METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
DYNASTY - Discography Officially Re-released:
Press Release / One of the biggest names in the South America Christian metal scene, the Brazilian heavy metal band DYNASTY re-released, through streaming services, its entire discography. From the first demo tape (released in 1997) to the most recent studio album from 2017, Step By Step.
DYNASTY desires that everyone have the same experience as the first fans to listen to its earlier works, so no re-mixing or re-mastering was done. Original sound, original feeling and original power!
The demo tape Into Righteousness (1997), EP's The Angel's Return (1999) and Following The Sign (2002) and the first full length album Motus Perpetuus (2004) each include its original track listing.
Second full length album Warriors Of The King (2010) receives two bonus two bonus tracks in the form of B-Side single “The Honor” and alternate version of “King Of Kings” to feature a guest appearance from former SAINT vocalist Josh Kramer. The End Of Legacy (2011), an EP made up of rarities, receives two live tracks recorded in 2014 when DYNASTY opened for STRYPER.
The DYNASTY discography is available at the major streaming platforms:
Apple Music: https://goo.gl/18r3BT
Deezer: https://goo.gl/PptC6q
Google Play: https://goo.gl/vSyhbs
Spotify: https://goo.gl/pogRfJ
DYNASTY line up:
Nahor Andrade - Lead Vocals
César Martins - Guitars & Vocals
Filipe Otávio - Guitars & Vocals
André Júnior - Bass
Tiago Vitek – Drums
DYNASTY online: www.facebook.com/DynastyMetal & www.youtube.com/user/dynastybr
Jimmy P. Brown II’s Eraserhead- New Song Streaming, “The Swell Lot Of Thieves”:
Release date: September 18, 2018
Press Release / For years DELIVERANCE icon and creative mastermind Jimmy P. Brown II has tried to balance speaking to fans of the thrash metal years, and fans of the DELIVERANCE “creative years”. With Jimmy P. Brown II’s Eraserhead, Jimmy is making a name change for the DELIVERANCE sound that is full on heavy, metal, progressive, dark, and ultra creative (but not thrash or speed metal!). Featuring Manny Morales on bass, and Jon Knox (ADAM AGAIN, WHITE HEART, GREAT WHITE) on drums - this is the same trio responsible for the epic DELIVERANCE releases titled Learn and River Disturbance which both feature Jimmy Brown as a master axe-man on rhythm and lead guitars.
As accomplished as Jimmy P. Brown II has been with mind-rattling epic metal releases like Stay of Execution, Learn, & River… with Eraserhead the bar has been set infinitely higher. Eraserhead is more… more melodic, more progressive, more unified, more diverse, and more creative. Of the many musical masterpieces Jimmy P. Brown has gifted this world, Eraserhead is without a doubt his magnum opus, his crowning achievement. And, it’s not even close. This is DELIVERANCE - the “creative years” team that has set their sights on creating the finest metal album of 2018, and decades to come.
It’s almost impossible to choose a favorite song… the infectious “Digital Postage Stamp” will have you singing in seconds, while “Swell Lot...” flirts with creative heights that are held for the most elite in music and metal. But then the last song on the CD, the 7 minute “The Watchers” (featuring a guest appearance from Eric Clayton of SAVIOR MACHINE) embarks with a majesty, nobility, and a stateliness that is both jaw-dropping, and drool-inducing!
If you are a musical snob who insists your albums are bathed in pure, unadulterated greatness, then stop what you are doing and get this album on CD (12-page insert, jewel case) and limited edition Aqua Colored Vinyl. The album features the best musicians, the best songs, and the best music they have ever done. It’s the ultimate ear candy for fans of Jimmy P. Brown II and the creative years DELIVERANCE crew.
Eraserhead track listing:
1. “A Story of Time”
2. “Digital Postage Stamp”
3. “Ego”
4. “Entertaining Angels”
5. “Indecisive”
6. “Memoria”
7. “Stained”
8. “The Scales”
9. “The Swell Lot of Thieves”
10. “The Watchers”
Eraserhead pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com
DELIVERANCE online: www.facebook.com/DeliveranceRocks
NEWS BRIEFS
* Italian melodic power metal act METATRONE released on June 15 via RockShots Records a new single entitled “Last Bleeding Man”. It is available for digital download and streaming at: http://smarturl.it/lastbleedingpain
Comments the group: "Last Bleeding Pain" is a song connected to changes. It was born by the need to confirm that all the events in our lives can be changed anytime, to decide that now it's the time to change direction and eventually find the bliss for everyone. "Last Bleeding Pain" is about this, now it's time to stop the bleeding, to stop the pain and impose who we are, in the Truth and without any reconsideration. "Last Bleeding Pain" means courage and acceptance of ourselves into freedom.
Musically, METATRONE describes it as a speed metal track, immediate and with no compromises.
* Heaven’s Metal online interview with SARDONYX vocalist Tom Denlinger: http://dougvanpelt.wixsite.com/heavens-metal-mag/single-post/2018/06/20/SARDONYX--Part-1-Preaching-to-the-Sons-of-the-Kingdom
FEATURED REVIEWS
ALL FOR THE KING - All For The King
When initially presented with the opportunity to review the fall of 2017 self-titled debut of Sweden’s All For The King, expectations were modest. Another cookie-cutter modern rock band? Yawn. Read Full Review >>
ANGELIC FORCE - Soldiers Of The Cross (Roxx Records re-issue)
Despite the fact it included as part of its line up guitarist Robert Gutierrez, whom many will recognize for his work in Albuquerque, New Mexico based thrash act Ultimatum, Angelic Force went largely unnoticed and to this day has fallen beneath the radar of the hard music community. Read Full Review >>
JERUSALEM - Retroactive Re-issues
We’ve waited not so much years but rather decades for a proper CD re-issue to the early Jerusalem back catalog. Read Full Review >>
MALACHIA - Red Sunrise… The Complete Anthology (Roxx Records re-issue)
It had to happen eventually. The Malachia 1986 debut EP Under The Blade and 1987 full length offering Red Sunrise have finally been re-issued, courtesy of Roxx Records in the spring of 2018 as part of a 2-CD set entitled Red Sunrise… The Complete Anthology. Read Full Review >>
MENCHEN - The White Metal Album
This leads us to the latest re-record project from Bill Menchen entitled The White Metal Album released in February of 2018 under the Menchen moniker. Read Full Review >>
MILLENNIAL REIGN - The Great Divide
Millennial Reign is set to take the melodic metal and power metal segments by storm with the spring of 2018 Ulterium Records release of its third full-length album, The Great Divide. Read Full Review >>
SARDONYX - Sons Of The Kingom
A foundation of straightforward heavy metal, strong leanings towards classic US power metal and a decided emphasis on the progressive side of things- welcome to Sons Of The Kingdom, the spring of 2018 independently released (on LightShine Music Group) sophomore album of Mount Joy, Pennsylvania based Sardonyx. Read Full Review >>
SOLDIER - Babylon & Beyond (Roxx Records re-issue)
It’s mighty tempting, of course, to pigeonhole Soldier as merely a melodic metal band. That, however, would only be telling part of the story in that while Soldier no doubt draws upon a commercial basis - hair metal, pop metal and melodic metal if you will - a heavier side to the group reveals itself all the same. Read Full Review >>
MINI REVIEWS
ANGELIC FORCES - Angelic Forces
Performing what it refers to as ‘heavy metal from the north of the Netherlands’ (as noted in its press material), is four piece Angelic Forces and its self-titled debut 3-song EP from the spring of 2018. Read Full Review >>
REASSÔNICA - Reassônica
The latest band in which to report is Fortaleza based Reassônica, whom performs straightforward hard rock in line with its reported musical influences: AC/DC, Guns N' Roses, Deep Purple, Aerosmith and Bride. Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
DELIVERANCE, River Disturbance CD & Vinyl Re-issues Announced By Retroactive Records:
Release date: August 21, 2018
Press Release / Truly transcendent music is rare. Music that is incomparable, matchless, peerless, unrivaled, or inimitable is a very short list. Many artists strive for transcendence, but a precious few ever accomplish it. Starting out originally as a speed metal act with influences of METALLICA and SLAYER shining brightly, the DELIVERANCE fourth album, Stay of Execution, signaled both change and growth in this epic metal band! This new sound was most noticeably embodied by vocalist Jimmy P. Brown II altering his vocal style singing much more like David Bowie and SAVIOUR MACHINE’s Eric Clayton. The vocals fit the newer direction musically and with 1994’s River Disturbance, unleashed a new level of brilliance for DELIVERANCE fans as they progressed into 1994 and beyond!
A timeless album filled with haunting melodies and powerful metal music, River Disturbance ascended to new artistic heights. The title track is a tour de force of songwriting and arrangements. Melancholy and strong, with deeply introspective lyrical elements, “River Disturbance” is a prayer for inner peace with music that is melodic, dark, beautiful, and pummeling! The apex of this album is the 7+ minute almost QUEEN-like ballad, “You Still Smile”. Dedicated to the wife of Jimmy P Brown II, this revealing look into the heart of an artist is powerful and beyond memorable. The piano elements (Gene Eugene) are rich and lush, which provide the stitching that holds this tapestry together.
River Disturbance is THE quintessential mid-period DELIVERANCE album. It’s progressive heavy metal, but much, much more. River Disturbance was transcendent in 1994, and it will remain transcendent in the decades ahead. This is Jimmy Brown’s Sgt. Pepper… his Operation Mindcrime… his Ziggy Stardust! This is art of the highest order. Recorded by Gene Eugene (ADAM AGAIN) and Produced by Terry Scott Taylor (DA) the band stretched themselves like never before and fans were richly rewarded!
The 2018 Retroactive Records re-mastered (by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound) reissue is part of the Legends Re-mastered series and features enhanced original artwork, band photos, and lyrics. The CD is packaged in a jewel case with a 12-page insert, and the Vinyl comes with a 12” insert and WHITE Vinyl! Both CD and Vinyl are limited to just 500 units each!
A few River Disturbance ‘tidbits’:
* The River Disturbance budget was over $100K... the largest budget DELIVERANCE ever had, by far!
* Although they didn’t appear on the album cover art, Jon Knox (drums) and Jon Maddux (guitars) were part of the recording team along with Manny (Morales, bass) and Jimmy... the same team as the Learn album... Jon Maddux had already left the group, but wanted to finish the recording with the band! And Jon Knox was under contract with WHITE HEART, but was eager to record the album as well.
* The band recorded 12 songs and 9 reels of 996 2 inch tape! “U Still Smile” had a choir of Jimmy with 15 vocal tracks for all the backing tracks! They had to be recorded separately and flown into two tracks stereo.
* Gene Eugene played the epic piano track in only 2 takes!
* The lyrics to “Breathing Still” won a national Poetry contest that same year.
* River Disturbance generated over 1000 hate mail letters sent by fans of the thrash era of DELIVERANCE!
*“After I Fell” charted on CMJ for over 10 weeks!
* The album opened the door for DELIVERANCE to play at Ichthus Festival in Kentucky where they opened for ANDRE CROUCH and DC TALK.
* The Official RD tour “95 Spring Fling” Tour was the most commercially successful tour of the entire Deliverance history.
* Jimmy Brown co-produced the album with Terry Scott Taylor, and it would lead to him producing many more!
Re-mastered versions to the songs “River Disturbance” & “Belltown” can be streamed YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_cFip8J8yE & www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE8cSuUXQF8
River Disturbance track listing:
1. “Belltown”
2. “After I Fell”
3. “River Disturbance”
4. “Now & Then”
5. “Speed Of Light”
6. “A Little Sleep”
7. “Map”
8. “You Still Smile”
9. “Breathing Still”
River Disturbance pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com
DELIVERANCE online: www.facebook.com/DeliveranceRocks
NEWS BRIEFS
* Roxx Records to release new BIOGENSIS EP, Black Widow (Facebook - June 15, 2018):
“BIOGENESIS fans are you ready? We are very excited to announce that this fall Roxx Records will be releasing the brand new ‘BIO’ EP on limited edition 10” vinyl and CD. The brand new EP is well under way and recording is nearing completion. We are very excited to unveil the new EP artwork, which is titled Black Widow and features an amazing new cover design by Scott Waters of No Life Til Metal.
“In addition, ‘BIO’ fans get ready for them to make another RARE Southern California concert appearance this July at the Sacrivox Music Fest. Those people that get their tickets early can also get a copy of a very limited edition Sacrivox Music Sampler that features an exclusive previously unreleased BIOGENESIS track of a MORTIFICATION cover tune entitled “Symbiosis”.”
* THE CRIMSON BRIDGE MINISTRY is at work on a five song EP entitled The Solution due in October. Song titles include “Mysteries & Miracles”, “The Solution”, “Nowhere Fast”, “New Direction” and “Forgiven”. First single from the EP, “Nowhere Fast”, will debut June 23, 2018.
Lyrics to each of the five songs are available at: www.thecrimsonbridgeministry.com/lyrics.html
* “Slaves To Righteousness” is a new song off the upcoming WYTCH HAZEL sophomore album II: Sojourn: https://wytchhazel.bandcamp.com/track/slaves-to-righteousness
II: Sojourn is scheduled for release on July 13, 2018.
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE Premier “Jesus Is King” Lyric Video:
Poteau, Oklahoma based melodic metal and hard rock act CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE debuted this past week a lyric video to the track “Jesus Is King”. The song comes off the groups Oz Fox (STRYPER) produced sophomore album Covenant, which it independently released May 25, 2018.
Covenant was mixed by Tony Palacios (GUARDIAN), and features guest appearances from Josiah Prince (DISCIPLE), co-writing and co-producing one song, and Les Carlson (BLOODGOOD), fronting one of the albums tracks as well.
The album follows on the heels of the CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE 2014 debut full length Get The Hell Out and EP releases Battle Lines and Chaotic Resemblance from 2013 and 2012, respectively.
CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE notes in its press material that Covenant is “packed with hard rocking, foot stomping, mosh pitting, double kick, rat-tat-tatting, face melting rock n’ roll. We also have a few rhythm driving, guitar chugging, mid-tempo songs that we know you’re going to love. There is also a few melodic gems that will blow you away. If VAN HALEN can have keyboards on a few songs, CHAOTIC RESEMBLENACE can too. Every band needs to have a ballad and ours is a worship song to Jesus the King.”
CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE, drawing its moniker from Isaiah 40:18 (To whom then will ye liken God? Or what likeness will you compare unto him?), believes that “No matter how good of Christians we are, we would never be more than a ‘chaotic resemblance’ of Christ”. Hence, the bands motives to “shine the light of Jesus to a hurting world” and corresponding willingness as “sold out Christians devoted to Jesus” to “play anywhere from a bar to a church”. The groups press material sums things up best: “Today's world is full of so much hate, lies & deceit. We offer love and hope through rock 'n roll.”
Covenant track listing:
1. “Only The Start”
2. “Chaotic Nights”
3. “Tongues Of Fire”
4. “Virtual Reality”
5. “Riot Anthem”
6. “Out Loud”
7. “Jesus Is King”
8. “Covenant”
9. “Aliens And Strangers”
10. “The Mark”
11. “Sound Of The Saints”
CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE online: www.chaoticresemblance.com & www.facebook.com/ChaoticResemblance
PERPTUAL PARANOIA Announce Debut Album, The Reapers:
Release date July 24, 2018:
PERPTUAL PARANOIA is Dale Thompson, best known as the front man of legendary Christian metal band, BRIDE and THE WORLD WILL BURN and the Brazilian, Tiago James de Souza, an extraordinary musician best known as the guitarist of Bay Area, California thrash metal band, HAND OF FIRE! With PERPTUAL PARANOIA the band is unleashing pure metal mayhem! The Reapers specializes in blunt force trauma that magically transforms brutality into catchy! This is ultra-creative, aggressive HEAVY METAL performed with both skill and precision.
Dale’s vocals are more aggressive than anything he’s ever done, while never losing his signature sounds. Tiago is a guitarist’s guitarist - laying down tasty riffs and solos at an elite level. And, while many aggressive metal bands are simply cookie-cutter copy-cats, PERPTUAL PARANOIA utilizes double-bass to hammer home an album filled with progressive, passionate moments that keep the listener on the edge of the seat with a growing anticipation that is ultimately fulfilled.
The Reapers strikes a signature balance between light and dark, beauty and repulsion, as the album progresses forward into the unfamiliar and formidable. Not one dimensional at all, multi-layered sounds capes dominate every song. Expect tons of time changes. Every song is a journey of thrashy aggression and darkness. The Reapers will be on many people’s best of 2018 list, and yes, it’s that good!
The Reapers track listing:
1. “Intro”
2. “The Reapers”
3. “Whatever It Takes”
4. “I Say Jesus”
5. “Your Sin Will Find You”
6. “The Veil”
7. “The God Syndrome”
8. “Romance X”
9. “Holy Ghost”
10. “Let the Dead Bury The Dead”
11. “Ten Thousand Saints”
12. “Dream Before the Nightmare”
The songs “The Reapers” and “Whatever It Takes” are available for streaming at YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx39fBCgd3g & www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgczcnCTlrI
The Reapers pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/perpetual-paranoia-the-reapers-new-cd-2018-retroactive-records-pre-order
PERPTUAL PARANOIA online: www.facebook.com/PerpetualParanoia
NEWS BRIEFS
* According to vocalist Rob Rock, mixing for the new IMPELLITTERI album, Nature Of The Beast, is finished. Further details in terms of a release date, cover art and track listing as they become available.
* Update from RIGHTFUL HEIR regarding studio session with vocalist Norman ‘Ski’ Kiersznowski (Facebook - June 4, 2018):
“The recording sessions with ‘Ski’ performing lead & back vocals went - how can I say it? - amazing and awesome. We are so blessed with this brother's God-given talent, as well as Chris' (Allen – guitarist) songwriting and production skills. What a team! The chemistry was out of this world as they clicked superbly. We accomplished six tracks and, wow, you'll be getting a taste soon.
“It was the power of prayer that made this occasion so blessed and amazing. Thank you everyone for your prayers and please keep it up. We still have a journey for this album (In The Name Of The Blood) to be completed. Ten more songs to go; and lots more after that with future albums. This debut opus will be release sometime in 2019. Thank you very much for your prayers and support.”
* “Save My Life”, a new song off the upcoming WYTCH HAZEL album, II: Sojourn, is streaming at YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=eR6I3Z1-1Uc
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
BRIDE, Snake Eyes Details Revealed:
Release date August 21, 2018:
Press Release / A new Harry Potter book, the next Star Wars movie, or even one’s first kiss from that someone special can evoke epic proportions of anticipation. But NONE of those compare to how much BRIDE fans have anticipated a full-on, legitimate, straight out, unadulterated, no-holds-barred return to the Snakes in the Playground (1992) era BRIDE sound. Let’s be clear that BRIDE is without dispute THE most prolific Christian metal band ever. BRIDE has no less than 24 full-Alength releases under their belts, and every single one drips with passion, relevance, and musical perfection. No one has done it better for longer without quitting. No one.
Long-time label partners, Retroactive Records are thrilled to unveil the epic return that fans have longed for and anticipated for 26 years - a new album that fully embraces the iconic Snakes… era with massive hooks, relentless metal riffs, over-the-top vocals, and cutting edge lyrics. Welcome to the Jungle… with Snake Eyes (2018) the new BRIDE release that spews venom, and has all the bite fans can take. Brothers Dale and Troy Thompson have created another tour de force metal album that once again raises the bar, and satisfies the most demanding ear candy quotient.
Snake Eyes offers nothing less than a fistful of ferocious rock anthems that will be clogging your brainwaves in the days ahead. File this one as one of greatest hard-rock records of its time. Yes, it’s that good! Honestly, no one played metal better in 1992 when Snakes in the Playground released, and with Snake Eyes the band brings that same swagger. For fans of GUNS N’ ROSES, SKID ROW and GUARDIAN.
A video in which BRIDE recorded for the track “John The Baptist” can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYYmqzQoCJc
Snakes Eyes track listing:
“Intro”
“Fake News”
“Famous When I’m Dead”
“John the Baptist”
“Think I’ll Build A Bomb”
“The Real Jesus”
“Lost In A Song”
“Laughter Of It All”
“The Painter”
“Call”
“Suicide”
“There’s Always Tomorrow”
Snakes Eyes Line-up:
Dale Thompson - Lead Vocals
Troy Thompson - Guitars
Nenel Lucena - Bass
Alexandre Aposan – Drums
CD pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/bride-snake-eyes-new-cd-2018-retroactive-records-pre-order
Vinyl pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/bride-snake-eyes-new-vinyl-marbled-blue-2018-retroactive-records-pre-order
CD + Vinyl pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/bride-snake-eyes-new-cd-vinyl-marbled-blue-bundle-2018-retroactive-records-pre-order-1
BRIDE online: www.bridepub.com & www.facebook.com/bridemetal
NEWS BRIEFS
* BIOGENESIS is currently at work on a five song EP entitled Black Widow. In addition to two new compositions, the EP will be exclusive to a DELIVERANCE cover (“Flesh & Blood” off Weapons Of Our Warfare) and re-recorded versions of BIOGENESIS songs “Angel” and “Anti Evolution”, which originally appeared on The Rise, The Fall, The Rebirth (2012) and The Mark Bleeds Through (2001), respectively.
* “The Reaper”, lyric video to title track of upcoming debut album from PERPETUAL PARANOIA: www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_X8QqUnfHo
PERPETUAL PARANIOA is the new band to feature vocalist Dale Thompson (BRIDE, THE WORLD WILL BURN). A release date for The Reaper is yet to be announced.
* Norman ‘Ski’ Kiersznowski (FATH FACTOR) will be handling lead vocals on the forthcoming debut album of Christian neo-classical power metal band RIGHTFUL HEIR, In The Name Of The Blood. A song off the album (not to feature 'Ski') entitled “Power Lives Within” can be streamed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue8XNrYxOnA
ARTIST COMMENTARY
BRIDE vocalist Dale Thompson in regards to his musical background and journey (Facebook - May 30, 2018):
“In the beginning of my hard rock musical calling I was conflicted. I shrugged off Resurrection Band and thought "no way this could be Christian”. However William Sutherland the most accomplished guitarist I have ever heard, even to this day brought me from the darkness of disbelief to the light of awakening in the Christian rock field. It wasn't long before my own calling from God took hold and I formed Matrix. Once I heard Kerry Livgren's Seeds Of Change album with Ronnie James Dio killing the vocal on “To Live for the King”, and “Mask Of The Great Deceiver” I knew this was where I ought to be.
“My journey has been long and not always delightful but I have met and played with some of the greatest rock bands on the planet. Stryper. Petra, Resurrection band, Larry Norman, The News Boys, White Heart, Whitecross, MXPX, Galactic Cowboys, Savior Machine, Guardian, Al Green, Margret Becker, Andrae Crouch and the list goes on. But in this day and time I feel my greatest achievements are at hand. Over 35 years of music ministry, and now I just hit my prime. Thanks to all of you who have kept this work going. Let's go another 35 years.”
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
BRIDE Debuts “John The Baptist” Lyric Video:
Veteran metal and hard rock act BRIDE recently released a lyric video for the song “John The Baptist”, which comes off its forthcoming fifteenth studio album entitled Snake Eyes. Scheduled for release in August (on CD and marbled blue vinyl), Snake Eyes is going to be manufactured and distributed by Retroactive Records.
Founding member and vocalist Dale Thompson promises that Snake Eyes “Will be our best work ever. The energy is there (as well as) the maturity (and) the hooks. It is the Bride people have been wanting to hear; it will have the sound of Bride (from) the 90’s.” He goes on to add that, “Snake Eyes is a labor of love and sacrifice from everyone involved. We have put forth an incredible effort and have a strong inclination that you (our fan base) is going to be very pleased with the end result.”
Joining Dale is co-founding member and guitarist Troy Thompson in addition to drummer Alexandre Aposan and bassist Nenel Lucena, whom mixed and mastered the album.
Other songs to appear on Snake Eyes include “Fake News”, “Other Side Of Suicide”, “I Think I’ll Build The Bomb” and “Famous When I’m Dead”.
Outside of BRIDE, Dale has remained busy with THE WORLD WILL BURN, a collaborating with guitarist Alan Zaring that has produced two albums, Severity (2016) and RuiNation (2017). A third is reportedly in the works. He also has albums planned with his other projects, PERPTUAL PARANOIA and NO OTHER GOD.
BRIDE online: www.bridepub.com & www.facebook.com/bridemetal
TOURNIQUET Release Title Track Lyric Video, “Gazing At Medusa”:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:
Christian metallers TOURNIQUET have just released the title track, cover art and lyric video to their upcoming full-length album, Gazing At Medusa, set for a summer 2018 release on the band's own label, Pathogenic Records. The song features guest appearances by Deen Castronovo (JOURNEY) on lead vocals and Chris Poland (MEGADETH) on lead guitar.
"It was really cool having Deen on vocals for this track," says TOURNIQUET drummer/songwriter Ted Kirkpatrick. "He just killed it, as he always does. Plus having Chris, one of my favorite guitarists, on lead kind of put it over the top."
Guest musicians on previous TOURNIQUET albums have included Chris Jericho (FOZZY), Tim "Ripper" Owens (JUDAS PRIEST, ICED EARTH), Corey Glover (LIVING COLOUR), Michael Sweet (STRYPER) and Doug Pinnick (KING'S X) on vocals, and Marty Friedman (MEGADETH), Pat Travers, Scotti Hill (SKID ROW) and Bruce Franklin (TROUBLE) on guitar.
“Gazing At Medusa” performers:
Ted Kirkpatrick - Drums & Bass
Aaron Guerra - Guitar & Vocals
Deen Castronovo - Lead Vocals
Chris Poland - Lead Guitar
Mixed and mastered by Aaron Pace
Cover art: Jason Juta
Video by Lukas Beles / Flock of Crows Graphic Designs
Produced by Ted Kirkpatrick
“Gazing At Medusa” can be downloaded at: https://tourniquet.bandcamp.com/track/gazing-at-medusa
TOURNIQUET online: https://tourniquet.net & www.facebook.com/Tourniquet
LEAH Announces New Symphonic Metal Album, The Quest, IndieGoGo Campaign:
Press Release / Symphonic/Celtic vocalist LEAH - described affectionately by her fans as “the metal ENYA” - is recognized in the music world for her work with established heavy metal musicians such as Eric Peterson of TESTAMENT and DRAGONLORD, Timo Somers of DELAIN, Troy Donockly of NIGHTWISH and many others. To date, LEAH has released three albums, Of Earth & Angels (2012), Otherworld (2013), and Kings & Queens (2015), as well as several viral videos. Her latest video features an ethereal cover of “The Dragonborn Comes“, the main theme from the massive video game Skyrim. The video has racked up 5,000,000 views on Facebook and nearly 500,000 views on YouTube to date.
Now, LEAH is thrilled to announce that she will release her upcoming full-length album this year (release date TBA)! The album, entitled The Quest, will feature a stronger Celtic and fantasy connection in comparison to Kings & Queens, some prog rock elements, and ethereal ambiance, combined with traditional symphonic metal elements.
Learn more about The Quest and help fund this fully independent effort’s release and distribution by supporting LEAH‘s IndieGoGo campaign here: https://igg.me/at/leahquest
The IndieGoGo campaign includes merchandise perks featuring t-shirts, CDs, digital wallpapers, a LEAH wood box with lock and key, autographed photos, and more.
Hear a sample of new music from The Quest: https://youtu.be/jLQH18kQkqM
In addition to LEAH‘s own vocals, keys, and orchestrations on The Quest, the album will feature an impressive international cast of guest musicians: Troy Donockley (NIGHTWISH) on pipes and flutes, Barend Courbois (BLIND GUARDIAN), on bass guitar, Timo Somers (DELAIN) on rhythm and lead guitars, Sander Zoer (formerly DELAIN) on drums and percussion and Chen Balbus (ORPHANED LAND) on Middle Eastern Saz and Oud.
The album will feature mixing and mastering from Jacob Hansen (VOLBEAT, EPICA, AMARANTHE), as well as orchestration, arrangement and production from Oliver Philipps (EVERON,PHANTASMA, DELAIN).
“I am totally delighted to work with the guest musicians on this album. Each and every individual is an expert at what they do, and I only wanted the best for these songs, as we were developing toward a very specific sound, which was a rock/metal album with a Celtic and fantasy twist,” says LEAH. “This album was truly an international effort!”
Regarding the album’s beautiful artwork, LEAH adds, “The artwork for The Quest was inspired by immersing myself in fantasy and fiction during the writing of this album. I also wanted to make the visual imagery more about the music, the culture, and the visual representation of the songs, rather than me – the songwriter and vocalist. I consider my voice just one of many instruments which creates the overall sound. I wanted this artwork to compliment my vision of taking you on a real journey. Thanks to the talent of Jan Yrlund of Darkgrove Studios, we were able to make this idea, this vision, possible.”
The Quest track listing:
1. “The Quest”
2. “Edge Of Your Sword”
3. “Lion Arises”
4. “Heir”
5. “Ruins Of Illusion”
6. “Labyrinth”
7. “Abyss”
8. “Oblivion (Between Two Worlds)”
9. “Ghost Upon A Throne”
10. “The Water Is Wide”
LEAH Online: http://leahmusic.net & www.facebook.com/leahthemusic
WYTCH HAZEL, Sophomore Album II: Sojourn Details Revealed:
Press Release / WYTCH HAZEL’s stellar 2016 debut Prelude confirmed these Lancastrian apprentice wizards to be Britain’s most promising new hard rock band. Two years on, that promise comes to abundant fruition on II: Sojourn, an album that moves WYTCH HAZEL on from the innocence and exuberance of the debut to a darker, more profound and complex place, carefully wrought into optimum shape by the band’s singer, guitarist, songwriter and mastermind Colin Hendra. “I’m really into the idea of an album,” notes Colin. “I don’t do mix-tapes, I don’t listen to singles, I’m interested in albums. I want to make a good, listenable, cohesive work, that is the whole thing.”
Since the release of Prelude Colin has become a father, a life-changing event that may explain the greater maturity and equilibrium to be found within the grooves of II: Sojourn, “a concept album, but not in the traditional sense,” Colin explains. “It’s quite strongly themed: side A is ‘The Plight’ and side B is ‘The Victory’. It goes from negative subject matter to something far more lifted, almost yin and yang really. Sides A and B are different works, but they’re meant to be together; the light highlights the dark.”
This double-edged concept manifests itself most satisfyingly in the thematic ‘mirroring’ of the track list. II: Sojourn begins with tight, nervy head banger “The Devil Is Here” and ends with the solemn chamber melodies of “Angel Take Me”. Insanely catchy swashbucklers “Still We Fight” and “Victory” both address themes of battle, but the former has a war-weary melancholy and the latter a jubilant surge. “Wait On The Wind” broods with the threatening darkness of the elements, while tender ballad “Barrow Hill” celebrates their beauty and peace. “I spent hours and hours painstakingly deliberating about how I wanted each track to flow into the next,” affirms Colin, “shuffling the tracks, working out how to organize it, the idea of the two sides, of yin and yang and the progression of light overcoming the darkness. I probably put too much stress into it, blood, sweat, tears and everything! But if I’m going to do this, I want to do it properly. I might as well not do it unless I’m going to give it one hundred percent.”
Asked what inspirations were brought to bear this time, Colin has good news, and even better taste: “I was listening to plenty of JUDAS PRIEST, THIN LIZZY and WISHBONE ASH last year,” remarks the front man. “This seems to be more of a hard rock album, where the last one was more rock-folk. It’s definitely more rock than folk!” The most crucial influence fully expresses itself via Les Paul guitars in sweet twin harmony through cranked Super Lead Marshalls - “Exactly the same type of amp that THIN LIZZY would have used,” beams Colin - a benefit of working in James Atkinson’s Hand Of Law Studio, a converted jail house in Leeds. “We knew there would be a lot more great gear, more amps, more options,” enthuses Colin of this productive new work environment. “We were more prepared, we planned better. I had a lot more vocals to record on this album, pretty much every song has at least three harmonies, but James is a really chilled out guy, he made it easy for us. I had a very clear idea of how I wanted each song to sound, I thought about every single aspect. I probably over-prepared for this album, and it paid off!”
WYTCH HAZEL’s proud, avowed Protestant Christianity continues to set them apart from the occult hocus-pocus of their peers, and the very title Sojourn has a Biblical inspiration: “It’s used a lot in the Old Testament, people would travel somewhere to stay for a short period of time,” explains Colin, comparing the idea to WYTCH HAZEL’s development since Prelude. “We’re going to reside here with this sound for a while, and the next album might not sound the same. Come and have a listen to this aspect of WYTCH HAZEL - it’s a temporary stay. We’ll be here for a while, then there will be something else. I’m always writing, it’s a constant stream, but I’m always trying to raise the bar, because I don’t want the next album to be not as good as the other ones!”
II: Sojourn pre-order: http://sojourn.bad-omen-records.com
WYTCH HAZEL online: www.facebook.com/wytchhazel
NEWS BRIEFS
* According to Roxx Records, the CD and vinyl re-issues to the first two CRYSTAVOX albums, Crystavox & The Bottom Line, are currently at the pressing plant. Rob Colwell (Bombworks Sound) handled re-mastering and Scott Waters (No Life Til Metal) cover art.
* SAINT has a white vinyl re-issue of its 2004 comeback album In The Battle in the works. Expect a release date in the fall.
In a recent YouTube interview, bassist Richard Lynch advised that SAINT is also at work on a new album. According to Lynch, the group has written 11 songs and currently is in the pre-production stage. Handling lead vocals is new front man Dave Nelson, whom Lynch describes as a cross between DIO and Rob Halford. Former front man Josh Kramer is retired from the music scene.
The entire interview can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yo2rAzlFqMI
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
Retroactive Records Announce BRIDE Tsar Bomba Vinyl Re-issue:
Release date is July 17, 2018:
Tsar Bomba is the nickname for the RDS-220 hydrogen bomb developed by the Soviet Union in the early sixties, the largest and most powerful nuclear device ever detonated. Tsar Bomba is also the title to the 2009 release from Louisville, Kentucky based Bride, the group’s thirteenth full-length album. The album received the title Tsar Bomba because, in the bands own words, “it is the BRIDE CD to end all BRIDE CDs” and was intended to be the last BRIDE release ever. It was obvious the band wanted to go out with a bang!
BRIDE’s 2009 magnum opus was an artistic triumph of epic proportions. Fans were treated to an entire album filled with metal anthem after metal anthem exuding grit, heaviness, guitar heroics. and intelligence that wow’d both fans and critics. More than any other album, Tsar Bomba united fans of Snakes in the Playground (the fifth BRIDE album from 1992) with modern day BRIDE fans. Tsar Bomba was and continues to be the total package and that’s why it was a no-brainer when Retroactive Records was given the chance to reissue it on vinyl for the first time ever! Because of vinyl time constraints some of the tracks from the original CD release have been left off, including those amazing classical transition pieces (get the CD!), but the 9 tracks remaining for the vinyl reissue sound as if the album was always intended to be this way!
#3 in the From the Vault Vinyl Series, this has a semi-limited packaging with a wrap around jacket with a side spine that fits inside a re-sealable poly sleeve. Limited to just 150 units, do not delay in getting your vinyl copy of this essential BRIDE release! For fans of GUNS ‘N ROSES, SKID ROW, and metal with lots of bite!
Tsar Bomba vinyl re-issue track listing:
1. “All We Are”
2. “Love Shine”
3. “We Are Together”
4. “When I Was a Kid”
5. “The Last Thing I Feel”
6. “Separate”
7. “Nothing Means Anything To Me”
8. “Downward”
9. “Never”
Tsar Bomba vinyl re-issue pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/bride-tsar-bomba-from-the-vault-new-black-vinyl-2018-retroactive-records-pre-order
BRIDE online: www.bridepub.com & www.facebook.com/BridebandOn
CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE, New Album Details Revealed:
Glam metal act CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE has completed work on its new album Covenant, which is slated to be released on May 25, 2018. As with its 2014 debut full length Get The Hell Out, guitarist Oz Fox (STRYPER) handled production duties. Tony Palacios (GUARDIAN) mixed the album. Guest appearances include Josiah Prince (DISCIPLE), co-writing and co-producing one song, and vocalist Les Carlson (BLOODGOOD), fronting one of the albums tracks as well.
As noted by the Poteua, Oklahoma based group:
“This album is packed with hard rocking, foot stomping, mosh pitting, double kick, rat-tat-tatting, face melting rock n’ roll. We also have a few rhythm driving, guitar chugging, mid-tempo songs that we know you’re going to love. There is also a few melodic gems that will blow you away. If VAN HALEN can have keyboards on a few songs, CHAOTIC RESEMBLENACE can too. Every band needs to have a ballad and ours is a worship song to Jesus the King.”
CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE, drawing its moniker from Isaiah 40:18 (To whom then will ye liken God? Or what likeness will you compare unto him?), believes that “No matter how good of Christians we are, we would never be more than a ‘chaotic resemblance’ of Christ”. Hence, the bands motives to “shine the light of Jesus to a hurting world” and corresponding willingness as “sold out Christians devoted to Jesus” to “play anywhere from a bar to a church”. The groups press material sums things up best: “Today's world is full of so much hate, lies & deceit. We offer love and hope through rock 'n roll.”
The 80% Angelic Warlord review described Get The Hell Out as a ‘youthful and energetic joining of hair, glam and melodic metal’ with ‘strong doses of late eighties Sunset Strip influenced hard rock’. CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE got its start with EP releases in 2012 and 2013, Chaotic Resemblance and Battle Lines, respectively.
Covenant track listing:
1. “Only The Start”
2. “Chaotic Nights”
3. “Tongues Of Fire”
4. “Virtual Reality”
5. “Riot Anthem”
6. “Out Loud”
7. “Jesus Is King”
8. “Covenant”
9. “Aliens And Strangers”
10. “The Mark”
11. “Sound Of The Saints”
CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE online: www.chaoticresemblance.com & www.facebook.com/ChaoticResemblance
NEWS BRIEFS
* Vocalist Eli Prinsen answers your questions in regards to his new band DREAM PATROL: www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvcJhTs5jW8
DREAM PATROL, a new international power metal act to also feature SIGNUM REGIS bassist Ronnie König, is scheduled to release its debut album Phantoms Of The Past via Mighty Music Records on September 21, 2018.
* ”More Than Scars”, new single from MILLENNIAL REIGN: www.youtube.com/watch?v=92pQfGTbKT4
The song comes off the group’s third full-length album The Great Divide, which is set for release on May 25, 2018 via Ulterium Records.
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
DELIVERANCE, “Bring ‘Em Down” Lyric Video Premier:
Press Release / “Bring ‘Em Down”, a new lyric video from DELIVERANCE, can be seen above. The song is the second single off the group’s eleventh studio album The Subversive Kind, which it released jointly via Roxx Records and 3 Frogz Records on February 23, 2018
Hailing from Los Angeles, DELIVERANCE comprises Jimmy P. Brown II (founding member, lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Glenn Rogers (original member, lead/rhythm guitar), Victor Macias (formerly of TOURNIQUET, bass), and Jim Chaffin (formerly of THE CRUCIFIED drums), with guest lead guitar work by Greg Minier.
"After so many years touring and recording I was honored to be asked back in DELIVERANCE,” says Rogers. "We have unfinished business, and with The Subversive Kind coming out I hope the fans will rediscover what Big D is all about."
The Subversive Kind is a true return to form for these Christian thrash pioneers, boosting 8 brand new tracks that truly bring the thrash back. Bill Bafford of Roxx Records had this to say about the new partnership - “We are very excited to once again be partnering with 3 Frogz, Jimmy Brown and DELIVERANCE to bring you this awesome new thrash release. The fans that have been requesting a 'Weapons part 2’ will be ecstatic with this new release."
DELIVERANCE also recorded a lyric video for the first single off the album, “The Black Hand”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqxBqHt-jg4
“’The Black Hand’ was one of the first tunes Jimmy and I hashed out together,” says Chaffin. “His articulation of what a panic attack feels like was spot on. Mental illness is a major problem in our country and I’m stoked to be able to give people some hope through music.”
“Anxiety has not only been a hot button issue, but a condition that is still being studied to understand,” adds Brown. “’The Black Hand’ is a vivid description of vitals, and emotions experienced in part by a person when going through such an experience.”
Lastly, Brown says he couldn’t be happier with the band’s current line-up. “After 33 years, the band has evolved and morphed throughout, but has returned to the roots of why we started doing this years ago! The current lineup is a dream come true for me, and we can’t wait to bring it live.”
The Subversive Kind track listing:
CD version:
1. “Bring ‘Em Down”
2. “Concept Of The Other”
3. “Center Of It All”
4. “The Black Hand”
5. ”Epilogue”
6. “Listen Closely”
7. “The Subversive Kind”
8. “The Fold”
Vinyl version:
Side A:
1. “Bring 'Em Down”
2. “Concept of the Other”
3. “Center Of Tt All”
4. “The Black Hand”
Side B:
5. “Epilogue”
6. “Listen Closely”
7. “The Subversive Kind”
8. “The Fold”
DELIVERANCE online: www.facebook.com/DeliveranceRocks
New Lyric Video From DENY THE FALLEN, “Hands For War”:
DENY THE FALLEN, the new band to feature SACRED WARRIOR front man Rey Parra, has recorded a lyric video to the track “Hands For War”. The song comes off the group’s forthcoming debut album Symptoms Of Eternity, which is scheduled for release on July 1, 2018.
According to Parra (Facebook - February 10, 2018), “(DENY THE FALLEN) is a band that (guitarist) "Jon" Jonathan Johnson and I have been writing songs (for a new album) for a while now. The vocals are a real stretch for me but its something I’ve wanted to do for a long time”.
Jonathan Johnson, whom was part of the SACRED WARRIOR line up at the time it recorded its fourth album, Obsessions, from 1991, offers further details in regards to Symptoms Of Eternity (Facebook – February 12, 2018):
“Our debut album titled Symptoms of Eternity will be released ( on July 1, 2018). Our goal was to make a record that was powerful from beginning to end, both musically and lyrically. Some of the song titles are “Symptoms Of Eternity”, “Hands For War”, “Oblivion”, “Shelter”, “Rise”, “Mortem Amici”, “Predator”, “Overthrown”, “Death Rattle” and “Murder Machine” just to name a few.. We wanted to develop a modern metal sound that incorporates all aspects and era's of metal. A powerful modern production and sound that pays homage to all era's and styles of metal. It doesn't sound "old school metal" as well as it doesn't sound "Nu metal". It's something else both classic and modern. It is Heavy Metal.”
Rounding out the DENY THE FALLEN line up is bassist Erik Kyr and drummer Josh Johnson.
A video that DENY THE FALLEN previously recorded for the track “Murder Machine” can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au0SO_y16wU
Parra further notes that he has returned to SACRED WARRIOR, whom are also at work on a new album. Eli Prinsen fronted the fifth SACRED WARRIOR full length Waiting In Darkness released five years ago. Along similar lines, Parra’s other band, WORDVIEW, are at work on a new album in follow up to its 2015 debut The Chosen Few.
DENY THE FALLEN online: www.facebook.com/Denythefallenband
STRYPER Release “Lost” Lyric Video:
A lyric video to the STRYPER song “Lost” can be seen above. The track is taken from the band's new album, God Damn Evil, which was released on April 20 via Frontiers Music Srl. Produced by front man Michael Sweet, it is STRYPER's most powerful album to date, doubling down on the hard rock/heavy metal sound that earned the group a worldwide fan base.
In regards to the God Damn Evil title, Sweet further explains that he and his band mates, "thought long and hard about this title. It was actually considered quite a few years ago and it just didn't feel like the right time. Now, with all the evil in the world that we see around us on a daily basis, it made perfect sense. It's a very bold statement yet a prayer asking God to damn/condemn evil. Nothing more, nothing less.
"We all see and hear the darkness that surrounds us in our society, but with faith and love, we'll always have hope," he continues. "That's what STRYPER is all about: powerful music and a message that builds foundations, not walls. We couldn't be more excited about God Damn Evil, as it showcases our undying love for what we do and why we do it."
God Damn Evil is the first release since the recent addition of bass player Perry Richardson, who joins original members Michael Sweet (vocals and guitar), Robert Sweet (drums) and Oz Fox (guitar). Perry is best known as a founding member of the multi-platinum band FIREHOUSE. Perry did not play bass on God Damn Evil due to scheduling constraints. The bass tracks on God Damn Evil were laid down by John O'Boyle, who played bass on Sweet's last two solo albums.
Rocking since 1984, STRYPER is responsible for such classic '80s metal albums as Soldiers Under Command, To Hell with the Devil and In God We Trust. In fact, STRYPER is the first band to ever have two songs in MTV’s Top 10 simultaneously with their hits “Free” and “Honestly.” After a sabbatical for much of the 1990's, STRYPER returned strong in the early 21st century. To date, the Dove Award-winning and GRAMMY-nominated band has sold over 10 million records worldwide.
God Damn Evil is the follow-up to STRYPER’s ninth studio album, Fallen (Frontiers Music SRL), which released in 2015 and debuted at the top of the Billboard charts. 2016’s 30th Anniversary To Hell With The Devil Tour saw record crowds and featured the band’s largest sound and lighting production in nearly two decades.
STRYPER will return to the road this year, kicking off the God Damn Evil World Tour at the at the Frontiers Rock Festival in Milan, Italy on April 28th. Tour dates will be posted as confirmed at: www.stryper.com/Tour/tour.html
God Damn Evil track listing:
1. “Take It To The Cross”
2. “Sorry”
3. “Lost”
4. “God Damn Evil”
5. “You Don't Even Know Me”
6. “The Valley”
7. “Sea Of Thieves”
8. “Beautiful”
9. “Can't Live Without Your Love”
10. “Own Up”
11. “The Devil Doesn't Live Here”
Frontiers SRL online: www.frontiers.it/index.php & www.facebook.com/frontiersmusicsrl
STRYPER online: www.stryper.com & www.facebook.com/Stryper
NEWS BRIEFS
* Update from GLORIAM DEI regarding upcoming sophomore album Midnight Sun (Facebook - May 3, 2018):
“We are sorry for a poor information about the new album "The Midnight Sun". It would be so great to give you a release date of the album, but unfortunately it is still hard to say. Making the lyrics has been the longest part of the recent work. Songs are composed and lot of the arrangements has been done or planned. Drums has been recorded, and they sound great!
“Next phase is to search the right key notes for the each song, so that the singing melodies won’t be too low or too high. After that we start recording guitars and bass.”
* Warpaint is the title to the forthcoming album from Sweden’s THE HERO. Further details as they become available.
*“Pitfall & Snare”, new progressive rock song from KDB3: https://kdb3.bandcamp.com/track/pifall-snare
FEATURED REVIEWS
DANIEL BAND - Straight Ahead (Retroactive Records re-issue)
Straight Ahead, the 1983 Refuge Records sophomore release of Toronto, Canada’s Daniel Band, makes a strong case as heaviest of the group’s five-album repertoire. Read Full Review >>
DANIEL BAND - Run From The Darkness (Retroactive re-issue)
Third Daniel Band album from 1984, the Refuge Records release Run From The Darkness, was really when the Toronto, Canada based act hit its stride. Read Full Review >>
PRODIGAL - Prodigal (Retroactive re-issue)
The hard music landscape is littered with untold bands that musically were ahead of their time but whose albums did not always receive the recognition or achieve the same commercial success as their more popular and better-known contemporaries. Read Full Review >>
PRODIGAL - Electric Eye (Retroactive re-issue)
Despite the fact Cincinnati, Ohio based Prodigal was musically ahead of its early to mid-eighties time, it did not always receive the same accolades attributed to its contemporaries - in the form of recognition and commercial success - and by and large (and sadly) has fallen beneath the radar of the current hard music landscape. Read Full Review >>
REVOLUTION SAINTS - Light In The Dark
Combine the terms ‘super group’ and ‘AOR and melodic hard rock’ and you create a recipe for great potential, and not just to create great music but also to produce a high volume of great bands. Read Full Review >>
STRYPER - God Damn Evil
Rule number one in recording a new Stryper album is: Don’t screw it up. The second rule in recording a new Stryper album is: Always follow rule number one. Read Full Review >>
VISUAL CLIFF - Refuge
As with past releases, Visual Cliff takes an ‘artist creating art’ approach on Refuge with a combining of jazz-fusion-shred instrumental numbers and heavier rocking melodic vocal cuts intrinsic to a progressive edge. Read Full Review >>
KEVIN WINDROSS - Broken Brain
The March of 2018 independent third solo release from Australian guitarist Kevin Windross, Broken Brain, is one of the better instrumental rock albums within current hard music circles, as much accessibly melodic as it is creative in terms of diverse musical styles. Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
IMAGES OF EDEN Announce August 17, 2018 Release Of New Album Soulrise:
Phoenix, AZ (5/2/18)- For Immediate Release- IMAGES OF EDEN will officially be releasing their new album Soulrise on Friday, August 17, 2018 through Pavement Entertainment. Distribution will be both physical and digital formats and through all major worldwide outlets.Soulrise was mixed and mastered by legendary metal producer, Bill Metoyer at Skull Seven Studios in Hollywood, CA. There will be a digital pre-sale release through iTunes on July 20, 2018. We will also be unveiling the cover art at a later date so stay tuned for more info.
Pavement Entertainment is home of bands such as CANDLEBOX, SOIL, POWERMAN 2000, JANET GARDNER (VIXEN), DISHWALLA, SMILE EMPTY SOUL, FLAW and BLACK WATER RISING. They also have multiple albums included in the Billboard Magazine Top 200 Best Selling Debuts.
IMAGES OF EDEN is a fearless concept band that brings together familiar, well-loved elements of metal and rock combined with their own unique vision, message and delivery. The result is a distinct musical hybrid that speaks directly to the struggles and tribulations of the listener.
Musically, IMAGES OF EDEN draws its inspiration from a hybrid of modern hard rock combined with classic metal, creating a modern sound rife with progressive elements and impassioned, unfeigned vocal delivery.
Each release from IMAGES OF EDEN is a chapter in the tale of a life’s journey, dealing specifically with the trials and darkness that each of us must face in this world, each track is meant to inspire the listener to overcome these obstacles through human perseverance strengthened by guidance from above. The distinct vision that gives IMAGES OF EDEN its identity is about drawing strength and determination from faith to see us through our toughest times, but what makes IMAGES OF EDEN stand out as one of a kind is that its message is simultaneously accessible to everyone while still speaking to the listener on a very personal level.
The official video for the single “Shield Me” is streaming on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekAooXGsLhs
IMAGES OF EDEN line up:
Gordon Tittsworth - Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar
Carlos Urquidi Perez - Lead Guitar
L. Dean Harris - Piano & Keyboards
Eric Mulvaine - Bass Guitar
Steve Dorssom- Drums & Percussion
Pavement Entertainment online: www.pavementmusic.com & www.facebook.com/Pavementent
IMAGES OF EDEN online: www.imagesofeden.com/index2.htm & www.facebook.com/Images-of-Eden
SOLDIER - Babylon & Beyond LP + CD Announced:
Roxx Records is very excited to bring one of our very own personal favorite recordings back to life! We are extremely happy to bring you the complete recording history of one of the Bay Area’s finest Christian metal bands of the late 80’s SOLDIER! The music of SOLDIER has been a personal favorite of ours, and one we have wanted to release for many years now, and this year the bands full length release Babylon is celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2018! This album and band should have been WAY bigger in our humble opinion, Alas, like many very talented bands of that era (MALACHIA and ETERNAL RYTE come to mind) they somehow got lost in the shuffle or over looked by the major labels of the day pushing and promoting Christian metal.
We are very excited to bring you not just Babylon, but the bands entire recording catalog back to life on CD and vinyl for the very first time! Babylon was originally released on cassette tape only and 5000 of those were pressed back then! Before Babylon the band would also release another demo on cassette tape only entitled Louder Than Hell with only 1000 copies of this one being pressed, both are impossible to find these days. After those two releases, the band would get to go in to the studio and work with acclaimed producers, John and Dino Elefante, where they would work on and record two tracks that would be released on the compilation California Metal II. This would mark what would be the last recordings the world would see from SOLDIER, until now!
Roxx Records will be releasing Babylon & Beyond the 30th Anniversary release of SOLDIER! This anthology style release will be a full jam-packed release over 2 CD’s with a full 16 page booklet loaded with band photos and archived images, with all new liner notes and commentary from lead guitarist Rick Martinez. The CD will also feature all new cover art designed by vocalist Jimmy Arceneaux, with 2 different covers for the CD and vinyl versions! Both being officially unveiled below for the first time!
The disc will be limited to a one time pressing of 500 pieces. Disc 1 will contain the entire Babylon album, the Louder Than Hell demo and end with the two tracks from California Metal II. Disc II will include 4 previously unreleased tracks that the world has never heard before! These special 4 tracks were recorded in 1992, when the band would go in to the studio and record a 4 track demo after the interest of a record label prompted this reunion. These tracks were ultimately shelved since they were recorded and are being released from the bands personal archives for the first time ever! Also on disc 2 there will be an entire live show recorded by the band that has also been in the bands archive and never heard before. This show was recorded live at the HIS I Festival in Riverside California, and was somewhat unofficially dubbed ‘The Mormon Show’ (You’ll have to hear the show for yourself to understand why!). Ending the CD is one more long last track entitled “Call My Name” that was recorded live and rarely played and was never officially recorded in the studio.
Additionally the entire Babylon album will also be released on a one-time limited edition ‘White Vinyl’ release as part of the Roxx Underground series as #10 in the series, limited to 150 hand numbered copies only. AND if that still is not enough for you there will be a limited edition bonus DVD disc limited to only 100 copies. The DVD is entitled Babylon & Beyond ‘Through The Years LIVE. This special DVD features various live performances throughout the bands career and pulled from never before seen videos captured live by the father of Rick Martinez through the years. A very special companion piece you won’t want to miss out on that was beautifully compiled by our friends at Kruse FX. Check out a sneak peak here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLy1_Jd18Gs
The first single off the upcoming 30th anniversary of Babylon, "When I Finally See Your Face", is a track the world may have never got to hear if not for this two disc re-mastered anthology set. Enjoy the new lyric video and be sure to read the story about this long lost track! Help us start sharing it all over and please request it at all your local rock radio stations of all types anywhere!
This full package will be released on May 18th and is available to pre order now! For full track listing information and ordering information visit us at: www.roxxproductions.com
Track Listing Disc One:
Babylon (1988): “Babylon”, “Louder Than Hell”, “Deadly Weapons”, “One Of A Kind”, “Priceless Heart”, “Where Have All The Children Gone”, “King Of The City”, “Borderline”, “Angel”, “First Time”, “Promises”
Louder Than Hell (1987): “Heart Of Stone”, “Somebody New”, “Angel”, “King Of The City*, “Glory & Honor", “Priceless Heart*, Heart Of Stone*
California Metal 2 (1988): “Borderline”, “Tears”
Track Listing Disc 2:
Previously Unreleased Tracks (1992): “When I Finally See Your Face”, “Blues For The Fallin'”, “Thru The Past Darkly”, “Down On The Killin Floor”
The Mormon Project’ live from His Festival I (Riverside, CA, 06-27-87): “Intro”, “King Of The City”, “One Of A Kind Romance”, “Angel”, “Glory And Honor”, “Somebody New”, “First Time”, “Guitar Solo”, “Heart Of Stone”
Previously unreleased track: “Call My Name”
Babylon & Beyond pre-order: http://roxxrecords.storenvy.com
MICHAEL SWEET: ‘SWEET & LYNCH Collaboration May Have Run Its Course’:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:
Michael Sweet says that his SWEET & LYNCH collaboration with George Lynch may have "run its course."
Launched three years ago, SWEET & LYNCH has yet to play a single live show despite issuing two acclaimed studio albums, 2015's Only To Rise and 2017's Unified, through the Frontiers Music Srl label.
Speaking to the "Focus On Metal" podcast, the STRYPER front man said that it's likely that there will be no future releases from SWEET & LYNCH.
"I've gotten to the point with SWEET & LYNCH where I'm almost sensing and feeling like maybe it's run its course," he said. "We did two albums. I talked about doing a third and a fourth and a fifth, but there is kind of no point to it if we don't tour. We really should be touring and playing those songs live. It's kind of pointless, after a while, if you're not doing that."
According to Sweet, another reason SWEET & LYNCH hasn't played any gigs is the fact that the LYNCH MOB leader and former DOKKEN guitarist "has his hands in so many different things. When the first album came out and the second album came out, I promoted the snot out of 'em and was really pushing, pushing, pushing, pushing," he said. "George didn't do a lot of promoting and a lot of pushing with those albums. It gets to be exhausting for me when I feel like I'm the only guy really pushing it. And that's not to take anything away from George — it's just a fact. It's a simple fact that I'm stating in saying that that becomes an issue.
"I'm one of those guys where I want everybody in the band pushing and promoting equally as much, as they should be," he continued. "Or why are you doing it? So I'm at that stage right now where I'm just kind of feeling like the fire is kind of dwindling. I don't want it to — I wanna pour some gasoline on the fire and ignite it again. Maybe that'll happen, but it's quite possible that it won't."
Lynch said earlier in the year that the third SWEET & LYNCH would be "a concept record" about Christianity, with George "advocating for one side of the argument" and Michael "advocating for another."
In addition to Sweet and Lynch, SWEET & LYNCH features bassist James LoMenzo (MEGADETH, WHITE LION, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY) and drummer Brian Tichy (THE DEAD DAISIES, WHITESNAKE).
SWEET & LYNCH online: www.facebook.com/SweetLynch
NEWS BRIEFS
* Bassist Ronnie König on why he started DREAM PATROL: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJwq2WSWsm0
DREAM PATROL is a new international power metal act to also feature vocalist Eli Prinsen. The group Mighty Music Records debut full length Phantoms Of The Past is due on September 21, 2018.
* Roxx Records re-issue update (Facebook - May 3, 2018):
“Roxx Records is very excited to announce two new titles that will be coming your way fall 2018/2019:
“Up first, we are exited to announce a re-mastered reissue on CD and Vinyl of the album that started it all for Los Angeles area rockers HOLY SOLDIER. That’s correct after the huge success of the Last Train reissue, we are going to be able to go back and reissue the album that started it all for one of Christian metals true pioneer artists.
“Up next, we are excited to be bringing you a classic Christian Metal compilation that is a true piece of the scenes early history. This compilation was originally only available as a cassette tape release. We are excited to be bringing this back to life on CD and Vinyl a classic compilation entitled White Metal Invasion.”
* Footage of STRYPER performing “The Valley” and “Soldiers Under Command” with new bassist Perry Richardson at the Frontiers Rock Festival: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ULUgjRCllE & www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtQzqeRDFwo
* “SWEET CRYSTAL release new compilation album, Got Your Six (as taken in the groups press material):
Encompassing material off previous SWEET CRYSTAL releases, this six-song sampler (Got Your Six) gives you the Story of Glory as seen and sung through the musicians of SWEET CRYSTAL. The music, the message, the mission, the ministry: whatever we are going through always remember that the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit has all of our backs today and into eternity. Need help in your walk? No worries - SWEET CRYSTAL has your six.
Marq Andrew Speck - lead vocals and anything with keys. Bill Blatter - vocals, anything with strings, Steve Wieser - anything hit with sticks. Special thanks to Chuck Alkazian (Pearl Sound Studios), Scott Hull (MasterDisk); Gail Engling, Kathy Oyster, Ron Ellman and all our family, friends and Sweeties.
Got Your Six can be ordered at: www.sweetcrystal.com/store
ARTIST COMMENTARY
Vocalist Michael Sweet in regards to the decision by STRYPER to entitle its latest album God Damn Evil (Facebook - May 2, 2018):
“We made the album that we wanted to make, chose the title that we felt led to choose and did exactly what we needed to do. It's caused quite a stir and has certainly ruffled many feathers but isn't that the point? To make people talk, think, debate, communicate about things they don't understand?
“No one knows our hearts or motives better than us (except God), and looking back on the past year we wouldn't change a thing. We wouldn't add a "comma", we wouldn't choose another first song to release, we wouldn't change the artwork or the title - not a single thing.
“It's not about being stubborn or prideful. It's about breaking new ground and doing new things with the gifts that God has given us. We don't exist to be popular. We have a purpose and a plan and we will fulfill that. Thank you all who have supported this band and who have continued to pray for our music and ministry. It has sustained us and we're so very grateful.”
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
MILLENNIAL REIGN - New Single “Till The End” Streaming Online:
Press Release / US power metal band MILLENNIAL REIGN will release its new album The Great Divide on May 25th via Ulterium Records. The album will be available on CD, LP and as a digital download. The LP edition is strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide.
"Till The End", the second single from the album, can be streamed at YouTube above.
The Great Divide feels like a more focused and powerful album than its precursor, and new vocalist Travis Wills (INFIDEL RISING) really shines through the album with his raw and emotional vocals. Fast, catchy songs like "Break The Tide" and "Imagine" are mixed with epic songs like "Till The End" and "Wounds In Hand" and together they form a great collection of songs.
The Great Divide is a real strong US power metal album that should be perfect for fans of QUEENSRYCHE, CRIMSON GLORY, STRYPER and THEOCRACY!
The Great Divide track listing:
1. “The Genesis”
2. “Break The Tide”
3. “More Than Scars”
4. “Imagine”
5. “Till The End”
6. “In Your Silence”
7. “The Day The Sun Stood Still”
8. “Behind The Time”
9. “Wounds In Hand”
10. “The Great Divide”
MILLENNIAL REIGN tour dates
May 31: Proof Rooftop Lounge – Houston, TX (with STRYPER)
Jun 01: Gas Monkey Live - Dallas, TX (with STRYPER)
Jun 18: Trees - Dallas, TX (with HAMMERFALL)
Ulterium Records online: www.ulterium-records.com & www.facebook.com/ulteriumrecords
MILLENNIAL REIGN online: www.millennialreign.com & www.facebook.com/millennialreign
Retroactive Records Announce JERUSALEM CD Re-issues:
Press Release / It all began in 1975 with an old bus bought from a surplus stock at the Swedish Telecom. It was a miracle they even got out of Gothenburg. The water leaked out of the bus very quickly. Sometimes on tour they had to stop in the middle of nowhere and the guys had to wade in swamps to get water for the bus. But that didn’t diminish their enthusiasm. Every second weekend they took all the equipment and went on tour. The mission was to tell young people about God in clubs, discos and schools. They did all this in the face of heavy resistance. Being the first Christian hard rock band in all of Europe was difficult. Hard rock was connected to drugs, aggression and Satanism. Furthermore, the music was ear-splitting! JERUSALEM endured a lot of criticism. They weren’t welcome at all at some churches. Smoke-bombs, long hair and a stage stockpiled with professional musical gear was more than some people could accept, even if JERUSALEM radically proclaimed Jesus. But JERUSALEM were full on Jesus freaks, and they could not be stopped!
1978 saw the release of JERUSALEM’s debut record, Volume One, and in just a few months the record sold 30,000 copies! JERUSALEM reached far outside the church walls, drawing both believers and non-believers. It was originally released with Ulf Christiansson singing in his native Scandinavian tongue. Fortunately, some Americans attended Greenbelt Festival in the U.K. and brought JERUSALEM records back to the USA and a copy ended up in the hands of RESURRECTION BAND’s future-icon Glenn Kaiser. Glenn got that record into the hands of Lamb & Lion Records legend, Pat Boone who ended up introducing English-singing JERUSALEM albums to the masses in the USA!
The lyrical depth, the recording quality and the searing riffs stand out on Volume One. These are elite songs dripping in passion and vitality that hasn’t lost any of its charm since 1978! “High Tide,” “Mr. Ego,” “Neutral,” etc. alone explain how this is the pivotal album that pierced through the hearts of fans across the globe which gave the band a foundation that birthed many years of international touring. JERUSALEM was the real deal, and anyone who listened to this album knew it.
Unfortunately, the JERUSALEM debut release never got a proper CD reissue in English until now. With several compilations having songs from the album, this Retroactive Records 40th Anniversary Edition is the first time the album has been reissued on CD in English featuring all the original songs. This Rob Colwell (Bombworks Sound) Legends Re-mastered version adds so much warmth, depth, and sonic clarity to perfection. Retroactive Records has packaged this gem in a jewel case with a 12-page insert featuring band pics and lyrics. Great pains were made to make sure this classic was given the full reissue treatment, knowing JERUSALEM fans have waited 40 years for a proper CD reissue! Well, here you have it! For fans of DEEP PURPLE, BAD COMPANY, BTO, RESURRECTION BAND, DANIEL BAND, BARNABAS and NAZARETH. In 2015, Classic Christian Rock Zine voted this album the #9 best Christian rock debut album of all time!
Volume One pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/jerusalem-volume-one-legends-remastered-new-cd-2018-retroactive-records-pre-order
Volume One track listing: “Noah”, “Jesus Is The Most Fantastic”, “Maybe”, “Daddy Who Has Made”, “Mr. Ego”, “Come To Me”, “If You Only Care To Listen”, “Neutral”, “Days Passing By”, “What If Jesus Is Right”, “High Tide”
Press Release / With the release of Volume Two (1980), JERUSALEM matured and took significant strides forward as musicians. The recording depth of this second album sounds as if it was recorded in a high dollar studio with each instrument and vocal perfectly placed in the mix for maximum clarity and sonic depth. From the beginning track “Wake Up,” JERUSALEM sound like a real rock band, and Volume Two becomes a momentous stepping stone for believers who like their music played at full volume! This is full-throttle Jerusalem with tracks like the epic sounding “Gethsemane,” and the 8-minute “Introduction” showing the band’s progressive edges. Jam-packed with hit song after hit song, the album sounds like it could be a Greatest Hits album! Volume Two is worthy of the elite spot it holds in the hearts of late 70’s/early 80’s hard rock fans!
JERUSALEM - Volume Two never got a proper CD reissue in English until now. With several compilations having songs from the album, this 2018 Retroactive Records reissue is the first time the album has been made available on CD in English featuring all the original songs! This Rob Colwell (Bombworks Sound) Legends Re-mastered version adds warmth, depth, and sonic clarity to perfection. Retroactive Records has packaged this gem in a jewel case with a 12-page insert featuring band pics and lyrics. Great pains were made to make sure this classic was given the full reissue treatment, knowing Jerusalem fans have waited decades for a proper CD reissue! Well, here you have it! For fans of DEEP PURPLE, BOSTON, BAD COMPANY, RESURRECTION BAND, DANIEL BAND, BARNABAS and NAZARETH.
Volume Two pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/jerusalem-volume-two-legends-remastered-new-cd-2018-retroactive-records
Volume Two track listing: “Wake Up”, “Rock-N-Roll”, “Love Song”, “Gethsemane”, “I Depend On You Jesus”, “Introduction”, “Dialogue (Between One Person)”, “By By World”, “A Flower”
Press Release / In some ways, Warrior (1982) needs no introduction. The album became a huge sales success in Sweden, Europe, USA and Canada. As a result, the band recorded music videos for both “Constantly Changing” and “It’s Mad”. Both songs made their way to American MTV. Warrior not only improves on JERUSALEM’s finely-crafted sound, it orbits the band towards embracing progressive elements that defined bands such as DEEP PURPLE and URIAH HEEP. JERUSALEM play every bit as good as these bands, and with their own original sound. ”HM Magazine voted the album #65 in the Top 100 Christian Rock Albums of All-Time (2010)! HM editor, Doug Van Pelt said, ‘This Swedish hard rock band hit on all cylinders with “Man of the World” and “Constantly Changing,” but were revolutionary with its epic 12-minute “Sodom.”’ Even in 2018, Warrior continues to be an epic, classic, all-out show-stopping album in every way! This is classic Christian hard rock/metal at the top end of artistic brilliance from one of the greatest decades of music ever.
Yet, JERUSALEM - Warrior never got a proper CD reissue in English until now. With several compilations having songs from the album, this 2018 Retroactive Records reissue is the first time the album has been made available on CD in English featuring all the original songs! This Rob Colwell (Bombworks Sound) Legends Re-mastered version adds warmth, depth, and sonic clarity to perfection. Retroactive Records has packaged this gem in a jewel case with a 12-page insert featuring band pics and lyrics. Great pains were made to make sure this classic was given the full reissue treatment, knowing JERUSALEM fans have waited decades for a proper CD reissue! Well, here you have it! For fans of DEEP PURPLE, THIN LIZZY, RESURRECTION BAND, DANIEL BAND, BARNABAS and NAZARETH!
Warrior pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/jerusalem-warrior-legends-remastered-new-cd-2018-retroactive-records-pre-order
Warrior track listing: “Constantly Changing”, “Warrior”, “Pilgrim”, “It’s Mad”, “Man Of The World”, “Sodom”, “Ashes In Our Hands”, “Farewell”
Press Release / In 1983 JERUSALEM released their fourth album, Can’t Stop Us Now. With an increased focus on melody, the band embraced more of an 80’s pop metal sound in the vein of KISS, VAN HALEN, and the SCORPIONS. The thunderous, infectious arena rock sounds of CSUN showcased the band’s creativity and dedication to offer fans relevant music that would capture both their hearts and souls! While JERUSALEM had created powerful anthems and epic rockers in the past, CSUN magically mixed the ingredients just right. The title track is an endorphin rush of fast-riffing guitars and electrified, authentic vocals. It was the perfect release for 1983. JERUSALEM proved once again they were masters at their craft.
Yet, JERUSALEM - Can’t Stop Us Now never got a proper CD reissue in English until now. With several compilations having songs from the album, this 2018 Retroactive Records reissue is the first time the album has been made available on CD in English featuring all the original songs! This Rob Colwell (Bombworks Sound) Legends R-emastered version adds warmth, depth, and sonic clarity to perfection. Retroactive Records has packaged this gem in a jewel case with a 12-page insert featuring band pics and lyrics. Great pains were made to make sure this classic was given the full reissue treatment by including two bonus tracks “Time” from the Front Row compilation and “Heartbeat (Light Remix” from the Tretti compilation. Jerusalem fans have waited decades for a proper CD reissue and now you have it! For fans of KISS, VAN HALEN, DANIEL BAND, REUSRRECTION BAND and the SCORPIONS.
Can’t Stop Us Now pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/jerusalem-cant-stop-us-now-legends-remastered-new-cd-2018-retroactive-records-pre-order
Can’t Stop Us Now track listing: “Can’t Stop Us Now”, “Loves You More”, “The Wind Is Blowing”, “Tomorrow’s World”, “The Waiting”, “Let’s Go (Dancing)”, “Mourner’s Parade”, “Read Between The Lines”, “The Missing Piece”, “Heartbeat”, “Time” (from the Front Row compilation), “Heartbeat” (Light remix from the Tretti compilation)
Press Release / In the niche market of Christian hard rock there had really never been a live album that was so good it was a career defining moment, but by the time the 1985 release In His Majesty’s Service - Live In The USA hit the shelves the band had close to a decade of touring under the belts. JERUSALEM mostly toured abroad, with their huge equipment that weighed five tons. That was more than any other Swedish hard rock band. Between 1983 and 1985, JERUSALEM made several very successful tours in USA, which finally resulted in Live In the USA recorded in Shreveport and Dallas. The album showcased JERUSALEM’s radical presence on stage with Ulf shouting a heart-piercing “Wake up Mr. Christian”!
The album JERUSALEM - In His Majesty’s Service never got a proper CD reissue in English until now. With several compilations having songs from the album, this 2018 Retroactive Records reissue is the first time the album has been made available on CD featuring all the original songs! This Rob Colwell (Bombworks Sound) Legends Re-mastered version adds warmth, depth, and sonic clarity to perfection. Retroactive Records has packaged this gem in a jewel case with a 12-page insert featuring band pics and lyrics. Great pains were made to make sure this classic was given the full reissue treatment, knowing Jerusalem fans have waited decades for a proper CD reissue! Well, here you have it! For fans of DEEP PURPLE, VAN HALEN, RESURRECTION BAND, DANIEL BAND, BARNABAS and the SCORPIONS.
In His Majesty’s Service pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/jerusalem-in-his-majesty-s-service-live-in-the-usa-legends-remastered-new-cd-2018-retroactive-pre-order
In His Majesty’s Service track listing: “In His Majesty’s Service”, “From The Bottom Of Our Heart”, “I’m Waiting For You”, “Read Between The Lines”, “The Tide”, “Ashes In Our Hands”, “Can’t Stop Us Now”, “Time”, “Man Of The World”
Press Release / As a reaction to the growing Satanism in Europe of the 80's, JERUSALEM made the record Dancing On The Head Of The Serpent in 1987. On the sleeve, there was an army boot, trampling on a demon. This shocked the Christian community. The record stores sold the record under the counter. But the record made #1 on the American radio charts with a following Dove Award nominee. In 2015 the AngelicWarlord.com website selected Dancing On The Head Of The Serpent #44 on the list of the top 50 Christian Metal Albums of all time, saying, “My favorite of the early Jerusalem albums, DOTHOTS highlights straight on metal and hard rock that showcase the distinct vocals of Ulf Christiansson. Lyrics can best be described as inspired, particularly on musical Book of Proverbs that is “Listen To Me”.
Unlike their first four studio albums, Dancing... was recorded only in English, although there are two different versions. The original version was released in Scandinavia in 1987 on JM Records. In 1988, Refuge Records released a re-recorded and remixed version in the United States, with slightly different artwork. This was also the first JERUSALEM album to be released on CD. The general lyrical theme of the album is "war against Satan", but songs such as "Still" focus on forgiveness and restoration.
The 2018 Retroactive Records release is a 2-CD Set featuring one CD of the USA recording and one CD of the European version of the recording. Trust us - there is a huge difference between the two versions and both are awesome! We will say the European version is “dirtier” and several songs feel drier and grittier like classic AC/DC! This Rob Colwell (Bombworks Sound) Legends Re-mastered version adds warmth, depth, and sonic clarity to perfection. Retroactive Records has packaged this gem in a jewel case with a 12-page insert featuring band pics and lyrics. Great pains were made to make sure this classic was given the full reissue treatment. For fans of KISS, VAN HALEN, DANIEL BAND, DOKKEN and the SCORPIONS.
Dancing On The Head Of The Serpent pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/jerusalem-dancing-on-the-head-of-the-serpent-legends-remastered-30th-anniversary-edition-new-cd-2018-retroactive-records-pre-order
Dancing On The Head Of The Serpent (USA version) track listing: “Dancing On The Head Of The Serpent”, “Plunder Hell And Populate Heaven”, “Rebels Of Jesus Christ”, “Listen To Me”, “Woe, Woe… The Great Fall”, “We’re Gonna Take Europe”, “Come Higher”, “Catch The Devil, Catch The Thief”, “The Night Revelation Came Into My Life”, “Still”, “Covered By Blood” (from the Tretti compilation)
Dancing On The Head Of The Serpent (European version) track listing: “Dancing On The Head Of The Serpent”, “Plunder Hell And Populate Heaven”, “Rebels Of Jesus Christ”, “Listen To Me”, “Woe, Woe… The Great Fall”, “We’re Gonna Take Europe”, “Come Higher”, “Catch The Devil, Catch The Thief”, “The Night Revelation Came Into My Life”, “Still”, “Covered By Blood”
NEWS BRIEFS
* Bill Menchen, new album Freight Train track sampler: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fG989UHosfE
* WITHIN SILENCE Elements of Rock 2018 tour diary: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zNsZLfaQ08
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
Retroactive Records Announce Jimmy P. Brown II’s Eraserhead, DELIVERANCE CD/Vinyl Re-issues:
Press Release / In the world of metal, Jimmy P. Brown II holds a legendary, esteemed position as the front man and leader of the epic, artistic thrash band, DELIVERANCE! Having always tried to appease the DELIVERANCE fans of the early years (crunchy thrash) and the later albums (the artistic/progressive years) Jimmy always felt torn between the two fan bases. With Jimmy P. Brown II's Eraserhead album, the members of DELIVERANCE who created such masterpieces as River Disturbance, Learn, and Camelot In Smithereens come together again in full force and better than ever! Melody, progression, and lyrics with depth and vitality, Jimmy P. Brown has released an epic masterpiece that is the pinnacle of his long and heralded metal legacy.
The album will release on Retroactive Records on both CD and Vinyl in the fall of 2018.
Eraserhead track listing:
1. “A Story Of Time”
2. “Digital Postage Stamp”
3. “EGO”
4. “Entertaining Angels”
5. “Indecisive”
6. Memoria”
7. “Stained”
8. “The Scales”
9. “The Swell Lot Of Thieves”
10. “The Watchers”
Also releasing on Retroactive Records in 2018 and early 2019 will be the following DELIVERANCE albums:
What A Joke - Vinyl
Stay Of Execution - Vinyl
Learn - CD/Vinyl
River Disturbance - CD/Vinyl
Camelot In Smithereens - CD/Vinyl
Assimilation - CD/Vinyl
As Above - So Below - CD/Vinyl
Hear What I Say! - CD/Vinyl
Fans can sign up for release updates at the Retroactive Records official store: www.boonesoverstock.com
DREAM PATROL Sign With Mighty Music For Debut Album, Phantoms Of The Past:
Press Release / DREAM PATROL is an international hard rock / classic rock band founded by bassist Ronnie König (SIGNUM REGIS) in 2016. The band members are from USA, Slovakia, Austria and Czech Republic.
The inspiration for the band name comes from the 80s horror movie A Nightmare on Elm Street, in which a demon-like creature would attack you while you were sleeping. With DREAM PATROL, however, you shall fear no more. It is a special office of combat against mind-invaders, working for you overtime, whenever you put on your headphones and start daydreaming.
The band started recording the debut album in 2016. Timekeeper Radim Večeřa recorded all drum tracks during a 2-day studio session in the summer of 2016 in Senec, Slovakia. Ronnie started recording his bass parts shortly thereafter. The first three songs recorded by guitarist Filip Koluš (SIGNUM REGIS) are “Dream Patrol”, “Get Back Home” and “Playing With Fire”. The three were used to audition lead vocalists, which led the group to talented front man Eli Prinsen (THE SACRIFICED).
With its line up finalized, the band has been recording one song after the other. In the spring of 2018, demos were sent and several offers were received from labels in Europe and the United States. DREAM PATROL decided to sign a deal with Scandinavian premier rock / metal label Mighty Music.
The group’s debut album Phantoms Of The Past will be released on September 21, 2018.
DREAM PATROL line up:
Eli Prinsen - Lead & Backing Vocals
Filip Koluš - Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Acoustic Guitars & Banjo
Libor Křivák - Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Ronnie König - Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals & Programming
Radim Večeřa - Drums
Phantoms Of The Past track listing:
1. “Dream Patrol”
2. “Get Back Home”
3. “Tattooed Millionaire From Panama”
4. “The Shortest Straw”
5. “Phantoms Of The Past”
6. “Lost Child”
7. “Stand Up And Fight”
8. “Time Is A Healer”
9. “Piece Of Paradise”
10. “Is That The Thanks I Get”
11. “Playing With Fire”
12. “Haunted Tower”
DREAM PATROL online https://dreampatrol.net & www.facebook.com/DreamPatrol
STRYPER Releases “The Valley” Video:
A music video to the STRYPER song “The Valley” can be seen above. The track is taken from the band's new album, God Damn Evil, which was released on April 20 via Frontiers Music Srl. Produced by front man Michael Sweet, it is STRYPER's most powerful album to date, doubling down on the hard rock/heavy metal sound that earned the group a worldwide fan base.
According to Sweet, ‘(“The Valley” is a) chugging, powerful track that has an even more powerful message: Psalm 23. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil". The chorus is "heavenly" and reminds me of the background vocals you would expect from our heyday.’
In regards to the God Damn Evil title, Sweet further explains that he and his band mates, "thought long and hard about this title. It was actually considered quite a few years ago and it just didn't feel like the right time. Now, with all the evil in the world that we see around us on a daily basis, it made perfect sense. It's a very bold statement yet a prayer asking God to damn/condemn evil. Nothing more, nothing less.
"We all see and hear the darkness that surrounds us in our society, but with faith and love, we'll always have hope," he continues. "That's what STRYPER is all about: powerful music and a message that builds foundations, not walls. We couldn't be more excited about God Damn Evil, as it showcases our undying love for what we do and why we do it."
God Damn Evil is the first release since the recent addition of bass player Perry Richardson, who joins original members Michael Sweet (vocals and guitar), Robert Sweet (drums) and Oz Fox (guitar). Perry is best known as a founding member of the multi-platinum band FIREHOUSE. Perry did not play bass on God Damn Evil due to scheduling constraints. The bass tracks on God Damn Evil were laid down by John O'Boyle, who played bass on Sweet's last two solo albums.
Rocking since 1984, STRYPER is responsible for such classic '80s metal albums as Soldiers Under Command, To Hell with the Devil and In God We Trust. In fact, STRYPER is the first band to ever have two songs in MTV’s Top 10 simultaneously with their hits “Free” and “Honestly.” After a sabbatical for much of the 1990's, STRYPER returned strong in the early 21st century. To date, the Dove Award-winning and GRAMMY-nominated band has sold over 10 million records worldwide.
God Damn Evil is the follow-up to STRYPER’s ninth studio album, Fallen (Frontiers Music SRL), which released in 2015 and debuted at the top of the Billboard charts. 2016’s 30th Anniversary To Hell With The Devil Tour saw record crowds and featured the band’s largest sound and lighting production in nearly two decades.
STRYPER will return to the road this year, kicking off the God Damn Evil World Tour at the at the Frontiers Rock Festival in Milan, Italy on April 28th. Tour dates will be posted as confirmed at: www.stryper.com/Tour/tour.html
God Damn Evil track listing:
1. “Take It To The Cross”
2. “Sorry”
3. “Lost”
4. “God Damn Evil”
5. “You Don't Even Know Me”
6. “The Valley”
7. “Sea Of Thieves”
8. “Beautiful”
9. “Can't Live Without Your Love”
10. “Own Up”
11. “The Devil Doesn't Live Here”
Frontiers SRL online: www.frontiers.it/index.php & www.facebook.com/frontiersmusicsrl
STRYPER online: www.stryper.com & www.facebook.com/Stryper
NEWS BRIEFS
* The Roman Rocker online interview with CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE: https://theromanrocker.blogspot.com/2018/04/chaotic-resemblance-interview.html
* SOLDIER CD/DVD Promo from Roxx Records: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLy1_Jd18Gs
* Michael Sweet update in regards to STRYPER & his next solo album (from an online interview at Metal Asylum):
“We (Stryper) are finishing up on an acoustic album. We will do another album of re-recordings from In God We Trust and Against The Law, because we don’t have the rights to those albums. It’s another Second Coming album. Next year I will also be doing a solo album with guitarist Joel Hoekstra and it’s going to be a throwback album to 70s rock- Deep Purple, Queen, classic rock with a modern flair in the production. He’s just brilliant, one of my favorite newer guitarist, he’s a true virtuoso.”
Read the full interview at: www.metalasylum.net/interviews/2018/i1802.php
* A re-issue of the 1989 ZION debut Thunder From The Mountain is in the works. According to Dorn Reppert (Facebook - April 17, 2018), “The new remix ofZion's Thunder From the Mountain is happening! About to start pre-sales with a lot of cool incentives like clear blue vinyl, original t-shirts, reprinted original lyric sheets, buttons, posters, hats, and more. The first run is a limited Edition (1,000) audiophile quality vinyl LP, followed by a couple thousand on black vinyl, and then Cd's (sorry, no cassettes). Help us spread the word!”
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
SARDONYX Release Sophomore Album, Sons Of The Kingdom:
Mount Joy, Pennsylvania based power metal act SARDONYX released its sophomore album Sons Of The King on April 13 via LightShine Music Group. The album is available on CD, vinyl and digital download. A lyric video to the track “Child Of The King”, the first single off Sons Of The Kingdom, can be viewed above.
Sons Of The Kingdom comes out in follow up to the SARDONXY four song EP from 2005, Linear Progression, and its 1992 debut full length Majestic Serenity. A re-issue to Majestic Serenity on Retroactive Records in 2007 also included the groups 4 song debut demo from 1990, Rebel Of Reason.
Performing on Sons Of The Kingdom are original SARDONYX members vocalist Tom Denlinger, bassist Chuck Turner and guitarist Rod Feltman. Drummer Bill Pagaran rounds out its line up. Feltman engineered, mixed and mastered the project and co-produced it with Denlinger.
Comments SARDONYX regarding the albums background: “It has been three years since we first started working on Sons Of The Kingdom. We have been obedient to Him to write and complete this work but it has not been an easy “just slap it together” project. But we are very excited about releasing what He has given us for His glory and for building up the Body of Christ. We are convinced that releasing it is all about God’s timing. Needless to say, all of us have had to bathe this in prayer. We value intercessors that take the spiritual impact of this new album seriously.
“The journey of life is challenging and sometimes treacherous. This project was inspired by God to encourage followers of Jesus Christ to persevere and live by life enhancing truths found in His Word, the Bible. This is an album that is 100% totally dedicated to worship and revival, not only in our own individual lives, but throughout our industry.”
SARDONYX got its start in 1988 with the goal to not only to make good music, but to use music to teach the Bible, make disciples of Jesus Christ and build up His Body (all living followers of Him). The group furthermore considers itself ‘metal missionaries’ with the dual goal of introducing people to their Creator and showing them His love.
Sons Of The Kingdom track listing:
1. “Sons Of The Kingdom”
2. “Child Of The King”
3. “Greater Things”
4. “All That We Are”
5. “Power And Love”
6. “Perfected”
7. “Awake”
8. “My Bride Beloved”
9. “Angel Armies”
SARDONYX online: https://lightshineministries.com & www.facebook.com/KingdomPowerMetal
STRYPER Premier New Song, “Lost”:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:
A new song from STRYPER, “Lost”, can be streamed above. The track is taken from the band's new album, God Damn Evil, which will be released on April 20 via Frontiers Music Srl. Produced by front man Michael Sweet, it is reportedly the groups most powerful album to date, doubling down on the hard rock/heavy metal sound that earned the group a worldwide fan base.
Asked by All That Shreds what made STRYPER choose such a seemingly provocative title for its follow-up to 2015's Fallen, Sweet said: "We didn't do it just to shake things up. We have a point to prove in a statement. A few years back we thought about using this title. We didn't go with it because we felt it was a little too much at that time. Now in 2018, with everything that we've seen on the news, the evil we're faced with on a daily basis to new levels and new degrees, it made perfect sense for us to have an album called God Damn Evil. It's a prayer request. It is what it is. It's not a swear, it's not just the shock statement, it's a prayer request, and we're asking God to damn the evil that we see. It should be a prayer for everybody. Some people are freaking out thinking you're taking the Lord's name in vain, and it's not that at all."
In a press release announcing the release of God Damn Evil, Sweet explained that he and his band mates "thought long and hard about this title. It was actually considered quite a few years ago and it just didn't feel like the right time. Now, with all the evil in the world that we see around us on a daily basis, it made perfect sense. It's a very bold statement yet a prayer asking God to damn/condemn evil. Nothing more, nothing less.
"We all see and hear the darkness that surrounds us in our society, but with faith and love, we'll always have hope," he continues. "That's what STRYPER is all about: powerful music and a message that builds foundations, not walls. We couldn't be more excited about God Damn Evil, as it showcases our undying love for what we do and why we do it."
The follow-up to 2015's Fallen marks STRYPER's first effort since the addition of former FIREHOUSE bassist Perry Richardson. Perry joined the band as the replacement for STRYPER's longtime bassist Tim Gaines, who was fired from the group last year.
Perry did not play bass on God Damn Evil due to scheduling constraints. The bass tracks on God Damn Evil were laid down by John O'Boyle, who played bass on Sweet's last two solo albums.
STRYPER will return to the road this year, kicking off the God Damn Evil World Tour at the at the Frontiers Rock Festival in Milan, Italy on April 28th. Tour dates will be posted as confirmed at: www.stryper.com/Tour/tour.html
God Damn Evil track listing:
1. “Take It To The Cross”
2. “Sorry”
3. “Lost”
4. “God Damn Evil”
5. “You Don't Even Know Me”
6. “The Valley”
7. “Sea Of Thieves”
8. “Beautiful”
9. “Can't Live Without Your Love”
10. “Own Up”
11. “The Devil Doesn't Live Here”
Frontiers SLR online: www.frontiers.it/index.php & www.facebook.com/frontiersmusicsrl
STRYPER online: www.stryper.com & www.facebook.com/Stryper
NEWS BRIEFS
* Slovakia’s SIGNUM REGIS is currently at work on a new album:
“We have started recording the new album! Yes, that’s right. We have a long journey ahead, but we have already walked a couple of miles towards our goal. The songwriting is done to a large extend, some instruments and vocals are recorded. We will have a special guest on the album. David Åkesson from Sweden will do the backing vocals for us. He is really good at this and we are happy to have him on board.”
* Vocalist and guitarist Terry Friesen reports that a new SOMBRE HOLIDAY album is in the works. According to Terry, the group has spent the past eight months finalizing 12 new songs that will lyrically and musically tie directly with its fourth album from 2017, The Sea Of Distance. Even though both albums are meant to go together - Sea Of Distance is a concept release revolving around our modern struggles with relationships, with God and the people in our lives - the groups new songs also stand on their own. Musically, Terry described the new material as ‘melodic, heavy and serious and sounding powerful and deep’.
* The Bearded Dragon’s online interview with TEMPLE OF BLOOD: www.macebeard.doodlekit.com/blog/entry/4436746/interview-temple-of-blood/13
ARTIST COMMENTARY
Vocalist Michael Sweet in regards to his favorite songs off the new STRYPER album, God Damn Evil (Facebook - April 12, 2018):
“This may seem a little premature but since I've been living with the new album I thought I'd share my thoughts on a few of my favorites tracks:
"Sorry" - From the moment this riff was written I was hooked on this song. There's something to be said about simplicity and power as well as a timely message. It started as one of my favorites and will remain one of my favorite all around Stryper songs. This one would have gone to #1 if there still was an MTV/Dial MTV.
"GDE" - This IS our modern day THWTD! It's a mid tempo metal track and an anthem for our times. It's as catchy as a fly ball to center field. I'm guessing this is one that we'll be playing for a long time to come.
"You Don't Even Know Me" - This one has a slower groove and is a little more on the dark side musically but man it moves me. It's the one that I keep repeating over and over. Lyrically it speaks of people on social media who speak badly of other people without even knowing them. It's powerful!
"The Valley" - Whoa! This one is the real deal! It's chugging, powerful track that has a even more powerful message - Psalm 23: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil". The chorus is "heavenly" and reminds me of the background vocals you would expect from our heyday. The video is killer! Coming 4/19.
"Beautiful" - This track is a melodic metal blend of chug and beauty. It takes you back to 1986 yet has a modern twist as well. A mid tempo groove with very cool vocals and solos. Wow!
"Can't Live Without Your Love" - This is a straight ahead rock ballad and there's no maple syrup here. It has some very cool guitar work and a chorus that'll stay in your head until forever. Another one I have in repeat.
“So there you have it. My favs so far and who knows, maybe this will change tomorrow.”
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
ARMAGEDDON, The Money Mask Vinyl Re-issue Announced by Retroactive Records:
Release date of June 10, 2018.
Press Release / This is the second release in a series called ‘From The Vault’ on Retroactive Records, with the 1993 KILLED BY CAIN self-titled debut the first, to feature basic packaging similar to the Roxx Records Underground Series: a two sided full color jacket with lyrics and a spine is included along with a re-sealable poly sleeve holds the vinyl.
Originally released on Talkingtown Records in 1989, The Money Mask is full on traditional and power metal masterpiece for fans of IRON MAIDEN, SACRED WARRIOR, BARREN CROSS, JUDAS PRIEST and SAINT.
Digitally re-mastered by Rob Colwell at Bombworks Sound in 2018 and limited to just 150 copies world-wide, this is some seriously limited edition melodic metal ear candy! Don't delay - as we expect these to sell out quickly! This is the first official, band-sponsored release of this classic album on vinyl.
The 80% Angelic Warlord review described ARMAGEDDON as ‘(comparing) favorably to not just Saint and Judas Priest but also Metal Church, Armored Saint, Philadelphia and Vicious Rumors.’ The group, at the same time, is 'not afraid to imbue its sound with aspects of thrash, speed and even melodic metal, while also making occasional use of big backing vocals that almost hint of Queen.’
ARMAGEDDON returned in 2015 to release its sophomore album Up In Flames (under the new moniker ARMAGEDDON USA).
The Money Mask track listing:
1. “The Money Mask”
2. “Mercenaries Of Injustice”
3. “More Than Conquerors”
4. “Looking Out For You”
5. “The Ship Of Changes”
6. "(Liberation From) The Blazing Wasteland"
7. "Nightlight"
8. "Giving It To You"
9. "The Judge"
10. "We’re Outa’ Here"
The Money Mask vinyl pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/armageddon-money-mask-from-the-vaults-series-new-vinyl-2018-retroactive-records
Former KAMELOT Singer ROY KHAN Releases Debut Solo Song, “For All”:
Former KAMELOT singer Roy Khan (full name: Roy Sætre Khantatat) has released his first-ever solo song called "For All". The track, which was written by Khan, was recorded at Stable Studios in Oslo, Norway in March 2018 and features Roy on vocals, piano and keyboards alongside Leif Johansen on fretless bass and Geir Olav Akselsen on all guitars.
After his departure from KAMELOT seven years ago, Khan, who is a devout Christian, joined a church in the coastal town of Moss, Norway. As an employee of Moss Frikirke, Khan worked with the youth, mainly with the choir and the skaters of the village. Roy stopped working at the church in September 2016, but is reportedly still living and working in Moss.
Khan announced his exit from KAMELOT in April 2011 after taking several months off to recover from "burnout." He explained in a statement at the time via his official MySpace blog (down since):
“There have been a lot of speculations around why I am not touring with Kamelot and I want to make a statement although it may not prevent further guessing as to what’s actually going on. It is a fact however that I told the guys in the band already last fall (well after my burnout) that I was leaving the band. Naturally enough they were shocked (as was the label and everyone else working with Kamelot). In addition to risk of dropping ticket sales, they wanted to give me time to think things over, and so I did. My decision still stands; It is finished.
“I am currently spending time with my family in Norway taking it easy and wondering profoundly what the future is going to bring. Communication with the outer world has been so and so. But I have had several talks with Thomas (Youngblood, guitars) along the way although I am still called in sick. I am terribly sorry that my decision is affecting so many others and I want you to know I wish the band & associates all the best for the future and that I enjoyed every second in the spotlight. How could I not… they were nourished by the best fans in the world! I am eternally thankful for everything you and Kamelot have given me and equally sorry that it has to end here. The good news is; God was there after all…”
Roy Khan online: www.facebook.com/Roy-Khan
MILLENNIAL REIGN - “Break The Tide” Music Video Released:
Press Release / US power metal band MILLENNIAL REIGN just released a music video for "Break The Tide", the first single from their new album The Great Divide. The Great Divide is scheduled for release on May 25th in Europe and North America through Ulterium Records and will be available on CD, LP and digital. The LP edition is strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide.
The album features new members Travis Wills (vocals), Steve Nichols (drums) and Neil Bertrand (bass) together with founding member Dave Harvey (guitars). The Great Divide is the follow-up to Carry The Fire, the groups 2015 label debut with Sweden’s Ulterium Records. Since the release of Carry The Fire, the band toured with STRYPER on its To Hell With The Devil 30th Anniversary Tour as well as supported bands like SONATA ARCTICA, LEAVES’ EYES, THEOCRACY, OMNIUM GATHERUM, HAMMERFALL and Joe Lynn Turner.
The Great Divide feels like a more focused and powerful album than its precursor, and new vocalist Travis Wills (INFIDEL RISING) really shines through the album with his raw and emotional vocals. Fast, catchy songs like "Break The Tide" and "Imagine" are mixed with epic songs like "Till The End" and "Wounds In Hand" and together they form a great collection of songs.
The Great Divide is a real strong US power metal album that should be perfect for fans of QUEENSRYCHE, CRIMSON GLORY, STRYPER and THEOCRACY!
The Great Divide track listing:
1. “The Genesis”
2. “Break The Tide”
3. “More Than Scars”
4. “Imagine”
5. “Till The End”
6. “In Your Silence”
7. “The Day The Sun Stood Still”
8. “Behind The Time”
9. “Wounds In Hand”
10. “The Great Divide”
MILLENNIAL REIGN tour dates
Mar 29-31: Exodo Fest - Tlaxcala, Mexico
Jun 01: Gas Monkey Live - Dallas, TX (with STRYPER)
Jun 18: Trees - Dallas, TX (with HAMMERFALL)
Ulterium Records online: www.ulterium-records.com & www.facebook.com/ulteriumrecords
MILLENNIAL REIGN online: www.millennialreign.com & www.facebook.com/millennialreign
NEWS BRIEFS
* Update from Retroactive Records regarding JERUSALEM CD re-issues:
“The reissues will include the first six JERUSALEM albums with ALL songs originally included on the original release. We will also include the track "Time" from the Front Row compilation. Dancing On The Head Of The Serpent will be a two CD set, with Disc One being the USA version and Disc Two the European version. Yes there's a HUGE difference- the European release is way more guitar dominated and edgy.
“Each release will be packaged in jewel cases with 12 page inserts, fully re-mastered to digital perfection! You will be getting classic CCM Rock and Metal in Volume 1, Volume 2, Warrior, Can't Stop Us Now, Live In His Majesty's Service, and Dancing On the Head Of The Serpent as individual releases! We expect the first three to be released in June 2018 and the second of three releases to be released in August 2018!”
* New album on the way from THE NEAL MORSE BAND (as noted by drummer Mike Portnoy during a recent podcast at Prog Report):
“We pretty much wrote the entire album back in January when we got together. It’s very much in the style of Solo Scriptura (Morse’s sixth solo album from 2007) or Bridge Across Forever (second TRANSATLANTIC album from 2001), it’s long songs. I think it’s an amazing album but the honest answer is we’re still doing some tweaking to the arrangements. Neal had some ideas that he wanted to incorporate so now we’re doing some rearranging to what we had written. We could have recorded the album as is and it would still have been amazing but Neal’s got some inspiration that we’re kind of injecting into what we currently have. So we’re still in the kind of rearranging mode and once we get that to where we’re all happy, we’ll begin the tracking and you know we’ll see where the timeline puts us. But I would assume we should have something out by the end of this year or early next year and as much touring as we can to follow.”
* No Other God (N.O.G.), the new metal and hard rock project to feature vocalist Dale Thompson (BRIDE, THE WORLD WILL BURN & PERPETUAL PARANOIA), released its debut single, "Walk By Faith": www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6A4B73yODo
* SUNROAD, “In The Sand” official video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwFgIpsnN0w
The song comes off the group’s 2017 Roxx Records sixth full-length and 85% Angelic Warlord reviewed album Wing Seven.
* “The Resurrection”, official lyric video from XT: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MifZVycVV9w
Appearing on XT’s first album in 22 years, Saved By The Blood, “The Resurrection” is the final video of a trilogy that also includes “The Last Supper” and “The Crucifixion”.
“The Last Supper” can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdtSJEDGFGM and “The Crucifixion” at www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0AsyvPMVtQ
ARTIST COMMENTARY
Vocalist Dale Thompson in regards to the upcoming BRIDE album, Snake Eyes (Facebook - April 7, 2018):
“I do not think this is letting the ‘cat out of the bag’. I wanted to share a couple of the song titles from the new Bride CD Snake Eyes with you so you could start thinking what the CD might sound like and allude too. One of my favorites on the CD is called "Fake News”. "Other Side of Suicide" is a song that hits very close to home. "I Think I'll Build The Bomb”. Yep I go there. And one of the most contagions songs is called "Famous When I'm Dead”. Can't wait for you to hear the entire CD and give us feedback about which songs are your favorite. Sooner release than the last time I mentioned it.”
Vocalist & bassist Chris Dickens in regards to the next BIG CHRIS & D’BARE BONES BAND album, Man Overboard (Facebook - April 8, 2018):
“I have mixes of seven songs currently done for the Man Overboard album. Two are keepers and the rest have minor adjustments to do. I can see this album taking shape. I loved the debut, but this is gonna be great! You will hear a lot of influences come through on this recording. You will hear some traditional blues, some classic 70/80s rock, some Texas swing, and even an acapella song that would work on a southern gospel or 50s do-wah album.
“Lyrically, this is just as diverse and fun. Songs range from telling stories, personal confession and prayer, a parody, some bold declarations of my faith, and some general silliness, too. This isn't your typical CCM record, folks! Hang tight for the next installment of Big Chris & D'Bare Bones Band!”
ARTICLES
Angelic Warlord Top 20 Albums Of 2017:
Angelic Warlord recently uploaded an article in which it outlines its top 20 metal and hard rock albums released in 2017. Following is an excerpt from the article:
Musically, I like to define 2017 as lacking the star-studded appeal to previous years - noting how 2016 featured new albums from Theocracy and The Neal Morse Band, while 2015 produced the latest offerings by LEAH and Stryper - but it by no means was without its share of accolades either. Read Full Article >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
HEARTWIND, New AOR Project Featuring Vocalist Germán Pascual:
Debut album Higher & Higher Scheduled for release April 27, 2018 via AOR Heaven:
Press Release / With members from bands like CONSTANCIA, THE POODLES, TOKEN, NARNIA & ESSENCE OF SORROW, and with guest starts like Nina Söderquist (BJORN SKIFS/BADROCK, CHAMPIONS OF ROCK) Janne Stark (GRAND DESIGN, MOUNTAIN OF POWER) and Tåve Wanning (THE VOIE, ADRENALINE RUSH, PEACHES) new melodic hard rockers HEARTWIND may come across as one of those one off band projects, but nothing could be more far from the truth. HEARTWIND is the story of two old friends, with a common love for classical melodic hard rock and AOR, that after fifteen years of friendship started to write the album they always had wanted to listen to themselves. Over a meal in downtown Stockholm, guitar player and songwriter Goran Engvall (formerly OF HITWORKS) and progressive/melodic keyboard player and fellow songwriter Mikael Rosengren (CONSTANCIA, TOKEN, SCUDIERO), laid down the vision for what was yet to come.
15 original songs and 12 months later, Mikael started to pull some strings from his many fellow musicians in the Swedish hard rock scene since 20 years back. The two songwriters were amazed with the positive response they got on their first demos, from hard rock industry people & fans. It became evident that they were going to be able to attract some great talent to the album and the band. Believing in the importance of fellowship and a strong people fit when starting a band, Mikael and Göran started to dig in closest ground: Drummer Peter Svensson (CONSTANCIA, FAITH) and singer Germán Pascual (solo artist, DIVINEFIRE, NARNIA, DJ MENDEZ, ESSENCE OF SORROW), happily joined the band, and two key pieces of the puzzle came into place. With Peter and Germán onboard, the band knew they had both a powerful backbone and a phenomenal front man in place!
Germán invited his old friends, and former band mates, guitar virtuoso Martin Hall (GERMÁN PASCUAL BAND)and bass wizard Germain Leth (THE POODLES, WATCHMEN) to join the band and magic was about to happen. When also the very well respected Fredrik Folkare (UNLEASHED, FIRESPAWN, ECLIPSE SCUDIERO), accepted to team up to produce and mix, the band knew they had something special going. Fredrik’s contribution also as a musician on the album (guitar & bass) cannot be underestimated. With classical albums like Hysteria (DEF LEPPARD), 1987 (WHITESNAKE) and Escape (JOURNEY) serving as inspiration, the intention from the band has been to get every single track to stand on its own two feet! Timeless melodic hard rock with a modern but still genuine sound!
Higher & Higher track listing:
1. “Higher And Higher”
2. “Cry Out Into Space”
3. “Ready For The Moonlight”
4. “One Night Sway From You”
5. “Surrounding Me
6. “Through The Light”
7. “Too Late For Roses”
8. “Creatures Of The Night”
9. “Don’t Be That Girl”
10. “Your Eyes Cannot Lie”
11. “Game Of Love”
AOR Heaven online: www.aorheaven.com & www.facebook.com/aorheaven
HEARTWIND online: www.heartwind.se & www.facebook.com/Heartwindtheband
NEWS BRIEFS
* ANGELIC FORCES, Soldiers Of The Cross album teaser: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTk_jaEBzhg
Soldiers Of The Cross, originally a custom cassette release from 1986, is scheduled for re-issue by Roxx Records on May 4, 2018.
* Update from vocalist Dale Thompson in regards to new BRIDE album, Snake Eyes (Facebook - March 30, 2018):
“Okay here is what is happening. The Bride CD Snake Eyes is being mixed in Brazil and we look to having it finished in about two weeks and then delivered to Retroactive Records, who have everything already in place for the manufacturing and distribution of the CD and music. Retroactive will be filling all of the pre-paid orders and sending everyone that has contributed to the Bride CD fund a CD. Snake Eyes is a labor of love and sacrifice from everyone involved. We have put forth an incredible effort and have a strong inclination that you guys are going to be very pleased with the end result. Thank you again for your amazing patience while we make this project just right.”
* New CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE album update from Oz Fox (STRYPER) & Tony Palacios (GUARDIAN): www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0nW8RaL008
* Randy Rhodes tribute by MILLENNIAL REIGN guitarist Dave Harvey: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fY29tAXWemY
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
ANGELIC FORCE - Soldiers Of The Cross Re-issue On Roxx Records:
Release date: May 4, 2018
Press Release / Roxx Records is very happy to announce a very limited CD only pressing of another long lost Christian Metal gem! Please welcome to the Roxx Records fold ANGELIC FORCE, whom feature vocalist Stacy Carrera (BLUE IV) and guitarist Robert Gutierrez (ULTIMATUM). That’s right straight up power metal from this New Mexico based Christian Metal band (pre ULTIMATUM). This project has NEVER been available on CD and is going to be limited to a one time pressing of only 300 copies.
ANGELIC FORCE started in 1986 and released their first full-length album (cassette only) titled Soldiers Of The Cross, which was a very limited pressing. In 1989 the band would record one more two song demo that was never released and then the band would call it a day as Robert went on to form ULTIMATUM.
Now for the first time ever both the debut album and two-song demo have been re-mastered by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound, while new artwork and design has been done by Scott Waters of No Life Til Metal. This special limited edition package is set to be released in a jewel case edition with an 8-page booklet with rare and exclusive photos and brand new liner notes from Stacy and Robert.
Get in on this true piece of Christian Metal history quick, because like we said earlier it is a one time special pressing of only 300 copies!
Soldiers Of The Cross pre-order: http://roxxrecords.storenvy.com/products/23531973-angelic-force-soldiers-of-the-cross-2018
Roxx Records Announce Debut Solo Album Of Fred Mika, Withdrawal Symptoms:
Press Release / Melodic rock fans need to take note in that some excellent new melodic rock is coming your way via Brazil. Hot off the heels of the latest and successful SUNROAD album Wing Seven, Roxx Records is excited to again be working with a member of SUNROAD. This time we are bringing you the debut solo album from one of Brazil’s premiere hard rock drummers, Fred Mika of SUNROAD.
On May 4th of 2018 we will release the brand new solo album Withdrawal Symptoms from Fred Mika. The album also features a plethora of well known musical guests, including Carl Dixon (THE GUESS WHO, CONEY HATCH, APRIL WINE), Michael Voss (MAD MAX), Daniel Vargas, Rod Marenna, Steph Honde and André Adonis to name a few.
Check out the new single 'Wired In”, which features guest vocals from Carl Dixon: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp0ag52J194
Withdrawal Symptoms track listing:
1. “The Coming of Symptoms (Intro)”
2. “Wired In”
3. “Artwork Nightmare”
4. “Sly Side Effect”
5. “Silence in Heaven”
6. “Saints Spirits & Slaves Sinners”
7. “First Day Without You (Acoustic)”
8. “Sharppia”
9. “Dawning Of Aquarius”
10. “Second Skin Arena”
11. “Miss Misery”
Withdrawal Symptoms pre-order: http://roxxrecords.storenvy.com/products/23499534-fred-mika-withdrawal-symptoms-2018
MILLENNIAL REIGN - New Album The Great Divide Announced:
Press Release / US power metal band MILLENNIAL REIGN will release its new album The Great Divide on May 25 in Europe and North America through Ulterium Records. The album will be available on CD, LP and digital. The LP edition is strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide.
The album features new members Travis Wills (vocals), Steve Nichols (drums) and Neil Bertrand (bass) together with founding member Dave Harvey (guitars). The Great Divide is the follow-up to Carry The Fire, the groups 2015 label debut with Sweden’s Ulterium Records. Since the release of Carry The Fire the band toured with STRYPER on it To Hell With The Devil 30th Anniversary Tour as well as supported bands like SONATA ARCTICA, LEAVES’ EYES, THEOCRACY, OMNIUM GATHERUM, HAMMERFALL and Joe Lynn Turner.
The Great Divide feels like a more focused and powerful album than its precursor and new vocalist Travis Wills (INFIDEL RISING)really shines through the album with his raw and emotional vocals. Fast, catchy songs like "Break The Tide" and "Imagine" are mixed with epic songs like "Till The End" and "Wounds In Hand" and together they form a great collection of songs.
The Great Divide is a real strong US power metal album that should be perfect for fans of QUEENSRYCHE, CRIMSON GLORY, STRYPER and THEOCRACY!
The Great Divide track listing:
1. “The Genesis”
2. “Break The Tide”
3. “More Than Scars”
4. “Imagine”
5. “Till The End”
6. “In Your Silence”
7. “The Day The Sun Stood Still”
8. “Behind The Time”
9. “Wounds In Hand”
10. “The Great Divide”
MILLENNIAL REIGN tour dates
Mar 29-31: Exodo Fest - Tlaxcala, Mexico
Jun 01: Gas Monkey Live - Dallas, TX (with STRYPER)
Jun 18: Trees - Dallas, TX (with HAMMERFALL)
Ulterium Records online: www.ulterium-records.com & www.facebook.com/ulteriumrecords
MILLENNIAL REIGN online: www.millennialreign.com & www.facebook.com/millennialreign
XT Debut “The Crucifixion" Official Video:
“The Crucifixion ”, a new video from XT, can be seen above. The song is taken off the Swedish group’s first album in twenty-two years, Saved By The Blood, which it released via Talking Music on October 17, 2017.
“The Crucifixion” is the second video of a trilogy that also includes Saved By The Blood tracks “The Last Supper” and “The Resurrection”. A lyric video for “The Last Supper” was uploaded by the group last week: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdtSJEDGFGM
XT represents a partnership between guitarist Björn Stigsson (LEVITICUS) and vocalist Sonny Larsson (MOTHERLODE), whom founded the group in 1991 and released the AOR/pop based sounds of its self-titled debut the following year. In 1993, XT took a heavier melodic hard rock direction on sophomore effort Taxfree, while 1995 saw the release of Extended Empire with its experimental heavy metal based sound.
All three XT albums were released worldwide via Viva Records and sold very well, especially in Japan.
In addition to Stigsson and Larsson, the current XT line up includes bassist Peter Carlsohn (JERUSALEM), keyboardist Dan Tibell (JERUSALEM) and drummer Mick Nordström (MODEST ATTRACTION).
The 85% Angelic Warlord review described Saved By The Blood as delivering ‘a seventies influenced sound heavily rooted in AOR tinged melodic hard rock (hooks aplenty of a commercial form) and classic rock (laced with abounding blues elements and the organ to match).’
XT previously recorded a music video for the track “I Will Follow You”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GFGGGHyYaI
Saved By The Blood track listing:
1. “Watchman”
2. “The One”
3. “I Will Follow You”
4. “All Of Your Love”
5. “What’s Going On”
6. “The Last Supper”
7. “The Crucifixion”
8. “Resurrection”
Talking Music online: www.talkingmusic.se & www.facebook.com/talkingmusic
XT online: www.facebook.com/xtsweden
NEWS BRIEFS
* DREAM PATROL is the new band to feature vocalist Eli Prinsen (THE SACRIFICED) and SIGNUM REGIS members guitarist Filip Koluš and bassist Ronnie König. Second guitarist Libor Křivák and drummer Večeřa Radim round out the DREAM PATROL line up.
The group recently uploaded a lyric video to the track “Dream Patrol”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofSy2mwCyS0
DREAM PATROL is currently looking for a label to release its debut album Phantoms Of The Past, which it reports is 95% completed.
Further details: www.facebook.com/DreamPatrol
* LEAH update in regards to new album:
“I have received all the mixes back from Jacob Hansen in Denmark and I couldn't be happier! The songs sound so crisp, clear, powerful, and magical - all at the same time! I am so happy with them and I hope you will be too. I don't have any official release dates for you yet, but I'll definitely keep you in the loop as soon as I have one.
“In the meantime, the artwork is just about finished for the cover, and again, I am amazed by what the most talented people I work with can do! It will be a little bit different this time around, but I am very happy with the result so far!
“The coming weeks have me and my team are preparing to launch a crowd funding campaign in the near future. If you'd like to join the LEAH street team & help promote the album - Go HERE”* Teaser for new SACRED WARRIOR song, “Blood River”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVYABwIveMg
The group plans to release “Blood River” as a single in the near future.
* Deen Castronovo (REVOLUTION SAINTS) recently recorded vocals to the title track of the upcoming TOURNIQUET album (as noted by drummer Ted Kirkpatrick (Twitter - March 16, 2018):
“Listening back to the vocals my good friend and brother in faith Deen Castronovo just recorded for the crazy title track of the upcoming Tourniquet album. Six words: Amazing - he just totally killed it!”
ARTIST COMMENTARY
Vocalist Michael Sweet in regards to the meaning behind the title to the new STRYPER album, God Damn Evil (from a recent online interview at Sleaze Roxx):
“We didn’t do it just to shake things up. We have a point to prove in a statement. A few years back we thought about using this title. We didn’t go with it because we felt it was a little too much at that time. Now in 2018, with everything that we’ve seen on the news, the evil we’re faced with on a daily basis to new levels and new degrees, it made perfect sense for us to have an album called God Damn Evil. It’s a prayer request. It is what it is. It’s not a swear, it’s not just the shock statement, it’s a prayer request, and we’re asking God to damn the evil that we see. It should be a prayer for everybody. Some people are freaking out thinking you’re taking the Lord’s name in vain, and it’s not that at all.”
Read the full interview: HERE
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
Divebomb Records To Re-Issue Sixth MELIAH RAGE Album, Masquerade:
Release date April 13, 2018:
In the mid-2000s, legendary Boston power thrashers MELIAH RAGE found themselves prepped to create a brand new album with all five original members in tow. Drummer Stuart Dowie had returned for 2006’s The Deep And Dreamless Sleep, and even fan-favorite vocalist Mike Munro had agreed to find time amidst his family commitments to join up for one more album. Bassist Jesse Johnson ultimately decided to step aside, however, at which point the band brought in Darren Lourie - formerly of TRIPHAMMER/EVERY SECOND - to complete the lineup.
Realizing in retrospect that The Deep And Dreamless Sleep may have been overly mid-paced and one-sided, chief songwriter Anthony Nichols set out to write the group’s most guitar-centric album to date - slightly thrashier, and with an occasionally increased emphasis on dual guitar harmonies. Produced by WARGASM’s Rich Spillberg and featuring a guest vocal appearance from then METAL CHURCH front man Ronny Munroe on “Last Rites,” the result was MASQUERADE: a nearly hour-long return to form for MELIAH RAGE.
Unfortunately, Screaming Ferret Wreckords was on the decline, so the album was merely released as a CD-R and without a sufficient promotional presence. The band only performed a small handful of shows with Munro back on the mic - among them opening for ANVIL at the House of Blues in Boston - but this brief reunion still satisfied longtime fans, both live and on record.
Now, nearly a decade later, Divebomb Records is proud to partner with MELIAH RAGE for this reissue of Masquerade: finally on proper CD for the first time ever! Newly re-mastered by Peter Rutcho, this edition also features complete lyrics, as well as a retrospective interview with guitarist Anthony Nichols.
Vocalist Mike Munro made the following statement of faith in a MySpace post from 2009:
“My God loves me no matter what. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and He makes me whole. I have Jesus as my Savior and He is the key to my Heavenly Father.
“God sent his Son so we can live with Him for eternity in Heaven. This fact was a crossroads for me. I had a tough time dealing with my background - my past actions and what I wrote about in my songs for Meliah Rage. If anything, my lyrics pulled people away from God. I thought, “How can God forgive me for that?” He can… and He promises that He will.”
Munro, who contributed lyrics to 8 of the 9 songs on Masquerade, is very forthright about his faith throughout the project, such as on opening track “Lost And Found”:
I am He who searches mind and heart
The Faithful and Truth the Morning Star
I am Son of Man King of Kings
The First and Last to Him I sing
On the albums title track he is every bit as upfront:
I need a Savior. I need the Son
Fires in the heavens, rolling on and on
Deliverance from the Mighty
Bring me to Your home
As noted in the 90% Angelic Warlord review to Masquerade: “Musically, Meliah Rage has always walked a find line between classic heavy metal and thrash. Masquerade proves no exception. Fans of Metal Church, Vicious Rumors and the 80’s Bay Area thrash scene will find a lot to like here. I might also mention Fires Of Babylon (due to the heavy riff emphasis), Armageddon (the vocal approach) and old school Deliverance (nuff said), but I can see anyone into classic US power metal embracing this.”
Masquerade track listing:
1. “Lost Or Found”
2. “Chosen”
3. “History Will Tell”
4. “Dreamer”
5. “Seeker”
6. “Hour Glass”
7. “Masquerade”
8. “Last Rites”
9. “Whatever It Takes”
Masquerade pre-order: http://divebombrecords.bigcartel.com/product/meliah-rage-masquerade
STRYPER Release “Sorry” Music Video:
Press Release / Chart-topping melodic metal band STRYPER has released the official music video for “Sorry” - the first video from their upcoming 10th studio album, God Damn Evil, due April 20, 2018 from Frontiers Music SRL. STRYPER reunited with director Jamie Brown of Smoking Gun Productions for the "Sorry" video, which was shot on location in the open desert outside of Las Vegas.
“'Sorry' is a song with a groove that chugs right along,” says fron tman Michael Sweet who also produced the album. "It's got a heavy feel yet it also has a melodic sense and a chorus that may have you singing along. We've always been drawn to harmonies and melodies and this one doesn't fall short. Lyrically it speaks of a volatile relationship and it gives hope to anyone who has been involved in one. Every song is unique in its own way on God Damn Evil and there's something for everyone. We're counting the days to April 20th!"
With God Damn Evil, the band returns with their most powerful album to date, doubling down on the hard rock/heavy metal sound that earned them a worldwide fan base. Following the album’s announcement and pre-order launch on February 9th, God Damn Evil rocketed to #1 on the Hard Rock Chart at Amazon.com, where it remains in the Top 10 more than a month later.
God Damn Evil is the first release since the recent addition of bass player Perry Richardson, who joins original members Michael Sweet (vocals and guitar), Robert Sweet (drums) and Oz Fox (guitar). Perry is best known as a founding member of the multi-platinum band FIREHOUSE.
Rocking since 1984, STRYPER is responsible for such classic '80s metal albums as Soldiers Under Command, To Hell with the Devil and In God We Trust. In fact, STRYPER is the first band to ever have two songs in MTV’s Top 10 simultaneously with their hits “Free” and “Honestly.” After a sabbatical for much of the 1990's, STRYPER returned strong in the early 21st century. To date, the Dove Award-winning and GRAMMY-nominated band has sold over 10 million records worldwide.
God Damn Evil is the follow-up to STRYPER’s ninth studio album, Fallen (Frontiers Music SRL), which released in 2015 and debuted at the top of the Billboard charts. 2016’s 30th Anniversary To Hell With The Devil Tour saw record crowds and featured the band’s largest sound and lighting production in nearly two decades.
STRYPER will return to the road this year, kicking off the God Damn Evil World Tour at the at the Frontiers Rock Festival in Milan, Italy on April 28th. Tour dates will be posted as confirmed at: www.stryper.com/Tour/tour.html
God Damn Evil is available now for pre-order at all major retailers including Amazon and iTunes. The following limited edition pre-order offers are also available:
God Damn Evil track listing:
1. “Take It To The Cross”
2. “Sorry”
3. “Lost”
4. “God Damn Evil”
5. “You Don't Even Know Me”
6. “The Valley”
7. “Sea Of Thieves”
8. “Beautiful”
9. “Can't Live Without Your Love”
10. “Own Up”
11. “The Devil Doesn't Live Here”
Stryper Webstore: Includes EXCLUSIVE yellow colored vinyl (limited to 100 copies worldwide), autographed vinyl test pressings, EXCLUSIVE t-shirt design (Stryper store ONLY), autographed CDs and more! Pre-order HERE: https://stores.portmerch.com/stryper
Frontiers U.S. Webstore: Includes EXCLUSIVE gold colored vinyl (limited to 100 copies worldwide), autographed vinyl test pressings, EXCLUSIVE t-shirt design (Frontiers store ONLY), autographed CDs and more! Pre-order HERE: http://pmusic.co/34WWZE
Frontiers EU Webstore: Includes EXCLUSIVE silver colored vinyl (limited to 100 copies worldwide) and more! Pre-order HERE: http://bit.ly/2nSs5ey
STRYPER online: www.stryper.com & www.facebook.com/Stryper
NEWS BRIEFS
* BraveWords interview with DELIVERANCE guitarist Glen Rogers: http://bravewords.com/features/deliverance-christian-thrash-metal
* “Slaves To The Flesh”, new song from CLEANZED SOUL: https://soundcloud.com/user-737587167/cleanzedsoul-slavetotheflesh-f3mst
* MALACHIA, “Lonely Is The Night” official video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQjx6E3JvMQ
The song comes off the upcoming (release date April 20, 2018) Roxx Records release Red Sunrise… The Complete Anthology.
* TIME HORIZON update in regards to next album (Facebook - March 15, 2018):
“Time Horizon has been in the studio working on demos toward a third release. So far we have been working on 4 songs. We have a couple 5min, one 7min and one 9 minute piece. We are looking forward to sharing some video as we take this new journey. The 2 new guys Roy (Faria, guitars) and David (Bradley Mau, vocals) have been getting involved in the song writing process, so it should have a different flavor than previous releases. But that sharing of ideas and synergy is what keeps things fresh and interesting.”
* Preview of WYTCH HAZEL recording new album: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhlBRhChlXg
FEATURED REVIEWS
CLEANZED SOUL - Cleanzed Soul
On one band, the group combines the at times heavy hitting guitars and others shuffling blues bass presence to Rez Band, but on others it can also touch upon a more melodic and commercially viable Aerosmith meets Guns N’ Roses type sound not unlike Bride. Read Full Review >>
DYNASTY - Step By Step
New wave of BRITISH heavy metal from BRAZIL. It’s go a certain ring to it, huh? And it works, particularly in light of how Nova Lima based veteran five piece act Dynasty has delivered a sizzling platter of straightforward heavy metal with the summer of 2017 release of its third-full length album, Step By Step. Read Full Review >>
ENZO & THE GLORY ENSEMBLE - In The Name Of The Son
If a fan of the debut or enjoy ‘metal opera’ releases in general (or a fan of many of the guest performers) then by all means make In The Name Of The Son a priority purchase- you will not be disappointed. Read Full Review >>
GALACTIC COWBOYS - Long Way Back To The Moon
No matter what sort of hard music enthusiast you are, some names you just know by instinct. Such as Galactic Cowboys, a moniker evoking images of a band that owns a ‘ranch on mars’ and is willing to ‘pump up the space suite’ in order to put ‘space in your face’ while suggesting it is a ‘long way back to the moon’. Read Full Review >>
GUARDIAN - First Watch (Retroactive re-issue) - NEW
The 1989 Enigma Records debut full length of Guardian, First Watch, needs little introduction as a classic melodic metal album worthy of a top five finish in our list of the Top 50 Christian Metal & Hard Rock Albums of the Eighties. Read Full Review >>
MAX BLAM JAM - Blow Up Man
At times groove based, at others funk driven but always drawing upon the bluesy aesthetic, Max Blam Jam reflects a wide array of musical influences to create its own eclectic if not outside the box form. Read Full Review >>
PASTOR BRAD - Highway 2 Heaven
The Highway 2 Heaven, third independently released parody covers album from Pastor Brad, verdict? Aside from more, please? Read Full Review >>
REVELATION - Spiritual Wind (Thrashback Records re-issue)
Revelation was one of the best-kept secrets of the eighties ‘white metal’ scene. Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
Kevin Windross Releases New Instrumental Hard Rock Album, Broken Brain:
Kevin Windross is an Australian guitar wizard and singer songwriter who has performed on many stages around Australia and internationally including Japan, Malaysia and Singapore.
Kevin has performed twice at the Japan Music Week Festival in Tokyo (2009-2010). A highlight of the 2010 festival saw him invited to share the stage with Mr Shiro Tanigawa, one of Japan's most respected rock guitarists. Subsequent visits to Tokyo include a two-week tour through Tokyo in 2013 with THE KEVIN WINDROSS BAND.
This tour resulted in Kevin scoring a distribution deal through Inside Out Music in Japan for the EP Loud & Clear. Kevin and band have also adorned many stages throughout Australia including most notably, Queensland tours with legendary Aussie guitarist, Phil Emmanuel.
Kevin's instrumental album Broken Brain (March of 2018) is his latest offering, joining his other works which include, Loud & Clear (2013, a lyrical based EP), instrumental album Standing Outside Circles (2009), Overworld (2007) with band EARLY WARNING SYSTEM and Hepzibah (1998) with three piece power trio, KILTER.
Kevin's music has been featured in Australian Guitar Magazine and he is endorsed by Berketa Guitars, Swing Guitars, Laboga Amplification, Pirana Amplification/Pedals AND Puretone Strings Australia.
Broken Brain line up:
Kevin Windross - Guitars, Bass & Synthesizers
Brendon Houlahan, Mark Searle & Paul Sweeney - Bass
Hugh Blemings - Piano & Synthesizers
Mark Searle - Synthesizers
Bach Francis Delaney III - Drums
Broken Brain track listing:
1. “La Dolce Vita (The Beautiful Life)”
2. “A Precarious Drive In The Country”
3. “El' Greco”
4. “Galaxias”
5. “Two Amigos”
6. “Bite The Bullet”
7. “Texas Highway (Route 69)”
8. “Meticulous Mechanic”
9. “Thy Deliverer”
10. “Broken Brain”
11. “This Is The End”
Kevin Windross online: https://kevinwindross.bandcamp.com/album/broken-brain-2
Roxx Records Announce MALACHIA: Red Sunrise… The Complete Anthology:
Release date April 20, 2018.
Press Release / Roxx Records is pleased to announce our next special Limited Edition re-master and reissue with you, it was a very personal one for us and quite the undertaking for all involved. We are very proud to bring the music and story of Los Angeles California’s very own MALACHIA back to life for everyone to enjoy!
MALACHIA burst in to the Christian Metal scene in 1984 and were very well received with a metal style very reminiscent of early QUEENSRYCHE. The bands very first full release was on vinyl only and very limited to only around 200 copies and was titled Under The Blade. T his vinyl release is nearly impossible to find today unless you are willing to pay high dollar for a copy on the very rare occasion one pops up on the market. It was also released in limited quantity on cassette, but never on CD.
Up next the band would release what could be considered their swan song with the full-length album Red Sunrise that was available on vinyl and cassette tape only, never officially on CD. All the while, the band was playing live anywhere and everywhere they possibly could. Playing many shows including making some festival appearances like the Metal Mardi Gras show in California in 1987.
Up next and what would ultimately be the last fully released and marketed track from the band would be a song that made its way on to a very high profile compilation at the time called California Metal II. Which the band actually recorded under the band name VISION at the time recording a track entitled “Runaway”. This compilation was headed up by veteran musicians and producers John and Dino Elefante, who gave the track a very polished and professional feel.
After that the band would attempt to continue on, but alas would ultimately come to an end before ever officially releasing any music again. The band had actually recorded but never released quite a few more demo tracks over the next few years, but those tracks were never released, until now.
Roxx Records is very excited to bring you a true collectible and a little piece of Christian Metal history back to life. This very special 2-disc limited edition set has been meticulously re-mastered and restored, with many never before released demos being culled from the only known source of some of these tracks, a sole cassette tape! Working with Wade Little of MALACHIA we began to work on putting this whole compilation together, gathering the tracks, reviewing many band archival photos, flyers and band promotional items.
For the first time ever the original full-length album Red Sunrise and the California Metal track have been completely remixed by producer Ken Roberts. Those tracks along with the tracks from Under The Blade and all of the unreleased demo tracks have been completely r-emastered and restored by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound for a total of 31 tracks in all, stretched over a full 2 disc set.
This compilation is not just a musical representation, but a complete story and visual glimpse in to the lives of a classic Christian rock band from the 80’s that tells the story of a band and their mission to rock the world and spread the word of God. Featuring new artwork, layout and design provided by Scott Waters of No Life til Metal, new liner notes, track by track write ups, and stories from all of the original band members in a full color 16 page booklet and Limited to a one time pressing of only 500 copies.
If that is not enough to draw you in, this special package has two more very special limited edition items for you to get in on! There will also be a 3rd disc, limited to the first 100 orders that captures the band live at the Metal Mardi Gras show in 1987. This is a very cool piece of the bands history, but it is pulled from a hand held recording and while it has been cleaned up, we still offer this as what we have officially dubbed the ‘Bootleg’ edition. This audio bonus disc is limited to only 100 copies worldwide!
But this last piece is what true collectors are going to want to get in on very quickly! Through Wade Little of MALACHIA we have purchased and will be offering a very, very, very limited 7” promotional record! There were only 100 copies of this promotional 7” record made and these are the very last copies in existence and they have been in storage for over 30 years. Brand new and never before played, there are only 25 copies of this 7” promotional single containing 2 tracks only.
Red Sunrise… The Complete Anthology 2-CD set pre-order: http://roxxrecords.storenvy.com/products/23444496-malachia-red-sunrise-anthology-2018-2-cd-set
Red Sunrise… The Complete Anthology 3-CD set pre-order: http://roxxrecords.storenvy.com/products/23444526-malachia-red-sunrise-anthology-2018-3-cd-set
Red Sunrise… The Complete Anthology 7” + 3-CD set pre-order: http://roxxrecords.storenvy.com/products/23444538-malachia-red-sunrise-anthology-2018-7-3-cd-set
NEWS BRIEFS
* Jimmy P. Brown II (DELIVERANCE) audio interview with As The Story Grows: www.asthestorygrows.com/7858daa6
ARTIST COMMENTARY
Michael Sweet in regards to fourth STRYPER album Against The Law (Facebook - March 4, 2018):
“So my post about STRYPER albums ranked best to worst (my list mind you) seemed to set a few people off. I put ATL at the bottom of the list
“There are many reasons why. First, we changed everything that made us stand out. Our look, our sound, our message, our attitudes, everything! We broke (and broke very big) based on the (yellow & black), original tones, original/classic songs and being absolutely one of a kind. Then we changed it all.
“All of a sudden we weren't really STRYPER anymore, we were just another band. Like it or not, it really didn't work either. The album tanked (compared to ALL the other albums) and it just didn't resonate with the majority of the fans.
“Some have said that it was a sign of the times. Grunge had moved in and metal was out. Interestingly, two years later my first solo album outsold ATL two to one and that album was as arena rock/80's sounding as they come. And it was only released through the Christian market.
“I get that we gained some new fans based on the new sound and that there are memories connected to that but with that being said, it just wasn't a great time for the band IMO.
“With all that being said, it's one of my least favorite STRYPER albums. There are some really great songs on it and everyone performed at the top of their game but, due to all the changes and the issues at the time, I can't rank it much higher. GDE, Soldiers Under Command, THWTD, NMHTP, Fallen, IGWT - those will always be at the top of my list for so many reasons.”
For those wondering, following is how the artists ranks each STRYPER album (Facebook - March 3, 2018):
1 - God Damn Evil
2 - Soldiers Under Command
3 - Fallen
4 - No More Hell To Pay
5 - To Hell With The Devil
6 - The Covering
7 - Second Coming
8 - Murder By Pride
9 - In God We Trust
10 - Reborn
11 - The Yellow & Black Attack (original)
12 - Against The Law
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
Debut single from PERPETUAL PARANOIA, “The Reapers”:
The name PERPETUAL PARANOIA lends itself to the thought of ongoing fear. It has an implication of something never-ending, yet something to be cautious of, maybe even to avoid. Perhaps, it is something to run from. However, the name PERPETUAL PARANOIA belongs to a musical entity that is the brainchild of two very distinct and unique talents in the metal world. Most definitely not something to run from, but something to take heed of!
In 2017 singer/songwriter, Dale Thompson, vocalist of iconic Christian metal band BRIDE along with NO OTHER GOD and THE WORLD WILL BURN, and flash-fingered guitarist/composer of Bay Area thrash band HAND OF FIRE, Tiago James de Souza met online. Thompson in New Zealand and Souza in California seems on the surface to be a pretty major obstacle to overcome. Yet, these two veteran metal musicians easily bridged the chasm of Pacific Ocean waters to begin composing a perfect blend of thrash, metal and hard rock in their respected countries. Both Thompson and Souza brought their ideas and talents together without ever meeting or rehearsing in the same room.
PERPETUAL PARANOIA was formed out of a blueprint of raw energy, superbly crafted with enough heaviness and edge to cut through the mire of formulated corporate metal that has recently sprung up. Powerful lyrics and vocal acrobatics expertly supplied by Thompson coupled with tasteful, yet unnerving guitar perfection and song writing of Souza has fueled 12 songs of massive power, frantic passion and devastating aggression.
After 30 years of world tours, Thompson has exclusively gone into studio recordings. Souza is currently still touring as the sole ax-wielder for HAND OF FIRE. The physical distance between the two is most definitely a non-issue. The combination of their collective talents has birthed an original blend of heaviness that does not disappoint.
Now, signed to Rottweiler Records, PERPETUAL PARANOIA is set to unleash caustic, hard-hitting metal offering that will shake the hardest metal fan to their core. Ongoing fear? Be afraid. Be very afraid!
Rottweiler Records online: http://rottweilerrecords.com & www.facebook.com/RottweilerRecords
PERPETUAL PARANOIA online: www.facebook.com/PerpetualParanoia
Retroactive Records Reveals PRODIGAL & LOYD BOLDMAN Re-issue Details:
Scheduled for release on April 10, 2018
Press Release / Based in Cincinnati, PRODIGAL was fully in tune with the sounds and spirit of the late 70’s and 80’s with the self-titled release of their 1982 debut album on Heartland Records. Fronted by keyboard wiz Loyd Boldman, PRODIGAL took their cues from technology driven bands like STYX and DEGARMO & KEY (especially the early years), but also showed influences from artists like STEELY DAN, AMBROSIA, SWEET COMFORT BAND and ATLANTA RHYTHM SECTION.
The album cover is notable for mimicking M. C. Escher's Relativity, but featuring imagery inspired by each of the song titles. Pop, funk, and bombastic rock music with unbelievable hooks and thought-filled lyrics that flew firmly in the face of the normal CCM fodder we were used to choking down. Where other artist bemoaned the struggles, pain and realities of life on this spinning globe, PRODIGAL placed themselves within that reality and expressed those struggles from one who is intimately aware and experienced with those struggles. The opening track “Invisible Man” speaks on behalf of forgotten people, rejected by society. “I Don’t Know Who You Are” is a standout track featuring the thoughts of a bewildered seeker. “Sleepwalker” focuses on pleasure seekers who go through life without acknowledging their need for something more substantial.
With PRODIGAL you get essential ear candy that touches the heart and soul. In fact, Prodigal struck such a chord with both critics and fans that it was named Album of the Year in 1982 by Group Magazine (along with Amy Grant’s Age to Age and PETRA’s More Power to Ya).
Long overdue for a reissue, this is the first time the self-titled 1982 album is digitally re-mastered as an individual CD release. The 2018 Retroactive Records reissue features the original album in all its brilliance plus four exclusive bonus tracks. Part of the Legends Re-mastered Series, this special release is packaged in a jewel case with a 12-panel booklet with lyrics and band photos. Get this essential CD or splurge for all three PRODIGAL CDs (and the Loyd Boldman 1988 solo CD Sleep Without Dreams) while you can!
Prodigal track listing: “Invisible Man”, “Easy Street”, “Fire With Fire”, “Sleepwalker”, “Want You Back Again”, “I Don’t Know Who You Are”, “Need Somebody To Love”, “Busy Man”, “Hard Bargain”, “Sidewinder”
Prodigal bonus tracks: “Sound Sheet Magazine Ad”, “Invisible Man” (Outtake), “Hard Bargain” (With Guitar Solo), ”One More Time” (Live)
Prodigal pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/prodigal-prodigal-legends-remastered-new-cd-2018-retroactive-special-pre-order-price
Press Release / Never one’s to rest on the accomplishments of their epic 1982 self-titled release, PRODIGAL surpassed ridiculous expectations for their sophomore effort with 1984’s Electric Eye. The album received Best of the Year honors in 1984 by both Contemporary Christian Music magazine and Campus Life Magazine. The album also received national attention for a unique promotional idea: a computer program for a Commodore 64 was mastered into a "stop-groove" at the end of the vinyl record, the first time this had ever been done. The program, if copied to a cassette tape could be loaded via cassette drive into a C-64 computer to reveal graphics, lyrics and a message from the band. The video for the song, "Boxes" won the very first Gospel Music Association Dove Award for music videos ("Best Visual Song"). The music video for the song "Fast Forward" was named Video of the Year.
The content on Electric Eye is beautifully portrayed on the album cover. We have surrounded ourselves with so much to entertain us and consume our time that the difference between reality and artificial are not just blurred but rather the artificial begins to be more “real.” Note how the actual lightning through the window is faded and bland while the same lightning shown on the television set is vibrant and exciting. This is expressed in different ways on the album along with a host of other topics that are both poignant and eternal. “Scene of the Crime” is the first song on the album and starts with a police siren leading into an aggressive guitar and keyboard driven rock sound akin to FOREIGNER or KANSAS. Lead singer Loyd Boldman’s bombastic baritone is both edgy and clean as needed with nods to Michael Been (THE CALL) for pure power. Humanity’s guilt is laid to bear within relationships and how we often leave others with wounds that never heal. But the murderous actions are not missed by the judge who sees all as this is pointed out. We can try to run from the pain and suffering we leave in our wake, but cannot escape a righteous judge. Boldman’s vocals at the end of the song place him amongst one the best unheralded rock voices in Christian music. You believe his words because you believe his passion and authenticity.
It was songs like that that set Electric Eye apart in 1984, and why it was ranked #20 on a 2010 list of Greatest Christian Albums of All Time and #43 on CCM’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The 2018 Retroactive Records Legends Re-mastered Series features the album re-mastered along with a second CD featuring their 30 minute Electric Eye Radio Special plus four additional bonus tracks, and break out those Commodore 64’s.... you even get the code! For fans of KANSAS, YES, SAGA, FOREIGNER, STYX, SUPERTRAMP, MR. MISTER and brilliant, life changing rock and roll! Get this essential CD or splurge for all three PRODIGAL CDs (and the Loyd Boldman 1988 solo CD Sleep Without Dreams) while you can!
Electric Eye track listing (disc one): “Scene Of The Crime”, “Fast Forward”, “Masks”, “Just What I Need”, “Emerald City”, “Electric City”, “Bobby”, “Shout It Out”, “Neon”, “Boxes”
Electric Eye track listing (disc two): “Electric Eye Radio Special Part 1”, “Electric Eye Radio Special Part 2”, “One Of Those Days” (Outtake), “Small Talk” (Basement Demo), “3 Or 4D” (Unfinished Demo), “Commodore 64 Code”
Electric Eye pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/prodigal-electric-eye-legends-remastered-new-2-cd-set-2018-retroactive-records-special-pre-order-price
Press Release / The Christian Music Archive said of the band's third album, Just Like Real Life, "This is an excellent album by one of the early new wave/rock hybrid bands of the early to mid-eighties, using equal parts keyboards and rock guitar. Sadly the band didn't get the recognition they so richly deserved, as this was a cut above most Christian albums of the time with instantly memorable songs and lyrics so intelligently written as to be in a class of their own. If they had been a secular band, they would have been early MTV stars.”
Just Like Real Life was one of CCM’s most original and authentic “rock” albums, merging the qualities of extremely well produced electronic sounds with a crunching and pulsing guitar throughout was virtually unheard of at the time. The constant theme running through this great project was alienation and lack of authentic relationship. Long before the iPhone, tablets and Facebook created shorter distances between those far away and longer distances from those most closest to us, the world still suffered the same plight. We are longing for contact and yet move mountains between us out of fear and pride. Advancements in technology only serve to make the plight more obvious. This would remain a trademark for the band. Authenticity was a rarity in the industry at the time and this band had it in spades. Loneliness and longing juxtaposed against hope and mercy permeate all three projects. There is never a point when the listener feels preached at, but rather the point of view always came across as the band was “in it” with their audience.
Music and culture critic, DW Dunphy put it this way: “I always believed PRODIGAL was always in the frame versus being the commentator outside of the frame. There were never airs about being the sanctified one shouting, “You need Jesus,” but a recognition that we’ve all sinned and come short of the glory of God, especially the forgiven.”
Just Like Real Life, the band’s third and last album, is filled with so much great music and original concepts that any description will fail to do it justice. Ranging from hard new wave to American progressive rock and roll there are eleven fantastic tracks here. Production quality is through the roof fantastic. The 2018 Retroactive Records CD reissue has 4 exclusive bonus tracks, completely re-mastered, and packaged in a jewel case with a 12 page insert featuring band pics and lyrics. Get this essential CD or splurge for all three PRODIGAL CDs (and the Loyd Boldman 1988 solo CD Sleep Without Dreams) while you can! For fans of MR. MISTER, THE CALL, TEARS FOR FEARS and the very best of anthemic 80’s driving pop and
Just Like Real Life track listing: “Future Now”, “Push And Shove”, “Safety In Numbers”, “Answering Machine”, “Under The Gun”, “Jump Cut (Just Like Real Life)”, “Incommunicado”, “Next Big Thing”, “Burn It Up”, “The Big Sleep”, “Just Make Up Your Mind”
Just Like Real Life bonus tracks: “Push And Shove”, “Next Big Thing”, “Jump Cut”, “Future Now”
Just Like Real Life pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/prodigal-just-like-real-life-new-cd-2018-retroactive-records-special-pre-order-price
Press Release / Loyd Boldman is the man most people credit as the lead vocalist and keyboardist of the epic 80’s Christian rock band, PRODIGAL. The reality is that at least three guys shared the lead vocals but without a doubt Loyd’s big baritone rock voice could fill stadiums with his whispers! Yes, it’s that powerful! After PRODIGAL released their third and last album in 1985, Loyd took the time to write and release some massive rock music with 1988’s Sleep Without Dreams. Now most fans never knew this release existed, let alone owned it because Loyd self released this album on his own independent record label and only released it on cassette. But when Retroactive Records licensed the reissues of the PRODIGAL titles, they couldn’t resist the opportunity to reissue Loyd’s rock masterpiece on CD for the very first time ever! Expect the typical lyrics that are both transparent and authentic, just like “Wall of Sound” where Loyd says,
I’ve got a cellar full of white noise
I’ve got a dozen pairs of running shoes
I’ve got a closet full of big toys I never get the time to use
Nobody wants to be the last in line so they beg and steal for borrowed time
Wanna stare God down ‘til they go blind
- that addresses our desire to fill our emptiness, and sometimes we do that with anything but God.
What does Sleep Without Dreams sound like? Fans of VECTOR, THE CALL, Robert Vaughn, Randy Stonehill, and Steve Scott will love it. Yes, it’s THAT good! The album has been digitally re-mastered from the master tapes, and packaged in a jewel case with a 12 page booklet featuring amazing band pictures, lyrics and a special tribute to Loyd written by PRODIGAL guitarist and long time friend, Rick Fields. Limited to just 500 copies, be sure to get this CD now while it’s readily available!
Sleep Without Dreams track listing: “Wall Of Sound”, “Emotional Shorthand”, “Meaningless Words”, “Sleep Without Dreams”, “Red Balloon”, “Emperor's Clothes”, “I Have The Love”, “As Much As I Need You”, “Names In Lights”, “Shiny Shoes”, “Maximum Poverty”, “Island Of The Innocent”
Sleep Without Dreams pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/loyd-boldman-prodigal-vocalist-sleep-without-dreams-new-cd-2018-retroactive-special-pre-order-price
NEWS BRIEFS
* Winter Film Awards online interview with BLOODGOOD bassist Michael Bloodgood (regarding the Trenches Of Rock film): https://winterfilmawards.com/2018/02/trenches-of-rock-explores-the-high-and-lows-of-christian-heavy-metal-band-bloodgood
* DENY THE FALLEN song samples from upcoming album Symptoms Of Eternity: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMDRCpQhWNc
* Roxx Records plans a re-issue of the LOVE LIFE 1991 debut Goodbye Lady Jane by end of the year (Facebook - February 25, 2018):
“Excited to announce Roxx Records just added one more re-master and reissue that will be out on vinyl and CD by the end of the year! Please welcome Gary Hanson, Larry Worley and Rod Romero with the amazing debut album from LOVE LIFE entitled Good Bye Lady Jane.”
ARTIST COMMENTARY
W.A.S.P. founding member and vocalist Blackie Lawless in regards to his return to the Christian faith (as taken from the “Rock Talk With Mitch Lafon” podcast from February 25, 2018):
"My uncle was a preacher, my dad was a Sunday school superintendent and my grandfather was a deacon, so I was there whenever the doors were open. I went to church all through my teenage years. Nobody made me go - I went because I wanted to. But I was fighting a war on two different fronts when I got into my late teens. I'll be honest - I was just selfish. I just wanted to do what I wanted to do. I had this rebellious streak of just wanting to live for myself. But also, there was an indoctrination thing going on inside the church that I didn't like, so I left the church, and when I came to California, I went as far away as you could go.
“I studied the occult for three years. I realized after a while that that was just swapping one organized religion out for another. I spent the next twenty years or so on a quest, searching for what for me needed to be done. I was looking for what the truth was. One of the things I was doing, I was trying to disprove the Bible, because I just didn't want to know about it. I was a fierce opponent of it. But at the same time, if you're going to be honest with something, you have to research it. I was reading one day and it hit me, and I realized, 'My god, I'm reading the living word of the living God.' None of my arguments could repudiate what I was reading anymore. That's how I came back to my faith. The more I tried to disprove it, the more it was painting me into a corner, to a point where I couldn't get out."
The full podcast can be streamed at: https://omny.fm/shows/rock-talk-with-mitch-lafon/w-a-s-p-blackie-lawless-and-alice-coopers-chuck-ga#sharing
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
DANIEL BAND Re-issues Announced by Retroactive Records:
Scheduled for release on April 10, 2018:
Press Release / Originally released in 1983, DANIEL BAND sophomore album Straight Ahead adheres to well earned rock formulas, taking bold and expansive moves. From the haunting melody of “In My Mind” to the visceral attack of “Lustful Illusions” and the in-your-face “Reality,” this collection of songs is an excursion to fresh musical avenues that never stray too far from the band’s signature offering of high-energy riffs and to-the-point lyrics.
The Retroactive Records Legends Re-mastered release has been digitally re-mastered by Rob Colwell at Bombworks Sound and it is packaged in a jewel case with a 12-page insert featuring new band pictures, lyrics, and a write up from Retroactive Records owner Matt Hunt! This release is for the collector that wants everything elite - the music, the packaging, the metal! For fans of TRIUMPH, RUSH, AC/DC, RESURRECTION BAND and JERUSALEM.
Straight Ahead track listing: “Power Of Love”, “You’re All I Need”, “Straight Ahead”, “Here I Am”, “T’ank You”, “Lustful Illusions”, “Reality”, “Come Into My Life”, “Comin’ Home”, “In My Mind”
Straight Ahead pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/daniel-band-straight-ahead-legends-remastered-new-cd-2018-retroactive-records
Press Release / Originally released in 1984, Run From the Darkness was DANIEL BAND’s personal salute to all those who can - and do - rock! With Run From The Darkness, the band pulls out all the stops, and pledges allegiance to the mid 80's era of classic hard rock and heavy metal. Toni Rossi peels off one meaty riff after another on swaggering commercial metal heavy weights like “Sixteen” and the title track. Perhaps no Christian metal song induced instant fist pumping and air guitar than “Walk on the Water,” which received generous airplay on Canada’s MuchMusic (Canada’s version of MTV).
Run From The Darkness will blow you away with the melodic mentality of KISS, but the ability to rock you, like AC/DC! The 2018 Retroactive Records Legends Re-mastered release has been digitally re-mastered by Rob Colwell at Bombworks Sound and is packaged in a jewel case with a 12-page insert featuring new band pictures, lyrics, and a write up from Retroactive Records owner Matt Hunt! This release is for the collector that wants everything elite - the music, the packaging, the metal! For fans of TRIUMPH, RUSH, BON JOVI, RESURRECTION BAND and JERUSALEM!
Run From The Darkness track listing: “Don’t Give Up”, “Run From The Darkness”, “Walk On The Water”, “Never Gonna Die”, “Sixteen”, “Live Connection”, “Let’s Get Ready”, “Walls”, “It’s Over”, "Walk On The Water" (remix bonus track)
Run From The Darkness pre-order: https://boonesoverstock.com/products/daniel-band-run-from-the-darkness-new-cd-2018-retroactive-special-pre-order-price
IMAGES OF EDEN Signs With Pavement Entertainment:
Phoenix, AZ (2/23/18)- For Immediate Release- After an extensive label search, IMAGES OF EDEN has signed with Pavement Entertainment for the worldwide release of the upcoming CD, Soulrise- physical and digital distribution through Sony music as well as an extensive promotional campaign, tour solicitations, etc. Pavement Entertainment is home of bands such as CANDELBOX, SOIL, POWERMAN 5000, TANTRIC, Janet Gardner (from VIXEN), SMILE EMPTY SOUL, FLAW AND BLACK WATER RISING. They also have multiple albums included in the Billboard Magazine Top 200 Best Selling Debuts.
Although SOULRISE is planned for a summer release (June/ July-ish), we will announce an official date as soon as one has been locked down. Beyond the release of SOULRISE, we will be looking to go out on the road in support of the release!
It has been a long time coming and we are extremely excited to be working with Pavement Entertainment. Special thanks to Bill Metoyer for getting us connected to this amazing label!
Pavement Entertainment Press Release:
IMAGES OF EDEN is a fearless concept band that brings together familiar, well-loved elements of metal and rock combined with their own unique vision, message and delivery. The result is a distinct musical hybrid that speaks directly to the struggles and tribulations of the listener.
Musically, IMAGES OF EDEN draws its inspiration from a hybrid of modern hard rock combined with classic metal, creating a modern sound rife with progressive elements and impassioned, unfeigned vocal delivery.
Each release from IMAGES OF EDEN is a chapter in the tale of a life’s journey, dealing specifically with the trials and darkness that each of us must face in this world, each track is meant to inspire the listener to overcome these obstacles through human perseverance strengthened by guidance from above. The distinct vision that gives IMAGES OF EDEN its identity is about drawing strength and determination from faith to see us through our toughest times, but what makes IMAGES OF EDEN stand out as one of a kind is that its message is simultaneously accessible to everyone while still speaking to the listener on a very personal level.
In early 2018, IMAGES OF EDEN released a high-end production music video for their single, “Shield Me”, and also has signed a deal with Pavement Entertainment to release their fourth CD, Soulrise. The album was mixed and mastered by legendary producer, Bill Metoyer and will be scheduled for release later in 2018. In addition to this, the follow up to Soulrise has already been written and the band has officially started tracking.
The official video for the single “Shield Me” can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekAooXGsLhs
IMAGES OF EDEN line up:
Gordon Tittsworth - Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar
Carlos Urquidi Perez - Lead Guitar
L. Dean Harris - Piano & Keyboards
Eric Mulvaine - Bass Guitar
Steve Dorssom- Drums & Percussion
Pavement Entertainment online: www.pavementmusic.com & www.facebook.com/Pavementent
IMAGES OF EDEN online: www.imagesofeden.com/index2.htm & www.facebook.com/Images-of-Eden
STRYPER Members Discuss Their Continued Inspiration And Faith In New Video:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:
STRYPER will release its new album, God Damn Evil, on April 20 via Frontiers Music Srl. Produced by front man Michael Sweet, it is STRYPER's most powerful album to date, doubling down on the hard rock/heavy metal sound that earned the group a worldwide fan base.
In the video above, which was filmed during the recording of God Damn Evil, founding members Michael Sweet, Oz Fox and Robert Sweet reflect on their remarkable history, their continued inspiration and faith, and what the future holds. With former FIREHOUSE bassist Perry Richardson now in their lineup and their most daring record to date less than two months from release, the guys discuss their drive to give their very best to the fans and why they're excited for a new chapter in STRYPER history.
Regarding the God Damn Evil album title, Michael Sweet said: "We thought long and hard about this title. It was actually considered quite a few years ago and it just didn't feel like the right time. Now, with all the evil in the world that we see around us on a daily basis, it made perfect sense. It's a very bold statement yet a prayer asking God to damn/condemn evil. Nothing more, nothing less."
The follow-up to 2015's Fallen marks STRYPER's first effort since the addition of Richardson. Perry joined the band as the replacement for STRYPER's longtime bassist Tim Gaines, who was fired from the group last year.
Perry did not play bass on STRYPER's new album due to scheduling constraints. The bass tracks on God Damn Evil were laid down by John O'Boyle, who played bass on Sweet's last two solo albums.
"We all see and hear the darkness that surrounds us in our society, but with faith and love, we'll always have hope," said Michael. "That's what STRYPER is all about - powerful music and a message that builds foundations, not walls. We couldn't be more excited about 'God Damn Evil' as it showcases our undying love for what we do and why we do it."
God Damn Evil track listing:
1. “Take It To The Cross”
2. “Sorry”
3. “Lost”
4. “God Damn Evil”
5. “You Don't Even Know Me”
6. “The Valley”
7. “Sea Of Thieves”
8. “Beautiful”
9. “Can't Live Without Your Love”
10. “Own Up”
11. “The Devil Doesn't Live Here”
The visualizer video for the song "Take It To The Cross" can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWvdLnP8m3I
STRYPER online: www.stryper.com & www.facebook.com/Stryper
VISUAL CLIFF Release New Album, Refuge:
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania based at times jam-fusion instrumental and others progressive hard rock vocal act VISUAL CLIFF have revealed the details in regards to its February of 2018 released new album Refuge.
The groups eighth full length album follows on the heels of dual 2013 releases Out Of The Archives and Between Two Kingdoms in featuring 16 cuts, with 12 included on the CD version of the album and 8 on the vinyl release. The vinyl release is exclusive to four cuts not found on its CD counterpart. As noted by the band:
“Along with the CD release, we are going to produce only 100 Special Edition Vinyl copies of this album. The crazy twist is... there will be a different line up of tunes on the Vinyl release than what will be on the CD. Be rest assured that most of the vocal tracks will be on both releases. However, there will be an entire instrumental side of the vinyl album that will not be heard by the general public in any form.”
Further details from VISUAL CLIFF (as taken from its press material):
“After the 2013 albums were released, it was decided that the band would only release a couple of singles every year as they were recorded. Well, as with most human plans, God had something else in mind.
“Many of you may not know that vocalist Shane Lankford and his wife Wendy have dedicated their lives to full time ministry and together they started "Loving The Lost Boys". They run the ministry out of their home and the mission is to bring in and house kids that have timed out of the foster care system in Baltimore, MD. They provide loving Godly support in a family environment that these young people have never known before. They also provide assistance to others who are willing to open up their homes to these at risk kids.
“This album has been created for the sole purpose of financially assisting that worthy endeavor. Proceeds from the sale of Refuge in all its various forms will directly benefit those young people that will be touched and forever changed by the love and kindness this ministry provides.”
Refuge track listing (CD version): “All Things New”, “Casualty Of Words”, “Internal Exile”, “Altered Peace”, “My Refuge”, “Footprints Of The Lost”, “#Hero”, “The Spirits Touch”, “New Eyes”, “Anathema”, “The Ever Longing”, “Never Ahead, Never Behind”
Refuge track listing (exclusive vinyl tracks): “Get Up And Walk”, “Gathering Of Souls”, “My Word, My Bond”, “Cupboard Of The Few”
VISUAL CLIFF lineup:
Shane Lankford - Lead Vocals
Rob Perez - Guitars
John Neiswinger - Keyboards & Synthesizers
Rick Mals - Bass & Drums
Loving The Lost Boys online: www.facebook.com/lovingthelostboys
VISUAL CLIFF online: www.visualcliff.net & www.facebook.com/Visual-Cliff
NEWS BRIEFS
* “Gods Of The Underworld”, new song from EVANS & STOKES: www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_rVRKiU2is
* New Release Today online interview with Michael Sweet (STRYPER): www.newreleasetoday.com/article.php?article_id=2306
* Last week we reported on a new band to feature SACRED WARRIOR front man Rey Parra, DENY THE FALLEN. According to the group (Facebook - February 24, 2018), vocalist Dale Thompson (BRIDE), will be joining Parra on a song to be included on the upcoming DENY THE FALLEN album Symptoms Of Eternity:
“We're excited to announce that iconic BRIDE vocalist and overall great guy, Dale Thompson, has recorded a song with us for our soon to be released album!! Yes that's correct- Dale Thompson and Rey Parra singing on the same song! EPIC! Thanks Dale for honoring us with your vocal chords! We will soon be announcing other AMAZING guest performances from a few friends that are some of the greatest Christian Rock/ Metal artists in the world. We can't wait for everyone to hear these songs! We're having so much fun! As a producer it's a joy to get to work with some of my personal heroes! So keep checking in to find out who is bringing the fire to the DENY THE FALLEN record."
INTERVIEWS
New Dale Thompson Interview Online:
In a recent online interview with Metal Mofos, iconic BRIDE front man Dale Thompson offers his thoughts in regards to the Christian Music industry, the musical background to BRIDE and his new bands THE WORLD WILL BURN & PERPETUAL PARANOIA. Following is an excerpt:
What can you tell me about Christian Music as an industry? There are artists out there who want nothing to do with industry, and I’ve heard from artists who have really gotten burned by Christian record labels which makes the labels seem quite un-Christian. How is Christian music marketed differently than mainstream music? How many sales does it take to make a successful album in the Christian market?
I do not even try to approach the larger labels because to them bands like Bride are not relevant. I have been signed to larger labels only to be miserably disappointed in the outcome. I still have a bitter taste in my mouth because at no time do I feel these labels were totally honest with the artist and they were always looking ahead for something better and more promising for their labels. Since not a single record label has ever supplied sales figures to Bride I have no idea how many albums it takes to actually be considered successful as a recording artist.
Read the full interview: HERE
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
New Album Update From CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE:
Glam metal act CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE has returned to Las Vegas to complete the recording process of its new album, untitled at the time of its writing. As with its 2014 debut full length Get The Hell Out, guitarist Oz Fox (STRYPER) will be handling production duties. Tony Palacios is slated mix the album. Guest appearances include Josiah Prince (DISCIPLE), co-writing and co-producing one song, and vocalist Les Carlson (BLOODGOOD), fronting one of the albums tracks as well.
As noted by the Poteua, Oklahoma based group:
“This album is packed with hard rocking, foot stomping, mosh pitting, double kick, rat-tat-tatting, face melting rock n’ roll. We also have a few rhythm driving, guitar chugging, mid-tempo songs that we know you’re going to love. There is also a few melodic gems that will blow you away. If VAN HALEN can have keyboards on a few songs, CHAOTIC RESEMBLENACE can too. Every band needs to have a ballad and ours is a worship song to Jesus the King.”
CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE, drawing its moniker from Isaiah 40:18 (To whom then will ye liken God? Or what likeness will you compare unto him?), believes that “No matter how good of Christians we are, we would never be more than a ‘chaotic resemblance’ of Christ”. Hence, the bands motives to “shine the light of Jesus to a hurting world” and corresponding willingness as “sold out Christians devoted to Jesus” to “play anywhere from a bar to a church”. The groups press material sums things up best: “Today's world is full of so much hate, lies & deceit. We offer love and hope through rock 'n roll.”
The 80& Angelic Warlord review described Get The Hell Out as a ‘youthful and energetic joining of hair, glam and melodic metal’ with ‘strong doses of late eighties Sunset Strip influenced hard rock’. CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE got its start with EP releases in 2012 and 2013, Chaotic Resemblance and Battle Lines, respectively.
To participate in the CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE new album GoFundMe crowd funding campaign please visit the following link: www.gofundme.com/chaoticresemblance
CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE online: www.chaoticresemblance.com & www.facebook.com/ChaoticResemblance
DENY THE FALLEN, New Band To Feature Rey Parra:
According to the legendary SACRED WARRIOR front man (Facebook - February 10, 2018), “(DENY THE FALLEN) is a band that (guitarist) Jonathan 'Jon' Johnson and I have been writing songs (for a new album) for a while now. The vocals are a real stretch for me but its something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. So that being said, I am happy to announce that we have put out a video (for the song “Murder Machine”). This video has many graphic images on it and it is sure to make many uncomfortable but the subject portrayed is something that really can change the lives of many people.”
Jonathan Johnson, whom was part of the SACRED WARRIOR line up at the time it recorded its fourth album, Obsessions, from 1991, offers further details in regards to DENY THE FALLEN and its upcoming debut album (Facebook - February 12, 2018):
“Our debut album titled Symptoms of Eternity will be released in May/June. Our goal was to make a record that was powerful from beginning to end, both musically and lyrically. Some of the song titles are “Symptoms Of Eternity”, “Hands For War”, “Oblivion”, “Shelter”, “Rise”, “Mortem Amici”, “Predator”, “Overthrown”, “Death Rattle” and “Murder Machine” just to name a few. We wanted to develop a modern metal sound that incorporates all aspects and era's of metal. A powerful modern production and sound that pays homage to all era's and styles of metal. It doesn't sound "old school metal" as well as it doesn't sound "Nu metal". It's something else both classic and modern. It is Heavy Metal.”
Rounding out the DENY THE FALLEN line up is bassist Erik Kyr and drummer Josh Johnson.
Parra further notes that he has returned to SACRED WARRIOR, whom are also at work on a new album. Eli Prinsen fronted the fifth SACRED WARRIOR full length Waiting In Darkness released five years ago. Along similar lines, Parra’s other band, WORDVIEW, are at work on a new album in follow up to its 2015 debut The Chosen Few.
DENY THE FALLEN online: www.facebook.com/Denythefallenband
Roxx Records To Release Latest PASTOR BRAD Parody CD, Highway 2 Heaven:
Release Date: March 9, 2018
Roxx Records loves PASTOR BRAD, and after several great collaborations in the past, we are doing another one! We are excited to offer you a VERY limited edition CD pressing of the latest and greatest ‘parody’ album from PASTOR BRAD, Highway 2 Heaven.
Highway 2 Heaven is the latest offering from the artists, whom reworks some of your favorite classic hard rock and metal tracks into some newly designed masterpieces with a Christian theme.
This will be a truly limited ONE TIME pressing of only 100 CD’s, each hand numbered and distributed first come and first serve. Get your order in early for a lower number, and once again this is a limited edition CD packaged in a 2 panel cardboard sleeve.
Highway 2 Heaven track listing:
1. “Highway To Heaven” (“Highway To Hell”, AC/DC)
2. “We Will Fight” (“Neon Knights”, BLACK SABBATH)
3. “Obey Your Commands” (“Too Much Time On My Hands”, STYX)
4. “Savior From Heaven” (“Stairway To Heaven”, LED ZEPPELIN)
5. “Orchestra Of Revolution” (“Symphony Of Destruction”, MEGADETH)
6. “Help Me Jesus” (“Hold On Loosely”, 38 SPECIAL)
7. “So Grateful You Love Me” (“Don't Tell Me You Love Me”, NIGHT RANGER)
8. “Can't Live” (“Can't Live Without You”, SCORPIONS)
9. “Father's Will” (“Looks That Kill”, MOTLEY CRUE)
10. “Lift Him Up” (“Lick It Up”, KISS)
Highway 2 Heaven pre-order: http://roxxrecords.storenvy.com/products/23261163-pastor-brad-highway-2-heaven-2018-cd
PASTOR BRAD online: www.guitarjams.net & www.facebook.com/pastorbradrocks
Retroactive Records Announce PRODIGAL & LOYD BOLDMAN CD Re-issues:
Press Release / RETROACTIVE RECORDS is thrilled to announce that in the first half of 2018 we will be reissuing on CD all three PRODIGAL albums, Prodigal (1982), Electric Eye (1984) and Just Like Real Life (1985) in addition to the cassette only 1988 solo album of PRODIGAL vocalist Loyd Boldman, Sleep Without Dreams (1988). While the three PRODIGAL releases fit firmly in the progressive rock genre along the lines of KANSAS with the melodic rock sensibilities of YES and GENESIS, the Loyd Boldman album is high quality progressive rock in the vein of TONIO K, ROBERT VAUGHN, VECTOR and STEVE SCOTT! Be sure to check your e-mail for the announcement of pre-orders at Boone's Overstock very soon!
The Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music says, "PRODIGAL was in tune with the sounds and spirit of the early ‘80's... while writing songs that expanded the boundaries of the worship and evangelism fare that typified contemporary Christian music at the time." PRODIGAL’s self-titled debut album was named Album of the Year in 1982 by Group magazine (along with AMY GRANT’s Age to Age and PETRA’s More Power to Ya).
Electric Eye, the group’s second album, received Best of the Year honors in 1984 by both Contemporary Christian Music magazine (CCM) and Campus Life magazine. The album also received national attention for a unique promotional idea: a computer program for a Commodore 64 was mastered into a "stop-groove" at the end of the vinyl record, the first time this had ever been done. The program, if copied to a cassette tape could be loaded via cassette drive into a C-64 computer to reveal graphics, lyrics and a message from the band. The video for the song, "Boxes" (written by Workman and directed by Boldman), won the very first Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Award for music videos ("Best Visual Song"). The music video for the song "Fast Forward" was named Video of the Year by the National Federation of Local Cable Programmers (now the Alliance for Community Media).
The Christian Music Archive said of the band's third album, Just Like Real Life: "This is an excellent album by one of the early new wave/rock hybrid bands of the early to mid-eighties, using equal parts keyboards and rock guitar. Sadly, the band didn't get the recognition they so richly deserved, as this was a cut above most Christian albums of the time with instantly memorable songs and lyrics so intelligently written as to be in a class of their own. If they had been a secular band, they would have been early MTV stars. An essential album."
PRODIGAL line up:
Loyd Boldman - Lead Vocals & Keyboards
Rick Fields - Guitars
Mike Wilson - Bass
Dave Workman - Drums & Guitars
Retroactive Records online: https://boonesoverstock.com
NEWS BRIEFS
* Rob Rock update regarding new IMPELLITTERI album (Facebook - February 6, 2018):
"I go into the studio next week to start vocal recordings here in Florida with Sean Shannon engineering, for the new IMPELLITTERI album titled The Nature O The Beast. The album will be released this spring on Victor Entertainment and Frontiers Records worldwide".
* Roxx Records to re-issue debut RED SEA album, Blood (Facebook - February 15, 2018):
“We are very excited to announce our latest signing, please join us in welcoming none other then classic Christian rockers RED SEA to the Roxx Records family! We will be releasing a special limited edition re-mastered reissue of the album Blood, which is scheduled to be released on vinyl and CD just in time for this years holiday season!”
* Update from Roxx Records in regards to upcoming SOLDIER Babylon re-release (February 13, 2018):
“Hailing from the beautiful Bay area of Northern California, we bring you Christian rockers SOLDIER with their amazing debut album Babylon, (which is) being pressed on vinyl for the very first time ever! A few details on the release: the vinyl will be white in color and a hand numbered edition of only 150 pieces. The CD version will be a full three disc set (2 CD / 1 DVD) featuring many never before released tracks! Much more coming soon on this one.”
Visit the Roxx Records Facebook page to view the Babyloncover art: www.facebook.com/RoxxRecords777
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
STRYPER Announce New Album, God Damn Evil, Premier “Take It To The Cross” Lyric Video:
Press Release / Iconic rock band STRYPER will celebrate their 35th anniversary with the upcoming release of their 10th studio album, God Damn Evil, due April 20, 2018 from Frontiers Music SRL. Produced by frontman Michael Sweet, the band returns with their most powerful album to date, doubling down on the hard rock/heavy metal sound that earned them a worldwide fan base.
God Damn Evil is available now for pre-order at all major retailers including Amazon and iTunes. Limited edition pre-order offers are also available (see below).
Fans were initially introduced to the new album title and cover art via a social media post on February 5th, which quickly went viral causing a significant amount of conversation from STRYPER fans.
“We thought long and hard about this title,” says Michael in response to thousands of fan comments. “It was actually considered quite a few years ago and it just didn't feel like the right time. Now, with all the evil in the world that we see around us on a daily basis, it made perfect sense. It's a very bold statement yet a prayer asking God to damn/condemn evil. Nothing more, nothing less."
God Damn Evil is the first release since the recent addition of bass player Perry Richardson, who joins original members Michael Sweet (vocals and guitar), Robert Sweet (drums) and Oz Fox (guitar). Perry is best known as a founding member of the multi-platinum band FIREHOUSE.
STRYPER fans are getting their first look into the upcoming album with today’s release of the epic lyric video for the song, "Take It To The Cross”.
“’Take It To The Cross’ is our answer to many fans asking us to do something a little heavier and even bordering on thrash,” says Michael. “The verses are heavy with a vocal and lyric delivery that's bold and relevant yet the chorus kicks in with a fast, thrashy vibe. We brought in Matt Blanchard (ACT OF DEFIANE, SHADOWS FALL) to handle the vocal growl on the choruses and the end vamp. This song is 100% high octane.”
"Take It To The Cross" can be streamed at Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, etc. Those links available HERE: http://radi.al/GodDamnEvil
Rocking since 1984, STRYPER is responsible for such classic '80s metal albums as Soldiers Under Command, To Hell with the Devil and In God We Trust. In fact, STRYPER is the first band to ever have two songs in MTV’s Top 10 simultaneously with their hits “Free” and “Honestly.” After a sabbatical for much of the 1990's, STRYPER returned strong in the early 21st century. To date, the Dove Award-winning and GRAMMY-nominated band has sold over 10 million records worldwide.
God Damn Evil is the follow-up to STRYPER’s ninth studio album, Fallen (Frontiers Music SRL), which released in 2015 and debuted at the top of the Billboard charts. 2016’s 30th Anniversary To Hell With The Devil Tour saw record crowds and featured the band’s largest sound and lighting production in nearly two decades.
STRYPER will return to the road this year, kicking off the God Damn Evil World Tour at the at the Frontiers Rock Festival in Milan, Italy on April 28th. Tour dates will be posted as confirmed at: www.stryper.com/Tour/tour.html
“We all see and hear the darkness that surrounds us in our society but with faith and love, we'll always have hope,” says Michael. “That's what STRYPER is all about - powerful music and a message that builds foundations, not walls. We couldn't be more excited about God Damn Evil as it showcases our undying love for what we do and why we do it.”
God Damn Evil track listing:
1. “Take It To The Cross”
2. “Sorry”
3. “Lost”
4. “God Damn Evil”
5. “You Don't Even Know Me”
6. “The Valley”
7. “Sea Of Thieves”
8. “Beautiful”
9. “Can't Live Without Your Love”
10. “Own Up”
11. “The Devil Doesn't Live Here”
God Damn Evil Limited Edition Pre-Order Offers:
Stryper Webstore: Includes EXCLUSIVE yellow colored vinyl (limited to 100 copies worldwide), autographed vinyl test pressings, EXCLUSIVE t-shirt design (Stryper store ONLY), autographed CDs and more! Pre-order HERE: https://stores.portmerch.com/stryper
Frontiers U.S. Webstore: Includes EXCLUSIVE gold colored vinyl (limited to 100 copies worldwide), autographed vinyl test pressings, EXCLUSIVE t-shirt design (Frontiers store ONLY), autographed CDs and more! Pre-order HERE: http://pmusic.co/34WWZE
Frontiers EU Webstore: Includes EXCLUSIVE silver colored vinyl (limited to 100 copies worldwide) and more! Pre-order HERE: http://bit.ly/2nSs5ey
STRYPER online: www.stryper.com & www.facebook.com/Stryper
PERPETUAL PARANOIA Sign With Rottweiler Records For Self-Titled Debut:
Press Release / Everyone please welcome PERPETUAL PARANOIA to the Rottweiler Records Pack!
The name PERPETUAL PARANOIA lends itself to the thought of ongoing fear. It has an implication of something never-ending, yet something to be cautious of, maybe even to avoid. Perhaps, it is something to run from. However, the name PERPETUAL PARANOIA belongs to a musical entity that is the brainchild of two very distinct and unique talents in the metal world. Most definitely not something to run from, but something to take heed of!
In 2017 singer/songwriter, Dale Thompson, vocalist of iconic Christian metal band BRIDE along with NO OTHER GOD and THE WORLD WILL BURN, and flash-fingered guitarist/composer of Bay Area thrash band HAND OF FIRE, Tiago James de Souza met online. Thompson in New Zealand and Souza in California seems on the surface to be a pretty major obstacle to overcome. Yet, these two veteran metal musicians easily bridged the chasm of Pacific Ocean waters to begin composing a perfect blend of thrash, metal and hard rock in their respected countries. Both Thompson and Souza brought their ideas and talents together without ever meeting or rehearsing in the same room.
PERPETUAL PARANOIA was formed out of a blueprint of raw energy, superbly crafted with enough heaviness and edge to cut through the mire of formulated corporate metal that has recently sprung up. Powerful lyrics and vocal acrobatics expertly supplied by Thompson coupled with tasteful, yet unnerving guitar perfection and song writing of Souza has fueled 12 songs of massive power, frantic passion and devastating aggression.
After 30 years of world tours, Thompson has exclusively gone into studio recordings. Souza is currently still touring as the sole ax-wielder for HAND OF FIRE. The physical distance between the two is most definitely a non-issue. The combination of their collective talents has birthed an original blend of heaviness that does not disappoint.
Now, signed to Rottweiler Records, PERPETUAL PARANOIA is set to unleash caustic, hard-hitting metal offering that will shake the hardest metal fan to their core. Ongoing fear? Be afraid. Be very afraid!
A sample of the first single from PERPETUAL PARANOIA, "The Reapers", can be streamed at: https://noisetrade.com/perpetualparanoia/the-reapers-single
Rottweiler Records online: http://rottweilerrecords.com & www.facebook.com/RottweilerRecords
PERPETUAL PARANOIA online: www.facebook.com/PerpetualParanoia
ANTHEM, Cuttin’ Thru II: The Remix Details Revealed:
Better known as The ROCK Band, ANTHEM took the early eighties Christian hard music scene by storm with the 1982 release of its Tunesmith Records debut full length Cuttin’ Thru. The group gained renown for the powerful vocals of Mary Pinkley, whom was joined by guitarists Doug Cordell and Mike Manthei, drummer Gene Grammatico, keyboardist Freddie Andrade and bassist Kent Vander Weide.
After thirty-five years, ANTHEM is remembered as a sub-genre of Christian hard music that includes contemporaries Resurrection Band in addition to Tunesmith label mates Servant, Stronghold, Barnabas and Amaziah.
In 1999, Cuttin’ Thru was remixed and digitally re-mastered by the band and re-released under the new title Cuttin’ Thru II: The Remix. Further details from the ANTHEM press material:
“What force draws three forty-something friends back together after a fifteen year absence to work on a musical project nearly twenty years old? Senility? Too much time on our hands? The truth is, it's the feeling we'd left something undone when our first project was released and we never had the ability to do anything about it. Until 1999.
“Offered here is the remix of ANTHEM's Christian Rock LP, originally recorded in 1982. Digitally re-mastered in 1999, it brings the full force of ANTHEM's driving rhythms, guitar riffs and those powerful vocals front and center.”
Cuttin’ Thru II: The Remix has again been made available by the band in early 2018 via eBay: www.ebay.com/itm/CD-Anthem-Cuttin-Thru-Remix-1980s-Christian-Rock-Band-Rare-New-Sealed
Vinyl copies are for sale as well: www.ebay.com/itm/LP-Anthem-Cuttin-Thru-1980s-Christian-Rock-Rare-NEW-Sealed-Out-of-Print
Musically, one reviewer that described the band as ‘classic rock, with some good 70’s riffs but also heavy on the keyboards at times and has elements of the early 80’s new wave sound’ has the right idea.
Editors Note: Where I have to take exception with said reviewer is when he suggests, ‘Even Jesus couldn’t have saved this album from its sales bin fate.’ Really? I would like to think Cuttin’ Thru is worth a bit more respect than that. Look for a review online in the near future for my take on things…
BTW, if you happen to stumble across a vinyl copy of Cuttin’ Thru in the ‘sales bin’ then make it a priority purchase in that it is worth a pretty penny.
ANTHEM is reportedly at work on its sophomore album, which it started work on in 1985 but never completed.
Cuttin’ Thru: The Remix track listing:
1. “Spiritual Warfare”
2. “On Your Knees”
3. “Winners”
4. “Cuttin' Thru'”
5. “Word”
6. “Cheap Thrill”
7. “Free You”
8. “Morning Star”
9. “Doctor”
10. “Don't Be Decieved”
ANTHEM online: www.facebook.com/groups/Anthem
NEWS BRIEFS
* Update from IMAGES OF EDEN vocalist Gordon Tittsworth regarding upcoming album Soulrise (Facebook - February 8, 2018):
“We have been getting many inquiries about the release date for Soulrise so I wanted to send out an update as to where things stand right now to keep everyone in the loop.
“The good news is that there is a lot of activity behind the scenes. We have already been in communication with several labels at the moment and also have several well-respected industry veterans also reaching out to more labels on our behalf. We hope to have much more concrete info in the next month or two. As always, we will keep you updated with any/all progress, but things are looking good so far based on current events.”
* LORDCHAIN has made all its albums available for download at its Bandcamp page: https://lordchain.bandcamp.com
As noted by the group (Facebook – February 7, 2018):
“The entire LORDCHAIN discography is now available for digital download on our Bandcamp page. Bonus tracks have been added to Cracked (2002), Soulever (2004), Looking Past the Moment (2006) & Finding Balance (2007). This is a Bandcamp exclusive. You can only find these demos and unreleased tracks here.”
* “Galaxias”, new instrumental hard rock track from Kevin Windross: https://kevinwindross.bandcamp.com/track/galaxias
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
I apologize for the lack of news updates the past couple weeks but the fact of the matter is that there has not been much in the way of new news in which to report. No news might be good news but not for the hard music scene! That said do not be lulled into a false sense of security either in that a LOT of good metal and hard rock albums are set to come out in 2018.
STRYPER, in particular, will be releasing its (as of yet to be titled) new album in late April. The group was recently in Las Vegas shooting a music video in which front man Michael Sweet offers his thoughts (Facebook - January 31, 2018):
“Well, we wrapped the band portions of the videos today and I have to say that we couldn't be more excited! We had fun, we laughed, we had chemistry and because of that we created something really special. The videos absolutely rule and we haven't even seen them yet!
“The songs are powerful and it was amazing getting to know Perry (Richardson, bassist) & Shelly and spending time with them. They're such good people and we're truly blessed to have them in our band and in our lives. Tomorrow we're doing another photo shoot with the one and only Alex Solca and we've already got some killer shots from today's video shoot!”
An e-mail update from LEAH (January 28, 2017) provides further details in regards to her (also untitled) new album:
“I'm very excited to tell you that mixing for the new album is about to begin with Jacob Hansen (look him up to see the awesome roster of artists he's mixed). Later this spring we will definitely do a crowd funding campaign, and provide you with the opportunity to be part of this album and of course get some awesome supporter perks!”
IMPELLITTERI revealed the title to its new album, The Nature Of The Beast, in which it recently entered the studio to begin work on. Additional details (including studio footage) at the Facebook page of vocalist Rob Rock: www.facebook.com/robrockofficial
2018 is actually shaping up to be quite the prolific year when also factoring upcoming releases from SARDONYX (Sons Of The Kingdom), IMAGES OF EDEN (Soulrise) and Jimmy P. Brown’s ERASUREHEAD solo album. Vocalist Dale Thompson has also remained busy in light of new albums from BRIDE (Snake Eyes) in addition to those from his other projects NO OTHER GOD, PERPETUAL PARANOIA and THE WORLD WILL BURN.
According to Thompson (Facebook - January 31, 2018), Snake Eyes is “being mixed and mastered in Brazil by Nenel Lucena, whom also contributed some bass and guitar to the album. Retroactive Records with Matthew Hunt will be doing the (Snake Eyes) distribution”.
If that is not enough, things remain busy on the re-issue front when factoring re-releases from Retroactive Records (DANIEL BAND, JERUSALEM & PRODIGAL) and Roxx Records (CRYSTAVOX, PHILADELPHIA & SOLDIER). Guitarist Joshua Perahia also has a re-issue of the 1988 release of his band JOSHUA, Intense Defense, in the works.
NEWS BRIEFS
* AFFECTOR recently released a new single via iTunes, “Maranatha”: https://itunes.apple.com/de/album/maranatha-single/1338592845?l=en
* ”If Not You”, official video from ENZO & THE GLORY ENSEMBLE: www.youtube.com/watch?v=94bRMJVMuEQ
The song, which comes off the groups fall of 2017 sophomore album In The Name Of The Son, is a gospel hymn dedicated to the human need of believing in something permanent.
* Preview of new EVANS & STOKES album, Valley Of The Kings: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpwmusYoMbQ
* Retroactive Records secured the rights to re-release all three PRODIGAL albums, Prodigal (1982), Electric Eye (1984) and Just Like Real Life (1985), in April of this year. Further details as they become available.
ARTIST COMMENTARY
Guitarist Rex Carroll In Regards To The Title Track To The Fourth WHITECROSS Album, In The Kingdom:
As taken from a Facebook post on January 30, 2018:
In 1990, Star Song Records wanted to get a hit song for WHITECROSS, (which) in their eyes meant “softening” the sound of the band to make it more palatable to CCM radio. So my friend and our A&R man Dez Dickerson calls me up and says he’s got a song we need to look at. As many of you may know, I’m hyper-protective of our songs, they are all like my children or something and my first impulse is usually somewhere along the line of, “I’m not going to be interested in YOUR song for MY band”. I think Dez knew this, so he actually came over to my house to play it for me. I live north of Chicago; Dez lives in Nashville. That’s about 8 hours by car. The ultimate sales job…but everybody including myself, Dez, and the record label, knew that’s what it was going to take. I think they had a secret meeting at Star Song headquarters in Nashville: “who’s going to confront that evil villain Darth Rex? Dez, this mission has been appointed to you- here’s an extra light saber, and may the force be with you…oh and don’t worry, we’ll bill the entire cost of your trip to their recoupment account”.
Needless to say, Darth Rex was NOT HAPPY about the sales call err, excuse me, ahem the “A & R meeting” that took place in my kitchen. I think I was looking for the launch codes to the death star when Dez rolled into my driveway. So I had to get out the boom box so he could play the cassette tape (ask your grandparents) of this new song he had written called “In The Kingdom”. I was actually trying to be open-minded about it, but seriously, I just couldn’t hear it. Finally, in the very last minute of the song it went to a key change up and with the higher pitch, I was able to actually comprehend the song, although it still felt like a HUGE stretch for WHITECROSS. In fact, Scotty (Wenzel, vocals) couldn’t even sing it where it was written, so we agreed to move the entire song up one whole step from the original key.
In the studio, I went to start tracking the acoustic guitar part. After 15 minutes, it wasn’t working. At that point, our producer Simon Hanhart suggested I try a thin pick, and sure enough that did the trick. See? I learned something there so in fact, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks.
On previous albums, we had some keyboards here and there, but for this album, we received a recommendation on a Chicago keyboardist named Chris Cameron that none of us knew anything about. To this day I’ve never seen anything like Chris. We scheduled him for a 4 pm start, which meant that his cartage company rolled up at 2 pm, in a 20-foot truck! The guy in the truck rolls out a full sized Hammond B-3 organ, and a rack to go with it full of Marshall amps, analog equalizers, and guitar pedals. Then there’s the 6’ ginormous full-sized Leslie speaker. Then he sets up 2 banks of analog synthesizers and various keyboards, with racks of outboard gear that Keith Emerson would have been proud of (again, ask your granddad). Finally at 4 pm Chris waltzes in the door with a casual “hey guys, whassup?” And then he proceeds to blow the roof off with glorious gospel B-3 licks and amazing synthesizer tracks, Fender Rhodes electric pianos, and all kinds of keyboards. I do believe that Chris became our “5th Beatle” and heavily influenced the sound of the entire record.
Eventually it was time to add the “Gospel Choir” to the chorus. Once again, nobody knew anybody so we made a blind call to the musician’s union. They gave us two names. The first girl says on the phone, “I’ll do it but I want union scale!” This threw us all into a panic because nobody knew the going rate for “union scale” wages, including the girl! It was late in the day, nobody was answering the phone at the musician’s union, so we just agreed to it. The second girl answers her phone and says “How much is the first girl getting? Oh, well if she’s getting union scale, then I want the same thing!” So we’ve all agreed to a price but nobody knows what it is….
They came in around 7 pm the next day and our producer Simon starts working them. Layer after layer after layer of vocals. After about 4 or 5 hours it was sounding HUGE and PHAT so I left. Later on we added some male vocals. Besides Scotty, there was Dez Dickerson, Glen Kaiser, Steve Watkins and Ray Perra from SACRED WARRIOR, and possibly Michael Feighan who had just joined the band. I don’t remember if there was anybody else. So now we’re doing very un-WHITECROSS type things, with vocals and keyboards and acoustic guitars, very, very different, on a song nobody in the band wrote!
Ron Luce from Teen Mania youth missions got an advance copy of it, and he flipped for the song. In fact, he decided to use it for the next year and a half to promote Teen Mania. Also, he brought us down to Nicaragua to make a promo video for it; the video was 50% music video, and 100% Teen Mania promotion. Slightly odd, but nevertheless it worked big time and thus “In The Kingdom” became our most well-known song. One time a guy called long distance from Australia. I pick up my phone at about 11 pm, and the voice on the other end is actually shocked because somehow, he got through to my house. So then he says “what’s the chords to “In The Kingdom”, mate?” and I”m like, you called all the way from fricking Australia to ask me about a song that has only FOUR CHORDS?
Therefore, “In The Kingdom” actually PROVES the following joke, which goes:
Q: What’s the difference between a rock guitar player and a jazz guitar player?
A: The jazz guitar player plays 10,000 chords, to 4 people
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
DELIVERANCE Returns To Unleash The Subversive Kind:
Press Release / DELIVERANCE are pleased to announce they are working with Roxx Records and 3 Frogz Records, to officially release their brand new album, The Subversive Kind on February 23rd, 2018.
Hailing from Los Angeles, the band is comprised of members Jimmy Brown (founding member, lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Glenn Rogers (original member, lead/rhythm guitar), Victor Macias (formerly of TOURNIQUET, bass), and Jim Chaffin (formerly of THE CRUCIFIED drums), with guest lead guitar work by Greg Minier.
"After so many years touring and recording I was honored to be asked back in DELIVERANCE,” says Rogers. "We have unfinished business, and with The Subversive Kind coming out I hope the fans will rediscover what Big D is all about."
The Subversive Kind is a true return to form for these Christian thrash pioneers, boosting 8 brand new tracks that truly bring the thrash back. Bill Bafford of Roxx Records had this to say about the new partnership - “We are very excited to once again be partnering with 3 Frogz, Jimmy Brown and DELIVERANCE to bring you this awesome new thrash release. The fans that have been requesting a 'Weapons part 2’ will be ecstatic with this new release."
And the results speak for themselves, as evidenced by the newly unveiled lyric video for one of the album’s standout tracks, “The Black Hand”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqxBqHt-jg4
“’The Black Hand’ was one of the first tunes Jimmy and I hashed out together,” says Chaffin. “His articulation of what a panic attack feels like was spot on. Mental illness is a major problem in our country and I’m stoked to be able to give people some hope through music.”
“Anxiety has not only been a hot button issue, but a condition that is still being studied to understand,” adds Brown. “’The Black Hand’ is a vivid description of vitals, and emotions experienced in part by a person when going through such an experience.”
Lastly, Brown says he couldn’t be happier with the band’s current line-up. “After 33 years, the band has evolved and morphed throughout, but has returned to the roots of why we started doing this years ago! The current lineup is a dream come true for me, and we can’t wait to bring it live.”
The Subversive Kind track listing:
CD version:
1. “Bring ‘Em Down”
2. “Concept Of The Other”
3. “Center Of It All”
4. “The Black Hand”
5. ”Epilogue”
6. “Listen Closely”
7. “The Subversive Kind”
8. “The Fold”
Vinyl version:
Side A:
1. “Bring 'Em Down”
2. “Concept of the Other”
3. “Center Of Tt All”
4. “The Black Hand”
Side B:
5. “Epilogue”
6. “Listen Closely”
7. “The Subversive Kind”
8. “The Fold”
The Subversive Kind pre-order:
Red vinyl (limited to 150 copies): http://roxxrecords.storenvy.com/collections/1594658-deliverance/products/22925448-deliverance-the-subversive-kind-lp-red-2018
Black vinyl (limited to 200 copies): http://roxxrecords.storenvy.com/collections/1594658-deliverance/products/22925406-deliverance-the-subversive-kind-lp-black-2018
DELIVERANCE online: www.facebook.com/DeliveranceRocks
MILLENNIAL REIGN Announce New Vocalist, Travis Wills:
MILLENNIAL REIGN announce the departure of their former vocalist, James Guest. James owns a commercial construction business and spends many hours a week on the road. There simply wasn't enough time to continue writing and recording vocals, plus touring shows. We wish him much success with his business.
MILLENNIAL REIGN has welcomed a brand new vocalist to their ranks. Travis Wills, who has a long-standing history in the DFW metal scene and best known for his latest project INFIDEL RISING.
Travis had the following to say: “I'm very happy to be working with MILLENNIAL REIGN and the Ulterium Records label. It began with collaborating on keyboard tracks for the new album. When James decided to leave, they asked if I was interested in doing vocals and of course I said yes. It's a privilege to work with such a great group of guys I've known well over ten years.”
MILLENNIAL REIGN issued the following statement: “We are extremely happy to have Travis come on board. His vocal style and writing fits the new material perfectly. We look forward to seeing you all on the road in 2018.”
MILLENNIAL REIGN live schedule:
March 10: BFE Rock Club - Houston, TX
March 16: Renos Chop Shop - Dallas, TX
March 29-31: Exodo Fest - Tlaxcala, Mexico
June 1: Gas Monkey Live - Dallas, TX (with STRYPER)
June 18: Trees - Dallas, TX (with HAMMERFALL)
MILLENNIAL REIGN line up:
Travis Wills - Vocals (INFIDEL RISING)
Dave Harvey - Guitar (ASKA, PHANTOM-X)
Neil Bertrand - Bass (WHEN ANGELS DIE)
Steve Nichols - Drums (SOLITUDE AETURNUS, SCRAP IRON)
MILLENNIAL REIGN online: www.facebook.com/millennialreign
NEWS BRIEFS
* Live footage of MESSIAH PROPHET performing “The Friend” and “Heavy Metal Thunder”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzbO4qCig4Y & www.youtube.com/watch?v=so4eEVxtaf8
* SARDONYX update in regards to upcoming album, Sons Of The Kingdom: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HR4eTITrKLU
FEATURED REVIEWS
BARNABAS - Feel The Fire (Retroactive re-issue)
At the intersection of ‘straightforward heavy metal realized in a crazy good all world guitarist’ and ‘intricate progressive rock formulated by a technically proficient bassist’ reside Barnabas and its 1984 Light Records fourth full-length album, Feel The Fire. Read Full Review >>
BARNABAS - Little Foxes (Retroactive re-issue)
On one hand, Little Foxes does not reach the heights of the two albums to find Barnabas in its arguable prime, Approaching Light Speed (1983) and Feel The Fire (1984), which both combined a straightforward metal basis with strong leanings towards the progressive. Read Full Review >>
DELIVERANCE - The Subversive Kind
Enter The Subversive Kind, which represents a ‘return to form’ of the Deliverance old school speed metal and thrash beginnings. Read Full Review >>
HAVEN - Age Of Darkness (Retroactive re-issue)
On the surface, the R.E.X. Records 1991 Haven second album Age Of Darkness has a lot going for it: infusing progressive elements with the groups US power metal basis, enhanced production values and overall improvement in band performance that goes hand in hand with sophomore releases. Read Full Review >>
IMARI TONES - Jesus Wind
Musically, Jesus Wind represents a change for the group from how it distances itself from the progressive leanings of earlier releases, with their similarities to Rush and Yes, and embraces a joining of straightforward heavy metal and commercial melodic metal. Read Full Review >>
KILLED BY CAIN - Killed By Cain (Retroactive re-issue)
The Louisville, Kentucky based act got its start playing eighties melodic metal, as Whiteray and recording four highly sought after demos, prior to signing an early nineties deal with R.E.X. Records and adopting a moniker better in line with its newfound aggressive musical direction, Killed By Cain. Read Full Review >>
SWEET & LYNCH - Unified
Whereas Only To Rise draws mostly upon a basis of arena rock, AOR and melodic hard rock, Unified is all of that but so much more in also reflecting nuances as diverse as classic rock, blues-rock, straightforward hard rock and even progressive rock. Read Full Review >>
XT - Saved By The Blood
Despite not having worked together since the mid-nineties, Stigsson and Larsson regrouped alongside Jerusalem member’s bassist Peter Carlsohn and keyboardist Dan Tibell in addition to Modest Attraction drummer Mick Nordström to record perhaps its finest album to date in Saved By The Blood. Read Full Review >>
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
Charlie Clark - MESSIAH PROPHET Lead Vocalist, In Memoriam:
Charlie Clark, whom many remember as lead vocalist of the eighties metal band MESSIAH PROPHET, passed away on January 6, 2018 at the age of 55 following a struggle with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
Joining MESSIAH PROPHET in 1981, Clark fronted the groups first two albums, Rock For The Flock (under the name MESSIAH PROPHET BAND and released on Morada Records in 1984) and Master Of The Metal (Pure Metal Records from 1986). Clark closed out his career in MESSIAH PROPHET when it placed the track “Blinded” on the 1989 Star Song Records compilation Ultimate Metal.
A third MESSIAH PROPHET album from 1996 entitled Colors did not include Clark as part of its line up.
Further details regarding Clark’s life:
He was born in Lebanon on October 8, 1962 to Charles R. Clark and Ann (Kolar) Zimmerman. In 1987, he married Jill Francine Hurst and together they raised their five children, Rachael (Justin) Eveland, Rebecca, Jesse, Abigail, and Hannah. Charlie was also the proud grandpa of his only grandchild, Samuel Andrew.
Charlie owned his own roofing and window company for 10 years. If you ever passed a house he was working on, you could hear him joyfully singing along with the radio. Charlie enjoyed gardening and spending time with his kids. He was active in his church for many years serving as both a deacon and Sunday school teacher.
He is survived by his father; mother; wife; five children; grandson; brother, Steven (Claudia) Clark; sister, Sheila Schauer; sisters-in-law, JoAnn Matyasi, Jennifer (Christopher) Myers, Joyce Hurst (Desra Blamble), Jessica Hurst; brothers-in-law, Andrew Berenyi, James Hurst, Joel Hurst; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his step-father, Dean Zimmerman; his father and mother-in-law, Frank and Margaretta Hurst; brothers-in-law, Frank Hurst Jr., Jeffrey Hurst, John Hurst; and niece, Keri Hurst.
Bassist Joe Shirk, whom was part of the MESSIAH PROPHET lineup that recorded Master Of The Metal, tells ClassicChristianRock Webzine:
“This past weekend I lost a friend and fellow musician to a long battle with disease. I first met Charles Clark, vocalist for MESSIAH PROHPET when the band I was in opened for them. A year or so later as life goes, I and another member of that band were new members of MESSIAH PROPHET. Charlie was a confidence builder for me. He was always a happy guy, even if rehearsal was long and unproductive and it was all my fault. Always an encourager. We spent some long nights in the front of the bus, me driving (I loved to drive) and Charlie keeping me company. There was a time in the mountains when the brake system just gave up. We were very carefully trying to get back down to where there might be a truck garage. I remember Charlie being right there telling me "you can do this. I believe in you!” Or the time we forgot the bag with airline tickets and passports in it. Left it on a train seat in Amsterdam. It was Charlie who went back to the station and somehow found it and got back in time for boarding. Never saw a guy run like that!
“Charlie was a stabilizer for me and for the band. We lost contact for too many years after the band ended. When I heard about his struggles with health, my friend Eddie, who did our lights at the show and David (Armstrong) our drummer, went to visit him. It was obvious he was struggling and not well. But the same smile and laugh was there. Not a shadow of doubt in his faith in Jesus. We relived some of the crazy stories and memories from the shows and road trips. I saw Charlie a few more times and even the last time when he could no longer speak there was still that light and joy in his eyes.
“Charlie is singing again. The illness took his voice here, but now I know he is singing. He always sang.”
PASTOR BRAD Announces Third Parody Covers Album, Highway 2 Heaven:
Bay City, Michigan based minister and guitarist PASTOR BRAD to release new Christian metal and hard rock parody album entitled Highway 2 Heaven on February 23, 2018.
Similar to his first two parody releases, Storm The Gates (2016) and Storm The Gates 2 (2017), Highway 2 Heaven is a collection of classic hard rock & hair metal songs from the 70s and 80s that have been re-imagined with lyrics that honor Jesus Christ and proclaim the Good News of the Gospel loud and proud! In the words of the artist: “Legally, these are "parody" projects, but musically and spiritually, they are tributes to the musicians who inspired me to become a musician, and to my Savior to whom I owe everything!”
He offers further detail: “My two fold goal was to: 1) honor the music and musicianship that inspired me to become a musician, and 2) honor Jesus with the message that changed my life for eternity! In my heart, I am satisfied that I’ve accomplished both. All that’s left now is to share it with the world.”
All songs created, performed and produced by PASTOR BRAD unless otherwise noted.
Highway 2 Heaven track listing:
1. “Highway To Heaven” (“Highway To Hell”, AC/DC)
2. “We Will Fight” (“Neon Knights”, BLACK SABBATH)
3. “Obey Your Commands” (“Too Much Time On My Hands”, STYX)
4. “Savior From Heaven” (“Stairway To Heaven”, LED ZEPPELIN)
5. “Orchestra Of Revolution” (“Symphony Of Destruction”, MEGADETH)
6. “Help Me Jesus” (“Hold On Loosely”, 38 SPECIAL)
7. “So Grateful You Love Me” (“Don't Tell Me You Love Me”, NIGHT RANGER)
8. “Can't Live” (“Can't Live Without You”, SCORPIONS)
9. “Father's Will” (“Looks That Kill”, MOTLEY CRUE)
10. “Lift Him Up” (“Lick It Up”, KISS)
Luke Weber (RAZORIGAMI) makes a guest lead vocal appearance on “We Will Fight”, while artist’s daughter Kara Windlan contributes backing vocals to “Help Me Jesus”. Son Josh Windlan provides cover art.
PASTOR BRAD online: www.guitarjams.net & www.facebook.com/pastorbradrocks
NEWS BRIEFS
* RamblingEverOn online artice regarding the forgotten history of Christian rock: http://ramblingeveron.com/2018/01/10/the-forgotten-history-of-christian-rock-part-one/
* “Pitfalls & Snares”, a short promo of new music from progressive rock artist KDB3: https://vimeo.com/249971941?ref=fb-share&1
* Update from vocalist Dale Thompson regarding the various projects in which he is involved (Facebook – January 13, 2018):
“Today I have recorded the 10th song for PERPETUAL PARANOIA along with the 9th song for BRIDE. I wanted everyone to know that the 4 bands that I am fronting at the moment all have their own unique sound. You are not getting the same type of music with each of these groups. Troy (Thompson, guitars) and I are writing BRIDE material. Alan and I most of you have heard what THE WORLD WILL BURN sound like. N.O.G. is more progressive metal not rock. PERPETUAL PARANOIA is very heavy metal almost ‘thrashy’ but with a melody.
“I am enjoying the variety of vocal I had to create to separate these bands. Samples are coming soon but not until I make sure we sound our very best. I want to thank those who have contributed to the BRIDE fund. We are still short of what we need, which only shows me the market has shrunk. However, knowing that that none of these bands is writing and recording for the money shows m the heart of the players whose main goal and ambition is to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ. I take my hat off to every Christian rocker out there. We sacrifice to give people an alternative and not only that, we give our all and become all things to all men that some might be saved.”
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
Rainbow Rock Festival 2018 Announced:
RAINBOW ROCK is a Christian Heavy Metal Festival organized by CMI (Christian Metalheads International). The festival takes place April 6-7, 2018 at the Satelliten Arena in Sollentuna, Stockholm, Sweden and features a cool line up of Christian metal bands from all around Europe and USA!
The venue is easy to access by train, and the nearest airport is Stockholm Arlanda. If you need somewhere to sleep you can also (for a fee of 100 SEK/night, metal breakfast is included in the price) sleep Friday/Saturday and Saturday/Sunday at the festival arena Satelliten. Just bring your mattress and sleeping bag with you.
Festival line up:
ADORNED GRAVE (thrash metal), Germany
FLUKT (black metal), Norway
HILASTHERION (death metal), Finland
HOLY BLOOD (Viking metal), Ukraine
NORTHERN FLAME (melodic metal), Finland
ONE BAD PIG (punk), USA
PARAKLETOS (black metal), Finland
PETER 118 (Melodic Punk), United Kingdom
POLTINMERKKI (industrial metal), Finland
PROCLAIM (melodic punk), The Netherlands
RIFFERSPOCK (alternative rock), United Kingdom
SPYKER (thrash core), The Netherlands
VERITAS INFINITA (symphonic gothic), The Netherlands
WAITING FOR THE RAVENS (Indie Hard Core), USA
For further information and tickets: http://rbr-festival.com/index.html
Introducing Jimmy P. Brown’s ERASERHEAD:
Vocalist, rhythm guitarist and DELIVERANCE founding member Jimmy P. Brown II announced via Facebook (December 23, 2017) that the debut album of his new project, ERASERHEAD, is “mixed and is in the proverbial can”. He goes on to add, “We will be sending (it) off to be mastered (and) then manufactured for all of you to enjoy”.
Although untitled at the time of this writing, the album promises to be a return to the ‘technical metal’ of critically acclaimed DELIVERANCE releases Learn (1993) and River Disturbance (1994). ERASERHEAD also finds Brown again working with the rhythm section that performed on the two albums, bassist Manny Morales and drummer Jon Knox. As noted in the ERASERHEAD press material:
“Reuniting after 23 years to record a new record was both challenging and the most rewarding experience for Brown. He wrote and crafted the songs with these two guys in mind without having contacted them. Then, when the songs were near completion, Brown reached out to both Morales and Knox and presented the idea and tunes! They both signed on immediately!
“The group reunited at 3 Frogz Studio in Brundidge, AL, where Brown is the lead engineer. The chemistry was almost instant! It was as if the three musicians picked right up where they'd left off in 1994 with River Disturbance. ERASERHEAD was born!
“Jon Knox and Manny Morales were both thrilled to be working on new material with Brown! The performances are raw, powerful and driving!”
In the words of Brown, ERASERHEAD is "relevant, introspective, and rockin!"
ERASERHEAD online: www.facebook.com/theeraserheads
IMAGES OF EDEN Release “Shield Me” Music Video & Single:
Phoenix, Arizona (1/5/2018) - Today, IMAGES OF EDEN releases their first single/ music video, “Shield Me” as an unsigned band while they shop record labels for a 2018 release of their full length CD, titled Soulrise, the long-awaited follow up to the 2011 release of Rebuilding The Ruins on Nightmare Records. The album was mixed and mastered by the legendary Bill Metoyer at Skull-Seven Studios in Hollywood, CA and is ready for pressing.
When asked why there was such a delay between releases, vocalist Gordon Tittsworth replied, “There were so many changes within IMAGES OF EDEN, lineup and beyond, that it took some time to reform and regain our bearings. But, I can assure our fans that this is the strongest, most solid lineup ever and there will no longer be long delays in between releases. We even have the follow up album to Soulrise well on its way.”
The music video is set to be unveiled at the same time of the track's release, which will feature a new, fine-tuned lineup of IMAGES OF EDEN with a huge video production as well as a more modern, updated sound. Tittsworth also states, “Our songwriting has evolved far beyond where I felt we were in 2011 and before. The earlier IMAGES OF EDEN releases were primarily progressive hard rock/ metal, but our natural vibe/ feel has much more of a heavier, modern edge to it now, but still with our classic hard rock/ metal roots. We feel our sound is more accessible now to new fans and also to our current fan base. You will still know it is IMAGES OF EDEN right away.”
Manager Steve Dorssom promises this latest news is only the tip of the iceberg with a new record label search underway, and that the band has already completed the writing for the 5th release, tentatively titled, Angel Born and will be recording the album over the course of 2018 alongside the release of Soulrise and 2018 supporting tour. Fans should expect to hear even bigger news from IMAGES OF EDEN in the very near future, and should check in at the band's official website and social media for the latest announcements.
IMAGES OF EDEN line up:
Gordon Tittsworth - Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar
Carlos Urquidi Perez - Lead Guitar
L. Dean Harris - Piano & Keyboards
Eric Mulvaine - Bass Guitar
Steve Dorssom- Drums & Percussion
The single for “Shield Me” is available at all digital media outlets (iTunes, Amazon, etc). For more information, visit our website at www.imagesofeden.com/discography3.htm
MAX BLAM JAM – “Apathy’s Child” Video Premier:
Press Release / Roxx Records is very excited to be bringing you a very limited edition one time CD pressing of a long lost rock n roll GEM of an album from MAX BLAM JAM entitled Blow Up Man, which features Glenn Rogers and Brian Khairullah of DELIVERANCE fame. This is not your typical Christian Metal album; rather, it is a very diverse rock n roll album that has never been officially and fully released, until now.
A video of a song off the album, “Apathy’s Child”, can be viewed above.
Check out the original press promo the band used back in 1991 when Blow Up Man was first recorded:
“In March of 1991, Brian Khairullah, dissatisfied with his relationship with his record company, Intense Records, left the band DELIVERANCE in pursuit of artistic freedom. At the same time, Glenn Rogers was writing music on the side while he was playing lead guitar for STEEL VENGEANCE (Black Dragon Records of France). Brian and Glenn came together at that time and found the collaboration to be fiercely productive. They sought to create music that could be felt in the heart as well as the gut. What they created was a crunchy funky blues groove with an affinity for the soul.
“They then enlisted former STEEL VENGEANCE bassist Cesar Ceregatti and multi-instrumentalist Dan Ceregatti for drums and keyboards. Cesar’s aggressive funk groove combined with Dan’s diversity and willingness to experiment provided a rich addition to MAX BLAM JAM.
MAX BLAM JAM’s musical influences are eclectic ranging from Elton John, PRIMUS and AEROSMTIH, to THE BEATLES, Jimi Hendrix, METALLICA and MOZART. This mixture and the energy generated on stage make MAX BLAM JAM a new answer to the question… Are You Experienced?”
This is a very special one-time pressing of this long lost classic Christian rock record originally recorded in 1991. It features all new artwork and layout courtesy of Scott Waters of No Life Til Metal and all ten original tracks fully re-mastered by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound. It is beautifully packaged in a jewel case with 8-page booklet and all lyrics enclosed.
Pre Order the MAX BLAM JAM album entitled Blow Up Man now to get a very special limited edition sticker for the first 50 pre orders only. Street Date for this release is January 26, 2018.
Blow Up Man track listing:
1. “I Wasn't Ready”
2. “Burning Deep Inside”
3. “Desert Flower”
4. “I Love My Gun”
5. “Standing Alone”
6. “Everybody (Needs Love)”
7. “Wild Billy”
8. “Apathy's Child”
9. “Rescue Me”
10. “Because”
Blow Up Man pre-order: http://roxxrecords.storenvy.com/products/22788345-max-blam-jam-blow-up-man-cd
NEWS BRIEFS
* CHAOTIC RESEMBLANCE update (Facebook - December 29, 2017): “2018 is shaping up to be an awesome year already! We are going to jumpstart January with a trip to Nashville to record two more songs with Josiah Prince producing. Then in February onto Vegas to finish up the (new) album with Oz Fox. This album is going to be a must have for our amazing friends. March we head to Southern CA. for a few shows. In May, we are honored to be back at Rocklahoma for the 4th time on the Retrospect Stage. We have also been invited to Germany, we will post more about that down the road.”
* Roxx Records update for 2018 (Facebook - January 1, 2018): “Happy New Year to all, we are kicking the new year off right and rockin it into 2018. We have lots of great things in store for 2018, we are just about to kick off a large campaign and promotion for the new DELIVERANCE album, The Subversive Kind, in early January, and we already have new vinyl projects at the pressing plant for TERRAPHOBIA, SOLDIER and FINAL PROPHECYto name just a few of the things kicking off 2018.”
* SHINING FORCE new album update (Facebook - January 4, 2017): “The new CD will be completed on Sunday or Monday. Finally after all these years the CD will really be done. After the mastering, the CD will be duplicated and you will be able to purchase it through us. This has been a long time coming and finally we are at that point to release By The Blood.
“We are ready to start recording the next CD called Seven. This new future recording will be even better. Get all the SHINING FORCE collection while you can. These CD's once they are gone will pretty much be gone. We will re-mastering our self titled CD Shining Force and it will only be a limited amount made and once they are gone they will be gone.”
METAL & HARD ROCK NEWS
REVELATION - Spiritual Wind (CD + DVD) 30th Anniversary Re-issue On Thrashback Records:
Street date: January 26, 2018:
Press Release / Formed in 1985, West Palm Beach, Florida’s REVELATION were one of the top traditional metal bands in the Tri-County area of Palm Beach Broward Dade. After countless hours of wood-shedding, while all members were still in high school, the group recorded their first 3-song demo tape in 1987 entitled Visions.
In 1988, this five piece consisting of members Mike Roy (vocals), Edward Veitch (guitar), Briann Shinn (guitar), Brad Brothen (bass) and Richard Veitch (drums), armed with an albums worth of material, entered the studio once again, resulting in the album Spiritual Wind.
REVELATION continued to slug it out on live stages throughout Florida over the next year promoting Spiritual Wind, eventually culminating in their blistering live performance at the famed Cornerstone Festival in Illinois in the summer of 1989. Building upon their momentum, REVELATION continued playing live, writing new material, and even had major and independent label interest.
Moving into the 90’s birth pangs arose. REVELATION began to experience line up changes and a name change to DAUPHIN. The band ultimately came to its end in 1992.
Now coming in January of 2018 will be the deluxe re-issue of Spiritual Wind, full re-mastered from the original analog master tapes. Also included will be the entire 1987demo Visions, also re-mastered from the original analog master tapes. The deluxe edition release will also feature a DVD of the bands 1989 Cornerstone Festival performance in addition to bonus live and behind the scenes clips.
The first single from the re-issue, “Children Of The City Nights”, is available for streaming at SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/reformata_av/children-of-the-city-nights
Spiritual Wind track listing:
CD:
1. “Running Scared”
2. “Johnny”
3. “Spiritual Wind”
4. “Young Warrior”
5. “Children Of The City Nights”
6. “Fortress”
7. “Stop The Rain”
8. “Hunting The Devil”
9. “Good Cause”
10, “Visions” (1987 demo)
11. “You’re Not The Only One” (1987 demo)
12. “Good Cause” (1987 demo)
DVD:
1. “Live At Cornerstone Festival 1989”
2. "Bonus Live And Behind The Scenes Clips"
SARDONYX To Release New Album In Early 2018, Sons Of The Kingdom:
As taken from a January of 2018 online update from the Christian power metal band:
Welcome to a new year that will be filled with many new things that God will do in this world. There has been a lot of talk about revival in the Christian Metal world. There is a great need for God's men and women to return to the things He has called them to do (Ephesians 2:10). It has been three years since we first started working on this new CD. We have been obedient to Him to write and complete this work but it has not been an easy "just slap it together" project. But we are very excited about releasing what He has given us for His glory and for building up the Body of Christ. We are convinced that releasing it is all about God's timing.
Would you consider praying for us every day till it is released? To date, we have 7 songs completed and there are two more that need final vocal tracks. This Saturday, January 6, we are planning on doing vocals for our 8th song called "My Bride Beloved". It is a theatrical metal song where Jesus, the Bride and Satan sing back and forth in passionate intensity. Needless to say, all of us have had to bathe this in prayer. We value intercessors that take the spiritual impact of this new CD seriously.
Our goal is to do as much work as we can this Saturday. Then in two weeks, we will be working on the 9th and last song on the CD. More on that will be in an update which will be released sometime next week.
RELEASING THE SONGS - Lord willing, we plan on first releasing these new songs as digital downloads in February and then consider how we will work with the different labels who are interested in our work. Please pray for wisdom for us in this area. Thank you! - Tom Denlinger (lead vocals)
In September, we finished laying down all our drum tracks in Chugach, Alaska. Our drummer, Bill Pagaran did an outstanding job and we are all very excited to hear the final product! Here is an quick clip from inside the control room during his recording session for you to check out.
Since that time our main engineer, mix down and mastering guru, (and guitarist for the project) Rod Feltman, is hard at work mixing in the new drum tracks. Rod is co-producing this new project with front man, Tom Denlinger. Rod will be working on these songs over the next few weeks.
Many of you have asked if the band will ever play these songs live. Honestly, we don't have any current plans to do that. The nature of these songs are more of conducive to a more theatrical, epic, and larger venue performance. Because of the reality of being an older band who has not released anything in 12 years, we know that playing larger shows will probably not become a reality. We are happy just being able to release this new powerful music that God has clearly given us.
Please pray for God to work through all of us in the coming days. Because of the spiritual (warfare) nature of these lyrics, we would also appreciate your prayer for our protection against the enemy who seeks to sift us as wheat. We know that is his desire. But as Jesus said, "for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me" (John 14:30).
Please be patient. This project comes from our hearts and we cannot release it until it the music captures the excellence of the message.
SARDONYX online: https://lightshineministries.com & www.facebook.com/SARDONYX
STRYPER - New Album Update From Vocalist Michael Sweet:
Courtesy of www.blabbermouth.net:
STRYPER will return to SpiritHouse Recording Studios in Northampton, Massachusetts on January 10 to begin mixing its new album for a tentative April release via Frontiers Music Srl. The follow-up to 2015's Fallen, which will be mastered on January 15, will mark STRYPER's first effort since the addition of former FIREHOUSE bassist Perry Richardson. Perry joined the band as the replacement for STRYPER's longtime bassist Tim Gaines, who was fired from the group earlier this year.
In a new post on STRYPER's Facebook page, guitarist/vocalist Michael Sweet writes: "Some people like heavy, some people like semi-heavy, some people like not so heavy. We've done it all over the years - really heavy to really light.
"As much as I respect the past and the music of the past, I think if I wasn't a member of STRYPER and I was a fan listening and watching, I'd like the new stuff equally as much as the old stuff, maybe even more.
"This new album is very different and has a whole new 'groove' to it," he continues. "It is heavy but it's also hooky and melodic. There's qualities similar to Soldiers Under Command (1985), To Hell With The Devil (1986), In God We Trust (1988), Against The Law (1990), No More Hell To Pay (2013) and Fallen (2015) yet it's all its own.
"As I finish singing over the next week I'm really excited as I hear these songs and know that soon enough, you'll will be hearing them too.
"The tracks are killer!!!!" Sweet adds. "Tight, punchy, groovy and memorable. Everyone did an outstanding job on this album. Oz [Fox] is working on his guitar solos at his home and I'm working on mine here at my studio.
"We're so humbled and honored to still be able to do this and we hope that you all are ready. This one is really special."
Sweet recently told ListenIowa that both the title and the lyrics of the title track of STRYPER's new album will be "shocking" to STRYPER fans - "moreso than with To Hell With The Devi'. When people hear it, they're going to go, 'What? Can you tell me that again?'" he said. "A lot of the lyrics on the album have been kind of therapeutic, coming from the last two or three years." As for the music, he described it as "straight-up STRYPER and a little AC/DC and a little (JUDAS) PRIEST in a blender… It's an anthem with a straight-ahead, memorable, sing-along chorus, and people will be like, 'Yes!'"
STRYPER online: www.stryper.com & www.facebook.com/Stryper
NEWS BRIEFS
* Teaser of new AOR band to feature vocalist Germán Pascual, VISION: www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQs0ajWGI9o
* Brazilian symphonic power metal band PERPETUAL LEGACY cover of “Castelo Forte” (Strong Castle): www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5SlUsN3a7M
Originally written in 1529 by Martin Luther, “Castelo Forte” was recorded by the group in celebration of 500 years of the Protestant Reformation.
* Michael Sweet online interview with TheMetalVoice: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XcWmWdmuS4
