Welcome to Angelic Warlord- your Christian metal and hard rock resource! Launched in the spring of 2006 with the express purpose of supporting Christians creating art within the metal and hard rock genres, Angelic Warlord gives prominence to an abundance of reviews, links, artist profiles, interviews, articles and much more- all updated on a monthly basis. If you enjoy all types of metal and hard rock - melodic hard rock, straightforward hard rock, melodic metal, classic metal, power metal, progressive metal and all things in between – that, at the same time, is backed by a positive and life changing message, then you have found a new home in Angelic Warlord.
UPCOMING REVIEWS
• LOU GRAMM BAND – Lou Gramm Band
• MY DISGRACE - Rise
• REINXEED - Higher
• UNDER COMMAND – Back In The Thick
• VENIA – Victory By Surrender
LATEST UPDATES
• FEATURED REVIEWS – June 27, 2009
• INTERVIEWS – May 30, 2009
• CHRISTIAN METAL NEWS – June 27, 2009
• RELEASE DATES – June 27, 2009
ORPHAN PROJECT – Spooning Out The Sea – New
Spooning Out The Sea, similar to its predecessor Orphan Found, combines the best aspects of hard rock, metal and progressive rock. You will find some leanings towards melodic rock and adult contemporary as well. If anything, the album proves the more polished, well rounded and consistent work: Production values are done to perfection, musicianship and vocals remain in top form while songwriting brings just the right amount of catchy hooks, melody and the guitar driven. Read Full Review >>
STRYKEN – First Strike (Collectors Addition) – New
While First Strike went out of print and became a hard to find collectors item, Girder Records in 2006 digitally re-mastered and re-issued First Strike on CD for the first time with new album artwork and a detailed band history written by HM Magazine editor Doug Van Pelt. Three years later First Strike was re-mastered and re-issued again, this time by Retroactive Records as a “collectors edition” in the digipak format and with the nine songs from the Blitzkrieg recording as bonus tracks. Read Full Review >>
LINKS
You can hear a sample of a new NARNIA song, “Sail Around The World”, at: www.myspace.com/narniaofficial
Hell Blade & Crime Scene Earth update from SAINT:
The latest from the band in regards to its two upcoming projects:
Last weekend Dee (Harrington – guitars) and Rich (Lynch – bass) finished up a bunch of rhythm (guitar) tracks for Hell Blade. This weekend is no different except it’s Jerry’s (Johnson – guitars) turn to put down tracks. We’re still on schedule for Bomb Shelter Studio Aug 1st to record drum tracks and then they (Bomb Shelter) will be mixing it down.
Josh (Kramer – vocals) will be here at Armor Studio to redo Crime Scene Earth vocal tracks hopefully next week. None of us were happy with the first one’s- there were too many problems, glitches, and abnormalities. The good news is Josh will be all warmed up for Hell Blade.
Note: SAINT also plans to re-record for Hell Blade “The Runner”, a track which made its initial appearance on the 1999 release The Perfect Life.
Official: www.saintsite.com
Frontiers Records announces European release of Murder By Pride:
Press Release / Frontiers Records is honored to welcome to its roster the legendary Christian hard rockers STRYPER for the European release of the band's brand new album, Murder By Pride, on August 28, 2009.
Formed in 1983, STRYPER are pioneers in the mainstream popularization of Christian hard rock and metal music, with overall sales in excess of 8 million records and one Platinum and two Gold records received for the albums To Hell with the Devil and In God We Trust.
The band released five studio albums before disbanding in February 1992. With vocalist Michael Sweet pursuing a solo career and others members working on various projects, STRYPER reformed with new bassist Tracy Ferrie in 2005, releasing the acclaimed new album entitled Reborn.
In the past few years singer Michael Sweet started to cooperate with BOSTON and the result is a stunning recording of the classic song "Peace of Mind" on the brand new album Murder By Pride, which sees none other than Tom Scholz guesting on guitar.
"After years of speaking to fans and hearing comments like 'more guitars,' 'more solos' and 'more screams'", says Michael Sweet "I decided to keep those comments in mind as I wrote each song. It was important to me to try to get back to that early sound of STRYPER yet at the same time, to remain relevant today. It's certainly not an easy thing to do but as I listen to Murder By Pride, I think that was accomplished".
"I got the idea of the title Murder By Pride from seeing pride consume dreams, goals and many times, lives" continues Sweet "We all deal with pride and it can be crippling, so I wanted to write a lyric and a theme that would be a constant reminder of that. This record has been in the works for a long, long time and I can only hope that it was worth the wait!"
STRYPER have also already confirmed some live appearances in Europe in early 2010, which will be followed by more dates which are currently being worked out
Lineup
Michael Sweet – Lead Vocals & Guitars
Oz Fox - Guitars
Tracy Ferrie - Bass
Robert Sweet - Drums
Frontiers Records Official: www.frontiers.it/Default.aspx Stryper Official: www.stryper.com
NEWS BRIEFS
Sweden’s LAUDAMUS is at work on material for a new album, untitled at the time of this writing.
FEATURED REVIEWS
CODIGO ETERNO – Codigo Eterno
Codigo Eterno can best be described as melodic rock and hard rock but with modern overtones. The bands influences (listed on its MySpace profile) range from Stryper, HB, Harmony and Narnia to Red, Skillet, Pillar and Kutless. Yes, you will hear occasional elements of the latter here but not so much as to alienate fans of the former. Read Full Review >>
EDEN’S WAY – IV
While IV showcases Eden’s Way trademark blending of eighties influences melodic metal, hard rock and melodic rock, the album finds the band putting its best foot forward songwriting wise by cutting all filler tracks and going with its best material. Read Full Review >>
HERO – Immortal
And this leads us to Immortal, a standout release which finds the artist “growing up” in that it showcases the maturity, consistency and musical depth Michael Hero hinted at in the past but could not quite deliver. Gone are the bizarre “scratch your head moments” (you will find no rap vocals here) and cheesy narration; in its place we are offered ten quality songs – no filler – backed by front to back continuity. Read Full Review >>
IMPELLITTERI – Wicked Maiden
Wicked Maiden represents a successful return to the classic Impellitteri sound. Now, by “classic” I mean that Chris, Rob and company have turned back the clock to draw upon many of the best moments of their past: take the hint of commercial found on Answer To The Master (reflected in the presence of backing vocals), the speed and aggression of Screaming Symphony and all out muscle of Eye Of The Hurricane and boil it all down and you end up with Wicked Maiden, perhaps the finest work in the bands repertoire- or at the very least the best since Answer To The Master. Read Full Review >>
KDB3 – Verite
What we have in Verite is keyboard driven progressive rock with a heavy 70’s slant. Yes, keyboards play a heavy role here but, for the most part, not to the point of distraction or turning the album into a one dimensional release (as can often happen with keyboards based progressive music). Read Full Review >>
PYLON – Doom
Doom, without question, is based upon a foundation of traditional and epic doom-metal. Black Sabbath, Saint Vitus, Count Raven, Trouble, Candlemass, Faith and Nomad Son all come to mind when inviting a direct comparison. Read Full Review >
TESTIFY – 24:27
Drawing the inspiration for the albums title from Matthew 24:27, Testify plays a joining of traditional heavy metal and straightforward hard rock certain to appeal to those whose musical tastes range from Saint to Resurrection Band- and all things in between (including Bride, F.O.G., Final Axe, Shining Force, Spittin Jonah and Stonefuze). Read Full Review >>
KEVIN WINDROSS – Standing Outside Circles
Getting his start in the late nineties with his first band Kilter and its debut Hephzibah, Windross formed Early Warning System in 2004 prior to putting out the full length effort Overworld on Soundmass Records two years later. After Early Warning System went its separate ways, Windross regrouped by recording his first solo album, the instrumental hard rock of the early 2009 release Standing Outside Circles. Read Full Review >>
LINKS
Built On The Rock is a new Christian rock music forum: www.builtontherock.net
HARMONY recorded a video of the track “Prevail” (from Chapter II: Aftermath): www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8sCMVLWU_0
MESSENGER uploaded live footage of “The Rapture” (recorded during a CD release show): www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_ClsYfsT5M
An up to date list of STRYPER tour dates can be found: HERE
CHRISTIAN METAL NEWS
BRIDE completes work on new CD, Tsar Bomba:
An e-mail update from vocalist Dale Thompson:
BRIDE has completed all 14 tracks of Tsar Bomba. We could not have done it without the support and encouragement of the BRIDE audience. It seems we have a great number of people out there wanting to see a successful CD release and a tour. BRIDE is working hard to make this happen. Offers from Brazil and Europe are already being considered.
From the onset of our humble writing sessions between Troy and I in his basement to the completion of the CD we have known the songs for Tsar Bomba were special. The team of players that we surrounded ourselves with (Jerry McBroom, Steve Osbourne, Glenn Watts and Tim Bushong) was a vital part of this project having life.
Our goal is to release this CD in August and by the grace of God be able to reach our audience in all parts of the world.
After every BRIDE CD there is always a rumor that BRIDE has broken up and that our last CD was our "last CD." Well this band began in 1986 and after 13 studio recordings we hope to have life for at least the next couple of years with Tsar Bomba. So if you want to see BRIDE rolling through your city, town or community, help us promote this project by encouraging others to take a listen. Word of mouth is a powerful tool.
Our mission is and has always been to reach the lost and introduce them to Jesus Christ through this unconventional means of heavy metal / rock music.
Official: www.bridepub.com MySpace: www.myspace.com/bridemusic
IMPELLITTERI: Wicked Maiden limited picture LP announced:
Press Release / Ulterium Records will release a limited-edition 12" picture-disc edition of the new IMPELLITTERI album Wicked Maiden on August 4, 2009. A deal was inked with the German label Metal Heaven that released the album in Europe on April 24th.
The LP will be strictly limited to 250 copies.
Side A:
1. Wicked Maiden
2. Last Of A Dying Breed
3. Weapons Of Mass Distortion
4. Garden Of Eden
5. The Vision
Side B:
1. Eyes Of An Angel
2. Hi-School Revolution
3. Wonderful Life
4. Holy Man
5. The Battle Rages On
The LP is available for pre-order at the Ulterium Records Store: www.ulteriumstore.bigcartel.com
New MASTEDON album to be released on Frontiers Records:
Press Release / Frontiers Records announces proudly the signing of MASTEDON, featuring former KANSAS singer John Elefante for the release of the long awaited third studio album.
John Elefante’s name came to prominence in 1981 when he became the new lead singer and keyboardist for KANSAS. John sang the lead vocals and performed keyboards on three multi - platinum albums with band, giving also a major songwriting contribution. In 1984, together with his brother Dino, he started to become involved for the first time in producing the Christian act SWEET COMFORT BAND. Soon the couple became one of the most renowned producers in the genre, in particular their tenure with PETRA brought multiple gold and platinum albums, 10 consecutive CCM Magazine Reader’s Choice Awards, induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Hard Rock Cafe, and the only artist to ever have 4 albums in the SoundScan top-100 Christian chart.
Elefante also felt the songwriting muse and formed a metal band with his brother, MASTEDON. The band's name was a pachyderm-inspired reference to the brothers' last name. Although John was an accomplished vocalist and performer, the MASTEDON albums featured multiple lead singers and performances by other artists, creating an eclectic sound anchored by John’s songwriting. His brother Dino played a prominent role, contributing songwriting and handling most of the guitar work. The first MASTEDON release was titled It’s a Jungle Out There! (1989). A year later, the band released Lofcaudio. This album continued the guest performance theme, though John sang more of the lead vocals. Unfortunately, John and Dino’s production schedule preempted any touring to commercially support the album. Even so, the albums charted at #25 and #10, respectively in the Billboard Top Contemporary Christian chart. To this day, they are still considered classics in the genre.
John and Dino then formed their own record label, Pakaderm. Given their intense recording schedules, John and Dino decided to build their own recording studio in Nashville, the Sound Kitchen which soon became one of the largest complex studios in the USA, with artists such as ELTON JOHN and BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN that used it for their recording. In 1996 John started a solo career that brought him to release three successful albums more in the Adult Contemporary - Pop Rock vein.
After a few years of hiatus, John is now working on a new MASTEDON album that - contrary to the predecessors - will only feature his amazing lead vocals. Musically, the new album will hearken back to the best of MASTEDON and to his work with KANSAS.
"MASTEDON has far surpassed my expectations as far as longevity and shelve life" says John. "I would say it has garnered somewhat of a cult following. I have people from 17 years old to 50 something that still ask me about MASTEDON and will there ever be another one? My answer has always been "I don't know" But the writing is on the wall that after all this time, it is time to deliver a new MASTEDON record and mainly because people that loved the first 2 can't be ignored any longer. This record will differ in some ways and others it won't. Being the majority songwriter there will be obvious similarities in style. I will be singing everything so that will change a bit from prior MASTEDON projects. Also the sonic quality will be very much up to date. Rich melodic harmonies and melodies are the keys to a MASTEDON record. This record will most certainly be the beginning of a new chapter in my life both musically and lyrically. One day you turn around and it's been 10 years since you've done a project, but when it really sinks in that you were put on this earth to something, YOU MUST DO IT !!!"
Some song titles in the works include: “This Revolution of Mine”, “The Western World”, “Slay your Demons”, “That's What You Do When You Love Someone”, “Falling in to Place”, “You Can't take Anything at All”, “I'm Lying Again” and “I'm Nothing Without Your Love”.
Frontiers salutes the return of a legendary artist and looks set to release MASTEDON “III” in the fall of 2009.
Links: www.frontiers.it, www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords & www.myspace.com/johnelefante
JOSHUA PERAHIA re-issues 2001 solo album Something To Say:
Press Release / The 2001 JOSHUA PERAHIA (JOSHUA, MPIRE) release Something to Say has been made available at CDBaby.com after being out of print for over 5 years. All songs from the album will also be available for downloading for the first time. Something To Say is the artists critically acclaimed album that topped many 2001 "Album of the Year" charts worldwide and features guest appearances by members of SANTANA and CHICAGO.
In conjunction with the CD release, a new promotional video has just been released for the power ballad "One Night is Not Enough." The video can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=50ftd6OLfLk
In other JOSHUA news, JOSHUA PERAHIA and vocalist JEFF FENHOLT are expected to enter the studio by late summer to begin recording a brand new album tentatively entitled Resurrection. Stay tuned for further details.
Official: www.joshuaperahia.com MySpace: www.myspace.com/joshuaperahia Order: http://cdbaby.com/cd/joshuaperahia4
The Voice Of Melodic Metal – Live In Atlanta released by ROB ROCK:
The Voice Of Melodic Metal – Live In Atlanta, the first live solo release from ROB ROCK, contains the full performance of Rob and his backing band at the ProgPower USA IX festival in Atlanta, Georgia on September 27, 2008.
Initially released on May 22, 2009 as a CD/DVD package in Europe on AMF Records (in the “PAL” format), The Voice Of Melodic Metal – Live In Atlanta will see a USA release of July 28, 2009 on the Regain/Koch label (in the “UTSC” format).
DVD bonus material includes a complete artist discography (with commentary from Rob) and unreleased footage and live clips.
Track Listing:
1. Garden Of Chaos
2. First Winds Of The End Of Time
3. Rock The Earth
4. In The Night
5. Slayer Of Souls
6. Judgment Day
7. Only A Matter Of Time
8. This Time Is The Last Time
9. Savior's Call
10. Metal Breed
11. I'm A Warrior
Musicians performing on The Voice Of Melodic Metal – Live In Atlanta:
Rob Rock – Lead Vocals
Carl Johan Grimmark – Guitars
Peter Halgren – Guitars
Andreas Olsson Passmark – Bass
Tracy Shell – Drums
Official: www.robrock.com/index2.html MySpace: www.myspace.com/robrock1
STAIRWAY parts ways with bassist Rob Jennens:
From an update by the band:
With recent events we have found ourselves in one way or another, we have taken stock of where we are and where we want to be in the future. All the guys in the band have many family commitments, job commitments, etc, and as such, Rob has decided he wants to dedicate more of his time to his family and personal commitments and has decided to bow out and not continue forward with the band.
This doesn't mean the end for STAIRWAY, and we feel very strongly that we still want to get out there and play these songs that have kept STAIRWAY so strong in the hearts of our fans since our 1st album (No Rest: N Mercy) back in 1993. So after a lot of discussion, we have decided we shall continue together as a three piece; really, we have come full circle as we started off as a three piece in the beginning.
We love Rob very much and with STAIRWAY not being a full time career thing, we support him fully in what had to be a very difficult decision to make - we hope you will too!
With this, and everything that has gone on recently, work on the new STAIRWAY CD has been delayed; rest assured, we are quite advanced with the recording: all the artwork has been done, and most of the songs are ¾ complete. We will let you all know when we get back to it, be sure to watch out for regular updates on the recording progress on here and our MySpace page: www.myspace.com/stairway
Official: http://homepage.virgin.net/stairway.deoduce/news.htm
NEWS BRIEFS
BLOODGOOD started work on its next album, untitled at the time of this writing. Steve Smith has been retained to engineer the project.
The title to the upcoming DELIVERANCE tribute project has been changed to Temporary Insanity – A Salute To Deliverance. Look for it to be released on Roxx Productions by the end of the year.
The Wrath That Is To Come is the tentative title to the second FAITH FACTOR CD.
SAINT completed work on two new songs, “Too Live Forever” and “Hell Blade”, for its upcoming album Hell Blade. The group added a new member in drummer Bill Brost.
In other SAINT news, vocalist Josh Kramer will be appearing on the DELIVERANCE tribute project, performing the track “Temporary Insanity”. Backing up Josh on guitars and bass will be Matt Smith (THEOCRACY).
SHINING FORCE returned to the studio to complete work on its next CD, By The Blood. A summer release is planned.
Chaz Bond – JACOBS DREAM & BIOGENSIS - New
JD has a new album coming out entitled Beneath The Shadows. Please go into more detail about BTS. Specifically, how does it compare musically to past releases from JD?
One thing that I have always loved about JD is that they/we have never made the same album twice. Each album is unique in its own way and Beneath The Shadows is no exception. I think that due to the subject matter of the lyrical content this will be the most emotional album the band has ever done. On the last album Dominion Of Darkness John Berry chose to pretty much drop the guitar synth. On this album however there will be an abundance of synth and keyboards. We all agreed that this is a trademark of the band and so it will now return with a vengeance so to speak. Read Full Interview >>
LINKS
Vocalist LOU GRAMM talks about his new Christian rock album in a recent online interview: www.ourprattville.com/interview/lou-gramm
You can hear four news songs off the upcoming MAIN LINE RIDERS album, Worldshaker, at: www.myspace.com/mainlineriders
CHRISTIAN METAL NEWS
MY DISGRACE brings progressive metal from Tennessee:
MY DISGRACE is a band like no other. Bridging the gap between progressive metal and grunge yet not selling their souls in the process. Unlike many new bands copying the trends of this day, MY DISGRACE is setting the pace for a new generation of powerful, meaningful and relevant modern metal.
Deriving their sound from the duel lead guitar onslaught of Rob Young and Joel Price (with both guitarist sharing lead vocal duties), MY DISGRACE is not your typical progressive metal outfit. MY DISGRACE’s music is powerful and emotional and yet raw and refreshing with a hint of something old, something new and at times something that you just weren’t expecting.
Sometimes a band comes along that just has something that sets them apart form the herd and MY DISGRACE is that band. Their debut album Rise rocks harder than anything to come out in recent years and this is just the beginning of this promising new band…
Official: www.mydisgraceband.com MySpace: www.myspace.com/mydisgracerocksyou
New NARNIA track listing and artwork revealed:
From the groups MySpace profile:
Finally, we can proudly announce the track listing and cover artwork of our new album Course Of A Generation.
The artwork was made my Carlos Barbosa/Artiside, Brazil and the logo was redesigned by Rainer Mittelstädt, InLine design, Germany.
The album was mixed by Fredrik Nordström and Henrik Udd at legendary Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden - and the result is simply: the NARNIA album we've been waiting for!
Studio Fredman has been the choice of bands like IN FLAMES, SOILWORK, ARCH ENEMY, DIMMU BORGIR and many others.
Track Listing:
1. “Sail Around The World”
2. “When The Stars Are Falling”
3. “Curse Of A Generation”
4. “Scared”
5. “Kings Will Come”
6. “Rain”
7. “Armageddon”
8. “One Way To Freedom”
9. “Miles Away”
10. “Behind The Curtain”
MySpace: www.myspace.com/narniaofficial
THEOCRACY announces European tour:
The US melodic metal band THEOCRACY will visit Europe for a tour this fall. You can see the first announced dates below. The band just returned from their first show ever in Europe at the Elements of Rock festival in Switzerland.
Confirmed dates:
October 24th: Metal Fest - Festhalle Friedewald, Germany
October 30th: Rock without limits - Gomaringen, Germany
October 31th: Nordic Fest - Oslo, Norway
If you're interested in booking THEOCRACY for a show on this tour, please contact Ulterium Records at: info@ulterium-records.com
Official: www.theocracymusic.com MySpace: www.myspace.com/theocracyband
LINKS
RISING CROSS is a new power metal band out of Brazil: www.myspace.com/risingspace
CHRISTIAN METAL NEWS
ADIASTASIA launches War Of The Worlds:
Press Release / Look for ADIASTASIA to release its sophomore album, War Of The Worlds, on Bombworks Records in 2009. Hailing from Brazil, ADIASTASIA plays in your face power metal with a heavy dose of the progressive. The group released its debut Life War, also on Bombworks, in 2006 to critical acclaim worldwide.
ADIASTASIA continues to refine their sound, working on more intricate and complex song structure while still incorporating their trademark melodies, hooks, blazing guitar leads, and soaring multi-octave vocals. Obvious influences include HELLOWEEN, ANGRA, DREAM THEATER, and RHAPSODY, although you will also hear some elements of METALLICA and MEGADETH sprinkled in for good measure- creating a heavy (but) melodic sound.
ADIASTASIA will soon be heading into the studio to record War of the Worlds, which will be released worldwide in the second half of 2009. You can check out several tracks from their debut Life War at: www.myspace.com/adiastasiametal
DELIVERANCE 25th Anniversary Tribute CD announced:
Press Release / Roxx Records in conjunction with the Christian Metal Realm are set to celebrate the upcoming 25th anniversary of Christian metal thrash legends DELIVERANCE with an upcoming tribute CD along with a few more surprises! Full Details to be released soon!
The release promises to just be the beginning of a grand celebration of the history of DELIVERANCE and we have a few more surprises we will be revealing later this year all in celebration of the 25th anniversary of DELIVERANCE in 2010!
We are currently lining up artists and just by word of mouth we are already getting quite a bit of interest from various artists for this project. If you would like to be immortalized as a part of DELIVERANCE history email Arttie or Bill at: Deliverancetribute@yahoo.com
DELIVERANCE formed in 1985 as a speed metal outfit, where the Christian metal community first encountered them on the compilation album California Metal. They put forth their self-titled debut album in 1989 with Jimmy P Brown (guitars and lead vocals), Glenn Rogers (lead guitar), Brian Khairullah (bass), and Chris Hyde (drums), but did not make major waves in the Christian metal community until their 1990 release Weapons of Our Warfare. During this time, the band replaced guitarist Glenn Rogers with George Ochoa formerly of RECON, and released a video on MTV for the title track of “Weapons Of Our Warfare”.
The "Weapons" video made it's first of many appearances on MTV's Headbanger's Ball with Ricky Rachtman calling it a "Great new video." This was a HUGE breakthrough for the world of CCM speed metal because, at this point, the only CCM bands to have appeared on MTV were STRYPER, BARREN CROSS and PETRA. First appearing in 1991, it would slowly climb its way to the Top 3 "Triple Thrash Threat" after a few weeks and would remain their for the next few weeks.
While this was a very high point in the history of DELIVERANCE, they would continue on and off over the next twenty five years and even carry on today- releasing new and re-reissuing old albums through the likes of Retroactive Records. “D’ still performs one off shows on occasion upon request. If you’re lucky enough to catch their live performance don’t miss it as they always put on an amazing live performance!
Further Reading: HERE
JACOBS DREAM joins Retroactive Records roster:
From a post by vocalist Chaz Bond at the Christian Metal Realm:
"(We) have reached an agreement and JACOBS DREAM is now officially signed to its second record label in the bands history, Retroactive Records. As most of you know, the last album (Dominion Of Darkness) was done independently. I am excited to be releasing our new album, Beneath The Shadows, through Retroactive! Yes the name isn’t as well known as Metal Blade Records (the groups previous label) BUT I think that what Retroactive will do for us is just what we need right now. I am proud to now have two bands on the same label (BIOGENESIS is also with Retroactive). The production of the new album is close to completion. We are aiming for a July release date! Also keep a watch out for the new video "Welcome To My World"!"
Further reading: HERE MySpace: www.myspace.com/jacobsdream
ORPHAN PROJECT to release new album, Spooning Out The Sea.
Press Release / Spooning Out The Sea, the bands first full length album since their critically acclaimed self title debut from 2003, is scheduled for a world-wide release on June 30th via NePlusUltra Music.
ORPHAN PROJECT recently released two singles from the album, “Head On Your Platter” and “One Dark Moment (Providence)”:
“Head On Your Platter“ will be released to rock and college radio stations. Vocalist Shane Lankford describes the song: “Definitely the heaviest thing OP has ever written but still has a very melodic chorus that has a very opposite feel to the verses. The song was written to depict the brutal killing of the “Old Man” in those of us who are believers but also speaks of the promise to us that we have the “Feast of the Ages” to look forward to as we commune with all the saints when all is said and done, who have gone before.”
“One Dark Moment (Providence)” will be released to the Christian Radio market. Vocalist Shane Lankford describes the song: “Slow but moving piece that illustrates God’s providence throughout all our hardships and toils. These lyrics share what I was thinking as I laid on concrete 20′ below where I fell on 9/10/08. The Lord’s providence was greatly shown to him and his family through His church and their giving.”
Both songs are now streaming at: www.myspace.com/orphanproject
Spooning Out The Sea Track Listing:
1. “Reach”
2. “Angels Desire”
3. “Fallen”
4. “To Me
5. “One Dark Moment (Providence)”
6. “My Goodness”
7. “Head On Your Platter”
8. “Empty Me”
9. “The Battle Rages On”
10. “Spooning Out the Sea”
The band plans to play two release shows. The first is on June 12th at Mountain Christian Church in Joppa, Maryland. All proceeds from the show go to support Bethany Christian Services (Adoption Services). The second will take place on July 3rd at the Cornerstone Music Festival in Bushnell, IL.
Pre-Orders are now being taken at Divine Metal Distro: www.divinemetaldistro.com
ORPHAN PROJECT started in 2001 when vocalist Shane Lankford (a veteran of progressive bands VISUAL CLIFF and FALL OF ECHOES), collaborating with composer John Wenger, conceived the groundwork for a concept album based on spiritual and physical adoption that incorporated progressive, hard rock, and contemporary influences.
Orphan Project Line Up:
Shane Lankford – Vocals
Shane McBride - Guitars
John Neiswinger – Keyboards & Vocals
Tim Kehring – Drums & Vocals
Bill Yost – Bass & Vocals
MySpace: www.myspace.com/orphanproject
REINXEED raises standard Higher:
The story of REINXEED, the musical creation and vision of Tommy Johansson, began in a town called Boden in Northern Sweden. The Light, the full length debut of REINXEED, was released in the spring of 2008 and showcased a new band and talent in the melodic metal world. A year later finds REINXEED putting out its second album, Higher.
With musical inspirations including GARY MOORE, ANGRA, STRATOVARIUS, SYMPHONY X and HELLOWEEN, REINXEED has spent the past year touring throughout Sweden in addition to working on new material. Look for Higher to be released on Rivel Records/CMS on May 15, 2009.
REINXEED Line Up:
Tommy Johansson – Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards, Bass and Orchestration
Kerry Lundberg - Guitars and Backing Vocals
Mattias Johansson - Guitars and Backing Vocals
Henrik Fellermark – Keyboards and Backing Vocals
Ace Thunder - Bass Guitar
Erik Forsgren – Drums
MySpace: www.myspace.com/reinxeednorth
LINKS
Rough mixes of three new MISSION OF ONE songs can be heard at: www.myspace.com/missionofone
CHRISTIAN METAL NEWS
LIBERTY N' JUSTICE gets ready to Light It Up:
The new LIBERTY N' JUSTICE project, now entitled Light It Up, will be released on Retroactive Records in the fall of 2009.
The group is proud to announce two new tracks have been added to the album: “Treading On Serpents” features guest appearances by Les Carlson (BLOODGOOD) and Oz Fox (STRYPER & BLOODGOOD) while “Drunk Dead Gorgeous” includes the contributions of Marq Torien (BULLETBOYS) and Chris Holmes (W.A.S.P.).
Light It Up track listing:
1. “Light It Up”
2. “The Other Thief”
3. “Blink”
4. “Do What You Believe”
5. “Man vs. Mother Nature”
6.”Treading On Serpents”
7. “Uncle Sam”
8. “Every Reason To Believe”
9. “Wrestling With God”
10. “Best Time You Never Had”
11. “Beautiful Decision”
12. “Drunk Dead Gorgeous”
13. “Greed”
14. “For Better Or Worse”
Official: www.libertynjustice.net MySpace: www.myspace.com/libertynjustice2
NEWS BRIEFS
BRIDE has signed with Retroactive Records for its latest album, Tsar Bomba. Expect an August release date.
The new SAINT project, Hell Blade, will be released on Retroactive Records in December. Also, Warriors Of The Son, In The Battle and Crime Scene Earth are going to be re-mastered and re-issued as Digipacks with new/enhanced album artwork.
CHRISTIAN METAL NEWS
BRIDE to tentatively entitle new album Tsar Bomba:
An e-mail update from vocalist Dale Thompson offers further detail:
BRIDE is very busy these days with writing and recording. Our new CD is fan financed and you can help. Details are over at: www.bridepub.com
Troy (Thompson – guitars) and Dale have been writing songs for the past few months together. This upcoming project may very well be BRIDE’s last endeavor. Back in 1985 when BRIDE first was formed Dale and Troy never imagined that the band would still be viable after over twenty years of music making. BRIDE has had incredible opportunities to write record and release songs world wide while also touring to support every release.
This 2009 project is a no hold barred when it comes to creativity and music making. This labor of love should take
the listener beyond any imaginative work BRIDE has ever done in the past and challenge the audio senses.
It is important concerning this work tentatively titled Tsar Bomba to capture the listener and to unpredictably throw them into the vat of “mechanosensation”.
Tsar Bomba simply means Mother Of All Bombs and was the largest most powerful nuclear weapon ever detonated. It is important for this work to leave such an impact. Even though some would argue that a Christian CD should have nothing to do with such destruction, it is our belief that in this day and time a certain amount of destruction leads way to new growth and a fresh start.
Back with the Thompson brothers is drummer Jerry McBroom. It is only fitting that the most popular drummer in BRIDE's history rejoins them for the finale. G.W. Watts notoriously known for his Hong Kong sessions will be contributing bass guitar. Also returning will be guitar virtuoso Steve Osborne.
One of the most exciting aspects to the new work is the studio master Tim Bushong. Tim will be exercising all of his recording talents on the project.
Expect to hear raw rock, heavy metal, and all of the surprises that make you smile when you hear a BRIDE release.
CODIGO ETERNO released on YoungSide Records:
Female fronted rock band, CODIGO ETERNO was formed in early 2004, in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Originally the instrumental project of guitarist Jean Funes, it was decided to add vocals after receiving an invitation to perform at an evangelical concert, thus enabling the band to deliver a clear gospel message along with the music.
Recording for CODIGO ETERNO’s self-titled debut project began back in 2007. The much anticipated album features an impressive line-up of guest musicians: Andreas Passmark (NARNIA, DIVINEFIRE, ROB ROCK, 7 DAYS) on bass; a guest guitar solo by Markus Sigfridsson (HARMONY, 7 DAYS, DARKWATER) as well as some renowned local musicians.
The album was mixed by Goran Werner (Sweden) and mastered by Mikael Vaarala of Solid mastering in Sweden. The artwork was created by Markus Sigfridsson of Tenement Design. (Designer of HARMONY, DIVINEFIRE, AUDIOVISION, and MAJESTIC VANGUARD covers among others.)
Although the lyrics are in Spanish, fans of HB, LACUNA COIL, NIGHTWISH and VOICE OF GLASS will enjoy CODIGO ETERNO.
MySpace: www.myspace.com/codigoeterno Ordering Information: www.youngside.com/home.html
TESTIFY brings Metal with a Message:
TESTIFY, a Christian heavy metal band out of Visalia, California, has just finished recording their full length debut album 24:27. The group is currently booking shows in addition to looking to sign with a label.
TESTIFY lists its main influences as QUEENSRYCHE, AC/DC, DIO, IRON MAIDEN, OZZY, BLACK SABBATH and other 80's metal bands.
24:27 was recorded at FAT LABS Studio IN Visalia, CA from January 2008 to November 2008 and mastered at Fast Traxx studios in Fresno, CA.
Music composed by: TESTIFY
Lyrics written by: TESTIFY (except for "Death Inside of Me" which was written by Lynn Louise Lowrey)
Produced by: Dana Long and TESTIFY
Engineered by: Dana Long
Mixed by: Dana Long
Mastered by: Bill Sayre
Track Listing: “I Believe”, “Off The Ground”, “Sinner's Cage”, “Matt 24:27”, “Judgment Day”, “Reborn”, “Second Chance”, “My Sacrifice”, “Shout Out”, “Born Again”, “Lightning Comes”, “Death Inside of Me”
Musicians:
Ron Poggione: Lead Vocals
Scott Weisenborn: Guitars
John Angle Jr.: Bass
Chuck Hernandez: Drums
MySpace: www.myspace.com/testifyband Ordering Information: http://cdbaby.com/cd/testifyband
NEWS BRIEFS
The Retroactive re-issue of the full length INCARNATE debut will receive the new title of Reclamation.
LINKS
GUARDIAN recently launched a new website: www.houseofguardian.com
YouTube is home to live footage of guitarist KEVIN WINDROSS performing at a biker event in Australia: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzjMWEZp_EM
CHRISTIAN METAL NEWS
LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE announces track listing to new album, The Cigar Chronicles:
Press Release / LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE, the melodic rockers with a message, are unveiling a little more info on their upcoming release, The Cigar Chronicles. This will be LNJ's 9th studio album and 5th All-Star project. The concept is pretty simple: get high profiled singers to sing the songs from highly competent song writers.
The leader of LNJ, Justin Murr, goes on to say, "With TCC we wanted everything bigger and louder! The album features big guitars, big hooks, big vocals, and the thing that makes a LNJ project... Big Names! This is the most commercial sounding record we have ever released and I promise this record rocks!!"
The project is being produced by Vic Rivera , Steve Brown of (TRIXTER), Mike Layne, and Stephen Chesney. The album artwork was done by Rex Zachary who previously did LNJ's Independence Day cover. The album has a late fall of 09' projected release date. The track listing is as follows with the addition of announcing two of the tracks guest performers, Dale & Troy Thompson of BRIDE on the song "Bastard" and Marq Torien (BULLETBOYS) with Chris Holmes (WASP) on the track "Drunk Dead Gorgeous".
Track Listing:
1. “Light It Up”
2. “Bastard”
3. “Blink”
4. “What Do You Believe”
5. “Man vs. Mother Nature”
6. “Treading On Serpents”
7. “Uncle Sam”
8. “Every Reason To Believe”
9. “Wrestling With God”
10. “Best Time You Never Had”
11. “Beautiful Decision”
12. “Drunk Dead Gorgeous”
13. “Greed”
14. “For Better Or Worse”
Every month till then LNJ will release more "guest artists" and more info! You can keep up on everything LNJ at: www.libertynjustice.net, www.myspace.com/libertynjustice2 & www.twitter.com/libertynjustice
MAD MAX headline dates:
After a successful tour with German guitar legend Axel Rudi Pell earlier this year, MAD MAX will be playing their first headlining club tour in June. The dates are:
June 12th - NL - Kerkrade - The Rock Temple
June 13th - CH - Uster/Zuerich - Rock City
June 14th - GER - Hamburg - Logo
June 15th - GER - Ruesselsheim - Das Rind
June 16th - GER - Ludwigsburg - Rockfabrik
June 17th - GER - Muenchen - Garage Deluxe
June 18th - GER - Ingolstadt - Paradox
June 19th - GER - Mannheim - 7er Club
June 20th - GER - Koeln - Underground
June 21st - GER - Muenster - Sputnikhalle
Very special guest on all dates will be Crush Zac Begg And A Friend.
MySpace: www.myspace.com/madmaxmusic
Retroactive Records signs RIVERA BOMMA and SAINT:
Retroactive Records has been quite busy this year, having already added BIOGENSIS and INCARNATE to its talented line-up. New Jersey’s RIVERA BOMMA and Salem, Oregon based SAINT represent the latest acts to join the Retroactive roster:
RIVERA BOMMA got its start in 2001, debuting with the full length release Invisible Force (Secret Port Records) before following up five yeas later with I Am God (Mausoleum Records). A joining of vocalist Johnny Bomma – who brings a clean but powerful classic tenor voice – and guitarist Rod Rivera (his dazzling fretwork has been compared to Ritchie Blackmore, Michael Schenker and Yngwie Malmsteen), RIVERA BOMMA brings a combination of US power metal and straightforward hard rock with the occasional progressive overtone.
Look for the groups Retroactive debut, Angels & Demons, to be recorded this spring and summer and released the latter half of the year.
MySpace: www.myspace.com/riverabomma
SAINT, obviously, needs no introduction. One of the classic bands in the history of Christian metal, SAINT debuted with the 1984 EP Warriors Of The Son before recording the Pure Metal full length releases Time’s End (1986) and Too Late For Living (1988). After going on extended hiatus, SAINT returned following the turn of the century with In The Battle (2004), The Mark (2006) and Crime Scene Earth (2008).
Retroactive plans to re-issue out of print SAINT albums such as Warriors Of The Son and In The Battle. Crime Scene Earth will be re-issued as well, but with Josh Kramer contributing lead vocals on all its track (the original version of CSE featured Josh on just three songs). Josh will be returning to the studio to record vocals on the other six, which were originally handled by bassist Richard Lynch.
Also, expect a new SAINT project, untitled at the time of this writing, to come out on Retroactive in November or December.
Official: www.saintsite.com
STRYPER to embark on 25th anniversary tour:
Press Release / STRYPER is gearing up to tour the United States starting in September of 2009, hitting approximately 50 cities across America. This will be followed by International tour dates in January and February of 2010.
Twenty-five years ago (1984) STRYPER broke on to the scene with their debut EP The Yellow and Black Attack and have since gone on to sell 8 million records worldwide and tour the world spreading an inspirational message through their branded sound of rock songs, heavy guitars, and pristine harmony vocals.
The 25th Anniversary Tour will be a two set show. The first set will be new STRYPER material and include bassist Tracy Ferrie along with original members Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet, and Oz Fox. The second set will be classic STRYPER hits and will be all four original members, including original bassist Tim Gaines. Michael Sweet Jr's band will be the opening band on the tour.
2009 also marks the release of STRYPER’s newest studio album Murder by Pride on Big3 Records. In May, fans can get sneak previews of the album, downloading select individual songs on iTunes and other on-line internet download stores.
All confirmed STRYPER tour dates will be announced at: www.stryper.com and www.michaelsweet.com
Vocalist Michael Sweet offers further detail at the STRYPER forum:
“Before things get confused and misconstrued, I thought I would take a moment to clarify that we will be playing a 45 minute set of new material and then there will be a 20-30 minute break, and then we will perform another 45 minute set of old classic material. We will then encore with a few songs as well. So, the length of the set (from beginning to end) will be approximately 100 minutes long. Also, as far as original yellow and black clothing goes, we will NOT be wearing original clothing of any kind. We will have some new clothing made and we will incorporate yellow and black into the design. We will do a wardrobe change during the 20-30 minute break/intermission. I felt like I should clear this up so there are no surprises, although it was supposed to be a surprise.”
NEWS BRIEFS
April 16, 2009 will see the release of a new BLOODGOOD DVD, BLOODGOOD Live In Norway.
• FEATURED REVIEWS
• LINKS
• QUOTE OF THE MONTH
• THREAD OF THE MONTH
• CHRISTIAN METAL NEWS
• NEWS BRIEFS
FOUNDATION TWELVE – Foundation Twelve
The key words here a “classic Christian hard rock”. The bands 2007 independently released self-titled debut breaks down evenly between acoustic laced pieces and those heading in a more guitar driven direction. Read Full Review >>
MAD MAX – Here We Are
Musically, Here We Are presents with the groups trademark joining of melodic metal, hard rock, melodic rock and AOR. The album has its share of good moments (the better material here is great) but is a bit on the inconsistent side of things (you will find a few too many filler tracks). Read Full Review >>
MENAHEM – Angels & Shadows
What Menahem brings to the table is a joining of power metal and progressive metal certain to appeal to fans of countrymen Eterna, Angra, Destra, Shining Star and Scelerata. Those whose musical tastes trend towards Symphony X, Suspyre and Dream Theater will find a lot to like here as will proponents of Jacobs Dream, Faith Factor and Sacred Warrior. Read Full Review >>
MESSENGER – I’m Talking To You
Haling from the Nation’s Capitol, Messenger brings a throwback sound that hearkens back to the eighties. Now, by “throwback” I am not necessarily referring to the fluffy hair metal that was prevalent at the time but rather a heavier and more muscular side to the decade. And by that I mean the joining of guitar driven hard rock (similar to Rez Band) and old school heavy metal (not unlike Saint) that characterizes the bands sound. Read Full Review >>
NOMAD SON – First Light
After a two track demo made its way to Metal On Metal Records representative Jowita Kaminska, a contract was soon signed and Nomad Son entered the studio to begin work on its summer of 2008 full length debut First Light. The album can best be described as traditional doom-metal certain to appeal to fans of Black Sabbath, Trouble, Candlemass, Saint Vitus, Place Of Skulls, Faith, Pylon and Troglodyte Dawn. Read Full Review >>
7TH HEAVEN – Planet Under Siege
Despite coming out in the early nineties, the album (mercifully) reflects no influence of the grunge scene prevalent at the time. If anything, I might describe Planet Under Siege as a blend of melodic rock, AOR and hair metal – heavily influenced by the eighties – certain to appeal to fans of Stryper, Guardian, Shout, Giant, Action and Line Of Fire. Read Full Review >>
SEVENTH AVENUE – Southgate (Ulterium re-issue)
Southgate, an initial Treasure Hunt Records release, was re-issued in early 2009 by Ulterium Records. The album finds Seventh Avenue bringing its trademark European power metal sound but touched up with elements of speed metal and melodic metal. Fans of Helloween, Gamma Ray, Stratovarious and Blind Guardian will find a lot to like here as will those into Adiastasia, Dream Quest, Lightmare and Zephaniah. Read Full Review >>
SIX MINUTE CENTURY – Time Capsules
Time Capsules presents with a melding of power metal and melodic metal with the occasional progressive overtone. While comparisons to Savatage, Dio, Fates Warning, Kamelot and TNT are warranted, I find there is a bit more than meets the eye here. And that is the heaviness of Symphony X that the band rests its sound upon but mixed with the accessibility of Magnitude 9 and Theocracy. Read Full Review >>
Sweden’s HARMONY has launched a new website: www.harmonymetal.net
Three new songs off the upcoming SWEET CRYSTAL album, 3, can be heard at: www.indieheaven.com/artist_main.php?id=56927
From an article by Pastor Bob (Beeman) at the Detonation Fanzine:
“I have listened for years as band members try to decide if they are a “Christian band” or a “band of Christians”. Either way, I see a lot of Christian musicians forgetting what we are actually here on this earth to do! I don't care what you call yourself. Bottom line? You are still a Christian. And with that, comes some responsibility”.
Further Reading: HERE
How much is too much? A member of Christian Metal Realm asks that question in a thread discussing “idol worship as opposed to God worship” (as it relates to Christian music in general- not just metal).
Further Reading: HERE
BIOGENESIS signs with Retroactive Records:
As found on the groups MySpace page:
BIOGENESIS has signed a new record deal with Retroactive Records. BIO will be releasing a new album either in late 2009 or early next year! The probable title will be Point Of Origin. In addition to the release of a new BIO record, Retroactive will also be re-issuing a re-mastered version of our debut The Mark Bleeds Through with bonus tracks and possibly new artwork!
For the new album James Riggs (guitars) and myself (Chaz Bond – vocals) will be joining forces with bassist Steve Harker and drummer Andy Hall (the rhythm section of Chaz’s other band Human Paradox). For now we will call them special guests. The door is open for them to become official members if they choose to do so in the future.
Note: BIOGENESIS can best be described as a blend of down-tuned Gothic metal and thrash metal. Chaz Bond, who also fronts JACOBS DREAM, complements things with his low-key vocal approach.
Further reading and samples: www.myspace.com/biogenesis
New live BRIDE CD and DVD available: In Your Face Unplugged
The recently released “unplugged” project from BRIDE features 17 live acoustic tracks and a running time of 72 minutes.
Songs are taken from three separate live shows and encompass material off Kinetic Faith, Snakes In The Playground and The Jesus Experience. You will find three Gospel Favorites as well.
Ordering information: www.bridepub.com/brideord.htm
EDEN’S WAY announces line up changes:
From the official EW home page:
We have had two members leave the group. We regret to inform that Brian (Settle – guitars) and Scott (Atchley – bass) have left EDEN’S WAY. We are sad that they have left and thank them both for the contribution they have made to EDEN’S WAY and to each of our lives. On the same note, we are happy that when God moved them to do something else, they listened and acted, even though the decision was painful. We thank God for the example of these two men, who listen to their Father in heaven and we ask each of you to pray for them and wish them well.
So when one door closes, another opens. We are happy to announce that Ernie Smith has returned to the band to play bass. Ernie is a fantastic bass player and a great sense of humor, which makes him fit in well with the rest of us. Most importantly, he has a heart to use his talent to further the kingdom of God.
Official: http://edenswayband.com MySpace: www.myspace.com/edenswayband
INCARNATE signs with Retroactive Records:
Press Release / Thomas Wilson of Canadian Christian metal band INCARNATE has signed a deal with Retroactive Records for the global distribution of the debut INCARNATE album. Originally released as a self-titled album in the fall of 2008 by Unforsaken Productions, the Retroactive Records re-issue will feature all new artwork, and is expected to be ready for release in the fall of 2009.
In the meantime, in celebration of this deal, Unforsaken Productions is offering a discounted price on the original release of the CD. To order, visit www.unforsaken.ca/UPOS/main.html
For more information on Incarnate, or to hear samples from the CD, visit the INCARNATE website at: www.unforsaken.ca/Incarnate/main.html
JACOBS DREAM reveals track listing to new album, Beneath The Shadows:
1. “Welcome To My World”
2. “Minds Will Burn”
3. “Stain”
4. “Elusive Dream”
5. “Hand Full Of Dust”
6. “The Hell That I Breath”
7. “The Darkest Hour”
8. “All My Fears”
9. “Reborn In Fire”
10. “Beneath The Shadows”
11. “The Blessing And The Curse”
In terms of the recording process, the group has completed the drums and is ready to move onto bass, guitars and vocals.
MySpace: www.myspace.com/jacobsdream
KDB3 brings keyboard driven progressive rock:
KDB3 is the alter ego of Doug Bowers, a multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter who makes his home on the gulf coast of North West Florida. Fresh from his inclusion on the CPR 3 compilation with his band, AD ASTRA, Doug’s solo release, Verite, stands solidly in the progressive rock tradition without being bombastic or unnecessarily complex. This isn’t your 70s progressive rock knock off, Doug brings modern driving melodies, guitar lines and synth riffs to fill the ears and delight any fan of the genre. Be certain that the themes represented reflect Doug’s Christian faith, but you won’t be lectured or preached into submission. Lyrically you’ll find honesty, humor, irony and cause for self reflection.
A solo artist in the strictest sense of the word, Doug played or programmed all instruments save for a guitar solo, a conga track and a few backing vocal tracks. He recorded, mixed and produced Verite himself leaving the mastering process to Audio Digital’s Gene Crout, co-producer of the CPR series.
Many people who grew up in the mainstream of Progressive Rock music of the 70s still have the desire for music that reflects an age when musicians were about music and creativity. Verite is a CD that hits all the marks, pulls no punches and makes you want to be part of the Truth.
Official: www.dougbowersmusic.com MySpace: www.myspace.com/dougbowers
LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE remains at work on latest project, The Cigar Chronicles:
An e-mail update was recently provided by guitarist Vic Rivera:
“I've been working towards wrapping the writing/playing/producing of seven songs for Justin Murr's latest edition of his acclaimed LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE project, which has me collaborating with the talents of Harry Hess and Pete Lesperance (formerly of HAREN SCAREM), Robert Mason and Jerry Dixon (WARRENT), CJ Snare and Bill Leverty (FIREFHOUSE), Les Carlson (BLOODGOOD), Oz Fox (STRYPER, BLOODGOOD), Marq Torien (BULLETBOYS), Kerri Kelli (ALICE COOPER) and, of course, my brother-in-arms Ted Poley!
Hopefully, there will be one more VERY big name singer included in this mix, pending his review and acceptance of one of the tunes I have written for this. It's been pretty exciting to be a part of this thing and it will be a special CD when it is finished; unending thanks to Justin Murr for bringing me on board. Props to my greatly talented friends Mike Ledesma, John Pine and Kelli McCloud (whose backing vocals will be featured on the release) for helping out with all of the guide vocal tracks!”
Official: www.libertynjustice.net MySpace: www.myspace.com/libertynjustice2
New ROB ROCK DVD/CD on the way:
ROB ROCK is currently working on a live DVD/CD of his performance at ProgPower USA 9 in Atlanta.
The new DVD/CD, entitled "Rob Rock - The Voice of Melodic Metal - Live in Atlanta" will be released on AFM Records sometime in May. The DVD is being produced by Ken Young and Rob Rock with CJ Grimmark (NARNIA) mixing the live audio.
The high-energy 11 song concert features songs from all four of ROB ROCK’s solo albums.
Official: www.robrock.com/index2.html MySpace: www.myspace.com/robrock1
SHINING FORCE update:
Guitarist Bill Vaughn offered the latest at Christian Hard Music:
“The new CD will be released (later) this year. We have run into problems in the studio and that is what has set us back. All the tracks are done. We just lack bass and vocals on the rest of the tracks and the final mix. We are hoping it will be done soon.
We are trying to work out at a new location to complete the CD. I think the devil is worried about this CD coming out- why else would he keep trying to stop us? I pray that this new CD will touch many souls and that many people will come to Jesus through this CD. People’s salvation is most import to us not the music. But the music has to be good to get their attention.
If I can not continue to play guitar that won't stop me from preaching God's word. I am being ordained as an evangelist in the next few weeks. I will continue to win souls to God's kingdom till God calls me home. Thanks again for your prayers. I need real prayer warriors as yourselves praying for me and my healing. I know its coming. God hears all of our prayers”.
Official: http://shiningforceband.org MySpace: www.myspace.com/sfband
In Memoriam - Kyle Rae Sweet
Kyle Rae Sweet (1956 - 2009), beloved wife of Michael Sweet of STRYPER, passed on and is now at peace with her Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ. Please continue to pray for the Sweet family. We ask that if you wish to express your sympathies within an e-mail that you send them to the following e-mail address: thesweetfamily@michaelsweet.com
Kyle was diagnosed with cancer in February 2007. She passed away at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 5, 2009.
Kyle's life was dedicated to caring for her husband and home-schooling their two children. Her heart's desire was for their children to attend college. To best honor Kyle's work as a home-school mom there has been a fund set up called The Sweet Children's College Fund.
In lieu of flowers, donations to this fund can be made payable and mailed to:
Sweet Children's College Fund
Sovereign Bank
50 Cohasset Avenue
Buzzards Bay, MA 02532
The Sweet Family wishes to have a private funeral service which will be held in the following days.
Michael Sweet is a well-known musician and vocalist, best known as the co-founder and frontman of the band STRYPER. Sweet is also a guitarist and vocalist for BOSTON.
Official: www.stryper.com
TEMPLE OF BLOOD parts ways with bassist Jim Lewis:
From the bands MySpace blog:
On behalf of TEMPLE OF BLOOD I would like to give our sincerest thanks to Jim Lewis for his time playing with us and his work on our latest album Overlord. You really can't ask for a nicer guy to play with and we wish him all the very best.
Jim is currently busy playing in his band GODLYKE STATUS, who has a new album in the works.
Official: www.templeofblood.net MySpace: www.myspace.com/templeofblood
New UNFORSAKEN album in the works:
Press Release / Unforsaken Productions announces that work has begun on a new album from Canadian Christian rock band UNFORSAKEN. Four years after the release of their debut album Not Alone (2005), Thomas Wilson (vocalist) and Jon Hooper (guitarist) are back in the studio.
The new album will essentially be an EP, but longer in length than most EPs, consisting of seven tracks. The album's running time will be over 30 minutes, so this should please even those who don't typically purchase EPs because of their normally short length.
The album will contain three brand new UNFORSAKEN songs, as well as some tunes from the band's acoustic set, including a well known cover song. It is expected to be ready for sale in late Spring of 2009.
More details will be provided when available. For further information on UNFORSAKEN, visit their website at: www.unforsaken.ca
Victory By Surrender, latest release from VENIA, available for pre-order:
The latest update by the group:
The new album is now mastered and we have updated both previous samples with the final mastering as well as released one new full song sample. We have also posted some short clips of the other songs. The new samples can now be heard here at our website and at: www.myspace.com/veniaband, www.mikseri.net/artists/venia.35912.php and www.last.fm/music/Venia
Victory by Surrender is now available for pre-ordering. You can order the album at our Merchandise page for 16 € + postage. If you order the new album together with our older CD's you will receive a package discount. Note that all orders that contain Victory by Surrender will not be sent out before the Finnish release date, April 24th.
Official: www.veniaband.com
VERTICAL ALIGNMENT gets lost in space:
This primarily instrumental release celebrates the achievements of NASA and the great American space program. The triumphs and tragedies of the years in the cosmos have been etched on the consciousness of our nation. Milestones such as the Mercury flight of John Glenn, the first American spacewalk of Ed White in Gemini 4 (pictured on the cover above,) and the stupendous moon landing of Apollo 11 helped to define the American 1960's. Despite political and social turmoil, the men and women with the right stuff made it happen. In following decades, flights of the Space Shuttle became stuff of legend. The legends became a new reality with the ongoing construction of the International Space Station. In the near future, we look forward to returning to the moon with the exciting Constellation / Orion program.
Note: What VERTICAL ALIGNMENT brings to the table on Lost In Space is mostly instrumental rock (there is one vocal track) with a heavy progressive slant. GALACTIC COWBOYS sum it up best: Pump up the space suits!
Further reading and ordering information: www.thundersongs.com/va2.htm
Official: www.verticalalignment.com MySpace: www.myspace.com/verticalalignmentprog
KEVIN WINDROSS releases debut instrumental album, Standing Outside Circles:
Kevin started life as a country boy growing up in a small town called Canowindra in NSW central west Australia. The son of a pig farmer, he grew up on Johnny Cash and Slim Dusty and the legendary Tijuana Sound Of Brass, that is until a friend introduced him to a “Heavy Metal” compilation album featuring bands like MALMSTEEN’S RISING FORCE, SPINAL TAP, AC/DC, WHITECROSS, WHITE LION, STRYPERand the like. Kevin was instantly drawn to the grinding guitar riffs and fret board wizardry. However it was not until a few years later, when he left his small home town and moved to the big smoke (....Canberra....), that he invested his first tax cheque in a Korean built Kramer Stryker and a small Washburn practice amp. So began his journey as a guitarist and musician…
Since these small beginnings Kevin has spent many hours becoming one with his axes and has jammed with Frank Gambale, toured with Phil Emmanuel, toured with EARLY WARNING SYSTEM, signed to Soundmass Records. Toured Australia’s East Coast and South East Asia and has just finished up his independently release debut instrumental album: Standing Outside Circles.
Influenced by a wide range of guitarists from Mark Knopfler to John Norum along with all the Steve’s and Joe’s in between, he hopes to have found his own sound and style, but all this aside, he loves to pick up his guitar and play from the heart!
The album was co-produced, engineered and mixed/mastered by Henning Pauly. Henning was the brains behind both FRAMESHIFT concept albums, featuring James LaBrie (DREAM THEATER) and Sebastian Bach (SKID ROW).
Track Listing: “Desert Princess”, “Fisherman’s Bend”, “Into The Sun”, “After The Storm”, “Standing Outside Circles”, “The Road To Bourke”, “Little Caity”
MySpace: www.myspace.com/thefreestyleguitarist
Look for the new GRAVE ROBBER album, Inner Sanctum, to be released this summer.
Italy’s METATRONE is currently at work on its next album.
Update Archives: 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006
