31st January

Hurricane Party

Hotly tipped UK rock band Hurricane Party have just announced details of a nationwide tour in April. Dubbed the 'Class Of 2005 Tour'  the band will be traversing the country in conjunction with The Glitterati playing nineteen shows over a twenty two day period.

The full list of confirmed shows are:

April 1st - Sheffield Leadmill
April 2nd - Nottingham Rock City
April 4th - Liverpool Academy
April 5th - Leeds Cockpit
April 6th - Bristol Fleece & Firkin
April 7th - Cardiff Barfly
April 8th - Northampton Soundhouse
April 9th - Oxford Zodiac
April 11th - York Barfly
April 12th - Edinburgh Studio 24
April 13th - Aberdeen Moshulu
April 14th - Glasgow Cathouse
April 15th - Manchester Hop & Grape
April 16th - Stoke Sugarmill
April 17th - Birmingham Academy
April 19th - Brighton Concorde
April 20th - Southampton Joiners
April 21st - Colchester Arts Centre
April 22nd London Garage

29th January

Soul Sirkus

In a posting on their website (www.soulsirkus.com) , Soul Sirkus, the band led by Journey guitarist Neal Schon and Jeff Scott Soto, have confirmed that they will be undertaking a European tour in May of this year, which will include a series of UK shows. The full announcement reads as follows:

"SOUL SIRKUS 2005 EUROPEAN CONFIRMED DATES

These are the dates/venues released today for the Spring Tour 2005. Some venue names are missing but will be updated shortly. The Spring leg is limited to 3 weeks as there are also plans for dates throughout the US in April & as previously mentioned, Journey will begin their summer tour beginning in June. Some dates are subject to change &/or others added. Plans are for SS to resume a 2nd extensive leg in the Fall of 2005. Here's what we have thusfar:

Sat 7-May - Bradford, UK - Gods of Rock Festival
Sun 8-May - Sheffield, UK - The Corporation
Mon 9-May - London, UK - Shepherds Bush Empire
Tue 10-May - UK (venue/city to be announced)
Thu 12-May - Zoetermeer, Holland - Boerdij
Fri 13-May - Munich, Germany (venue to be announced)
Sat 14-May - Zurich, Switzerland - Z7
Sun 15-May - Milan, Italy - Transilvania
Tue 17-May - Barcelona, Spain (venue to be announced)
Thu 19-May - Madrid, Spain - Macumba
Sat 21-May - Roeselare, Belgium - Schung Festival
Mon 23-May - Stockholm, Sweden - Nalen
Tue 24-May - Gothenburg, Sweden - Tradgaarn
Wed 25-May - Malmo, Sweden - Kuturbolaget
Thu 26-May - Copenhagen, Denmark (venue to be announced)"

By default this announcement also confirms that there will be a Gods of Rock Festival this year, the first since the 2003 event which was also held in Bradford. No details on other acts for this festival have yet been confirmed.

28th January

Vain

In a age when it seemed that anything worth noting came from Los Angeles or New York, it was a refreshing change to find a band that had risen from San Francisco. Back in 1986  lead singer Davy Vain had decided that he wanted to form a band that fulfilled his rocking needs. Power, Songs, Melody and bristling energy. Davy  released his own demo cassette in 1986, with the now legendary axe man of Metallica Kirk Hammett doing the producing. He soon found a group of local musicians to work with, guitarists Danny West and James Scott, Bassist Ashley Mitchell and Drummer Tommy Rickard. Constant touring the west coast and a couple more Demo tape releases saw Vain catch the attention of Island Records, who signed the band in August 1988. Then it was off to Canada with ex Rush producer Paul Northfield to record the now classic September 1989 release No Respect. The first single release from No Respect was of course the full on stormer Beat The Bullet and with the song receiving air play from likes of MTV and Tommy Vance's Friday Rock Show, Vain were the hottest ticket in town.

Vain hit the road in November 1989 with Skid row performing to sell out shows across the UK before heading out to Japan in 1990 with there own headlining show. In 1991  Vain were back in the Studio recording there second album All Those Strangers, when internal reorganization at Island Records caused the band to be dropped from the label, along with many other acts. To this day All those Strangers has never been released, with the exception of a few cassettes to the press. In 1993 Davy and the band, now with ex Kill City Dragons drummer Danny Fury released Move On It, through Polystar Records. A notable addition to ranks for this record was ex Guns and Roses drummer Steven Adler, who pounded the skins on three of the tracks (Davy had been working with Adler on a side project called Roadcrew)

Fast forward then to 1995 and Davy released the third Vain studio album Fade, containing contributions from musicians from both Davy's past and who would feature in his future. Steve Adler and Tom Rickard played on some tracks as did future Vain drummer Louie Senor. Davy played lead and rhythm guitars on most tracks, with Danny West and James Scott appearing along the way. Just to note that Davy produced or co produced all of his own albums at his Studio “The Groove Room” north of San Francisco, Davy has made this studio his perfect playground for writing and making his own brand of rock, using vintage equipment that he has collected from all over the world.

As Davy had to make a living and owning his own Studio, most of his time was spent producing albums for other bands, so there was a long wait until the next offering from Davy and the boys, and was it ever worth the wait. In From Out Of Nowhere  was released on Jackie Rainbow Records in July 2000, a blast into the past with rockers like Push Me Over and brilliant melodic tunes like New York and Yellow. Davy released the CD under his own name but was joined on the album by Jamie Scott, Ashley Mitchell and Louie Senor on drums with second guitar duties handled by a friend of Davy's, Craig Behrhorst. And so here we now are in 2005, another long stint from In From Out of Nowhere, but Davy and the guys have been busy, now back with original member Danny West, Vain are set to release a new CD in Spring 2005 and are set to embark on there first UK tour since 1989. Great music keeps coming back while others just Fade away.

The confirmed UK tour dates for May 2005 are:

21st May - Nottingham Rock City
22nd May - Bradford Rios
24th May - Dudley JBs
25th May - Hull Welly
27th May - London  Mean Fiddler

28th January

Danger Danger

27th January

U2

U2 have lined up a quartet of UK shows for Summer 2005 in support of  their latest album 'How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb'. The dates confirmed are:

Jun 14th -  City Of Manchester Stadium
Jun 18th -  London Twickenham Stadium
Jun 24th - Glasgow Hampden Park
Jun 29th - Cardiff Millennium Stadium

Tickets for these shows go on sale on Friday January 28th

27th January

Download 2005

It also appears that the Saturday of Download my be nominated as an Ozzfest Day, with Black Sabbath topping a list of artists chosen for the day by Ozzy himself...

25th January

Wildhearts/Brides of Destructions

As has been widely discussed on various websites over the last few days, Wildhearts frontman Ginger has accepted an invitation to join the Brides Of Destruction as a second guitarist and to assist the band in songwriting for their second album. Ginger has now put out a statement regarding his decision to join the band and that can be read below:

"I have been offered the job playing second guitar, as well as helping write the new album, for The Brides Of Destruction. This does not mean that The Wildhearts are over, it just means that I am going through a traumatic time of my life and need a break from being the frontman/chief in charge.

My spirits are low and my performance as a lead singer would not be worth the admission fee, believe me. I cannot stop playing music however, and the offer to join The Brides has come at a time where I desperately need to concentrate on something to help me cope, both mentally and emotionally. Tracii and the guys have been so kind to me, and I am more than grateful for their friendship and encouragement.

If everyone can kindly allow me the time to heal I would be grateful for the considerate approach to this most unfortunate of times for me. I trust I can count on the fans for support, as opposed to knee jerk opinions and malicious gossip.

Thank you, and never take advantage of the love that you have in your life.

Ginger"

The new Brides Of Destruction line up is completed with the addition of Ex-Amen bassist Scott Sorry, who of course replaces Nikki Sixx.

25th January

Teer

Florida based melodic hard rock act Teer, is very excited to announce that Todd Plant, vocalist of Millenium, Eyewitness and Cryptic Vision to name a few, will be joining Teer on a full time basis. Todd will shortly enter the studio to begin work on the new Teer album , which guitarist Shane French claims will “rock your asses off and then some”.

Dan Michaels

Todd Plant was the obvious choice for the band after an amicable parting of ways with longtime vocalist Dan Michaels. Todd's powerful voice is a favorite among many fans of melodic rock around the world, and a perfect compliment to the hard-driving sound of Teer. After taking and December off following their November UK tour with Tyketto, Jeff Scott Soto, and Deadline, Teer reconvened the first week of January with Todd at the mic. After playing through new songs from their EP Bullets and Beer and a few tunes from the Teer self titled release, the deal was sealed. The chemistry was obvious to everybody in the room as well as a few long time Florida based fans who were lucky enough to watch the magic as it happened.

Rob, Shane & Nathan

Teer are incredibly sorry to say goodbye to vocalist Dan Michaels. Dan had spent the better part of ten years as a part of the Teer family, but due to a demanding schedule away from the band as well as a young family, Dan realized that he could no longer commit 100% to the Teer cause, however Dan will be 'popping' up occasionally as well as contributing new material and adding some backing vocals on the new album, or as Nathan Boone says “Teer is a life sentence!!” Shane, Nathan, John and Rob wish Dan every success for the future and extend their gratitude to him for playing his part in establishing Teer as one of the best acts to come out of Florida in some time.

Teer would like to thank everybody who came out to support them both locally and internationally in 2004 and look forward to seeing everybody somewhere on the planet in 2005.It promises to be a busy year…bring it on!!!

In further Teer news, the band have also instigated a new message board which can be found at http://p066.ezboard.com/bteerband

24th January

Candlemass

Legendary Doom Kings Candlemass sign new deal with Nuclear Blast Records
Nuclear Blast is very proud to announce that the Swedish doomsquad featuring Leif Edling and Messia Marcolin have signed a new deal with the label.
After their heroic return to several summer festivals in 2003, the band is more alive than ever! Although several rumours were spread about a split up, Candlemass were in fact working on a new piece of doom!

The new album will be released on May 2nd and marks a return towards the sound of such classic as “Nightfall” and “Tales of Creation”! It's name will just be: 'Candlemass''

24th January

Mortiis

Mortiis have returned to Silvertone Studios in Fredrikstad, Norway to work on a new single - 'Decadent & Desperate' - which is scheduled for a UK release in April . The single is expected to be released in various formats and will include a new, as yet un-named song, plus further re-mixed tracks from their latest album. The release follows last years debut single 'The Grudge' which saw the band make their first ever entry in the 'Official UK Singles Chart'.

A video for 'Decadent & Desperate' will be released prior to the single. Work is due to commence shortly in the UK and the band are rumoured to be working with film and video director Adam Mason (Million Dead, The Dawn Parade). Commenting on the upcoming video Mortiis said "I'm looking forward to making this new video. It's something which I expect to be dark and disturbing, something to go with the feel of the single."

Also in the pipeline is the release of the eagerly anticipated as yet untitled live DVD, which was recorded at the London show on last years 'Unlimited Grudge' European tour. Set for release in May, the DVD will also feature music and videos from the Smell Of Rain and Grudge era's, plus a host of exclusive never seen before extras.

As well as this new single Mortiis also has a series of live shows planned in the UK for April. The dates so far confirmed are:

Apr 20th - Cambridge Junction
Apr 23rd - Sheffield Corporation
Apr 26th - Liverpool Carling Academy
Apr 30th - Birmingham Carling Academy 2

24th January

God Forbid

New Jersey based quintet God Forbid return to live action in the UK during March with a series of shows scheduled nationwide.

The dates so far confirmed for the tour are:

Mar 19th - London Camden Underworld
Mar 20th - Oxford Zodiac
Mar 22nd - Glasgow King Tut's
Mar 23rd - Northumbria University
Mar 24th - Manchester Academy 3
Mar 25th - Liverpool University
Mar 26th - Sheffield Corporation

22nd January

Download festival 2005

Although nothing official has yet been forthcoming from Clear Channel, the company responsible for promoting the Download Festival at Donington Park, with regards to the line up or dates of the 2005 incarnation of the event, it now appears that System Of  A Down will be one of the bands appearing over the weekend. Within the Tour Dates section of the bands website they have listed an appearance at Download on Sunday June 12th. This fits in with the bands already scheduled UK shows at Brixton Academy, Glasgow & Manchetser in June (see Gig Guide for details). At present it does not state whether SOAD will be a headlining act at the event, or playing lower down on the bill.

Further the information from SOAD with regards to the date of the festival (11/12 June) seems to rule Iron Maiden out of the running for a spot on the bill, as the legendary Brit metallers already have gigs confirmed in Italy & Switzerland on these dates.

With the upcoming 'Ed Rips Up The World' tour scheduled for the summer of 2005, it had been widely rumoured that Maiden would once again take to the stage at Donington, thus repeating their previous headlining performances in 1988, 1992 & 2003. It remains to be seen where Maiden will now play in the UK on this trek, although other rumours indicate possible appearances at either the Reading/Leeds Festivals or a show in London's Hyde Park.

21st January

Motley Crue

The final track listing for the UK release of the new Motley Crue greatest hits package is now available. Entitled 'red, White & Crue, the double CD is released on February 14th and contains three new tracks as well as many of the well known and loved Crue classics from over the years. Unlike previous Crue compilations, Red, White & Crue also showcases tracks from the John  Corabi era of the band with the inclusion of Hooligan's Holiday & Misunderstood from the Self titled album released in 1994.

The track listing is as follows:

CD 1

Live Wire, Piece Of Your Action, Toast Of The Town, Too Fast For Love, Black Widow, Looks That Kill, Too Young To Fall In Love [remix], Helter Skelter, Shout At The Devil, Smokin' In The Boys Room, Use It Or Lose It, Girls, Girls, Girls, Wild Side, You're All I Need, All In The Name Of..., Kickstart My Heart, Without You, Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away), Same Ol' Situation (S.O.S.), Dr. Feelgood

CD 2

Anarchy In The UK, Primal Scream, Home Sweet Home ['91 remix], Hooligan's Holiday [Brown Nose Edit], Misunderstood [Successful Format Version], Planet Boom, Bittersuite, Afraid [Alternative Rave Mix], Beauty, Generation Swine, Bitter Pill, Enslaved, Hell On High Heels, New Tattoo [single version], Street Fighting Man [Brand New Track], If I Die Tomorrow [Brand New Track], Sick Love Song [Brand New Track]

The three new songs featured on CD 2 of the album all feature the original line up of Nikki Sixx, Vince Neil, Tommy Lee & Mick mars, with the exception of Street Fighting Man (a cover of the Rolling Stones tune) which features Josh Freese of A Perfect Circle on drums

As previously announced the band undertake a UK tour in June and play the following shows:

14th Jun - Glasgow SECC
15th Jun - Manchester MEN
17th Jun - Birmingham NEC
18th Jun - Cardiff International Arena
19th Jun - Wembley Arena

21st January

Queens Of The Stone Age

With the release date of their new album, 'Lullabies To Paralyze' fast approaching (reportedly March 21st through Interscope Records), Queens Of The Stone Age have announced a  one off UK live show  as part of a whistle stop European tour.  Although a venue has yet to be confirmed the show will take place on March 3rd in London.

The bands line up for this show will include mainman Josh Homme, drummer Joey Castillo and multi-instrumentalist Troy Van Leeuwen. The bassist in the band for these shows has yet to be announced.

With regard to the album, Lullabies To Paralyze, the track listing for this release is likely to be as follows:

Lullaby, Medication, Everybody Knows That You're Insane, Tangled up in Plaid, Burn the Witch, In My Head, Little Sister, I Never Came, Someone's in the Wolf, The Blood Is Love, Skin on Skin, Broken Box, You Got a Killer Scene and Long Slow Goodbye

The album will be preceded by a single, in the shape of Little Sister, which will be available from March 14th.

20th January

Talisman

Blabbermouth.net are reporting that Talisman, the band featuring vocalist Jeff Scott Soto and bassist Marcel Jacob, will issues a double live DVD entitled 'World's Best kept Secret' through Frontiers records on March 21st.

The report states that the DVD will contain two complete shows from the band filmed on their last tour in support of the 'Cats & Dogs' album, The first show being filmed at Club Mondo Stockholm, Sweden in August 2003, whilst the second was filmed at Sweden Rock in June of the same year.

The track listing of the double DVD collection is as follows:

DVD 1

Break Your Chains, Color My XTC, Fabricated War, Mysterious, . Skin On Skin, Tears In The Sky, Break It Down Again, In Make Believe, Scream Of Anger, If You Would Only Be My Friend, I'll Be Waiting, Outta My Way and Standing On Fire (All filmed at Club Mondo).

Break Your Chains, Color My XTC, Fabricated War, Tears In The Sky, Crazy, Break It Down Again, Mysterious, Standing On Fire, In Make Believe and I'll Be Waiting (All filmed at Sweden Rock)

DVD 2

Disc two of the DVD package will  contain retrospective footage of the band over its fifteenn year history and features the following tracks:

I'll Be Waiting (Video), Just Between Us (Video), Mysterious (Video), Time After Time (Live In Japan, 1993), Comin' Home (Live In Japan, 1993), All Or Nothing (Live In Japan, 1993), . Color My XTC (Video), Here 2day, Gone 2day (Live At Sweden Rock Festival, 2001), Body (Live At Sweden Rock Festival, 2001), Fabricated War (Live At Lokerse Feesten, 2003), Tears In The Sky (Live At Lokerse Feesten, 2003), Crazy (Live At Lokerse Feesten, 2003), Skin On Skin (Video), Outta My Way (Live At Lokerse Feesten, 2003) and In Make Believe (Video)

As a companion to the double live DVD set, Talisman will simultaneously release a double live CD package recorded at the aforementioned Sweden Rock & Club Mondo shows. The CD will be released under the title 'Five Men Live' and features the following track listing:

CD 1

Break Your Chains, Color My XTC, Fabricated War, Mysterious, Skin On Skin, Tears In The Sky, Crazy, In Make Believe, Scream of Anger, If Only You Would Be My Friend, Break It Down Again, I'll Be Waiting, NJBBWD, Outta My Way, Fredrik Akesson, Standing On Fire and I Don't Know

CD 2

Break Your Chains, Color My XTC, Fabricated War, Tears In The Sky, Crazy, Break It Down Again, Mysterious, Standing On Fire, In Make Believe, I'll Be Waiting

20th January

Wednesday 13

Wednesday 13, fontman with the Murderdolls will return to the UK for a series of shows in April  Dubbed th 'April Ghouls' tour – the trek coincides with the release of the vocalist's debut solo album  'Transylvania 90210: Songs Of Death, Dying, And The Dead' which hits stores on April 11th

The dates confirmed for the tour so far are:

11th April – Manchester Academy 3
12th April – Brighton Concorde 2
13th April – London Islington Academy
14th April – Birmingham Academy
15th April – Glasgow Cathouse
16th April – Nottingham Rock City


Roadrunner Records will be releasing Wednesday 13's spooktacular debut solo album on April 11. True to form, Wednesday has stitched together a morgue-full of influences – horror films, cartoons, punk and heavy metal – into a monster-mosh of an album, 'Transylvania 90210: Songs of Death, Dying and the Dead'. Fans of White Zombie, Rob Zombie, AFI, Alkaline Trio, & The Murderdolls, as well as metal, punk, and horror in general will find the record at once refreshing and outrageous. With his sallow complexion and raven dreadlocks, Wednesday may look like a grim goth at first glance, but the singer/guitarist is more a throwback to the days of Alice Cooper and Twisted Sister, when rock music had no more pretentious aspirations than being over-the-top, escapist fun. With song titles like 'I Walked With A Zombie', 'Elect Death For President', and 'I Want You… Dead', Wednesday 13 is set to take over the world, one brain at a time…

The track listing for Transylvania 90210 is as follows:

Post Mortem Boredom, Look What The Bats Dragged In, I Walked With A Zombie, Bad Things, House By The Cemetery, God Is A Lie, Haunt Me, Transylvania 90210, I Want You...Dead, Buried By Christmas, Elect Death For President, Rot For Me, The Ghost of Vincent price and A Bullet named Christ.

19th January

Paradise Lost

Paradise Lost release their new self titled album through Gun Records on February 21st. The CD, which will be the bands tenth studio effort, was in the main recorded at Chapel Studios in Lincolnshire, with  Rhys Fulber acting as producer.

Paradise Lost is likely to feature the following tracks: Close your Eyes, Grey, Redshift, Sun Fading, Don't Belong, Laws of Cause, For all you leave behind, Accept the Pain, Shine, Spirit, Forever After and Over the Madness

19th January

Power Quest

A joint press release from both parties makes the following statement:

18th January

Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper has just announced details of his forthcoming UK tour that takes place in November. Support on the shows will come from Twisted Sister.

The dates so far confirmed for the tour are:

5th November - Brighton Centre
6th November - London Wembley
7th November - Cardiff CIA
9th November - Birmingham NEC
10th November - Manchester MENA
11th November - Glasgow Clyde Auditorium
13th November - Newcastle Arena
15th November - Sheffield Arena
16th November- Nottingham Arena
17th November - Bournemouth BIC
19th November - Plymouth Pavilion

Tickets for the tour go on general sale from Friday 21st November, however Alice's official website at www.alicecooper.com has a pre-sale opportunity for those wishing to purchase Bronze, Gold or Platinum tickets for the show. Details of this pre-sales offer, taken direct from Cooper's website are shown below:

Bronze Ticket Presale - Rows 5-20

This is a Presale opportunity only.
Ticket price varies by venue, please check show descriptions.

Package includes:
* One premium price level ticket in ROWS 5-20 or a GA ticket. May vary by venue.
* Tickets sold on a First Come, First Served Basis, may vary by venue.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gold Ticket Package - ROWS 3-10

Price Per Ticket Package - $200 USD. Plus shipping and handling fee. May vary by venue.

These ticket packages are available until they are soldout or 4 weeks prior to the show.

Gold Package Bonus - If you are spotted wearing your Gold Package laminate at the show you may just get upgraded to a even better seat, get some Alice Cooper merchandise, or... be taken backstage to meet Alice Cooper and get a photo!

Each ticket purchased receives the following items:

* One ticket in premium price level location between ROWS 3 - 10 or a GA ticket. May vary by venue.
* Exclusive ticket package t-shirt.
* Collectible laminate.
* Backstage tour prior to the show.
* For General Admission shows early entry will be provided
* Limit 4 tickets per order.
* Internet only offer.
* Gold tickets DO NOT include ANY backstage access. Backstage access is reserved for Platinum tickets.
* Each Gold ticket DOES NOT automatically include a upgrade. Only a few a night are upgraded.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Platinum Ticket Package - ROWS 1-2

Price Per Ticket Package - $400 USD. Plus shipping and handling fee. May vary by venue.

These ticket packages are available until they are soldout or 4 weeks prior to the show.

Each ticket purchased receives the following items:

* One ticket premium price level between ROWS 1 -2 or a GA ticket. May vary by venue.
* One Show Only Official Alice Cooper Ticket VIP laminate.
* Preshow backstage tour
* Exclusive ticket package t-shirt
* Autographed "Alice Cooper Cash" (the prop money from the show)
* For General Admission shows early entry will be provided
* Meet and Greet with Alice Cooper
* Photo with Alice Cooper!
* Limit 2 tickets per show.
* Ticket and backstage pass will be delivered at will-call the night of the show.
* Internet only offer.

Note: Packages and seat locations and prices may vary by venue. Please read the show's ticket description for specific details. Ticket offerings can change without advance notice.

18th January

Starbreaker

"Paradise is waiting, for the chosen few...": the Judas Priest song "Starbreaker" seems like the perfect introduction to the new sensational band fronted by TNT vocalist Tony Harnell, who has recruited some of the hottest musicians around to build up the perfect contemporary melodic metal machine !

Most fans of melodic hard rock are aware of Tony's credentials as the front man in TNT, Westworld and Morning Wood to name a few. An original voice with an extraordinary range and an emotional delivery that can blow your head off as easily as it can melt your heart. He uses all of it and more with STARBREAKER!

Magnus Karlsson is the Swedish guitar master who revealed himself on three Last Tribe studio albums and most recently penning the songs and performing on the massive Lande / Allen studio project to be released later in 2005 on Frontiers Records.

Fabrizio Grossi is one of the busiest producers in the rock world nowadays. He has recently worked with the likes of Glenn Hughes/Chad Smith and Dave Navarro, House of Lords, Slash, Ice T / Body Count, George Clinton / P-Funk and played bass with a countless number of artists spanning from Steve Vai to Nina Hagen. He lives in Los Angeles, he's a 100% Italian pulsating rhythm machine who creates a perfect team with fellow John Macaluso. He's one of the most seasoned drummers and musicians who worked already with Harnell being part of TNT's line-up on the "Realized Fantasies" album in 1992. Since then he has worked with plenty of artists and bands including Riot, Yngwie Malmsteen and Ark.

"Starbreaker", the self titled debut album is finally ready to unleash itself on an unsuspecting public on March 21st 2005 on Frontiers Records with a Japanese release on King Records.

You have never heard Harnell singing so heavy and aggressive, still the album is a melodic metal milestone that encompasses passionate thought provoking lyrics and intricate yet dynamic musical landscapes. This album is going to appeal to fans of classic Judas Priest and Queensryche and of course TNT as well.

Singer Tony Harnell admits: "I am convinced that this album will turn heads, shatter ears and crush hearts. This is probably the most special thing I have been involved with for years" continues Harnell, "it is a blend of traditional and contemporary hard rock/metal that has never been done like this before. It's heavy, epic, majestic and hugely melodic. I am a big fan of this music, this is an album I would probably buy myself!". Producer and bandmate Fabrizio Grossi adds: "Tony and John were cornerstones in my shaping up and the "swede" was a great icing on this cake. I enjoyed doing this like I only did when I was 20 and not really making a living with music. I really hope this will inspire lots of people out there as much as it did to me and if this will be the last work I 'd do as a musician in a band effort, I could definitely die happy !!!!"

18th January

Open Hand

Hollywood based band Open hand release their debut album, entitled 'You & Me' through Roadrunner Records on February 7th.

According to the Roadrunner Press Release, You & Me is "An ambitious record of thrilling contradictions: crushingly powerful yet beautiful impossibly complex yet accessible classic yet wildly futuristic. A bold, genre-destroying album that in just 41 minutes manages to obliterate the boundaries between indie rock, metal, stoner rock, hardcore, prog and garage rock."

Recorded at The Blasting Room in Ft. Collins, CO with producer (and former Shiner bassist) Paul Malinowski, Open Hand feature Guest vocalist Hayley Helmericks, vocalist/guitarist Justin Isham, bassist Michael Anastasi, drummer Paxton Pryor and guitarist Sean Woods.

The full track listing for You & Me is as follows:

Pure Concentrated Evil, Her Song, Tough Girl, You and Me, Tough Guy, Jaded, The Ambush, Take No Action, Newspeak, Crooked Crown, The Kaleidoscope, Waiting for Katy, Trench Warfare and . Hard Night

17th January

Queen

In a posting on soundgenerator.com the upcoming dates for the proposed Queen/Paul Rodgers tour have now been listed.

The 23-date European trek, billed as Queen featuring Paul Rodgers, launches on March 30th in Paris, following a warm-up show at London's Brixton Academy

A world tour has long been on the cards since Brian May performed with former Free/Bad Religion frontman Paul Rodgers:

"It really all came about because of the Fender 50th Anniversary gig that I did with Paul Rodgers," Brian May said recently on his website.

The European dates, which will be confirmed later today by the band, include shows in Spain, Italy and Germany before a six-date tour of the UK.

Dates in Scotland and Ireland have been put on hold due to Rodgers' other touring commitments, but Brian May revealed they will happen later in the year, saying the band are 'conscious that this is a very important omission'.

Speaking about the North American leg of the tour, May said: "We are at present putting a proposal together for us to play dates in the USA starting end of September or early October". Various fan club sites are reporting the first date to be the Montreal Metropolis on September 8.
The full European schedule is as follows:

March

19 - Fancourt  South Africa
28 - London Brixton Academy, UK
30 - Paris Le Zenith, France

April

01 - Madrid Palacio de los Deportes. Spain
02 - Barcelona Palau Sant Jordi, Spain
04 - Rome Palalottomatica, Italy
05 - Milan Forum, Italy
07 - Firenze Nelson Mandela Forum, Italy
08 - Pesaro BPA Palas, Italy
12 - Vienna Stadthalle, Austria
14 - Munich Olympiahalle, Germany
16 - Prague Sazka Arena, Czech
17 - Leipsig Arena, Germany
19 - Frankfurt Festhalle, Germany
20 - Antwerpen Sportpaleis, Belguim
25 - Dortmund Westfalengalle, Germany
28 - Hamburg Color Line Arena, Germany


May

03 - Newcastle Metro, UK
04 - Manchester MEN, UK
06 - Birmingham NEC, UK
07 - Cardiff Arena, UK
09 - Sheffield Hallam Arena, UK
11 - London Wembley Arena, UK

17th January

Judas Priest

Sony have released full details of the upcoming Judas Priest album, 'Angel of Retribution', due through the label on February 28th. The album, which was produced by Roy Z, will feature ten new tracks and is the first new music from the classic line featuring Rob Halford in fifteen years. There will also be a limited edition version of the CD that features a bonus live DVD filmed at the bands show in Barcelona in 2004.

The full track listing of 'Angel Of Retribution' is as follows: Judas Rising, Deal With The Devil, Revolution, Worth Fighting For, Demonizer, Wheels Of Fire, Angel, Hellrider, Eulogy and Lochness

Prior to the album's release a single, in the shape of 'Revolution' will also be issued. The single is expected to hit the shops on February 21st.

As previously announced the band, with special guests The Scorpions, undertake a comprehensive UK tour in march. Check the gig guide for details

17th January

Kinrick

17th January

Nine Inch Nails

Check out this link for the full story

14th January

Earache Records Update

Adema

Bakersfield modern rockers Adema have finished recording their new album, their first for Earache. Their new album is to be entitled OPlanets¹ and has been scheduled for an April 2005 release. The band have spent the last few months holed up in Fat Tracks Studio in Bakersfield, California self producing the album with Nick Forcillo. OPlanets¹ will be showcasing the vocal talents of new singer Luke Caraccioli, who joined the band after the departure of Markey Chavez.

Biomechanical

London metallers Biomechanical play a stunning mix of Traditional Metal with shredding guitar solos mixed with the brutal stomp of prime Pantera, and have begun the mixing process of their debut album for Elitist/Earache at the studio of metal supremo producer Andy Sneap in Ripley, UK. Read singer John K  comments on the upcoming album, entitled 'The Empires Of The Worlds' ,It's very exiting news!! I can hardly wait to mix 'The Empires of the Worlds' with Andy. Me and the guys have been recording this album for some time now and have put a lot of hard work into it. It feels really good knowing that we can give it a great starting point with a kick-ass production!! We had a lot of discussions with Earache and Lee Barrett about the mix and Andy's name came on top of the list. It was very exiting when he agreed to take on the mix of the album. Can't wait!"

14th January

DamagePlan

In a posting on www.billboard.com DamagePlan's manager Paul Bassman discussed the possibility of future recordings being issued by the band. The murder of guitarist Dimebag Darrell Abbott at a gig last month effectively seemed to signal the end of the outfit, who had issued just one album in the shape of 20041's New Found Power.

Bassman went on to say, in his first interview since Abbott's death, that "There were recordings the band laid down prior to Dimebag's death that are near completion," [Drummer/Abbott's brother] Vinnie Paul has said there will be a follow-up album down the road, as Dime would have wanted his music to be heard."

Bassman adds, "The outpouring of kind thoughts, sadness and condolences have meant so much to all of us. On behalf of all the families impacted by this horrible tragedy, let me share a public acknowledgement of our gratitude."

You can check out the full story via this link

14th January

Stratovarius 

Despite all of the uncertainty within the Stratovarius camp over the past twelve months, caused in part by the illness of main man Timo Tolkki, the group, via their record company Noise have announced that the classic line-up has reformed and will be working on new material.

The official statement from the band reads; " After all the turmoil of 2004, we are happy to announce that Stratovarius has reunited with the classic line-up: Timo Tolkki, Timo Kotipelto, Jörg Michael, Jari Kainulainen and Jens Johansson.

Since his breakdown in April, we have patiently been waiting for Timo Tolkki's health to improve. It has been, and since about 6 weeks he has been strong enough to go back to work.

Also during the past months, after much talk, soul-searching and reflection most of the damage within the band has been repaired. The rest of us now understand Timo's condition, and have slowly come to terms with it. There has been forgiveness, and everyone has a good relationship again.

Many of the immense problems we were facing have now found concrete solutions.

Lastly, we can announce that work is already in progress on completely new material.

Stratovarius"

14th January

Power Quest

UK power metal outfit Power Quest are all set to start work on what will be the band's third album. recording for the CD will begin on January 24thand will run until the end of February, under the watchful eye of Karl Groom and Richard West of Threshold fame. The album has already been christened 'Magic Never Dies'.

Occupying the drum stool for these sessions will be 20 year old drummer Francesco Tresca, from Vicenza (Italy), who replaces the previous incumbent  Gav Ward. Francesco is currently holed up with vocalist Alessio Garavello and guitarist Andrea Martongelli preparing for the new album.

Although 'Magic Never Dies' will be released through the Marquee/Avalon label in Japan, the band have yet to announce which label will issue the product in the UK and Europe. The band left their previous European Home, Now & Then Records, in August 2004

14th January

Hanoi Rocks

Hanoi Rocks are all set to release a new album, entitled 'Another Hostile Takeover', which is tentatively scheduled to hit stores during April this year. The full track listing for the album has now been revealed and is as follows:

Back In Yer Face, Hurt, The Devil In You, Love, Talk To The Hand, Eternal Optimist, No Compromise, No Regrets, Reggae Rocker, You Make The Earth Move, Better High, Dear Miss Lonely Hearts and Center Of My Universe

To wet the appetites for this new CD the band visit the UK for short tour in February. The dates so far confirmed for this trek are:

Feb 1st - Dudley JB's
Feb 2nd - Nottingham Rock City
Feb 3rd - London Electric Ballroom
Feb 4th - Bradford Rio's

Support for these shows come from Adam Bomb

Prior to opening these shows for Hanoi Rocks, Bomb also has a 12 date UK headline tour scheduled. The dates for this trek are as follows:

Jan 20th - Leek V -Bar in The Foxlowe
Jan 21st - Monk Bretton Sturdy Lads
Jan 22nd - Rotherham Snafu
Jan 23rd Ackworth Boot & Shoe 4:00 pm show
Jan 23rd Birdwell Birdwell Club 9:00 pm show
Jan 24th Oxford The Bullingdon
Jan 25th Boston The Axe & Cleaver
Jan 26th Scunthorpe The Lincoln Imp
Jan 27th Hull The Springhead
Jan 28th Newcastle Trillian's Rock Bar
Jan 29th Harlow The Square
Jan 30th Nottingham Running Horse
Jan 31st Sheffield The Corporation

14th January

Black Label Society

Black Label Society, the band led and founded by Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zak Wylde , will release their latest album on March 7th through Artemis Records. Entitled simply 'Mafia' the album, which is the bands seventh release,  will feature fourteen new tracks. The track listing for this CD is as follows:

Fire It Up, What's In You, Suicide Messiah, Forever Down, In This River, You Must Be Blind, Death March, Dr. Octavia, Say What You Will, Too Tough To Die, Electric Hellfire, Spread Your Wings, Been A Long Time and Dirt On The Grave

13th January

System of A Down

System Of A Down, who are set to release two new albums this year, in the shape of 'Hypnotize' and 'Mesmerize' have confirmed three UK live shows for June of this year.

The band will play London Brixton Academy on June 3rd, Manchester Evening News Arena on June 14th and Glasgow SECC on June 15th.. Tickets, according to www.ticketline.co.uk ,go on sale for these three gigs on Saturday 15th January.

The first of the two albums ('Hypnotize') is scheduled to be released on February 28th through Columbia Records, whilst 'Mesmerize' will follow approximately six months later. Both of the albums were co-produced by the band with Rick Rubin. Songs set for inclusion over the course of the two disc include "Lost in Hollywood" "Cigaro", "Hypnotize"' and Kill Rock'n'roll

13th January

Cradle Of Filth

Cradle Of Filth have lined up a series of UK shows during April as part of their European tour. The four dates so far confirmed are:

13th April - Portsmouth - Pyramid
14th April - Wolverhampton - Wulfrun Hall
15th April - Manchester - Academy
16th April - London Forum

To coincide with this European tour, the band are set to release a special edition of their latest album 'Nymphetamine' on 21st February, 2005 through Roadrunner Records, . The deluxe new package will feature new artwork and six extra tracks, including two brand new ones: 'Prey' and 'Soft White Throat', as well as a new version of the album's title track (Deva-Fix version) featuring backing vocalist Sarah Jezebel Deva. Also include on this edition of the album are cover versions of Ozzy Osbourne's 'Mr Crowley' and born-again Cliff Richard's 1976 classic 'Devil Woman'.

13th January

Waysted

Waysted, the reformed Brit rockers, featuring Pete Way of UFO fame on bass, have been forced to cancel their UK tour that was scheduled to kick off this month. In a statement on the band's website the cancellations were announced as such:

"It is with much regret Waysted announce the postponement of their forthcoming 'Back From The Dead' January UK tour. Pete Way is dealing with a close personal family problem, and feels that it is inappropriate to tour at this time The shows are currently being re-booked for September 2005. Special guests M.ILL.ION will be retained for these rescheduled shows. The band and Majestic Rock Records apologize for this development and hope to see you at the shows in September"

The band were touring in support of their new album ' Back From The Dead' that was released via Majestic Rock Records  late last year.

13th January

Albums Of The Year

Well it's that time of year again when we vote for our individual albums of the year.

2004 was certainly interesting with some awesome releases in all genres. Looking back however, and from a personal point of view, the albums that I regard as the best of this year aren't always the ones that I gave the best marks to in the initial review. That first review is often written after maybe only four or five listens to the disc. I guess what really marks a record for greatness is how often you come back to it over a period of time and listen repeatedly.

So with those wise words in mind, here goes our writers top ten lists albums of 2004.

So there we go, a varied and mixed bunch of music, but hey that's how we like it here. Let us know what you your top tens of the year were either via the guestbook or email and we may very well put up a list that shows what our readers think

13th January

Another Frontiers Update!

FINAL FRONTIER

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the signing of the melodic rock Canadian masters Final Frontier !

The first step of the new partnership will be the European release of the band's third album "High Tension Wire", a record which has already scored such amazing feedback from the press such as the 93/100 on melodicrock.com!

For the uninitiated, FINAL FRONTIER is the band featuring monster singer Rob Moratti together with Von Groove riff-master Mladen and the other guitar wizard Lawrence Falcomer (Sonic X). On drums the band used the services of non other than Von Groove's very own Michael Shotton. The sound of Final Frontier is a real must for all the lovers of the classic melodic rock sounds of such bands as Journey, Hugo and classic Styx.

The European version of the album will feature the following track listing:
High Tension Wire; Two Different Worlds; Angel of the Lake; The Beauty and The Beast; Hearts on Fire; Hollywood Drama; Sunset at Dawn; Something More Than This; Who's Going to Love You Now; Listen to Your Heart; Half Way Home and Let Me Be The One (exclusive bonus track for Europe)

Frontiers Records will release "High Tension Wire" on March 21st 2004.

OUTLAND

Frontiers Records, in cooperation with Melodic Symphony, is going to distribute exclusively the new Outland DC entitled "Long Way Home" with a release settled on February 21st 2005.

The second Outland album follows the steps of the good critical acclaim that blessed the release of the debut CD "Different World". "The new album", says guitarist and singer Jeff Prentice, "appeals to all fans of "Different Worlds" plus bring in some fans of slightly harder rock as well".

This time the Californian duo formed by Prentice together with Rob Nishida can also announce that they have Pat Torpey (of Mr. Big fame) playing drums throughout the entire CD.

The track listing of the album shall include the following songs: Borderline; Love Ain't The Answer; The Hardest Part of All; Madeline; How Many Times; Long Way Home; Somebody Just Like You; Turn Some Pages; What In The World; Don't Turn Back and Hollywood.

ROYAL HUNT

Denmark's Symphonic Rockers Royal Hunt have announced the addition of guitarist Marcus Jidell (Jekyll & Hude and The Ring) to the group's ranks.

"Armed to the teeth with every guitar model ever produced, Marcus left his native Sweden to fill the upcoming Royal Hunt album with everything from monster riffs to 12-finger tapping (yes, he does sound like he have 12!), leaving Andre with 1017 guitar tracks to sort out... only to return for the mixing / photo sessions / interviews and other stuff", the band write on their web site.

"Covering any musical style - acoustic ballads, Pink Floyd-ish dreamscapes, Bach-on-300 km/h and just pure metal, he's a great addition to Royal Hunt".

As previously reported, Royal Hunt are currently at the North Point studio in Copenhagen recording their new album. The band won't go bragging about all those swirling Hammond riffs, pounding piano breaks and mind-blowing lead lines which we've heard so far, but be prepared for a take-no-prisoners musical extravaganza ride!

The as-yet-untitled follow-up to 2003's "Eyewitness" is due in late spring/early summer.

12th January

Ginger

A Break In The Weather is a the title of a double CD collection of rare mail order singles from the Wildhearts' charismatic frontman. Each song explores Ginger's personal experiences of love, life and rock 'n' roll and presents a no-holds-barred account, which demands the listener's attention. Absolutely essential for all fans of Ginger and The Wildhearts!

Tracklisting:
Disc One: I'm A Lover, Not A Fighter | Don't Let Me Die Lonely | Thailand Uber Alles | Cars & Vaginas | You, Me & BT | Not Bitter, Just A Little Disappointed | And This Time I'm Serious | Re-inventing The Wheel | Blinded By Absinthe

Disc Two: The Saga Of Me & You | Naked Innocence | A Better Man | Virtual Love | Energetic O | Where Did Everyone Go? | T.W.A.T. | He's A Man | The Dying Art Of The Chorus

The CD will be released via Castle on January 31st

12th January

MTM Update

1. THE POINT

I wrote this song at an old fortress by the sea. It's about taking a giant leap into the unknown. And being willing to take risks in life. I'm especially proud of the solo. Engineer Bjorn Stiauren really pushed me hard so I could deliver the goods, and I did the same with Solli. Based on both melody, lyrics and performance, I think this one best describes me as an artist.

2. WATERLINE

A fantasy about a little mermaid. Solli's favorite song and a classic AOR tune. In fact it was a prophecy, and I later met her in real life. She didn't lose her voice or turn into foam though.

3. HERE IN THE AIR

One summer morning I took my boat to a mountain island outside our summer-place, when a Gannet, a big Albatross-like seabird rarely seen near land suddenly stopped by. He stretched his wings in the sunlight. It was a very inspiring moment, and since I didn't have a camera I wrote a song. I arranged it in a pre-Whitesnake Adrian Vandenberg way; like the "Heading for a storm" album which I think is one of the brightest moments in the history of Rock. I believe I succeeded in that, thus keeping the Greenhouze signature sound. During the mixdown of the album I couldn't decide which guitar solo take I'd choose, so I used them both - panned hard left and right!

4. REMEMBER

Inspired by adult alternative masters Oystein Sevag and Lakki Patey, this was the first musical idea I got for Greehouze. A once lost love suddenly appears on an advertisment poster in a fashion store window. Old feelings come alive again, and continues into the next song.

5. TRAIN SONG

It's about secret love, which can be a real pain sometimes. Solli took it further in the studio, and we created a psycho-thriller environment around the lyrics. If you listen through headphones you can really feel the anxiety rising. The melody is based on a traditional Irish theme, and this was the first song Solli and I worked on together.

6. INSANITY

One of the Symphonic Rock moments of Greenhouze. Inspired by Indian traditional music, this hypnotic, trance-like piece is really intense. I'm really proud of the organ-solo. I was pretty pissed off during the 90's about what happened on the Rock scene. One of the reasons why I started playing guitar and Hard Rock in the first place was that it wasn't dependent on fashion and trends. More like the classical music I grew up with. But suddenly guitar based Rock became just as fashion related as synth pop, disco or whatever. The message of the song is; if you just hang on to your own style and don't follow the latest trends you will always be prepared when the wind turns. And you may even create some classic work that will stand the test of time.

7. TALL GRASSES

It's funny how sound can express silence. I visited an old Viking graveyard in Norway called "Istrehagan" and the athmosphere gave me a feeling of abandoned places where people once lived. It's like they left footprints and you still can feel their presence. I presented the theme and a riff for my brother, and he wrote the lyrics while I instantly came up with the melody while playing my guitar unplugged. Notice the icicle-like glass chimes played by Brazilian percussionist Celio de Karvalho. In the studio the lead vocals were recorded in one single take, and it was in fact the first time Solli ever sang that tune!

8. CLOUDS

I always record or write down EVERY idea I get in my head or when I try out new sounds. This instrumental piece just jumped out while I was experimenting with my Digitech DSP-256 effects processor - one of my favorite tools. I recorded it on cassette, thought I'd save it for a New-Age project, but it was an obvious choice for an intro to the song "Rain". In the studio I re-recorded this piece with an electric guitar straight into the board with no amplifier. My cousin Thomas Ruud and I put pieces of sound-effects together to create the environment around the theme. It gives the impression like you're in a movie.

9. RAIN

I love the complex collage of sonic textures on this one. It has a kind of twisted, almost cynical feel. Solli caught the idea - notice the weird, asthmatic breathing on the fade-out together with an eBow guitar through a Digitech harmonizer. When you're at a particular stage of life, when you feel you've got nothing to lose you get a strange kind of blues. At the same time an immense feeling of freedom and creativity - at least I did.

10. SNOW ON THE ROOF

Originally a load of ideas I wrote for a soundtrack to a Norwegian action-movie compressed into one song. The movie never saw the light of day - thank God! I've never written show-off shred-instrumentals. It would be boring just to write for guitar players. Instead my favorite axe, a 1988 Magenta ESP Horizon Custom takes on a vocal approach and evolves into full-blown guitar orchestration à la Tom Scholz of Boston - one of my greatest inspirations. Drummer Frank Tostrup really kicks butt on this one!

11. EVERYTING

I don't prefer one song over another - they're all my kids. But "Everything" would be the closest thing to my favorite on this album. It's about isolation - and the way out of it. I guess the lyrics speak for themselves. You will notice a huge contrast between the verses and the choruses. I'm a big fan of Jon Anderson of Yes, the way paradoxes in lyrics really make sense. Solli, Leif Johansen and I created some great 3-piece harmonies which give this tune a sacral feel. The guitar-solo is arranged in a polyphonic call-and-response manner and in the end they join together as one.

12. HIGHWAY IN THE SUN

I was once totally disillutioned and tired of the music business and my creativity had totally dried up. The 90's Rock scene was just too ridicolous, and I didn't want to be a part of it. Intsead I decided to study music theory and moved away from the city to a very quiet place by the sea. I got to know my neighbour composer Oystein Sevag who inspired me to write music in a totally new way. I re-discovered my roots, Italian baroque music, which helped me use polyphonic melody lines in the Rock format. One night I was listening to "With or without you" by U2 and thought that the song needed a bridge or chorus, and I came up with the chorus of "Highway.". Of course ".whithout you" is perfect as it is, so I wrote a whole new song. This is the most radio-friendly song on the album. Anybody can like this one - regardless of taste, age etc. And it makes you want to listen to the CD once more!

Lars Levin
 

12th January

Frontiers Update

Headrush is one of the most exciting new hard rock bands ever to come out from Italy !

Mastermind is renowned guitar wizard Alex De Rosso (ex Dokken) who joined forces with Labyrinth singer Roberto Tiranti with the precise task to create the ultimate hard rock band ever to come out from Italy.

The inception of the recording happened in the summer 2004 when Alex started to write the material in cooperation with Pat Scalabrino, producer and discoverer of such bands as Labyrinth, Eldritch and Vision Divine. The music raised the interest from Roberto and together with Dave Fini on drums and Mauro Catellani on bass the line-up was soon completed.

The Headrush debut album will be released on Frontiers Records on March the 21st 2004 and in Japan via King Records and is going to be an absolute and unmissable affair for all the lovers of the classic Lynch Mob, Dokken with hints of the more melodic Labyrinth moments.

LANA LANE

To start her 10th Anniversary year, Lana Lane will release a new studio album tentatively scheduled for a European release on Frontiers Records on April 11th 2005 entitled "Lady Macbeth", a symphonic rock concept album based on the famous "Macbeth" play by vanguard English poet, William Shakespeare.

Lana Lane herself bears no resemblance whatsoever to the dark and sinister character of Lady Macbeth, but the drama and power of the subject matter provide a fantastic background for a compelling album of heavy symphonic rock music.

Basic tracks for the album were recorded in December 2004 at Sound Park Studio in Schiedam, The Netherlands under the direction of keyboard wizard and producer Erik Norlander with Peer Verschuren (guitar), Ernst Van Ee (drums) and Kristoffer Gildenlöw (bass). Lana has toured with Dutch drummer Ernst Van Ee and guitarist Peer Verschuren for a few years now, and it has turned out to be a great musical family with a strong Euro - American sound. While Peer played some parts on Lana's 2003 "Winter Sessions" album, this new "Lady Macbeth" album will be the first time that Peer and Ernst are featured throughout the whole album.

Kristoffer Gildenlöw is a new addition to the Lana Lane family. He is a Swedish bass player from the well-known prog metal band Pain of Salvation who are label mates of Lana's in Japan. Lana and keyboardist / husband Erik Norlander have known Kristoffer socially for a few years also and his wife is a Dutch journalist and an old friend of theirs as well. Lana and Erik have been looking to assemble an all-European band for touring purposes in Europe, and Kristoffer is the last member to complete the package.

Tracks for "Lady Macbeth" are currently being completed at producer Erik Norlander's studio in Los Angeles with additional brilliant performances from Don Schiff (NS/Stick), Mark McCrite (guitar, harmony vocals), Neil Citron (guitar) and Kelly Keeling (harmony vocals). The music of "Lady Macbeth" is said to be something of a blending of Lana's "Secrets of Astrology" and "Project Shangri-La" albums, and of course Lana always brings something entirely fresh to each new album as well.

EVIL MASQUERADE

The Danish symphonic/power metal band, led by former Royal Hunt singer Henrik Brockmann and guitar wizard Henrik Flyman is busy putting finishing touches to the new album entitled "Theatrical Madness".

The songs will be:
01. When Satan Calls
02. Theatrical Madness
03. Bozo the Clown
04. Now When Our Stars Are Fading
05. A Great Day to Die
06. Demolition Army
07. Snow White
08. Witches Chant
09. Other Ways to Babylon
10. The Dark Play
11. Outro

Once again some very special guest will appear in the recording :
André Andersen (Royal Hunt) - lead keyboard
Richard Andersson (Time Requiem, Space Odyssey) - lead keyboard
Mikkel Jensen - lead keyboard

The band will also appear live in support of Cornerstone in Copenhagen on February 12th 2005 at The Rock Club.

Release date of "Theatrical Madness" is tentatively scheduled for April 11th 2005 on Frontiers Records in Europe.

BRAZEN ABBOT

Brazen Abbot mastermind Nikolo Kotzev is very busy in putting the finishing touches to the new studio album. He is currently recording a 31 piece string orchestra which will be used almost entirely throughout the new Brazen Abbot album enriching the arrangements and making the cd the most ambitious ever for the Brazen Abbot trademark.

The recordings are taking place in Sofia, Bulgaria with "The Sofia String Orchestra". Mixing of the album will start as planned - around January 10th and the Frontiers Records hopes to release the new record in late spring 2005.

10th January

Bloodstock 2005

Bloodstock have begun announcing details of two festivals that they will be running in 2005. As normal Bloodstock 2005 will take place at Derby Assembly rooms on Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd September 2005.

Bands confirmed for the main stage on the Friday include headliners Hammerfall, alongside Bob Catley and Strom Warrior with two more artists yet to be confirmed. The headliner for the Saturday of the show has yet to be announced, although artists definitely confirmed include Iron Savior, After Forever, Rise To Addiction & Seasons End. Another three bands will also be added to the Saturday bill.

A new addition to the Bloodstock franchise this year will come in the form of Bloodstock Open Air, scheduled to take place at Catton Hall in Derbyshire on Friday 24th & Saturday 25th June. In total the event is currently planned to have twelve bands performing on one stage over the course of the  Friday evening and all day throughout the Saturday. On top of this there will be  food stalls, merchandise stands, CD, clothing and jewellery vendors and without doubt a bar as well. So far four bands have been confirmed for the outdoor event and these are: Sebastian Bach, Edguy, Evergrey & Humanity.

For further details on all Bloodstock news then you can visit the festival website at www.bloodstockuk.com

10th January

Quiet RIot

Quiet Riot, who undertake their first UK tour in over twenty years in February will be interviewed and will take live calls on Rockline hosted by longtime radio personality and music veteran Bob Coburn.

10th January

Queen/Paul Rogers

"By now, if you were a registered on the QOL e-mail database prior to the news of the Queen + Paul Rodgers tour on Saturday 11th December 2004, you will have received a very important e-mail regarding the show at the Brixton Academy on Monday 28th March 2005.

As this is the first date of the tour it should be a hot ticket and Queen and Paul Rodgers have decided to limit all tickets to fans only!

Due to the size of the venue and the obvious high demand for tickets, it has been decided that the fairest way to give all fans a chance of purchasing tickets for this prestigious show is in the form of a lottery. It is a deliberate ploy to get tickets straight to loyal fans and not to greedy ticket touts.

Tickets for the Brixton show are NOT going on GENERAL SALE. There is a maximum ticket limit of two per registered applicant. Tickets are priced at £55 each and subject to a £4.50 booking fee, plus £4.95 special delivery per order.

How To Enter The Lottery
You will qualify for the Queen + Paul Rodgers Brixton Academy ticket lottery in two ways:

1. If you are a paid up member of the Official International Queen Fan Club - All members of the QFC will be automatically entered into the lottery draw and do not need to register on Queen Online.com. Any duplicate register attempts may mean you will be withdrawn from the lottery list.

This opportunity is only open to those members of the Official International Queen Fan Club who were registered prior to Saturday 11th December 2004. This is the date that news of the Queen + Paul Rodgers Tour surfaced.

2. If you are a registered member of Queen Online.com - All registered users of Queen Online.com will be given the opportunity to apply to purchase tickets for the Brixton concert via the specially created web page located at the address below, between Friday 7th January 2005 and Friday 14th January 2005*."

So there you go, hopefully more dates will be announced in the near future.

10th January

Soul Sirkus

Soul Sirkus, the band featuring Journey guitarist Neal Schon and Jeff Scott Soto on vocals, have just announced that they are replacing drummer Deen Castronovo with Virgil Donati. A statement on the bands official website (www.soulsirkus.com) explains the reasons for this change:

"Due to mutual agreement, Deen Castronovo has decided to step down as drummer for Soul SirkUS as the work load between both SS & Journey left him little to no personal/family time. World reknown Australian sensation, Virgil Donati (Steve Vai, Planet X) has stepped in & the band will begin touring to support their debut, World Play, in the Spring of 2005 before Journey embark on their summer tour.

Deen has expressed his feelings here with:"Oh my God, Virgil Donati seriously kicks my butt!!! He is the most unreal drummer I have ever seen...this guy is a studied musician and does things on a kit I had never witnessed...with "this guy" in Soul Sirkus they are going to make some real noise in the music business. They couldn't have chosen a better guy - they just don't come any better than Donati."

Neal, Jeff & Marco wish their brother Deen well in the decision & are now all are content with the decision to forge ahead respectively. Deen will continue with his duties in Journey accordingly."

10th January

John Norum

10th January

Mountain

Mountain, featuring Leslie West, are heading to the UK for a comprehensive tour in February. The dates so far confirmed include:

15th Feb - Newcastle (venue TBA)
16th Feb - Manchester Academy
17th Feb - Wolverhampton  Robin 2
18th Feb - Bournemouth Mr. Kyps
19th Feb - Danford  Mick Jagger Centre 
22nd Feb - Swindon Arts Centre
23rd Feb - London Camden Underworld
24th Feb - Swansea Patti Pavillion
25th Feb - Leicester 'Y' Theatre
26th Feb - Glasgow The Renfrew Ferry

10th January

Fozzy

To promote the release of 'All That Remain' the band undertake a short tour of the UK during February. The dates so far confirmed are:

Feb 10th - Nottingham Rock City
Feb 11th - London Mean Fiddler
Feb 12th - Manchester  Bierkeller

7th January

Breed 77

CD1
1. Shadows - Sombras Latinas mix
2. Breaking the silence - Acoustic mix

CD2
1. Shadows - Sombras Latinas mix
2. Shadows - Extended Mayhem mix
3. A Matter of time - Metal mix 2005
4. Shadows - Enhanced video

Vinyl 7"
1. Shadows - Metal mix 2005
2. A Matter of time - Metal mix 2005

The tour dates so far confirmed by the band for January are:

Jan 21st - Bedford Esquires
Jan 22nd - Swindon Furnace
Jan 23rd - Brighton Concorde
Jan 28th - Oxford Zodiac
Jan 29th - London LA2

7th January

Law & Order

According to a posting on the Z records website, the release of the third album from law & Order, entitled 'The Glass House' has been put back to January 27th. Problems with the artwork over the Christmas period are cited as the reason for this delay, however according to the label sound samples from the CD should eb available online by next week.

'The Glass House' was originally recorded by the band back in 1992, but due to the band splitting shortly after the album was completed it was never made available to the public. The track listing for the album is as follows:

Sold, When It All Comes Down, Blind Guides, The Pouring, Like Animals, Never Satisfied, In The Middle, Memphis, The Pain Is Gone, The Crushing Weight, Four Walls and Recognized

7th January

Enuff Z Nuff

According to Blabbermouth.net, Chicago based Enuff Z Nuff have inked a deal with Italian label Frontiers for the European release of their latest album '?'. The album will be released on February 21st and will also contain a bonus track, in the shape of acoustic version of the classic 'Fly High Michelle' originally from the bands' debut album.

'?', which was released last year in Japan & the USA features the following tracks:

Gorgeous, Home Tonight, Help, No Place Like Home, Harley, Hang On For Life, Man With A Woman, How Are You?, Joni Woni (Likes To Ride The Pony) and Stone Cold Crazy

The band currently plan to visit the Europe for a series of live dates sometime in the Spring accompanied by Bang Tango, Pretty Boy Floyd & Teenage Casket Company.

6th January

Asia

March 15th - Nottingham, Rock City
March 16th - Wolverhampton, Wulfrun Hall
March 17th - Glasgow, Garage
March 19th - Bradford, Town & Country
March 20th - London