Monday September 27th

Z records have just announced that Final Frontier have extended their contract  to incorporate the release of the bands third album through the label. Final Frontier have already released two highly acclaimed albums through Z Records "The First Wave" during 2002 and 2004's "The Second Wave". The new agreement will see the bands third album "High Tension Wire" released during early 2005.

Lead Singer Rob Moratti made the following statement for fans re the forthcoming third album...."The new album is completely filled with huge and catchy melodic songs that Final Frontier is known for. What we are releasing this time is an even bigger and better production and a much more classy AOR than The Second Wave. The CD will be titled "High Tension Wire" after an explosive uptempo track. Believe me this is one CD you will want to hear!"

Fluid Sol

Having just completed a solo UK acoustic tour Mitch Malloy is all set to release a new album, this time fronting the group Fluid Sol, who release their debut album through Artenzia Records on October 20th.  Joining Mitch, who not only wrote and produced the album but also provided all guitars and vocals, will be Victor Broden on bass and Joakim Eckberg on drums. Artenzia describe the upcoming release as ,"A collection of rock songs too catchy to be overlooked by the average pop fan! Outstanding vocal harmonies with songs that groove in the potential hit category, catchy melodies and bold vocals that stays with you long after the song ends. The songs of the album features all the simplicity and melodic wallop to settle neatly between smart and powerful even after repeated listens"

Mitch grew up in the small town of Dickinson, North Dakota, his gift was discovered at the tender age of six, when a first grade teacher noticed that his voice stood apart from the rest of the class. At 12 years old, he picked up his sister's guitar and never turned back - "The thrill I got from hearing and feeling my guitar through an amp made it so clear to me that music was definitely what I wanted to do for the rest of my life."

Mitch later secured a deal with RCA/BMG and recorded his first solo-album in Los Angeles with producer Sir Arthur Payson, entitled simply “Mitch Malloy”. The record sold very well and generated two top 20 singles, landed Mitch a spot on "The Tonight Show" and produced a video with the hit "Anything At All" which was played on MTV Europe and is now on VH-1 Europe. The second record, entitled “Ceilings & Walls” was produced by Christopher Neal and it took a mellower approach. That album had a top 20 hit in "Tumbling Down" and is still highly sought after by fans worldwide.

Mitch moved from New York to Nashville to write songs under a publishing contract with Chrysalis Music. After writing with the top songwriters in town, Mitch felt the urge to record his own songs again and Fluid Sol saw the light of day.

Straight ahead basic rock provides the foundation for Fluid Sol's sound, simply a virtually flawless collection of melodic rock songs that should dominate radio for years to come.

Fluid Sol's debut album is all about big hooks and irresistible riffs. From the enormously infectious "I'm On Your Radio"  to the energy that is “King Of Nothing”  nearly every song is made for cranking out of the

 

Friday September 24th

Z Records Update

Black 'N' Blues long awaited comeback album "Hell Yeah!" is now scheduled for release on February 14th. New titles which will be on the album include Your My Monkey, Angry Drunks and Fools Bleed, all of which are classic Black n Blue material and will not disappoint!

War & Peace where recorded live on Sunday September 19th when they headlined the Z Rock 04 Festival at the world famous Cavern Club in Liverpool. The bands set took a  trip through Jeff Pislon's remarkable career and included the following songs:

What Cost War, City in Flames, Beast in the Box, Don't Close Your Eyes, Burnin' Like a Flame, Heaven Sent, Zero The End, The Shell, Desperate Hearts, Line in the Sand, Finale, Breath and a Scream, Snake Eyes , Tooth and Nail, It's Not Love encores: Just Got Lucky, Into The Fire

It is hoped that the live recording of this show will be released during late January 2005

Glenn Hughes Confirmed UK Tour Dates

Former Deep Purple bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes has now confirmed the shows for his upcoming UK tour in December. The dates are as follows:

3rd December - JB's Dudley
4th December - Rio's Bradford
5th December - Leadmill Sheffield
7th December - Liquid Room Edinburg
9th December - Waterfront Norwich
10th December - Roadmender Northampton
11th December - Rock City Nottingham
13th -December - Mean Fiddler London

Glenn will be joined on the tour by Red Hot Chill Peppers' drummer Chad Smith, alongside JJ Marsh on guitar and Kjell Haraldson on keyboards

Kerrang Tour

Kerrang are sponsoring a 'New British Rock' tour that winds its way round the country throughout October. Featured on the bill are  sleazy rock'n'rollers The*Ga*Ga*s, London's punk-fuelled newcomers Johnny Panic and raunchy rockers Hurricane Party, who were signed by John Kalodner. The confirmed dates for the tour are:

2nd October - London Barfly
5ht October -Birmingham Academy
7th October - Nottingham Rock City
8th October - Manchester Gullivers
9th October - Leeds Cockpit
11th October - Edinburgh Venue
13th October - Glasgow King Tuts
14th October - Leicester Charlotte
16th October - Stoke Sugarmill
17th October - Wolverhampton Little Civic
18th October - Norwich Arts Centre

Thursday September 23rd

To coincide with the United States Presidential election on November 2nd, A Perfect Circle will issue a new album entitled 'Emotive'  Containing ten cover versions and two new APC original tracks, bandleader Maynard James Keenan's describes the set as "a collection of songs about war, peace, love and greed" The cover versions include APC interpretations of songs by the likes of John Lennon (Imagine), Marvin Gaye (What's Going On) and Joni Mitchell (Fiddle & The Drum).

In addition to the CD, the band will also release a new DVD package  entitled 'aMotion' which will feature live clips and  a remix CD of tracks.
 

Then band currently have a animated video available via their website, www.aperfectcircle.com for the track 'Counting Bodies Like Sheep To The Rhythm Of The War Drums'.

Dream Theater

Dream Theater are all set to release both a CD and a DVD package that captured their performance at Tokyo's legendary Budokan in April 2004.  The DVD version of this release will be a two disc set, the first of  which contains the entire live performance from the night. The second disc is packed with special features and  includes a Japanese tour documentary, the drum solo from the show in Osaka, tours of Guitar World and Keyboard World by John and Jordan, the tour opening video and a multiangle version of the track "Instrumedley".

The corresponding CD release will be available as a three disc box set featuring the live show.

The CD part of this live package will be available through Rhino Records on October 4th, whilst the DVD hits shops a fortnight later on October 18th. Further info on this live release can be found at www.dreamtheater.net.

Def Leppard have just opened a mini site featuring their upcoming expanded Greatest Hits album. Found at www.bestofdefleppard.com the site has a full streaming version of Leppard's version of  The Kinks classic 'Waterloo Sunset' available for listening.

The release date of the upcoming album by Judas Priest, featuring returning vocalist Rob Halford has been pushed back from the original 28th December date to the 5th January. According to a post on www.judaspriest.com this is at the request of the band's record label Sony

Tyketto Tour Update

Michael Clayton, drummer with Tyketto has just posted the following on the band's website (www.vaughn.de) with regard to rehersals for the upcoming tour:

"Instead of putting the guys up in a hotel as originally planned, we opted to all shack up at my place. Remembering that I only had one bed and no food, that afternoon was spent running around buying things! Brooke arrived first, and he and I got to catch up (eight years is a long time). Funny how quickly we slipped back into brotherhood mode. We compared notes on music, divorce and the attributes of dating younger women.

By the time Danny and Jimi arrived later that night, I was at one of my band's gigs and Brooke was out partying! Yes, we all wasted no time going back to old habits!.

Rehearsals were scheduled in a small place in Woodbridge. The first two rehearsals were (lets see..... how do I put this??).......rusty at best. My first thought was, "I wonder if I can get a refund on the plane tickets!". Jimi was the only one fully prepared (Nice job Jimi!). That's pretty funny since Jimi never even heard Strength in Numbers and played the tunes better than the three of us! We all laughed at each other, and the mood for the entire week was jovial and relaxed.

By day 3 we had all remembered how to play our instruments, and by the fifth rehearsal it was as if no time had passed since 1991. The old magic was back, and the machine was up and running. On the last rehearsal, we ran down the whole show flawlessly

Out of the studio, we worked for many hours on an incredible 52 page commemorative tour book that will be available on this tour. All 23 pages of text have been written by the band, giving a detailed accounting of the magic, mayhem and mania that was TYKETTO. From Danny and I meeting in 1987 until TYKETTO's farewell in 1995. We have also included almost 200 personal photos (many of which have never been published). A truly fitting way to remember Don't Come easy.

The whole week was a perfect combination of being caught up in the wonderfully nostalgic part of TYKETTO, as well as looking forward to kicking some major ass in November.
The die-hards will not be disappointed. Fans will hear all of Don't Come Easy as well as five of our faves from Strength (and as always- a surprise or two up our sleeves).

See you in a few weeks

Michael Clayton
September 20, 2004
Belmar, NJ"

The Metallica film 'Some Kind Of Monster' is due to hit UK cinema screens at the beginning of next month. Current details show the film will be screened at the following theatres from 1st October:

ODEON Panton Street, London
SCREEN ON THE GREEN, London
STER CENTURY, Romford
VUE STAR CITY, Birmingham
FILMWORKS, Manchester
UGC, Sheffield
STER CENTURY, Leeds
CAMEO, Edinburgh
UGC RENFREW STREET, Glasgow

Tuesday September 21st

Vancouver based metal band 3 Inches Of Blood will release their latest CD, the first for new label Roadrunner, on October 18th. With the suitably metal sounding title 'Advance And Vanquish', the record was produced by Neil Kernon, who in the past has worked with such luminaries as Queensryche and Judas Priest.

With titles such as Deadly Sinners & Axes Of Evil, it is hardly surprising that the band's bio states that  "The best way to describe 3 Inches of Blood is "reverential" - essentially, take everything great about heavy music before 1985, and go from there. Which means the shrieking vocal assault of Rob Halford, the epic guitars and storytelling of Iron Maiden, the pirate theme of Running Wild, and, most importantly, the lasting influence of the British New Wave of Heavy Metal."

The line-up for this album consists of  bassist Brian Redman, vocalists Cam Pipes and Jamie Hooper, guitarists Justin Hagberg and Kevin Keegan and drummer Matt Wood. More info on 'Advance And Vanquish' can be found at www.threeinchesofblood.com

Sonata Arctica

Fresh from their debut UK appearance at this years Bloodstock Festival in Derby on 4th September, Finnish power metal heroes Sonata Arctica are set to release their new. Titled 'Reckoning Night' the CD will hit the streets on October 11th through Nuclear Blast Records.

The album contains 11 new songs and titles set to be include on the release include: Misplaced, Blinded No More, Ain´t Your Fairytale, Reckoning Day, Reckoning Night, Don´t Say A Word,The Boy Who Wanted To Be A Real Puppet, My Senele, Wildfire, White Pearl, Black Oceans, Shamandalie and Wrecking The Sphere.

Jeff Scott Soto Update

42,000 miles (67,000 km), 34 dates, 4 continents, ten countries in 74-days - it almost reads like the tag-line from a Jules Verne novel, but this is no mere work of fiction, it's the itinerary for the impressive Jeff Scott Soto world tour to promote his new album 'Lost In The Translation'.
A recent claim made for Jeff Scott Soto is that 'he is the front man every band wants to have', his energy, vocal ability, writing talents more than substantiate this claim and are all evident in new CD, Jeff's third solo album released on 20th September across the world from Frontiers Records. The European leg of the 'Lost In The Translation' World Tour 2004 kicks off in Spain on 7th October and finishes in London on 9th November.

Moving from Spain to Portugal on to a major show for the Dutch Queen Fan Club at the Theatre Vlaardingen close to Rotterdam, the pace of the European tour is unrelenting, but Jeff and the band will, by then, have polished off successful tours in the USA, Australia and South America so the 4,800 mile leg across Europe ought to be like a trip to the seaside in comparison. But it takes in seven countries and 23 venues with tour support from five different bands in a mixture of gigs combining pure JSS in electric and acoustic format and a number of Queen based shows - enough to whet the appetite of any melodic rock fan.
What will the audience get for their money? A show that combines pace, ballad, subtlety and sheer exuberance - this tour will have something for everyone who likes their rock hard, those who like it slow and those who like it hot! Each shows will combine some newer material, some from previous two solo albums as well as covers from Jeff's illustrious past.
Jeff's career has many phases, from his roots with Yngwie Malmsteen, the foundations of Talisman to performances for film sound-tracks such as 'Rock Star', Jeff has performed with Queen and Spike Edney's SAS Band. His subsequent solo career has shown that Jeff Scott Soto has gained a reputation as one of the classier and more polished AOR / Melodic Rock artistes around. Add to that his many collaborations, not the least of which is the most recent with Neal Schon of Journey on the new project Soul SirkUS, and 'Lost In The Translation' represents a new performance high for Jeff Scott Soto that many believe show him to be the artist that he truly is.
Jeff commented recently "Playing in front of live audiences is the biggest kick an artist can have - it provides instant feedback. I know that people who saw us on our last tours will look for something different this time round - and hopefully many will have come back for more and we won't disappoint them!"

Jeff hits the UK in November for the following live dates. A review of his new album 'Lost In Translation' will be up shortly
4th November - Liverpool UK Cavern
5th November - Wolverhampton UK Wulfrun (on Tyketto bill)
6th November - Belfast UK Empire (On Tyketto bill)
7th November - Crewe UK Limelight
8th November -London (Sutton) UK Boom Boom Club

Details of Jeff's other shows worldwide can be found on his official website at www.jeffscottsoto.com or via the Frontiers website at www.frontiers.it

Lenny Wolf Discusses new Kingdom Come Album

Lenny Wolf has just given to a song by song account of Kingdom Come's new 'Perpetual' album to the Frontiers records website. The album was  released through that label on 30th August
Gotta Move Now - Picturing an army of KC-fans all playing the same riff and marching towards KINGDOM COME, being interrupted by a little girl picking up ice cream she just dropped.

Hang 'Em High - Another KC-riff supporting the argument regarding people sitting in high places, who should be responsible for their actions just like everyone else with less power. Sounds kinda naive but it's overdue.

Crown Of Moscow - Loving the most when you don't know her. Started out as a low key shabalaba-song with cool drums played by a ten-foot-tall, 300 pound-heavy drummer, trying to pick a flower while he's sitting on a butterfly. By the way: a true story...

Time To Realign - A sign of our times. Impoliteness, aggression, regrets, false hope and coolness. "Someday, somehow, you'll know what I've talked about." Can't wait to play the chorus in a 20-minute-loop till I drop. A light-hearted verse meets the brutality of the chorus.

Silhouette Paintings - The intro/verse-melody came about two seconds after having discovered the sitar/piano-sound. Thank god. One aspect of how I feel being gone quite often. Not always knowing where to go "catching the rainbow, reaching ground". Still feeling kinda peaceful inside, knowing my calling.

With The Sun In Mind - Mean and heavy meets innocent and light. Lenny doing some serious "Twilight Cruising" late at night. Feeling connected with myself, can't be bothered with the sun in mind. German flowerpower.

King Of Nothing - Listen you all, please just listen! Jamming, building sounds, creating, changing, connecting, rearranging night after night after night. One of my all-time favourite outros. The end of all times can feel pretty good. Rather die than betray your brother.

Borrowed Time - No revolution meant. Just feels good in a sense of "whatever". Who has the loudest amp, or cheap-ahead can work, too. No concept, no chorus, no idea what I did. Rock and Roll.

Connecting Pain - I dislike the song as much as I like it. A reflection of my surroundings. Never wanted to preach or smart-ass. Unlike most rock'n'roll clichés who celebrate drugs as being cool and necessary to get your creative climax or subconscious urge to "fit in", I feel nothing but disgust and no pity for drug-users. Sorry, I ain't cool. A cheap f**king excuse for the weak. As hard as I may sound, as double-hard I am with myself. Life ain't a free ride. Get used to it.

Watch The Dragonfly - Thank god, whatever you may be. Shut down for a minute till I pick you up again. Float with me. Sadness feels so good. It's not just you, we're all in it. Working with atmospheric sounds continuing the Twilight Cruise. Compressed drums with a raw, monotone wall of guitars. Gentle temptation meets f**k-you-all. "Madness in disguise"

Inhaling The Silence - So much trendy shit around. So many tough people around. So much monkey-movement around. Soon I'm gonna throw-up and drown. Just my distant friend playing the cello and somebody behind the mountain beating the toms, while the fool on the hill is talking to butterflies and minding his own business. "Hey John, thanks for helping me through my youth"

Free Bird - Here come the strings. Feeling connected with all of you, without touching. Rather keep on falling before hitting ground. Again and again. Lots of fun, building sounds (listen carefully to the colours). A grey song with lots of indefinable sparkles. Couldn't resist the typical KC-drama at the end. The final rise. This one's for free. Stand up and crawl. "Look at me now, I'm doing all right." It's so uncommercial it should be forbidden. The distant guitar is guiding me to a peaceful emptiness that can bring so much energy. Could re-mix it for the next two years.

Blaze Changes Line-Up.

Blaze Bayley, one time vocalist with Iron Maiden, has completely revamped te line up of his touring band. In a statement on his website (www.planetblaze.com), the bands management gave the following details:

"As you will all be aware 3 gigs were cancelled this month due to band line up changes, we are now in a position to update you with those changes. It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce that both John Slater and Steve Wray are unable to do the tour dates for the rest of the year. As a result, they have both decided not to continue as full time members of the BLAZE band. Blaze Bayley, all at Black Machine and the BMC would like to thank John and Steve for 4+ years of Blood ( the real stuff ), sweat ( gallons of it ) and, yes, even a few tears along the way. We wish them well in the future. Both Dave Knight and Wayne Banks are unable to do the rest of the tour dates this year due to other projects."

In order to complete the bands touring schedule for 2004 Blaze have recruited guitarists Oliver Palotai & Luca Princiotta, bassist Nick Douglas and drummer Daniel Loeble. Blaze says “I can’t wait to get back out on the road after all the changes, uncertainty and problems this year. I’m really excited and looking forward to playing these shows with the new band”

The new line up will be making its UK debut at the annual Blaze Big Bash, which takes place at Dudley JB's on 18th December.

Monday September 20th

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the European release for the hard rock revelation band of 2004 THE TAK MATSUMOTO GROUP - TMG for November the 8th 2004 !

TMG is a group founded by guitarist, songwriter and producer Tak Matsumoto, an artist who earned an enormous fame in his mother land playing with the band B'Z. The B'Z have sold over 80 million units in Japan alone, making them Japan's biggest selling rock band in history.

In late 2003 he formulated a new band venture billed as TMG - Tak Matsumoto Group: a collaboration featuring the Night Ranger and Damn Yankees bassist Jack Blades and ex-Mr. Big vocalist Eric Martin. Drums on the album were performed by ex-Foreigner, Slash's Snakepit and Pride & Glory man Brian Tichy and Lenny Kravitz drummer Cindy Blackman, with Chris Frazier taking over for live work.

Some early reviews in the international press describe the album as follows:
"This is a perfect slice of hard rock, with a super heavy and in your face production that updates the sound, melodies and style to 2004, while keeping the best elements of the classic debut's from Mr. Big and Damn Yankees" - melodicrock.com

"TMG is a good solid catchy and diverse melodic hard rock record with tons of market potential" - aordreamzones.com

"TMG drag melodic hard rock kicking and screaming into 2004" - Fireworks Magazine, UK

Track listing of the European release will be as follows:
Oh Japan - Oh Japan - Our Time Is Now; Everything Passes Away;  Kings For A Day; I Know You By Heart; I Wish You Were Here; The Greatest Show On Earth; Signs Of Life; Red, White And Bullet Blues; Trapped; My Alibi; Wonderland; Train, Train; Two Of A Kind; Never Good-Bye.

You can read the HardRockHouse.com review, of what so far is one of the best albums of the year, here

MTM Updates

MTM have just released details of the new anniversary compilation album, which is due for release on November 11th. MTM Compilation Volume 10 will only contain previously unreleased material, and includes contributions from bands such as 'Shy', 'Edge Of Forever' and 'Zeno'. Full details of the track listing are shown below:

01. Relapse - All In All
02. Martie Peters Group - The Beast Inside
03. Shylock - Farewell
04. Fate - Everything About You
05. Brunorock - Pray For Rain
06. Sin - Never Change
07. Shy - I Will Be Home
08. Seven Wishes - Cross My Heart
09. Zeno - Call Of The Heart
10. Edge of Forever - Snake Eyes
11. RPM - How Do I get You
12. Rhapsody Sweden - I’ve Done All I Can
13. Novak - Save Me
14. Jani Lane - Lay Your Hands On Me
15. Misty May - Reality
16. Dare - Into The Fire (Recorded Live At The Deep Impact Festival, Munich 2004)
17. Fate - Everything About You (Recorded Live At The Deep Impact Festival, Munich 2004)

MTM signed Brunorock:

Brunorock is the solo project of former Nightpride and Dark Sky singer / guitarist Bruno Kraler. Two albums have been released under the name Brunorock so far: the self-titled debut in 1994 and X-OVER in 2002! Due to his incredible charisma, Bruno created an own style in the melodic heavy genre. On the new album “Interaction”, Bruno has been supported by terrific musicians. These include Paolo Morbini (ex EVA and Exilia) on drums, Bobby Altvater (Affair) and Alex De Rosso (ex DokkenN) on guitar. Other guest musicians include John Billings, Rachel Bolan (Skid Row) on bass as well as Fredrik Bergh (Street Talk) on keyboards.
“Interaction” was recorded in 3 different studios (Sky Studio, Munich; UFO Studio Bruneck and Wireworld Studio in Nashville). The final mix of the album was undertaken by the legendary Michael Wagener, who ranks among the most famous rock and metal producers worldwide... Dokken, Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, Alice Cooper, Accept and Extreme  are just a few of the bands and artists who realized their most successful albums with him!

For further details on the above news items check out www.mtm-music.com

Quickies

Power Quest have announced that they are parting way with drummer Gav Ward. The drummer has left the ranks in order to embark on a three year degree course at University in Cornwall and felt that he would not be able to give 110% to both the band and his studies. The split was entirely amicable and both sides have parted on excellent terms, with the band regarding Ward as a really close friend. Power Quest wish Ward the best of luck in his studies as well and would like to thank him for all his efforts over the past 12 months, especially on the road and enabling us to play Bloodstock in 2003. Cheers buddy!

The band are now, of course, on the lookout for a new drummer and interested parties can contact the band via their website at www.power-quest.co.uk

Statetrooper, who released their latest album, 'The Calling' in July have recruited bassist Tony O'Hora into the ranks. O'Hora has previosuly played with Onsluaght, Praying Mantis and Sweet.

Glenn Hughes has just finished filming a video for the song 'Soul Mover' which is taken from his new solo album scheduled for release in early 2005. Participating in the shoot were Dave Navarro (ex-Jane's Addiction/RHCP) and RHCP drummer Chad Smith. Hughes has a UK tour lined up for December this year, details of the dates so far proposed are:

December 7th - Edinburgh Liquid Rooms
December 9th - Norwich Waterfront
December 10th - Dudley JB's
December 11th - Nottingham Rock City
December 11th -  London Mean Fiddler

Waysted, the reformed Brit rockers featuring Pete Way, are about to begin mixing their comeback album 'Back From The Dead` with an October 25th release date still very much on the cards in Europe. Mixing will take place in Wolverhampton with the  Robin GeorgeE in control of the knob twiddling and Way very much in attendance.

Vocalist Fin has given details of the songs 'Back From The Dead' will contain to www.majesticrock.com and although the final running order has yet to be decided the featured titles include: Lost In Cleveland, Breakfast Show, Garden of Eden, Must B More 2 It Than This, The Alternativia, Price of Love, I'm Gonna Love Ya and Dreams Don't Work Out.

Two new reviews for Dio's 'Master Of The Moon' and the new Lamb of God album 'Ashes of The Wake' have been uploaded, click on the album titles to view.

The new UK Charts have been posted for W/C 19th September, click here to check out what is hot in the UK.

Saturday September 18th

Whole Lotta Metal, the act put together by ex-Black Sabbath vocalist Tony Martin, alongside fellow singers Carl Sentance and Matt Moreton, are hitting the UK gig trail once again in early 2005. The band, who promise a night of classic metal to bang your head to, so far have the following dates confirmed:

For a review of the show the band played at Newcastle Opera House in May of this year, then follow this link.

Blackmore's Night

Blakmore's Night, the band featuring one time Deep Purple and Rainbow guitarist Richie Blackmore, alongside vocalist Candice Night are to release a compilation album of love songs entitled 'Beyond The Sunset - the Romantic Collection' through SPV Records on September 20th. Night made the followign comments about the album:

"We call this record our ‘wedding album’, because friends and fans have told us that they play these songs as background music at weddings,” Candice Night explains the idea behind Beyond The Sunset. “Ritchie and I have played these songs ourselves at friends’ weddings. They’ve always told us that the quiet material is perfect for those occasions.” The collection features a total of fourteen tracks, among them a re-recorded version of ‘Ghost Of A Rose’ and emotional numbers like ‘Be Mine Tonight’, ‘Spirit Of The Sea’, ‘I Still Remember’ or ‘Diamonds And Rust’. The album is rounded off by a remix of ‘All Because Of You’ and the brand-new, previously unreleased ‘Once In A Million Years’, which is special to Blackmore. “I first discovered this wonderful melody years ago, listening to a radio station called Deutsche Welle,” Blackmore remembers. “I was fascinated, kept humming the melody for days but couldn’t figure out who had written the song. I’d almost given up hope, when I suddenly heard the song during a TV documentary. I recognised it immediately. Reading the credits, I found out that the artist’s name was Angelika Milster.” Blackmore used the music by Milster, previously a performer in the German version of the stage musical, ‘Cats’. He and Candice wrote new lyrics and recorded ‘Once In A Million Years’ in a style that suits the band’s emotional atmosphere perfectly."

Doro Pesch

One  time Warlock vocalist Doro Pesch issues a new album through AFM Records on September 20th called Classic Diamonds. This release contains numerous Warlock & Doro tracks from her back catalogue, as well as six new titles especially written for the album. All of the tracks have been rearranged to include  additional musical accompaniment from a 40 piece orchestra. The album also sees special appearance by metal luminaries including the ex-Accept vocalist Udo Dirkschneider and one time Iron Maiden frontman Blaze Bayley.

The album is released in two differing formats, the normal jewel case release, for which first editions will include two bonus tracks and a teaser video clip and also a limited edition digipack format. The digipack edition will include an additional four songs as well as the full video clip.

The new songs et for inclusion on the album include Let Love Rain On Me", "I'm In Love With You" and "Last Goodbye" and  tracks with the additional  orchestration are: "All We Are", "Metal Tango", "I Rule The Ruins", "Tausend Mal Gelebt", "Burn It Up", "Fur Immer", "Love Me In Black", "Undying" and the Judas priest classic "Breaking The Law".

Further details can be found at the AFM website located at www.afm-records.de

Friday September 17th

War & Peace, the band featuring ex-Dokken bassist Jeff Pilson, have cancelled their proposed show at London's Camden Underworld on Monday 20th September,   however the band will still be appearing at the Z Rock Festival at Liverpool's Cavern Club the previous on Sunday 19th September for which tickets are still available.

Three new reviews have been uploaded to the site for Pulse's Worlds Apart CD, the new Papa Roach album, 'Getting Away With Murder and the self titled debut release from Snakeryder. Click on the bands name to have a look at the reviews.

Soil Part Ways With Vocalist

Blabbermouth.net have just announced that Chicago based band Soil have parted ways with vocalist Ryan McCoombs.  The band, who earlier this year released the 'Redefine' album have also recently split with their record company J records. An official press release will be released in the near future by the band.

Update: The band have just released the following statement concerning McCoombs departure from the ranks:

"We are sorry to report that due to family obligations, Ryan McCombs has decided to move on from SOIL. Though we are very saddened by this sudden development, we respect his decision to be with his family at this time. The band and everyone involved wish him and his family all the best. SOIL is currently auditioning new vocalists. Updates will be posted on www.soilmusic.com."

Thursday September 16th

Nu-metal heroes Korn will release their 'Greatest Hits' opus through Epic Records on October 18th. As well as containing all of the best album tracks, the band will also include covers of Cameo's 'Word Up' and Pink Floyd's 'Another Brick In The Wall Parts I,II & III'

Wednesday September 15th

American metal band Lamb of God will be hitting the gig circuit in the UK during November and December. The band will be supporting their recent Epic Records released opus  'Ashes Of The Wake'. The dates so far announced for the tour are:

29th November - Oxford Zodiac
30th November - Manchester University
1st December - Birmingham Academy 2
2nd December - Leeds Cockpit
3rd December - Newcastle, Northumbria Uni
5th December - Glasgow, King Tuts
6th December - Liverpool Academy 2
7th December - Cardiff, Ifor Bach
8th December- Exeter Lemon Grove
9th December - Brighton Concorde 2
10th December - London Mean Fiddler
11th December - Colchester Arts Theatre

Further details can be found on the bands official website at www.lamb-of-god.com

AFM Records Update

Masterplan, the band put together by Ex-Helloween member Roland Grapow and Uli Kusch, are currently working in the studio with Andy Sneap in order to finish up recordings of their new material. The new album is likely to see the light of day early in 2005, however it will be preceded by the release of an EP, that will hit the shops at the same price as a normal single.

Circle II Circle , the new vehicle for Ex-Savatage vocalist Zak Stevens, are also  back in the studio in order to continue their work on new recordings after the tour with Blaze and Perzonal War. The working title of the new studio album is called “Faces In The Dark”

Tuesday September 14th

The Thunder website, www.thunderonline.com have just published news about the new album and single from from the boys:

"After much wailing, moaning, and gnashing of the collective Thunder teeth, the mixing is complete on the new Thunder LP. Entitled The Magnificent Seventh (don't ask, just think about it), the track list goes like this:-

I Love You More Than Rock 'n' Roll (LP version)
The Gods Of Love
Monkey See, Monkey Do
I'm Dreaming Again
Amy's On The Run
The Pride
Fade Into The Sun
Together Or Apart
You Can't Keep A Good Man Down
One Foot In The Grave
One Fatal Kiss

The plan is to release the LP in the spring of 2005. Art and design is in progress, and for some unfathomable reason (see above), a Western theme has been decided upon. Watch out for us in our Cowboy hats and leather chaps in November (only kidding, although it might be good...).

Sound clips will be getting posted in the coming weeks, so keep an eye (and an ear) out...

To get us all warmed up between now and next Spring, (and following the splendid reception it got each time it was played in the summer), I Love You More Than Rock 'n' Roll has been selected as the first single, and will be released in November to coincide with the band's appearances on the UK Deep Purple tour. We've got a lot of songs, and we want to come back with a bang, so ILYMTRNR will be released in three (yes that's three) formats (CD1, CD2 and a numbered limited edition 7" vinyl). Each version will have completely separate artwork and tracks, and with the exception of the title track and one other, all songs will be exclusive and will not appear on the album.

Formats and track listings are as follows:-

CD1
ILYMTRNR (radio edit)
Closer To The Fire

CD2
ILYMTRNR (radio edit)
Love's An Easy Word To Say
Loser (Acoustic Version)

Numbered Limited Edition 7" Vinyl
A: ILYMTRNR (radio edit)
B: The Pride (LP track)

Nearer the time, Townsend Records will be taking online pre-orders for all three versions of the ILYMTRNR single.
We (and they) would be most grateful if you could watch this space for the news on when this will happen, rather than email them, for they won't know until we know, and when we do, so will you.
Thanks for your understanding.

As you will no doubt conclude, the inclusion of so many exclusive tracks is a blatant (but we hope honest) "maximum value for money" attempt to get you to buy all 3 copies, and in so doing, propel the band up to the top of the UK pop-tastic charts. After the brilliant success we all had with Loser in 2003, we know we can count on you to spread the word, and when the time comes, we'll be calling upon you to do just that. More specific date type news soon, but thought you'd all like to know where we're at...

Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines, the race is about to begin (again)........"

Pride Of Lions

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of the highly anticipated new album from Pride Of Lions entitled "The Destiny Stone" for November, the 8th 2004.

Pride Of Lions is my vision of the best elements of the great melodic rock era of the 80’s, updated of course with more modern production sounds". These are the words of Jim Peterik, a man who just might know what he’s talking about when it comes to great melodic rock having been a member of Grammy-award winners Survivor and songwriter for Sammy Hagar, 38 Special, Van Zant, Aerosmith, John Wetton, Cheap Trick, Uriah Heep, REO Speedwagon and many more.

"When Serafino Perugino, Frontiers Records President, called me in February and asked if we could have a new Pride Of Lions album ready by July for a November release - I just about dropped the phone - that’s exactly one year since the release of our debut!" exclaims Peterik, "I composed myself and always one for a good challenge I said, "No problem!".

From that moment on Jim and Toby Hitchcock have been living and breathing Pride Of Lions.

Their second album, "The Destiny Stone" is now complete and if early response is any indication, it just may surpass the first in artistic vision and world acclaim. We set out to top ourselves, to write songs with the great uplifting messages and melodies that have become our trademark", says Peterik. "To have a great singer like Toby to co-sing these songs is a songwriter’s dream come true. It lets me explore the full range of melodic vision".

Toby Hitchcock, a relative newcomer to the rock scene, at age 26 has made an indelible mark as a "singer’s singer" with echoes of some of rock’s finest voices in his distinctive tenor. "I had a blast recording this album. We kept the basic team the same, same band, same studio, same production team (Jim and Larry Millas (Billy Idol, Survivor), behind the board. I say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!"

"The Destiny Stone" is a song cycle that Jim Peterik started in January ’04. Many of the songs were inspired by the mysterious visions he experienced as a child of four. "The only way I can describe it was that it felt like I was falling through a crack in time. It was far different than a dream - much more vivid and intense. "The Destiny Stone" is the musical embodiment of these journeys".

The range of material on the album goes from majestic orchestrated ballads such as "Back To Camelot" and "Light From A Distant Shore", to hard as nails rockers such as "Born To Believe In You", "Parallel Lines" and the lead off track "The Courage To Love Somebody". "As usual, I wear my influences on my sleeve, like with the Styx inspired, "Man Behind The Mask" and my tribute to John Miles, "The Gift Of Song". But I always try to inject my own style to the blend and make it unique", states Jim. "My favorite on this record is "Falling Back To Then", says Toby.

 

In a computerized world where great melodies and passionate feelings are hard to come by, put on your head phones, turn up the volume, dim the lights and get ready to ride: "The Destiny Stone".

The release in Japan will be handled, like for the first album, through King Records

707: Jim McClarty and Kevin Russell are talking about THE BRIDE:

MTM release the 707 album 'The Bridge' on September 20th. In a posting on the MTM website Jim McClarty & Kevin Russell discuss the album:

"Jim McClarty: At last! For the first time in 20 years, our fans can hear our long-lost third album, The Bridge. By the way, that title comes from the fact that every song we ever wrote had a "bridge" section - with the ironic exception of the instrumental song bearing that name. This is truly one of my favorite 707 records because it came about during a very productive, happy period for the band.

We had spent several months as the opening act on the REO Speedwagon Hi-Infidelity tour. It was huge. Tod had joined the band just prior to starting that tour and with each night we became more confident and creative. We left moments in each night's show where we could improvise, jam and stretch out a bit. It was risky on such a big tour, but we enjoyed the feeling of playing our instruments and the interplay of ideas that flowed between us.

Anyway, we finally got a break from touring and our label was anxious to hear new tracks. They had essentially dropped the ball with The Second Album. We were part of the biggest rock show in America and we still didn't have sufficient product on the shelves. Very frustrating. They promised they'd make it up to us on our next record. Anticipation was high. So, we hunkered down in the Record Plant in Sausalito, California and started writing. We recorded every rehearsal and tossed around every idea we came up with, including odd time signatures and more intricate harmonies. Kevin and I had written the majority of The Second Album, but now Phil was coming up with songs and Tod's influence is immediately apparent on this record.

The first session produced the three songs that comprise the bonus tracks on this disk. The Plant's recording rooms were smaller back then and the sound was more compact than we were accustomed to. But, the songs had a new feeling. They were more complete, more thought-out than The Second Album was. And we were experimenting with "stacked" vocals and guitars, recording several layers of voices and instruments. John Stronach was very helpful in that process and to this day I utilize tricks and recording techniques I learned from him during those sessions. John had worked with a veritable "who's who" in the record business, from George Harrison to Joe Walsh. And John brought in a young engineer named Mike Clink who later went on to produce million-selling records for Guns-N-Roses.

Well, no sooner did we get these songs on tape than we had to return to the REO tour. I remember playing these tracks for the Speedwagon boys. I think their influence, especially in the form of "power ballads" had a definite effect on us. Now, during this time the ownership of Casablanca Records changed and Polygram brought in their own people to run the label. Tour support was cut. Everything was in a state of flux. The new label management was not happy with the new tracks. I recall the new president saying that he wanted AC/DC-type rock, and that REO had whimped us out. In response, Kevin wrote "Head Over Heels." They loved it. On the strength of that new showing, we finally settled in to write and record our third album.

When it was done, we were told that the powers-that-be didn't "hear a single." They said that "Message From A Friend" was close, but that we ruined it by not repeating the chorus after the second verse. Oh well. I wrote it like I wrote it. In the end, they refused to distribute it. In the meantime we had been talking with the folks at Boardwalk Records and had come to a new agreement. We jumped ship from Casablanca and The Bridge languished. A few weeks of touring later we were back in the studio beginning what would become Megaforce. But we knew that we had just poured our hearts into the record that no one would hear.

So now this piece of rock'n'roll history makes its better-late-than-never debut. And I am exceedingly grateful to MTM Records for putting it out. In retrospect, there are bits and pieces I would have changed. The drums don't "boom" enough for my taste. But, this record does include some of the best writing and playing of our brief career. Thanks for picking it up. I hope this music makes you smile, leap in the air and bust out your best air-guitar ... or air-drums, if you're like me. Rock on. Nashville, TN. USA. July 2004.

Kevin Russell: "The Bridge" is one of my favorite 707 records of all time! "The Bridge" was the record in which we felt like a real 4 piece band again! The magic had returned within the band once again with the addition of Tod (keyboards, guitar & vocals). We now had a real fourth member in the new 707 lineup….

Tod, Jim, Phil & Myself wrote some really wonderful songs on this record! "Leader" has always been one of my personal favorites. After you listen to it I am sure you will agree! "Message From A Friend" is a true classic 707 song. Phil's vocal performance throughout "The Bridge" is truly one of his finest ever! I like every song on this record and I really can't say that for all of our records! We also took some chances on this record. It does have it's progressive/rock fusion moments!

I had a wonderful time making "The Bridge" with my dear friends Jim, Phil & Tod. These are the 3 people that I loved to make music with!

So, to my fellow bandmates.....I love you guys and you are truly some of the finest human beings and musicians I have ever had the pleasure of playing with in my life! God bless you guys....To all the 707 fans - I want to sincerely thank you so much for staying with us all these years! I do hope you enjoy "The Bridge" as much as I do ... I hope to see you soon on tour......Kevin."

Torino Sign With Z Records

Liverpool's Torino have reformed for Z Rock 04 this coming Sunday and today the band officially signed with Z Records.The signing of the band is rather special for both parties as the band and record company staff have been personal friends for twenty plus years!

Torino recorded two successful albums during the late eighties "Customised" and "Rock It" with critical acclaim in national metal magazines Kerrang and Metal Hammer. A new studio release can be expected during 2005.

Stuart Fox made the following comment: "We are proud to be given the chance of getting our product available on what we consider to be the best label in Europe".

The bands 2004 line up is:

Stuart Fox,
Stephen James
Alan Kulke
Brian Dixon
Barry McKeown
 

The Adam Bomb review from the Trillians gig on September 10th is now available and can be found via this link

Monday September 13th

A new live review and photos have been uploaded from the Mitch Malloy acoustic show in Newcastle on September 11th. Click this link to see the review. For anyone thinking of going to catch any of the remaining shows on the tour then we can definitely recommend it as Mitch puts on a great evenings entertainment. The remaining dates of the tour are:

13th Stripes Club Brentford
15th The Sussex Arts Center Brighton
17th Rock cafe 2000 Stourbridge
18th Mega Bowl Plympton Devon
19th Z Rock Festival Liverpool
22nd The Brickmakers Norwich

The new UK Rock Charts for W/C 12th September are now available and can be checked out here

Photo's from the Adam Bomb show at Trillians have also been made available on the site and can be found here. A review will be online within the next day or so.

6 DAYS TO GO UNTIL Z ROCK 2004

With only six days to go things are really heating up concerning Z Rock 2004 and future events. A meeting was held this weekend and it has been decided that a full scale show will be staged next year only if Z Rock 04 breaks even. Many fans had requested that we stage another full scale show [our last was during 2002] but we opted for a smaller set up for this years event in the hope of it being a success. The future of these shows is now in the hands of the fans and judging by presale figures to date it seems the response we had hoped for seems to be forthcoming but will no not know until the 19th.

The event will feature a cd stall and the event will be recorded live so bring your best singing voices along with you ;o)

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER THE 19TH 2004
THE CAVERN, LIVERPOOL
DOORS NOON - LATE
featuring WAR & PEACE [Jeff Pilson of Dokken] MITCH MALLOY, LIONSHEART and many more

ADVANCE TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FOR £20 [plus booking fee]
BY MAILORDER UNTIL 5PM ON SEPTEMBER 15TH FROM THE FOLLOWING HOTLINE NUMBERS

CALL 01489 603549, 01484 643392, 01782 522398

OR AT THE FOLLOWING RECORD SHOPS BEFORE NOON ON SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 18TH:
PROBE RECORDS, LIVERPOOL
QUIRKS RECORDS, ORMSKIRK
X RECORDS, BOLTON
 

As the event lasts all day then passes in ad out of the venue for ticket holders will be available if you need to take a break..

Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi have released the artwork for their upcoming boxset collection released in November:

The boxset will contain 5 discs, 3 of which will feature previous unreleased material by the multi platinum band, whilst the fourth CD will feature tracks that have a limited worldwide release as B-sides. The fifth disc will be a DVD featuring behind the scenes footage of the band. The photoshoot for the cover  took place August 19th in Los Angeles and was shot by Sheryl Neilds. According to www.bonjovi.com both the artwork and the titles of the boxset are a tip of the hat to an album by Elvis Presley.

Although the entire contents of the box set are stillin the final phase of production, it has been confirmed that among the previously unreleased materials (many of which are completed tracks that never made it onto albums) will be songs even the most hard-core fans have never heard, including "Why Aren't You Dead?" "One To Say Goodbye," and "Gotta Have a Reason." Similarly the fourth disc, containing songs which have been released in limited formats previously, is slated to include the movie tracks "Good Guys Don't Always Wear White" (from The Cowboy Way), "Real Life" (from EDTV), an original demo of the hit single, "Always," and international B-sides such as "Temptation." The boxset is currently scheduled to hit the shops on November 15th.
 

Axel Rudi Pell

The artwork has just been released for the upcoming Axel Rudi Pell compilation album 'The Ballads III' which is due for release on October 25th. The cover was designed by Marc Klinnert at Studio Oxmox Australia.

Breed 77 Announce October Tour Dates

Breed 77 have just released the details for their upcoming UK tour in October. The band will be supported by 'The Butterfly Effect'

15th October - Preston The Mill     
16th October - Nottingham Rock City    
18th October - York Barfly
19th October - Sheffield Fez Club     
20th October - Peterborough Met Lounge     
21st October - Leicester Charlotte     
24th October - Liverpool Academy 2     
25th October - Leeds Met University   
28th October - Belfast Venue TBC     
29th October - Dublin Venue TBC     

Thursday September 9th

Just  before we head off for a long weekend of gigs and beer a couple of updates to mention

Zeno

MTM CLASSIX is proud to announce the re-release of ZENO's debut album "Zeno": ZENO ROTH is the younger brother of ULI JOHN ROTH who played with SCORPIONS. In 1974 he formed the band BLACK ANGEL. In 1984 he formed the band ZENO with ULE RITGEN (FAIR WARNING). They started recording for the first album “Zeno” in 1985 by using many recording studios all over the world. CHUCK BURGI, STUART ELLIOT, CARL MARSH, DON AIREY and also CHRIS THOMPSON joined this recording. ZENO toured with BLACK SABBATH, KROKUS, KEEL and also played a festival with QUEEN in UK. In 1993 the album „ZENO“ was released in Japan. It caused a sensation in the current music scene, selling more than 25.000 copies. In 1995 „Zenology“ was released and sold over 30.000 copies and reached the charts. In December 1997 the third album „Listen To The Light“ was completed and released in Japan in January 1998. Sales until March: 40.000 copies! First appearance on Japanese charts: 26 in the whole album charts. 6 in Foreign Music Charts, Number 2 in Rock Music Charts.
MTM CLASSIX is now re-releasing his debut album „Zeno“ which is known as a sold out and sought after AOR Highlight. The album is completely remixed and remastered and feat. one bonustrack „Don’t Count Me Out“. Beside this “Zeno” features unreleased versions of the songs „Signs In The Sky“, „Far Away“, „Don’t Tell The Wind“ and „Love Will Live“ which have been recorded to get the deal with EMI.
 

Z Records Updates

Z Records are very proud to announce the world exclusive preview of SONIC X. The band where discovered by non other than Von Groove and Final Frontier supremo Mladen and we promise you an album that will shake the melodic rock community!

According to blabbermouth.net Finnish band H.I.M have signed have signed an exclusive worldwide recording contract with Sire Records. Sire Records, part of the Warner Music Group, is one of the most legendary American labels and the original home of THE RAMONES, TALKING HEADS and MADONNA. The Sire deal, which was announced by Sire Records founder Seymour Stein and President Michael Goldstone, does not include Finland, where future H.I.M. records will be released on the band's own Heartagram label.

H.I.M. singer/main songwriter Ville Valo has been working on new material over the summer and the band hope to start producing their next album in January or February.
 

Watch out for upcoming live reviews of Rush, Mitch Malloy & Adam Bomb, as well as album reviews for Dio, Saliva, Lamb Of God & Papa Roach.

HardRockHouse.com will have some will have some baseball style T-Shirts in either grey/black or white/black up for sale very soon. Pictures will be available shortly so drop us an email if you would like some more information on price/sizes etc

More Def Leppard 'Best Of' News

The update has just been releases via www.defleppard.com with regards to the upcoming 'Best Of' release due through Universal/Mercur UK on October 25th:

"You may have heard the rumours already, so let's come clean and give you some facts: Island/Def Jam and Universal/Mercury UK will be releasing a new Def Leppard compilation album on October 25th, titled "BEST OF DEF LEPPARD"; an updated 'replacement' version of the band's previous Greatest Hits compilation "VAULT" which was originally released in 1995. In North America, the new release will be called "SUPER VAULT".
There will be differences between various releases around the world; the North American version will have a different track listing than the UK/European version, and on some markets a limited edition double CD will be released, including a brand new Def Leppard version of WATERLOO SUNSET (originally recorded by The Kinks). While the track listing for the North American "SUPER VAULT" has not been confirmed yet, the UK/European/Japanese "BEST OF" release will feature the following tracks:"

 

The limited edition double CD package will contain the following tracks: Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop); Waterloo Sunset; Promises; Slang; Foolin'; Now; Rock Brigade; Women; Let It Go; Too Late For Love; High N' Dry (Saturday Night); Work It Out; Billy's Got A Gun; Another Hit & Run; Stand Up (Kick Your Love Into Motion); Wasted and Die Hard The Hunter

On the same day as the CD is released the band will also release a 'Best Of' DVD compilation.