Blues guitar legends B.B. King and Gary Moore share the once in a lifetime double bill for what is set to be one of the most spectacular rhythm 'n' blues concert tours ever to hit UK shores in March and April 2006. What's more, the five ultra-rare dates will be the last ever UK concerts that B.B. King will ever play to his adoring UK fans.

B.B. King, who has just recently celebrated his 80th birthday, is universally hailed as the reigning king of the blues and is without a shadow of a doubt, is the single most important electric guitarist of the last half century.

This one-time only double bill will team B.B. King up with Northern Irish classic blues guitarist, Gary Moore, who's career dates back to the 1960s and has graced the line-ups of Thin Lizzy, Coliseum II, BBM and Skid Row and his most recent rock trio, Scars.

The tour kicks off a UK 5-date tour at Sheffield Arena on Wednesday 29th March, 2006, and will also take in arena dates in Manchester, Birmingham, Bournemouth and London. Gary Moore will perform the first hour, followed by an hour long performance by B.B. King.

The confirmed dates for the trek are as follows:

29th March - Sheffield Arena
31st March - Manchester MEN
1st April - Birmingham NEC
2nd April - Bournemouth BIC
4th April - Wembley Arena
 

The Italian Metal Band Warchild have just released, via their official website at www.warchild.it  video footage of their set taken from the Bloodstock 2005 Festival held in Derby on September 2nd. The video shows how popular this Italian Band is in UK and how they can excite big crowds. The band have also uploaded a copy of their first video clip,  for "Nothing To Share", to their myspace site at www.myspace.com/warchilditaly.  This page also contains up-to-date news, pictures, samples and a lot of free stuff about The Ultimate Italian Metal Band Warchild!.

Updating a news item from a couple of days ago Union, the band featuring former Motley Crue & Kiss alumni John Corabi & Bruce Kulick have added two shows to their already announced UK gig at Stourbridge Rock Cafe 200 on Nov 27th. The band now also play London Lock 17 on Nov 28th and Nuneaton Queens Hall on Nov 29th.

The Quireboys have added a date in Aberdeen to their current UK tour itinerary. The band play Aberdeen Moshulu on December 8th.

The original MSG pairing of Gary Barden and Michael Schenker, responsible for such classic songs as ‘Armed & Ready’ and ‘Cry For The Nations’ have been in the studio together. No, not a new MSG recording but a track for Gary’s forthcoming solo album. Michael has played guitar on a track called "Let Me Down", from the album entitled " Songs From The Thai Room". Gary also contributed some vocals for the MSG anniversary album (on the track entitled ‘Walls of Steel’), which prompted current MSG singer Chris Logan to say that it was the best thing that he had heard for 10 years!

 

Fear Factory, who were due to undertake a UK tour in January have been forced to re-schedule all of the dates concerned and will now be hitting these shores in April.  No reason has been given for the re-arrangements of these shows other than 'unforseen circumstances' on the part of the band. The shows affected by this re-scheduling are as follows:

Jan 14th - Manchester University
Jan 15th - Nottingham Rock City
Jan 16th - Newcastle University
Jan 17th - Glasgow Barrowlands
Jan 19th - Leeds University
Jan 20th - Birmingham Carling Academy
Jan 21st - Bristol Anson Rooms
Jan 23rd - Norwich UEA
Jan 24th- Portsmouth Pyramid Centre
Jan 25th - London Astoria

The rearranged dates for the tour are as follows, all tickets for the original dates remain valid:

Apr 8th - Bristol Anson Rooms
Apr 9th - Manchester University
Apr 10th - Nottingham Rock City
Apr 11th - Newcastle University
Apr 12th - Glasgow Barrowlands
Apr 13th - Leeds Univeristy
Apr 15th - Birmingham Academy
Apr 16th - Portsmouth Pyramid Centre
Apr 18th - London Astoria

The recently departed Nightwish vocalist Tarja Turunen has responded to the news of her sacking from the band in a letter posted on her own official website ( www.tarjaturunen.com ). As with original  letter the remaining band members made public at the beginning of this week Tarja's response has been reproduced in full below:

Tarja Turunen

Since last Sunday morning, I have been asked to express my position by magazines, newspapers, radio and TV stations, fan clubs and fans from Finland and from all over the world. So many in total that it is physically impossible for me to find the time to reply to them all individually. Hence I decided to put down a couple of words in this text to let my fans, family and friends and the public know how I feel after the recent events.  This is a moment of grief and pain and I find it very hard to speak.

At the moment I am in Argentina. I hope you can understand that after this shocking life change comparable to a divorce, I didn’t want to stay alone at home in Finland. My husband had booked his tickets to Argentina many months ago and I decided to travel with him at the last minute.  But the fact that I am in Argentina and the long distance should of course not be an excuse not to comment on the situation.

Last Friday 21st of October was a day the whole band had been waiting for a long time. Practice started early in the morning. I was very sick and nervous because of the fact that I was not even able to sing during the rehearsals. Also nervous because the concert programme was going to be longer than usual for a Nightwish concert. Furthermore we were going to have a special guest to perform with us, more wardrobe changes for myself than usual and for the first time big screens and bigger production on stage. Not to forget that the concert was going to be recorded and filmed. The five of us had finally made it to play Hartwall Arena.

Even though every one of us knew in advance that the concert was sold out, finally on stage, we saw that screaming, applauding and standing people took every seat. The feeling was unbelievable. I will never forget how amazing it was to experience the Finnish audience’s gorgeous reception. When the concert was over, I cried of happiness on stage. Happy tears because I was able to do my best as always even though I was sick. Happy tears because our long tour got the greatest possible ending and happy tears because of the best recognition an artist can get: applause and smiling faces. At that moment I didn’t know that I was going to cry again soon.

After the concert, the guys of the band invited me backstage to join them and asked me to hug altogether. This felt strange as it was the same kind of hug we traditionally came together for before every concert. That tradition remained between us, even though the tension and increasing pressure already existed since a long period of time. The immediate feeling in me was to thank them, which I did loudly but without any reply. After this, they gave me a letter and asked me to read it the following day. The same letter that is now public.

I read it and was shocked. I didn’t know what to say and still at the moment that I am writing these lines, I don’t. I sense great anger in that letter and I continue to have very confused feelings about it, but I don’t want to reply to this anger with an even greater anger. Private matters should never be taken to the public. I know this moment we are going through is very sad for everybody, including the guys. While there would have been so many different possibilities and ways to express what they wanted to tell me with the letter, I remain unable to understand the way they chose to handle this. I am sorry that the guys got me so wrong. I don’t recognize myself at all from the way they described me. They mentioned mean things about me, but the fact that they involved Marcelo, my husband, crossed the line. He is the man I love, my friend and has been my biggest support over the last years.

We have been band mates for 9 years, experienced good times and not so good ones. I thought I knew them, but I was wrong. Still everything that has happened is not enough to make them evil in my eyes. Now comes a time to calm down and reflect upon all of this.
I need to put my feelings together again and I promise to come back to public soon. I will announce a press conference where I will be talking about my future plans. This doesn’t mean that you should expect this conference to be an instrument to attack anybody. It won’t.

The wonderful music we created together won’t be touched by recent events. Thanks a lot to all the people who are supporting me during these sad times. My family, friends, colleagues, and the great number of fans. I love you and I really feel I have not failed you.

Tarja
 

Paul Stead from UK rockers Sacred Heart will be appearing on ARfm DJ Steve Price's show on Sunday 6th November 2005. The show goes out at 6pm (GMT) and as well as playing songs from "Lay It On The Line" there will also be some acoustic tracks performed live and of course a chat with Paul regards Sacred heart and the upcoming Melodic Rock Xmas Bash. You can tune into the interview via  www.arfm.co.uk  or alternatively you can listen on Sky channel 913.

According to www.totalrock.com bassist Adrian Lambert has left Dragonforce, for family reasons. Lambert  will be temporarily replaced by the former Heavenly/current Maladaptive guitarist Frederic Leclercq, for the band's upcoming live commitments in the US and Canada.

Union, the band featuring former Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick alongside one time Motley Crue frontman John Corabi will play a one off British gig at Stourbridge's Rock Cafe 2000 on November 27th.

Power Quest have finalised the details of their upcoming UK tour that will take place in November. The complete list of dates for the trek are as follows:

Nov 21 - Southampton, Nexus Club
Nov 22 - Weston Super Mare
Nov 23 - Wakefield, Snooty Fox
Nov 24 - Birmingham Edwards No.8
Nov 25 - London Marquee Club
Nov 26 - Firefest 2, Nottingham Rock City

Dante Fox will support Shy at Stourbirdge Rock Cafe 2000 on 28th October and at Manchester Jilly's Rockworld on Nov 2nd. For more information and merchandise you can check out the band's website  which can be found at www.dantefox.com
 

The Brides of Destruction are heading to the UK for a series of live shows during December in support of their recently released sophomore album 'Runaway Brides' The confirmed dates are:

Dec 6th - Dudley JBs
Dec 7th London The Underground
Dec 8th - Milton keynes Woughton centre
Dec 9th - Belfast Rosseta bar
Dec 10th - BradfordRio's
Dec 11th - Bristol Bierkeller

 

Bloodstokc have confirmed that Morgana Lefay will play their first ever UK show at the Bloodstock Xmas Party which takes place at Dudley JBs on Sunday 18th December 2005. A further two or three bands will be added to the line up and will be announced in the near future.

Further details can be found  either  at  JB's website at  www.jbsdudley.co.uk or the Morgana Lefay website  www.morganalefay.se 
 
Tickets are available online at www.bloodstockfestival.com priced £12.00

 

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of Tony O'Hora’s debut solo album entitled “Escape Into The Sun” on January 27th 2006

Tony O'Hora is best know as singer for Praying Mantis on their most successful albums “Forever In Time” and “Nowhere To Hide” and is now singer for Andy Scott’s Sweet.

His voice has been considered one of the trademarks of the excellence of the two Mantis releases and in this new solo album O’Hora is able to make his talent shine once again. “I needed to take the time necessary to express the lyric and emotion. So although the recordings took quite a bit longer than we anticipated” say the British singer, “I am incredibly proud of this album and it contains the best performances I've ever recorded”.

  

The initial concept for this album came from the input of Frontiers Records President, Serafino Perugino who wanted Tony to come back on the scene singing on a record that could bring back the memories of grandeur of the “Nowhere To Hide” album especially. So “he put me in touch with Swedish guitarist/producer Magnus Karlsson (Starbreaker/Allen-Lande)” explains Tony, “He sent me some demos and I was really impressed. We worked hard to gradually build up the songs. Magnus' songwriting is perfect for my style of singing. I would describe it as melodic rock but with more of an edge”.

“Escape Into The Sun” is set to include the following track listing: Broken Soul; Escape Into The Sun); No More Innocence; High Enough; My Final Prayer; Dreamless Nights; More Than We Know; Close To Me; Evil Love; Black Wings; Start All Over; Never Alone.

Release date is set on January 27th on Frontiers Records in Europe with King Records caring for the release in Japan

 

With vocalist Rick Chase having left Double Cross as of October 13th thus causing the remaining members of the band to cancel all of their upcoming gigs the organizers of Firefest 2 have decided, with just over five weeks to show day that they will not  replace Double Cross who were due to play the Friday show. Instead they will extend the set lengths of the other three acts on the bill, namely Crimes of Passion, Nexx and Blue Tears. With that fact in mind, the doors will still open at 7.00 pm on Friday Nov 25th with Crimes of Passion taking the stage at 7.30. Considering the venue is fully sold out, it is suggested that people attending the show make their way to VIA FOSSA as early as possible to avail of the best vantage points.

Firefest has also made available the running order for the main show which takes place at Nottingham Rock City on Saturday November 26th. Show times will be as follows:

Doors: 12 noon
Power Quest: 12.20 -1.05
Balance of Power: 1.25 - 2.10
Shy: 2.30 - 3.15
Blue Tears: 3.35 - 4.35
Vaughn: 4.55 - 5.55
Danger Danger: 6.15 - 7.15
Harem Scarem: 7.35 - 8.40
House of Lords: 9. - 10.30

It should be noted that the above running times will be strictly adhered to as there is a curfew in place at Rock City. For more information about Firefest then you can check out the official website at www.fire-fest.co.uk

 

Via the medium of an open letter published on the bands official website (www.nightwish.com)  the band have announced that they sacked vocalist Tarja Turunen and will be seeking a replacement for the front woman. The letter is published in full below:-

Dear Tarja,

It`s time to choose whether the story of Nightwish ends here or whether it will still continue an undetermined period of time. We`ve been working with this creation for 9 years and we are not ready to give up yet. Nightwish is a way of life, something to live for, and we`re certain we can`t let it go.

Equally certain is the fact that we cannot go on with you and Marcelo any longer. During the last year something sad happened, which I`ve been going over in my head every single day, morning and night. Your attitude and behavior don`t go with Nightwish anymore. There are characteristics I would never have believed to see in my old dear friend. People who don`t talk with each other for a year do not belong in the same band.

We are involved in an industry where the business-side of things is a necessary evil and something to worry about all the time. We are also a band which has always done music from the heart, because of friendship and the music itself. The mental satisfaction should always be more important than money! Nightwish is a band, it`s an emotion. To you, unfortunately, business, money, and things that have nothing to do with those emotions have become much more important. You feel that you have sacrificed yourself and your musical career for Nightwish, rather than thinking what it has given to you.

This attitude was clearly shown to me in the two things you said to me in an airplane in Toronto: ”I don`t need Nightwish anymore.” and ”Remember, Tuomas, that I could leave this band at any time, giving you only one day`s warning in advance”. I can`t simply write any more songs for you to sing.

You have said yourself that you are merely a ”guest musician” in Nightwish. Now that visit ends and we will continue Nightwish with a new female vocalist. We`re sure this is an equally big relief to you as it is for us. We have all been feeling bad long enough.

You told us that no matter what, the next Nightwish album will be your last one. However, the rest of us want to continue as long as the fire burns. So there`s no sense in doing that next album with you, either. The four of us have been going over this situation countless times and we have realized that this is the thing we want to do in life. It´s all we can do. In December 2004, in Germany, you said that you will never tour again for more than two weeks at a time. You also said that we can forget about U.S. and Australia because the fees and the sizes of venues are too small.

In interviews I`ve mentioned that if Tarja leaves, that would be the end of the band. I understand that people will think this way. Nightwish is, however, a scenery of my soul and I`m not ready to let go because of one person. A person who wants to focus her creativity to somewhere else, a person whose values don`t match mine.

We were never bothered by the fact that you didn`t participate in writing/arranging songs, you never in 9 years came to rehearse the songs with us before going to the studio. Not the fact that while on tour you always wanted to fly, separately from us with your husband. Not the fact that you are an undisputable front image of the band. We accepted and felt ok about everything except greed, underestimating the fans, and breaking promises. It was agreed by the five of us that Nightwish would be the priority in everything that we do during 2004-2005. Still so many things were more important to you. The ultimate example being the already sold-out show in Oslo, which you wanted to cancel because you needed to rehearse for your solo concerts, meet frieds and go to the movies. Those were the words Marcelo used in an e-mail explaining the cancellation. This being just one example of so many. I couldn`t think of a worse way of being selfish and dismissing our fans.

Nightwish is a way of life and a job with many obligations. To each other and to the fans. With you we can`t take care of those duties anymore.

Deep within we don`t know which one of you drove us to this point. Somehow Marcelo has changed you from the lovely girl you were into a diva, who doesn`t think or act the way she used to. You are too sure of your irreplaceableness and status.

It`s obvious that you blame your stress and misery on us four. And you think we don`t respect or listen to you. Belive us; We have always had the uppermost respect towards you as a wonderful vocalist and as a friend. And very often during the past couple of years the plans were made according to your decisions only. You were always the only one who wanted more money from the shows. This ”compensation and more money from everything” –attitude is the fact that we are most disappointed of!

We wish that from now on you will listen to your heart instead of Marcelo. Cultural differences combined with greed, opportunism and love is a dangerous combination. Do not wither yourself.

This decision is not something we are especially proud of but you gave us no choice. The gap between us is too wide. And the decision is made by us four unanimously. We are beyond the point where things could be settled by talking.

All the best for your life and career,

Tuomas, Emppu, Jukka, Marco

Ps. This is an open letter for everybody.

Nightwish had recently completed touring duties for their last studio album 'Once' and have only just released a compilation 'Best of album entitled Highest Hopes. The bands last concert with Turunen took place only three days ago (Oct 21st) at Helsinki's Hartwall Arena and ironically enough this show was recorded for a DVD release scheduled for next year to be christened 'End Of An Era' - how prophetic indeed!
 

M.ill.ion have announced that they have parted ways with guitarist  Jonas Hermansson. In a statement on their website the band cite  personal reasons as the cause of his departure and stress that the split has nothing to with any conflict within the band and go on to say that "As a close friend and great musician we wish him all the best. His contributions can of course be heard on the Detonator and Kingsize albums."

Jonas Hermansson

M.ill.ion are currently are in the middle of the writing process for the follow up to their last album Kingsize which is expected to be released through Majestic Rock in 2006. Obviously the band are looking for a hot guitarist to replace Hermansson and  interested six-stringers with rock´n'roll attitude, power and melody, recording and touring experience, and able to sing backing vocals should send an email to band@million.o.se  a.s.a.p for further info.

In the meantime the band have given tentative details of some of the new songs on which they have been working, titles set for inclusion on the new album include, although these could change as writing continues,  'From Heaven to Hell', 'Under Your Wings', 'U.F.O', 'Hang´em High', and 'Son of the Sun'.

 

Z records have announce the  signing of WinterStrain a band who are based in the north of Norway. According to the official press release accompanying the signing Winterstrain have a unique sound, as different inspirations colour their music. People might find traces of Rush, Marillion, Rainbow, Shadow Gallery, Magnum and Journey, not to mention a cocktail of obscure bands of almost any genre. WS have their focus on melody and lyrics, something that makes for great somgs. Their level of talent makes the music even more interesting. To blow the songs wide open, they called up Tony Mills of Shy and Siam fame, and had him do the backing vocals on the album. They chose him based on his singing in Siam. One of the precepts put down by the band was that he would have to really like the songs if he was to do it, else the result might not be genuine. Not to worry, though! Definitely a part of the creative team now, he’s taken to representing the band worldwide! That, and the stellar work he put down say something about what he feels about the material…

Winterstain have now signed a world wide deal with Z Records and sound samples will be online soon at www.zrecords.net  with a release set for November 17th.

Jimi Hendrix’s 1st Marshall Amplifier from back in 1966, which is currently owned by Rich Dickinson, is going up for sale The salem which will take place  in the next few months has been forced due to the fact that, with a value of approx £1million, the insurance is just too much at about £15,000 a year. Once the Amp has been sold it will no doubt end up in a vault somewhere and never see daylight again. Because of this bands are to be offered the chance to play the amp on stage on 29th Oct at Stroud Subscription Rooms, Gloucestershire. This is a one off kind of event and a truly unique opportunity for these bands. More detail is available on the link below and on the BBC web site linked from there. http://www.richdickinsonsdf.co.uk/competition.htm

 

Frontiers Records is immensely proud to announce the signing of rock legends Toto for the release of their forthcoming new studio album "Falling In Between".

Almost thirty years of history, seven Grammy Awards won, twelve studio records with almost 30 millions of records sold, record breaking tours and a loyal following of young and old fans and musicians who have won every possible award one can get! This and more is what TOTO has counted in the history of rock music.

Now, six years after their latest - all original - album Mindfields and with new member Greg Phillinganes in the line-up on keyboards, together with fellow keyboard players David Paich and Steve Porcaro, Toto are now ready to unleash a brand new studio album.

Toto’s guitar player, Steve Lukather describes “Falling in Between” as a labour of love and “something we REALLY wanted to do and try to make it our personal best".

Recorded by the band over a period of about six months in Los Angeles, with Steve MacMillan (long time Trevor Horn collaborator) taking care of the final mix, the new record has taken shape as the band’s “most daring and inventive release ever” according to Lukather. He adds: “With Mindfields we had just gotten Bobby Kimball back in the band and we were finding our way with it”. Therefore "Falling In Between" sounds more cohesive, with 6 more years of being a band and a music that is fresh, heavier, at times more progressive and of course still with some great radio songs and melodies and the classic TOTO imprint!

The new album is also going to offer many surprises to the fans. "Our old singer Joseph Williams came back and did a duet with me that's total radio, almost like Africa part 2" explains Lukather, "plus there is Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull), the Chicago horn section, L. Shankar (Peter Gabriel), Lenny Castro and more guests. I think when people hear it everyone will have a smile on the face. Eevyone in the band brought their best to the party!".

The final track listing will include songs like the title track “Falling In Between”, "Simple Life", "Dying On My Feet", "Bottom of Your Soul", “Let it Go", "Nowhere in Sight", "Spiritual Man", "Ain't Your World", "The Reefer Man" and "Hooked".

“If this is the last record we even make (it won’t be, I hope)” concludes Lukather, “I can walk away knowing we threw Down the best we got. I hope the fans will all enjoy and appreciate the love and passion that went into making "Falling in Between, see you all very soon on tour!".

The band has already confirmed tour dates in Europe in February and March 2006, with a two years long massive World Tour schedule that is set to hit all continents in 2006 - 2007!

"Falling In Between" will reach the shops in early February 2006 on Frontiers Records.

 

All American Rejects have announced details of a major UK tour that takes place in February of next year. The US pop-punkers will be playing the following dates nationwide:

Feb 4th - Sheffield Foundry
Feb 5th - Newcastle Academy
Feb 8th - Bristol Academy
Feb 9th - Portsmouth Pyramid
Feb 10th -  Birmingham Academy
Feb 11th - Manchester Academy
Feb 13th - Nottingham Rock City
Feb 14th - Norwich Waterfront
Feb 17th -  London Shepherd's Bush Empire
 

With the highly anticipated release of their NEW CD, Snakeryder are in the finale stages of recording their fourth coming release entitled ‘Back For The Kill.’ Guitarist & Vocalist  A.J. Fedz , confirmed that the remainder of the recording process, is in his hands with several vocal trax to be complete, as well as finalizing the lyrics for those songs. The record is expected to be mixed during mid December/January for an early 2006 release. You can expect the new material to be in a slightly heaver format along the lines of 80’s Kiss with a  distinct Snakeryder vibe. The members of the band are extremely pleased with the over all songs, production & quality. A.J. stated “you can expect this CD to kick major ASS!” You can visit the bands web site at: www.snakeryder.com

UDO, the band fronted by erstwhile Accept vocalist Udo Dirkschneider, will hot the road in Europe early in the new year in support of the recently released new studio album Mission X. The dates so far confimred for the tour are as follows:

Jan 19th - Bremen Aladin
Jan 20th - Helmond Plato
Jan 21st - Vosselaar Biebob
Jan 22nd - Nürnberg Löwensaal
Jan 24th - Stuttgart Röhre
Jan 25th - Ulm Take off
Jan 26th - Bochum Matrix
Jan 27th - Nabburg Kitchen Club
Jan 28th - Bergamo tba
Jan 29th - Treviso tba
Jan 30th - Milan tba
Feb 01st - Oporto Hard Club
Feb 02nd - Barcelona Bikini
Feb 03rd - Valencia Republica II
Feb 04th - Madrid Caracol
Feb 05th - Bilbao Santana 27
Feb 10th - Haugesund Byscenen
Feb 11th - Bergen Garage
Feb 16th - Tampere Pakkahuone
Feb 17th - Helsinki Cable Factory

Look out for a HardRockHouse review of Mission X over the next few days
 

 

For those who are into acts such as Journey, Boston, Def Leppard, Firehouse & Foreigner, Line Of Fire will release their self titled debut album on November 22nd in the United States via Tribunal Records. After numerous production delays and Tribunal Records' office/apartment being completely ravaged by fire in early September, Line of Fire is finally prepared to set the AOR/melodic rock community ablaze, so to speak.

The band currently have 3 brand new tracks streaming online right now at www.myspace.com/LOF  whilst a new version of "Paradise" is also available for download via www.myspace.com/tribunalrecords
 

Hot on the heels of the release of their new album, Dark Ages, Soulfly are heading to the UK for a series of live shows in January and February 2006. The dates that have so far been confirmed for the tour are as follows:

Jan. 28 - Dublin  Ambassador Theatre
Jan. 29 - Belfast Limelight
Jan. 30 - Glasgow Garage
Jan. 31 - Manchester  Academy 2
Feb. 01 - Nottingham  Rock City
Feb. 02 - Sheffield Leadmill
Feb. 03 - Birmingham  Academy 2
Feb. 04 - Portsmouth Pyramids
Feb. 05 - Bristol Academy
Feb. 06 - Exeter University
Feb. 07 - London Astoria
Feb. 08 - Norwich UEA
 

The new tour dates being announced for 2006 just keep flooding in. This time around and hot on the heels of  their just finished, completely sold out 19 date UK trek, Trivium have announced that they will be returning to these shores for another UK & Irish tour in March 2006. This time around the band will play sixteen shows in total including two headline gigs at London's Astoria Theatre. This particular run is expected to see Trivium playing to around 30,000 fans over the course of the tour.

The confirmed dates are as follows:

Mar 2nd – Leeds University
Mar 3rd – Dublin Ambassador Theatre
Mar 4th – Dublin Ambassador Theatre
Mar 5th – Belfast Ulster Hall
Mar 6th – Glasgow Barrowlands
Mar 8th – Newcastle Academy
Mar 9th – Birmingham Academy
Mar 10th – Manchester Academy
Mar 11th – Nottingham Rock City
Mar 12th – Stoke Victoria Hall
Mar 15th – London Astoria
Mar 16th – London Astoria
Mar 17th – Cardiff University
Mar 18th – Exeter Grand Hall
Mar 20th – Southampton Guildhall
Mar 21st – Folkestone Leas Cliffe Hall
 

American Head Charge join forces with Soil & Panic Cell for a comprehensive UK tour starting in January of next year. The dates so far confirmed for this tour are:

Jan. 27 - Newcastle Legends
Jan. 28 - Bradford Rios
Jan. 29 - Glasgow Cathouse
Jan. 30 - Belfast Limelight
Jan. 31 - Dublin Temple Bar
Feb. 02 - Wolverhampton Wulfrun
Feb. 03 - Manchester Academy 2
Feb. 04 - Nottingham Rock City
Feb. 05 - Cardiff Solus
Feb. 07 - Cambridge Junction
Feb. 08 - London Koko
 

The Mean Fiddler in Conjunction with First Class Talent are proud to present The Buy One Get One Free Tour (B.O.G.O.F) featuring the Mighty AntiProduct and the equally Mighty Yo-Yos in a co-headlining slug fest of Rock 'N' Roll not to be missed and never to be forgotten. The excitement level for this here to fore rumoured alliance has been brewing for weeks but now it is official! The tickets for this tour are selling out rapidly so you are advised to get yours sooner rather than later but you had a feeling about that already. This will be APs first and only UK tour of 2005 before heading off to LA to continue work on their third opus.

Dec 6 - Coventry, Jailhouse
Dec 7 - Southampton, Joiners
Dec 8 - London, Garage
Dec 9 - Bristol, Bierkeller
Dec 10 - Wolverhampton, Little Civic
Dec 11 - York, Cert 18
Dec 12 - Aberdeen, Kef
Dec 13 - Manchester, Dry Bar

British band Double Cross have parted ways with vocalist Rick Chase. Chase had the following comments to make when announcing his departure:

"From the 13th of this month after great consideration, I decided to end my association with Double Cross as lead vocalist. Although we have achieved a lot over the last few years, and gained many friends along the way, I had become increasingly discontent with the direction and progress of song writing for the second album. I do wish the remaining members of Double Cross all the very best, and good luck for the future. Also, a very big thank you to all of you who supported the band throughout, and I'm sure you will see DC again soon. (Keep an eye on the website for news: www.doublecross.org.uk). As for my own plans, I will be making another announcement very shortly. Thanks again everyone, see you soon!"

Shy vocalist Tony Mills has been contracted by Z Records to produce an out and out AOR album that is currently tentively scheduled for an April 2006 release. Mills made the following statement about the upcoming project:

"As current product that I've written is on general release now through Z Records, I have been approached by the Z crew to write an AOR album for release next year. I'm more than happy about this new contract and have begun compiling the songs already. I will be co -writing with many rock artistes over the coming months some of whom are listed here....Mike Cheshire, Tor Talle from Norway, Hardway from Brazil, Eric Ragno from LA, Michael Riesnbeck from Holland, Joe Basketts and Ian Richardson from SHY, Mark Stuart  from Mad Hat Studios, Anders Johannsen from Sweden, and hopefully Tony Clarkin from Magnum, although that remains unconfirmed at the moment through Magnum's touring commitments.

I will sit hard and fast in the AOR mould and will be writing songs in a style that I'm used to. Z Records will keep you updated on my progress and hopefully I'll get to meet followers of Z's product at the soon to be announced Z Rock festival 2006. Keep you posted !!!"

Italian band Ingraved have signed up a deal for the releasing of their first full-length “Hatred From Outside” with the French label Deadsun Records. The release was recorded at “Sound Cubed Recoring Studios” in Italy and mastered at “Morrisound Studios” in Tampa (Florida). “Hatred From Outside” will be distribute worldwide by Twilight Recs and by Adipocere in France. For more information visit the web site www.ingraved.com
 

Frontiers Records is glad to give a warm welcome back in the roster to the finest purveyors of British Classic Hard Rock of the past 10 years, the band TEN !

TEN are indeed planning to celebrate their 10th Anniversary with the release of an “Essentials” double cd collection which shall be divided into “Essential Rockers” and “Essential Ballads”. The big difference in comparison of the original material is that – in the words of TEN leader and singer Gary Hughes - “these will be completely fresh recordings of the songs and more in keeping with the way the current line-up play the material, with new ideas on the old themes”.

TEN’s line up has in fact now evolved as follows
Gary Hughes – Vocals
Chris Francis – Guitars
John Halliwell – Guitars
Steve McKenna – Bass
Paul Hodson – Keyboards
Lee Morris - Drums

“It is important to the band that this collection is not seen as a swan song release”. says Gary Hughes who also adds that “TEN are recording a new studio album hot on the heels of this Best Of release. Our delivery date for the new studio album masters is late January.  The release date for this album in Europe shall happen on Frontiers Records in April 2006”.

  

“The Essential Collection 1995 - 2005” shall be a two cd set in a  special slipcase packaging, to feature the following tracklisting :

Essential Rockers (Disc 1)
1.The Name Of The Rose/Wildest Dreams
2.The March Of The Argonauts/Fear The Force
3.Ten Fathoms Deep
4.Apparition
5.After The Love Has Gone
6.Remembrance For The Brave/Red
7.Spellbound
8.The Robe
9.Evermore

Essential Ballads (Disc 2)
1.Till The End Of Time
2.You're In My Heart
3.Yesterday Lies In The Flames
4.Virtual Reality
5.We Rule The Night
6.Silent Rain
7.Through The Fire
8.Sail Away
9.Valentine

The release date of the album has been settled in Europe on Frontiers Records on January 23rd 2006.

Look out for a HardRockHouse.Com review and photos from Ten's show in Fleetwood this coming Monday
 

System of A Down release their new album on November 21st through Columbia Records. Entitled Hypnotize, the CD is the companion piece to the previously released Mezmerize album that was released earlier this year.

Hypnotize will feature the following track listing:

Attack, Dreaming, Kill Rock 'n Roll, Hypnotize, Stealing Society, Tentative, U-Fig, Holy Mountains, Vicinity of Obscenity, She's Like Heroin, Lonely Day and Soldier Side,

 

Monster magnet, along with Witchcraft, are heading to the UK for a short tour early in 2006. The dates so far confirmed for the trek are as follows:

Mar 4th - Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall
Mar 5th - Nottingham Rock City
Mar 6th - Manchester Academy 2
Mar 8th - Glasgow QMU
Mar 9th - Leeds The Cockpit
Mar 10th - Sheffield The Corporation
Mar 12th - London Astoria
 

Carrying on the tradition set in the last couple of years Thunder have announced details of this years Christmas Show set to take place at Nottingham Rock City on Wednesday December 21st.

Danny Bowes -Xmas 2004

The format will be the same as the past 2 years. The band will play semi acoustic and seated (with occasional standing up, hip swinging, and moving about to top up wine glasses). Music will be Thunder Version Explorations + fabulous cover versions.

Will there be special guest musicians again?: Yes, names to be confirmed nearer the time.

What about a support act?: We're working on it.

Will there be a live CD?: Yes, the show will be recorded, and all those who buy a ticket will qualify for the live CD of show highlights. This one will not be sold.

How do I get the CD?: You will need to take a form as you enter the venue on the night of the show, complete it fully and send it in asap afterwards, along with your ticket stub (1 CD for every ticket stub, no stub = no CD). The CDs will be mixed, then manufactured and sent out asap after the show.

What about a second CD?: Yes, a second CD with different tracklisting will be made available for sale later on via Thunder Shop, thus keeping the first one unique for those who attend, whilst enabling those who didn't to at least share in some of the atmosphere.

Will there be seats?: Yes, as with last year there will be tables and chairs to seat approx 200 on the dance floor. Places for these seats will be allocated on a first come first serve basis, so get there early if you want to sit down.

Will there be an after show meet & greet?: Yes, the location is not decided at this time, but there will be one. Details to follow.

How do I get into it?: Places will be limited for obvious reasons, so like last year sticky passes will be attached randomly to the CD form, so there's another good reason to take one as you enter the venue.

How Many Tickets will be sold?: Capacity is reduced to 1100 because of the tables and chairs, it sold out very quickly last year, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Can kids come?: Afraid not, the venue is over 18s only

Where can I buy my ticket?: By telephone on 0115 9412544 or online at www.rock-city.co.uk

Should I dress Up?: You don't have to, but it will add to the fun if you do.

Must I be merry?: It is Thunder Law, as the last one of the year, the show will be more jolly, and even more fun-filled than last year, with all the customary snow and inflatables, Xmas trees etc, so we're expecting a very festive Xmassy crowd. Please don't come unless you want to have a very good time.
 

Simple Plan, the Montreal based punk-pop band head over to the UK for a series of live shows in February next year. The dates so far announced for the trek are:

Feb 11th - London Astoria
Feb 14th - Nottingham Rock City
Feb 15th - Bristol Academy
Feb 17th - Manchester Academy
Feb 18th - Glasgow Academy
Feb 19th - Dublin Ambassadors

The band have also just released a new live album, entitled 'MTV Hard Rock Live' through Atlantic Records.

MTV Hard Rock Live features the following track listing:

Shut Up, Jump, Worst Day Ever, Addicted, Me Against The World, Crazy, God Must Hate Me, Thank You, Welcome To My Life, I'm Just A Kid, I'd Do Anything, Untitled (How Could This Happen To Me?), Perfect and Crazy
 

With:

PRIDE OF LIONS
Jim Peterik (ex-SURVIVOR) and Toby Hitchcock are the men behind PRIDE OF LIONS. After releasing two brilliant and very well received albums, the duo will hit Germany live for the first time playing a fully electric set which will consist of various classics both old and new. A definite highlight to watch out for any fan of SURVIVOR!

WETTON/DOWNES (ASIA founding members)
To introduce John Wetton & Geoff Downes to the AOR crowd almost seems to be unnecessary. With their work with the band ASIA amongst others, both have turned into living legends and songs such as „Heat Of The Moment“ most likely will also become one of the highlights of this evening.

SEVENTH KEY feat. Billy Greer, Terry Brock & Mike Slamer
There are many super groups around but which band claim to consist of members of classic bands such as KANSAS, STREETS and STRANGEWAYS amongst others? SEVENTH KEY definitely are an unique outfit in many terms which already by their two very own albums alone have established themselves on top of the scene within only very short time.

LEGS DIAMOND
November will bring us the first new album by US classic 80’s Hard Rock outfit LEGS DIAMOND since years. After intense touring in the US, the performance of this classy band at United Forces Of Rock will mark their live debut on German ground introducing new singer John Levesque (MONTROSE) to the fans!

JADED HEART
JADED HEART belong to the finest Melodic Rock bands Germany has to offer. With the gig at this festival and being backed by their new album “Helluva Time”, they for the firs t time show up with new singer Johan Fahlberg (ex-SCUDIERO) from Sweden.

CASANOVA
The year 2004 marked THE return for CASANOVA from Germany. The Melodic Rock outfit around singer Michael Voss (SILVER, MAD MAX) still knows how to rock the house down with their very own classics!

BLANC FACES
One of the hottest and most talked about newcomers to the AOR scene in the year 2005 so far has been American outfit BLANC FACES, being led by brothers Brian and Robbie LaBlanc. The guys offer high class 80’s typed American AOR which will undoubtfully please any fan of the genre.

PUMP
Another hot newcomer, this time from Germany, is the band PUMP, a five-piece Hard Rock band from South of the country with singer Marcus Jürgens (ex-BRAINSTROM) on the mic. After severals tours with other well-known bands, PUMP themselves already have managed to establish themselves as a truly great live act.

HARTMANN
Former AT VANCE singer Oliver Hartmann presents for the first time in a live environment his highly acclaimed debut solo album “Out In The Cold”. Don’t miss one of the greatest singers and performers in the scene!

INFO
Tickets are on sale through CTS (German customers only), AOR Heaven (www.aorheaven.com), www.united-forces-of-rock.de , the Rockfabrik venue and www.rock-it-magazine.de/shop and now from Frontiers Records.

If you want to buy the ticket from us:
The ticket price is 34,00 EURO plus shipment price of 0,62 EURO (in Europe) or 0,80 EURO (in America, Africa, Asia). The payment has to be done exclusively through PAYPAL on the email address info@frontiers.it

Stuttgart is very well connected with low cost flights from all over Europe especially via HAPAG LLOYD EXPRESS airlines and can be easily reached with car drives from Northern Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Eastern France and Southern B elgium / Netherlands!

Doors open at 2.00 PM. HARTMANN starts the festival right at 14.40 !!

The promotional homepage with all the latest infos, venue details, press downloads plus accreditation infos is online on at www.united-forces-of-rock.de
 

According to a posting on the bands official forum UK rockers Hurricane Party have announced that they are changing their name to Roadstar. This decision was taken in the wake of the hurricanes that have recently affected the Gulf Coast of the United States. The announcement goes on to say that "We think it would be very insensitive to release a record using the band name Hurricane Party given that people have recently lost their lives. Having considered this matter carefully, we have decided to continue under the name ROADSTAR as we feel that this is a name that is very much associated with the band. I really hope you will understand our reasons for this decision."

Cradle of Filth will play a warm up show for their upcoming December UK tour at Colchester Arts Centre on November 30th.

The Greek edition of Firefest will now take place on Tuesday 29th November at  OXYGENE music stage Vourvaxi & Korizi 4 Athens. On the bill for the show are Redrum (feat. ex Jaded Heart Michael Bormman), Blue Tears, Danger Danger and House Of Lords. With doors for the show opening at 19.00, tickets are on sale priced at 38€ in advance or 43€ on the door. Tickets are now available online via paypal to firefestgreece@yahoo.gr .

The Pre Show party will be held on Monday 28th November @ Club Texas (Ippokratous 56). For further info please contact firefestgreece@yahoo.gr  or alternatively you can visit http://www.sitemaker.gr/firefestgreece/page_GREEK_1.htm

According to Z Records the release of Black n Blue's come back release Hell Yeah! has been delayed over recent months due to delays logistically and in the studio. Vocalist Jaime St james has moved to LA from Portland and the album will be finished there over the forthcoming months. A full length preview of one of the new tracks scheduled to appear on the album, namely You're My Monkey is available via the Z records website at www.zrecords.net

 

We have received a number of e mails from people concerned that they are unable to purchase tickets for the show as they do not have access to a credit card or paypal facilities. Living outside of Nottingham or Dudley makes it difficult indeed to personally collect tickets for an outlet , so with this fact in mind, we have , with agreement from the venue, reintroduced the very popular e mail and reserve facility that we had in place for FIREFEST 1.

Simply e mail firefest@hotmail.com stating your name, address and quantity of tickets required and you can collect tickets at the box office at Rock City, Nottingham on the day of FIREFEST 2, Nov 26th. Tickets reserved in this manner can be purchased for the advance price of £40 sterling per ticket, but please note , payment for all tickets reserved in this manner must be made by cash ONLY .Tickets will be available for collection from 12 noon on day of show at the box office, Rock City, 8 Talbot Street, Nottingham.

Should you have any queries or questions, please direct all e mail to firefest@hotmail.com  with the heading FIREFEST in the message subject.

Thanks, Look forward to seeing you all in Nottingham in November

FIREFEST

HOUSE OF LORDS

James and the guys are having a problem selecting a set list for FIREFEST 2, so with that in mind they have asked YOU to help them decide what to play. Simply list your top ten favourite HOL songs that you would like to see performed at Firefest 2 , pop along to James Christian’s web site, www.jameschristianmusic.com and post your top ten requests on his guest book.James has promised the band WILL take all your requests into consideration when drawing up the set list, so if there is something in particular you wish to hear, pay James a visit on line and let him know what you want to hear. In fact if your top ten requests (as in your entire list) makes the set list, we’ll even arrange a little prize for you ………no we’re not saying what it will be just yet, but we promise it will be something cool!!!!!!

As an addendum to this, the Firefest Official Website is now and running and can be found at www.fire-fest.co.uk

 

In 1990 Welsh hard rock heroes Tigertailz unleashed an album that would raise the standard for independent metal albums of the era. 'Bezerk' , released on the UK's Music for Nations imprint, featured such anthems as "Noize Level Critical", "Sick Sex" and the band's calling card, "Love Bomb Baby", all of which helped fuel the album to over a quarter of a million worldwide sales as well as MTV attention, Gallup (UK) charting singles and two Top 3 home videos. "That was one hell of a time", reflects guitarist, Jay Pepper. "It seemed like just about everything was going our way - the only market that eluded us, oddly enough, was America!"

Fifteen years later, Sanctuary Music has finally made that realization a reality with the North American release of not only 'Bezerk' but that album's followup, 'Banzai' (a Japanese only compilation released through Sony Music in 1991) on October 11 at a special sale price of $10.99 each.
Frontman Kim Hooker says, "Finally our American fans will be able to walk into a record store and be able to pick up our albums and not have to wait for them to arrive from an import shop someplace. I'm thinking of flying over there just so I can do that myself!"

Recently featured in Classic Rock magazine as part of their "Welcome Back ..." series via an interview with bassist, Pepsi Tate, Tigertailz have also completed work on the long awaited 'Bezerk 2.0' and are looking to do shows Stateside in mid 2006.

 

Following a hugely successful summer and autumn, during which the 18 month campaign in support of their Sonic Firestorm album has seen them wowing festival crowds around Europe before returning to the UK to play yet another sell out tour, London based metallists DRAGONFORCE have just completed work on their eagerly anticipated third album.

Inhuman Rampage contains eight brand new songs and will be released on 9th January 2006. The album recording sessions were made at Thin Ice Studios in Virginia Water (Surrey) and guitarist Herman Li's own studio in West London between April and September, while production duties were shared between Li, fellow axeman Sam Totman and keyboard player Vadim Pruzhanov.

When asked to comment on the new album, Li stated:
“On the new album we have come up with the ultimate formula that has never been done before. Combining intensity, chaos and melody, with all the DragonForce trademarks plus some more. For us, this is the next evolution in DragonForce's sound. I have never heard an album sounding like ‘Inhuman Rampage'....the title says it all! It's seriously gonna blow some heads off around the world next year.”

The full track listing of Inhuman Rampage is as follows:-
1. Through the Fire and Flames
2. Revolution Deathsquad
3. Storming the Burning Fields
4. Operation Ground and Pound
5. Body Breakdown
6. Cry for Eternity
7. The Flame of Youth
8. Trail of Broken Hearts

The album will be released on CD and picture vinyl, with the CD featuring an enhanced section and other surprise goodies....
 

Europe will release a live DVD entitled 'Live From The Dark' on November 18th. Filmed at the bands show at Hammersmith Apollo on November 15th 2004. The DVD will contain the following track listing:

Got to Have Faith, Ready or Not, Supersticious, America, Wings of Tomorrow, Let the Good Times Rock, Animal Crossing / Seven Doors Hotel, Hero, Wake Up Call, Sign of the Times, Presentation, Milano / Girl From Lebanon, Carrie, Flames, Yesterdays News, Rock the Night, Start from the Dark, Cherokee and The Final Countdown

As well as the live show the DVD also incorporates many extras and this bonus material includes taxi dairies and interviews with each member of the band as well as the music videos for Got To Have Faith, Heart of Stone & Hero.

For a full review and photos from this Hammersmith show you can check out the this link

Clawfinger return to action with a new album, entitled 'hate Yourself With Style' due for release on November 21st through Nuclear Blast. The album will initially be released in a limited edition format containing a bonus DVD filmed live at the Greenfields Festival in Switzerland in June 2005.

The final track listing for 'hate Yourself With Style' is a s follows:

The Faggot In You, Hate Yourself With Style, Dirty Lies, The Best & the Worst, Breakout (Embrace The Child Inside You), Right To Rape, What We’ve Got Is What You’re Getting, Sick Of Myself, Hypocrite, Without A Case and God Is Dead

Its with great pleasure – that Powerzone Promotions, in Association with Maymies Nightclub, Hemlock Way, Hawks Green, Cannock/Frontiers Rock Night – can now confirm that Guest Star Paul Hodson will be appearing at the club on Friday 28th October 2005. Paul has played and written music with Ten, John Parr, Hard Rain, Bob Catley Singer with Magnum etc

Paul is scheduled to hit the stage in the main room for a 45-minute acoustic set 9.45pm to 10.30pm – followed by an informal questions and answers session at the bar in the smaller room. Go check out his website at www.hodson.uk.com  for more information.

Support for the evening will be Tara’s Secret – performing a 30-minute acoustic set - appearance scheduled for 9.00pm to 9.30pm. Go check out www.taras-secret.com  for more details.

Frontiers Rock Night with DJ’s Shaun and Stevie E (Legendary Ex. Highwayman, Cheadle and Maximes Wigan DJ’s- working together again after a 4 year break – to recreate that old Highwayman Experience again!!) will be delivering a great package of good quality classic/melodic rock music from 10.30pm onwards for those who want to hit the dance floor in the main room! You can see the guys in action the last Friday of every month sharing the decks at Maymies! Drink Prices for the best fancy dress Halloween Outfit! So Get Creative! The club will be open from 8.30pm with admission prices for the evening as follows:-

£3 before 10.00pm, £4 before 11.30pm, £5 after 11.30pm. All enquiries should be emailed directly to rock.powerzone@fsmail.net Powerzone Promotions can also assist you with travel and accommodation arrangements! Or alternatively contact the club directly on 01543 466467.

Don’t forget you can also see Frontiers Rock Night with ‘Shaun & The Powerzone Team’ on the last Saturday (29th October 2005) of every month at The V Bar, Market Place, Leek, Staffs. For more information contact 01538 370201.
 

Eden is the name of a new band formed by Kick's Nick Workman and Vince O'Regan, guitarist with Pulse & Bob Catley.  The band have currently written and recorded seven songs with plans to have another six or seven in the can before the end of November as well as speaking to prospective labels about deals to release the album once it is completed. For further information on the band you can check out their new website at www.edentheband.co.uk

Following on from their already announced gig at London' Astoria on January 26th Children of Bodom have also confirmed that they will be playing at Dudley JB's the previous night (Jan 25th)

3 Inches of Blood play a gig at London's Camden Underworld on 13th December. Support for the show comes from Himsa
 

Frontiers Records welcomes legendary rock band Survivor for the release of a brand new studio album in the spring of 2006 !

The story of Survivor began in the cold winter of 1977 under the initiative of Frankie Sullivan and Jim Peterik, but only three albums and five years later this name became well-known all over the world, when the band composed “Eye of the Tiger” for the movie “Rocky III” with Sylvester Stallone, which went on to win the Grammy Award and to hit # 1 of the charts in many countries.

After the next album “Caught In The Game”, the former COBRA shouter Jimi Jamison was introduced to the fans, making his debut on the worldwide hit (soundtrack of “Rocky IV” and # 2 in the US charts) “Burning Heart”. The following album, in 1984, “Vital Signs” is still counted nowadays among the milestones of melodic rock, with tracks like “Can’t Hold Back” or “High On You”. “Can’t Hold Back” entered the Top Ten of the US charts and the second single release “The Search Is Over” reached Nr. 2 on the hot 100. The following album “When Seconds Count” kept the typical trademarks of the Survivor sound and reached the USA Top Ten again with the single “Is This Love”. “To o Hot To Sleep” was the title of the last Survivor record in 1988, which is still considered by many as their best record, containing the singles “Across The Miles” and “Didn’t Know It Was Love”.

This was the last sign of life from SURVIVOR up to now, besides two “Greatest Hits” compilations which were quite popular by the fans. Now, 17 years later and with a line-up featuring Frankie Sullivan along with long-time members Jimi Jamison and Marc Droubay, plus Chris Grove and the new face Barry Dunaway (Dokken; Yngwie Malmsteen) on bass, Survivor are back! “The present line-up, with the exception of our bass player, has been playing together since 1997” says Frankie Sullivan, “so really we’ve been together a long time and Barry Dunaway, our newest member solidified this line-up all the way”.

 

When asked as to “why now?”, Sullivan explains: “We have spent a lot of time in the studio working even though we have not released a record of all new Survivor material in all these years. The “Greatest Hits” and “Essentials” on the band have been amazing in so far as the demand for us to continue to do them. We are glad that phase is now over and we set our sights on the new studio record. Most of all, we feel the fans deserve it more than anyone or anything. They have waited a long time and are overdue for new material. Having a CD of all new material to give them is first and foremost and what it is all about.

“The fans can expect us to stay true to who and what we are”, says Sullivan. “There is no plan to change the Survivor sound. There is no what I call “target” writing or any attempt to make a 2005 “hip” version of Survivor. I believe one must be true to themselves. Our fans can expect the Survivor they have come to know and love during the years”.

The band is currently busy in the recording studio working hard on the new material. Some of the song titles set to make it to the album include: “Fire Makes Steel”, “One More Chance”, “Give Me The Word” and “Seconds Away”.

Survivor are also planning some live appearances in Europe to coincide with the release of the record. “Nothing makes this band happier than to play live” explains Sullivan, who finally concludes “We thank all our fans, from the bottom of our hearts, for being there with us. Now, Are you Ready To ROCK...!?!?”.
 

US band Chimaira, alongside Danish band Dark Tranquility are teaming up for a co-headline UK tour during November and December. Accoriding to the press release bothbands willplay an equal amount of headline slots with Chimaira closing the show on some nights and Dark Tranquility on others so that fans can expect a good amount of music from both bands. The dates confirmed for the tour are:

Nov 28th - Cardiff Coal Exchange
Nov 29th - Exeter Lemon Grove
Dec 1st - London Astoria Dark
Dec 2nd - Manchester Academy 2
Dec 3rd - Glasgow QMU
Dec 4th - Birmingham Academy 2
Dec 5th - Sheffield Corporation

Joining Chimaira & Dark Tranquility on the trek are Hatesphere & Bullet For My Valentine.
 

Following the successful come-back album “Escape”, released on August 29th, Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of Terra Nova’s “Best of + 5” album on December 5th 2005.

  

Terra Nova is Latin for “the new world” and is one of the best bands emerged from the European melodic hard rock scene over the past decade. With three hit albums released in Japan on JVC Victor, the band got released their mighty debut album “Livin’ It Up” on the European market on Now & Then Records and “Eye To Eye” (a compilation of the second and third Japanese albums) on Frontiers Records.

This new “Best Of” album covers the most interesting cuts of their repertoire including 4 songs from their long out-of-print debut album and excerpts from their following two Japan-only albums.

The final track listing for the album is as follows:
I Wanna Know; Break Away §; Livin’ it Up*; Love Sick°; Not Here With Me §; Hey Babe*; Right Now §; Once Bitten Twice Shy*; How°; Make My Day°; Holding On §; Eye To Eye°; Love Of My Life*; Against The Wind; Reminiscing; I’m The One and Holy Water .

Ivory Gates Records proudly presents the release of Green’s new album entitled “Of Love and Soul” on December 5th 2005.

  

Green are an Italian melodic hard rock band that debuted in the year 2003 on Frontiers Records with the concept album “Life”.

Green’s debut album received excellent reviews including:-"A landmark recording of Italian rock history" - Rocknet (Holland), "This one is more than OK, but I'm sure these guys have yet more to offer on the next one" - Rock Report (Belgium), "An excellent, mature Melodic Rock album that should appeal to both fans of Melodic Rock and Progressive Rock" - The Metal Observer (Germany) and "An almost perfect album, perfectly produced by band leader Fabrizio Pieraccini. A new star is born?" - Metalitalia (Italy)

The new album entitled “Of Love and Soul” is a much more mature effort, showcasing an aggressive yet melodic and colourful approach to the music and songwriting. Following the steps of “Life”’s most intriguing moments (“I Still Love” in particular), the new album is a real milestone for Italian melodic Hard and Progressive Rock. According to guitar player and singer Fabrizio Pieraccini: “This time we wanted the sound is heavier and more straight ahead. This is also thanks to the addition of Jacopo Torrini on guitar in the line up. The sound is now more cohesive and in your face”, while ivory-tinkler Giovanni Fanfani adds: “Of Love and Soul is not a concept album like Life, but still it deals with our lives, all things happening every day and with the emotions of happiness and anger that we feel in our soul”.

The final track listing includes the following songs:
Receive Me; Fight for Truth; Do it Now; Hate Me; There's no Wind; Freedom; No Return Journey; Baby Tell Me Why; One Day and Of Love and Soul.

The album also includes, as a special bonus the video clip of “I Still Love”, taken from the debut album “Life” plus a video introduction to the new album by the band members. “Of Love & Soul” is exclusively distributed worldwide through Frontiers Records.

For further info surf on www.thegreen.it
 

Hard rockers The Lizards, featuring Bobby Rondinelli (BOC/Rainbow/Sabbath) and Mike DiMeo (Riot) have just completed what can only be described as a 'super session' with a rock and roll legend for the bands upcoming CD. Although it's 'hush hush' in The Lizards camp, as far as who this rock guest star is (which will be disclosed at a future date), he was quoted saying, "They were the best sessions I've ever done outside my own music!" Word has it that The Lizards new album will be the bands best yet!

In other Lizards news: The group is also putting the finishing touches on an album of cover tunes, as well as a new DVD of live performances culled from their recent tour of Europe. Plans for an early 2006 issuing of all three releases is currently underway.

Most recently both drummer Bobby Rondinelli and vocalist/keyboardist Mike DiMeo were interviewed in depth for premier hard rock website Rock 'N Roll Universe. The interviews can be accessed at: www.rocknrolluniverse.com. On the same note, The Lizards bassist Randy Pratt did an interview with seminal U.S. bass magazine Bass Guitar for an upcoming article, that will also include a pictorial of Pratt's impressive custom-built bass collection!

In November 2005, Bobby Rondinelli will be doing a drum clinic tour in Europe sponsored by Ludwig and Paiste. The tour dates are as follows:

Nov. 12 - Drumstation - Eindhoven, NL - www.drumstation.nl
Nov. 14 - Drums &Co - Gits, Belgium - www.drums.co.be
Nov. 15 - Drumland - Dadhoevedorp, NL - www.drumland.nl
Nov. 16 - Vancore - Joure, NL - www.vancore.nl
Nov. 17 - PPC - Hannover, Germany - www.ppc-music.de
Nov. 20 - Insider Music Shop - Berlin, Germany - www.insider-music-shop.com
Nov. 21 - Musikhalle Klier - Nurnberg, Germany - www.musikhalle.de
Nov. 22 - Vogelmann - Ludwigsburg, Germany - www.trommelladen.de
Nov. 23 - Drumstation - Maintal, Germany - www.musicstore-maintal.de
Nov. 24 - Rock Shop - Karlsruhe, Germany - www.rockshop.de

For more Information: www.fentex-percussion.com

Plans for a major world tour to coincide with the release of The Lizards new studio album in 2006 is currently in the works.
For more information: www.thelizardswebsite.com
 

Aussie melodic rockers Square One have signed a deal with Stay Gold/Art Union Records Japan which will see the release of their debut album Supersonic in December 2005. The album was recorded at Palm Studios in Melbourne, Australia and was mastered by David Briggs of Little River Band fame. For further info check out www.squareonemusic.com

Power Quest have added a London date to their upcoming November tour. The band play London Marquee on November 25th

With the Statetrooper UK tour kicking off on Friday 7th,  the band are pleased to announce that they will be joined by some of their friends at some of the shows.

On Friday 7th, at the London Garage, Damian Wilson will perform an acoustic session. Damian has ha