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PRAYING MANTIS release new single/video, announce new album ‘Defiance’

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British band PRAYING MANTIS have a new album coming and a great new song out now. I got into this band around the time of 2000’s ‘Nowhere To Hide‘ album, and each studio release since then has been enjoyable. These guys may have been part of the NWOBHM, but they’re really more of a classic melodic-rock band/AOR with great songs, backing vocals and productions over the years. Praying Mantis has also had a cool history featuring bandmembers that went on to other well-known bands and those that have come from other classic bands, with alumni with ties to Iron Maiden, Uriah Heep, Rainbow, and more. The band has been lead since the beginning by brothers Tino & Chris Troy, and Defiance is the 4th PM studio record to feature the strong vocals of Jaycee Cuijpers, who also featured on Arjen Lucassen’s Supersonic Revolution awesome ‘Golden Age Of Music‘ from last year. Aso in PM is longtime guitarist Andy Burgess (Paddy Goes To Holyhead), and drummer Hans in’t Zandt (Vengeance, Chinawhite). As always Praying Mantis’ album art awesome, looking forward to seeing the entire package. *For more info check out the press release below, as well as track-listing, tour dates, links – And the video for “Defiance”!

Praying Mantis, the iconic trailblazers of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), are delighted to announce the release of their first single, “Defiance” in conjunction with the unveiling of their highly anticipated 13th studio album.

Pre-order the album “Defiance”: https://orcd.co/defiance

The Album “Defiance” is set to drop on April 19, 2024 via Frontiers Music, marking a monumental milestone as the band commemorates its 50th Anniversary. Building on the success of their previous release, “Katharsis,” Praying Mantis continues to evolve their sound while staying true to their roots. Led by founding members and brothers Chris and Tino Troy, alongside vocalist Jaycee Cuijpers, drummer Hans in’t Zandt, and guitarist Andy Burgess, the band promises a collection of tracks that capture the essence of their legendary career.

“We’re thrilled to share the first single, ‘Defiance,’ with our fans,” says Chris Troy. “It sets the tone for what’s to come on the album—a perfect blend of classic Praying Mantis with a contemporary twist”.

The release of “Defiance” not only marks a new chapter for Praying Mantis but also serves as a testament to their enduring influence on the rock music scene. From powerful vocals to mesmerizing guitar riffs, the single encapsulates the band’s signature sound and unwavering spirit.

Originally named ‘Junction’, the band was formed in 1973 by brothers Tino (vocals/guitar) and Chris Troy (bass/vocals), later adding Steve Carroll (guitar/vocals) and Dave Potts (drums). Renamed ‘Praying Mantis’ in 1974, the band is a pioneering force in the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement. With a career spanning five decades, the band has remained at the forefront of the rock music scene, influencing generations of musicians with their unique sound and unwavering dedication to their craft.

Pre-order the album “Defiance”

As Praying Mantis continues to push boundaries and defy expectations, “Defiance” stands as a testament to their enduring legacy in the world of rock music.

“Defiance” Tracklist:

1 From The Start

2 Defiance

3 Feelin’ Lucky

4 I Surrender

5 Forever In My Heart

6 Never Can Say Goodbye

7 One Heart

8 Give It Up

9 Nightswim

10 Standing Tall

11 Let’s See

Praying Mantis:

Chris Troy

Tino Troy

Jaycee Cuijpers

Hans in’t Zandt

Andy Burgess

Tour Dates:

19th-21st April – Silja Rock Cruise, Stockholm, Sweden

25th April – The Carlisle – Hastings, UK

26th April – Cart & Horses – London, UK

28th April – Swindon, UK

23rd May – Iron Fest, Germany

25th May- Landgraaf, Netherlands (club)

5th & 6th June – Japan – Tokyo, Osaka

15th June – Prague – Venue TBC

20th June – Rock Imperium – Spain

21st & 22nd June – Czech Rep – Venue TBC

*MORE DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON

LINKS:

https://www.facebook.com/PrayingMantisUKRockMetal

https://www.prayingmantis.rocks

https://www.instagram.com/mantisofficial

https://www.frontiers.it/album/5963

Praying Mantis – Defiance – Red Vinyl LP

ALICE COOPER’s ‘Theatre Of Death’ available on vinyl

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The first-time-ever vinyl edition of Alice’s breathtaking live album ‘Theatre Of Death – Live At Hammersmith 2009‘ is out now.

Originally released in 2010, Theatre Of Death features 27 tracks, and is now available on 2-LP colored vinyl.

http://www.alicecooper.com

BLUE OYSTER CULT – announce ‘Ghost Stories’, release new single/video

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Legendary Rockers BLUE ÖYSTER CULT Share New Single “Don’t Come Running To Me”+ Music Video
New Studio Album ‘Ghost Stories‘ due Out April 12th via Frontiers Music Srl. Pre-Order HERE

Legendary rockers BLUE ÖYSTER CULT share the second single from their upcoming release, ‘Ghost Stories,’ out April 12th on Frontiers Music Srl. The track, entitled “Don’t Come Running To Me,” is accompanied by a new music video.

After the resounding success of their 50th Anniversary celebration, ‘Ghost Stories‘ sees the band eagerly gearing up for an exciting new chapter in their storied career. This highly anticipated album marks a fitting finale to the recording legacy of one of rock’s most iconic fixtures from the past 50 years.

In partnership with Frontiers Music Srl, ‘Ghost Stories‘ will captivate fans with a collection of reimagined and completed songs that span from 1978-2016. These musical treasures, long considered the ‘lost gems’ by BLUE ÖYSTER CULT enthusiasts, were originally recorded between 1978 and 1983, except for one track from 2016, “If I Fell.” Also included is the only known recorded performance of their concert classic “Kick Out the Jams” (MC5 cover). Some of the material is from workshopping albums, some from performance rehearsals, and all were recorded once in the hopes that someday they’d see the light of day.

As BLUE ÖYSTER CULT embraces its ‘classic rock’ phenomenon status, the anticipation for this album is reaching a crescendo. Fans are eager to experience the culmination of the band’s artistic vision and witness the completion of songs that have become part of their folklore. The band will also add some of the songs in their up-and-coming 2024 shows.

With a legacy spanning over five decades, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT continues to be a formidable force in the classic rock scene. The exciting partnership with Frontiers Music Srl and the visionary leadership of Serafino Perugino add an extra layer of anticipation to the release of ‘Ghost Stories.’ As the band bids farewell to their recording career, they do so with a flourish, offering fans a musical odyssey that is sure to leave a lasting imprint on rock history. Truly, a remarkable journey.

‘Ghost Stories’ Track List:

1) Late Night Street Fight

2) Cherry

3) So Supernatural 

4) We Gotta Get Out of This Place

5) Soul Jive

6) Gun

7) Shot in the Dark

8) The Only Thing

9) Kick Out the Jams

10) Money Machine

11) Don’t Come Running To Me

12) If I Fell

13) Roadhouse Blues (Bonus Track Japan)

Work in the studio for the album was completed by Richie Castellano along with remaining original members Eric Bloom and Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser and both Albert Bouchard and Rick Downey appear on drums with additional overdubs recorded by Joe Bouchard. All these original lineup members appearing on ‘Ghost Stories,’ create a musical journey that traverses decades and promises easter eggs for days.

George Geranios, the band’s original audio engineer and an integral part of the band’s golden years produced the tracks along with BÖC and all were originally recorded on reel-to-reel analog tape. He transferred them to digital audio which is when modern AI and magical musical talents meet and the collection of vintage multi-track recordings was de-mixed, re-mixed, and produced by Steve Schenck and Richie Castellano to become ‘Ghost Stories.’ The two explain the album’s amazing process HERE

Band Members & Credits:

Eric Bloom – Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals

Albert Bouchard – Drums, Vocals

Joe Bouchard – Bass, Guitar, Keyboards, Percussion, Vocals

Allen Lanier – Guitar, Keyboards

Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser – Guitar, Vocals

Rick Downey – Drums (on 3 and 11)

Richie Castellano – Additional Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals

“If I Fell” was recorded on April 18, 2016, at Red Studios, Hollywood, CA

Eric Bloom – Vocals

Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser – Guitar, Vocals

Richie Castellano – Guitar, Vocals

Kasim Sulton – Vocals

Jules Radino – Percussion

Original recordings Produced by George Geranios and BLUE ÖYSTER CULT except, 

“If I Fell” Produced by Steve Schenck and Richie Castellano

De-mixed, Re-mixed and Produced by Steve Schenck & Richie Castellano

Engineered by Richie Castellano

“Gun” and “Money Machine” overdubs recorded by Joe Bouchard

Digital Transfers by George Geranios

Mastered by Sam Stauff at Mercy College Studio, Dobbs Ferry, NY

BLUE OYSTER CULT LINKS:

http://www.blueoystercult.com

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100044407600218

Blue Öyster Cult – Ghost Stories – CD

British band FM release new single, announce new album

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Old Habits Die Hard is the fourteenth studio album from the legendary British AOR rock band, FM. The album is released by Frontiers Records on Friday May 3, 2024, and available to pre-order from https://orcd.co/oldhabitsdiehard.

The first single “Out of The Blue” is now available and is available on all streaming platforms from https://orcd.co/fmoutoftheblue.

Released to coincide with the band’s 40th Anniversary (1984 – 2024), vocalist, guitarist and founding member Steve Overland says, “the new album encompasses the best melodic elements of the band’s illustrious 40-year spanning career.

‘We really looked at what made the most popular FM albums great and tried to focus on that,” says Steve about the new album Old Habits Die Hard.

FM are known by many for their big choruses, twin lead guitars and Steve Overland’s intimate, yet powerful vocals, and clean guitar sound. Following 2022’s Thirteen album, Old Habits Die Hard was delayed slightly by keyboard player Jem Davis’ cancer diagnosis (thankfully he’s now received the all-clear) and then by the sudden passing of FM’s founding guitarist Chris Overland (Steve’s brother), which hit the band hard.

“Chris’s passing came out of the blue and it was devastating,” says Steve. To add insult to injury, close friend of the band and long-time collaborator of Jim Kirkpatrick, guitarist Bernie Marsden passed away just two days after Chris.

The tragedies that plagued the band through the recording process only reinforced FM’s resolve and desire to make the best album that they could to represent their 40 years in the business. The new album is also a fitting tribute to Chris Overland.

Over the past 12 months, during their extensive touring schedule, FM produced the album themselves and recorded the bulk of it at their own Dale View and Electric Pepperland recording studios.

Opening track and first single “Out of The Blue” was a song that originated from keyboard player Jem Davis. Says Jem, “the band love the music of Toto and Foreigner and so I tried to put those influences into one track. ‘Once Steve got involved and started singing it, I knew that we were onto something special.”

“Out Of the Blue is a song that old school FM fans will really latch on to,” says Steve. “So far, the reaction to the track has been amazing.”

The album continues with the rocker “Don’t Need Another Heartache” an AC/DC meets Foreigner anthem with an infectious chorus. ‘This song will probably be in the live set for the 40th anniversary tour as it’s one of our favorites from the album,” explains drummer and founder FM member, Pete Jupp.

“Whatever It Takes” and “No Easy Way Out” are typical FM melodic tracks and could fit seamlessly on to one of the bands earlier classic albums. Bass player and founder member Merv Goldsworthy explains, “No Easy way Out has the big typical FM chorus. It’s a massive hook. The kind of thing that we’ve become known for. It’s one of my favorites on the album.”

The heavier side of the album is represented by “Lost,” “Another Day in My World,” and “Leap of Faith.” Whilst more hard hitting, these songs embody the catchy melodic choruses that FM are known for.

“Cut Me Loose,” “California,” and “Blue Sky Mind” are poppier, more feelgood tracks. “Blue Sky Mind” was conceived again by keyboard player Jem Davis who originally wrote the song about his experience with his cancer diagnosis. ‘That song really was therapy for me. It was important that I got it out of my system and into music,” says Jem.

“Black Water” is a brooding, bluesy track that grows and grows. ‘This is a real favorite of mine,” says FM guitarist, Jim Kirkpatrick. “I could hear Brian May playing the guitar solo, so I pulled out my Brian May signature guitar and tried to do my best impersonation of him. Hopefully I got somewhere close.”

Track Listing
1. Out of the Blue
2. Don’t Need Another Heartache
3. No Easy Way Out
4. Lost
5. Whatever It Takes
6. Black Water
7. Cut Me Loose
8. Leap of Faith
9. California
10. Another Day in My World
11. Blue Sky Mind

Production Credits
Old Habits Die Hard
Produced by FM, Mixed by Jeff Knowler, Mastered by Jim Griffiths at Principal Audio
Photography by Paul Stuart Hollingsworth

Recorded at West3 Productions, Tremelo, Electric Pepperland, Morsecode Studios, JK Studios
*All songs written by – Overland/Goldsworthy/Jupp/Davis/Kirkpatrick

FM LINKS:

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY | INSTAGRAM 

BANDS IN TOWN | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

SAXON release new video from Hell, Fire And Damnation

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SAXON have put out a new video for the track “Madame Guillotine”, taken from Hell, Fire And Damnation. The song is the 3rd single from the new album, and was co-written by Biff Byford and new guitarist Brian Tatler (Diamond Head) and it’s penned about the infamous torturing device, best known for its use in the French Revolution between 1789 and 1799.

“Both this and the title track songs are written by me and Brian actually, and this is very ‘Saxon’, so much as I don’t think anybody else could pull that off,” comments Byford. “I sung it as if the guillotine is a person, that the actual guillotine has a bit of a conscience. I love the groove, it’s got a great groove!”

Saxon are currently touring in support of the new album, with a co-headlining tour of the US (with Uriah Heep), starting next month.

*for Saxon your dates, merch, and more check out: https://www.saxon747.com/

JOHN SLOMAN – new single out, details new book coming soon!

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Welsh singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist John Sloman has a new single out from his forthcoming album Vaudeville. This is the 2nd single from Vaudeville, check out “Ice Cream Man” (bottom). A video and (album) release date are coming soon, but check out the title track here…

The artwork for Vaudeville, is once again done by designer, photographer and videographer Callum Fernandes Clarke, and using photography by Jeff Moh (RIP). Callum did the cover art for John’s excellent 2022 album Two Rivers, as well as doing covers for Walter Egan, Osibisa, and others.

John is also getting ready to release his 2nd book. According to John it will be a continuation of his first one, and there will be a 3rd book as well! If you did not read “Lost On Planet Artifice” you need to! One of the best rock autobiographies out there! Tons of stories, ups and downs, and honest recollections of a guy who’s had a long and most interesting career, having played with and connected with many legendary acts. John shares an update on his upcoming book below:

“I’m still editing the book which is called ‘Kontradamus’. But I plan to release it sometime in the next few months. It’s a dystopian satire set in the future (with some autobiographical threads running through it). I began working on it while waiting for my album Vaudeville to be released (which was delayed throughout last year and is still yet to be released), and eventually ended up with a follow up to ‘Lost on Planet Artifice’. This new book is a more ambitious venture as it’s my first attempt at a novel format but with some reality sewn into it.”

LINKS:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829308237286411

https://www.pressreader.com/uk/classic-rock/20230106/282909504590253

ERJA LYYTINEN releases “Black Ocean” live video prior to UK Tour  

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 Internationally acclaimed guitarist, and singer songwriter Erja Lyytinen has released a live video of “Black Ocean” to dovetail her Diamonds On The Road 10-date UK tour in April 2024. Tickets are available from https://erjalyytinen.com/tour. 


The forthcoming UK tour is named after Erja’s live album Diamonds On The Road, that was originally released by Tuohi Records in October 2023. The album is available on Double CD, vinyl and digital HERE. 

“I can’t wait to tour the UK in April,” says Erja. “2024 has kicked off at full speed. We’ve been doing shows on Finnish National TV and then we began our full Diamonds on The Road tour across Finland. We have performed at numerous rock clubs and theatres.”

“Right now, we are rehearsing for my first Symphony Orchestra gigs that will be held in a concert hall in Lohja, Finland. I’ve always loved The Moody Blues album “The Days of Future Passed” which was recorded together with the London Symphony Orchestra, so it’s very cool to get my own compositions arranged for a full orchestra.

Continues Erja, “This Spring will be an interesting ride! We will be visiting Australia and performing at the world-famous Byron Bay Blues Festival, which I am very much looking forward to, as I have never played there before.

“Finally heading to my favorite country, the UK for a 10-date tour with my band. We will be also playing in Scotland, where we haven’t played since 2019. It will also be wonderful to return to the HRH Blues festival after many years. I can’t wait to enjoy a pint in the local pubs during these two weeks and pop in to all the tea rooms I can possibly find!”

Some may argue that music is born in the studio, but it comes to life and evolves when performed live on stage. With a live album, there is no safety net. You get one shot at capturing those perfect moments and preserving them forever. Erja Lyytinen’s live album Diamonds On The Road is evident of this.

“When playing live, you’ve got one moment to get it right, and then the moment is gone,” says Erja. “There is no correcting stuff later. It is very raw and exciting to play and sing at the same time. The adrenaline runs through your body, and everything around you affects your performance.

Diamonds On The Road marks Erja Lyytinen’s fourth live album, and follows on from Songs from the Road, Live in London, and Lockdown Live. The new album is the first concert release from the gifted guitarist to capture the post-Covid live experience. Diamonds On The Road is available to purchase HERE.

“Diamonds on the Road was recorded towards the end of our Spring tour in March 2023,” says Erja. “We played ten shows in a row, of which eight were sold out. The band had a good flow going, and the songs were rolling nicely.”

photo- Elsa Wellamo

Diamonds on The Road showcases Erja and the band doing what they do best, playing concerts for their fans. “I have always loved performing live, but now, I enjoy playing even more and saying this on behalf of my band; I think they do, too. Performing live is stronger, more relaxed, and empowering. I´m grateful to be a guitarist and singer who is giving her best for the audience each night. It is the best thing you can do with your pants on,” concludes Erja. 

ERJA LYYTINEN – DIAMONDS ON THE ROAD, APRIL 2024 UK TOUR

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM  – ERJALYYTINEN.COM/TOUR

Faversham, The Old Brewery Store
Thursday 4 April 2024
Tickets: Ticket Source

Newcastle, Cluny
Friday 5 April 2024
Tickets: ticketweb

Edinburgh, The Voodoo Rooms
Saturday 6 April 2024
Tickets: ticketweb

York, The Crescent Community Centre
Sunday 7 April 2024
Tickets: ticketweb

Southampton, The 1865
Tuesday 9 April 2024
Tickets: ticketweb

London, The Half Moon
Wednesday 10 April 2024
Tickets: Halfmoon

Blackpool, Waterloo
Thursday 11 April 2024
Tickets: SeeTickets

Melton Mowbray, Eastwell Village Hall
Friday 12 April 2024
Tickets: WeGotTickets

Leicester, HRH Blues Festival

Leicester, O2 Academy
Saturday 13 April 2024
Tickets: HRH Blues

Dudley, The Lamp Tavern
Sunday 14 April 2024
Tickets: The Kates Hill Press

LINKS:

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | SPOTIFY 

| INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

AXEL RUDI PELL announce new album ‘Risen Symbol’

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AXEL RUDI PELL’s New Album ‘Risen Symbol’ to be released June 14, 2024, via Steamhammer/SPV

No doubt about it: The world would be a much poorer place without AXEL RUDI PELL!  On his 22nd (!) studio album ‘Risen Symbol’, the Bochum-based guitarist and songwriter continues to fly the melodic hard rock flag without watering down his style with pseudo-modern stylistic variations or expendable studio gimmicks. At the same time, he is constantly looking for new influences, exciting inspirations, and catchy hooks.  One of the best things about ARP’s anthems is that they are perfectly tailored to the charismatic voice of frontman Johnny Gioeli. The American vocalist is one of the most eminent rock singers worldwide and, together with PELL, former Rainbow drummer Bobby Rondinelli, and the two longstanding ARP members Ferdy Doernberg (keyboards) and Volker Krawczak (bass), has been an integral part of a perfectly oiled machine for more than ten years, wowing fans and media alike. 

‘Risen Symbol’ will be available on  Steamhammer/SPV  from June 14, 2024. For all those who can’t wait, 3 April 2024 will see the arrival of the lead single “Guardian Angel” followed on May 22, 2024, by “Darkest Hour”.

 Track List:

1. The Resurrection (Intro)

2. Forever Strong

3. Guardian Angel

4. Immigrant Song

5. Darkest Hour

6. Ankhaia

7. Hell’s On Fire

8. Crying In Pain

9. Right On Track

10. Taken By Storm

‘Risen Symbol‘ will be released on June 14th, 2024

via Steamhammer/SPV in the following configurations:

=> CD DigiPak incl. poster

=> 2LP Gatefold, 140 g, neon orange vinyl, printed inner sleeves

=> Download / Streaming

Pre-Order HERE

=> Exclusive CD/LP Bundles with a shirt and exclusive vinyl

only at the Steamhammer shop

Pre-Order HERE

=> 2LP Gatefold exclusive colored edition only at the Napalm shop

Pre-Order HERE

Band: Johnny Gioeli – Lead and Backing Vocals, Axel Rudi Pell – Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Ferdy Doernberg – Keyboards, Volker Krawczak – Bass, Bobby Rondinelli – Drums

LINKS:

Home

https://www.facebook.com/axelrudipellofficial

GRAND SLAM Release New Single “There Goes My Heart” + Video, announce new album

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GRAND SLAM co-founding member Laurence Archer, and frontman Mike Dyer, make it extraordinarily clear that theirs has been a true journey of destiny, one where early unions ended up leaving unfinished business on the table, and one which finally sees GRAND SLAM attending to said business with the brand-new album ‘Wheel Of Fortune.’
Their story is one of persistence and craft, ensuring that the best elements of GRAND SLAM’s history were absorbed and fused with the experiences and drive of relationships stretching decades.
However, do not make the mistake of thinking this is a band returning from a past: it’s a band fulfilling their present and future with willfulness and desire that permeate every song on ‘Wheel Of Fortune’, from Archer’s faultless, fearless fret-driven song architecture on “Spitfire” to Dyer’s swagger and style on “There Goes My Heart.” There are moments such as “Come Together (In Harlem)” where the moody strut of original co-founder Phil Lynott is unmistakable, yet the multi-layered steamy swing of “Pirate Song” makes it very clear where GRAND SLAM is coming from.
“I want everybody to see this as a new band… and anybody that hasn’t heard GRAND SLAM since 1984, I want them to see this as a fresh invigoration of the project moving into the modern times.” – Laurence Archer
Joined by Benjy Reid on drums and Rocky Newton on bass, some best-laid plans for the band’s rebirth were set for take-off until Covid-19 brought the world to a standstill (it is one of the main reasons ‘Hit The Ground’ will also be enjoying a 2024 release alongside ‘Wheel Of Fortune’). However, the creative fire and will to propel GRAND SLAM got stronger still.
“We have a direction that is in my heart. It’s a tribal place. This band is something very special; I’m slightly biased I know, but God, I’m really proud of that.” – Mike Dyer
Out now, “There Goes My Heart” is the first single to be released from GRAND SLAM’s brand new studio album, ‘Wheel Of Fortune.’
“Laurence sent me ‘There Goes My Heart’, and with total respect to Laurence, I’m not a man of ‘hearts’ in that sense,” chuckles Dyer. “So instead of singing about the ex, I twisted on it. It sounds like your heart, but what you’re singing about is your E-Type Jag. We shot the video for that in Spain, and that very much has a twist in it too.”

Video Directed, Produced and Edited by Paul M Green
‘Wheel Of Fortune‘ is a testimony to both Archer’s songwriting architecture and Dyer’s powerful love of language: he wastes no time sinking his teeth into the storytelling aspect of the songs, from WWII fighter pilots to ethereal reflections on lost loved ones and near-death experiences, Dyer is a supreme storyteller.
“The way I look at it is that from writing those songs with Phil in 1984 to now, my writing style and the way I write, haven’t really changed that much,” offers Archer. “I’m not a shredder, I prefer to write songs and build that way. So, there’s that timeless continuity in how I write, fusing with all the experiences we’ve had as people over the years.
“I put the basis of the song together, I have a rough melody line, I might write the chorus line, and I give that to Mike who goes away and comes back with his thing: it’s not my thing, it’s his thing and it just works! His vocal tone – his ability – fits everything that I write.”
‘Wheel Of Fortune’ will be released in digital and physical formats on June 7th. The album will be available in a variety of formats and pre-orders can be placed HERE

GRAND SLAM will also re-release their debut album ‘Hit The Ground.’ Originally released in 2019, the record has been given a makeover.
“I stopped playing for a while and started a film career,” recounts Archer of ‘Hit The Ground.’ “ In 2018 I was working on location in Guadalupe, and I arrived at the decision to record the GRAND SLAM songs properly, because essentially, what has been out there has not really been representative of what we did back then. Phil and I had done some work-in-progress demos in his backyard studio, and unfortunately, someone stole them and released them. So, it’s always been a goal of mine to re-visit those songs and do them properly, and I had been thinking about showcasing them fittingly for over 30 years, instead of hearing these horrible demos that people put out.” Re-mixed, re-mastered, and featuring new artwork, ‘Hit The Ground – Revised,’ will be released on May 10th in digital formats and June 7th in physical formats. Pre-orders can be placed HERE 
With GRAND SLAM having just completed videos for the new album in Spain, a series of dates being planned as you read, and an overall joy at everything going on in their world, GRAND SLAM will be here whether you are or not, because this is not a band rumbling in from their past, it’s a band firing forward into their future.
“We have a strong bond in our writing and our perception of what we want to do,” concludes Archer, “so make no mistake, GRAND SLAM has only just started.”
Pre-Order ‘Wheel of Fortune’ HERE
 ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Track List:
1. There Goes My Heart 2. Starcrossed Lovers 3. Come Together (In Harlem) 4. Trail Of Tears 5. Feeling Is Strong (Jo’s Song) 6. Spitfire 7. I Wanna Know! 8. Pirate Song 9. Afterlife 10. Wheel Of Fortune
Pre-Order ‘Hit the Ground – Revised’ HERE
‘Hit The Ground – Revised’ Track List:
1. Gone Are The Days 2. Nineteen 3. Hit The Ground 4. Military Man 5. Crazy 6. Dedication 7. Long Road 8. Sisters Of Mercy 9. Crime Rate 10. Grand Slam**not available on vinyl
GRAND SLAM: Mike Dyer – vocals, Laurence Archer – guitars, Benjy Reid – drums, Rocky Newton – bass.  
‘Wheel Of Fortune’ is Produced by Laurence Archer, Engineered by Pieter Rietkerk. Mixed by Laurence Archer. Mastered by Matt Wortham & Andy Pearce. Recorded at Chapel Studios; additional recording at Manamana Studios

LINKS:

HOME

https://www.facebook.com/grandslamrocks

http://sl-music.net/en/

*band photo- Frank Noon

TROY REDFERN releases 4th single from upcoming album ‘Invocation’

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photo- Jasn Bridges

Troy Redfern releases “The Calling” single ahead of Headline UK Tour

Troy Redfern’s rockin’ new single was released March 1. It is taken from the upcoming album Invocation, to be released May 17. Check it out!
STREAM SINGLE  (or watch the video).


PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM FROM
WWW.TROYREDFERN.COM

“Redfern has written excellent new songs that define his unique style as one of the most exciting blues artists in Britain.” – Raw Ramp

“Troy Redfern is dynamic, powerful and one of the best slide guitarists around today.” – Music News Invocation is the title of the highly anticipated new 11-track album from slide guitar virtuoso Troy Redfern. The album, released by RED7 Records on Friday 17th May 2024, is now available in limited edition colored vinyl, black vinyl, plus two different CD cover artwork designs. All formats are available to pre-order from www.troyredfern.com.

The fourth single “The Calling” is available on Spotify HERE. 
The IRSC code for the single is UKHDU1600077.

Says Troy, “‘I’ve always wanted to write a slow motion, epic kind of a tune. The Calling was a song that was born out of that desire. This song is about escaping the technological net we all live in, and to get out into the wilderness to reset and get perspective on what’s important in life.”

Troy has proved time and time again that his cup of inspiration is not only full, but runneth over, writing and release albums at an unprecedented pace and judging by the strength of “The Calling” and the three previous singles “The Strange,” “Getaway” and “The Fever,” the forthcoming album Invocation, promises to be his best yet. Over the course of last two albums The Fire Cosmic (2021) and Wings of Salvation (2022) Troy found his true voice stylistically in terms of writing and playing, but with Invocation he created a collection of outstanding new songs that carves out his own identity as to who he really is an artist.

Troy head to the west Wales coast with his trusty 1929 National Triolian resonator guitar for a week of solitude in a remote Sheppard’s hut to sketch the initial song ideas for the new album.

“It was important for me to clear my mind of all distractions so I could really focus on what I wanted to write on this album and the direction I wanted to take it in,” says Troy.

“I tried some unorthodox approaches to song writing that included meditation where I would imagine hearing a song in my mind, as complete as possible including visualizing the performance live. Next, I would pick up the guitar and capture the idea on my phone. That way I wasn’t led by what I would usually do when I pick up the guitar. It was a very freeing, powerful experience, and a discipline that I’ll use again to write more songs in the future.“

With Invocation Troy explores fresh musical territory, from the heavy, bone crushing slide riffs and big sing along choruses on “Van Helsing” and “Getaway” to the evocative, wind-swept western landscapes of “The Native” and “Blind Me.” After three albums in three years Troy continues to expand his musical horizons and keep his creative fire burning. 

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