy, to_be_confirmed

14.09.2019 - Italy, to_be_confirmed

15.09.2019 - Italy, to_be_confirmed

More dates will be announced soon including Germany!

www-Escape-Music.com

Appearance of Nothing - In Times Of Darkness

Release Date: 22 March 2019

Catalogue No: ESM328

Track Listing:

01 Inside these Walls 06:32

02 The Black Sea 09:26

03 Storm 04:25

04 Erase 07:00

05 Deception 07:01

06 Disaster (Sweetest Enemy) 05:28

07 Lost 05:17

08 The Huntress 09:22

Appearance of Nothing is: Omar Cuna - Vocals and Bass, Marc Petralito - Piano, Hammond, Synth, Ronnie Wolf - Drums, Manuel Meinen - Guitars, Albert Ibrahimaj - Guitars

Guest appearances:

Anna Murphy - Backing Vocals & Lead Vocals on ‘Storm’ & Lost’

Tina Guo - Cello on ‘The Black Sea’ & ‘Deception’

Christian Älvestam - Growls

Devon Graves - Vocals on ‘Disaster’

Drums, Vocals, Piano & Hammond recorded by Anna Murphy at Soundfarm Studios 

Guitars & Bass recorded by Tommy Vetterli at New Sound Studio 

Acoustic guitars recorded at Music’s Cool Studios Freiburg 

Mixed by Anna Murphy 

Mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios 

Introducing Rough Rockers from Sweden ...

Swedish hard rockers Rough Rockers announce the release of their brand new EP, ‘Smoke And Mirrors’ via Dutch label RVPrecords on April 29. Originally conceived as a songwriter/recording project in 2012 by vocalist/bassist Peter Ljungberg and guitarist Magnus Hällström, the group finally secured a permanent line-up with the recruitment of Australian guitarist Joe Matera and Swedish drummer Roger Eriksson in 2018. The band signed to Dutch record label RVPrecords in late 2018.

Matera – a solo recording artist in his own right – was invited to join the band after both he and the band undertook support slots for NWOBHM band Weapon UK in Sweden in 2017. “I’m looking forward to rocking out with the band” says Matera, “and bringing our unique brand of guitar driven rock to audiences across Europe”.

Adds Ljungberg, “I`m so pleased with the way we have put the songs together. We’ve captured the energy of the band in the essence of the songs, and have created a powerful sound of solid catchy rock `n` roll”. 

The new EP features a special appearance by legendary singer Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Alcatrazz, Michael Schenker Group) who guests on lead vocals on the track, “Unleash The Beast”, Twan Bakker, CEO of RVPrecords said, “I got to know the Swedish Rough Rockers through Joe. Their sound, combined with the personal connection to the ever hard working Matera and respected professional Ljungberg convinced me to sign these guys.”

The EP - was mixed by Tomas Skogsberg (Backyard Babies, Entombed) -showcases the band’s diverse songwriting craft and tough twin guitar sound, with a knack for both sparking tasteful rock tunes and elegant ballads, all underscored by a catchy melodicism.

‘Smoke And Mirrors’ will be released both on CD and as a special limited 12” RED vinyl. The band will tour in support of the new release in May.

Further info and press enquiries: http://www.rvprecords.com www.roughrockerssweden.com

Lance King to release 2nd solo album 'ReProgram in March 2019

Legendary singer Lance King, original voice behind PYRAMAZE, AVIAN, BALANCE OF POWER and GEMINI is releasing his second solo album 'ReProgram' in the style of heavy metal that he has properly labeled as 'Celestial Metal', MARCH 29 is the new release date on Nightmare Records.

We are divided and torn by what we want to do and what we think we should to do. This is the ultimate struggle that every human being deals with during their lifetime. We all have the choice to take the road of conformity and compliance, or we can decide to live life to the fullest. We are often held back from our potential because of the many rules handed down to us, indoctrinated ideals of education, sexuality, gender, family, religion, and career.  People are usually tied to these rules on a deep level that often make no sense to them, but they prefer the comfort of feeling like they belong, to the often-lonely freedom of being the ones who live on their own terms. This is the internal and external struggle that Lance King wants to showcase with his music.

"ReProgram' is digitally available on iTunes and Amazon today Feb 1st, Pre-order and get an early "gratis track!"

There is a constant dissonance in our lives, and ReProgram looks to find harmony in the dissonant world that we have created. An album for the seekers of truth, for the ones who carry the fire and never let it die. Think of ReProgram as fuel for the restless soul that constantly pounds within your chest. An aural expression infused in metal and forged out of the promise of freedom. That wild and unapologetic inner-self that never fails to remind you of the passion, the adventure and the journey of life. That human being that wants to break away from the mindless zombie herds following the MEME culture.

An album for the Jedi, for the spiritually charged, for the ones that never fade away. Metal that supercharges the mind and encourages the body.

“The single most powerful thing you can do, is unlearn the limiting beliefs you have accepted as truths in your youth. This frees you from the chains that bind, the chains of the subconscious mind.” -- Lance King

Produced by Lance King & Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Evergrey, Epica, Amaranthe)

www.LanceKingMusic.com

Co-Writing Performers:

Kim Olesen - (Anubis Gate)

(Guitars and Keys on 'ReProgram' and 'Technology')

Markus Sigfridsson - (Darkwater/Harmony)

(Guitars and Keys on 'Stand your Ground', 'Limitless', 'Perfect World')

Matt Hodsdon - (Chaos Frame)

(Guitars and Keys on 'Chaotica', 'Reaction Formation', 'Spell of Domestication')

Rich Hinks - (Annihilator / Aeon Zen)

(Bass on all tracks except (*) Guitar, Keys on 'Pointing Fingers', 'A Mind at War', 'Wide Open')

Lance's Featured Friends:

Morten Gade Sørensen  (Pyramaze/Anubis Gate) Massive Grooves and Percussion

Fred Columbo (Spheric Universe Experience)  (Keys transition between 'Wide Open & Chaotica', solo on 'Spell of Domestication' and 'A Mind at War')

Mattias IA Eklundh (Freak Kitchen) (Guitar solo on 'Wide Open')

Jakob Riis  (L Wood Joy) ( *Bass on 'ReProgram' and 'Technology')

Finnish heavy rockers Leverage finally put an end to their 10 year hiatus between studio albums with the announcement of the release of their highly anticipated new album, “Determinus”. Preceded by the release of the 2018 (digital only) EP “The Devil’s Turn”, Leverage are set to retake their place in the standings of the heavy metal/hard rock community with this new album. First single and video, "Burn Love Burn" is out today and you can see/hear it below:

Leverage is not a power metal band, nor an AOR band, and definitely not a throwback to the 80’s band. Leverage don’t fall into an easy category. Leverage developed their own style of heavy rock in the 2000’s. For the band, it has always been about making and playing music with all of their hearts and souls while having a blast doing it. Their sonic stamp says “Leverage”. That’s it. “The new album is the same but different,” says guitarist and founder Tuomas Heikkinen. “This is the way I write. It is heavy rock and draws from a variety of influences, mine or the other members. I used to make demos that had every bass, drum and keyboard note MIDI programmed to detail and then just asked the guys to reproduce that exactly, but now I only underline the passages that I feel are essential and let them have a go at expressing themselves as musicians. And just as importantly, I always try to hear the vocalist in my head when writing. Pekka and Kimmo are two different singers, that definitely guides the process.”

Leverage landed on the scene in 2006 with the independent release of their debut album, “Tides”. With their blend of symphonic and melodic hard rock combined with some progressive metal twists, Leverage created a buzz on the scene and were signed by Frontiers for the release of their second album, “Blind Fire” in 2008. Spinefarm/Universal picked the band up for their next album, “Circus Colossus” (2009), but the band became inactive not too long after. “People that have heard the music say that it definitely has the Leverage vibe, but also covers new ground. It has variety, ranging from pretty damn heavy to all kinds of far ends at times. This album sounds like a band playing and there’s movement where we didn’t use to have it. There’s less overdubs, not too many huge hired choirs, very little MIDI orchestrations and less tracks all together,” continues Heikkinen.

"Determinus" also introduces their amazing new singer, Kimmo Blom (Urban Tale, Raskasta Joulua) and a new guitar player, Mikko Salovaara. “Kimmo is a phenomenal and very versatile singer. He draws pictures in front of you the way he sings,” concludes Tuomas. "He has a huge presence, both seen and heard and is not the most typical vocalist in this scene. He approaches each song as a short story and really throws himself in there. Mikko is a monster guitar player with a background of very heavy and complex metal with a band called Kiuas. It was like "I am going to get him or Leverage will have only one guitar". I am happy he wanted to join the band. I have been blessed to get to work with outstanding guitar players in Leverage, first with Torsti and now with Mikko.”

"I’m really excited about all this, getting back to making Leverage music with a great group of people, old and new. And getting it out through a solid label to the fans," concludes Tuomas.

“DeterminUs” promises to be one of the highlights of the melodic metal genre in 2019.  Out on Frontiers Music Srl on 26th April 2019.

Tracklist:

1. Burn Love Burn

2. Wind Of Morrigan

3. Tiger

4. Red Moon Over Sonora (album version)

5. Mephistocrate

6. Afterworld’s Disciple

7. When We Were Young

8. Heaven’s No Place For Us

9. Hand Of God

10. Rollerball

11. Troy

Line-up: Kimmo Blom - vocals, Mikko Salovaara - guitars, Tuomas Heikkinen - guitars, Sami Norrbacka - bass, Valtteri Revonkorpi -– drums, Marko Niskala - keyboards

Links  https://leverageofficial.com  https://www.facebook.com/leverageofficial/  https://twitter.com/leverageband  https://www.instagram.com/leverageofficial/

On March 22, 2019, Harem Scarem band will release "The Ultimate Collection Box Set” a 14CD limited edition deluxe box set and four titles (“Weight of the World,” “Higher”, “Thirteen”, “United”) on limited edition color vinyl. All tracks remastered by Harry Hess. Full details below.

Pre-order: http://radi.al/TheUltimateCollection

U.S. & Canada Customers Pre-Order HERE: http://pmusic.co/lnW4N1 [This is the ONLY store in North America where the limited edition box set will be available and it strictly limited to 100 copies. That's it. Only 100 copies being sent to North America! For the colored vinyl, only 150 copies are being sent to North America. 50 copies of each limited edition color vinyl are available at this store with the remaining 100 copies shipping to our North American distributor for distribution to physical retailers. If you absolutely want to guarantee that you will secure yourself a copy of one of the vinyl reissues, then your best bet would be to order from here. We cannot know or guarantee which retail stores will get copies of the remaining 100 as it will be first come, first serve.]

EU Customers Pre-Order HERE: www.frontiers.shop

Given the "hard to find" nature of many titles in Harem Scarem's catalog, the band, in cooperation with Frontiers, has decided to make their catalog available in an exclusive, limited edition box set. The result is a mammoth box set inclusive of 13 studio albums encompassing the entire Harem Scarem discography plus a gargantuan amount of rare, unreleased, and bonus tracks which comprise a full bonus disc, in addition to original bonus tracks added to individual albums. The 14 CDs will be packaged in vinyl replica slipcases housed inside a collector's box.

On top of this, Frontiers and the band decided to add a very special one time limited run of colored vinyl for the signature Frontiers' catalogue releases “Weight of the World,” “Higher”, “Thirteen”, and the band’s last studio album, “United”. These vinyl runs are EXTREMELY LIMITED. For example, ONLY 150 TOTAL will be available in North America, so act fast to secure one.

The full set will also be available digitally as well.

Tracklistings:

CD 1 Harem Scarem
1. Hard To Love
2. Distant Memory
3. With A Little Love
4. Honestly
5. Love Reaction
6. Slowly Slipping Away
7. All Over Again
8. Don't Give Your Heart Away
9. How Long
10. Something To Say

Bonus tracks:
11. Hard To Love (Acoustic)
12. How Long (Acoustic)
13. Honestly (Acoustic)
14. Slowly Slipping Away (Acoustic)

CD 2 Moodswings
1. Saviors Never Cry
2. No Justice
3. Stranger Than Love
4. Changes Come Around
5. Jealousy
6. Sentimental Blvd
7. Mandy
8. Empty Promises
9. If There Was A Time
10. Just Like I Planned
11. Had Enough

Bonus tracks:
12. Change Comes Around (acoustic)
13. No Justice (Crazy Pants Remix)
14. If There Was A Time (acoustic)
15. Jealousy (acoustic)
16. Just Like I Planned (Acoustic)
17. Stranger Than Love (acoustic)

CD 3 Voice Of Reason
1. Voice Of Reason
2. Blue
3. Warming A Frozen Rose
4. Let It Go
5. And That's All
6. Breathing Sand
7. Candle
8. The Paint Thins
9. I'll Be Brief
10. Untouched
11. Necessary Evil

Bonus track:
12. Candle (Acoustic)

CD 4 Believe / Karma Cleansing
1. Believe
2. Die Off Hard
3. Hail, Hail
4. Staying Away
5. Baby With A Nail Gun
6. Morning Grey
7. Victim Of Fate
8. Rain
9. I Won't Be There
10. Karma Cleansing
11. Cages
12. The Mirror
13. Rain (Acoustic)

CD 5 Big Bang Theory
1. So Blind
2. Climb The Gate
3. Reload
4. Tables Turning
5. Turn Around
6. Seas Of Dissension
7. Sometimes I Wish
8. Never Have It All
9. Lying
10. Without You
11. Wasted Time
12. New Religion
13. What I Do
14. In My State Of Mind
15. So Blind (Acoustic)

CD 6 Weight Of The World
1. Weight Of The World
2. Killing Me
3. Outside Your Window
4. All I Want Is Everything
5. This Ain't Over
6. Internude
7. You Ruined Everything
8. Charmed Life
9. If You
10. See Saw
11. Voice Inside
12. End Of Time

CD 7 Higher
1. Reach
2. Waited
3. Torn Right Out
4. Give It To You
5. Higher
6. Run And Hide
7. Lucky Ones
8. Lies
9. Gone
10. Lost
11. Wishing
12. Higher (Acoustic)

CD 8 Overload
1. Dagger
2. Afterglow
3. Rise & Fall
4. Don't Come Easy
5. Can't Live With You
6. Forgive & Forget
7. All You're Getting
8. Leading Me On
9. Understand You
10. Same Mistakes

CD 9 Human Nature
1. Human Nature
2. Next Time Around
3. Caught Up In Your World
4. Reality
5. Hanging On
6. Don't Throw It Away
7. Give Love/Get Love
8. 21
9. Starlight
10. Going Under
11. Tomorrow May Be Gone
12. Human Nature (Acoustic)
13. Caught Up In Your World (Acoustic)

CD 10 Hope
1. Watch Your Back
2. Time Bomb
3. Hope
4. Days Are Numbered
5. Dark Times
6. Beyond Repair
7. Never Too Late
8. Shooting Star
9. Calm Before The Storm
10. Nothing Without You

CD 11 Thirteen
1. Garden Of Eden
2. Live It
3. Early Warning Signs
4. The Midnight Hours
5. Whatever It Takes
6. Saints And Sinners
7. All I Need
8. Troubled Times
9. Never Say Never
10. Stardust
11. Garden Of Eden (Acoustic)
12. The Midnight Hours (Acoustic)

CD 12 United
1. United
2. Here Today Gone Tomorrow
3. Gravity
4. Sinking Ship
5. One Of Life’s Mysteries
6. No Regrets
7. Bite The Bullet
8. Things I Know
9. Heaven And Earth
10. Indestructible
11. Here Today Gone Tomorrow (Acoustic)
12. Sky Is Falling (Acoustic)

CD 13 The Early Years
1.Whatever I Want
2. When The Morning Comes
3. Say Goodbye
4. Looking Back
5. All Over Again
6. Honestly
7. Lovin’ Like 90
8. One Step At A Time
9. Staying Away
10. Last Time
11. One Of The Wounded
12. Right Time
13. You’re The One
14. Out Of Love
15. Lost In Yesterday
16. I Can Hear Them Now

CD 14 Bonus Tracks
1. Easier
2. If I’d Been Awake
3. World Gone To Pieces
4. Brighter Day
5. Remember
6. Anarchy
7. Why
8. Freedom
9. More Than You’ll Ever Know
10. Good Enough
11. Coming Down (Acoustic)

Lineup:
Harry Hess: vocals
Pete Lesperance: guitars
Mike Gionet, Barry Donaghy, Stan Miczek: bass
Darren Smith, Creighton Doane: drums

Recently we have been made aware, through artists, affiliates, and public postings, about rumors concerning potential financial problems at PledgeMusic. As you may be aware, PledgeMusic is the platform we chose as a partner for the Frontiers' North American webstore (with certain products being exclusive to the store).

Frontiers is now doing due diligence to ascertain what is the exact situation with the company in order to avoid or at least minimize issues with our artists and to the label itself.

British hard rock five-piece The Treatment are thrilled to announce the release of their brand new album, “Power Crazy” on March 22, 2019. The band have also launched a new single, “Bite Back” today with a lyric video HERE: https://youtu.be/HsuOhGVmkdg

Pre-order HERE: http://radi.al/PowerCrazy

"Power Crazy” is the band’s fourth full-length album and continues their successful formula of coupling sonic power with a taste for infectious riffs. With this record, The Treatment are firing on all cylinders with their slice of no frills hard rock. A quick listen will instantly reveal the essential ingredients of a classic hard rock album: riffs, huge choruses, catchy licks, and straight to the point songs.

Scottish drummer Ted McKenna, who played with a range of artists including Rory Gallagher, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Ian Gillan and Michael Schenker, has died at the age of 68.

The news was confirmed on Facebook by Gerry McAvoy, a close friend, who wrote ... "I'm lost for words creating this post. I lost my friend and comrade this morning. After what should have been a routine operation, there were complications, meaning Ted started hemorrhaging blood. Sadly the surgeons could not stop the bleeding. I spoke with Ted on Thursday, wished him good luck and told him we will speak on Saturday. I'm devastated. Ted was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. A brilliant musician.  He was a big man with a big heart, and he has left us all with a big hole in our lives. My thoughts are with Laura, Casey, Heather and Claire, and everyone who's lives were touched by the big man. RIP Ted from myself, Marcel, Davy, and all those musicians who had the pleasure of playing with one of the finest drummers of all time."

Tributes to the great man have since flooded the internet with fond memories shared by many who had performed with him over the years, seen him perform, or met him in person after a show.

Michael Schenker wrote on Facebook ... "We are totally heartbroken to hear about Ted McKenna, our amazing drummer and dearest friend, passing away this morning. Its a massive shock and a huge loss to lose Ted so suddenly.  He always had a smile on his face and was one of the most sincerely genuine people you could ever have the pleasure of meeting. One of the great rock drummers, he always played from the heart and his heart was music.  Rest in peace, Ted. We will miss you."

Former MSG bass player Chris Glen wrote ...  "Awoke this morning to the terrible news that our beloved brother Ted has left us. Seemingly he passed away during complications with his operation for his hernia. My most heartfelt condolences to all his friends and family... Just can't believe it."

Ex-MARILLION frontman Fish wrote ... "I just heard the tragic news today that my dear friend Ted McKenna passed away this morning. A fabulous musician and one of the all-time greats who inspired so many rock drummers across generations he was a truly legendary stick man who graced so many kits behind so many world-famous bands. I had the enormous pleasure of not only working in the studio with him but also sharing stages in various incarnations over the years. He was a monster drummer with endless energies who played with so much soul and passion and drove songs with a power and grace like no other.

But it wasn't only his playing that made him such a legend. He was a beautiful man who could drift from the comic to the serious, abound with stories and anecdotes, a perpetual smile despite all the difficulties he encountered and suffered over the years with never a bad word to say about anyone. I loved his bear hugs and his enthusiasm for everything. Always positive and always there for you if you needed him. He was a man's man and I am honoured to have had him as a true friend.

My heart goes out to his family and his friends, of which he had so many and to all the people he touched with the music over his long years with us. He will be deeply missed and never replaced.

"Love you, Ted. RIP brother."

Robin McAuley wrote ... "I’m only now reading this terribly sad news about our very own Ted McKenna. A most wonderful and kind man and one of the greatest drummers in the business. I spent many hours chatting with Ted while on the tour bus or in the dressing room at whatever city we played. He told me so many stories about his time in SAAB and also with Rory Gallagher. Great stories great laughs. He told me about his teaching and his many students. He had his Son Casey at our last London show and how proud he was to have him there.

He had mentioned several times to me about finding the time to have this hernia surgery.. it bothered him he told me and was uncomfortable while playing sometimes. Now this devastating news from what is generally a routine surgery.  I absolutely loved sharing the stage with this lovely man! This incredibly solid experienced man! So much more than just a great drummer.  
This is very upsetting news indeed. I loved you Ted McKenna and will miss you dearly my friend and Brother.  Our heartfelt condolences and prayers to all Ted’s family at this time.  Rest In Peace!  

Tributes continue to flood in as the world mourns the loss of both a very talented musician, but an all round top bloke too.

Ted McKenna RIP - 10.03.1950 – 19.01.2019

Tygers Of Pan Tang has sold an impressive amount of 10.000 copies of their 2016 self titled come-back album. This weekend, gold discs were presented to the band by Mighty Music CEO Michael H. Andersen while visiting the band in their hometown Newcastle to discuss the album plans for the upcoming album.

Tygers Of Pan Tang will enter the studio with producer Fred Purser (previously a Tygers Of Pan Tang member himself) in April to record the upcoming album and again Soren Andersen/Medley Studios (Glenn Hughes, Mike Tramp) will be handling the mixing duties.

Statement DK, one of the most hard-working bands in Denmark, release their third opus, "Force Of Life", on March 1st on Mighty Music. The record was produced and mixed by Soren Andersen (Mike Tramp Official, Glenn Hughes) and features 10 songs of melodic rock/metal for fans of Disturbed, Metallica & Pretty Maids. Artwork was done by Jobert Mello/Sledge Hammer (Sabaton, Primal Fear).

The Copenhagen based hard rock band Statement is a living proof that raw talent, ambition and honesty can still prevail in an ailing music industry. The backbone of their work? Old school Hard Rock songs with a new twist.

MERIDIAN ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM "MARGIN OF ERROR" TO BE RELEASED ON MARCH 22ND 2019

Denmarks melodic heavy metal band MERIDIAN are releasing their third album “Margin Of Error” as the follow-up to the critically acclaimed “Breaking The Surface” from 2016. It's the bands third album, but it contains a couple of firsts. It's the first full album made with guitarist and producer Marco Angioni, and it's the first album written and recorded with a stable line-up, all sharing the same musical vision.

"Stray From The Flock" is the new studio album from Mike Tramp. Released on the 1st of March on CD, double gatefold LP on black 140G vinyl, LTD double gatefold LP on orange colour LP 180G (500 copies only) digital and cassette.

All formats can be pre-ordered at the official Trampshop www.targetshop.dk/miketramp - and all orders placed before 1st of February will be personally signed by Mike Tramp.

The Treatment have announced the "Power Crazy Tour", a UK headlining run scheduled for May-June 2019.

The Treatment returned in late 2018 with a brand-new singer Tom Rampton, a single ‘Lets Get Dirty’, and a sold out September co-headline tour with Airrace. See the video for ‘Let’s Get Dirty” here: https://youtu.be/-7v88lCz-SI

”Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, dear Friends, Brothers, and Sisters!

We want to take the opportunity to announce the end of The Poodles journey together as a band, and what an amazing experience it has been!

Over the last 12 years we have travelled the roads together, created beautiful music, faught, laughed, loved, and dreamed!

Alas, every ship must find a port e no matter how great the journey!

We have cherished every moment and every encounter along the way. We want to thank the many people who helped and collaborated with us, some only briefly, others for longer periods of time; all in the service of rock! You know who you are!

Also a very special THANK YOU to our fantastic fans and audiences for following us on the road, appreciating our music and for supporting us in every way! Without you, nothing of this would have been possible, we wish you all the very best!!!

Now, the future is yet to be written and we hope to see you soon, somehow, somewhere!

Kansas announce new keyboardist

KANSAS is excited to announce keyboardist Tom Brislin as the newest member of the band. Brislin is replacing departing keyboardist David Manion.

An internationally acclaimed musician, Brislin has performed and toured with a variety of artists, including Yes (appearing on Symphonic Live), Meat Loaf, Debbie Harry of Blondie, Camel, Renaissance, Dennis DeYoung formerly of Styx, and many others. For years he fronted the band Spiraling and produced his debut solo album Hurry Up and Smell the Roses.

Most recently, Tom co-founded the progressive rock group The Sea Within. Along with guitarist Roine Stolt of The Flower Kings, bassist Jonas Reingold of the Steve Hackett band, and drum star Marco Minnemann, they released their first album in 2018 on Sony/Inside Out Music, joining KANSAS on the label’s roster. Tom has also formed Gold Rotation, a collective of diverse musicians and songwriters who premiered with a performance at Progstock Festival in 2018.

KANSAS original member and drummer, Phil Ehart comments, “We are extremely excited for Tom Brislin to be the newest member of KANSAS. His background speaks for itself, and we are looking forward to working with him. We cannot wait to get started, and think KANSAS fans will really enjoy what Tom brings to the band.”

Brislin adds, “It’s an honor to be asked to join a such legendary band as KANSAS. Their music has been in the soundtrack to so many of our lives, and their repertoire has enduring depth, beauty, and power. I’m thrilled to perform the classics and I’m equally excited to be a part of the new music that KANSAS creates.”

Brislin’s first performances with KANSAS will be aboard the Rock Legends Cruise in February, followed by March 1 in Baltimore, MD at the Modell Lyric where the band will be resuming the Point of Know Return Anniversary Tour. A list of announced 2019 KANSAS Tour Dates can be found at KansasBand.com.

InsideOutMusic sign SOTO

SOTO, the modern Heavy Metal / Hardrock group featuring vocalist Jeff Scott Soto (ex Yngwie Malmsteen / Talisman / Journey, Sons Of Apollo, TSO, etc.), are pleased to announce the signing of a new worldwide deal with InsideOutMusic.

Jeff Scott Soto checked in with the following comment about the signing:“I am proud to have SOTO working with the great InsideOutMusic & their partners at Century Media Records and Sony Music. Having seen what we did together with Sons Of Apollo, I am thrilled to see what we’ll do to further my own vanity band SOTO into the future. It‘s a very exciting time in our lives and career!”.

SOTO started in 2015 derived from the idea of Jeff Scott Soto wanting to return to his heavier roots. So far they released 2 albums, “Inside The Vertigo“ (2015) and “DIVAK“ (2016), taking a short break while Jeff embarked on the supergroup Sons Of Apollo, alongside Mike Portnoy, Derek Sherinian, Billy Sheehan and Bumblefoot.

Now SOTO are returning under the same umbrella as Sons Of Apollo, signing with InsideOutMusic. A new album is currently being worked on and its material will continue to expand and move the band towards new heights whilst following up with their brand of Power Rock.

SOTO – Live 2019:

17.02.2019 San Juan (Puerto Rico) – Handlebar
21.02.2019 Tampa (USA) – The Orpheum
24.-28.02.2019 Monsters Of Rock Cruise / https://monstersofrockcruise.com/

Battle Beast - album cover and release date revealed

"No More Hollywood Endings" to drop March 22.

Friends around the world! Today we are are happy to share with you the first details regarding our upcoming album. "No More Hollywood Endings", the fifth album by Battle Beast will arrive on March 22, 2019 thru Nuclear Blast Records. As with our previous album, the cover art was again created by Jan "Örkki" Yrlund.

GET YOUR TICKET: bit.ly/2Q7clEQ

Event page: bit.ly/2FBBW4w

Following successful label festivals in Milan, Los Angeles, and Stockholm, Frontiers Music Srl is proud to announce FRONTIERS ROCK UK, a new event presented by Frontiers and The Academy Group which will be held at the O2 Institute Birmingham on 2nd February 2019.

New video from Thunder

Please Remain Seated Pre-orders & Streaming https://thunderband.lnk.to/PRSPR

Taken from the "Please Remain Seated" Album, released Jan 18th 2019.

In anticipation of our 30th anniversary we’ve revisited and reinterpreted a selection of our finest songs in a way you’ve never heard them before. 

HMV Instores - January 18th to 24th 2019 Apply here https://thunderband.lnk.to/PRShmv 

Touring - UK & Europe - February 2019 onwards Buy tickets & VIP packages here http://thunderonline.com/  

Handy Thunder Links: www.thunderonline.com  www.facebook.com/thunderonline   www.twitter.com/thundertowers  www.instagram.com/thunderonline   www.bmg.com