So, gearing up for SAXON & URIAH HEEP in Cleveland.. Not totally looking forward to the 4 hr drive, but 2 of my favorite bands on one bill!
While going through SAXON CDs for the car the last few days, I had these 2 on – 2 classic Saxon albums – something old and something new. Wheels Of Steel is the band’s 2nd album, from 1980 and boasted the hits “747 (Strangers In The Night)” and the title track, as well as the single “Suzie Hold On”, and heavy opener “Motorcycle Man”. The LP went top 10 in the UK and began a run of classic NWOBHM era Saxon albums from 1980-83 (or so). Love the album artwork, the band’s logo that is still used. A must-have Saxon album to start. Check out the 2009 remaster with 8 extra tracks!
And from 2009, Into The Labyrinth . What a killer opening track – “Battalions Of Steel” is, with those church bells and built up intro before the band comes roaring in. One of Saxon greatest and heaviest. This album is full of cool rockers like “Demon Sweeney Todd”, the anthem “Live To Rock”, and “Valley Of Kings”. Highly recommended!
Spirit of Unicorn Music are pleased to announce the forthcoming release of FOCUS 12, the brand new studio album from Focus.
Founded by Thijs van Leer, Focus have been at the forefront of the progressive music movement since 1969, yet they still continue to deliver engaging, innovative and skillfully crafted music. Focus 12 exemplifies this and proves why they are still a firm fan favourite, the world over.
For Thijs van Leer (75) and Pierre van der Linden (78), age is nothing more than a number. Both continue to contribute to Focus with a passion. Thijs, who has written the majority of the new album, rises at 4.30am every day in order to work on his compositions. Whilst the album boasts some of Pierre’s greatest and most energetic drum sequences to date.
Allowing the younger guard to take the audio reins for the first time, Focus 12 is produced by band members Udo Pannekeet and Menno Gootjes, who also contribute two compositions on the album.
Thijs commented “How beautiful life can be when a band plays so easily and so together.”
Focus 12 was recorded at the world-renowned Wisseloord Studios, in the band’s native country, of the Netherlands. A first for Focus, the album features a completely improvised piece which was captured as it spontaneously took place in the studio, during the recording process. Thus proving that more than 50 years on, the band are still excited by undertaking something new and different.
Van Leer continues “Thanks Pierre, Udo and Menno for so much musical passion!”
The band continue their long association with legendary artist Roger Dean whose stunning artwork graces the front cover and packaging. The vinyl version features a stunning gatefold sleeve.
Focus continue to be one of the hardest working rock bands on the planet, regularly touring the globe playing live. This July, they undertake a string of live dates across the USA and Canada, as part of Asia’s Heat Of The Moment Tour.
Thijs van Leer concludes “After all these years, Focus is in the here and now; the triumph of survival!
“For fans of classic metal, I think ‘Wild Nights’ is a taste of what’s to come on the album. It’s a full-throttle journey that blends the spirit of old-school anthems with a modern edge. We’ve got face-melting riffs, soaring vocals, and catchy choruses that’ll stick in your head long after the last note fades. Honestly, I can’t wait to release it to the world and see how fans react. I think it’ll be a headbanging good time for anyone who craves a fresh take on classic metal.”
New classic sounding metal from Venezuela. A cool, fast paced rocker with influences of Maiden and early Rainbow. Check out the press info, the video and the links below!
Venezuela’s Lyonen is a full-throttle journey that blends the spirit of old-school anthems with a modern edge. With their latest single “Wild Nights” They reinvigorate the classic metal sound with a modern twist. The single delivers face-melting riffs, soaring vocals, and catchy choruses that will stick in your head long after the last note fades. With an album in the future planned, the band shares what listeners can expect:
“This album is a sonic middle finger to the mundane, an anthem for the misfits and the dreamers, a soundtrack to the unforgettable nights that become the stories we tell for years to come. This is more than just music – it’s a feeling. It’s the feeling of belonging, of letting loose, and of screaming your heart out with your closest companions under a sky full of stars. This is Wild Nights.”
This single marks a significant evolution in Lyonen’s sound, with the band pushing the boundaries of traditional metal to create something fresh and exhilarating. Guitar tuning has been dropped to a low C for a heavier bottom end, while the drumming style has been completely revamped to lay a more aggressive foundation. Combined with a new edge to the vocals, the result is a sound that’s both familiar and thrilling, injecting the classic metal spirit with a modern dose of adrenaline.
*For fans of Helloween, Primal Fear, (early) Rainbow, Iron Maiden
About The Single Artwork: As a total metalhead who lives for concerts, I catch every show I can. “Wild Nights” captures that electric feeling perfectly. The artwork explodes with energy, just like a killer live performance. A giant fiery skull, a true metal symbol, rages in the background. It’s the peak of the concert – pure sonic power that unites the crowd, like a powerful melodic chorus where everyone sings along. In the front, a lone figure dives into the moshpit, silhouetted against the flames. It’s all about freedom, and exhilaration – a visual anthem celebrating the intense, unifying power of heavy metal. This is the kind of experience that keeps me chasing the next concert – pure metal magic!
Single Credits: – Engineering, Production, Mix and Master: Tato Rivas. – Music and arrangement by Tato Rivas. – All songs written by Tato Rivas. Session musicians. – Guitars and Keyboards by Tato Rivas – Bass: Luca Nicolasi – Drums: Cezary Borawski – Vocals; Tasos Lazaris
Discography: 2018 – Single – Nehme die Sünde 2019 – Single – Angels of Freedom 2020 – Single – No Borders 2020 – Album – This is Lyonen 2024 – Single – Wild Nights
LEE AARON’s new album Tattoo Me is out. It consists of 11 covers of varying classic tunes. I’ve said it before – I am not usually a fan of such albums, unless there’s something unique or very different about them, or they have a purpose or a theme. Tattoo Me has a great selection of songs spanning a number of decades; it also features Lee’s distinctive voice, and songs aren’t presented as note for note covers — so that gives it all a different and fresh approach/feel….There’s a few songs here I’ve never heard before, such as opener “Tattoo” (originally by California band The 77s), cool song, suits Lee and her band perfectly (and since I don’t know the original, well… it’s all new to me). Other favorites here are “Go Your Own Way” (Fleetwood Mac) with Sean Kelly doing an awesome job of re-visiting Lindsay Buckingham’s legendary guitar work, “Even It Up” (Heart) – which is a bit slowed down and rockier, Elton John’s “Someone Saved My Life Tonight”, and Alice Cooper’s “Is It My Body” – a bit of a twist, and Lee gives it attitude (as required with AC songs). Lots of different stuff here that Lee Aaron and band pull off like it all belongs together. A fun Canadian rock album just in time for summer! *Check out the press info and links below…
Eighteen albums into her career, AARON has written, recorded, and produced music achieving gold and multi-platinum sales. Recognized as one of Canada’s top rock vocalists, she’s also made forays into jazz, blues, and even opera, receiving numerous awards and accolades and, most recently, a 2023 induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame.
“Songs are like tattoos” – the famous first line of Joni Mitchell’s Blue – is a sentiment that has always resonated deeply for Canadian rocker LEE AARON.
“The one thing I’d never done was a full covers album,” says AARON. “It seemed like a really cool and super-fun project to tackle at this point…”
Taking a nostalgic journey, Tattoo Me pays homage to musical trailblazers who helped shape her own artistic path. As a reflection of her eclectic taste, yet in keeping with a profound respect for the greats, these 11 dynamic tracks are a unique tapestry of influences that transcend era and genre.
“It started out as a heartfelt nod to artists we’d been influenced by in our youth, but the truth is, we didn’t stop being influenced or being fans at 18, so the list kept evolving. It covers a few decades and a few unconventional choices, but it was incredibly rewarding to make!” she states.
Each track is a labor of love, infused with AARON and her band’s signature rock ’n’ roll swagger, yet in keeping with a sense of reverence for the originals.
The album was produced by AARON in her Vancouver studio and mixed by multi-media genius Frank Gryner (Rob Zombie, L7, Def Leppard, Larkin Poe, Ian Hunter, and more).
“One of the positive things that came out of the pandemic was that we all upgraded our home studios and got very good at engineering and recording ourselves. No one was under the pressure of a studio clock, so the performances are as genuine as they’re gonna get.”
From the sizzling blues-rock of 1960’s Nina Simone’s “The Pusher,” to the rebellious energy of 1972 Alice Cooper’s “Is it My Body,” AARON growls, purrs, whispers, and wails, sounding like she’s having an absolute blast infusing these songs with her own fiery spirit. Her voice is as versatile and powerful as ever.
Standout tracks include a rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “What is and What Should Never Be,” Heart’s “Even it Up,” and Hole’s “Malibu.” Stellar performances by AARON’s long-term band – Sean Kelly (guitar), Dave Reimer (bass), and John Cody (drums) – effortlessly channel these ’70s and ’80s rock giants and seem to capture the original magic of each of the tunes.
Another gem is AARON’s take on Elton John’s “Someone Saved My Life Tonight.” Kelly’s gorgeous acoustic guitars create the soundscape, then strings and lush harmonies support her stirring vocal performance. The tribute is passionate and heartfelt. She reflects, “I spent hours and hours laying on my basement floor with headphones listening to ‘Someone Saved My Life Tonight’ on repeat. I desperately wanted someone to save me from my boring life when I was a teenager…music ended up being that for me.”
The album also takes some unexpected turns, with delightful interpretations of songs from a diverse range of artists, including mid ’90s BritPop band Elastica, California’s 77’s, and the Undertones. Each track echoes the vibe of the era while seamlessly fitting into the lineage of AARON’s own storied career.
Tattoo Me is a sonic time capsule, bridging the decades. Once again, cementing her status as a rock ’n’ roll chameleon, AARON blends the old and the new, proving not only that the transcendent power of music never stops, but that she herself isn’t ready to anytime soon.
LINE UP: Lee Aaron – lead vocals Sean Kelly – guitars Dave Reimer – bass John Cody – drum
TRACKLIST: 1. Tattoo 2. Are You Gonna Be My Girl 3. Even It Up 4. What Is And What Should Never Be 5. Is it My Body 6. Go Your Own Way 7. The Pusher 8. Malibu 9. Someone Saved My Life Tonight 10. Connection 11. Teenage Kicks
One of the greatest and most influential rock bands of all time releases new album ‘=1’, on July 19th via earMUSIC.
DEEP PURPLE have a new album coming out in July – their first since guitarist Simon McBride replaced Steve Morse. The band’s last album was 2021’s covers’ album Turning To Crime. Morse left the band the following July. The band is also on tour this summer with YES. The new single is “Portable Door” and sounds very ‘classic Deep Purple’ to me. Ian Gillan at 78 still sounds good, and it’s also the whole feel of this song. From the main riff to the changes, Simon McBride’s guitar break and Don Airey’s organ solo – a lot of great stuff packed in at 4 minutes, this gets more likeable every listen. Looking forward to the entire album even more so….despite the odd title ‘= 1‘ and artwork! *Check out the video below, as well as the links and info in the description.
Very sad news that British guitarist/songwriter & producer Robin George passed away on April 26. It was announced on his facebook page a few days ago – “Robin had been fighting a long illness but by Christmas, it became obvious that he was not long for this world. He was devastated when he was no longer able to play his beloved guitars but he continued to write songs, do interviews, make videos and tell his story here on Facebook and through his biography. He desperately wanted his music to live on because music was in his heart and soul. Robin leaves behind his adored wife, 4 beloved children, 2 beautiful sisters, 9 lovely grandchildren, many dear friends and the animal family that he rescued over the years. We are devastated because there will never be another Robin George. LovePower with you always. You’re with your angels now.”
Robin had recorded numerous solo albums over the years and had also recorded with and performed with the likes of Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy), David Byron (Uriah Heep), John Wetton (Asia), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Peter Goalby (Uriah Heep), Sean Harris (Diamond Head), Robert Plant, Magnum, and many more. Last year he had signed on with Hear No Evil Recordings who released the excellent 2CD compilation of early recordings Ace In My Hand, as well as Overcome (with Glenn Hughes), along with the announcement just last week of the Byron Band 3CD box set On The Rocks…Again to be released in June. So it was good to see that he was finally getting a break and his music was being released properly.
In 1984 Robin signed with Bronze Records (soon to go under) and recorded the album Dangerous Music, which featured the hit “Heartline”. Record company issues held up the follow up album (see Dangerous Music II released in 2015). His next album would be 2001’s Rock Of Ageists, which featured favorites like “Crying Diamonds” and “Learn The Dance” (written with David Byron). Since then Robin would record numerous albums, especially during the global pandemic & lockdowns a few years back.
Over the years I interviewed Robin a few times, and he was always quick and happy to answer questions and share info on what he was up to. Robin had a strong and loyal following and left loads of great music worth checking out. RIP Robin.
DAVID GILMOUR has released a new single from his forthcoming album Luck And Strange , to be released September 6. The single “The Piper’s Call” features classic Gilmour guitar work, with that distinctive sound that fans will easily recognize.
*Check out the video below and details in video description. Ordering link below.
British rockers PRAYING MANTIS have been going for decades, but it’s the last couple of decades that have been most productive and impressive recording-wise. Like fellow British legends Uriah Heep and Magnum, and Swedish rockers Europe it is the band’s string of later releases that make them worthy of checking out still, Mantis’ best stuff IMO. Since 2000’s Nowhere To Hide album (my introduction to PM) this band has released 5 other must-hear albums, and now Defiance is another Praying Mantis disc to dig into. Defiance continues on with that melodic hard rock sound that Praying Mantis has become known for, as opposed to the ‘heavy metal’ route that the band was tagged as in their early days. A solid 11 tracks here, including an excellent take of Russ Ballard’s “I Surrender.” lots of cool guitar rock here, with favorites coming near the end in “Standing Tall” and “Let’s See” (these 2 jumped out early on for me). Anyone who’s followed these guys in recent years will easily dig this, with well-produced melodic rock tunes like “From The Start”, “Give It Up”, “Defiance”, and the instrumental “Nightswim”.
Love the guitar sound, the occasional use of keyboards, and the band’s backing harmonies which are always a big part of the ‘Mantis sound. Jaycee Cuijpers vocals are strong, like this guy sounds great on everything (see Arjen Lucassen’s Sonic Revolution too!), and the band now has a string of albums with the same singer. As always awesome cover artwork (Stan-W Decker), making Defiance stand out upon first glance. Get it on CD or red vinyl!
Now available on CD, including bonus tracks: Breadcrumbs by Alice Cooper, the release that initiated the success of the album Detroit Stories
Inspired by the rebellious energy of the late ’60s and early ’70s punk scene, Alice Cooper returns to his roots and the unpolished garage sound that his fans love so much. Previously only available as a limited and now out-of-print 10″ vinyl, this gem is now finally being released as a nice price CD edition.
The release contains the six tracks from the original 10″ vinyl, which showcase Cooper’s raw and energetic interpretation of classic Detroit songs: “Your Mama Won’t Like Me” by Suzi Quatro; Bob Seger’s “East Side Story”; MC5’s “Sister Anne”; Shorty Long’s “Devil With A Blue Dress On”; and The Dirtbombs’ “Chains of Love.” All are performed in the popular and well-known Alice Cooper style. In addition, this release includes the two bonus tracks “Don’t Give Up,” Cooper’s message of hope and appeal to the perseverance of his fans dur. ing the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a live version of “Go Man Go” from his electrifying set at Hellfest 2022.
BREADCRUMBS TRACK LISTING: “Detroit City 2020” “Go Man Go” “East Side Story” “Your Mama Won’t Like Me” “Devil With A Blue Dress On” + “Chains Of Love” “Sister Anne” “Don’t Give Up” (Bonus Track) “Go Man Go (Live At Hellfest 2022)” (Bonus Track)
Milwaukee band BAD BOY released 4 albums between 1977 and 1985. After the band’s first 2 albums on United Artists, Bad Boy signed to an even smaller, local label – ‘Streetwise’ for this (their 3rd album) – Private Party. The album is full of energetic guitar hard rock. It features the standout “Run From Yourself”, as well as favorite rockers such as “Don’t Pretend”, “Here I Am”, and the anthemic titled track. Bad Boy never had a lot of single releases, but more radio friendly cuts like “How Long” and “Let Me Love You” would’ve made fine choices for that period here. This very limited CD release also includes an excellent bonus track in “You And Me Against The World”; not sure where this one is from, but it’s a nice add-on! Absent is the band’s only other Streetwise release – the 1982 single “Stay With Me Tonight” & “Mama, Mama”; tho’ both of these songs were included on the 1998 compilation ‘Best Of Bad Boy’. What a great album!
Note, the band still lead by Steve Grimm, released an album independently in 2022 titled No Regrets (missing this one, if anyone has one….), Grimm also has a new album out titled ‘Bright Side’. (see press info and links below)
For more than 4 decades, Bad Boy has been writing music, getting airplay, reviews and still playing Rock and Roll. Must be something in the blood. Bad Boy is a legendary hard rock band from Milwaukee Wisconsin USA that signed their first record deal with United Artists in 1977.
Founded by Steve Grimm, John Marcelli, Joey LaVie, and Lars Hanson their first two albums reached the top 100 on the Billboard national music charts. In 1980 the band signed with Streetwise music and with two new members Scott Stephan on guitars and Hector “Jackie” Ramos on drums released the band’s third album entitled “Private Party” in 1981. The Saga continues with this re-release that is frozen and stands the test of time. Recorded at the Playboy Club in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin by soundscapist Andy Waterman.
“Private Party” is a fantastic hard rock album that has on CD been a highly sought collectors’ commodity and is now finally available and remastered with one additional bonus track “You And Me Against The World”.
*This CD is Vol. 6 of the Pride & Joy Music Classixx series and exclusively distributed via shop.prideandjoy.de and strictly limited to 300 copies.
Outsider Rock 