• FEATURED REVIEWS
• INTERVIEWS
• LINKS
• LABEL NEWS
• CHRISTIAN METAL NEWS

FEATURED REVIEWS

ARMAGEDDON – The Money Mask (Collector’s Edition)
Armageddon came together in the early eighties while initially under the moniker Second Chance.  A group originating in the Washington D.C. area, Second Chance started out as a project when vocalist Mike Vance and guitarist Robby Lee met through an ad placed in a local newspaper.  The duo soon joined forces with bassist and drummer Mark Miley and began work on the material that would make up the Second Chance demo tapes.  Read Full Review >>

EARLY WARNING SYSTEM - Overworld
Canberra, Australia is home to Early Warning System and its 2006 full length debut Overworld.  A band that can trace its history to a friendship that formed between vocalist David McCallum and guitarist Kevin Windross in the late nineties, Early Warning System came together in 2004 but did not round out its line up until recruiting bassist Nick Danser and drummer Simon Waugh two years later.  Read Full Review >>

IMMORTAL SOUL – Lines In The Sand
On Lines In The Sand Immortal Soul gives us a blend of straightforward hard rock and metal while delivering a ton of groove in the process.  Think older Galactic Cowboys, prime King’s X, early nineties Bride, Die Happy and other gritty hard rock bands such as Grand Lux, Rez Band, Lordchain and F.O.G.  Read Full Review >> 

MAIN LINE RIDERS – Shot In The Dark
What stands out most about Main Line Riders is its youthful and infectious energy.  Shot In The Dark, for example, is built upon a foundation of up-tempo hard rockers such as “Ride The Main Line”, “One Way Ticket To Love”, the aptly entitled “Pack Up Your Blues” and “Time To Put The Hammer Down” (one of the heavier pieces here).  Read Full Review >>

REZ – Civil Rites
By the time the late eighties rolled around, however, Resurrection Band – in addition to shortening its name to Rez Band and eventually just Rez – had reached its artistic and creative pinnacle with Silence Screams (1988) and Innocent Blood (1989).  The 1991 follow up effort Civil Rites maintained the same high standards.  Read Full Review >>

SACRECY – Sacrecy
The Christian metal scene in Finland continues to grow in leaps and bounds.  If in doubt, then consider all the bands to come out of the region in recent years: Essence Of Sorrow, Mehida, Oratorio, Random Eyes, Venia and Wingdom.  Sacrecy is another group worth mentioning.  Read Full Review >>

ULTIMATUM – Symphonic Extremities
At this point I am sure most of you are wondering why Ultimatum, one of Christendom’s premier thrash bands, is being reviewed in Angelic Warlord, a site which tends to shy away from the thrash genre?  Well, if one takes a close look at Symphonic Extremities they will find there is a bit more than meets the eye here- and that is the foundation of “classic” and “true” metal the band rests its sound upon.  Read Full Review >>

VENI DOMINE - Tongues
What we have in Tongues is a versatile work in which Veni Domine draws upon all eras of its two decade history.  Most notably, the album finds the group showcasing a technical progressiveness we have not heard since its earlier recordings, Fall Babylon Fall and Material Sanctuary.  Read Full Review >>

INTERVIEWS

BOARDERS – Egidio
How would you describe your music for those who haven't heard Boarders yet?
A mix of classic metal and thrash metal and hard rock.  We should call it Thrash Rock to be honest!  We pay particular attention to melodies and the message in the background of our music, which is strongly Christian based and positive.  We put special emphasis on guitars, vocals based on a solid drum-bass groove.  Read Full Interview >> 

LINKS

On Track Magazine includes a review of BLOODGOOD’s performance at this years California Cornerstone Festival: www.ontrackmagazine.com/10concerts/bloodgood.htm

Warriors Of The King, the new album from Brazil’s DYNASTY, features a guest lead vocal performance from Josh Kramer (SAINT) on the track “King Of Kings”.  The song can be heard in its entirety at: www.pointsouth.com/saint777/saint-news.html

ORPHAN PROJECT uploaded two new tracks, “Angels Desire” and “My Goodness”, to its MySpace page (the songs in question are going to be part of the bands upcoming 4 song EP): www.myspace.com/orphanproject 

Check out the MySpace page of THE SACRIFICED to hear a new song entitled “Victorious”: www.myspace.com/thesacrificedx

Please be sure to visit the new website of STRANGELAND: http://strangeland.us

Rock United is home to a review of STRYPER’s performance at the recent "Maata Näkyvissä" festival in Finland.  (Please note you have to scroll down a bit to get to the review.): www.rockunited.com/maata2007.htm

In the spring of 2002 Oz Fox (STRYPER) conducted an in depth interview with Premier Guitar Magazine: www.premierguitar.com/archive/interviews/ozfox.htm

Australia’s TERAMAZE added a couple of new demo tracks – without vocals – to its MySpace page: www.myspace.com/teramaze

An interview with ULTIMATUM vocalist Scott Waters is now online at Filipino Metal: www.filipinometal.com/articles/?id=24

LABEL NEWS

VERSAILLES RECORDS is seeking unsigned Christian Rock bands for an upcoming compilation album:

VERSAILLES RECORDS, nationally distributed by Big Daddy Music, is seeking unsigned/up and coming Christian Rock and Metal bands to feature on a compilation entitled Glory Rock Vol. 1/2.  The Compilation will feature current/former members of well-known 80s/90s rock/metal and Christian rock bands.
 
Each participating band (will) receive a photo in the CD booklet as well as a 300 word bio (including history, plugs on forthcoming releases, web addresses, production info, contacts, etc,) and 20 complimentary promo copies upon release.  The album's release will be advertised in major rock market magazines, and each participating band will be included in all promo press, etc.  The album will be marketed to traditional retail outlets, as well as micro-marketed to the industry the album is themed around.
 
Interested bands should email (us at) religiousrock@yahoo.com and include a web link (MySpace, website, etc) where we can check out a sound sample.  We'll be back in touch thereafter. 

CHRISTIAN METAL NEWS

*AVIAN continues to make headway on its upcoming album Ashes And Madness.  Guitarist Yan Leviathan offers the latest in regards to the bands progress:

“The songs are coming together very nicely, we are setting down a very solid foundation which I feel will make Ashes And Madness a great CD.  Lance (King – vocals) will begin vocals next week and we hope to have everything mixed and ready to go by mid-December. Once we have some stuff ready, we’ll post some clips for you all to check out.”

The line up recording on Ashes And Madness consists of:

Lance King - Vocals, Keys
Yan Leviathan - Guitars, Bass
Jerry B - Drums
Bill Hudson - All Guitar Solos

Official: www.avianband.com  MySpace: www.myspace.com/avianband

*An e-mail update recently came in from the BRIDE camp:

“Just a quick fall update.  It appears that Troy will not be moving to Italy after all.  This means that he and I will begin writing for a new BRIDE CD right away.
 
We just recorded a song for the new LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE CD called “Author Of The Flame”.
 
You can read more about the project at: www.libertynjustice.net

Troy and I will be taking a different approach to the next BRIDE project.  Even though we are thrilled with Skin For Skin, our last CD, we feel that over production has stifled what we are all about.
 
At this time Troy and I are putting together players for the project.  We will announce soon who will be joining us on this next important release.
 
As always we are thankful to everyone that has supported this work throughout the years.”

In other BRIDE news, the band is preparing for its upcoming tour of Brazil in addition to continuing to write for its next album:

“Also BRIDE is currently booking shows for another tour of Brazil.  The time frame has not yet been set but we are working with promoters now for something in early 2008.

The songwriting process (for the next album) is going incredible and recording will commence after the holidays.  The direction will more than likely be less "BIG" production and more straight ahead rock.  The only thing to compare the current writing to is ZEPPELIN-WHITE STRIPES (their cool material), RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE.  BRIDE wants to showcase their talents while bringing an up front message of Christ Jesus rather than having Protools (digital audio workstation platform that integrates hardware and software) to make everything person.  Human error in creating music and art often times brings forth the genius and masterpieces.”

Official: www.bridepub.com

*ADRIANGALE, the melodic hard rock outfit including vocalist Jamie Rowe (GUARDIAN) and guitarist Vic Rivera, has reformed under the new name CRUNCH, which was also the title to ADRIANGALE’s third full length release from 2004.  Got all that?  In all seriousness, CRUNCH has recorded a new 3-song EP and plans to release it in the near future.  If you cannot wait until the release date then the three can be purchased at the bands SnoCap store.  Thirty second samples are available in the SnoCap player as well.  MySpace: www.myspace.com/crunchisaband

*I am sure most of you are familiar with DRIVER, the Rob Rock fronted melodic metal outfit that released a popular five song cassette EP in 1990.  The good news is that the band plans to reunite and re-record the songs from the original demo and some new material as well.  Details were found at the DRIVER MySpace page:

“Metal Heaven has announce the signing of heralded U.S. melodic metal masters DRIVER, featuring powerhouse vocalist Rob Rock and acclaimed guitarist/producer Roy Z (HALFORD, Bruce Dickinson).

Based out of Los Angeles, DRIVER was one of the top local acts at the height of melodic hard rock in the late 1980s and issued a widely circulated five-song cassette EP in 1990 that garnered the band a dedicated worldwide following.  The band was ultimately denied by major labels with the emergence of the grunge rock scene that dominated the musical landscape during the early '90s, yet DRIVER's cult status as one of the most underrated hard rock acts of their time held steadfast over the years.

With Metal Heaven stepping in and inking the band to a deal, DRIVER will finally get a chance to release the album they intended to deliver back when.  The new CD will feature re-recorded versions of songs that were written by Roy Z and Rob Rock during the bands two-year bi-coastal existence spanning the years 1989 and '90, including those on the original demo and some new songs as well.  Original drummer Reynold "Butch" Carlson will perform, along with some other special guests, including PRIMAL FEAR's Mat Sinner on bass.  Stay tuned for more details and keep your eyes open for a Spring 2008 release!”

You can hear samples (including an unreleased song entitled “Tears That I Cry”) at: www.myspace.com/driver1990

*The latest FAITH FACTOR news was provided by vocalist Ski at the bands forum last month:

“Brothers and sisters in the faith, as you all know by now we have management with Charis Core.  Our second live show (is) this Saturday, November 10th.  (We are) confirmed to play a German secular metal festival, Keep It True, on November 15th, 2008, and (we) were asked live on CRF by the Tinker to play Cornerstone 2008.  While all this great stuff is going on, we continue to write and arrange new songs for our debut full length CD Against A Darkened Sky.  We have the front and back art work in the makings and the inside layout being designed.  We just finished writing a song called “In Gods Shadow”, a head bangers delight.  So we now have 8 songs written.  We would also like your prayers to add a keyboard player- if it is Gods will.   That’s all for now.”

Further reading: www.firestream.net/forum/showthread.php?t=16100  Official: www.faithfactorband.com  MySpace: www.myspace.com/faithfactorband

*It appears as if a GUARDIAN reunion is in the works.  Vocalist Jamie Rowe posted the following at the message board at his website:

“We are having TG lunch, then heading to Nashville for a few days.  Will see the whole GUARDIAN crew tomorrow night at Karl's house.. will be fun and long overdue.

GUARDIAN?  Yeah, I'll be forward saying this: I am trying to get GUARDIAN back in action.  Dave (Bach- bass) and Karl (Ney- drums) seem to be cool with it…   haven't really had a chance to speak with Tony (Palacios- guitars)…  but while I am hoping it will be the 4 of us...  I think we should move forward regardless.

We have agreed to play a date in Peru soon... so why can't we do more?  We had a blast in Germany.. even having a case of "whooping cough" it was stellar fun!

I love the music of LONDON CALLING...  I continue to write solo music in the modern worship genre...  I sing with CRUNCH, which is cool cause there is no pressure, I just gotta show up and sing...  But no matter what I do…  I always feel like the singer for GUARDIAN doing something else...  so why not embrace it?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying GUARDIAN is gonna come back and be a major band…  fact is, I have a really good business going right now and wouldn't risk it to try and break a band…  the guys have their things going too...  but we gotta do SOMETHING! I feel it..  it's long overdue too if ya ask me...

I don't know who'll read this..  I just feel like I need to say it.”

Official: www.jamierowe.com & http://guardian-world.com  MySpace: http://myspace.com/guardian

*LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE announced the track listing of its upcoming greatest hits compilation 4-All: The Best Of LNJ:

"New tracks: “We have A God” (Derrick Lefevre of LILLIAN AX & Larry Worley of FEAR NOT), “Rage” (Dug Pinnick of KING’S X), “Devil In The Details” (Steve Brown of TRIXTER/ STEREO FALLOUT), “Author Of The Flame” (Dale & Troy Thompson of BRIDE)

From Welcome To The Revolution (2004): “Blind Man's Bluff” (Michael Sweet of STRYPER), “Noise” (Jamie Rowe of GUARDIAN), “Shed My Skin” (Lou Gramm of FOREIGNER)

From Soundtrack Of A Soul (2006): “Another Nail” (Sebastian Bach ex-SKID ROW), “Sight Unseen” (Leif Garret), “Flinch” (Tony Harnell ex-TNT), “Thy Will Be Done” (Mark Slaughter of SLAUGHTER & Pete Loran of TRIXTER), “Killer Grin” (Stephen Pearcey of RATT)

From Independence Day (2007): “Doubting Thomas” (John Corabi ex-MOTLEY CRUE/RATT/UNION), “Monkey Dance” (Jack Russell of GREAT WHITE), “Soldier” (Kelly Keagey of NIGHT RANGER & Mark Slaughter of SLAUGHTER), “Independence Day” (Kelly Kelling of BATON ROUGE/ TSO), “Praying For A Miracle” (Ted Poley of DANGER DANGER), “Addiction” (Jani Lane ex-WARRANT)"

Official: www.libertynjustice.net  Myspace: www.myspace.com/libertynjustice2

*Frontman Shawn Pelata furnished a recent update in regards to the next LINE OF FIRE album:

“OK, guys & dolls...all my vocals are DONE!!  I spent 10 hours on Saturday singing the final 2 songs & adding harmonies to 4 others and, as of now, all of my vocal parts, lead & harmony, are FINISHED!!

The album, as of now, is about 70% finished.  That sounds close, but there is still a lot of work to be done with drums, bass & solos...as well as Nikki & Ed's vocal parts.

I don't know when the album will see release.  I wish I had more info on this front, but sadly, even if the album was 100% done & mixed right now (which it is NOT), it would be at least February 2008 before it was released.  Right now, best case scenario, look for sometime in Summer of 2008.

I can tell you that the record, like the last one, will be 10 songs.  I can even tell you some of the song titles: “Give Me All”, “Undone”, “It Takes Time”, “Obsession” & “I Belong”.

There are 5 more, but that's all I'm giving you now.”

MySpace: www.myspace.com/lof

*Collector's Sedition (Director's Cut) is the latest creative offering from Kerry Livgren (PROTO-KAW).  Originally a 2000 compilation of demo outtakes from the Somewhere To Elsewhere (KANSAS) sessions under the title Collector’s Sedition, the project has been remixed, re-mastered and re-recorded from the ground up.  A new bonus track, “So Ends The Show”, has been added as well.  Additional details and ordering information: www.numavox.com/home.htm

*Vocalist Tommy Johannson (REINXEED) will not be joining MAJESTIC VANGUARD as reported in last months update to Angelic Warlord:

“The rehearsals with Tommy have not given us that results we hoped for.  We end the collaboration after the 2 gigs in Mullsjö and Halmstad!  It is really sad things turned out to be this way, but both sides believe this is the right decision.

The last weeks have been turbulent and with the results in our hands we should have done things different.  It’s nothing we can do about now and hopefully we have learned something from this process…

Now we’re looking forward to the upcoming gigs in Sweden and Germany.  Hope to see everyone on these events! The singer who fronts the band in Germany will be announced in some days!  Stay tuned…”

Official: www.majesticvanguard.net/site.php  MySpace: www.myspace.com/majesticvanguard

*The Italian melodic metal outfit METATRONE plans to title its next album Reborn In Christ:

“METATRONE have revealed the official next studio album title, which is Reborn in Christ.  The band is still working fulltime on the songwriting as well on the arrangements, for a great second coming, as following their first opera, The Powerful Hand.  METATRONE wants to thank all the people who believe and support this project. Release date and track list will be revealed soon.”

Official: www.metatrone.org  MySpace www.myspace.com/metatrone

*NEON CROSS vocalist David Raymond Reeves recently visited the Christian Hard Music forum and offered the latest in regards to the bands upcoming “anthology” release:

“Well, here's the recording news:

The anthology is nearly complete.  It may even have to be "trimmed" a little cuz there's so much music.  Right now we've got 19 tunes- 11 are finished, 5 are down to mix & mastering and 3 are little things like cleaning up backing vocals.

I really like this "album" because it follows a logical progression by filling in the blanks.  Twenty years of music and most people will see for the first time how we moved from Frontline Life to Neon Cross to Torn and beyond without it seeming quirky and abrupt.

Right now it's a couple of cuts from everything, released and unreleased.  Frontline Life, California Metal, Neon Cross, NCII, Premium Cuts, Torn, NC17, NC2000 (? this never had a real name, it was all techno-metal...never really finished), and our metal praise and worship thing...also nameless at this point.

Anyone who made it out to Calistone got a live sampling of most of the unreleased stuff...  “Nothing But the Blood”, “You're the One”, “Revolution”...  we even did our live version of “Snake Eat Snake”, which appears on the latest LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE disc Independence Day.”

Further reading: Christian Hard Music  Official: www.neoncrossmusic.com  MySpace: www.myspace.com/neoncross

*Look for Abingdon, Maryland based ORPHAN PROJECT to release a 4-song EP in the near future:

“Hello all ORPHAN PROJECT fans...  good to write to you this wonderful holiday season!!!  We are almost (finished) with our 4-song EP, (which) we hope to have out in Jan/Feb of 2008.  To "kick" things off with a little more of a preview than we have already given you... you can go to our MySpace page (www.myspace.com/orphanproject) and purchase 2 tunes that will be on the upcoming EP before they go to disc.

“Angels Desire” & “My Goodness” are now available from our MySpace SnoCap store, and any purchases will go toward getting the EP out to you in good speed (Lord willing)!  Pass this info on to any of your friends who might enjoy the "holiday" sounds of OP... or to anyone who just might like our music!”

ORPHAN PROJECT also plans to follow up with a full length recording tentatively entitled Rule Of Anarchy in late 2008.

Official: www.orphanfound.com/home.php

*The new PASTOR BRAD album, Shredded Sweet, is scheduled to be released on January 25, 2008.  Pre-orders are being accepted at: www.guitarjams.net/index.html  MySpace: www.myspace.com/guitarjams

*REINXEED finished work on the melodic metal of its debut recording, The Light, which it hopes to put out early next year:

“REINXEED has finally recorded its debut album and is going to release it in the early 2008!  But REINXEED needs to perform live, so I've come up with a live (band) for gigs and possible touring:

Tommy Johansson - Lead Vocals
Kerry Lundberg - Lead guitar, Backing Vocals
Carl-Henrik Allard - Lead Guitar
Christer Viklund - Bass
Mattias Lindberg – Drums”

MySpace: www.myspace.com/reinxeednorth

*SACRECY, a four piece melodic metal outfit from Finland, is an exciting new discovery.  A band with influences ranging from OPETH, SONATA ARCTICA to NIGHTWISH, SACRECY released its self titled debut on October 20, 2007.  The album includes the following 9 tracks:

1. “Image Of God” (7:45)
2. “Devil's Reign’ (4:18)
3. “Forgive” (5:57)
4. “Hope From Above” (5:16)
5. “Anxious Eyes” (4:38)
6. “The Shadow Of Me” (3:44)
7. “The Child Within” (7:07)
8. “The Kiss Of Betrayal” (5:04)
9. “Masquerade” (9:37)

MySpace: www.myspace.com/sacrecy 

*The classic metal band SAINT continues to make progress on its next project:

“Oh man!!!!  London (Larry- drums) hit the studio yesterday with all guns blazing!!!!!  I can not wait till you guy's hear what he did.....  This is going to be one of our best projects, we are soooo stoked....  We'll be laying bass and rhythms in about two weeks, then on to leads, but we still have a ways to go till completion, so we're still looking at the first of the year…. God bless”

An e-mail update came in from vocalist Josh Kramer as well:

“We just finished the drum tracks and are in final tweeking stages with the mixing process.  The title is still under wraps unless Rich (Lynch- bass) said something about it at saintsite.com site recently.  Release date will be possibly late January or so.  Keep an eye on our updates my friend.  God bless!...hjk”

Official: http://saintsite.com

*The signing of SCREAM IN EDEN, formerly SCREAMIN’ EDEN and later EDEN, to Z Records was announced last month:

“Z Records would like to announce their latest signing, Chicago's SCREAM IN EDEN.  The band are yet another fine example of excellent melodic hard rock that fans have grown to expect from Z.  Discovered by Mark Alger a few months ago, SCREAM IN EDEN’s debut entitled Original Sin will be released on January 28th 2008 and is essential for fans of TESLA, DOKKEN and BABYLON AD.  Over the past week we have ran a special anonymous preview at www.myspace.com/zrockrecordsuk with amazing feedback.  if you haven't yet checked out the two tracks by the band do so now you will be impressed!  Featured around the fantastic vocals of Joe Dokken and the guitar work of Whitecross axeman Rex Carroll, SCREAM IN EDEN are set to make 2008 their year.”

Please note that the two songs in question, “Morning Star” and “Need Somebody”, are taken from EDEN’s debut Fan The Flame, which was originally independently released in the mid-nineties and later re-issued in 2003 by Retroactive Records.  At this point I am uncertain about specifics (i.e.: if the project is going to be re-mastered, remixed, include any bonus material, etc) but will you in on further details as I get them.

Additional samples: www.myspace.com/screamineden

*Matt Smith of THEOCRACY brought everyone up to date in regards to the bands recently completed sophomore album Mirror Of Souls:

“Sorry for the long time between updates.  This is a frustrating time right now because the album is done and we're just waiting and waiting.  I'm ready for people to hear it!

Anyway, basically there's a decent-sized (for Metal, anyway) label who has expressed interest in putting the album out.  Since everything is still so tentative, I don't want to get into names or specifics right now, obviously.  They have the finished album and say they still want to release it, but...nothing.  We're just waiting on them to say what's next at this point.  I'm about to send press kits to a couple of other smaller labels to see if we get any interest though, because I'm getting tired of not knowing what's going on.  I'll keep you guys posted.  I'm really sorry.  Believe me, I'm more frustrated than anyone about this.  The album's finally done, but people are STILL having to wait!  Ugh.  I hope it works out with the initial label, because that could be good for us.  We didn't hear anything back from the really big guys like Nuclear Blast and Roadrunner; guess they weren't interested.

I don't want to give away the track listing and stuff just yet, but I can tell you that there are shorter songs and longer epics on there like there were on the first one, and there's a nice variety of speed and slower stuff.  The title track, "Mirror of Souls," is my favorite song I've written.  It's about our tendency to look at other people to judge our own righteousness; i.e. "I'm not as bad as that guy, so I must be pretty good."  I can't wait for you guys to hear it.

Other than that, we're gearing up for the Christmas show on the 15th.  We're going to try to play the Christmas Medley, so it should be a lot of fun if we can get it together in time.

Hopefully I'll have some good news to report soon.  Thanks for waiting.”

Matt has also opened a CaféPress shop where you can buy just about anything THEOCRACY related: www.cafepress.com/theocracymusic

Official: http://theocracymusic.com  MySpace: www.myspace.com/theocracyband

*The Finnish power metal/thrash outfit VENIA remains hard at work on its next release, untitled at the time of this writing:

“At the moment we have recorded everything and are selecting and cleaning up the takes for the mixing that starts next week. We are hoping to get it released early in 2008.

I have a good feeling about the album, it's going to be another big step forward for us as we have set the bar very high.  It includes 11 songs: two instrumentals, six songs in English and three in Finnish.  Four of the songs are new and much improved versions of songs that were on our first demo.  Musically it will be sort of a blend of the Genesis demo and In Our Weakness.  The thrash and power elements are still present, but everything has a bit of a classic heavy metal feel to it with plenty of galloping rhythms and dual leads.  I'd say it's more melodic and catchy than In Our Weakness but just as heavy.  Oh yeah, we have also included a lot more violin than before.

Anyway, I can't wait for you all to hear it and I hope you will like it.”

Official: http://veniaband.com

 

• FEATURED REVIEWS
• LINKS
• LABEL NEWS
• CHRISTIAN METAL NEWS

FEATURED REVIEWS

CROWN OF MERCY – New Beginnings
Several talented new bands have come out of the growing Christian progressive rock scene in recent years.  America Gomorrah, Revelation Project and Pursuit are the first that come to mind as a result of the hard rocking approach they take to the genre.  Vertical Alignment, Torman Maxt and 7th Overture, on the other hand, deserve credit for their symphonic and technical expertise while Flagship combines elements of both the classic and the progressive.  Read Full Review >>

IVORY MOON – Human Nature
What we have in Ivory Moon is a joining of epic and symphonic metal mixed with occasional power and progressive tendencies.  Taking quite the complex approach to its art, the band best displays its technical expertise on “Through Different Eyes”, “Phantom Ship” and “The Journey”, three intricate tracks standing out with their numerous time changes.  Read Full Review >>

JESUS JOSHUA 24:15 – Three The Hard Way
Jesus Joshua 24:15 is an act of particular note.  Coming out of Saint Pauls, North Carolina in 1995, the band put out its debut, The Time Of My Return, in 1997 prior to following up six years later with the sophomore outing Once And For All.  After signing with Soul Joy Records, Jesus Joshua 24:15 proceeded to record and release its third album, Three The Hard Way, in the fall of 2006.  Read Full Review >>

JUDAH FIRST – Devil’s Dice
Nashville, Tennessee based Judah First came together in the summer of 2000 as a result of a vision that developed between four musicians - vocalist James Aaron, guitarist Philip Mead, bassist Keyth Harkleroad and drummer Chris Rosenstone – to create “hypnotically heavy and stage driven hard rock”.  A group drawing its name from Judges 20:18, Judah First independently released its full length debut, The Vision Road, in May of 2003 prior to spending the next year and a half on the road.  Read Full Review >>

MEHIDA – Blood & Water
On its initial 2007 offering Blood & Water, Mehida takes a foundation of melodic metal and infuses it with occasional progressive and modern touches.  Atmospheric and moody, the band heads mostly in mid-tempo territory while delivering an ample amount of catchy hooks in the process.  Read Full Review >>

PETRA – On Fire!
The musical career of vocalist John Schlitt began in 1973 while as a member of Head East, performing on five studio albums and one live album - Flat As A Pancake (1974), Get Yourself Up (1976), Gettin’ Lucky (1977), Head East (1978), Head East Live (1978) and A Different Kind Of Crazy (1979) – before departing the group seven years later.  John subsequently dropped out of the music scene after becoming  a Christian (through the influence of his wife) but a call from Petra guitarist Bob Hartman in 1985, however, would change all that.  Read Full Review >>

SARDONYX – Majestic Serenity
Sardonyx delivers a tight and technical US power metal sound inviting comparison to Metal Church, Sacred Warrior, Meliah Rage, Haven, Vicious Rumors and Jacobs Dream.  An occasional thrash tendency, at the same time, cannot help but bring to mind Antithesis, Boarders or even old school Bride.  Read Full Review >>   

VISUAL CLIFF – Into The After
Rob Perez proves masterful in adorning the full length of the album with his abundant guitar riffs, some heavy and aggressive (such as on “My Guardian Angel” or “12 Stone Gardens”) and others reflecting a smoother feel (“Wind Of The Spirit” comes to mind).  Shane Lankford, of course, perfectly complements the material here with his trademark rich and warm sounding vocal style.  Read Full Review >>

LINKS

BARREN CROSS now has an official MySpace page: www.myspace.com/barrencross

Heaven’s Metal recently interviewed Jimmy Brown & Mike Phillips (both DELIVERANCE) and Rosanna Palmer of ROASNNA’S RAIDERS: DELIVERANCE & ROSANNA’S RAIDERS

Check out the ESSENCE OF SORROW MySpace page for a demo version of a new song entitled “Blind Man”: www.myspace.com/essenceofsorrow

You can view FAITH FACTOR performing the track “Prayer Warriors” live at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=5D5SJgdyYTw

The blog of GUARDIAN (or is that GARDIAN?) bassist Dave Bach offers some interesting insight into the bands beginnings: http://rollandrock.typepad.com/davidbach/christian_rock/index.html

JACOBS DREAM is alive and well!  Footage is available of the band in the studio working on its upcoming album Dominion Of Darkness: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yb9--8Sh7W8

The Joshua Perahia MySpace page includes a video of JOSHUA performing the track “I’ve Been Waiting” (from Intense Defense) live in the studio.  You will also find a live version of “Your Love Is Gone” (off Surrender) from the bands performance at the 2001 STRYPER Expo: www.myspace.com/joshuaperahia

An interview with Cliffy of MAIN LINE RIDERS is now online at Christian Extreme: www.christianxtreme.com/main_line_riders_interview.html

You can read an interview with PETRA vocalist John Schlitt as well: www.johnwschlitt.com/index2.html

ROB ROCK talks about his latest solo release, Garden Of Chaos, in a recent discussion at Lords Of Metal: www.lordsofmetal.nl/showinterview.php?id=1878

SAINT vocalist Josh Kramer will be making a guest appearance on the upcoming TEMPLAR project.  No other details available except that samples of two tracks, “Skyspider” and “Warlord”, can be heard at: www.pointsouth.com/saint777/saint-news.html

X-SINNER added a pre-production version of a new track, “Ready To Go”, to its official home page: www.x-sinner.org

YouTube is home to footage of BARREN CROSS, BLOODGOOD & NEON CROSS performing live at this years California Cornerstone festival: www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=4261EE75AB73B30D

LABEL NEWS

RETROACTIVE RECORDS plans to put out several exciting new releases by the end of the year:

This fall and winter will be extremely busy for us at Retroactive Records.  Check out our release schedule between now and the end of the year!  We are relentless in bringing you the best in hard rock and metal!  Monumental releases by THE MAIN LINE RIDERS - Shot in the Dark (for fans of VAINS OF JENNA, AC/DC) and ULTIMATUM - "Into the Pit" (for fans of EXODUS, OVERKILL) will both be in stock next week!

WHITECROSS – Nineteen Eighty Seven (with 6 bonus tracks)
Complete re-recording of original self-titled debut from the 1987 release featuring the bonus tracks "Love On The Line" and "Re:Animate" (all Rex Carroll guitar jam/solo) + 4 hidden out takes.   Fans of RATT, MOTLEY CRUE, and STRYPER won't find anything more worthy of their money than this release!  Originally released on Girder Records, this instant classic will now find new life with Retroactive Records on November 27th.   $14.99 retail

ARMAGEDDON - Money Mask (Collector's Edition - 2 CD set)
Disc one contains the 1989 (originally on Regency Records) classic metal masterpiece, Money Mask album completely re-mastered, plus the bonus track "Blazing Wasteland" from the legendary metal compilation, East Coast Metal (1988).  Disc two contains 14 bonus tracks taken from the band's two demos when they were called SECOND CHANCE, plus rarities and out takes.  November 27th release date. $14.99 retail

DELIVERANCE – River Disturbance (Collector's Edition)
The original 1994 release in its entirety, completely re-mastered with all new artwork from Caleb Olsen (X-SINNER, FINAL AXE, SEVENTH POWER, etc.). We filled the rest of the disc with the FOUR bonus tracks that are sure to delight fans of the mighty "D".  "I Thought..." is a previously unreleased track recorded during the original River Disturbance sessions.  "On the Fritz" originally appeared on the R.E.X. compilation called I Predict A Clone (A Steve Taylor Tribute), and now appears on a DELIVERANCE release for the first time ever!  The third bonus track is the previously unreleased "Belltown (Hyper Industrial Mix)”, and the fourth is a 12 minute transparent look at the River Disturbance album, from its inception until the end, through the eyes (and from the mouth) of frontman, Jimmy Brown.  This track is simply called "About River Disturbance by Jimmy Brown".  This is melodic, dark, and absolutely brilliant progressive metal.  Fans of HIM and SAVIOUR MACHINE will rejoice for an enhanced version of the original masterpiece called River Disturbance.  November 27th release date. $14.99 retail

ROSANNA'S RAIDERS - Fire From Heaven: The Collective Works (Collector's Edition - 3 albums on 2 CDs) The 1987 release Calling Down Fire and the 1988 release Clothed In Fire (both originally on Pure Metal Records) in there entirety are both on disc 1.  While on disc 2 you'll find the extremely collectible and previously impossible to find solo album by lead vocalist Rosanna Palmer called Changes (an Australian independent release in 1997).  The bonus track on disc 2 is called "One Man", which only appeared on an Australian compilation CD called Modification.  Everything has been digitally re-mastered for enhanced digital clarity.  ROSANNA’S RAIDERS served as Australia's version of VIXEN, REZ BAND, BARNABAS, and HEART.  Luckily, they shared this classic hard rock/metal band with the rest of the world!  November 27th release date. $14.99 retail

TITANIC – Wreckage (The Best Of & The Rest Of)
Re-mastered tracks from the original versions of Maiden Voyage (1st release), Screaming In Silence (2nd album) and their latest Full Steam Ahead.  These original versions of Maiden Voyage and Screaming… will never again be released, so this is the last chance for fans to hear classic tracks from those albums in all their original glory.  As an added bonus, fans are treated to two rare tracks and two previously unreleased tracks all featuring Robert Sweet from STRYPER.  17 total tracks.  November 27th release date. $11.99 retail

Further reading and samples: www.myspace.com/retroactivewreckage

CHRISTIAN METAL NEWS

*AVIAN, a melodic power metal outfit made up of vocalist Lance King and guitarist Yan Leviathan, plans to release its next album, Ashes And Madness, early next year.  Look for Bill Hudson (CELLADOR) to handle all lead guitar work and Jerry B. drums.  Official: www.avianband.com  MySpace: www.myspace.com/avianband

*Doom based hard rockers DBEALITY will soon be entering the studio to begin work on its yet to be titled sophomore release.  Production duties are going to be handled by legendary producer Neil Kernon (QUEENSRYCHE, DOKKEN & KANSAS).  Official: www.dbeality.com/home.htm 

*Australia is home to EARLY WARNING SYSTEM and the “hard rock with progressive tendencies” of its 2006 debut Overworld.  A band which took its name from the original Transformers movie, EARLY WARNING SYSTEM brings to mind KING’S X, GALACTIC COWBOYS and ATOMIC OPERA. (As a matter of fact, Overworld was mastered by KING’S X guitarist Ty Tabor.)  I hope to have a review online within the next month.  In the meantime, you can read an interview with EARLY WARNING SYSTEM at: http://65.61.12.97/early_warning_system_interview.html  Official: http://earlywarningsystem.com.au  MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/ewsrocks

*GLENN KAISER BAND is currently in pre-production for its next CD.  Untitled at the time of this writing, expect it to come out in the spring of 2008.  Official: www.glennkaiser.com  MySpace: www.myspace.com/glennkaiserband

*IMAGES OF EDEN recently announced its newest member, keyboardist Allen Brunelle.  The band plans to begin work on material for its next album as soon as Allen gets up to speed.  Official: www.imagesofeden.com  MySpace: www.myspace.com/imagesofeden

*A new band to report on is IMMORTAL SOUL, a power trio from Arkansas made up of guitarist/vocalist Jason Goad, drummer Jon Goad and bassist Jeff Cline.  With a sound inviting comparison to GALACTIC COWBOYS, MEGADETH, DREAM THEATER and GRAND LUX, IMMORTAL SOUL released its full length debut, Lines In The Sand, in late 2006.  The bands name is a “reference to the members' belief in the Christian faith and its teaching that after the body dies, the soul lives on for eternity”.  Look for a review in the near future.  Official : www.geocities.com/immortalsoulband  MySpace : www.myspace.com/immortalsoulband

*A greatest hits package from LIBERTY N' JUSTICE, 4-All: The Best Of LNJ, should be out next spring:

“Versailles Records has announced the forthcoming release of Christian rockers LIBERTY N' JUSTICE's "greatest-hits" LP, due in late March 2008.  Entitled "4-ALL: The Best of LNJ", this compilation features a "who's who" guest-star list of hard rock and heavy metal legends, including Lou Gramm (ex-FOREIGNER), Sebastian Bach (ex-SKID ROW), Michael Sweet (STRYPER), Mark Slaughter (SLAUGHTER), Jack Russell (GREAT WHITE), Jani Lane (ex-WARRANT), Stephen Pearcy (RATT), Tony Harnell (ex-TNT), Pete Loran (TRIXTER), Leif Garrett, John Corabi (RATT, ex-MÖTLEY CRÜE, UNION, BRIDES OF DESTRUCTION, THE SCREAM), Kelly Keagy (NIGHT RANGER), Ted Poley (DANGER DANGER), Jamie Rowe (GUARDIAN), and Kelly Keeling (BLUE MURDER, TSO).  Featuring the best from 2004's Welcome to the Revolution, 2006's Soundtrack of a Soul, 2007's Independence Day, as well as four new tracks featuring Doug Pinnick (KING'S X), Steve Brown (TRIXTER, STEREO FALLOUT), Derrick LeFevre (LILLIAN AXE), Larry Worley (FEARNOT) and Russell Arcara (SURGIN, PROPHET) written exclusively for the "best of" CD.  This collection additionally features guest musical appearances by Tommy Denander, Tim Gaines (ex-STRYPER), Richard Kendrick (STRAITJACKET SMILE, NEAR LIFE EXPERIENCE), and Keri Kelli (ALICE COOPER, ex-L.A. GUNS, SLASH'S SNAKEPIT, WARRANT, PRETTY BOY FLOYD), among many others.

Commented LIBERTY N' JUSTICE frontman Justin Murr, "I am really proud the songs included in this collection. It shows where LNJ has been and where we are going musically in the future. It all so shows what got us here, and that is all the great vocalists that have sang on the last three LIBERTY N' JUSTICE CDs. I am thankful to Versailles Records, and their distributor Big Daddy Music, for believing in us enough to reach a wider audience."

Official: www.libertynjustice.net  Myspace: www.myspace.com/libertynjustice2

*Vocalist Peter Sigfridsson has parted ways with MAJESTIC VANGUARD:

"We’re really sad to inform that lead singer Peter Sigfridsson has decided to step down from the front position in MV.  Lack of time and personal issues (are) the main reasons.  Peter’s departure from the band obviously is a shock to all, but the news is not a surprise (to) us and Peter leaves MV with fully comprehensions…

The last show with Peter will take place at his home church in Dalum. 

We wish Peter all the best and turn our attention to the future.”

Replacing Peter is REINXEED vocalist Tommy Johannson.  The band offered the following (edited) statement in late September:

“It is with great (excitement) we are announcing the new front man of MV, Tommy Johansson!

We have been looking for something new; a voice with a different identity.  An imitation of the former singer is nothing we have tried to achieve.  Tommy is a talented singer with a great heavy/power metal voice and he is definitely that strong front man we were looking for.  I believe this can be the start of a new era.  This will not affect (any of) our future plans; in fact, we hope it rather be the other way around…

We can now begin looking forward again and focus on upcoming shows in Sweden and Germany!  The work (on) a new album will also begin and more info about this will arrive shortly…"

Tommy offers further insight into the matter:

"Two years ago I heard about MAJESTIC VANGUARD through Sweden Rock Magazine, and as soon as I heard their music I became a big fan.  Now, I'm one of them!  I'm very happy to be in the band and it feels like a dream come true!  I'm also very glad to be playing with this great musicians and awesome guys, with who I'm looking forward to spend a lot of time and share great moments together with.

God bless you all and I’ll see you on tour!”

Official: www.majesticvanguard.net/site.php  MySpace: www.myspace.com/majesticvanguard

*Shredded Sweet, the third instrumental metal release from PASTOR BRAD, should hit the shelves in early 2008.  Guest appearances will be made by Jim Griffin, Sonny Lombardozzi, David Jacobs, Matt Eltringham, Art Kalenda, Joe Nardulli and Andy England.  Expect the album to include the following fourteen songs:

1. Shredded Sweet (All PB)                                                     
2. Sacred Aggression (PB, Jim Griffin on bass)                
3. Bed Of Roses (All PB)                                                           
4. Chunky Monkey (All PB)                                                    
5. Rolling Thunder (PB and Sonny Lombardozzi)            
6. Sinai Daydreams (PB and David Jacob)  
7. Child-like Sweetness (All PB)
8. Fire And Ice (PB and Matt Eltringham)
9. Memory Lane (All PB)
10. Wolfgang's Breath (PB and Jim Griffin)
11. Dr. Philgood (PB and Sonny Lombardozzi)
12. Soul Life (PB and Art Kalenda)
13. Go Irish! (PB and Joe Nardulli)
14. Flooded (PB and Andy England)

Official: www.guitarjams.net/index.html  MySpace: www.myspace.com/guitarjams

*Guitarist JOSHUA PERAHIA offered a recent update at his MySpace page:

“JOSHUA is continuing to create magical music and will be making announcements in the near future about new material and unreleased recordings. Please keep checking in with us to keep up to date!”  Official: http://joshuaperahia.com  MySpace: www.myspace.com/joshuaperahia

*REINXEED finished the recording process of its debut album, The Light.  Look for it to come out on Rivel Records early next year.  MySpace: www.myspace.com/reinxeednorth

*In order to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Cornerstone Festival (held each summer in Bushnell, Illinois), RESURRECTION BAND will be reuniting to play a ten song set.

RESURRECTION BAND also plans to re-issue its 1991 release Civil Rites by the end of the year:

“For fans of classic REZ, this will come as welcome news. Civil Rites, originally released in 1991, will be available on CD again for the first time in about a decade.  It will be here in time for holiday orders, so you can gift it to your favorite REZ-heads! Watch the home page for more information.”

Official: www.resurrectionband.com  MySpace: www.myspace.com/rezbandjpusa

*The classic metal band SAINT continues to make progress on its next album, untitled at the time of this writing:

“Next month will be in studio with London (drummer, Larry), but wait!!!!  There’s even bigger news.... Mr. Jerry Johnson has reappeared and will be performing with SAINT on the next CD.  We’re all very excited to begin production phase and hope to be done early next year.”

Official: http://saintsite.com

*Phoenix, Arizona based TYKKUS recently disbanded.  The following was posted at the bands MySpace page:

“TYKKUS would like to thank everyone out there who has followed and supported the band.  After nearly 5 years of headbanging, gigging and touring, we have decided to part ways.

The MySpace site will be maintained for the time being, perhaps we'll even post some of the new songs that we started recording in early 2007.  Justin (Frear), Brian (Weldin) and Dale (Burton) all maintain their personal Myspace (pages) so be sure to add them as friends and say hi.

Again, thanks to all the fans who made this band what it was. We had a blast.

Justin, Steve, Brian, Dale & Will V.
TYKKUS”

Guitarist Dale Burton, meanwhile, has joined LETTER 7:

“I'll be busy with LETTER 7 as I can now go full time with these rockers for Christ.  We're very busy working on the new songs for next LETTER 7 CD and they are hot!!!  Thanks for having me on board guys!”

MySpace: www.myspace.com/tykkus and www.myspace.com/letter7rocks

*Bassist Gabriel Ingemarson has rejoined VENI DOMINE:

“After an intense band meeting with loads of stuff on the agenda, we agreed on having Gabriel back on bass.  It was really a no-brainer as he is the perfect match for the band both musically and personality wise.  After 2 years with stand-ins who did splendid work for the band, we're back to normal!

We really want to thank the ones filling on for Gabriel - Ez Gomér, Peter Carlsohn, Gary Kusthoss and the live performers Johannes Stiigh and last but certainly not least Andreas Olsson - who had to put up with us the most.  We love you all and you will always have a special place in our hearts!!

Now, we're just missing a keyboard player, but that's normal.”

Official: www.venidomine.com  MySpace: www.myspace.com/venidomine

*VENIA, a power metal/thrash outfit from Finland, will soon be putting the finishing touches on its next album:

“We will mix our upcoming album in December.  This means that during December new samples will be put up on these pages, negotiations with interested publishers will start and the album will likely be released early next year.  Thank you for your patience.”

Official: http://veniaband.com

*The Finnish progressive melodic metal group WINGDOM has broken up:

“Hello everybody.

We have important news for you: the band WINGDOM no longer exists.  This decision did not contain any arguing etc. - there's a time for everything.  Thank you all for the support and great feedback.

Quite often an end means a new beginning...

All the best to you,

WINGDOM”

Official: http://www.wingdom.org

*X-SINNER updated the blog at its home page to provide the latest in regards to its upcoming album, Back In Red, in addition to a Design The New Album Cover contest:

“The new song preview is upon the homepage!!  "Ready To Go" let's all know that Back In Red is coming along and is sounding great.  Real raw and how the band has always wanted to sound (and sounds live) as opposed to the Pakaderm labels overproduction style the group always struggled with in the past.  Being on the Image Record label has allowed the band the artistic freedom to sound how THEY want to sound - not how some producer wants them to sound.  Email us from our contact page to let the band know what you think of the new stuff.

Also the cover art contest has now started. All cover concepts for Back In Red submitted by the fans will be entered and the winner will receive a large X-SINNER package of merchandise including shirts, stickers, CD's and more!  You don't have to be an artist to enter either!  Simply write down and describe your concept and email it to us from our Contact Page on this site if you cannot draw or use Photoshop.  All entries will be considered.  Email entries to: x-sinnerrocks@hotmail.com.  For regular mail of hand drawn art, mail to our merchandising address on our X-Sinnerware page.  To those who have already sent in ideas -they are on file and are already entered.  Thanks and good luck!!”

Finally, guitarist and founding member Greg Bishop will be flying in from Australia to help finish the album:

“Guitarist and group founder Greg Bishop is flying in from Australia in December to put the finishing touches on and assist Rex in mixing the new highly anticipated Back In Red album.  "We are all looking forward to getting this project finished and in the can" says Greg.  "This ended up taking about as long on this one as we did on the Einstein project (2 years) which surprised us because we wanted to complete this in less than a year and now we are closing in on almost 2 years!" Unexpected delays and their engineer quitting early on didn't help.  "Everything is in God's timing anyway" says singer Rex Scott. "We did everything we could do to get it done but you can't really plan on the unexpected".  Bassist Rob Kniep is coming in from Vegas to complete all his bass parts next month.  So 2008 will ring in the new year with a brand new X-SINNER record of all new material which many fans have already written in about after hearing the first sneak preview from it on the homepage this month.”

Official: www.x-sinner.org

 

• FEATURED REVIEWS
• INTERVIEWS
• LINKS
• CHRISTIAN ROCK LEGENDS
• FESTIVAL INFORMATION
• THE LATEST IN THE WORLD OF CHRISTIAN METAL

FEATURED REVIEWS

AFTER OMEGA – After Omega
With first Pacto de Sangre and now After Omega, Puerto Rico has become quite the source of quality Christian metal in recent years.  After Omega is a group of particular merit.  Initially forming in late 2001, the band developed a solid fan base as a result of gigging locally and even gained reputation as one of the better metal acts to come out of the country.  Read Full Review >>

LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE – Independence Day
Those of you who are like me, however, and agree that change is good, will find the move towards an acoustic based sound a refreshing one.  That being said, there is no need to worry in that what we have in Independence Day is not a one dimensional or lackluster “unplugged” effort.  In contrast, this proves a lively and inspired work – delivering more than enough punch to attract those into the metal and hard rock genres – characterized by maturity in the area of songwriting.  Read Full Review >> 

NARNIA – Decade Of Confession
The year was 1993 and guitarist Carl Johan Grimmark crossed paths with a vocalist by the name (at the time) of Christian Liljegren at a record store in the small Swedish town of Jönköping.  Christian’s band, the 70s influenced hard rock outfit Modest Attraction, was preparing to release its debut album, The Truth In Your Face, while Carl remained active in his group, Sentinel.  The two exchanged telephone numbers and kept in touch.  Read Full Review >>

RECON – Behind Enemy Lines
Made up of members from De Roque, Prophet and Seventh Thunder, three defunct area Christian metal bands, Recon came together in the late eighties before placing two tracks – “Light The Fire” and “Dreams” – on the California Metal II compilation in 1990 and recording a five song cassette only demo the same year.  The bands full length debut Behind Enemy Lines, also a 1990 release, moved in a classic power metal direction comparing favorably to contemporaries Fates Warning, Queensryche, Loudness and Sacred Warrior in addition to more recent acts Jacobs Dream (David Taylor era), Faith Factor and The Sacrificed.  Read Full Review >>

ROB ROCK – Garden Of Chaos
Returning two years later with his fourth solo outing Garden Of Chaos, Rob has put together a work taking the guitar driven heaviness characteristic to Holy Hell and imbuing it with the melodic sensibilities of Rage Of Creation and Eyes Of Eternity.  Noteworthy hooks abound throughout the project, particularly on the catchy melodic metal of “Savior’s Call”, “This Is The Last Time” and “Spirit In The Sky”- three tracks heavily influenced by the eighties.  Read Full Review >> 

7th OVERTURE – 70 X 7
Peoria, Illinois is home to 7th Overture and the progressive based sound of its aptly entitled 2007 full length debut 70 X 7.  A band that can trace its history back to 2003, 7th Overture draws heavily upon the influence of 70s style progressive rock while mixing in touches of the guitar driven heaviness characteristic to the current progressive metal scene.  Read Full Review >> 

SUSPYRE – A Great Divide
Any fans of progressive metal out there?  The genre, of course, has expanded significantly over the years with the likes of Dream Theater, Symphony X, Threshold and Shadow Gallery playing a leading role while lesser known – though every bit as musically significant – acts such as Magnitude 9, Darkwater, Amaran’s Plight and Images Of Eden have made their mark as well.  New Jersey based Susype warrants equal consideration.  Read Full Review >>

TORMAN MAXT – The Problem Of Pain: Part 1
Southern California based Torman Maxt got its start in 1994 with the progressive rock of its full length debut Just Talking About the Universe…So Far before following up eight years later with another progressive based epic in The Foolishness Of God. The summer of 2007 finds Torman Maxt returning with The Problem Of Pain: Part 1, a conceptual effort based around the story of Job from the Old Testament with the ultimate theme revolving around why God allows evil and suffering on earth.  Read Full Review >>

INTERVIEWS

FAITH FACTOR – Ski
How did you come up with the name Faith Factor?  Does it have any special meaning?
While on tour with Deadly Blessing in Puerto Rico, I heard the call from God to sacrifice and follow me.  The Lord said stop glorifying yourself and give me honor and praise for the gift of music I have given to you.  So needless to say, you don’t mess with God.  The name Faith Factor was given to me by our Lord.  What it means is- what is your faith, what do you believe in and at what level in that belief are you.  Read Full Interview >>

LINKS

The Danish website PowerMetal includes a new interview with guitarist Gary Wehrkamp (SHADOW GALLERY), who goes into detail in regards to the new AMARAN’S PLIGHT album Voice In The Light: www.powermetal.dk/interviews/amarans_plight.htm.

You will find an interview with DARKWATER vocalist Henrik Bath at PowerMetal as well:  
www.powermetal.dk/interviews/darkwater.htm.

A bootleg live recording of DELIVERANCE – from the bands show at Lake Elsinore, CA on March 3, 2007 – can be downloaded at: www.megaupload.com/?d=5JML114X.  The recording, of course, was made available with permission of the band.

A video to the ETERNAL RYTE track “Requiem” (which will be part of the bands upcoming 2 CD Anthology set) is featured at the Roxx Productions MySpace page: www.myspace.com/roxxrecords.

Chris Dickens completed work on two new hard rocking MISSION OF ONE songs, “Man Overboard” and “Be Yourself”: www.myspace.com/missionofone.

NARNIA’s MySpace page is home to a new track entitled “In His Majesty’s Service”, a “metallized” version of a song originally recorded by the Swedish hard rock outfit JERUSALEM (off the bands 1985 live album of the same name): www.myspace.com/narniaofficial.  “In His Majesty’s Service” is also a bonus track to the recently released NARNIA compilation Decade Of Confession.

Please be sure to check out the professional look to NEON CROSS’ re-designed official website: http://home.socal.rr.com/neoncross.

THE SACRIFICED updated its MySpace page to include a new track entitled “In Heaven”: http://profile.myspace.com/thesacrificedx.

A pre-production recording of a new SAINT song, “Crime Scene Earth”, can be heard at: http://saintsite.com.  Please note that you have to be a SAINT insider to listen to the track.

An interview with STRYPER guitarist Oz Fox was posted at the StrypedForever site (Oz promises lots of guitar solos on the bands forthcoming album!): www.strypedforever.com.

TERAMAZE debuted its new vocalist, Patrick, on several demo clips at its MySpace page: www.myspace.com/teramaze.

Samples to three new songs off the upcoming VENI DOMINE album Tongues are now available: www.myspace.com/venidomine.

CHRISTIAN ROCK LEGENDS

CHRISTIAN ROCK LEGENDS is an organization committed to celebrating outstanding contributions in the Christian rock world.  The following press release goes into further detail:

Greenville, TX August 28, 2007 – Christian Rock Legends announced its existence through the launching of its new website.

The organization promises to fulfill a unique niche in the music world by inducting Christian rock and roll artists as "Legends" in its Circle of Honor.  "While there are numerous organizations and websites designed to celebrate the achievements of mainstream artists, there remain very few that do the same for Christian artists," says Christian Rock Legends co-founder Caleb Slinkard, "We are very excited to fill this role.  I think the time has come. Finally, there is an organization to honor those that have toiled in the Christian Rock Genre but because of its controversial nature have been overlooked for too long."

He goes on to explain the reason behind the organization's creation.  "As my friends and I got more and more into the Christian rock scene, we were disappointed to find no organization that acted like an historian for Christian rock, awarding the best bands so that we can know who they were. We will accomplish this with the help of Christian Rock Legends and all the Christian rock artists both past and present."

Apart from the Circle of Honor, CRL also awards the Christian Rock Legends Music Awards each year in the spring as voted on by Christian rock fans. CRL is preparing for several upcoming events including the Press Release Party in September and the Induction Banquet in December.

For additional information on Christian Rock Legends announcement, contact us at press@christianrocklegends.com or visit www.christianrocklegends.com.

FESTIVAL INFORMATION

The line up for the Sanctuary Stage at this years CALIFORNIA CORNERSTONE FESTIVAL has been officially announced:

Sanctuary Stage - Friday
2 - 2:45 p.m. UNDER COMMAND
3 - 3:45 p.m. TORMAN MAXT
4 p.m. T.B.A.
5 - 5:45 p.m. JUPITER 6 (Jimmy Brown from DELIVERANCE)
6 - 6:45 p.m. MICHAEL DRIVE (formally Mike Lee of BARREN CROSS)
7 - 7:45 p.m. SANCTUARY WORSHIP w/ Pastor Bob and Jim Laverde
8 - 8:45 p.m. BLISSED
9 - 9:45 p.m. SOULJOURNERS
10 - 10:45 p.m. ULTIMATUM
11 - 12 a.m. TOURNIQUET

Sanctuary Stage - Saturday
10 a.m. T.B.A.
11 a.m. T.B.A.
12 - 12:45 p.m. TERRESTRIAL HARVEST
1 - 1:45 p.m. RICHARD ANDREWS EXPERIMENT
2 - 2:45 p.m. TORMAN MAXT
3 - 3:45 p.m. STRANGELAND
4 - 4:45 p.m. GLENN KAISER BAND
5 - 5:45 p.m. EMERAD
6 - 6:45 p.m. RECON
7 - 7:45 p.m. SANCTUARY WORSHIP w/ Pastor Bob and Jim Laverde
8 - 8:45 p.m. NEON CROSS
9 - 9:45 p.m. ONCE DEAD
10 - 10:45 p.m. BARREN CROSS
11 - 12 a.m. BLOODGOOD

Further information: www.cornerstonecalifornia.com.

THE LATEST IN THE WORLD OF CHRISTIAN METAL

*BABYLON MYSTERY ORCHESTRA finished work on its next album, Axis Of Evil:

“The new CD, Axis Of Evil, is now completely recorded.  I will be spending this month trying to get all the booklet material in order.  I intend for this to have the biggest and best packaging of any so far.  And they have been pretty big up to this point! I will announce more details as the time of release approaches.  I am still looking to the first of 2008 for a release date.”

Source: www.babylonmysteryorchestra.com/home.html.

*The repackaged 2007 re-release of BLOODGOOD’s 1990 live album Shakin’ The World is now available on DVD and CD.  Ordering information: http://bloodgoodband.com.

*With a future BRIDE CD on hold indefinitely, vocalist Dale Thompson formed a new group called MONSTERS OF THE AMERICAS.  An e-mail update from Dale expands upon the matter:

“What I have decided to do is to start a new band.  Scottie Hoaglan the guitarist in NAILED and I are writing together on a project named MONSTER OF THE AMERICAS.  I have nothing recorded yet but I have began filling in the details over at www.myspace.com/philipdalethompson.

Meanwhile BRIDE's new CD has been re-released and we have brought on board a company to work radio for us.  Skin For Skin is too great of a body of work to go un-noticed.  So we have people re-introducing the CD to the market place.  A future BRIDE CD is on hold pending Troy's (Thompson – guitarist) possible relocation to Italy.
 
We will send out more information concerning MONSTER OF THE AMERICAS and the future of BRIDE as soon as the dust settles.”

Dale’s MySpace page is also home to the following:

“Dale has been the front man in heavy metal and in blues and now he is starting a brand new band which is a combination of both styles yet with an unrehearsed flavor.

Dale has developed his own unique style which is recognizable upon first listen.  Singers of old had their own styles and when you heard them on the radio you knew right away which band you were listening to.  There are only a few recognizable voices in rock today and Dale is one of them.

MONSTER OF THE AMERICAS is going to be a fun project.  One cannot but concoct bizarre imagery when the title is said aloud. Original and tasteful with intense flavor this is going to be a memorable project.

Gone is the old style, the old sound and the yesterdays and here today is the new.  As the Joker in Batman said "Wait'll they get a load of ME!"

Expect the charismatic frontman with more to say and forget stereotypes or labels.  Hopefully there will be no comparisons.  Let everyone who has ears to hear, listen with their mind clear of prejudice and preconception.”

BRIDE home page: www.bridepub.com.

*DELOREAN should have its new album, untitled at the time of this writing, out by the end of the year:

“Also the music for the (new) album is complete, and we are finishing up the artwork as I type this!  Be on the lookout for the album in the next 4-6 weeks!  Also, the final versions of all 15 tracks will soon be available to listen to (but not download… sorry, we need to eat too) on the web pages flash jukebox, with select tracks available on www.myspace.com/deloreanmusicinc.”

Further information: http://deloreanrocks.com.

*Guitarist Rick Hunter (SOLDIER, REGIME & WALK THE SKY) contributed all the lead guitar work to the most recent release, To Praise With Persecution, of the death metal band DISCERN.  Actually, DISCERN can best be described as a project in that founding member Billy Fraser plays a “one-man instrumental machine” role in handling all drum, vocal (or is that growls?), guitar, bass and songwriting duties.  While it is not the policy of Angelic Warlord to cover any type of extreme music, I thought the visitors to the site would appreciate knowing about any project involving Hunter.  You can read more about DISCERN at: www.discerndeathmetal.com.

*Motus Perpuutus, the 2004 full length debut from Brazil’s DYNASTY, was re-issued by Avantage Records with new artwork and a previously unreleased video of the track “The Time Is Over”.  Web Link: www.dynasty.com.br.

*Details concerning a new ROB ROCK project entitled FIRES OF BABYLON were recently made available at BlabberMouth.net:

“FIRES OF BABYLON is a newly formed band cranking out classic 1980s-style shredding U.S. heavy metal.  The group features in its ranks the highly skilled and lauded lineup of guitarist Lou St. Paul (WINTERS BANE), vocalist Rob Rock (solo; ex-IMPELITTERRI), bassist Kelly Conlon (ex-DEATH, MONSTROSITY), and drummer Robert Falzano (SHATTER MESSIAH; ex-ANNIHILATOR).

Very impressed by Lou's playing on WINTERS BANE's Redivivus album, the owner of European label Metal Heaven Records asked St. Paul to write the material and put together a band to record a classic, shredding '80s metal album — and FIRES OF BABYLON is the result.

FIRES OF BABYLON's debut album, Devilution, will feature 10 crushing, fist-in-the-air metal anthems, and will be released in early 2008 on Metal Heaven Records.”

*Sweden’s INCRAVE updated its home page to include the latest about the follow up to its 2007 full length debut The Escape:

“Swedish metal act INCRAVE are in the studio recording a follow up to their debut album released on Swedish Ulterium Records earlier this year.  The new album will be mixed and mastered by Per Ryberg (BLOODBOUND, MORGANA LEFAY, TAD MOROSE) and the covert artwork will be painted by Kristian Wåhlin [AT THE GATES, EMPEROR, THERION, etc).

No release date has been set but look for it to come out in early 2008.”

Incrave official: www.incrave.se/frame.html.

*The Columbus, Ohio based power metal outfit JACOBS DREAM is nearing completion on its fourth full length album, Dominion Of Darkness:

“Good news for the JD fans.  We are almost through recording the new album.  Bass is getting finished up with a few more vocal tracks to be laid down and the band will be going into mixing.  Also we are preparing to start booking shows in support of the new record so keep watch of what is happening!”

Additional details: www.myspace.com/jacobsdream.

*JUPITER VI, a side project of DELIVERANCE frontman Jimmy Brown, has both a live album and studio album in the works:

“JVI were able to go back to Lucidia, alpha quadrant MARS by an odd coincidence that would take to long to explain in print and or spoken words.  In any case, the moment was captured live over a 3 day performance in the Capitol City on both video and audio. The first version to be released this fall will be the audio entitled: Back To Mars – Live in Lucidia.

We will keep you posted on not only the date but where it can be purchased.

And also by Winter 2007-2008 be on the lookout for the Earth Sophomore effort from Jupiter VI entitled: Alive & Well.”

Further reading: www.jupiter6.com.

*Phoenix, Arizona based LETTER 7 is getting ready to track its next CD, which is set for a late 2008 release.  In the meantime, the band rounded out its line up with bassist Dave Mastel, drummer Steve Pellechia and guitarist Dale Burton (TYKKUS).  Letter 7 home page: www.letter7rocks.com/home.html.

*LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE provided the latest about its new acoustic rock CD Independence Day:

“LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE is excited to announce the release date of their new CD, Independence Day, to retail stores on 10-17-07.  You will be able to purchase the CD at all major retail locations on this date.  If you have pre-ordered the CD it will begin shipping at the end of August/ beginning of Sept.  LNJ would like to thank everyone whose has or will pre-order the CD. You can still pre-order it at www.libertynjustice.net for $11.99 plus S/H.  You will all so be able to order the CD from online stores at the end of this month as well.

This is LNJ's third all-star CD and it features Jani Lane, Kelly Keagy (NIGHT RANGER), Mark Slaughter (SLAUGHTER), Jack Russell (GREAT WHITE), Pete Loran (TRIXTER),John Corabi (ex-MOTLEY CRUE/ RATT), Tony Mills (TNT), Kelly Keeling (TSO), Jamie Rowe (GUARDIAN/ CRUNCH), Tony Carey (RAINBOW), Ted Poley (DANGER DANGER), Shawn Pelata (LINE OF FIRE), Jaime St. James (WARRANT), David Raymond Reeves (NEON CROSS) & Mark and Shannon Hovland (HOVLAND).

The CD is being handled in North America by LNJ Records, in Brazil by Silent Music Records, and people can order it overseas through Music Buy Mail and AOR Heaven.

LNJ has all so added three complete songs to their myspace page (www.myspace.com/libertynjustice2), "Soldier" featuring Keagy and Slaughter, "Monkey Dance" featuring Russell, and "Meet My Monster" featuring Mills.  Justin Murr has already started co-writing some new songs with Mike Layne, Jamie Rowe, Shawn Pelata, and Vic Rivera (AG, Poley/Rivera).  Stay tuned in the next couple of months LNJ has huge news to announce!!!”

*MAIN LINE RIDERS delivers a classic hard rock sound – think AC/DC or X-SINNER – but with some modern/punk influences thrown in (kind of like Bombs Over Broadway era SQUAD 5-0).  The debut release of this Houston, Texas based band, Shot In The Dark, is scheduled for release on Retroactive Records.  More details: www.mainlineriders.com/news.  Samples: www.myspace.com/mainlineriders.

*Guitarist BILL MENCHEN has been quite busy as of late.  Look for him to be releasing the following projects on Retroactive Records:

An instrumental metal album - title to be announced – is going to include Robert Sweet (STRYPER) on drums and famed bassist Tony Franklin (WHITESNAKE, BLUE MURDER) on at least one track.

Also untitled, the second SEVENTH POWER album will continue in the OZZY/BLACK SABBATH direction and also feature the drumming of Robert Sweet.

TITANIC – Wreckage is a compilation (best of) made up of tracks from the bands three full length albums in addition to rarities and two never before released song.

TITANIC - Maiden Voyage (Special Addition) & TITANIC – Screaming In Silence (Special Addition).  Re-mastered, remixed and repackaged, these long out of print classics will now feature Robert Sweet on drums on all tracks.

FINAL AXE – Beyond Hell’s Gate (Special Edition) is going to be re-mastered, remixed and re-released with new artwork. Robert Sweet now handles all drums.  Bonus tracks as well.

To read more about Bill Menchen: www.theseventhpower.com/home.html.

*Look for the next PASTOR BRAD CD, Shredded Sweet, to include guest appearances by Joe Nardulli, Jim Griffin, Sonny Lombardozzi, Art Kalenda, David Jacob and Andy England.  Web Link: www.guitarjams.net.

*Fans of RIVERA BOMMA will be excited to know that the group has begun work on a new album to be tentatively entitled Angels & Demons.  The following (edited) press release from the band provides additional information:

“RIVERA BOMMA is currently working on new material for their 3rd release tentatively titled Angels & Demons.

After I Am God, their 2006 release on Masoleum Records, RIVERA BOMMA did some touring in Puerto Rico, Mexico & U.S. in support of the album.  Without label support they also did some radio & television performances and interviews in Japan, Europe & the U.S.

RIVERA BOMMA took a small break this past summer after finishing their 1st video shoot of "Riding High", a song featured on I Am God.  The video for "Riding High" will feature some clips from (the bands) 2001-2006 Tours.
(The) "Riding High" video is set to be released in the near future.  (we will keep you posted.)

Currently R/B is finishing the writing stage of their 3rd release. The sound will be heavier & darker. Think: TESTAMENT , RIVERA BOMMA & STRUNZ/FARAH mixed in.

John Bomma & Rod Rivera are also auditioning drummers & bassist.  It’s rumored that they will have some known special guest musicians on some tracks- at least two "80's rock monsters" have agreed to record.

If anyone has any suggestions on a talented drummer or bass player they would like (to) hear with R/B let us know at riverabomma@yahoo.com.

For the latest in RIVERA BOMMA visit: www.riverabomma.net and www.myspace.com/riverabomma.”

*7TH OVERTURE, a five piece Christian progressive rock group from Peoria, Illinois, recently added former TORMAN MAXT vocalist Martin DeBourge to its line up.  Samples from the bands 2007 debut 70 X 7 can be heard at: www.myspace.com/7thoverture.  Additional band information: www.7thoverture.com.

*The latest happenings with STRYPER can be found in a recent e-mail update from the band:

In The Studio:
STRYPER is in the studio working on a new record due out in 2008.  Details will be made available as they come in, but word from Michael Sweet in the studio is: "We begin laying down vocal tracks over the next few weeks.  We're finished with all the tracking, other than vocals.  We start mixing in October.  We're covering the song “Peace of Mind” by BOSTON and Tom Scholz (BOSTON guitarist) is joining us to play guitar on that song. The whole record is sounding incredible!"

On a lighter note: On a day off from recording recently, Michael and Oz (with family and friends) headed out to a local karaoke hot spot near the studio in Massachusetts.  "To Hell With The Devil" happened to be one of the songs in the karaoke book so Michael and Oz sang it and gave the locals their very own private karaoke performance.

On Tour:
STRYPER will be touring Spain and Finland in November '07.  Details are available at www.stryper.com.

ON TV:
Thursday September 20, Michael Sweet and his wife Kyle will be appearing on the PTL show (on TBN) hosted by Matt and Laurie Crouch to discuss all they have been through the past year since Kyle was diagnosed with cancer and her road of recovery.  It's sure to be an insightful and uplifting show.  Check local listings for times.

Vote For STRYPER:
CCM Magazine Reader's Choice Awards voting us underway.  Support STRYPER by casting your vote at the link below.
www.surveymonkey.com/s.as...mqVA_3d_3d.

ROXX REGIME Demo:
Have you picked up your copy of the original ROXX REGIME Demo?  This is the demo that got it all started.  It's a "must have" for any STRYPER fan.  Pick it up at www.stryper.com.

*The Madison, Alabama melodic speed metal/thrash outfit TEMPLE OF BLOOD announced the track listing to its upcoming album Overlord:

1. Prelude To Treachery
2. Behind The Inverted Star
3. Illusion Of Control
4. Harbinger
5. Fearsome Warrior
6. Summon The Accused
7. Black Day Of Execution
8. Pawn Of The Liar
9. Forbidden Evil
10. Anthem To The Unseen
11. The Return

Vocalist Jim Mullis offered additional details about the project at the TEMPLE OF BLOOD forum:

“All the drums and rhythm guitars have been recorded.  Everything is sounding great but it will be a while before the rest can be recorded.  All in God's time.

I won't be able to begin recording vocals until November, but this gives me plenty of time to practice and work out all my vocal parts.  Matt (Barnes – guitars) and Lance (Wright – drums) are busy recording with another band they play in and they will be touring during October.  When they return in November we will begin recording again.

Hopefully we will still be able to release the album in early 08, but all in God's time.”

Additional details: www.templeofblood.net and www.firestream.net/forum/showthread.php?t=11565.

*Mirror Of Souls is going to be the official title to the sophomore release from THEOCRACY.  Founding member Matt Smith furnished an update at the THEOCRACY forum on August 20:

“Mixes are going well!  I've got around 1/3 of the album totally done now, and I'm really happy with the way it's come out.  I'm getting tired of the thin, piccolo-sounding snares and inaudible bass on so many Metal releases today, so this album will kind of be a reaction to that.  Fat snare, fat bass.  But it's still very clear; I think it strikes a nice balance between size and clarity. Can't wait for you all to hear it!

We have a show Friday, so that will push things back a bit, but we should still be looking at 2 or 3 weeks, Lord-willing, for the album to be complete.”

On September 9 he provided further insight:

“Unfortunately, some more computer issues (imagine that) slowed my progress this week.  After tonight, though, there will only be three more songs to mix, so we're looking at about the end of the week for the album to be done.”

A post by Matt at the Christian Metal Realm a week later announced the completion of the project:

“The new THEOCRACY album, Mirror of Souls, was officially wrapped up this afternoon!!

I'm extremely pleased with the way it sounds. Obviously it's un-mastered at this point.

Once the label situation has been set in stone, we'll release more details. For now, I'm heading on a well-deserved vacation for a week to try to make up for 2+ years of lost sleep!

Thanks for hanging in there with us. I think you'll be happy with the result.”

Matt also goes into detail about the new album artwork:

“We had some early sketches done, but the primary label we're in discussions with is talking about art direction, etc. and seems willing to put a lot of time and effort into doing it right, so we're just kind of going to see if it pans out with them as hoped, and then figure out what to do about artwork.”

Source: THEOCRACY Forum and Christian Metal Realm.

*The Finnish power metal/thrash outfit VENIA has returned to the studio:

“After some delays we are finally back in the studio recording vocals and violins.  All guitars and the bass (were) successfully recorded during the summer so the album is slowly nearing completion.  We are hoping to get it out this winter.  Keep checking our website for new samples this fall.”

Web Link: http://veniaband.com.

*WINGDOM, another great band from Finland, decided upon the final tracks that will encompass the follow up to its 2005 debut Reality:

“The songs for the next album have been chosen!  We picked up ten songs and there might be a couple of add-on’s still coming.  We are enthusiastic with the new stuff - we think (you’re) gonna like it too ;-)

As always it's hard to describe music in words, but here are a few words trying to describe how the material sounds at the moment: metallic, melodic, more-straightforward-than-the-first-album, atmospheric...”

Additional details: www.wingdom.org.

*Gritty hard rockers X-SINNER pushed back the release date of its forthcoming album Back In Red.  The following (edited) update was taken from the bands home page:

“The band continues to work on Back In Red with the intent of trying to catch up to the original release date of fall 2007.  Their engineer unexpectedly quit the project due to personal reasons last spring and left the band hanging in limbo for until he could be replaced.  However, they do not think they will be able to pull it off by the fall and so they are considering pushing the date out a bit to avoid rushing things along too quickly- and cutting corners they normally wouldn't do because of a crush of time against them.  Moving the date out a little would help eliminate undue pressure and keep the mixes detailed and thorough as opposed to rushed and sloppy.  The band has decided to put up some of the new material that is done up on this site very soon for everybody that has been chomping at the bit to hear it.”

Further information: http://x-sinner.org.

 

• FEATURED REVIEWS
• LINKS
• ARTIST FEEDBACK
• THE LATEST IN THE WORLD OF CHRISTIAN METAL

FEATURED REVIEWS

AMARAN’S PLIGHT – Voice In The Light
Amaran’s Plight, a progressive rock super group combining the talents of vocalist D.C. Cooper (Silent Force, ex-Royal Hunt) and Shadow Gallery guitarist Gary Wehrkamp, can trace its history back to the guest appearance Cooper made on Shadow Gallery’s 1998 release Tyranny (on the epic track “New World Order”).  Fans of Shadow Gallery, of course, have longed for another collaboration between Cooper and Wehrkamp and on Voice In The Light, the 2007 full length debut of Amaran’s Plight, they have the perfect vehicle to showcase the abilities of the two.  Read Full Review >>

GRIMMARK - Grimmark
Guitarist Carl Johan Grimmark needs no introduction.  Best known for his work with the Swedish Christian metal outfit Narnia but also contributing his superlative playing to albums by Audiovision, Divinefire and Rob Rock, Carl recently made the wise decision to step out on his own and in 2007 record his first solo album entitled, appropriately, Grimmark.  Read Full Review >>  

ORATORIO - Redemption
Initially released in Finland on Mata Records in late 2006 but later picked up by Rivel Records in mid-2007, Redemption reflects the maturity gained by Oratorio in all aspects of its performance since the time of The Reality Of Existence.  Whether it is in the areas songwriting, production, lead vocals, lead guitar or even packaging, the album, for a lack of better words, represents a major step up for the band.  Read Full Review >>

PASTOR BRAD – Reshredded
To fully acquaint yourself with Pastor Brad’s playing it is first necessary to listen to several of the albums up-tempo pieces such as “Reshredded” and “March To Mordor”, two scorchers in which he really cuts loose.  The laid back sounds to “Rain” and “Arabian Nights”, on the other hand, display the more emotional if not poignant side to his playing.  Read Full Review >>

PYLON – The Eternal Wedding Band
What we have in Pylon is a doom based sound drawing upon the influences of Black Sabbath and Saint Vitus, the deluge of plodding riffs and down tuned low end heaviness delivered by the band certain to also attract the interest of those into Place Of Skulls, Faith, Troglodyte Dawn and Babylon Mystery Orchestra.  But enough melody imbues the music of Pylon, at the same time, that fans of classic metal or even traditional hard rock should be able to find a home here as well.  Read Full Review >>

SEVENTH SEAL – Messengers Of Love
Seventh Seal, as one would expect, reflects the musical trends of the decade it came out of, combining elements of melodic metal, melodic rock and neo-classical metal to create a sound certain to appeal to fans of other Northern European bands such as Leviticus, Motherlode, Emotion and TNT.  Yngwie Malmsteen and MSG must be mentioned as well along with Stryper, Dokken, Siloam, Holy Soldier and Impellitteri.  Read Full Review >>

STRYPER – The Roxx Regime Demos
Stryper, as I am sure most of you reading this are aware, can trace its history back to 1982 when it was put together by brothers Robert (drums) and Michael Sweet (lead vocals & guitars) while initially under the name Roxx Regime.  Talented guitarist Oz Fox was later recruited in 1983 and, following the influence of a friend by the name of Ken Metcalf, the band dedicated itself to God and chose a new moniker in Stryper (Salvation Through Redemption Yielding Peace, Encouragement and Righteousness).  Read Full Review >>

VIRGIN BLACK – Requiem – Mezzo Forte
Australia’s Virgin Black has been around since the mid-nineties, introducing its unique brand of “orchestral Goth metal” on the self-financed and self-titled demo it put out in 1995 in addition to the three song EP, Trance, it released three years later.  The bands two full length recordings that followed, Sombre Romantic from 2001 and the hauntingly entitled 2003 effort Elegant… And Dying, were both critically acclaimed pieces showcasing a Gothic and doom-like sound combining clean, tenor male vocals with the occasional death metal-like growl.  Read Full Review >>

LINKS

Footage of BLOODGOOD performing “S.O.S.”, “Heaven On Earth” and “Messiah” at this years Cornerstone Festival can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEqJOTiIQbU,  www.youtube.com/watch?v=as9Lpjs0__A and www.youtube.com/watch?v=4O7AsKrEEKU.

BLOODGOOD also conducted a recent interview with Christianity Today: www.christianitytoday.com/music/interviews/2007/bloodgood-mini-0707.html.

As I am sure many of you reading this are aware, the full length debut of the Italian metal/thrash outfit BOARDERS, The World Hates Me, includes a cover of the MEGADETH classic “In My Darkest Hour”.  The bands MySpace page, however, now features a second version of the song – appropriately entitled “In My Brightest Hour” – with Christian lyrics: www.myspace.com/music4thelion.

An interview with FAITH FACTOR lead vocalist Ski can be read at: www.faithfactorband.com/interviews.htm.  Samples to the recently released demo of this exciting New Jersey based power metal outfit are also online: www.myspace.com/faithfactorrocks.

ROB ROCK uploaded the song “Garden Of Chaos”, the title track to his soon to be released fourth solo album, to his MySpace page: http://myspace.com/robrock1.

SAVIOUR MACHINE recently added samples to Legend III:II, the final chapter of the four part Legend Series: http://seventhcircle.net/legend.htm.

You can also listen to a medley of songs from the upcoming SEVENTH AVENUE CD: www.purevolume.com/seventhavenue

Matt Smith made available a short teaser from the upcoming THEOCRACY album in addition to live footage of the band performing with new bassist Patrick Parris: www.theocracymusic.com/TheocracyTeaserJuly07.mp3 and www.theocracymusic.com/Theocracy_7_20_07.mov.

Christian Extreme is home to interviews with EMERALD, classic metal band from the eighties, and the Madison, Alabama based melodic thrash outfit TEMPLE OF BLOOD: http://65.61.12.97/emerald_interview.html and http://65.61.12.97/temple_of_blood_interview.html.

ARTIST FEEDBACK

In response to last months review of Get Real, A.N.D. guitarist/vocalist Paul May forwarded an e-mail in which he provides the latest in regards to the various projects and bands he has been involved in:

“Just a few lines to say thanks for the A.N.D review of the album Get Real .  Its been interesting to see the massive interest this album is still having after 12 years.  Amazing what GOD is still doing with it.
 
There’s a couple of things that might be of interest to you though about myself - Paul May that is and the album itself.
 
Although the album states that John Wylde played some of the guitar, he was in fact was the bass player on the previous album Madmans Overture which was made just before I became a Christian some 16 years or so ago.  John never actually played any guitar on the album at all, but was going to play rhythm guitar for us live at that time, so we put his photo on there and credited him as part of the band.  However, at that time, he had a few personal issues to deal with and left during the manufacture of the album.  Which resulted in him having a picture and credit on the album but no involvement I'm afraid!  But hey there you go such is life!!!
 
I have since made about 5 albums with former JUDAS PRIEST vocalist AL ATKINS, about 5 Albums with the Cult Dutch band JANUS.  Neither of these are Christian outfits, however some of the material I got to write for them was!!  Ha!!  Love it!!
 
I have been producing Christian albums for best part of 12 years, all types of stuff.
 
I have a new band at the moment TEMPLE DOGS (www.myspace.com/thetempledogs) and we are releasing our album Sept 2007, will send you a copy if you'd like one.  It is a Christian album with good Sleazy rock'n'roll riffs.  The band funnily enough at present actually has John Wylde featuring on the Bass!!  Funny ehh?
 
I'm also working a little with the original A.N.D. bass player Pete Emms on his project the VASELINE RATS.
 
There is a new A.N.D album in production too as we speak!!!, and I'm really pleased with this one.  I do actually share the vocals on this album with Dave Rowley, former CRUCIFER vocalist, who is the TEMPLE DOGS vocalist too.  The new album is to be called Dream Maker so that might be of interest to you.
 
If you want to check out any more info about myself you can check www.myspace.com/thepaulmay but you wont find any heavy stuff there its all gentle, not the stuff people normally associate with me, but this material has gone all over the world on copy write free albums about 70,000 to date.

Also, I'm just completing a brand new solo album that contains contemporary worship, electric blues, and acoustic stuff. Phew!!!
 
Among other things along with my wife we do the pastoral care for Walsall Christian Centre where we fellowship.
 
There are so many other projects and albums that I've been involved with that it would take up too much time to tell but you can check out some of the info on the my space site.
 
I hope you can use the info about the Get Real album and find it useful.
 
Thanks again for the kind review and be encouraged to continue in your ministry and support of the Christian rock scene.
 
Please feel free to contact me
God Bless you
 
PAUL MAY”

THE LATEST IN THE WORLD OF CHRISTIAN METAL

*A new A.N.D. album to be entitled Dream Maker is currently in the works!  Guitarist Paul May will be sharing lead vocal duties with former CRUCIFER and current TEMPLE DOGS vocalist Dave Rowley.  Stay tuned for more details.

*An exciting new discovery is the Puerto Rico based power metal/thrash outfit After Omega.  Fans of Boarders, Septer, Antithesis, Barren Cross and Oratorio would do themselves a favor by checking these guys out: www.myspace.com/afteromegamusic.  You can also download the bands new album for free: http://rapidshare.com/files/47041407/After_Omega.zip.

*The melodic power metal act AVIAN updated its MySpace page to include the latest news about the follow up to its science fiction themed 2005 debut From The Depths Of Time:

“The CD is coming along nicely, we will commence recording in a couple of weeks and should have everything done in September.  We decided not to release the CD this year because we learned last time around that releasing a CD late in the year is not very beneficial.  So, we will release it in very early 2008 and hopefully the CD will get the amount of attention we feel it deserves.”

AVIAN features the lead vocal abilities of Lance King, who has worked with the likes of BALANCE OF POWER, PYRAMAZE and SHINING STAR.  Source: http://www.myspace.com/avianband.
 
*In a recent e-mail update, BRIDE vocalist Dale Thompson went into detail about the bands experience at this years Cornerstone Festival:

“We wanted to thank everyone that attended our show at Cornerstone over the weekend.  We had a great time.  It was also a blessing to reunite with many of our old friends.  It had been ages since we had spoken with and shared a stage with such incredible bands as BLOODGOOD, X-SINNER, WHITECROSS and DISCIPLE.  Oz Fox was even there playing guitar for BLOODGOOD!  It is was our pleasure to hang with Doug Van Pelt of HM Magazine again.  All in all the weekend was a blessing.  We had safe yet exhausting travels but it was worth the road trip for sure.”

BRIDE home page: www.bridepub.com.

*Ultermium Records announced the North America release of Calling The Earth To Witness, the full length debut of the Swedish progressive metal outfit DARKWATER:

“Ulterium Records [Sweden] and Nightmare Records [U.S.] have inked a deal for the North American release of the Calling The Earth To Witness album by the Swedish melodic/progressive metal band DARKWATER.  The album was released in Sweden May 28th and in Norway June 18th by Ulterium Records.  Nightmare Records will distribute the album exclusively in North America, and the release dates are set for August 28th in Canada, and September 11th for the US.”

Web Link: www.ulterium-records.com/index2.html.

*The talented Brazilian power/progressive metal act DESTRA signed a deal with Silent Music Records.  The band is currently at work on material for its third album overall, which does not have a title at the time of this writing.  DESTRA MySpace page: www.myspace.com/bandadestra.

*DIVINEFIRE, the symphonic power metal outfit made up of vocalist Christian Rivel (NARNIA) and guitarist Jani Stefanovic (ESSENCE OF SORROW), will be recording its appropriately entitled final album Farewell.  The following (edited) press release was taken from the bands website:

“DIVINEFIRE was from the beginning a studio project where Christian Rivel wanted to create music in which symphonic neo-classical metal is mixed with extreme and aggressive metal.  He put the band together after getting in touch with Jani Stefanovic of RENASCENT.  DIVINEFIRE turned out to be very successful band/project and we worked hard and toured as well.  The tour in Japan was a big dream come true for the band.  The demand after new recordings and touring have been very big after every new studio album.  Of course, it is really flattering but Christian & Andreas (both NARNIA) and Jani (ESSENCE OF SORROW, MEHIDA & MISERATION) will be focusing on their main bands.

With the forthcoming and final studio album Farewell, DIVINEFIRE will say thanks for all the incredible support.  Special thanks especially our Japanese fans and Kaz Nakatsuka and King Records.

Two very special guests are already confirmed for Farewell: Carl Johan Grimmark (NARNIA & ROB ROCK) on lead guitar and Christian’s younger brother Hubertus Liljegren (Ex CRIMSON MOONLIGHT & SANCTIFICA) on growling vocals.”

Source: www.divinefire.net.

*DYNASTY plans to release its next album, Warriors Of The King, on September 15, 2007.  Look for Silent Music Records to be the label.  Also, SAINT vocalist Josh Kramer will be making a guest appearance on one of the albums tracks. Further information: www.dynasty.com.br.

*Finland’s ESSENCE OF SORROW rounded out its line up to include two new members: guitarist Tom Gardiner and bassist Eero Pakkanen.  Further band information: www.essenceofsorrow.com.

*Roxx Productions made available the track listing of the upcoming ETERNAL RYTE 2 CD set Anthology:

The first disc includes all ten songs off the bands 1990 Pure Metal debut World Requiem (“Tightrope Dancer”, “Requiem”, “Someone to Love”, “Say Hello”, “The Killer”, “Surrender”, “On the Line”, “You and Me”, “The King” & “No More Lies”) in addition to the six that appeared on the 1987 cassette only release Anthem (“Forever Free”, “He’s A Killer”, “No More Lies”, “No Place to Hide”, “Stand Up” & “King of Kings”).

The second comprises live tracks recorded at the following festivals: Metal Mardi Gras (“On The Line & “Fight For The Light”), Live Metal Midnight III (“Someone” & “Requiem”) and Live Metal Meltdown (“No More Lies”, “King Of Kings” and “Tightrope Dancer”).  It will also feature the seven songs from the bands unreleased 1986 demo (“Intro”, “Armed For Action”, “Fight For The Light”, “He’s A Killer”, “Quiet Times”, “Run For Your Life” & “Winner’s Take All”).

The first 100 copies are going to be autographed by all four original members of the band and include a limited edition bonus DVD made up of eight professionally recorded live clips.  A release date is planned for next month.

Additional details and ordering information: www.roxxproductions.com.

*Gritty hard rockers F.O.G. returned to the studio to record the follow up to their very fine 2005 offering Broken. Also, these “Four Old Guys” plan to record a live albumin the future as well.  F.O.G. home page: www.fog-rocks.com.

*The New Jersey based power metal outfit FAITH FACTOR recently released its debut 3 song demo/EP.  You can read a review in the Mini Reviews section of this months update.  In the meantime, the band is currently at work on material for a full length follow up release to be entitled Against A Darkened Sky.  Further reading and samples: www.faithfactorband.com and www.myspace.com/faithfactorrocks.

*HERO is seeking a label to support its next album, Immortal.  New songs from the band include  “Immortal”, “Rock The World” and “Imagine This”.  Source: www.heroesplace.com.

*Glenn Kaiser (RESURRECTION BAND) updated his blog to offer the latest concerning the next album by his blues heavy rock outfit GLENN KAISER BAND:

“Roy Montroy has written a boatload of cool tunes, I've written a few as well so... at some point we'll begin checking them out and picking songs for the next GKB studio release.  As posted hear earlier, we suspect we'll record in the winter and release that one in early spring next year.”

Further reading: http://glennkaiser.com.

*On July 2, 2007 the latest was provided in regards to the upcoming LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE album Independence Day:

“LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE 7th studio album, Independence Day, is now finished and been sent out for mastering.  I-Day is LNJ's third all-star CD and their first full production acoustic rock record.  At this time they are proud to announce the last three singers for the last two songs.  "Solider" features the duet pairing of Kelly Keagy (NIGHT RANGER/ SCRAPMMETAL) and Mark Slaughter (SLAUGHTER/ SCRAPMETAL) and features members of SINKINGL on this killer rock track.  The last song marks the return of another LNJ Soundtrack Of A Soul alumni, Pete Loran (TRIXTER) as he handles vocal duties on the song "Phoenix".  The song all so features guest guitarist appearance by Jack Frost (SEVEN WITCHES) and background vocals by Dale Toth.

The complete track listing is as follows:

1. “Doubting Thomas” (John Corabi of x-MOTLEY CRUE/RATT/UNION)
2. “Monkey Dance” (Jack Russell of GREAT WHITE)
3. “Soldier” (Kelly Keagey of NIGHT RANGER & Mark Slaughter of SLAUGHTER)
4. “My Sacrifice” (Shawn Pelata of LINE OF FIRE)
5. “Phoenix” (Pete Loran of TRIXTER)
6. “Independence Day” (Kelly Keeling of BATON ROUGE/MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP)
7. “Meet My Monster” (Tony Mills of TNT/x-SHY)
8. “Praying for a Miracle” (Ted Poley of DANGER DANGER)
9. “Fade” (Jamie Rowe of GUARDIAN)
10. “Bullet, Train, Breakdown” (Jaime St.James of WARRENT/BLACK N' BLUE)
11. “Addiction” (Jani Lane)
12. “Wake the Dead” (Ez Gomer of JET CIRCUS & Tony Carey of RAINBOW)
13. “Snake Eat Snake” (David Raymond Reeves of NEON CRISS)
14. “A Little Bit of Love” (Mark & Shannon Hovland of HOVLAND)

Guest Musicians: Jerry Dixon (WARRANT), Kevin Chalfant, Tommy Denander, Jack Frost, Charlie Calv, Don Webster (NEON CROSS), Nikki Dimage (LINE OF FIRE), Dale Toth … plus many others!

To mark the release LNJ has totally revamped their website, (www.libertynjustice.net) and for a limited time (starting 7-02-07) you can pre-order "I-Day" for $8.99 and this includes free shipping.  The site all so features a new interview and two sample Mp3's off the new CD.  If you still want to hear more you can listen to two full versions at the bands MySpace page (www.myspace.com/libertynjustice2), including the new Pete Loran track.  LNJ would like to thank you for your continued support and please help get the word out about this record!  The record will be handled in North America by LNJ Records and in South America by Silent Music Records.”

*Sweden’s NARNIA plans to release a 10th anniversary compilation album entitled Decade Of Confession on August 28, 2007.  The Rivel Records home page features the latest information:

“It will be a cool digi pack 2 CD set called Decade Of Confession.  Release date is set for August.  On Decade Of Confession you will get 27 songs summarizing the bands first 10 years, including some new material as well.  NARNIA debuted on July 18, 1997 with its initial release Awakening.”

Disc 1 will include 14 tracks: “In His Majesty's Service” (new song), “Into This Game”, “Show All The World”, “Judgement Day”, “Innocent Blood”, “The Countdown Has Begun” (Live), “Back From Hell” (Live), “No Time To Lose” (Live), “Inner Sanctum”, “The Witch And The Lion”, “Revolution Of Mother Earth”, “The Light At The End Of The Tunnel”, “Trapped In This Age” & “Sunrise” (URIAH HEEP cover, only released on NB sampler).

Disc 2 is going to be made up of 13 more: “Gates Of Cair Paravel”, “Living Water”, “The Mission”, “Shelter Through The Pain”, “Can't Get Enough Of You” (only released in Japan), “Dangerous Game”, “Long Live The King”, “No More Shadows From The Past”, “Heavenly Love”, “Break The Chains”, “Awakening” (Live), “Hymn To The North” (only released in Japan) & “Show All The World” (Remix, previously unreleased)

NARNIA also plans to hit the road in support of Decade of Confession:

“NARNIA will also tour to push this release and the tour start in HOLLAND, August 16 at the FLEVO FESTIVAL and it will be the biggest live production so far for NARNIA…  Special music has been composed especially for the live shows.”

Full story: www.rivelrecords.com/news.php and www.massacre-records.com/comingsoon.asp.

*Guitaist Jani Stefanovic (ESSENCE OF SORROW) is going to mix the debut release, The Light, of Sweden’s ReinXeed. Details: www.rivelrecords.com/news.php.  Samples: www.myspace.com/reinxeednorth.

*Garden Of Chaos, the highly anticipated fourth solo album from ROB ROCK, will be made up of 11 tracks and feature three different release dates:

Japan – JVC/Victor Music – August 22
Europe – AFM Records – September 23
USA – Candlelight Records – October 23

Track Listing: “Garden of Chaos”, “Satan’s Playground”, “Savior’s Call”, “This Time Is The Last Time”, “Only A Matter of Time”, “Spirit In The Sky”, “Metal Breed”, “Millennial Reign”, “Unconditional”, “Ride the Wind” & “Ode to Alexander”

Musicians
Rob Rock - Vocals
Car Johan Grimmark - Guitars
Andreas Johansson - Drums
Andreas Olsson - Bass

Additional Musicians
Mistheria - Keyboards
Liza Rock - Keyboards and Backing Vocals
Roy Z – Guitars & Bass
Gus G - guitar solo on “Ride The Wind”
Bob Rossi - guitar solo on “Metal Breed”
Peter Hallgren - guitar solos on “Savior’s Call” and Millennial Reign” along with CJ Grimmark
Bobby Jarzombek - drums on “Ride the Wind” and “This Time is the Last Time”

Further information can also be found at www.bravewords.com/news/69535:

“Singer ROB ROCK (ex-IMPELLITTERI) will be releasing his new album, Garden Of Chaos, on August 22nd via Victor Entertainment/JVC Music in Japan.  New song titles include: “Garden Of Chaos”, “Metal Bleed”, “This Time is The Last Time”, “Unconditional”, “Only A Matter of Time”, “Spirit In The Sky” and “Ride The Wind”(Japanese bonus track).  As previously reported, Garden Of Chaos was produced by RR guitarist CJ Grimmark and co-produced by Roy Z (JUDAS PRIEST, BRUCE DICKINSON, HALFORD) and Rob Rock.  Rob wrote 7 of the 11 tracks with long-time partner Roy Z, and the other tracks were co-written by Rob with Gus G. (FIREWIND), CJ Grimmark, Bob Rossi, and Liza Rock.  The album was mixed and mastered at Hansen Studios in Denmark by Jacob Hansen.”

Samples: http://myspace.com/robrock1.

*SAINT is currently at work on material for its next album, untitled at the time of this writing.  A pre-production recording of a new song, a bass heavy plodder with Richard Lynch on vocals entitled “Terror In The Sky”, can be heard at the bands website (note: you have to be a SAINT insider to download the track): http://saintsite.com.

Josh Kramer, lead vocalist of SAINT, further expands upon the matter in a recent update at www.mrsaintfan.freewebspace.com:

“Spontainious SAINT update; my favorite songs of the new project so far...  It's really hard to decide.  So far it is the song that Rich sings on by himself (can't say title yet. Shhhhhh!).  It is very anthemic and he does an admirable job. it is a full on 10 out of 10 lighter waver!  He has really improved vocally since the 80's!  It will be a hoot and a nice break to play guitar behind him live.

Speaking of live, SAINT is talking to Tomfest to do a prime time spot.  Please email Tomfest and solidify it for us.  I'd love to see you all there.  Heck, I don't know what the URL is.  I'll find out more and relay it.

We are also toying with the prospect of playing a spot in a fest here in Salem, Oregon, USA this summer!!!...  Yeah!!!

The weather here in Salem, Oregon has been amazing, cool, a little rainy, moist, nice, beautiful and gorgeous and very green here in green luscious Oregon.  Very similar to Germany...nice!  HJK”  (Cool?  Rainy?  Moist?  I wonder how Josh would like the summer weather here in Phoenix? –Ed.)

You can read a portion of one of the chapters from the new SAINT autobiography at Mr. Saint Fan as well.  Also, in case you were wondering, following is the link to Tomfest: www.tomfest.com.

*On August 28, 2007 Magna Carta will be releasing Prime Cuts, a hand picked compilation of 11 songs from the 4 albums SHADOW GALLERY recorded while signed to the label.  A twelfth track, “Rule The World”, is a lost recording from the Carved In Stone sessions.  Further reading: www.magnacarta.net/releases/sgprimecuts.html and http://shadowgallery.com/article.php?story=20070725173907688.

*Does anybody remember SHINING FORCE?  You know, metal/hard rock outfit from Houston that released a promising self-titled debut in 2003 that, while a bit rough around the edges production wise, showcased a TON of potential.  Well, I am pleased to announce, SHINING Force is back!  The following was taken from the bands MySpace page:

“SHINING FORCE will be ready to hit the studio on July 7 & 8.  This will be time for us to get down 4 new songs and get them posted on the SHINING FORCE MySpace page.  We will post them up as soon as they are completed and get back to the studio to complete the rest of the CD.  This will give the listener time to hear 4 songs from the new CD.  After that the full CD will be completed.  We are excited about the new CD, there is something for old school listeners as well as new comers.  We promise to give this CD our best for all the fans.  We hope you will enjoy it and will purchase the full CD as soon as it is available.  After listening to the 4 song's that will be posted if you wish to purchase the CD, just shoot us an email and we will put you on our list.  You may also purchase the 4 song demo before the full CD is available.  The 4 song demo will be signed by each member.  Keep checking back with us, the new songs will be posted soon.  God Bless, and we are looking forward to hear from you.”

The four new songs in question are not online at the time of this writing.  However, if you would like to check back (or read more about the band) then please visit: http://profile.myspace.com/sfband.

*SHINING STAR has returned as well!  A Brazilian melodic power metal outfit featuring guitar hero Fabio Rocha, SHINING STAR hit the scene in 2000 with its full length debut Fatal Mistake before following up in 2005 with the Lance King fronted project Enter Eternity.  After being out of the picture the past two years, Shining Star has reformed with an all new line up: Ricardo (vocals), Juliano (drums), Fabio (guitars) and Rodrigo (bass).  Stay tuned for further details!  WebLink: www.myspace.com/shiningstar7.

*STRYPER plans to play five dates in Spain this November.  Tour dates and ticket information : http://stryper.com/2005_tour/dates.html.

In other STRYPER news, an update concerning the bands next album was taken from http://strypedforever.com:
 
“Just wanted to let you guys know that I talked with Michael yesterday regarding the new CD.  The rehearsals are to begin on July 31st or no later than August 1st.  The actual recordings themselves will officially begin on August 6th.

This will be a much anticipated follow up to the 2005 release of Reborn.  "It will definitely rock" says Michael.

The release is expected to have a cover song of an old non-STRYPER favorite.  “Save Me” from Michael's solo release Truth, in my opinion is one of Mike's best to date, which definitely did not receive it's just rewards, is expected to be on the disc as well.  The song was originally written with STRYPER in mind. It will be nice to see it get another chance.”

*The TEMPLE DOGS is a new hard rocking outfit from the UK featuring A.N.D. members Paul May and John Wylde along with former CRUCIFER vocalist Dave Rowely.  Look for the bands debut to come out next month.  In the meantime, check out the tracks “Liberty” and “4 U All I Eva Done”: http://myspace.com/thetempledogs.

*Matt Smith provided the latest about the next THEOCRACY album in a post at the Christian Metal Realm:

“Just wanted to check in with you guys real quick and let you know that I finished the last of the vocals today.  Probably around 2 more weeks of various overdubs (keyboards, guitar solos, etc.), and the whole thing will be done (Lord-willing) and ready for the final mixes.

Thanks again for sticking with us through this long ordeal.

God bless,

Matt Smith”

Matt expands further upon the matter at the THEOCRACY forum:

“I'm smack in the middle of recording vocals for the last (yes, LAST) song on the album.  It's one of the longer ones, so there are a lot of vocals to do, but I can't believe that (Lord-willing) I'll be done with all the vocals in a couple of weeks.  After that, just some final touches (keyboards, a few guitar solos and lead parts, etc.), and then it will be time for the final mixes.  The "Martyr" mix came out quite good, so it's basically just a matter of working the other songs into that mold, sonically.

This song I'm singing now is pretty challenging; not so much from a technical point of view (high parts, etc.), but it tells a story, so I have to do a lot of self-producing to get the right character and mood across in the vocals, which involves a lot of trial and error. My throat feels rough this morning, but it's coming out OK so far.
Anyway, so that's where we're at.”

Further discussion: Christian Metal Realm and THEOCRACY Forum.

*Tongues, the sixth full length album from Sweden’s VENI DOMINE, is going to be released on September 14, 2007.  Look for it to feature over 60 minutes of music and the ten following tracks: “October”, “Scream”, “The Bell Of A Thousand Years”, “The Rider On The White Horse”, “Two Times”, “Bless My Pain”, “Stay With Me”, “You Leave Me Cold”, “Tree Of Life” & “Tongues”  Guitarist Torbjorn Weinesjo handled production duties.  WebLink: http://www.venidomine.com.

*A female fronted Christian goth/metal band from Bulgaria, VOICE OF GLASS has two tracks available for listen at its MySpace page: “Song Of Songs” draws its lyrics from the book of the Bible of the same name, while “Valley” - which combines extreme male vocals with clean female vocals - is based around Psalm 23.  Samples: www.myspace.com/voiceofglasss.  Further reading: www.voiceofglass.com.

*X-SINNER plans to perform on the Sanctuary stage at the California Cornerstone Festival on September 28 & 29.  At the time of this writing, it has not been determined which day the band will perform.  X-Sinner, in the meantime, continues to work on its upcoming CD Back In Red, which is scheduled to be released in either 2007 or 2008.  Additional details: www.x-sinner.org/blog.html and www.cornerstonecalifornia.com.

 

• FEATURED REVIEWS
• LINKS
• THE LATEST IN THE WORLD OF CHRISTIAN METAL

FEATURED REVIEWS

A.N.D. – Get Real
Get Real by A.N.D. ranks with the many obscure Christian metal releases to come out of the mid-nineties that failed to get the time and attention they deserved.  However, when one stops to consider the era in which Get Real was released, it becomes obvious the blend of classic metal, melodic metal and straightforward hard rock delivered by A.N.D. might not be considered, well, flavor of the month.  Read Full Review >>

BARREN CROSS – Atomic Arena
After parting ways with Star Song following the release of its 1986 debut Rock For The King, Barren Cross signed with Enigma Records when the label became impressed by the manner in which it ranked above Metallica on the CMJ reports at certain radio stations.  Prior to recording its 1988 Enigma debut Atomic Arena, however, Barren Cross placed the track “Dead Lock” on the California Metal compilation, a number reflecting the growth and maturity gained by the band in its songwriting since the time of Rock For The King.  Read Full Review >>

DARKWATER – Calling The Earth To Witness
As previously stated, the music here is over the top in its progressiveness with seven of the albums full length songs averaging at around just over nine minutes each.  One of the reasons the album features such lengthy material is that Darkwater takes every opportunity to showcase its instrumental sound.  Read Full Review >>

DELIVERANCE - Assimilation (Expanded Edition)
Representing a near complete makeover in the bands sound, Assimilation takes a foundation of edgy rhythm guitar and imbues it with a forward mix of keyboards to create a work that can best be described as dark and heavy – almost Goth-like in feel – but compelling as well.  As a matter of fact, what we have here is perhaps the most musically consistent effort from the band since its critically acclaimed 1993 work Learn.  Read Full Review >>

DELIVERANCE – The First Four Years
Starting with the bands inception in 1985 and culminating with its signing to Intense Records in 1988, The First Four Years does a laudable job compiling the very first songs recorded by Deliverance, many which were never previously released.  What we end up with is a mixture of rare – and quite rough sounding – demo material, several live compositions (one which features an encounter with a heckler in the audience) and remixed versions of several of the bands compositions from the past.  Read Full Review >>

DELIVERANCE – Greetings Of Death
Greetings Of Death, which was independently released by the band and went on to sell an impressive 5000 copies, showcases a rawer and edgier sound in comparison to Deliverance and Weapons Of Our Warfare.  If anything, the music here is faster – if you can imagine that! – while reflecting the heavier and more energetic feel.  Read Full Review >> 

ORATORIO – The Reality Of Existence
Established in 1998 by founding member’s guitarist Jarmo Happonen, vocalist Joel Hekkala, drummer Janne Hietakangas and bassist Lauri Joutsiniemi, Oratorio recorded its first demo (Vahan) during the spring of 1999 along with finalizing its line up with the addition of guitarist Thomas Mata Eriksson.  After putting together its second demo (Huuto), the band placed the track “Shine The Light” on the Metal Rose Collection compilation before independently releasing its full length debut The Reality Of Existence in 2003.  Read Full Review >>

X-TERRA – X-Nihilo
Initially forming in 1985, X-Terra is a power trio that over the years put out several CD and cassette only releases – with Wolves from 2003 being the most recent – before recording its latest work, the 2007 offering X-Nihilo.  X-Nilhilo finds X-Terra continuing the trend of its past efforts by delivering a blend of metal and hard rock heavily influenced by both the seventies and the eighties.  Read Full Review >>

LINKS

MEHIDA and ORATORIO both have profile pages at Metal From Finland: www.metalfromfinland.com/Mehida and www.metalfromfinland.com/Oratorio.

YouTube is home to a video of the BARREN CROSS track “Imaginary Music” (off Atomic Arena): www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAWYP64ip3Y.

The official BLOODGOOD website features a slideshow of the band performing in Nashville at GMA: http://bloodgoodband.com/media/photos/2007/gma.html.

A video of the title track to the new BOARDERS CD The World Hates Me can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RO6Pm45Ujw.

World Of Metal conducted a recent interview with DELIVERANCE vocalist/guitarist Jimmy Brown: http://worldofmetal.net/content/view/60/91.

Two tracks, “Quite Time” and “Forever Free” (taken from the upcoming 2 CD anthology re-issue of ETERNAL RYTE’s 1990 debut World Requiem), can be heard at the Roxx Production MySpace page: www.myspace.com/roxxrecords.

Houston, Texas based KRUCIBLE, a power/progressive metal outfit that now includes Lance King (AVIAN), updated its MySpace page to showcase two new songs with King on lead vocals: www.myspace.com/krucible.

NEAL MORSE discusses his most recent solo outing Sola Scriptura in an interview at Christianity Today:
www.christianitytoday.com/music/interviews/2007/nealmorse-0407.html.

TERAMAZE added two new demo tracks to its MySpace page: www.myspace.com/teramaze.

A profile page for THEOCRACY can be viewed at ProgArchives: www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=2986.

Richard West, keyboardist for the UK progressive metal outfit THRESHOLD, goes into detail in regards to the bands latest release Dead Reckoning in two recent interviews: www.auxportesdumetal.com/interviews/threshold-uk.html and www.rockreviews.org/interview.php?ID=4.

WINGDOM now has a presence at MySpace: www.myspace.com/wingdomfinland.

THE LATEST IN THE WORLD OF CHRISTIAN METAL

*I am excited to report on AMARAN’S PLIGHT, a new symphonic progressive metal “supergroup” featuring the lead vocal abilities of DC Cooper (Ex-ROYAL HUNT, SILENT FORCE) and songwriting of SHADOW GALLERY guitarist Gary Wehrkamp.  The bands recently released full length debut, Voice In The Light, can best be described as a “faith based” concept album looking at one man’s search for answers following a near death experience.  Lyricist John Crawford expands further upon the matter at his website:

“John W. Crawford’s epic rock opera, Voice In The Light, will be released worldwide by ProgRockRecords May 20, 2007.  Performed by the progressive rock band AMARAN ’S PLIGHT, Voice In the Light is a faith based conceptual piece about a man’s search for answers following a near death experience.  The story and primary lyrics were written by John W. Crawford, who also served as Executive Producer and musical director.  AMARAN’S PLIGHT boasts an all-star lineup from progressive rock in: DC Cooper (Ex-ROYAL HUNT, SILENT FORCE), Gary Wehrkamp (SHADOW GALLERY), Nick D'Virgilio (SPOCK’S BEARD, TEARS FOR FEARS, GENESIS) and Kurt Barabas (UNDER THE SUN).  Voice In The Light was produced and composed by Gary Wehrkamp, who also played guitar and keyboards on the record.  Performed in the tradition of classic progressive rock, the music fits the structure and emotion of the storyline in such a way that the listener can feel the whole experience of the concept put to music.  With a full and colorful CD booklet as a guide, Voice In The Light is a complete experience into the afterlife and back.”

Further Reading: www.johnwcrawford.com/index.html and http://shadowgallery.com/article.php?story=200703080401042.  Samples And Ordering Information: www.progrockrecords.com/shop/view.php?id=120.

Expect a VERY favorable review in the near future.  Keep checking back!

*Axis Of Evil is the working title of the forthcoming album from BABYLON MYSTERY ORCHESTRA.  Founding member Sidney Allen Johnson provides additional detail at the BMO home page:

“Work is progressing and nearing completion for the recording of the new CD.  I have settled on the title Axis Of Evil.  I am still planning on releasing it at the first of 2008.  I have added a page to the website that assembles the links to all of my essay writings on one page.  Previously you had to go to MySpace or one of the many other BMO sites to find them.  Now you can just go to the essays page and click on a title.  I have just added a new one.  It is very revealing as to the subjects that will be dealt with on Axis Of Evil.  Be sure to leave comments and let me know what you think about them.”

Further Reading: www.babylonmysteryorchestra.com/home.html.
 
*BRIDE vocalist Dale Thompson offered the latest in regards to the bands next – and perhaps final – album in several e-mail updates the past month:

“BRIDE is now focused on writing for a new CD.  A couple of different styles have been worked with here so we are trying to narrow things down.  First there is the heavy metal praise and worship style, then there is the sloppy very bluesy and loose rock style and then songs have even been experimented with in an extreme hard core fashion. The Lord will have the final say as to the direction of possibly the last BRIDE CD. We do guarantee that it will be fun!”

Dale further expands upon the matter:

“I have written the new BRIDE lyrics for the new CD. Troy (Thompson) is still working on music.  We will have more time together in July to put everything together.  If our schedules work out we hope to have a new CD by years end.”

BRIDE Home Page: www.bridepub.com.    

*Grimmark, the debut solo outing of NARNIA guitarist CARL JOHAN GRIMMARK, is going to be released by Rivel Records on August 31, 2007.  Source: http://profile.myspace.com/grimmark.

*MAJESTIC VANGUARD recently announced its new bass player, Lars Walfridsson:

“It’s about time to make exiting news official; we are extremely happy to announce a new band member…  Lars Walfridsson! Lars will be the new bas player in MAJESTIC VANGUARD!  The last couple of weeks we have rehearsed together and both musically and spiritually we have found each other very well!  The gigs at Jesus rock in Kramfors will be the first official gig for Lars and we can’t wait to hit the stage together!  An introduction of Lars will shortly be available in the member section… stay tuned!

Since Lars is our new bass player, Andreas (Andersson) now plays the second guitar.  So in fact, the searching for the new guitar position, ended up within the band.  Everyone feel very positive about this new situation and we are satisfied with the lineup changes… Feels good to have 2 guitar players again!

We also fell hungry to play live so don’t hesitate to book MV for a live experience!”

Please Visit: www.majesticvanguard.net/site.php.

*The full length debut of MEHIDA, Blood & Water, will be released in Finland on August 22, 2007.  Further details are available at the bands website:

“Hello everyone. MEHIDA has just signed a worldwide record contract with a label whose name will soon be revealed.  We're happy to inform all the fans outside Finland that now the album should be easier to get also overseas.  The worldwide deal also causes some changes to the release schedule in Finland.  We're really sorry for the delay, but now we have the final release date set and its 22.08.2007.  Around then the album should be out everywhere also in iTunes.  All the Finnish fans who have already pre ordered the album, thanks for your patience.  We will send you the albums on the release day.”

WebLink: www.mehida.com.

*Vocalist/guitarist Chris Dickens recently brought everyone up to date concerning the next MISSION OF ONE CD:

“After over a year of recording the new CD, all the tracks are done.  I am now entering the mixing process.  Hopefully, that won't take me a year!  But, I think everyone will be pleasantly surprised with the musical direction.  I just used all of my influences from 70's rock, 80's rock, modern rock/punk, blues, and some CCM worship, too!  So, it's an eclectic blend, but I have worked hard to bring all those styles into a project and have them all fit together nicely.”

Details: www.myspace.com/missionofone.

*Rivel Records is going to release the next ORATORIO album, Redemption, on July 7, 2007.  Look for a review to be included as part of next months update to the site.  Source: http://oratoriometal.com.

*ORPHAN PROJECT has been busy in the studio as of late, recording its first song, “Angels Desire”, in three years.  The band is currently working on material for a 4 to 6 song EP to be released in late 2007 or early 2008.  “Angels Desire” can be purchased at the bands website: www.orphanfound.com/home.php?page=home.  Samples: www.myspace.com/orphanproject.

 *PROTO-KAW is focusing its efforts on its forthcoming CD – untitled at the time of this writing – to be released in the Fall of 2007.  WebLink: http://www.protokaw.com.

*Following is the latest concerning the upcoming ROB ROCK album, Garden Of Chaos:

“The new album Garden of Chaos is now complete!  So far the reaction to the album has been fantastic!  Keep an eye out in August/September for the new release.

The album was produced by RR guitarist CJ Grimmark and co-produced by Roy Z and Rob Rock.

Rob wrote 7 of the 11 tracks with long-time partner Roy Z, and the other tracks were co-written by Rob with Gus G. (Firewind), CJ Grimmark, Bob Rossi, and Liza Rock.

The album was mixed and mastered at Hansen Studios in Denmark by Jacob Hansen.”  

Source: www.robrock.com/index2.html.

*SAINT provided a brief update about the progress of its next album:

“Hey everyone, SAINT is about half way through pre-production, it's getting pretty exciting!!!  Will be posting some samples of the new songs along with some guitar video tab of your favorite songs very soon.”

In other SAINT news, the SAINT/JOSH KRAMER autobiography is finished and available for free in PDF format to anyone who buys anything from the SAINT store:

Check It Out: http://saintsite.com.
  
*SAVIOUR MACHINE will not be making the July 7, 2007 release date to Legend III:II.  The bands official MySpace page is home to the following:

“I am deeply saddened, utterly frustrated and truly embarrassed to say that the production of Legend Part III:II will not be completed in time to make the announced release date of July 7th, 2007.  I apologize wholeheartedly.

Unfortunately, a recent diagnosis of my health condition has "temporarily" put an abrupt end to my rigorous work schedule.  The production schedule I've been keeping for the past several months has quite simply become too dangerous for me to maintain and it has recently been "recommended" that I "take a break from any sort of intense work until further notice.

It is with great humility, my deepest gratitude and my sincere affection that I say thank you to all of you for your Prayers, your support, your patience and your understanding….I WILL return to work as soon as possible!

Take care and God Bless….

Eric Clayton”

Further Information: www.myspace.com/saviourmachine.

*Guitarist Bill Menchen recently provided the latest in regards to THE SEVENTH POWER:

“Well, after a brutal, grueling workload of consecutive sessions for about six months, I had to take some time off to take care of a lot of other things that needed tending.

I spent about the last four months designing a guitar preamp that has literally taken every available moment that I have. It's done, and sounds great. I will be using it on the next SEVENTH POWER CD.

Speaking of the next SEVENTH POWER CD, I have already thrown down a few rough ideas a few months ago for about 7 new songs. I would like to start recording it later this year.

Very important note here: I would appreciate your prayers always. I am constantly under attack due to the fact that I am a one man music machine, and I'm on the front lines so to speak...”

Please See: www.theseventhpower.com.

*As reported in the April update to Angelic Warlord, Fifty Five Records will be putting out the original demo recordings of STRYPER (back when the band was known as ROXX REGIME) on July 7, 2007.  The CD is going to be made up of the following 8 tracks: “From Wrong To Right”, “My Love I’ll Always Show”, “Loud N Clear”, “You Know What To Do”, “You Won’t Be Lonely”, “Co’mon Rock”, “Tank”and “Honestly”.  Pre-Order Information: www.scarabcart.com/cgi-bin/stryper2/item.cgi?id=219.

*STRYPER vocalist MICHAEL SWEET will be performing with BOSTON later this summer as part of a tribute to BRAD DELP.  An update was found at www.michaelsweet.com:

“On August 19th, 2007, MICHAEL SWEET will be singing a few songs with BOSTON as part of a tribute to BRAD DELP that is being planned by Brad's son & daughter.  Although the list of acts and other details of the event have not yet been confirmed, it is BOSTON'S understanding that the event will be held at the Pavilion on Boston Harbor, formerly Harbor Lights.”

What follows is a statement from MICHAEL SWEET regarding this special event:

"Tom Scholz and his wife, Kim, asked me if I would like to sing with the band at the last BOSTON performance.  From what I understand, they we're approached by a number of singers (and thought about many as well).  Tom called me personally to invite me to sing with the band at this final performance.  Of course I was incredibly humbled and honored to say the least!

After much thought, they decided to have me sing a few songs.  Mickey Thomas (Jefferson Starship) will sing a few and Sammy Hagar will as well. It's been a real blessing to me during this time of hardship.  Completely unexpected.  Hopefully I'll do the songs justice.

BOSTON is a huge influence and one of the first records that made me say "whoa-wait a minute-what is this!".  Brad Delp was one of the best vocalists in rock and a true original.  It will be a joy to sing with the band."

*TEMPLE OF BLOOD plans to enter the studio in August to begin recording the follow up to its powerful 2005 debut Prepare For The Destruction Of Mankind.  WebLink: www.templeofblood.net.

*The TERAMAZE MySpace page is home to the most recent concerning the band:

“After a four year break, TERAMAZE have now regrouped with new members under a new label (Jellyfish Music).  They are currently recording new songs for the soon to be released, much anticipated anthology, due to be released mid 2007.  Following the release of the anthology, a third full length studio album is set to be released in early 2008, with a world tour scheduled for the not too distant future.”

Full Details: www.myspace.com/teramaze.

*Matt Smith furnished up to date information about the next THEOCRACY album in a post at the Christian Metal Realm:

“Hi Guys--
Hope you’re doing well! I’m working on the last couple of songs on the album, so the end is in sight!  There are still a ton of vocals and choirs to do though, so I’m not getting too excited yet.  But it’s coming along.  I posted a short video of me recording some guitars for one of the new songs here if you want to check it out: www.theocracymusic.com/TheocracyGuitarTracking.mov.

So drums, rhythm guitars and bass are done, and vocals for all but two of the songs are done (the last two I’m recording are kinda epic though, so that’s a lot of vocals).  I also already have more or less final mixes done for three songs, and working mixes on three more.  Still have some lead guitars, keyboard parts, piano parts, etc. to add.  So overall, it’s looking good.  This may come out in our lifetimes yet!!

We sent out press kits with three new songs to some of the labels we’re looking at, and already received some interest.  Of course I can’t say much more just yet, but please be in prayer that the right doors will open and the right decisions will be made concerning this, because it obviously affects everything from touring to how easy it is to find the album in stores to the future of the band in general.  So it’s a huge deal.

Finally, we just announced a new bass player today:

We are thrilled to welcome Patrick Parris onboard as the new THEOCRACY bass player!  Patrick is a great bassist, a natural musician and a great showman.  He cut his teeth in the live arena as frontman for local band Eclipsed by Sanity, so he has a great stage presence and a powerful voice, and I’m looking forward to hearing him nail those high harmonies in our live shows.

Patrick also brings a strong commitment and dedication to the band and to touring, which is very important to me, especially in light of current label discussions and with the new album nearing completion.  This will be the first time that we have four guys totally on the same page and willing to put the necessary work in to help us continue moving forward, and I am VERY excited to see what the future holds for this band now.

Thank you all for the prayers, support and encouragement as always.”

Additional Details: Christian Metal Realm

*TYKKUS updated its home page on May 30, 2007 with the latest band news:

“What's going on friends??? Are you ready for some news? Okay here goes...

The new demo should now be done. Will V. was finishing up the vox over Memorial Day and if all goes well we'll have the final mixed copy by this weekend.  As soon as it's ready will post some tunes probably here as well as on Myspace.  There's also a slew of folks that are eagerly waiting this disc...specifically a handful of indie record labels and radio hosts. The wheels are turning so it's going to be very interesting to see what happens this year!

We have a few dates booked, of particular interest is Friday, July 13th, so mark your calendars now and tell your friends. This is going to be a killer show because our great friends ULTIMATUM from Albuquerque are coming down and are on that bill too! Not only that, but Justin will be filling in as ULTIMATUM's guest guitarist that night too so be sure to come out and show your support!

Also coming up is a quick road trip to Flagstaff to jam with our friends in DRAFT at the Mad Italian on 7/29.  That'll be a fun trip so hopefully some of you guys can trek up there with us!

More to come later so keep your eyes and ears peeled!”

Please See: www.tykkus.com/home.

*The latest was recently furnished by WINGDOM in regards to the follow up to its excellent 2005 debut Reality:

“Hello, we had a short meeting (on the phone) last Friday.  We planned schedules for the new album.

We set our deadline for demos to the beginning of august (Sunday 5th to be precise).  Then we'll listen 'em thru and decide which songs will end up to the new album.

After that we'll arrange the songs and start recording!  We are enthusiastic of the material so far - and there's more to come.

While you are here, be welcomed to check the blog and write your thoughts to the forum.”

The bands new MySpace page offered the following as well:

“Right now we are composing songs for the new album. In the beginning of august we'll choose the songs that we're going to record for the album. 

It seems that there'll be at least 15 songs to choose from.  After the songs have been chosen we'll start to arrange them and then the fun begins - recording :-)

Right now it's impossible to estimate the release date - there are so many variables.  We have been discussing of the recording process, where, when, who will mix etc.  The "production team" is us, so the billing address is the same old :-) But it's cool to have the leash in our hands, it's good to work with great fellows.”

Sources: www.wingdom.org and www.myspace.com/wingdomfinland.

*The blog of X-SINNER details the bands upcoming performance (at the time of writing) at the Cornerstone Festival:

“Rob Kniep arrives in California in preparation of the Cornerstone show later this month.  The band is sounding in top form and is looking forward to setting the stage on fire with their blues based anthems near Chicago on June 29th.  Rex, who is long time acquaintances of the members of BLOODGOOD, is looking forward to the reunion of sorts at this show.  A lot of people don't now that Rex had volunteered to help BLOODGOOD on the Detonation tour when the band found themselves without their soundman in the middle of the tour!  Rex flew out to Rochester New York to hook up with BLOODGOOD and then ran sound, drove truck and did whatever else he could do to help the band complete the tour.  They all became friends and they haven't seen each other for at least ten years!”

Further Reading: http://x-sinner.org/index.html.

 

• FEATURED REVIEWS
• LINKS
• ARTIST FEEDBACK
• LABEL NEWS
• THE LATEST IN THE WORLD OF CHRISTIAN METAL

FEATURED REVIEWS

BLOODGOOD – Detonation
Pacific Northwest based Bloodgood hit the scene in 1986 with the melodic metal of its very fine self-titled debut before following up a year later with the groundbreaking sophomore effort Detonation.  The more well rounded effort when compared to Bloodgood, Detonation combines the bands traditional melodic metal sound (“Eat The Flesh”) with occasional moments that border on classic metal (“Vagrant People” and “Self-Destruction”) or even the blues (“Heartbeat (Of The City)”).  Read Full Review >> 

BOARDERS – The World Hates Me
Italy is home to Boarders and the metal and thrash influenced sounds of its 2007 full length outing The World Hates Me.  A band that can trace its history back to the late eighties, Boarders presents a unique melding of the aggressive and melodic that draws extensively from the musical trends of the decade in question.  Read Full Review >>

BRUISED HEEL – Genesis 3:15
Bruised Heel, a new Christian rock band from the beautiful Pacific Northwest, delivers a blend of eighties influenced metal and hard rock on its 2006 full length debut Genesis 3:15.  Fans of Legend/Legend 7, King James, Whitecross, Stryper, Neon Cross and Guardian will find a lot to like here as will those into Petra, Idle Cure, TriPart and White Heart.  Read Full Review >>

CROSS – Metal From Above
What we have in Cross is non-commercial metal certain to attract the interest of those into Iron Maiden, Barren Cross, Fates Warning, Jacobs Dream, Sacred Warrior and a host of others within the same genre.  Delivering a sound that is both technical and complex, the band is at its best on the albums two “epic pieces”: the eight minute “Metal from Above” is an intricate number full of time changes galore, while “Final Journey”, a ten minute plodder broken down into three parts, gives rise to an almost portent feel.  Read Full Review>>

REDEEMER – Anno Domini
Anno Domini, the second of the two, continues where Double Edge Sword leaves off in showcasing an eighties influenced blend of metal and hard rock.  If I were to invite a comparison, nevertheless, the music on Anno Domini comes across slightly heavier and slower but not quite as catchy.  Read Full Review >>

REV SEVEN – Heavy Laden Volume 2
While Heavy Laden Volume 1 moved mostly in a stripped down and straightforward metal/hard rock direction, Heavy Laden Volume 2 includes highlighting traces of keyboards to create the more melodic sound drawing as much from traditional metal as it does commercial hard rock.  The end result is a work coming across with added polish that, at the same time, backs away from the rhythm guitar just a touch.  Read Full Review >>

THE SACRIFICED – The DaVinci Hoax
The Sacrificed represents the Lakeland, Florida based duo of vocalist and drummer Eli Prinson and guitarist, bassist and keyboardist Johnny Bowden.  Forming in 2005 but not releasing its full length debut, The DaVinci Hoax, until early 2007, The Sacrificed can best be described as classical and operatic power metal bringing to mind Fates Warning, Sacred Warrior, Recon, Jacobs Dream and Queensryche.  Read Full Review >>

STEVIE & THE SAINTS – Metal Blue
Stevie & The Saints can best be described as blues but with a metal and hard rock edge.  Imagine ZZ Top, George Thorogood, Glenn Kaiser Band or the bluesier material from Resurrection Band but backed by a shredding guitar hero and a rhythm section as tight as they get.  Read Full Review >>

LINKS

Footage of late eighties era BRIDE performing the track “Heroes” (off Live To Die) can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jx3Ch7Lt0LE.

You can now visit the official DARKWATER MySpace page: www.myspace.com/darkwaterofficial.

Henrik Bath, lead vocalist of DARKWATER and HARMONY, has a MySpace page as well: www.myspace.com/henrikbath.

Earlier this year JANI STEFANOVIC (ESSENCE OF SORROW, DIVINEFIRE) conducted an interview at Metal Inside: www.metal-inside.de.

World Of Metal is home to a new interview with JACOBS DREAM vocalist Chaz Bond:
http://s199814058.onlinehome.us/content/view/30/47/.

The ART FOR THE EARS music webzine was recently revamped and relocated to a new domain: www.artfortheears.nl.

CHRISTIAN HARD MUSIC now has a new home at Nice Board: http://christianhardmusic.niceboard.com/index.htm

The MySpace page of the CHRISTIAN METAL REALM was updated to include interviews with F.O.G., FEAST ETERNAL and ENDLESS FUNERAL: www.myspace.com/christianmetalrealm.

CPR, standing for Christian Progressive Rock, is the home site of the two Christian progressive rock samplers of the same name: www.cprogrock.com.

UNCLE NECRO’S PADDED CELL is a new Christian metal website: www.feinstone.com/necrosarx.

ARTIST FEEDBACK

THE SACRIFICED lead vocalist Eli Prinsen sent the following e-mail in response to the review I wrote of the bands debut, The DaVinci Code, earlier this month:

“I just read the review.  I appreciate the honesty.  I have been reminded again and again about the quality (or lack thereof) in the production.  We had a limited budget to work with but decided to step out and get the message out there.  I knew in my heart all the negatives and positives that would result, but my purpose in this whole thing is “The Positives”.  Helping people affected by The DaVinci Code and helping “fallen soldiers and the lost to find Jesus.  I really appreciate the kind words and EVERYTHING that was written.  I know it was done in truth.  That’s what it’s all about.  Thanks for taking the time to listen and do the review.  I hope to improve our next release by leaps and bounds.

Thanks for mentioning the emotional solo on “Ghosts Of Iniquity”.  I wrote that song for my friend Geoff.  I played that solo, and it came from the heart.  I don’t know if you noticed the Boston-like harmonies in that or not.  We use to listen to Third Stage back then because it had such a peaceful and harmonious sound.  I tried to put a little of that in there, I guess from one soul to another.

Anyway, Thanks for all your time and effort and God bless you.

-Eli Prinsen of THE SACRIFICED”

WebLink: http://thesacrificed.com/album1.htm.

LABEL NEWS

I have some interesting news to report in regards to RETROACTIVE RECORDS:

SEVENTH SEAL, a progressive metal band out of Norway with a sound certain to appeal to fans of Yngwie, Sacred Warrior and TNT, will have its obscure 1990 album Messengers Of Love released by RETROACTIVE next month.

RETROACTIVE also recently re-issued an expanded two CD version of Assimilation, the 2001 industrial influenced hard rock project of DELIVERANCE.  The first disc includes all ten songs off the original release and the second instrumental demo versions of the ten in question and four others with lead vocals.  I plan to include a re-written - and revised review - as part of our early July update.

Other DELIVERANCE re-issues from RETROACTIVE include the bands classic Greetings Of Death demo from 1986 (which features the tracks “Attack” and “A Space Called You” from the California Metal compilation along with the seven song Weapons Of Our Warfare era demo as bonus material).  The First Four Years, a compilation of the very first DELIVERANCE songs (many which are rough demos, taken from old cassettes), chronicles the musical history of the band through 1988.  Reviews of both will be included as part of the next update to the site.

Look for RETROACTIVE to re-issue ROSANNA’S RAIDERS 1998 full length debut (with bonus tracks) Calling Down Fire in the near future as well.

Web Links: www.retroactiverecords.net and www.myspace.com/retroactiverecords1.

THE LATEST IN THE WORLD OF CHRISTIAN METAL

*The re-issue of BLOODGOOD’s Shakin’ The World, as reported last month, will be coming out in both the CD and DVD formats.  Expect a release in late May.  The band also re-issued its critically acclaimed sophomore album Detonation.  Ordering information: www.bloodgoodband.com.

*An e-mail from BRIDE vocalist Dale Thompson offered an update in regards to the bands latest happenings:

“BRIDE at the moment is preparing to go into writing mode. Troy and Dale have many things they are independently working on and soon they will collaborate to join forces and create another BRIDE work.

New versions of The Jesus Experience, Oddities and Drop will be released soon all three with extra bonus tracks and for an unbeatable price of $9.99 each. More details coming soon.”

BRIDE Home Page: www.bridepub.com.

*Ulterium Records has announced the signing of the Swedish melodic progressive metal group DARKWATER.  Ulterium, who in the past year also brought us INCRAVE (formerly EVERGRACE) and GRAND LUX, provided the following in a recent press release:

“Ulterium Records are very proud to announce the signing of the Swedish melodic metal band DARKWATER to the label.  The bands debut album, Calling The Earth To Witness, is scheduled for a May 28 release in Sweden.  Release dates for other territories will be announced soon.

The track listing is as follows: “2534137 (intro)”, “All Eyes On Me”, “Again ,Habit”, “The Play – I”, “The Play – 2”, “Shattered”, “Tallest Tree, “In My Dreams”

The album was mixed by Pelle Saether (ACT, SKYFIRE, etc) in Studio Underground and mastered by Göran Finnberg (IN FLAMES, THE HAUNTED, DARK TRANQUILITY etc.) in Mastering Room.

At the bands MySpace site you can listen to the single version of the song “Again” and also some other clips from the album. www.myspace.com/darkwaterofficial.”

Further Reading: www.ulterium-records.com/index2.html.

*DBEALITY plans to tour Europe for seven weeks from late June to early August.  They will also be performing at the Cornerstone Festival on the Sanctuary stage as well.  Further Details: www.dbeality.com/home.htm.

*Finland’s ESSENCE OF SORROW is currently working on material for the follow up to its very fine 2007 full length debut Reflections Of The Obscure.  The band recently launched its new website:  www.essenceofsorrow.com/main.htm.

*An update just came in from Roxx Productions concerning the re-issue of ETERNAL RYTES’s 1990 debut World Requiem:

“The wait is over… Coming this September, Roxx Records has secured the rights to release the long out of print ETERNAL RYTE release World Requiem.  The bands debut CD has been a much sought after collectible with collectors paying top dollar for the original release on sites like eBay.  Now available for a limited time and in a limited quantity this 2 disc set will feature everything you could imagine from this 80’s glam band’s history.

The 2 disc set will include the entire World Requiem release as well as 2 earlier recorded demo tapes.  The 6 track Anthem demo was sold by the band and at shows prior to the release of World Requiem.  Also the never before released Untitled demo, which includes 7 additional never before released songs.  If that’s not enough you will also get some exclusive LIVE performances captured in the band’s heyday.

This deluxe package will be completely re-mastered, repackaged and released in a limited edition quantity of only 1000.  The first 100 copies sold will be autographed by all 4 original members.  If that’s not enough for you the first 100 copies on the pre-sale will also come with an exclusive DVD of some of the bands best live performances ever captured on camera. This DVD will NOT be available after the pre-sale is complete so get yours early!!  This release is sure to become a collector’s item so get yours now while you can!”

Pre-Order Information: www.roxxproductions.com.

*The New Jersey based power metal outfit FAITH FACTOR is going to release an EP on July 7, 2007 made up of the following three tracks: “Prayer Warriors”, “The Angel & The Butterfly” and “Deceiver”.  A current update was found at the FAITH FACTOR fan forum:

“Well we have the master back now, and Rob Colwell from Bombworks Records did an awesome job.  Now were in the final stages of art work for the CD; it looks like were gonna make the 7/7/07 release date.  As you all know, we lost our brother Jim on guitar, and were trying to fill this hole that he left us with.  God will come through for his band.  We’re also working on t-shirts, bumper stickers, and hats.  Funds are low so were doing the best we can with what we have.  See you soon.”

Further Reading: www.firestream.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=52 and www.faithfactor.info.

*Nightmare Records will be distributing the U.S. release of Carved In Stone, the sophomore outing from Norway’s GRAND LUX.  A release date is set for June 6, 2007.  Source: www.grandlux.net.

*HB, a female fronted group from Finland with a sound that has been compared to NIGHTWISH, plans to release the English version of its 2006 full length debut Enne later this spring.  I do not have a specific release date.  An interview with vocalist Johanna Aaltonen can be read at Musical Discoveries (in order to access the interview select the interview link in the second paragraph of the review): www.musicaldiscoveries.com/digest/digest.php?a=viewr&id=701.  Further Information: www.hbmusic.net.

*GLENN KAISER BAND plans to enter the studio and record a new album this fall.  In the meantime, check out the blog of vocalist/guitarist GLENN KAISER: www.glennkaiser.com/blog.htm.

*TNT vocalist Tony Mills has been added to the line up of the forthcoming LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE CD Independence Day.  A press release from the band provided the following:

“Christian Rockers LIBERTY N' JUSTICE new CD, Independence Day, is their third All-Star CD, following 2004's, Welcome to The Revolution and 2006's Soundtrack Of A Soul.  The new one, just like the previous albums, features some of the best vocalists from Christian and Mainstream rock circles.  Already announced for the new CD are Jani Lane, Jack Russell (GREAT WHITE), John Corabi (ex-MOTLEY CRUE/ RATT/ UNION), Ted Poley (DANGER DANGER), Jamie Rowe (GUARDIAN/ CRUNCH), Jaime St. James (WARRANT), Ez Gomer (JET CIRCUS), and more...

At this time we are happy to announce the newest addition to the CD: Tony Mills (TNT/ex-SHY) as he adds his vocals to the song "Meet My Monster".  In the coming months we will announce the last two songs and their singers.  All vocal parts are done and we are finishing the mixing process as we speak.

We are all so excited to announce that LNJ and the Brazilian label, Silent Music Records, have come to terms and Silent Music will be handling the South American release of the record.  More news soon...

Check out the new songs at www.myspace.com/libertynjustice2 and let us know what you think at www.libertynjustice.net.”

*LINE OF FIRE has completed the rhythm guitar tracks for the follow up to the melodic hard rock its very fine 2005 self-titled debut.  Vocals began tracking on May 19 while drums - provided by Hunter Ginn of CANVAS SOLARIS – are set to record in June.  Details: www.myspace.com/lof.

*Blood & Water, the full length debut from Finland’s MEHIDA, should be out by the end of June.  A press release was recently issued by the band:

“Out from the Finnish music field rises MEHIDA.  After several years of struggling with his musical vision, the keyboard player Mikko Harkin decided to leave his previous band WINGDOM to finally accomplish the sight and sound he had been looking after for many years.

Musically the band is concentrated on bringing out the musical extremities, from difficult rhythmic sequences to unexpected modern melodic lines still keeping it all catchy and easy to listen to.  The album Blood & Water is a reflection of creativity which flows out from the contribution of these talented rockers.

The band's stylistic scale is wide.  It flows from the mathematical metal attitude prog to deep dark beautiful ballads. Raging guitars and the strong expression of singer Thomas Vikström (ex-CANDLEMASS) form the missing link in between the ambient synth atmospheres and precise rhythmic sects.

The album Blood & Water was recorded and mixed at the famous Fantom Studio, co-produced and mixed by Samu Oittinen (DIABLOE, SILENTIUM, etc.).  On the album MEHIDA presents over fifty minutes of energetic modern metal.  The enthusiasm towards music combined with unique creativity makes MEHIDA a rock solid band.”

Samples: http://profile.myspace.com/mehida.  Further Reading: www.mehida.com.

*Sweden’s NARNIA is in the planning stages of its “decade of confession” world tour, which is set to begin in August.  Also, expect the band to put out a compilation of its best songs of the past ten years as well.  Source: www.mcm-music.de.

*The progressive metal band PURSUIT furnished the latest last month in regards to its most recent happenings:

“Hey!  Long time no update!  I won't even try to make excuses.  Anyway, PURSUIT continues to work on music for the next CD release.  Dan has finally found the PERFECT guitar sound after a long quest.  We love it and hope you will too!  John is perfecting his drum kit and his playing while Andrew continues writing, vocalizing and promoting Quest.”

WebLink: http://pursuitband.com.

*TERAMAZE, a hard rocking outfit from Australia that brought us such noteworthy releases as Doxology (1995) and Tears To Dust (1998), will soon be entering the studio.  The following was taken from the bands MySpace page:

“Recording starts Monday for the 2 new tracks that will be featured on the new TERAMAZE anthology album !!!  We will have live updates on the progress of the recording which will be produced by Dean Wells, Michael Stangel and Dave Wilson (editing).  These songs will be mixed in the one and only "studio's 301 in Byron Bay N.S.W Australia.  We cant wait to show you guys what we’ve been up to this year !!!!  UPDATES every recording day…”

WebLink: www.myspace.com/teramaze.

*TEMPLE OF BLOOD brought its fans up to date about the progress of its next album Overlord:

“I am finishing up the music to the final song on the album now (and also coincidentally the last song I will need to write for this disc).  It's a fast, crazy thrash song with a lot of intense riffing and lots of changes.  Trying to end the album with a bang.

So, I am getting close to having finished writing the 8 songs I had to write for the album.  I still have to write some of the lyrics and vocal melodies though, I always finish music first before I write my vocal melodies. I have a guitar solo left to write on this final song too.

One song will be written by our other guitarist, kind of a melodic traditional metal Iron Maiden-ish song, and the other song is a cover of "Forbidden Evil", which we still need to learn.

Some of the song titles so far: "Pawn of the Liar", "Harbinger", "Prelude to Treachery", "Behind the Inverted Star", "Anthem to the Unseen", "Black Day of Execution" and "The Return".

After I get the music to this final song done we will start rehearsing as a band again and I will continue to work on lyrics and vocal melodies.  A lot of it is done but there is still a lot more to do.  It is coming along slowly but I am trying not to rush things because if we only put out a so-so product it's not going to help any, it has to be great and I hope and pray that the Lord will make it so if He wants it to be.”

Further Details: www.firestream.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=43 and www.templeofblood.net.

*The Problem Of Pain, the new album from TORMAN MAXT, was releases on May 25, 2007.  Recorded in follow up to the bands 2002 sophomore outing The Foolishness Of God, The Problem Of Pain can be categorized as a “conceptual effort bordering on rock opera”.  The album, for example, deals with the life of Job as it tackles tough questions such as why God allows evil, why the righteous suffer, etc.  You can read more at the bands UnDark forum: http://undark.net/viewforum.php?f=37.

*WINGDOM updated the blog at its home page to offer the latest about its upcoming album:

“Right now we have ten songs in demo state! I just looked to the "in progress" folder and there seems to be five more songs (at least song ideas). So things are pretty ok :-) Next we have to meet and decide which songs we are going to put on the new album.”

WebLink: www.wingdom.org.

*X-SINNER has signed to Image Records. All the needed details can be found at the blog at the bands website:

“X-SINNER signs with the east coast label Image Records!  The new album, Back In Red, will be released on Image late in the year.  "We are stoked to be working with such a credible label as Image" says lead vocalist Rex Scott.  Distribution will be international on the album and the band is looking forward to touring some eastern countries in support of the record.  X-SINNER songs are now available for download on i-Tunes, Sony Connect, eMusic, CDF, and Rhapsody! Ringtones are downloadable at Groove Mobile!”

Source: www.x-sinner.org/blog.html.

*Thunder From The Mountain, the 1989 debut of South Dakota based ZION, is also going to be re-issued on Image Records:

“The master tapes for Thunder From The Mountain have been secured from David Zaffiro (BLOODGOOD) and have been baked for restoration and transferred digitally for a special remix and re-mastering!  The new version will be released on the new Image Records label later this year in a very special collectors package!”

Details: www.zionrocks.org.

 

• FEATURED REVIEWS
• LINKS
• ARTIST FEEDBACK
• NEW ARTIST SHOWCASE
• THE LATEST IN THE WORLD OF CHRISTIAN METAL

FEATURED REVIEWS

APOSTLE – Prepare To Meet God
What we have in Prepare To Meet God is a departure from the neo-classical power metal of Apostle’s earlier material – such as Chariots Of Iron and Hymns – and a move in an eighties influenced metal and hard rock direction.  The end result is a work that serves to showcase the bands potential but, unfortunately, proves to be a somewhat uneven and disjointed effort.  Read Full Review >>

DELIVERANCE – As Above – So Below
After the passage of six long years, however, I am proud to announce the return of Deliverance and its ninth full length studio release in As Above – So Below.  Showcasing a guitar driven sound that is perhaps the heaviest of Deliverance’s career, the album can best be described as a creative blending of the aggressive and melodic certain to appeal to fans of all eras of the bands history.  Read Full Review >>

NEAL MORSE – Sola Scriptura
Unlike his previous efforts, however, on Sola Scriptura Morse steps it up a notch and heads in progressive hard rock territory.  Just check out the driving riffs reinforcing the instrumentals “Introduction” and “Re-Introduction” in addition to the instrumental based openings to “Mercy For Sale” and “Keep Silent”.  “Do You Know My Name?” and “The Vineyard” both rock with authority as well.  Read Full Review >>

PHILADELPHIA – Tell The Truth
What we have in Tell The Truth is an erratic and sloppy sounding blend of classic metal and melodic hard rock that proves equal parts brilliance and equal parts filler.  When Philadelphia is at the top of its game, nevertheless, they hit the literal nail on the head.  Read Full Review >>

REDEEMER – Double Edge Sword
Guitarist and vocalist Bill Menchen has received acclaim over the years for his work with several well known bands in Final Axe, Rev Seven, Titanic and The Seventh Power.  What most people do not know, however, is that Menchen actually got his start in the mid-eighties with a relatively obscure group out of Southern California by the name of Redeemer.  Read Full Review >>

REV SEVEN – Heavy Laden Volume 1
Heavy Laden Volume 1 is a twenty track outing in which Rev Seven combines elements of classic metal and melodic metal with occasional forays into straightforward hard rock and doom.  Fans of Saint, Judas Priest and Ozzy will find a lot to like here as will those into Bride, Dokken and Whitecross.  Read Full Review >> 

THRESHOLD – Dead Reckoning
While Threshold has gained renown as the best progressive metal band to come out of the UK, it is this reviewer’s contention a more fitting description would give the band the full credit it deserves.  Actually, referring to Threshold as one of the best progressive metal bands in the world would not be far from the mark in that the group deserves to rank with the genres finest.  Read Full Review>>

TITANIC – Full Steam Ahead
Full Steam Ahead, the most recent outing from Titanic, finds the group drawing upon the best elements of its first two albums to create by far its most noteworthy work to date.  Heavy duty hard rockers “Dead Men’s Bones”, “Holy Ground”, “Deep Down” and “The Wind”, for example, would not sound out of place on Maiden Voyage, while the catchy hooks of “Shovel The Coal”, “Captain Of The Ship”, “Upon The Cross” and “The Sea” hearken back to Screaming In Silence.  Read Full Review >>

LINKS

Please be sure to check out BLOODGOOD’s profile at Shout Life: www.shoutlife.com/bloodgood.

ESSENCE OF SORROW recently launched its new website: www.essenceofsorrow.com/main.htm.

Ever wondered what happened to HAVEN?  All the details are spelled out at the bands website: http://thunderbucket.net/_wsn/page3.html.

Sweden’s LAUDAMUS redesigned its home page: www.laudamus.se/index.html.

Four new songs from the upcoming RANDOM EYES album Invisible can be heard at: www.myspace.com/randomeyes.

The Heart Of Metal forum is home to an unpublished interview with REX SCOTT of X-SINNER and ZION: HEART OF METAL.

THE CHRISTIAN METAL REALM recently relocated to Nice Board: http://christianmetalrealm.niceboard.com.

To read about faith and entertainment from an independent perspective please visit: www.indievisionmusic.com/wordpress.

RETROACTIVE RECORDS now has a presence at MySpace: www.myspace.com/retroactivepromo and http://profile.myspace.com/retroactiverecords1.

ARTIST FEEDBACK

I received the following insightful e-mail from MIKE VISAGGIO – that really puts things in proper perspective – in regards to the mini review I wrote earlier this month of his solo release Starship Universe:

“Just a note to say THANKS for a generally positive review of Starship Universe.  Just to address a couple of things the reviewer noted:

1. The album was made after a long period away from music and the accompanying computer technology.  You might say I was re-learning how to record.  I have learned since finishing the project that it's possible to have musicians from all over the world collaborate on a project by sending files over the Internet and there are a lot of resources of which I was unaware.  The situation here in Richmond is that there was simply no guitarist or vocalist who wanted to do the project with me, and I knew it was time to proceed, so I did it with no musician help until Michael Murray came on board after actually hearing what I was up to (hearing is believing, apparently).  The results sounded so good without guitars that I said, heck, let's do it this way.  So the guitars aren't buried.  They aren't there at all. By the way the "guitar" on "My Elders' Son" is played on the Alesis synth keyboard.

2. A note about "2001: Also Rocked Zarathustra" ... actually a great jazz keyboardist named Eumir Deodato made a name for himself in 1973 by doing a jazzy-funkified rendition of this piece, which was used in "2001: A Space Odyssey" and whose actual title in German is "Also Sprach Zarathustra."   Every time I heard it I thought to myself, "This would sound great with a rock beat."  And when I started doing it the inspiration for the whole CD came to me, and led in a roundabout way to the title of the album. Thank you again for your interest in my work.  I am proud to have this review to add to my credentials.  I hope someday we can perform for you live.”

The artist goes into further detail about the albums title track:

“I do have one other thing to tell you about the title track "Starship Universe" which is the solo pipe organ piece.  The point of doing it with no other instruments is found in the cover art.  I was hoping the listener would connect the piece with the image.  There have been many times when I have been privileged to view the heavens on a clear night away from the cities during the years I spent as an over the road trucker.  It has always struck me that here was the real cathedral, with a vaulted ceiling stretching away to infinity.  After getting the Alesis one of the first things I composed on it was this piece.  As I was working on the project and had named it, the piece came to mind and I remembered how I used to feel out there in the middle of nowhere on a cold winter night looking up at the canopy of stars, and the awe of God's creation that swept over me.  It struck me that it had a quiet unobtrusive majesty to it that we normally don't even think about, but it's always there.  Somehow the quiet part of the piece, contrasted with the full organ part, seemed to fit with my perception of the heavens.  So I named it as the title track for the whole CD, as the underlying message is of the whole project is God's love and power.

So too in the cover image, the starship is analogous to the seeker after God, and the galaxy is analogous to God Himself, the light at the center of everything.”

You can read more about the artist at: www.mikevisaggio.com.

NEW ARTIST SHOWCASE

*Italy is the home to BOARDERS and the metal and thrash influenced sounds of its full length debut The World Hates Me.  Yes, BOARDERS is on the aggressive side of things musically but they also deliver plenty of melody along with lead vocals of a clean sounding and gritty variety.  Musical comparisons include MEDGADETH, METALLICA, BARREN CROSS and BRIDE.  The bands MySpace page features three full length songs: “True Rebellion” is a rollicking hard rocker (kind of like early 90s BRIDE), while “Jump For Joy” – an X-SINNER sounding track – maintains the upbeat momentum.  “Baptized With Fire”, on the other hand, is the more aggressive of the three with its driving initiative and pummeling double bass.  Lyrics are openly Christian.  Samples: www.myspace.com/music4thelion.  Ordering Information: www.weathertop.ch.

*What we have in Lakeland, Florida based THE SACRIFICED is traditional power metal certain to appeal to fans of SEPTER, JACOBS DREAM, SACRED WARRIOR and BARREN CROSS.  As a matter of fact, vocalist Eli Prinsen, with his high end and operatic vocal delivery, helps invite the comparison to the previously mentioned bands in question.  Rounding out the groups line up is guitarist, bassist and keyboardist Johnny Bowden.  The Da Vinci Hoax, the recently released full length debut of THE SACRIFICED, is a concept album exposing the fraud of the Da Vinci Code.  Out of the bands two songs at its MySpace page, “In Your Name We Pray” captures the brilliance of SACRED WARRIOR, while “The Fight” is an up-tempo track standing out with a hard hitting chorus.  Samples: http://profile.myspace.com/thesacrificedx.  Home Page: www.thesacrificed.com.

THE LATEST IN THE WORLD OF CHRISTIAN METAL

*Sydney Johnson has completed work on 10 of the 13 tracks for the next BABYLON MYSTERY ORCHESTRA album.  Expect a release date early next year.  Web Link: www.babylonmysteryorchestra.com/home.html.

*BLOODGOOD will soon be re-releasing its live album Shakin’ The World on both DVD and CD.  The following was taken from the bands website:

“You can now pre-order a repackaged re-release of Rock Theater: Shakin' The World on DVD and CD.  The DVD and CD are scheduled to be released sometime in April 2007.  On previous releases, Shakin' The World was called Act II.  With this release, it is now — confusingly — called Act I.  Unlike the 2002 Rock Theater DVD, the new DVD and CD does not contain any of the Alive In America portion of the show.  Unfortunately for fans, the new Shakin' The World does not contain any bonus footage.  According to (bassist) Michael Bloodgood, "No, no bonus footage, but we're hoping to rectify that when (or if) they release the next disc (ie: Alive In America)."

Source: www.bloodgoodband.com.

*DBEALITY plans to enter the studio this fall to finish recording its seconds yet to be titled release.  Look for the album to be produced by Neal Kernon, who has worked with the likes of  QUEENSRYCHE, DOKKEN, HALL & OATES and KANSAS.  WebLink: www.dbeality.com/home.htm.

*The 1990 Pure Metal debut of ETERNAL RYTE, World Requiem, is going to be re-issued along with two of the bands earlier demo tapes and several live tracks as part of a two CD “anthology”.  The Roxx Productions website further expands upon the matter:

“The wait is over, after a lot of negotiations, Roxx Records has secured the rights to release the long out of print ETERNAL RYTE release World Requiem.  The bands debut CD has been a much sought after collectible with collectors paying top dollar for the original release on sites like eBay.  Now available for a limited time and in a limited quantity, this 2 disc set will feature everything you could imagine from this 80’s glam band’s history.

The 2 disc set will include the entire World Requiem release as well as 2 earlier recorded demos.  The 6 track Anthem demo was sold by the band at shows prior to the release of World Requiem.  Also the never before released Untitled demo, which includes 7 additional never before released songs.  If that’s not enough you will also get some exclusive LIVE performances captured in the band’s heyday.

This deluxe package will be completely re-mastered, repackaged and released in a limited edition quantity of only 1000.  The first 100 copies sold will be autographed by all 4 original members.  Sure to become a collectors item get yours while you can!”

Please Visit: www.roxxproductions.com/Home.html.  The track “No Place To Hide”, off the bands old Anthem demo, can be heard at: www.myspace.com/roxxrecords.
 
*MIKE FLORIO is working on the follow up to the progressive rock of his debut solo project Arisen.  He recently offered an update in regards to the recording process:

“Work on the new album continues at a slow, but efficient pace.  The process of composing, recording, editing and arranging a bunch of different songs all in different stages of completion seems to never end - especially when I can only get in a few hours here and there to make it all happen.  But as I proved to myself last time, the process does indeed yield results; and it's really the only one feasible for me.”

Source: www.massdream.com.

Mike will also be contributing vocal tracks to The Trail Of Tears, a side project of VERTICAL ALIGNMENT guitarist and vocalist Pete Jorgensen:

“I've also been working on vocal tracks for a new Pete Jorgensen project, The Trail of Tears, which will be a suite of songs recalling the forced, Westward relocation of several Native American tribes in the 1830's.  Pete has been writing some excellent and inspirational material for this, and it's both a joy and challenge to tackle these tunes.”

Further Reading: www.verticalalignment.com/blog.htm.

*Those of you interested in hearing the self-titled debut of FOUNTAIN OF TEARS can now purchase the album at the bands website.  DETAILS: www.fountainoftears.com.

*Former STRYPER bassist TIM GAINES will be touring with RICHARD MARX beginning later this month.  For itinerary, ticket information and links to venues: www.myspace.com/timgainesmusic.

*LAUDAMUS plans to records a new album in the future.  An update was recently posted at the bands redesigned website:

“It’s been quite along time since we updated this site in a more serious way.  Some of you might wonder what’s going on here, so now it’s the time for us to speak up and tell you the truth!

2005 was supposed to be a great year for LAUDAMUS.  We had a lot of things planned, and we were really looking forward to start doing all those great things.  Unfortunately the year 2005 turned out to be the worst year in the history of LAUDAMUS so far.  Personal tragedies led to chaos and financial problems, and suddenly everything fell apart.  It has taken us more than one year to get back on our feet again, and now we have started to look forward again.

The bad thing is that it’s not over yet.  Jonas Cederteg has decided to leave the band.  We’re very sad to see this happen, but after moving to Gothenburg he decided to not continue with LAUDAMUS.  We want to thank Jonas for all the hard work, and dedication to the band through all those years, and we wish you good luck with your “new life” in the south!

We’re looking for a new drummer, so if you’re interested, please contact us!

In June we released the CD Laudamus, which is a rerecording of all the songs from the Unlimited Love CD and also the two songs “Be there forever”, and “Oh Lord” from the vinyl single we did back in 1991.  The four songs from the EP Ready Or Not are also included as bonus tracks.  We want to thank Christian Rivel for believing in us and putting it out there, and we hope that you guys like the CD and want to continue to support LAUDAMUS!

There are plans for a complete new CD in the future.  Peter and Jonas are working on some songs right now, and hopefully they will be recorded soon.

Please keep LAUDAMUS in your prayers!  We still believe that God has some plans, and that He’s able to open up some doors. We sure hope to be out there soon to see all of you!

The peace of God is with you.”

Source: www.laudamus.se.

*It looks like LETTER 7 and TYKKUS, two bands from the Phoenix, Arizona area, are going to join forces and perform several live shows in the future.  TYKKUS guitarist Dale Burton offered the following at the new Christian Metal Realm:

“TYKKUS went through a blistering set of metal at Jugheads last Friday night...Saturday morning I should say...we went on at 1:00 am and had a nice turn out!

Anyway JD Evans from LETTER 7 came out and hung with us through our set.  Great brother and he even helped our drummer get is drum kit up and running.  JD also got to hear the new TYKKUS tunes!

The Salt Of The Earth CD is just outstanding.  What's amazing is that JD did the drums, bass, guitars, keys, some backing vocals, and sheer gifted talent!

Tom Collete is the VOX on this CD and he reminds me a bit of Rob Rock, Jeff Scott Soto, and....well Tom!  He went to Greenway High here in Phoenix!  Phoenix is starting to turn out more great Christian metal and there's a few more newbie’s starting up here in the desert!

The band will start rehearsing at the start of May.  JD has all the musicians in play but now needs a few months to practice and see how the energy/chemistry goes with the newer additions to LETTER 7.  KEEP THE GUYS IN PRAYER!

TYKKUS will be teaming up with LETTER 7 for some great shows as soon as possible.  And as most of you know our other guitarist Justin will be heading off to Cornerstone (festival) to help fill out the wall of ULTIMATUM metal.  He'll be the guest guitarist for that one show so he's got his learning cap on thrash ULTIMATUM style...keep him in your prayers to.”

Further Discussion: Christian Metal Realm

*Don Webster, guitarist for NEON CROSS, provided everyone at the old Christian Metal Realm the latest concerning the bands upcoming album:

“Recording is currently our main priority.  Terry as been busy recording drum tracks and everything sounds great.  We have been contacted by a few record companies but at the moment we have not made any decisions to work with them on this.  We are sorry for the wait, last year we did a studio upgrade that took some time to work out the process and bugs but the end result is a studio that virtually connected between two locations resulting in improving productivity.”

Additional Details: Christian Metal Realm

*Redemption, the sophomore outing from Finland’s ORATORIO, is scheduled to be released by Rivel Records on July 7, 2007.  WebLink: www.oratoriometal.com.

*ROB ROCK is currently in Denmark mixing his new album, Garden Of Chaos, with Jacob Hanson.  The album, which is scheduled to come out this fall, will be released on AFM Records worldwide and JVC/Victor Entertainment for Japan/Asia.  WebLink: www.robrock.com/index2.html.

*Germany’s SEVENTH AVENUE hopes to have its next album out by late summer.  Album artwork has been decided upon and the final mix should be completed soon.  Expect samples to be online sometime next month.  Further Reading: www.seventh-avenue.de.

*STRIDE issued a press release on March 9, 2007 updating everyone in regards to the bands latest happenings:

“We regret that Mike Martin, bassist for STRIDE, has decided to leave the band.  Mike proved his professionalism time and again while recording Imagine.  He was also a part of our success at Prog Power, and he played an integral part in regards to our show at the Compaq Center with Bon Jovi.  We will miss you Mike.

Considering Mike’s departure, the members of STRIDE have decided to take a few months off to regroup, and spend time with their families.  That being said, the band is still in writing mode and has plans of releasing an album in the future.

A very special thank you goes out to all of our fans for their patience and loyalty.  We are truly sorry that you wait for the 3rd album, and tour will not be realized for some time.”

Source: www.strideonline.com.

*The early demo recordings of STRYPER, back when the band was known as ROXX REGIME, are going to be released on July 7, 2007.  A recent press release at the bands website announced the exciting news:

“On July 10, 2007 Fifty Three Five Records will release the original demo recordings of STRYPER, or as they were known then, ROXX REGIME.  The CD will be in stores nationwide.  Pre-sale purchases at STRYPER.com will actually ship on July 7, 2007 or as STRYPER fans may refer to that date… 7-7-07.”

Source: www.stryper.com.

*THEOCRACY is scheduled to headline the SoWeGa Metalfest on August 4th.  The following was taken from the festivals blog:

“THEOCRACY will be the second headliner of SoWeGa Metalfest.  They will play at 10pm on August 4th, 2007.  I was lucky enough to go to ProgPower USA in 2006.  It's a great festival and many great bands played.  The band to open this festival was THEOCRACY and they are amazing!  Due to the nature of PPUSA I had no idea this band was from the United States.  I was also amazed when I found out they are a Christian band.  This band is, without a doubt, the best Christian metal band I've ever heard.”

At the festivals blog you will notice a two CD set for sale - a low budget compilation intended as a fundraiser for the festival – that includes a new THEOCRACY track entitled “Laying The Demon To Rest”.

Further Reading: http://blog.myspace.com/sowega_metalfest and www.theocracymusic.com

 

LINKS

A new BLOODGOOD article can be read at Rockzilla: www.rawkzilla.com/site2/content/view/225/28.

REINXEED added a new song, “We All Die Young”, to its MySpace page: www.myspace.com/reinxeednorth.

Please be sure to check out the revamped website of the classic metal band SAINT: www.saintsite.com.

I also found a couple of interviews with JACOBS DREAM and ROB ROCK at Metal Express Radio:

• JACOBS DREAM - www.metalexpressradio.com/menu.php?main=interviews&id=395.
• ROB ROCK - www.metalexpressradio.com/menu.php?main=interviews&id=390.

THE LATEST IN THE WORLD OF CHRISTIAN METAL

I have some interesting news to report in regards to APOSTLE.  (APOSTLE, as I am sure many of you know, was one of the top unsigned Christian metal bands of the eighties and put out several demo tapes during the decade before recording its final project, Prepare To Meet God, in 1994.)  An individual out of Nashville by the name of Scott Moore is in the process of re-mastering most of the old APOSTLE material from the original production masters.  Scott offered the following from part one of his APOSTLE re-mastering blog:

So I met with (guitarist) Matt Harding on 2/28/07 and he gave me the original production masters for all of the APOSTLE albums that he has copies of.  I have returned to Nashville to begin the process of converting these DAT production master into a high quality digital format using a professional studio in Nashville.

To read more of Scott’s documentation about the re-mastering process please visit: http://nashvillewannabe.blogspot.com.

It is worth noting there is a wealth of APOSTLE content at the site, including a detailed band discography, plenty of vintage photos and a listing of the guitar rigs used by Matt Harding throughout the years.  You will even find footage of APOSTLE performing live in Macclenny, Florida in 1986: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VN6N27kZg2E&eurl.

A MySpace page for APOSTLE exists as well: http://myspace.com/apostlebandonline.

My thoughts?  I hope this leads to the majority of the material recorded by APOSTLE being re-issued on CD.  It would probably take two or three discs to release it all; but I would be the first in line to purchase such a project (and review it!).  The best case scenario, of course, would be Matt Harding returning to the studio to record a new APOSTLE project.  If SAINT and STRYPER can make comebacks then why can’t APOSTLE?  Seriously, the neo-classical influenced brand of power metal played by APOSTLE – Matt Harding is a mega-talented shredding guitarist – would sound right at home in today’s metal scene.  Look for a review of Prepare To Meet God in next months update to the site.

BRIDE recently announced its retirement.  The following was taken from the latest press release issued by the band:

BRIDE has plans to begin writing on one LAST piece of work very soon.  Without record companies, distribution, a marketing team, no A&R and no interest from the industry or support from the churches most would say “why not just go away?”  We must retire on the terms that God has outlined.

We want to produce one last piece of work from our heart as a final farewell to our friends who have supported us and prayed earnestly for us.  BRIDE is just a name.  And it will fade into oblivion but we know the work that we have done has produced eternal rewards for all of those involved.

BRIDE will continue playing shows up to a point.  We would love to return to Brazil one more time, possibly Europe and play a few shows in the States as our way of closing the door slowly if possibly.  Now this transformation from BRIDE to whatever else God has in store for Troy and I may be quick and it may be prolonged but we will produced one more CD for you.

REVELATION PROJECT has called it quits.  Founding member Graeme Swallow offered the following at the bands home page:

Six and a half years after writing my first song that would become the REVELATION PROJECT, God has closed the door on this chapter of my life.  It has been an interesting journey, and I had a lot of fun.  Thanks to everyone who was a part of it; the musicians, techies, and most of all, the fans.  My wife and I are preparing to move to "the Heartland" this summer, and we are looking forward to see what God has in store for us there.

While I have decommissioned most of the web site, I have chosen to leave the music pages up for now – especially in consideration for those of you who have the CD and found the Biblical cross-references on this site useful.  I have also left the contact page up, in case you really feel compelled to write.  However, the email address behind the form has been changed and will not be made public (to reduce the amount of spam).  Do not email "rpband" as you have in the past, or I will not receive your message.

Also, if you like what you hear on the music pages and want to get a CD, you still can!  After all, I only have about 500 discs sitting in my living room.  (It's a good thing my wife loves me!)  Please go to "CD Baby" to purchase our disc and help free my living room space: http://cdbaby.com/cd/revelationproj.

Source: www.revelationproject.com/closed.aspx.

 

• FEATURED REVIEWS
• 2006: THE YEAR IN REVIEW
• LINKS
• FESTIVAL INFORMATION
• LABEL NEWS
• THE LATEST IN THE WORLD OF CHRISTIAN METAL

FEATURED REVIEWS

DELIVERANCE – Stay Of Execution
While Stay Of Execution proves a departure from the classic Deliverance speed metal and thrash sounds of its self-titled debut and Weapons Of Our Warfare, it is still HEAVY and retains the bands trademark energy and crunch.  The best way to describe the music here might be straightforward heavy metal with an occasional leaning towards speed metal and thrash.  Read Full Review >>

FOUNTAIN OF TEARS – Fate
The gothic progressive metal group Fountain Of Tears can trace its roots back to the Christian metal scene of the late eighties and early nineties.  Drummer Joey Daub, for example, was a member of the groundbreaking thrash band Believer, performing on the critically acclaimed releases Extraction From Mortality (1989), Sanity Obscure (1990) and Dimensions (1993).  Read Full Review >>

HOLY SAINT – Holy Saint
The annals of Christian metal history are littered with the remains of talented bands that, for reasons unknown, never signed a deal with a label.  Bay Area based Soldier was perhaps the most well known, a melodic metal outfit that in 1988 released an eleven song demo, Babylon, with a professional sound rivaling many label backed releases of the era.  Read Full Review >>

LETTER 7 – Salt Of The Earth
Letter 7 is quite the promising act, exhibiting its potential by merging a profusion of guitar driven energy and catchy hooks to create a sound certain to appeal to fans of Dokken, Stryper, Fifth Angel, Holy Soldier, Whitecross, Scorpions, Whitesnake, Red Sea and Judas Priest.  Salt Of The Earth, for example, finds the band in top form on up-tempo numbers “Onward Christian Soldiers”, “Salt Of The Earth” and “Stand On The Rock” in addition to proving equally adept on the mid-tempo sounds of “Fear No Evil”, “First Love” and “Reign Comes Down”.  Read Full Review >>

MAD MAX – White Sands
The past year has been a busy one for the German melodic metal outfit Mad Max.  After getting started in 2006 with its sixth album overall in Night Of White Rock, the band recorded a six song EP entitled In White before following up with its early 2007 release White Sands.  Read Full Review >>

MESSIAH PROPHET - Master Of The Metal
Returning in 1986 with its Pure Metal sophomore effort Master Of The Metal, Messiah Prophet moves primarily in a straightforward heavy metal direction with occasional tendencies towards melodic metal and commercial hard rock.  The end result is a significant lead forward by the band musically in that each of the albums eight tracks are well constructed in holding up under noteworthy melodies and memorable chorus lines.  Read Full Review >>

METATRONE – The Powerful Hand
Metatrone is an Italian Catholic power metal band that has been around since 1998.  The group did not begin to hit its stride, however, until 2001 when keyboardist David Bruno entered the Seminary of Catania, a move which initiated a pilgrimage among its members in both in music and in life.  Read Full Review >>

VERTICAL ALIGNMENT – Signposts
Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina is home to Vertical Alignment and the progressive rock of its 2006 full length debut Signposts.  The album finds this talented outfit delivering a technical and symphonic based sound inviting a comparison to Yes, Genesis, Kansas, Glass Hammer, Neal Morse, Proto-Kaw, Spocks Beard and a host of others within the same genre.  Read Full Review >>

2006: THE YEAR IN REVIEW

Even though I am a bit belated here, I decided to compile a brief summary of the top releases from 2006 and break them down into three main categories – Christian, Mainstream and Independent – with commentary following.

Album Of The Year: Christian

Band/Artist	Title	Style	Label	Year	Grade
Narnia	Enter The Gate	Melodic Power Metal	Massacre	2006	95%
7 Days	The Weight Of The World	Progressive/Power Metal	Rivel	2006	90%
Divinefire	Into A New Dimension	Symphonic Power Metal	Rivel	2006	90%
Bride	Skin For Skin	Heavy Metal	Retroactive	2006	90%
The Seventh Power	The Seventh Power	Heavy Metal	Retroactive	2006	90%

Is there any doubt concerning the greatness of NARNIA ‘s Enter The Gate?  Voted the top metal/hard rock album at the Christian Metal Realm as well, Enter The Gate finds NARNIA taking a foundation of catchy melodic metal and joining it with occasional touches of power and progressive metal.  The end result is a superlative work drawing upon the influences of the bands past efforts such as The Great Fall (in terms of heaviness) and Long Live The King (with its use of lush keyboards). 

Speaking of progressive metal, 7 DAYS, a Swedish outfit featuring Harmony guitarist Markus Sigfridsson, has delivered quite the masterpiece in its Rivel Records debut The Weight Of The World.  An album that keeps growing on you with repeated listening, TWOTW proves a well rounded effort in showcasing a sound certain to appeal to those into Balance Of Power, Magnitude 9, Majestic Vanguard and Theocracy. 

Rivel Records has delivered another notable winner in Into A New Dimension, the third full length outing from DIVINEFIRE- a very unique group that melds elements of both the melodic and the extreme.  Featuring Narnia vocalist Christian Rivel and Essence Of Sorrow guitarist Jani Stefanovic, DIVINEFIRE continues to move in symphonic power metal territory by creating a sound that is fast paced and energetic but epic and orchestral at the same time. 

The veteran hard rocking outfit BRIDE proves quite the contrast to Divinefire with the straightforward heavy metal of its most recent endeavor Skin For Skin.  An album reflecting the influence of nearly every era of the bands twenty year history, Skin For Skin gives rise to perhaps the heaviest and most energetic Bride sound since its groundbreaking 1992 release Snakes In The Playground. 

Bill Menchen is another veteran to the Christian metal/hard rock scene, having performed in the likes of Rev Seven, Final Axe and Titanic over the years.  His most recent group, The SEVENTH POWER, however, might be the finest.  Its self-titled debut proves a first rate combination of metal and hard rock certain to gain the interest of those into Saint, Armageddon, Barren Cross and post Weapons… era Deliverance.

Album Of The Year: Mainstream

Band/Artist	Title	Style	Label	Year	Grade
Pyramaze	Legend Of The Bone Carver	Melodic Power Metal	Nightmare	2006	95%
Proto-Kaw	The Wait Of Glory	Progressive Rock	Inside Out	2006	90%
Place Of Skulls	The Black Is Never Far	Melodic Doom Metal	Exile On Mainstream	2006	90%
Evergrace	Evergrace	Melodic Metal	Ulterium	2006	85%
Sir Lord Baltimore	III Raw	Hard Rock	Independent	2006	85%

While it took several listens in order for it to grow on me, Legend Of The Bone Carver, the sophomore effort from the multi-national group PYRAMAZE, sets the standard when it comes to quality melodic power metal.  Quite the catchy effort with its emphasis on both the epic and the orchestral, LOTBC is actually a concept album in which good confronts and eventually overcomes the threat of a growing evil.

When it comes to music of an epic nature, then PROTO-KAW is one of the first groups that comes to mind.  Delivering a lush progressive rock sound influenced by hard rock, jazz, rhythm and blues and funk on its sophomore outing The Wait Of Glory, the album features some of the most inspired songwriting from founding member Kerry Livgren (Kansas, AD) in years.

And inspired is the first word I would use to describe PLACE OF SKULLS and its doom influenced outing The Black Is Never Far.  A deep but brooding project led by vocalist and guitarist Victor Griffin, TBINF represents the perfect combination of doom-like aesthetics and memorable songwriting with good old fashioned and in your face guitar driven attitude.

If you are interested in memorable songwriting then look no further than EVERGRACE and the hook filled sounds of the melodic metal of its very fine self titled debut.  A “band of Christians” hailing from Sweden, EVERGRACE delivers a compelling combination of catchy melodies and guitar driven heaviness that will appeal to fans of Harmony, Magnitude 9, 7 Days and Majestic Vanguard.

Guitar driven heaviness fits the bill when it comes to SIR LORD BALTIMORE and the seventies influenced hard rock of its six song EP III Raw.  Renowned as the first band to be associated with the term heavy metal, SIR LORD BALTIMORE got its start in the early seventies but, after the passage of over thirty years, founding members John Garner and Louis Dambra recently reunited to record this very well rounded comeback effort.

Album Of The Year: Independent

Band/Artist	Title	Style	Label	Year	Grade
Saint	The Mark	Classic Metal	Armor	2006	90%
Septer	The God Key	Power Metal	Independent	2006	85%
Fall Of Echoes	Red Tree	Hard Rock	Independent	2006	85%
Mike Florio	Arisen	Progressive Rock	Independent	2006	85%
Dream Quest	Centralia	Adventure Metal	Independent	2006	80%

SAINT and classic metal have become synonymous over the years and such is the case with its most recent outing The Mark, a very fine conceptual effort based around the book of Revelation.  Representing perhaps the finest album from SAINT since its 1989 outing Too Late For Living, The Mark features a raw and stripped down sound that brings to mind a more polished version of the bands 1986 release Time’s End.

If you enjoy classic metal then you will not be disappointed in SEPTER and its first rate outing The God Key.  Delivering a classic power metal sound that reminds me of old Iron Maiden or Barren Cross, SEPTER joins the Dickinson influenced lead vocal abilities of Dane McCartney with the exciting dual guitar attack of Hawk and Paul Dailey.  What we wind up with is an energetic but memorable work characterized by an even blend of up-tempo and mid-temp tracks.

The sound of FALL OF ECHOES could not be more different than that of Saint and Septer but the quality is every bit as high.  Moving in a rich progressive hard rock direction, FALL OF ECHOES is a project led by Orphan Project lead vocalist Shane Lankford and Visual Cliff guitarist Rob Perez.  I might describe its well conceived debut Red Tree as progressive and guitar driven but symphonic and fusion based at the same time.

More progressive rock is delivered by MIKE FLORIO and the polished sounds of his solo effort Arisen.  The album actually takes a foundation of progressive rock and combines it with elements of classic rock and AOR, the joining of styles creating a very appealing blend of Kansas and Styx but reflecting the influence of Neal Morse, Shadow Gallery and Flagship as well.

If an abundance of high energy is your cup of tea then look no further than Manitoba, Canada’s DREAM QUEST and the double bass driven power metal of its 5 song EP Centralia.  Recorded in follow up to the bands 2004 debut The Release, Centralia is a “one-of-a-kind concept album in that each of its five tracks tell one part of an overarching story, but the order in which the songs are played changes the plot!”.

LINKS

Several ADIASTASIA videos are available for viewing at YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKOQ4jLjKgI.

An interview with ZARKO ATANASOV (MY DARKEST TIME, TRUE WISDOM) can be read at Christian Extreme: http://65.61.12.97/my_darkest_time_interview.html.

The MySpace page of DELIVERANCE features four new songs from the bands upcoming album As Above – So Below: www.myspace.com/thebigdlives.

A new GREEN SLEEVES track, “Reactor”, is available of for download at the bands website: www.greensleeves.nu.

Wikipedia is now home to an article about LANCE KING (AVIAN, KRUCIBLE): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lance_King.

MAD MAX guitarist Juergen Breforth recently conducted an interview with Rock United: www.rockunited.com/madmax2007.htm.

MAD MAX also posted four songs from its new album White Sands at its MySpace page: www.myspace.com/madmaxmusic.

REINXEED is an epic power metal band recently signed to Rivel Records.  Look for the bands debut, The Light, to be released later this fall.  To hear three new songs: www.myspace.com/reinxeednorth.

A new website was just launched commemorating the Christian rock band SERVANT.  Lots of retro band information and never before seen photos.  Check it out: www.servantband.com.

You can read an exclusive interview with MICHAEL SWEET (STRYPER) at HM Magazine: www.hmmagazine.com/michael_sweet_interview07/index.php.

THRESHOLD recorded a video of the track “Pilot On The Sky Of Dreams” from its soon to be released album Dead Reckoning.  (Please note that the radio edit of the song is four minutes long while the album version comes in close to ten!): www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qw1M-e0CeQ.

The German metal outfit TRUST recorded four new tracks: www.myspace.com/trustrocks.

An interview with the Finnish power metal/thrash outfit VENIA is online at: www.whitemetal.it/intervista_venia_(english).htm.

FESTIVAL INFORMATION

BRIDE, BLOODGOOD, WHITECROSS AND X-SINNER will be performing on the HM Magazine Stage at this years CORNERSTONE festival on June 29th:

• WHITECROSS - 7:30 - 8:15
• BRIDE - 8:35 - 9:20
• X-SINNER - 9:40 - 10:25
• BLOODGOOD - 10:45 - 11:30

Further information: www.cornerstonefestival.com.

The ENDTIME FESTIVAL, taking place on March 30-31, 2007 in Halmsted, Sweden, is going to feature the following line-up:

• ANTESTOR
• CRIMSON MOONLIGHT
• DROTTNAR
• EVERGRACE
• EXTOL
• INEVITABLE END
• HARMONY
• VARDOGER
• VENI DOMINE
• VIRGIN FOREST

WebLink: www.endtime-festival.com.

LABEL NEWS

Look for several new releases to come out on RETROACTIVE/WATERGRAVE RECORDS later this spring:

• DELIVERANCE – The First Four Years
As its title implies, this is a compilation of demo material and live tracks taken from the bands first four years.  Features narration from Jimmy Brown.

• DELIVERANCE – Greetings Of Death, Etc
A re-issue of both the classic Greetings Of Death demo and the Weapons Of Our Warfare demo.

• EMOTION – Smiling Bomb
Previously unreleased album from Swedish melodic hard rock act.

• TITANIC – Full Steam Ahead
Third album from driving metal/hard rock outfit featuring Bill Menchen.  I have been listening to this the past several weeks and it brings the same high quality of Menchen’s other project THE SEVENTH POWER.

THE LATEST IN THE WORLD OF CHRISTIAN METAL

All the instrumentation has been recorded for the doom influenced self-titled debut of BLACK NIGHT SKY.  Next up are the lead vocals.  A release date is yet to be announced.  Further reading: www.blacknightsky.com.

Look for the Cross Metal From Above demo to come out on April 10, 2007.  Steel Legacy, the bands label, made the following announcement:

American epic metal assault with Christian message!  Contains 5 tracks from the 1986 Metal From Above demo tape (a total of 35 minutes!) re-mastered for better quality plus 3 bonus tracks recorded live in 1988, presented to you raw but powerful.  Sword in hand, Metal from Above!

The CD will include a total of eight songs: “Sign Of The Cross”, “Metal From Above”, “Deliverance”, “The Ascension”, “Final Journey”, “Prisoners Of War”, “Exodus 20” and “Black Death”.

WebLink: www.steel-legacy.com.  You can also hear a sample of the song “Deliverance” at the bands MySpace page: www.myspace.com/crossmetalfromabove.

I would like to take a moment and add my initial thoughts in regards to the four new songs DELIVERANCE recently added to its MySpace page.  While certainly not a return to the thrash and speed metal direction of the bands earlier days, this is perhaps the most aggressive DELIVERANCE we have heard since its 1992 release Stay Of Execution.  And similar to Stay…, what we have is a “hybrid” sound taking elements of the self-titled debut and Weapons Of Our Warfare and combining them with the straightforward metal and hard rock leanings of the bands later releases such as Learn and Camelot In Smithereens.  What I also find to stand out here are the crystal clear production values along with the searing lead work of Mike Phillips.  Jimmy Brown remains in top form as well.  Check it out: www.myspace.com/thebigdlives.

DELOREAN updated its website concerning the progress of its upcoming album:

The newest offering from DELOREAN, as yet untitled, is garnering attention and elation from DELOREAN fans even before its release.  By far DELOREAN’s most intense undertaking at 15 full length songs, this album shows progressed songwriting techniques and features a new male vocalist.  Despite the change in singers and songwriting approach, DELOREAN sticks to its progressive songwriting style and screaming lead guitar work, tempered with a more “modern” sound.  From the opening track through the entire 70+ minutes DELOREAN strikes you with aggressive riffs, powerful vocals and hooks you will be singing for days.

To hear samples of seven new songs: www.deloreanrocks.com.

EVERGRACE recently changed its name to INCRAVE.  The following press release was put out by Ulterium Records:

The Swedish heavy metal band EVERGRACE has decided to change name to INCRAVE.

The self titled debut album that was released September 30th last year will be re-released April 20th under the name INCRAVE and with the album title The Escape.  The album will include a bonus track called “The Masquerade”.

The bonus track “The Masquerade” can be streamed in it’s entirety at the bands MySpace site: www.myspace.com/incrave, and so can three other songs from the album.

Source: www.ulterium-records.com/index2.html.

HERO rounded out its new line up.  Joining incumbents Michael Hero (vocals) and Bjorn Sundstrom (bass) are newcomers Mikael Eklund (guitars), Marcus Lannfjall (guitars) and Johan Adler (keyboards).  A new drummer will be announced in the near future.  Web Link: www.heroesplace.com.

Thomas Wilson (UNFORSAKEN) hopes to have his INCARNATE side project released in early summer with his first solo album following shortly thereafter.  Also, the songs are picked out for a new UNFORSAKEN EP as well.  According to Thomas, the new UNFORSAKEN material is shaping up to be heavier overall, with some power metal influences thrown in.  INCARNATE, as many of you know, combines elements of metal and thrash (kind of like ANTITHESIS) while UNFORSAKEN moves in an eighties influenced metal and hard rock direction (think LETTER 7).  Samples and further information: www.unforsaken.ca.

The upcoming JACOBS DREAM album, Dominion Of Darkness, should hit the shelves this summer.  Look for the band to move in a darker musical direction not unlike its tracks “Spinning Leaf”, “Drowning Man”, “Tale Of Fears” and “Cutting Words”.  The album will be made up of the following twelve songs:  “Demon World”, ”Embraced By Sorrow”, ”Cant Break The Fall”, ”Don’t Talk To Me About Love”, ”J.L.K”, ”Dark Alliance”, ”Angry Day”, ”Awaken The Man”, ”Violent Kingdom”, ”End Of Days”, ”Curse Of Antikithera” and ”Mercy Killing”.

Bassist Ez Gomer has put the release of the JET CIRCUS project No Mercy For The Living Dead – which was originally intended as the follow up to the bands 1991 debut Step On It – on temporary hold.  Look for it to be out later this year.  Further reading: www.ezgomer.com/main.asp?load=shop.

As reported last month, SAINT vocalist JOSH KRAMER contributed the vocal tracks to a song on the upcoming DYNASTY CD Warriors Of The King.  JOSH further expounds upon the matter:

"It’s 9:00 AM and I’m sending the tracks I recorded last night to Nahor (Andrade) of DYNASTY in Brazil.  They are going to feature me on a song on their album coming up.  They sent me an mp3 in an email of the song called "King of Kings".

I emailed the song to a studio here in town and laid down the tracks.  Wow, this song was a tough one to perform.  They pushed my envelope for range and aggressiveness.  I think I did a good job.  I hope they like it.  I screamed my brains out and had a great time doing it.

I love the technology these days to be able to do stuff like this.  You can be anywhere in the world and record an album. Amazing!"

Also, in the near future JOSH will be putting out a SAINT autobiography which will be available for purchase using PayPal.  Additional details: www.saint777.net.

Houston, Texas based power/progressive metal outfit KRUCIBLE added vocalist Lance King (AVIAN, ex-PYRAMAZE) to its line up.  The band, which is currently in the writing process for a new album to be released early next year, will be making its debut appearance with Lance this summer.  KRUCIBLE consists of:

Lance King – Lead Vocals
Eric Halpern – Guitars
Don LaFon – Guitars
Shane Dubose – Bass
Adam Rawlings – Keyboards
Jeff Baniak - Drums

Samples with Lance should be available soon at the bands MySpace page: www.myspace.com/krucible.

An update just arrived in regards to the next LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE album:

Shawn Pelata/Kevin Chalfant join new LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE CD.

LIBERTY N' JUSTICE's new CD, Independence Day will be released later this summer.  It features a host of guest vocalists and guest musicians, including Jani Lane, John Corabi (ex-MOTLEY CRUE), Jack Russell (GREAT WHITE), Jamie St. James (WARRANT/ BLACK N' BLUE), Jamie Rowe (GUARDIAN/ CRUNCH), Ted Poley (DANGER DANGER), Kelly Keeling (TSO), David Raymond Reeves (NEON CROSS),and Mark & Shannon Hovland (HOVLAND).

At this time we would like to announce the addition of Shawn Pelata (LINE OF FIRE), as he adds his vocals to the song "My Sacrifice".  The song was written by Nikki Dimage (LINE OF FIRE), Justin Murr, and Pelata.  The track was produced by AOR great Kevin Chalfant (THE STORM/ SHOOTING STAR/TWO FIRES) and was recorded at Chalfant's studio in Illinois.  The track also features Dimage on guitar, Alby Odum (DANIEL’S WINDOW) on guitar, Chuck Giacinto (FINAL QUEST) on keyboards and Chalfant on background vocals.

Check out the song at www.myspace.com/libertynjustice2 and go to our message board at www.libertynjustice.net and let us know what you think of the track.

The Italian epic metal band MARTIRIA is hard at work on the follow up to its 2005 effort The Age Of The Return.  The band offered the following at its website:

Very good news for all our friends!  MARTIRIA is back at work in the studio recording the material for the third album which would be ready by end of the year.

This new album will be part of triple album that will include the new album in addition to the two previous released albums re-mastered.  These three CDs will be included in a special and precious digi-package with an extremely comprehensive booklet including all lyrics and much more...

Of course Rick Anderson (a.k.a Damien King III from WARLORD) will be on vocals along with the original line-up.

This new album will be released in a very limited edition and will not be distributed through the regular distribution channels, but it will only be sold on MARTIRIA’s official website (www.martiria.com) at the special price of 25,00 euros!

If you want to make sure that you will be entitle to receive this special package containing this great new work, without taking a chance not to find the album once released, we invite you to fill out a simple form by clicking on the following link www.martiria.com/preorder without any cost.

This way we will contact you once the album is ready for delivery.  Don’t miss this opportunity to have in your CD collection this new incredible album. 

The new NEAL MORSE album, Sola Scriptura, was officially released on March 1, 2007.  My first impression is that it is heavier in comparison to his prior solo releases, One and ?, while maintaining the same over the top progressiveness.  The album, for example, includes two tracks that clock in at over twenty five minutes and one other that comes in past sixteen.  Look for a review to be included as part of next months update to the site.

ORPHAN PROJECT completed work on a new track entitled “Angels Desire”.  The band describes the song as “old ORPHAN PROJECT on roids or TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA with a gothic twist”.  It should be available for streaming no later than May.  More details: www.orphanfound.com/home.php.

The next RANDOM EYES album, which is untitled at the time of this writing, is mixed and ready for mastering.  WebLink: www.randomeyes.net.

REDEEMER, the first Christian band to feature guitarist Bill Menchen, will soon be releasing a two CD set on Watergrave Records.  The following was taken from THE SEVENTH POWER website:

REDEEMER was the first Christian group that I was in, from 1984 to 1989.  There was one poorly recorded cassette tape that was released in 1986.  More songs were written until the group fulfilled its call in 1989.  There were unrecorded songs and a few that were lost.  Recently, an old, bad bootleg of a live concert from 1988 was discovered, and a garage practice tape.  After some thought, I decided to record all the songs from Double Edge Sword, the unrecorded songs and the lost songs.  The songs have been re-recorded, and will be available soon on Watergrave Records (a division of Retroactive Records), on two CD's: Double Edge Sword and Anno Domini. Both CD's have 11 songs each.

The purpose of this project is simply to have all 22 REDEEMER songs available so you can hear the messages that God has given, and I pray you will be blessed by them.  Oh yeah, the music is good too!  Source: www.theseventhpower.com/redeemer.html.

In other Bill Menchen news, all four REV SEVEN albums have been re-recorded and will also be released on Watergrave Records.  Bill adds further details at THE SEVENTH POWER website:

Good news for REV SEVEN fans.  All four REV SEVEN CD's will be available very soon on Watergrave Records (a division of Retroactive Records).  The Unveiling and Hell And Back will be on one disc titled Heavy Laden Volume 1.  Seven Years Of Good Luck and 747 will comprise the other disc, Heavy Laden Volume 2.  All four albums have been re-recorded from the ground up and sound better than ever.  Source: www.theseventhpower.com/revseven.html.

An update in regards to the next solo project of ROB ROCK was posted at the MySpace page of guitarist CARL JOHAN GRIMMARK (NARNIA):

The ROB ROCK production moves on with full speed!  Lots of drums, guitars and bass have been tracked and on Monday I leave for USA/Florida where I'll assist Rob at the vocal recordings!  Finally some time away from the land of ice and snow.  WebLink: http://profile.myspace.com/grimmark

The German power metal outfit SEVENTH AVENUE completed work on the follow up to its very fine 2005 release Eternals.  The album, which does not have a release date or title at the time of this writing, is yet to be mixed.  The band is also in the process of looking for a label.

Overlord, the next album from the thrash/melodic speed metal outfit TEMPLE OF BLOOD, is tentatively scheduled to come out in late 2007 or early 2008.  It will include ten tracks and one short instrumental.  Song titles include “Prelude To Treachery”, “Harbinger”, “Pawn Of The Liar” and “Illusion Of Control”.  The band also plans to cover a song (“Forbidden Evil”) by the Bay Area thrash band FORBIDDEN.  Source: www.templeofblood.net.

TERAMAZE intends to release an “anthology compilation” that will include two new tracks from its forthcoming album (which should be out the middle of the year).  Samples: www.myspace.com/teramaze.

Phoenix, Arizona based TYKKUS updated its home page to include the following about its next album:

Just a quick update on the progress.  We started recording mid-February and things are coming along.  All drums and guitars are done.  Final bass tracks should be done this week and Will V. will likely lay down the vox next weekend.

WebLink: www.tykkus.com.

TYKKUS also offered an update at its forum at Firestream as well:

We decided that the main thing is to get some new music available solely for promotion.  Kind of hard to market the band whether you're talking about club owners or record labels if we don't have a current demo, so that's really what this is.  We're not intending to spend time or money for packaging, artwork, pressing, etc.  This is just a down and dirty CD-R demo.  There'll be 3 or 4 songs on it...I'm leaning towards 3 but we haven't decided 100% yet.

I haven't heard the mixes for about a week, but Dale heard the most recent ones as of Friday and he feels the production quality is better than what Umlaut was.  Once they're done we'll probably make them available for a couple bucks to cover the cost of material and shipping, or even just distribute them online as MP3s to save the hassle of shipping. Just have to figure out how that works.

We're continuing to write and the hope is to maybe release a full length CD later this year, but that will depend on a number of factors.  If we can get a deal somewhere, obviously that'll make things a lot easier from a financial aspect.  If this demo turns out as well we hope we'll probably use the same studio so that'll cut down on the hassle of pounding the pavement looking for another studio. Just have to see what happens.
Further discussion: www.firestream.net/forum/showthread.php?t=6839.

VENIA recorded the drum tracks of its upcoming album in January while guitars and bass will be recorded next month.  Expect a release date sometime in the fall.  Further reading: www.veniaband.com.

WINGDOM continues to make progress on the follow up to its 2005 full length debut Reality.  All the details are available at the blog located at the bands website: www.wingdom.org/blog.php

 

• FEATURED REVIEWS
• FEATURED INTERVIEW WITH REX SCOTT
• OTHER ADDITIONS
• FESTIVAL INFORMATION
• LABEL NEWS
• ROXX PRODUCTIONS UPDATE
• THE LATEST IN THE WORLD OF CHRISTIAN METAL

FEATURED REVIEWS

ARSENAL – Armored Choir
What Arsenal brings to the table on Armored Choir is an eighties influenced blend of melodic metal, commercial hard rock, AOR and melodic rock.  Comparisons to other female fronted acts of the era such as Vixen, Scarlet Red and Ransom would not be unfounded as would Stryper, Guardian, Angelica, Dokken and a host of others.  Read Full Review >>

BRIDE – Snakes In The Playground
Following the release of its groundbreaking 1991 effort Kinetic Faith, Bride - with the classic line up of Dale Thompson and Troy Thompson, Rick Foley and Jerry McBroom still intact – hit the road in support of the album, playing mostly club dates and a handful of Christian festivals. The band did not get its big break, however, until it landed a role as the opening act for Stryper on its late 1991 tour of the East Coast and Midwest.  Read Full Review >>

GRAND LUX – Carved In Stone
Norway’s Grand Lux got its start in 2005, releasing its full length debut Iron Will prior to signing with Ulterium Records and putting out its sophomore effort Carved In Stone two years later.  The album finds Grand Lux continuing to take an eighties influenced blend of straightforward hard rock and classic metal and touching it up with elements of power metal or even the blues.  Read Full Review >>

MAD MAX – Night Of White Rock
The history of the German melodic metal outfit Mad Max dates back to the early eighties.  Hitting the scene in 1982 with a nine song self-titled debut that featured guitarist and founding member Juergen Breforth, the band recruited a new vocalist in Michael Voss before signing to Roadrunner Records and putting out its sophomore effort Rollin’ Thunder.  Read Full Review >>

MESSIAH – Final Warning
Messiah was a particularly obscure band, putting out its full length debut Final Warning in 1984 before following up a year later with a five song EP entitled Going Insane.  As a matter of fact, so little was known about Messiah at the time that Final Warning and Going Insane were not reviewed in Heaven’s Metal until 1989 (issue #20 described the band as “apocalyptic hard rock”).  My impression of Messiah is old school heavy metal bringing the same type of all out raw energy found on albums by other Christian metal bands of the time such as Saint, Philadelphia, Barren Cross, Bloodgood, Emerald and Messiah Prophet.  Read Full Review >>

STARCHILD – Born Into Eternity
Initially forming in 2002 but not putting out the doom-laden sounds of its self-titled debut until a year later, Waycross, Georgia based Starchild signed with Twin Earth Records prior to releasing its very fine sophomore effort Born Into Eternity. The album finds this able power trio continuing to chart the waters of cosmic doom territory, delivering a stone edged sound certain to appeal to fans of Place Of Skulls, Trouble, Goliath, Troglodyte Dawn, Faith and last, but certainly not least, Black Sabbath.  Read Full Review >> 

STRYPER – The Yellow And Black Attack
When the issue of Christian metal is brought up, the first name that often comes to mind is Stryper, a band that by and large defines the genre. The origin of the group can be traced back to when brothers Robert and Michael Sweet got saved at a young age while watching a Jimmy Swaggart television crusade.  Read Full Review >> 

TRIPART – Beneath The Surface
TriPart is a new Christian rock band hailing from Rochester, Michigan.  Playing a combination of hard rock, melodic rock, blues and AOR on its 2006 full length debut Beneath The Surface, TriPart delivers a diverse sound certain to appeal to fans of not only Petra, Idle Cure, White Heart and Daniel Band but those into Stryper, Angelica, Guardian, Shout and Slav Simanic as well.  Read Full Review >>

FEATURED INTERVIEW

REX SCOTT – ZION & X-SINNER
When did you start singing and when did you know that you wanted to front a rock band?
I enjoyed singing as long as I can remember. As a kid I was in choir at school. When I saw the Beatles on TV, I and a lot of young American boys at that time decided we wanted to play rock n roll! As a youngster I took drum lessons and played drums for years before I was actually in a band. Once I got into bands I always sang from behind the kit including the early years of Zion. I learned guitar while still playing drums because I wanted to write my own songs. Once I got decent playing guitar I wanted to be out front from behind the drums. I wasn't afforded the opportunity until the later years in Zion after one of the original guitar players took a job in another state and had to move. The band was going to call it quits but I wanted to keep it going so I moved to the guitar spot and my drum tech Tommy Bozung took over drumming.  Read Full Interview >>

OTHER ADDITIONS

SHINING FORCE is still around!  The band now has a presence at MySpace: www.myspace.com/sfband.

THEOCRACY has it’s own MySpace page as well.  A new track, “On Eagles Wings”, can be heard at: www.myspace.com/theocracyband.

YouTube is home to live footage of several classic Christian metal bands of the past:

LIGHTFORCE (“Metal Missionaries”) - www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8muV031g2s.

PHILADELPHIA (“Warlord”) - www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUQg4y-mLMQ.

SACRED WARRIOR (“Mad, Mad World”) - www.youtube.com/watch?v=kV8dp3dhE2w.

SAINT (“In The Night”) - www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUTg9sBXd6I.

You can also catch footage of KANSAS from its 1982 Vinyl Confessions tour performing the track “Crossfire”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GeskJUxE9Q.

A live version of the ADIASTASIA number “The Winner” (off Life War) can also be seen at YouTube:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GscpDaioNA.

TYKKUS is now officially an Agile artist.  For additional information: www.rondomusic.net/tykkus.html.

THE WHITE METAL ALLIANCE is an alliance of white metal musicians and supporters.  Please be sure to check it out: www.whitemetal.org.

FESTIVAL INFORMATION

This years Legends Of Rock Festival, taking place on February 24, 2007 in Ennepetal, Germany, will feature the following line-up:

• Tourniquet
• Bride
• Guardian
• The Electrics
• Split Level
• Why?
• Golgatha
• Trust

Additional details: www.legendsofrock.de and www.myspace.com/legendsofrockde.

LABEL NEWS

RIVEL RECORDS announced its roster of releases for this upcoming spring and summer:

ORATORIO – Redemption 
Release: Spring 2007

GRIMMARK – Self Titled
Release: Spring/Summer 2007

CHRISTIAN RIVEL - The King Is Alive
Release: Spring/Summer 2007

WebLink: www.rivelrecords.com.

ROXX PRODUCTIONS UPDATE

• ROXX PRODUCTIONS and RETROACTIVE RECORDS

Retroactive and Roxx will jointly be working together to bring you 4 new releases this year all in an effort to get these release all out to the masses and in to as many hands as possible and to secure better distribution!

We will be working together to finally bring you the Up From The Ashes 2 DVD this spring.

In addition to that we will be working with ONCE DEAD on their much anticipated debut release Visions of Hell!!!

Also coming this year is the debut release from San Diego’s very own STRICKEN!!!

AND If that’s not enough for you the long awaited return of DELIVERANCE!!!!!

In addition to that Retroactive Records has several other releases in the pipelines for this year including new releases from X-SINNER, ULTIMATUM, SEVENTH POWER and more!!!

• MARCH METAL MADNESS

Are you ready for the biggest and baddest Christian Metal tour to come your way this spring!!!!  Well wait no longer if you are on the West Coast you can catch one of 4 special shows in March as we put together the ultimate metal show, March Metal Madness!!!

Hot on the heels of several new releases through Retroactive Records and Roxx Productions, DELIVERANCE, ONCE DEAD, STRICKEN and DEMIZE have all been eager to get out on the road. They are all prepared to get out their and play some of their classic Metal as well as share some of their new tunes with the world!

For 4 nights and 4 nights only DELIVERANCE, ONCE DEAD, STRICKEN and DEMIZE all on one stage!!!

• San Diego, CA - March 3, 2007
• Las Vegas, NV - March 10, 2007
• San Francisco, CA - March 23, 2007
• Fresno, CA - March 24, 2007
• Hollywood, CA - March 31, 2007

More information coming very soon!!

• NEW CD FROM STRICKEN

It is finally upon us- the debut CD from STRICKEN!!!!!!!

This spring on March 31st you will be able to pick up the debut CD from San Diego’s very own Stricken!!!

STRICKEN was formed in March 2006 and is managed by Liferock Productions.  Although they are a new band, all members are veterans of the Christian Metal scene.  Comprised of former members of KRUSH,TOWER OF HUNDREAD and FULLIFE, STRICKEN has taken the best of all three bands and combined them into the new project fusing together both old and nu-metal influences, creating a fresh, new style of metal that is captivating Southern California.  Currently they are in the studio working on their debut CD due to be released in March 2007 through ROXX Productions and Retroactive Records as well as playing out at a few select venues refining their live show.

• UFTA2 DVD UPDATE

For starters, all of those emails asking when is the DVD coming out!!!!!!!!!  STOP EMAILING US- the answer is the first week of April!!!!!!

Pre-orders will be up shortly with a special bonus for the first 100 orders!

And for all the emails asking us who is going to be on it?

Is DELIVERANCE going to be on there?  Is SAINT going to be on there?  Is there going to be another ONCE DEAD song on there?  Will ULTIMATUM be on there?

The answer is YES!!!!  All will be represented!

Full track listing coming soon!

• HOLY SOLDIER THE EAST COAST TOUR

HOLY SOLDER are finalizing an East Coast tour that will hit parts of Florida and surrounding areas this April!   Watch for more info and dates coming soon!  Plus a very cool support act being added soon!

Future updates and mailing list available at: www.roxxproductions.com.

THE LATEST IN THE WORLD OF CHRISTIAN METAL

A very real possibility exists for a BARNABAS reunion.  Drummer and founding member Kris Klingensmith furnished all the needed details at the BARNABAS home planet message board:

We've been knocking this around pretty much since Michael launched the BARNABAS HomePlanet, and for the first couple years, the thought of a BARNABAS reunion seemed unlikely, but possibly possible.  Years flew by like seconds, and although we finally saw the entire BARNABAS Thing released on CD -- and not the way we would've liked it, BTW -- nothing ever happened in BARNABAS Land that pointed towards a reunion.  Nothing.  BARNABAS players, crew guys and long-lost friends were reunited here on the Manifest Page and we're grateful for that, but the reunion thing never shivered to life.  It never did.  It wasn't blessed, if you get my drift.  I figured it a lost cause a few years ago and I've said this ever since.  It's too late.  No way.  No BARNABAS reunion.  Can't happen.  Or maybe, or whatever.  Or not.  Forget it.  Forget it.  And that's pretty much been my position for the past few years.  So I'm street-hiking downtown San Diego recently -- thinking about all this stuff (BARNABAS bugs me. I can't get it outta my head) -- and this simple question floats into my knob like some kind of feathery drillbit: why not say yes?  Say yes.  It's a dopey little word -- just say it.  SAY IT.  So I said YES to the possibility of a BARNABAS Thing.  Ok.  Yes.  Yes.  It was ok.  It actually made sense, sort of.  Why not do BARNABAS again?  This felt pretty good.  I'll email Mick Donner next week and find out what he thinks about this.  Here's a cool thing: I didn't email Mick, because he emailed me first, out of the blue.  No jive.  "What's this reunion stuff?" he asks.  "Same as always," I say.  "I'll be in Anaheim next week" Mick says.  "Let's get together" I say.  "Ok" Mick says.  So Mick and I get together for the first time in 20 years and it's like nothing has happened or changed.  We've agreed to collaborate on a clutch of songs, and we will record them.  Nancy says she's in, and I'm waiting to hear from Gary.

But here's the deal: It won't be BARNABAS.  BARNABAS was a one-shot deal.  Let's leave BARNABAS safe and secure where she belongs.  There will be new music coming, but we'll never call it BARNABAS.  Let's move on, shall we?

Further Discussion: www.leconte.com/barnabas/newmanifest/viewtopic.php?t=393&start=0.

MIKE BOTELLO, former lead vocalist of AWAKE, released a new solo album entitled A Timeless State last year on Mijaces Records.  Look for a review in next months updates.  Samples available at: www.myspace.com/botellomusic.

The vinyl version of the re-issue of CROSS’ Metal From Above demo should be released later this month and the CD version in April.  You can place a pre-order at the bands label: www.steel-legacy.com.

I would rate Crunch by ADRIANGALE as one of the top releases of 2004, by far and away the finest of the three studio albums produced by this talented hard rocking outfit.  The good news to report is that the nucleus of ADRIANGALE – vocalist Jamie Rowe and guitarists Vic Rivera and Eddie Campbell – has again joined forces but this time to form a new band, appropriately, called CRUNCH.  Rounding out the line up is TNA bassist Doug Odell and newcomer Joe Cruz on drums.  More details available at: www.melodicrock.com.

DARKWATER, a progressive metal band from Sweden featuring guitarist Markus Sigfridsson (HARMONY, 7 DAYS), re-recorded its full length debut Calling Earth To Witness due to technical and musical issues.  The album is now mixed, mastered and ready for release.  WebLink: www.darkwater.se.

Expect DBEALITY to embark on a seven week European tour starting in June in which it will play mostly festivals and club dates.  Matt Harding (guitars) and Bill Box (drums), both formerly of the eighties white metal outfit APOSTLE, are going to be backing up founding member and vocalist Dave Benson.  Hopefully this means Matt will be handling the lead guitar work on the next DBEALITY CD!  Further reading: www.dbeality.com/home.htm.

The new DELIVERANCE album, As Above – As Below, is scheduled for release later this spring to include the following  ten tracks: ”Legum Servi Sumus Ut Liberi Esse Possimus (intro)”, “Contempt”, “Return to Form”, “Cause and Effect”, ”Screaming”, “My Love”, “Should We Cross Paths”, “Thistles”, “As Above – So Below” and “Enlightened”.  Musically, fans of OLD and NEW Deliverance won’t be disappointed.  The line up performing on the album consists of:

Jimmy P. Brown II – Vocals & Guitars
Mike Phillips – Guitars
Tim Kronyak – Bass
Mike Reed - Drums

An update was found at the newly redesigned website of DELOREAN:

DELOREAN is in the final stages of recording its all new full length album, and is preparing to start hitting the clubs, venues, festivals, and everywhere else in support of the new material!  We have been talking to a variety of venues and are currently working out dates, so keep an eye out!  You can hear five new songs at: www.battleofthebands.com/profile.php?path=delorean.  WebLink: www.deloreanrocks.com.

DREAM QUEST is going to be supporting former IRON MAIDEN vocalist PAUL DIANNO on his upcoming tour of Canada.  Specific dates and additional information: www.adventuremetal.com.

Guitarist Tony Palacios will not be joining GUARDIAN for its upcoming performance at the Legends Of Rock Festival on February 24, 2007.  Vocalist Jamie Rowe offered the following:

GUARDIAN is playing the festival in Germany in late February... but, keeping with his decision not to tour, Tony won't be with us... we've asked our good friend Tim Bushong to play the show with us. Tony's my brutha... and there is absolutely ZERO friction among the members of GUARDIAN... respect and understand his desire to end his touring days. He's a mixer/producer now and everything else is secondary... and I tell ya what..that's cool cuz he is a monster of a mixer/engineer.  WebLinks: guardian-world.com/index3.html and www.legendsofrock.de.

The subsequent press release provides all the necessary details in regards to the upcoming HOLY SOLDIER tour of Florida:

HOLY SOLDIER with special guest vocalist Luke Easter hit the road this spring…

Christian hard rock/metal legends HOLY SOLDIER will hit the road this April for a run of dates in major cities throughout Florida.

HOLY SOLDIER, who has secured their position as one of the most identifiable hard rock bands in Christian music history, recently reunited after a brief hiatus in 2005 to perform special west coast performances with their original line up.  This same original line up released their Dove Award winning self titled HOLY SOLDIER album in 1990. The band later released two more critically acclaimed and best selling studio releases: the Dove Award nominated album Last Train in 1992 the Dove Award winning album Promise Man in 1996.  In 1998 they released their farewell/live/greatest hits album Encore.

To make this tour more special the band has invited their long time friend Luke Easter (vocalist of the legendary and hard hitting progressive metal band TOURNIQUET) to front them on this tour.  “Luke actually joined us on stage before back in 1997 at a festival that we did together in Germany” states HOLY SOLDER bassist Andy Robbins.  “He joined us on one of our most obscure tunes - When the Reign Comes Down, and the entire audience went ballistic, so I am confident this will be a series of shows that should not be missed!”…

The tour will start on April 19 in Jacksonville, and then moves on to in Clearwater on April 22nd, Fort Lauderdale on April 23rd, and wrapping up on April 24 in Pensacola. Visit www.holysoldier.com for more details.

Justin Murr recently offered the latest in regards to the next LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE CD Independence Day:

The song order for the new LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE CD Independence Day has been finalized and at this we are excited to announce two more singers.... John Corabi (ex-MOTLEY CRUE/RATT/UNION) and Soundtrack Of A Soul alumni Ted Poley (DANGER DANGER) have been added to the new CD (the complete list of announced singers are below) you can check out the new tunes at: www.myspace.com/libertynjustice2 or www.libertynjustice.net.

Track Listing: “Doubting Thomas” (John Corabi - ex- MOTLEY CRUE/RATT/UNION), “Monkey Dance” (Jack Russell – GREAT WHITE), “Soldier” (TBA), “My Sacrifice” (TBA), “Phoenix” (TBA), “Independence Day” (Kelly Keeling - BATON ROUGE/MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP), “Meet My Monster” (TBA), “Praying For A Miracle” (Ted Poley - DANGER DANGER), “Fade” (Jamie Rowe - GUARDIAN), “Bullet, Train, Breakdown” (Jamie St.James - WARRANT/ BLACK N' BLUE), "Addiction” (Jani Lane – ex WARRANT), “Wake The Dead” (TBA), “Snake Eat Snake” (David Raymond Reeves -  NEON CROSS), “A little Bit Of Love” (Mark & Shannon Hovland - HOVLAND).

Guest musicians announced so far: Jerry Dixon (WARRANT), Tommy Denander, Charlie Calv, Don Webster (NEON CROSS).

Another hot band out of Brazil to keep an eye on is MIRACLE.  Playing an energetic form of power metal that brings to mind DYNASTY and ADIASTASIA, MIRACLE recently put out a very fine three song demo entitled Soldiers Of Light.  To read more about the band or to download the demo please visit: www.themiracle.com.br/eng/index.php.

Chris Dickens of MISSION OF ONE offered an update at the Christian Metal Realm regarding the progress of the bands next album:

I just wanted to let you all know that the rhythm guitars for the new self-titled MISSON OF ONE CD are finished.  I finished up the last two songs today.  I only lack bass on one song. It's a rather difficult mix of blues & funk, but with a hard rock sound.  The bass on it will be killer, I hope!  Where's Greg Chaisson when I need him?  After this, I'll be working on vocals a lot.  I'll also be trying to get the drums and lead guitars done.  I have done some of them myself, but some of the songs will still require outside help.  WebLink: http://p202.ezboard.com/fthechristianmetalrealmfrm1.showMessage?topicID=27766.topic.

In related news, Chris also joined a new Christian hard rock band called MARX.  (The group chose the moniker because four of its members are named Mark.)  Look for Chris to handle bass guitar duties on the bands upcoming 11 song CD, which will reportedly move in a direction akin to REO SPEEDWAGON and BOSTON.

NEAL MORSE furnished the latest in regards to his soon to be released solo album Sola Scripture:

NEAL MORSE’s new album’s title (Sola Scriptura which means “Only By Scripture” in Latin) is as interesting and provocative as the music itself.  Featuring Mike Portnoy of DREAM THEATER and the riveting guitar work of Paul Gilbert (MR. BIG), this album is huge in scope and sound!  Filled with incredible melodies, cascading guitar and keyboards and all the great composition this ex SPOCK’s BEARD leader is known for, Sola Scriptua reaches beyond what one would think possible on a progressive rock epic.

Lyrically it draws on the life of Martin Luther, the Christian reformer who lived in the early 1500s.  He’s the one who nailed the 95 theses on the door of the Cathedral in Germany and rocked the entire world at the time.  “I tried to imagine what it must have been like to go up against corruption in high places and risk life and limb for what you believe is right” says Morse.  Will this album be controversial?  Surely.  But MORSE has never been one to draw away from a challenge.
Musically it’s as hard hitting and intricately beautiful as MORSE’s best work.  With 3 long pieces (the longest clocking in at 29 minutes!) and one short ballad type song, this has all of MORSE’s trademark moments and the addition of Paul Gilbert’s blistering guitar work puts it over the top.

MORSE says “I felt as a Christian I should make this album and point out to people that may have forgotten how the church fell away from righteousness in the Dark Ages.  The point of it is to point us toward God and his truth and where the church still may have darkness in it, to point her toward the light of God's truth which is laid out wonderfully before us in the scriptures. Of course, this is a lofty goal for a mere CD, but, with God anything is possible!”

Track 1:
Introduction
In The Name Of God
All I Ask For
Mercy for Sale
Keep Silent
Upon The Door

Track 2:
Do You know My Name?
Party to the Lie
Underground
Two Down, One to Go
The Vineyard
Already Home

Track 3:
Heaven in my Heart

Track 4:
Randy's Jam
Long Night's Journey
Re-Introduction
Come Out Of Her
Clothed With The Sun
In Closing...

Total Time: 75:58

Written and Produced by NEAL MORSE.

Source: http://p216.ezboard.com/fnealmorsefrm2.showMessage?topicID=3220.topic.

The following NEON CROSS press release goes into detail concerning the bands upcoming album:

NEON CROSS has been rocking the world with a message of love and redemption since the early 80s.  Not since the release of Torn has any other NEON CROSS CD been so highly anticipated and will prove to be their best release yet.  The album, although not official named as of yet, has an expected release date of Spring 2007 and promises to have something for everyone.  Thrown in will be traditional hymns covered metal style and live recordings as well as many tracks never released or even heard outside of their live audience.  NEON CROSS wants the fans to be included in the experience and to reach them on a deeper level than simply just entertainment which has always been the goal. WebLinks: www.neoncrossmusic.com and www.myspace.com/neoncross.

The upcoming ORATORIO CD, Redemption, will hit the shelves later this spring and include the following ten tracks: “Cold State”, “Burning”, “Raw”, “Inner Weakness”, “Secrets”, “Passing By”, “Whispers In The Night”,, “Brothers”, “Come In To My Heart”, “Faceless”.  Samples can be heard at: www.oratoriometal.com.

SAINT is hard at work on new material in follow up to its excellent 2006 release The Mark.  According to the bands website, guitarist Dee Harrington is looking into writing several songs based around the Holocaust.  While bassist Richard Lynch has been doing some background study on the subject, the new album will not be a conceptual effort like The Mark.  WebLink: www.saintsite.com.

In other SAINT news, Josh Kramer will be providing guest lead vocals on the next DYNASTY album Warriors Of The King.  His recording project with original SAINT guitarist John Mahan, on the other hand, fell through.  Josh provided further insight at his website:

Well John Mahan and I hooked up for a brief time and went separate ways with the reality of no album project as we had hoped.  Well hey, you gotta have hope!  When I got to Kansas, we had high hopes and big dreams of grandeur but with the advent of his pending marriage, commitment to his church group and all consuming career day job, he was left exhausted at the end of every day and no time left for me.  All of this put an end to our recording project plans and plans of a tour.  Man, what an amazing guitar player he is though...sigh... Oh well.

Additional information: www.saint777.net.

Momentum is the working title of the next LINE OF FIRE CD.  Further details: www.myspace.com/lof.

The most recent STEVIE AND THE SAINTS news was supplied by drummer John Tinker at the Christian Metal Realm:

Sorry guys.  Its been a difficult wait for me as well.  So here is the status.  We got together last May and recorded 14 tracks.  Then we found out there was a glitch on the bass tracks, not all but like 9.  We tried every trick in the book to fix this.  Not happening.  Our bass player is in Nashville, Steve is in Fairbanks and myself and Ken Roberts are in Cali.  There have been other hang ups too.  Many.  Roberts is involved in some ministry projects in Africa so he travels there.  He and his wife built a school, recording studio and a t.v. production studio.  Roberts has been rewarded for this by getting several years worth of his taxes audited by the IRS.  Causing him to hire an attorney and so on.  So the record had to take a back seat.

The latest is, we have sent one song to my uncle in N.C.  He will cut a bass track and send the file back, if it works and we think it will, then soon that will be done.  Otherwise we have to fly the Kid back out here and re-cut.  He has a hard time getting off work so…  I am not even going to speculate on the date because I will just be disappointed. In the mean time I have recorded 8 songs for my solo project but its not metal.  You can hear some older mixes of that at:
www.myspace.com/tinksgarage.

Both albums (Metal Blue and Eye On The Prize) have recently been re-mastered.  We are sorta waiting to finish the new one before re releasing the stuff.  We are not sure what direction we will go.  My gut is we probably WONT sign with anyone.  We WILL listen to the deal but I just don’t see how the small labels that are interested can do anything for us that we cant do ourselves.

WebLink: http://p202.ezboard.com/fthechristianmetalrealmfrm1.showMessage?topicID=27634.topic.

Please note that last month I erroneously reported three Northwest tour dates in April of this year featuring STRYPER and BLOODGOOD.  As things now stand, there are actually no plans for the two bands to tour.  Sorry for any confusion in regards to this matter.  Michael Sweet contributed a recent update at the STRYPER forum:

Hello everyone,

I felt I needed to address the issue of the new record and any future tour dates/shows.

We are planning on starting the new record very soon.  It should have started already but we've been waiting for confirmation from the label.

Also, regarding tour dates (with BLOODGOOD?) - there are no plans of any dates with BLOODGOOD.  We (STRYPER) plan to do some shows in April/May and possibly some oversea shows as well but as far as playing with BLOODGOOD once again, there are no plans to do so.

I'm not really sure where or how this rumor started.  I know Michael Bloodgood mentioned it at some point but to be honest, I think it was wrong to do so.  There were never any dates confirmed or even spoken of from our agent.

I'm not upset with Michael, I'm sure he thought it to be true - I'm just upset that you were led to believe something when it's not true.

I apologize for the false information and I can assure you of this - there will be a list of STRYPER shows (soon to be announced) throughout 2007, and a new STRYPER record as well!

Blessings and I'll keep you posted on the record and dates.

Always,

Michael

Additional discussion: http://p201.ezboard.com/fstrypergallerydiscussionforumfrm8.showMessage?topicID=5434.topic.

Michael later offered additional details that, while a bit tongue-in-cheek, provide insight into STRYPER’s next album:

Hey everyone.  I spoke to the guys and we're making some major changes within the band and of course we wanted all of you to be the first to know.  We're re-vamping practically everything.  Here's what's going down for 2007:

1 - We're changing the name "STRYPER" to "HYPER" cause it rhymes with "STRYPER" or, we're calling the band "STRIPPER" because people always confuse the name and call us that anyway.

2 - We're taking C.C. Devilles advice from long ago and we're changing the colors of the stripes to pink and purple.  It's fresh, hip and totally 2007!

3 - We won't be throwing out bibles anymore.  Instead, we'll be throwing out Starbucks gift vouchers and when you redeem them, you'll receive a Starbuck’s bible.

4 - We're shaving our heads and bodies in the effort to be closer to God.  Hair can get in the way and become an obstruction.

5 - We're going back to our childhood roots musically - country metal with a polka twist.  We recorded some demos of this original style back in the mid 70's and trust me - it rocks and rocks hard!  You’re gonna love it!  We think this is the next "big" sound.

5 - We're bringing in body doubles (younger versions) to take the stage and we'll be behind a black curtain performing so you'll get the original sound but a fresh new look.  How cool is that?

6 - We're recording a new record and starting in February-2007!

We believe that these changes will put us on the map again and maybe even get us arrested (lately we can't even get arrested) and we hope your as excited as we are!

Disclaimer - This is a joke - none of this is true except #6.  Just having some fun and I hope you had fun reading it.  Here's to 2007 and 2008!!!

Source: http://p201.ezboard.com/fstrypergallerydiscussionforumfrm8.showMessage?topicID=5442.topic.

The latest concerning the upcoming THEOCRACY album was posted by Matt Smith at the bands home page: www.theocracymusic.com

In a brief five question interview at the MySpace page of the Christian Metal Realm, guitarist Viktor Fagerstrom updates us about the latest happenings with VENIA:

At the moment we are working on a full length album that will hopefully be released this year (2007).  The sound of the new album will be more classic metal influenced with plenty of twin leads, galloping rhythms, and if possible, even more melodic than before.  This doesn't mean that we've abandoned the thrash influences that we introduced on In Our Weakness though.  I think it will be a nice blend of old and new VENIA.  Fans of our Genesis demo will be pleased to know that we are re-recording some of the Genesis songs for this new album.  Other than this, our drummer Daniel has unfortunately decided to move on and leave the band and we are currently looking for a replacement for him.  Daniel will still be playing on the new album, in fact we just recently finished recording the drums.  I think a lot of people will be blown away by Daniel's playing on the new album and I'm really glad that he agreed to play on it.  We've been rehearsing these songs with Daniel for so long that it wouldn't have felt right with someone else on the drums.  As soon as we find a new drummer we will continue playing live to support our upcoming album.

You can read the full the interview at: www.myspace.com/christianmetalrealm.

Guitariist Torbjorn Weinesjo posted the most current information at the Christian Metal Realm concerning the next VENI DOMINE album:

As some of you know we're quite busy recording again, my aim was to be ready for release in March 07, we're not gonna make it I would say due to a sleepy fall of ´06.  But nevertheless we have 10 tracks running, vocal left on 4 of those, some small guitar parts/key parts, some additional guitar by some friends.  As Gabriel still prefers Shanghai over Stockholm, we have the luck of using such talented guys like Ez Gomér (JET CIRCUS), Peter Carlsohn (JERUSALEM, THE RISE), Gary Kusthoss and Andreas Olsson (all bands not above mentioned).  It's gonna be a challenge mixing with such diverse base approaches but I can tell that we are completely thrilled having them on.  I dare not say when we'll be ready but we're on with MCM so that wont be taking too much time so...I'll fill you guys in as we go.  The artwork is coming along and booklet and stuff, preparing a new site and all that....running a full circle again.  Ok, that's it for now, yeah we're doing the end time fest with Andreas on base again, super nice. If you're going there make sure to hook up with me for a chat, ok?

Further discussion: http://p202.ezboard.com/fthechristianmetalrealmfrm1.showMessage?topicID=27754.topic.

VIRGIN BLACK is going to put out a new album later this spring.  The following press release includes all the pertinent details:

The End Records has set a release date of April 3rd, 2007 for the new album from Australia's gothic/classical/doom band VIRGIN BLACK, titled Requiem - Mezzo Forte.

The album, part of the “Requiem” trilogy, will be the first installment (the 2nd of the trilogy) released and will be followed later on this year by Requiem – Pianissimo and Requiem – Fortissimo.

About the “Requiem” trilogy, singer/songwriter Rowan London comments, "Well, I feel like I've become a completely non-functioning part of society over the past two years.  Requiem has been the most agonizingly difficult experience I have ever faced.  On one side are the logistics of three albums, two and a half hours of music, and financing it all (orchestra included).  The other side is the emotional toll; the far too many times I fell in a heap feeling that it would be impossible to succeed and coming oh so close to completely giving up the project.  I take many a scar from this process and may never experience this kind of beautiful pain again".

"The albums haunt me with their poignancy and the lines I was literally recording when I received a call to say that my father had died in the most tragic of circumstances will forever shut out the world when played back.  I find it surreal and befitting that I subsequently carried his body out of the funeral service held in the grand old church where we happened to record.  As overdramatic as it sounds, I seriously sometimes felt like joining him.  However, we persevered, and I listen to these vast creations and still can't believe what we've managed here.  We will proudly present them.  Scarred and almost defeated, it will be such a joy to have a directly human experience on our most in-depth touring schedule ever, covering most of Europe and much of the U.S.  I feel privileged to be able to begin in Australia with shows as guests for some one-off appearances by ARCTURUS, and look forward to announcing all the cities/countries that we will visit."

Adds fellow songwriter Samantha Escarbe about the trilogy, "Each album has its own unique voice and expression, but essentially each needs the other to truly complete what is an intimidating undertaking both in respect to musical tradition and the inherent subject matter.  I don't expect people to understand it. I just wrote what I wanted to hear, what I needed to hear."

Track Listing: “Requiem, Kyrie”,” In Death”, “Midnight's Hymn”, “And I Am Suffering”, “Domine”, “Lacrimosa (I Am Blind With Weeping)”, “Rest Eternal”

 

FEATURED REVIEWS

ASCENSION THEORY – Answers
Ascension Theory is a studio project founded in 2002 by Tim Becker (keyboards) and Leon Ozug (vocals, guitar and bass), two talented musicians who got their start in the progressive metal outfit Aztec Jade.  Departing Aztec Jade in 2001 and 2003 respectively, Becker and Ozug joined forces with drummer Chad Lenig and recorded Ascension Theory’s debut Regeneration in 2002 before following up in 2005 with a sophomore effort entitled Answers.  Read Full Review >>

BABYLON MYSTERY OCHESTRA – The Great Apostasy
Babylon Mystery Orchestra is a one man project under the guidance of a vocalist, guitarist and composer by the name of Sydney Allen Johnson.  Getting started in 2003 with the full length debut Divine Right Of Kings, a concept album dealing with America’s role in Biblical prophecy as the doomed “Mystery Babylon The Great”, BMO returned one year later with On Earth As It Is In Heaven, another conceptual effort that traced the 4000 year history of rock n’ roll along with the diabolic origins of music.  Read Full Review >>

ESSENCE OF SORROW – Reflections Of The Obscure
If I were to compile a list of the better Christian metal bands to come out of Northern Europe in recent years I would rank Divinefire, Harmony, Majestic Vanguard, Random Eyes, 7 Days and Wingdom among the regions finest.  One exciting new group that deserves equal consideration, however, is Finland’s Essence Of Sorrow.  Read Full Review >>

FAITH - Sorg
Renowned as one of Sweden’s first doom metal bands, Faith was founded back in 1984 by guitarist Roger Johansson, vocalist and bassist Christer Nilsson and drummer Peter Svensson.  Over the next several years the three, despite a constantly revolving line-up, managed to record two demo tapes (Faith and Insanity) in addition to a two song single entitled Hymn Of The Sinner.  Read Full Review >>

IMAGES OF EDEN – Sunlight Of The Spirit
Images Of Eden started out as a one man project led by Gordon Tittsworth.  Chapter 1, the appropriately entitled 2001 debut of Images Of Eden, found Gordon handling nearly all aspects of the recording, including songwriting, lead vocals, rhythm and lead guitar, bass and keyboards.  Read Full Review >>

PACTO DE SANGRE – Alerta
Puerto Rico based Pacto de Sangre was put together in 1996 by brothers Carlos (drums), Mizael (bass) and Eliezer (guitars) Robles.  Initially using the moniker Plenitud, the three rounded out the bands first official line up upon recruiting guitarist Felix Guzman and vocalist Luis Vila.  Read Full Review >>

SEPTER – The God Key
Septer came out of Illinois in 2003 with the power metal of its independently released full length debut Transgressor.  After recruiting a new vocalist in the talented Dane McCartney, the band followed up three years later with a very well done sophomore effort entitled The God Key.  Read Full Review >>

ZION – Thrillseeker
The history of Zion can be traced back to the first demo tape it recorded back in 1982 before following up with a full length cassette only release entitled Rock For Eternity in 1984.  The hard rocking South Dakota based outfit proceeded to sign with Image Records several years later, releasing its nine song David Zaffiro (Bloodgood) produced debut Thunder From The Mountain in 1989.  Read Full Review >>

OTHER ADDITIONS

BLOODGOOD updated its website to include amateur shot footage of the track “Seven” (off Rock In A Hard Place) being performed at the Cornerstone Festival in 1989: www.bloodgoodband.com/media/video/sevencornerstone89.html.

BLOODGOOD now has its own MySpace page as well: www.myspace.com/bloodgoodband.

CD REPORTER is a new online magazine (in German) providing news and reviews about the Christian rock, metal and electronica scene: www.cdreporter.de.

A new interview with Steve Doerksen and Phil Janzen of DREAM QUEST is available at: www.sacredembrace.com/interviews/dreamquest.

You can also read an interview with EVERGRACE guitarist Jon Balefalk: www.powermetal.dk/interviews/evergrace.htm.

A very well done video of the GUARDIAN track “Shoeshine Johnny” (off Miracle Mile) can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-Z8A4L477o.

JACOBS DREAM performed the track “Funambulism” at a recent show at the Hard Rock Cafe in Puerto Rico: www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8zolLpr_jY.

Any fans of RANSOM out there?  Then be sure to check out the following video of “Lasting Love" (from the bands self-titled debut): www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRfHHWw_d58.

Michael Sweet goes into detail in regards to the origin of STRYPER in a recent article at CMSpin: www.cmspin.com/newsmanager/anmviewer.asp?a=3963&z=51.

I located some live footage of WHITECROSS performing two of its all time classic tracks:

“Because Of Jesus” - www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOFC5EIvFjE.
“Good Enough” - www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAXacvZwyXk.

WHITECROSS also added an interesting “Ask Rex Carroll Q&A” section to the forum at its official website: www.whitecrossmusic.com/forum/askrexcarroll.

THE CHRISTIAN METAL REALM updated its MySpace page to include songs by NEON CROSS (“You’re The One”), PASTOR BRAD (“Jesus Stomp”) and TIME SPENT BURNING (“You’ll Like It”).  You will also find brief 5 question interviews with members of INCARNATE, TYKKUS and UNFORSAKEN as well.  WebLink: www.myspace.com/christianmetalrealm.

E-MAIL

I received the following e-mail from Gordon Tittsworth (IMAGES OF EDEN) in response to the review I recently wrote of the bands terrific sophomore effort Sunlight Of The Spirit:

Thanks for the excellent review!!  It’s really refreshing to read a very thorough review like this and to see that you put a lot of thought and research behind it.  I’ve read a lot of reviews and some are apparent that the listener didn’t even listen to the entire CD.

This type of review sets the standards for all reviewers, in my opinion.  I wish all reviewers were all as thorough and took the time to really “listen” to the CD.  You present a very clear description of the CD as well as probably the most accurate interpretation of the concept behind the album.  It would be nice to see others learn from your work.  Thanks for taking the time to really get to know our music!!!

Gordon- thanks for the positive feedback!  I would like to strongly encourage anyone reading this to be sure to check this talented band out: www.imagesofeden.com.

FESTIVAL INFORMATION

TOURNIQUET, BRIDE and GUARDIAN will be performing on February 24, 2007 at the LEGENDS OF ROCK FESTIVAL, a spin-off to the annual CHRISTIAN ROCK NIGHT FESTIVAL held in Ennepetal, Germany.  Details: www.legendsofrock.de.

This years ENDTIME FESTIVAL will take place on March 30-31, 2007 in Halmsted, Sweden and feature the following line-up:

• ANTESTOR
• CRIMSON MOONLIGHT
• DROTTNAR
• EVERGRACE
• EXTOL
• INEVITABLE END
• HARMONY
• VARDOGER
• VENI DOMINE
• VIRGIN FOREST

Further information: www.endtime-festival.com.

The following bands will be playing at this years ELEMENTS OF ROCK festival on April 20-22, 2007 in Stadthofsaal Uster, Switzerland:

• VIRGIN BLACK
• BALANCE OF POWER
• FORSAKEN
• THE AWAKENING
• SACRIFICIUM
• MY SILENT WAKE
• BOARDERS
• SLIPPERY WAY
• EVERGRACE
• CREDIC

WebLink: www.elementsofrock.com.

LABEL NEWS

WATERGRAVE RECORDS, a new division of RETROACTIVE RECORDS to be launched in January of 2007, will offer limited edition and digitally re-mastered releases at a budget price.  Look for the following to come out during the first quarter of 2007:

• REVEREND SEVEN – The Unveiled/Hell & Back (2 albums on 1 CD)
• REVEREND SEVEN – Seven Years Of Good Luck/747 (2 albums on 1 CD)
Classic melodic metal in the vein of OZZY and DAVID BENSON, REVEREND SEVEN features guitarist Bill Menchen of FINAL AXE, TITANIC and THE SEVENTH POWER.

• REDEEMER- Title TBA (21 tracks recorded between 1984-89)
More melodic metal from Bill Menchen.

• ULTIMATUM – Symphonic Extremities + 1
New Mexico classic thrash with one bonus track.

• NANCY JO MANN – Value Of Life
Ultra rare 1983 pro-life release from BARNABAS lead vocalist.

• HIS WITNESS – Title TBA
Never before released late 80s/early 90s melodic metal from Southern California.  For fans of WHITECROSS, GUARDIAN, WHITE LION and KISS.  Mixed by John & Dino Elefante.

WebLink: www.retroactiverecords.net.

THE LATEST IN THE WORLD OF CHRISTIAN METAL

As many of you know, ACCEPT bassist Peter Baltes is now a Christian.  Please visit his MySpace page to hear demo versions of two tracks, “Furious” and “Speedrazor”, intended for inclusion on a Christian metal album he is currently at work on: www.myspace.com/peterbaltes.

BARREN CROSS is considering playing several dates this year.  Details can be found at the blog of bassist Jim LaVerde: www.jimlaverdesblog.blogspot.com.

The full length debut of the doom project BLACK NIGHT SKY has been pushed back to February of this year.  Look for BNS to do a cover of the SAINT classic “The Path” (from Too Late For Living).  Samples and more details: www.myspace.com/skynightblack.

Oz Fox (STRYPER) has joined BLOODGOOD!  The following was recently posted in the News section at the BLOODGOOD home page: 

Oz Fox has just agreed to be in BLOODGOOD along with Paul Jackson!!  It’s something I’ve been thinking and praying about for years (ever since Oz and I were in England together back in 2000).  Of course, he has not left STRYPER and STRYPER will always be his priority, but, be that as it may, he is excited about becoming a member of our band.  WebLink: www.bloodgoodband.com.

More details in regards to this matter can be found in a recent interview with bassist Michael Bloodgood: www.bloodgoodband.com/press/interviews/michael12-14-06.html.

The re-issue of CROSS’ mid-eighties demo Metal From Above is currently being mastered.  The vinyl version (limited to 333 copies) will be re-issued early this year and the CD version (limited to 1000 copies) a couple of months later.  CROSS has been described as “non-commercial metal similar to IRON MAIDEN but heavier and more complex”.  For additional information: www.steel-legacy.com.

Chapel Hill, North Carolina based DELOREAN recently rounded out its line-up with a new vocalist in Rob Caudle.  Rob is currently working with the band to put the finishing touches on the follow up to its very fine 2004 debut Dauntless.  For further information and to hear two new tracks in “Disengage” and “War Within” please visit: www.deloreanrocks.com.

The working title of DREAM QUEST’s third album is Who Put That There?.  A release date has not been announced.  WebLink: www.adventuremetal.com.
 
MIKE FLORIO recently added the following update to his website:

First, of course, is the next CD, which I am focusing on right now.  Once again I will be joined by the considerable talents of Bill Thomas, Steve Golden and Dave Bailey.  The music is still in the early stages of production, so there's definitely a lot of work ahead.  I will write more as things progress.

Second, I'm looking forward to a great collaboration with Peter Jorgensen on the next VERTICAL ALIGNMENT CD, Joseph's Dream, an ambitious sci-fi/fantasy concept.  I'll be singing on the album, and I've even written a song for it too.  Check Pete's blog for details as the project gets underway.  Out of all the new music I heard this year, I probably listened to VERTICAL ALIGNMENT's Signpost the most!  I'm honored to be a part of Pete's vision and to join his distinguished list of collaborators.  WebLinks: www.massdream.com and www.verticalalignment.com.

FOUNTAIN OF TEARS finished work on its upcoming CD Fate.  Expect a February 12, 2007 release date.  Samples of two tracks, “Corruption” and “Forever Lost”, are available at: www.fountainoftears.com.

Ulterium Records announced the signing of Norway’s GRAND LUX.  Playing a blend of gritty hard rock and eighties influenced metal, GRAND LUX will be releasing its sophomore effort Carved In Stone on January 26, 2007.  The album will consist of the following ten tracks:  “1000 Paper Cranes”, “Fallen Angel”, “Escaping The Clouds”, “Eye Of The Storm”, “Through The Dirt”, “Like Hail From Blue Sky”, “Love Reflection”, “Never Fail”, “Eternity In Fire” and “Rainbow’s End”.  Two of the new songs, “Eye Of The Storm” and “Rainbows End”, can be heard at the bands MySpace page: www.myspace.com/grandlux.  A video of “Escaping The Clouds” is available as well: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nje44mOxeQ.  For more information: www.grandlux.net and www.ulterium-records.com.

GRIMMARK, the completed solo project of NARNIA guitarist Carl Johan Grimmark, is set for a release date later this spring.  The project will feature the following line-up:

Carl Johan Grimmark – Lead Vocals, Guitars & Keyboards
Jan S. Eckert – Bass
Peter Wildoer - Drums 

Samples can be heard at Carl’s MySpace page: www.myspace.com/grimmark.

LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE recently offered the following in regards to its upcoming release Independence Day:

LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE is proud to announce at this time two more singers for there 2007 release Independence Day.  In addition to Jack Russell (GREAT WHITE), Jamie Rowe (GUARDIAN) and David Raymond Reeves (NEON CROSS), Kelly Keeling (BATON ROUGE & MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP) has been added along with Mark and Shannon Hovland.  Kelly, who will be joined by guitarist Tommy Denander, is going to be singing the title track, which is a remake of a White Heart song of the same name.  WebLink: www.libertynjustice.net.  You can hear a demo version of “Independence Day” at the LIBERTY N’ JUSTICE MySpace page: www.myspace.com/libertynjustice2.

German melodic metal outfit MAD MAX, a band with a sound and message comparable to that of STRYPER, will be releasing its next album, White Sands, on February 23, 2007.  Look for our next update to feature a review of the bands 2006 release Night Of The White Rock.  MAD MAX will be touring with AXEL RUDI PELL later this year as well.  WebLink: www.madmaxmusic.de/en/index.php.

MAJESTIC VANGUARD updated its website to include a very well done promotional video of the track “The Great Eternity”.  You can hear a new song, “Windmill”, that was intended as a bonus track to the bands debut Beyond The Moon as well.  All this and more: www.majesticvanguard.net.

Blood & Water, the upcoming full length debut of MEHIDA, should see the light of day later this year.  The bands line-up consists of:

• Thomas Vikström (CANDLEMASS) – Vocals
• Jarno Raitio – Bass
• Mikko Harkin (ESSENCE OF SORROW) – Keyboards
• Jani Stefanovic (DIVINEFIRE, ESSENCE OF SORROW) – Guitars
• Markus Niemispelto (WINGDOM) – Drums

MEHIDA’s has been compared to MASTERPLAN or a heavier version of WINGDOM.  Samples: www.mehida.com.

Following is a track by track breakdown of NEAL MORSE’s soon to be released and tentatively entitled solo album Martin:

Track 1. “The Door” (29:14) 
i Introduction
ii In The Name Of God
iii All I Ask For
iv Mercy for Sale
v Keep Silent
vi Upon The Door

Track 2. “The Conflict” (25:00) 
i Do You know My Name?
ii Party to the Lie
iii Underground
iv Two Down, One to Go
v The Vineyard
vi Already Home

Track 3. “Heaven in my Heart” (5:11)

Track 4. “The Conclusion” (16:34) 
i Randy's Jam
ii Long Night's Journey
iii Re-Introduction
iv Come Out Of Her
v Clothed With The Sun
vi In Closing... 

Running Time: 75:58

Musicians
Neal Morse – Lead Vocals, Guitars & Keyboards
Mike Portnoy - Drums
Paul Gilbert - Guitars
Randy George – Bass

Source: www.femforgacs.hu/news.php?nid=2246&t=Neal_Morse___Sola_Scriptura.

Puerto Rico’s PACTO DE SANGRE is hard at work on The Days Of Egypt, the follow up to its very fine 2003 debut Alerta.  The album will reportedly feature 10 songs and move in a more refined power metal style blended with elements of speed metal and thrash.  According to the band, The Days Of Egypt will revolve around a three song trilogy - “Enslaved”, “Chosen Ones” and “Power Of Wonders” – that tells the story of the Hebrew people beginning with their 400 years of enslavement under the yoke of the Egyptian empire and ending with their freedom through the hand of Moses.  Other songs will tentatively include “Torrential Darkness”, “Behold The Horsemen”, “Volando Alto”, Chosen One II (Shepherd Of A Black Sheep Herd)”, “Remember”, “Metal Command’, “Scared” and “Mensajero del Mal”.  Look for the album to feature more material in English as well.  Full details: www.pactodesangre.com.

PARADOX, a high energy melodic metal outfit from San Antonio, Texas, has reached a verbal agreement with Retroactive Records to re-issue its late eighties cassette only releases Ruler and Power And Glory.  Combining the high pitched vocal delivery of Manual Castillo with the blazing leads of Fernando Hernandez, PARADOX was courted by several labels during its time but, unfortunately, never signed a deal.  The band did record one track, “Meet The King”, for the Underground Metal compilation in 1989.  WebLink: www.retroactiverecords.net.

Former STRYPER bassist Tim Gaines contributed the bass tracks to the upcoming solo project of vocalist Steven Patrick (HOLY SOLDIER).  No news on a musical direction or working title.  More details forthcoming.  Source: www.timothygaines.com.

ROB ROCK will be entering the studio this month to begin work on a new solo album.  An update was recently posted at his web site:

Hello everyone!  Merry Christmas to you all!  May God bless you and your family this holiday season and beyond!

In January 2007, ROB ROCK will begin new studio production for his fourth solo album!  No album title has been decided yet but we are definitely planning a 2007 worldwide release.  The song writing process is well underway already and the album promises to be another scorcher!  Again, Rob is collaborating with songmaster Roy Z and mixmaster Jacob Hansen so be prepared for a strong follow-up to the Holy Hell album.  WebLink: www.robrock.com.

Josh Kramer (SAINT) forwarded the following in regards to his upcoming project with John Mahan and current tour with a national casino cover band called 60’s EXPLOSION:

Hi Andy (and dear readers).  Thank you for your prompt reply.  As God does His will in our lives I am reminded of the scripture verse that we can make lofty plans but "as the Lord wills" can our plans then coincide with what God has in mind for our lives.

I had the desire to be in a working band situation hoping that John and I would be gigging but when I got to Kansas City John had 50 irons in the fire already with a very rigorous job, church band and pending newlywed schedule.

He had no time to learn the barrage of cover songs I sent him so to get work with me in the clubs didn’t happen.

I did record almost all of his songs he’s written over the past 20 years and watched him lay down song after song in rough preproduction fashion.

What an incredible shredder-grind core thrashing machine he is….sigh…

Pause for a moment of silence…

10 deep breaths…Ok, I’m fine now.

Well Kansas is a nice place, John is now happily married to a gorgeous babe and will come up for air in a month or so.  Touring with John ain’t gonna happen. Oh well………………………………. 10 more deep breaths…

The weather held up long enough for me to drive hither and yon to get hooked up in the local scene, get on line and find the gold mine of in playing in a National act casino cover band out of Omaha NE called 60’s EXPLOSION.

We do hit songs from the 50’s to the present.  These guys are solid pros, very responsible and mature.  I have had to cram hundreds of songs into my brain within a matter of a few weeks and still cramming. 

Right now we are in Biloxi, Mississippi. The pay is excellent and will go up as we get into the bigger casinos and clubs.

Thank you again Andy for being so kind to say the great things you said about SAINT.  God bless you and all of your readers. I’ll keep you posted.

Sincerely, Josh Kramer 

If you want to know what's going on with SAINT and me personally go to: www.saint777.net, www.mrsaintfan.freewebspace.com and www.saintsite.com.  

THEOCRACY will appear on the upcoming ProgPower USA VIII DVD performing the tracks “Mountain” and "The Serpent's Kiss" .  Complete track list and ordering information: www.progpowerusa.com/merch.php.

In other THEOCRACY news, the band made the cover of the most recent issue of Heaven’s Metal: www.hmmagazine.com/heavensmetal. 

Brand new THEOCRACY t-shirts are available as well: www.theocracymusic.com/shirt_order.php.

Matt Smith also provided a recent update at his forum in regards to the forthcoming THEOCRACY album:

A quick update for ya.  Things are still rolling along pretty well around here, though I keep running into various obstacles, mainly due to my studio computer not really being powerful enough to handle the workload.  So I'm having to split songs up into short clips and work that way.  It takes forever and is quite annoying, but I'm still moving forward as best I can.

I'm about one day behind where I'd like to be at the moment, but I'm going to try to make up that time with a long night tonight.  My goal is to be done with the third and final phase of drum editing by Friday (I will be the happiest guy ever at that point--talk about a steep learning curve), and then I plan to spend the weekend re-amping the rhythm guitars to get the final guitar tone like I want it.  SO...if I'm able to pull this off, guitars and drums should be basically done by Monday or Tuesday!

After that, I'll hit the ground running to finish the rest of the vocals.  My goal is to be ready to start prepping for the mix by the end of the month.  That's probably pushing it, but if I shoot for that, hopefully I won't be too far off.

So that's where we stand right now!

Source: www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/theocracy.

The title of the upcoming THRESHOLD album has been changed from Pilot In The Sky Of Dreams to Dead Reckoning.  Look for it to be released through Nuclear Blast Records on March 23, 2007.  Full story and track list: www.thinicestudios.com/threshold/news209.htm.

You can expect a new TITANIC album, Full Stream Ahead, to be released during the spring of this year.  WebLink: www.houseofmetal.net/titanic.

Another update was provided by Torbjorn Weinesjo at the VENI DOMINE forum concerning the progress of the bands upcoming album:

Friday, Saturday and Sunday we tracked drums, the intention was to nail 9 tracks but as things did not really end up as I had thought we will probably remove one of the original songs and add two new ones, so the track amount now is up to 10.

Thomas did as always a splendid job, it will be a pleasure starting to mix in a few weeks, we still lack some takes of vocals and bass...and now guitar as well.

WebLink: www.undark.net/venidomine.

Songs scheduled to appear on the next X-SINNER album, Back In Red, include “Back In Red”, “That Ain’t Me”, “Who’s Your Friend”, That’s What Rock Is For”, “Fire It Up”, “Storm On The Horizon” and others.  WebLink: www.x-sinner.org.

Update Archives: 2006