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AVI ROSENFELD – Battle Of Rock: An Interview

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From Israel, musician Avi Rosenfeld has released an outstanding number of albums – somewhere around 60! Battle Of Rock is his third album this year! His latest is a heavy rock album featuring the powerful vocals of Brazilian singer Andre Tulipano of Steel Warrior. (See my review elsewhere). In this interview below Avi Rosenfeld tells us about his influences, his numerous albums, his latest albums, album covers, and more. Check it out, and definitely check out Battle Of Rock. (*Ordering info and various links below.)

First, can you give me a bit of background on your musical start – influences, any early bands you were in, first recordings you made…?

I was passionate about music from an early age. Those were the late 80’s, early ’90’s … I remember watching Pink Floyd’s The Wall and the music and imagery captured my attention, Guns And Roses were rocking on MTV and we as kids tried to imitate them. Dad was listening to Deep Purple, Uriah Heep … and I admit that at an early age we used to say what is this noise? but the right moment had come and all the sounds found their right spot in my ears , and it was like magic. The discovery of a new continent. Since then I was hooked.
First recordings I ever made were at the age of 17, with a regular computer sound card with an endless latency which I had to shift from side to side.
And first bands came later on, at university times, there are great memories from that time.

You have released 14 albums in the Very Heepy, Very Purple series. Can you tell me how that series of recordings started and what keeps it going?

The love for Deep Purple, Uriah Heep and the passion to create music in that style, I was just curious to see if I’ll be able to pull it off. It was a challenge, and as a musician we gotta have those challenges to keep our music world interesting.
There wasn’t a plan to record many of them, just one. But with the musical success of the album came a bigger appetite to do more of it.
And along the way I met many super musicians who share the love for this music and can actually play and sing it, which isn’t easy at all.
So step by step we recorded all of them, and I guess there are more on the way. The next one is always in the making.

You’ve recorded a huge number of albums. As a songwriter/ guitarist/ producer — how do you manage to keep up this speed of turning out records — with reference to your studio set up, any other day job, connections to other musicians who join you, and where ideas come from to create so much!?

Time is precious and we always get too little of it. But for musicians, artists and any other man who have things and interests that move his soul and he knows that he’s gotta do them, whether he’s gotta write, paint, dance, run or whatever, then he will find the right time for it.
I used to create music at night. but gotta keep it quiet since the kids are sleeping in the next room. I usually create the song structures with guitar, and melodies with lyrics, then send them to the other musicians. We record the albums as a collaboration project, each recording at his own studio, then I mix it all together. I find this process kinda fun and that keeps the interest going.
The ideas for the songs come from so many possible musical things , for example, melodies or a cool rhythmical groove that I sing or play on guitar, or a riff, or even a nice lyric phrase that sounds interesting.
I record those ideas so they won’t be forgotten. Then when I plan to write some lyrics I come back to those recorded ideas and choose one.  

You’re largely inspired by the classic ’70s hard rock era, but you’ve done a few very different albums. Can you give me a bit of info or rundown of albums you’ve done?  

So there are the Hard Rock albums of “Very Heepy Very Purple” and also few more like “Battle of Rock”, “Very Classic Very Metal”, “Into the Wild”, “After the Battle”, those are the ones where I pay tribute to the bands that created this genre.
And my other albums are more Classic Rock oriented, some are heavier, some acoustic, some more personal with my vocals and and many later ones with a real vocalist.
I love the albums that I record with amazing powerful vocalists, like Marco Buono, Lain Barbier, Ethel Aldrete and of course the heavier albums that feature super voices.
They all feel the music in their hearts and it really shows in the songs.

Your latest release is Battle Of Rock with Brazilian singer Andre Tulipano. What is the concept behind this album, and how did you come to collaborate with Andre T?

This album is again a tribute to Hard Rock and Classic Heavy Metal and the bands that invented and shaped it. Deep Purple, Rainbow, Dio, Iron Maiden and others… Those bands were like the gladiators of rock. And thus “Battle Of Rock”.
So I had the songs, but you need someone who can actually sing this style. Especially in this style where you need to sing so high and powerful at the same time. I remember Bruce Dickinson said that after he is singing like that he used to feel like his eyes are gonna pop out and head is going to explode.  I wish I could sing like that, but each one should know their limits. I heard Andre on YouTube, singing an Iron Maiden cover I think, and I was blown away with his voice.
And it was perfect for the songs I had. A really talented vocalist, and now also a great friend. I love the result of this album.

How long did this album take to put together – from writing to finished recordings? I assume you have a set method/process!?

To tell the truth , I don’t set deadlines for album completions. Good things take time to complete. And this is also part of the fun in this journey. I guess it took about a year to complete everything, but the song’s ideas were already there for a long time. Remember there are lots of musicians involved here and each has his own schedule.

Can you tell a bit about who else plays on this album? Do you have a number of players that you use regularly on various records?

There are many great musicians here, the list is too long to mention all; it’s all detailed on the Bandcamp album page, but I gotta mention Timo Tolkki (ex STRATOVARIUS), who’s plying the guitar solo on “Burn the Light”. He’s a real musical inspiration, right since the day I listened to the album “Episode”, a metal masterpiece! Miguel Angel Seiz play drums on many songs here, and he’s amazing. Giovani Maucieri and Michele Milano play drums on one song each and they are smoking too. The sound of drums is super important for the song as it gives the overall sound of a song. And those drummers got the perfect sound, and of course the best of talent. I love sharing guitar duties with other guitarists and especially when they play a million miles better than me, and Claudio Acampora is one hell of a guitar hero. He plays on three songs on the album. On Bass, among others there are Ernani Junior, Cedric Camus and Milan Pecanac, they are masters of the bass. Victor Hugo Santafe Ossa is a real musical mastermind, check out his keyboard parts on “Send Down the Angels”. And if you love Purple then you gotta love the Hammond organ like I do, Nick Foley is the perfect Hammond Wizard, he knows all the Jon Lord tricks.

“Raven” is an outstanding track on the new album, it definitely has a New Wave of British HM feel to it. What inspired this song musically and lyrically?

“Raven” is all about ’80’s Classic Heavy Metal… It has some influences from Dio, Savatage, Judas Priest in it… .fantasy style lyrics, Dio inspired.
Andre is singing like the best of the best, he’s 110% into the character and song… And with that mind blowing guitar by Claudio Acampora is really creates that feeling of “Yeah, this is what I’m talking about”.

There are a few other very good tracks on Battle Of Rock, particularly “Send Down The Angels”, which features a great Hammond solo. Can you provide a bit of detail on this song? Any songs that you’re particularly happy with on this album?

Yeah, “Send Down The Angels” another great fast rocker with a cool groove. War style lyrics with bombs falling down and a band of brothers fighting together. I love the keyboard ideas by Victor Hugo Santafe Ossa. There are a few seconds in the middle of the instrumental section that kinda reminds me of “Phantom of the Opera”. I love all the songs on this album; I find them to be quite good. Each song has it’s own characteristics and influences. You can clearly hear obvious influences here like Rainbow and Iron Maiden, of course, but also the ones like Santana, AC\DC, Rata Blanca… I will leave it up to you to guess which songs relate to each of those influences.

Do you have any plans to perform any of this album live? …Do you perform live much?

Unfortunately, there’s no time for live concerts. A live band is a dedication and you gotta choose wisely what you gonna do in the time that’s dedicated to music, and we already agreed that we’ve got too little of that. So this project is mainly aimed for studio recordings. But who knows what the future will bring.

Your album covers are always very eye-catching. With reference to your albums in general tell us a bit about the whole task of coming up with your final album art? How important is the album art to you when finalizing an album to release?

In times when people actually devoted time to listen to music they also had a visual aspect of an album in the shape of a vinyl LP, CD or even a cassette. They could hold it, feel it and look at it’s cover art.
Cover art is a very important part of the album concept. I remember as kids we used to go to the music store and go over all the CDs available and choose one, the cover art would catch your eye.
I once bought an album based only on its cover art, without knowing who the musician was, that album was Yngwie Malmsteen’s ‘Trilogy’. What a cool cover,  showing him fighting that dragon with his Stratocaster.
The Funny thing was that I thought “Trilogy” might be a collection like “Anthology”… and that it would be a good idea to start listening to this cool dragons fighting guitarist with a collection. Man, this was better than his collection.   And I have been a fan since then.
Most of my cover arts are by artists and I must mention my favorite one “Aquasixio – Cyril Rolando” who is a real genius of art. I also used photos by Haim Rosenfeld as cover arts for a few albums, he’s got a sharp artistic eye, and all of my earlier albums cover arts were paintings by Maya Rosenfeld.
And My latest two releases “Battle of Rock” and “Seasons Blues” feature an AI cover art!

What other albums/projects do you have on the Go at present?

There are more of them in the makings. Some Hard & Heavy and a few more Classic Rock oriented.  With vocalists and musicians from all over the world that I’m so proud to work with. Talking in the best language of the world – music.
Once someone told me I’m gonna break the Zappa record. But it’s really not about the number of albums, it’s all about the music that we, musicians, is burning inside us and we gotta get it done.

Any long term goals as far as albums or styles you’d like to venture into creating or people you’d like to collaborate with?

Ian Gillan, Ritchie Blackmore, David Coverdale, Glenn Hughes, Graham Bonnet, Bruce Dickinson and the list goes on and on… It’s nice to dream.
I guess I will continue to write music that will be enjoyable for me to listen to. And continue to have fun on the journey creating it.
A Wise man once said, “Life’s a journey, not a destination”. and he said that way long before Aerosmith.

Do you have a big record collection yourself? (Listen to a lot of music?) and Can you give me a ‘Top 10’ of Avi’s favorite albums (from your youth)?

I Had a CD and Vinyl collection, which is at my parents house. And those were other times, when we had the actual time to sit and listen to an album and just do that.
Today the main time for listening to music is in the car while driving. And BTW this is also the big test for the mixing of an album sound, it must sound good in the car.
So the list might change but I think today’s Top 10 will be , not in this particular order and with the limitation of one album per band:

1. Deep Purple – Machine Head
2. Uriah Heep – Look At Yourself
3. Rainbow – Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow
4. Dio – Last In Line
5. Iron Maiden – Powerslave
6. Beatles – Abbey Road
7. Queen – A Night At The Opera
8. Whitesnake – Live… in the Heart of the City
9. Black Sabbath – Heaven And Hell
10.Yngwie Malmsteen – Trilogy,  with the best cover art!

LINKS:

https://avirosenfeld.bandcamp.com/album/battle-of-rock

https://avirosenfeld.bandcamp.com/music

https://avirosenfeld.wixsite.com/avirosenfeldband

https://www.facebook.com/AviRosenfeldBand

https://m.facebook.com/steelwarriorband

CCR Tribute album coming from Ripple Music.

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US Heavy rock label Ripple Music is releasing a massive CCR tribute set. Check out the first single from it below. ‘Bone Church’ has done an awesome heavy and up to date rendition of the classic “Fortunate Son”, with a fitting video to go with (see it below!). This thing will include over 30 covers. Love the artwork!

Ripple Music announces a December release for their Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute album “Burn on the Bayou”, featuring 32 bands of the Californian heavy label’s roster. Listen to the first single with a rocking rendition of “Fortunate Son” by US stoner metallers Bone Church now!  

Set for a December 3rd release, “Burn on the Bayou: A Heavy Underground Tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival” will be released in 3xLP format for a total of 29 songs and 3 bonus tracks. The album features covers by Ripple Music bands JPT Scare Band, War Cloud, KIND, Great Electric Quest, High Priestess, Kabbalah, Stonebirds, Thunder Horse, Void Vator, Cities of Mars, Kyle Shutt (The Sword) and many more.

About the compilation, Ripple Music label founder Todd Severin says: “I chose Creedence Clearwater Revival for our first compilation because I wanted to do something different. I didn’t want to do Sabbath, Lizzy or such because bands have such reverence for them that they would turn in their best take on Sabbath or Lizzy.  I wanted a band with amazing songs, that the bands could make their own, and boy did they.  Plus Creedence Clearwater Revival is rooted in the sludge of the swamp, an aesthetic that plays well to stoner/doom bands. And to really bring out the swamp in the songs, the whole project was mastered by Kent Stump of the legendary swamp rockers Wo Fat.”

Bone Church guitarist Dan Sefcik adds: “As soon as Todd asked who would be interested in a CCR tribute record we jumped on it and immediately said we’d do “Fortunate Son.” Not only is it one of my favorite songs of all time, but the message is as poignant and powerful as it’s ever been. The corrupt political and corporate “elite” deceiving the masses, forcing them to give their lives in furtherance of their twisted agenda, with no regard for humanity. We see it repeated over and over again and it’s as relevant now as ever. We recorded the song on June 28th, 2021 at Dirt Floor Studios here in CT. We wanted to stay true to the original track, because frankly it’s perfect, but we also wanted to expand on it. That’s why we wrote a second piece that continues the story and further focuses on the soldiers who were thrown into the hell that is war. Most importantly we’d like to dedicate the song to all the soldiers and their families who sacrificed their bodies and minds. You will not be forgotten.”

“Burn on the Bayou: A Heavy Underground Tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival” was compiled and produced by Todd Severin. Mastered by Kent Stump at Clear Clear Sound, Dallas, Texas. The artwork was illustrated by Cody Kuehl, with layout by Mack Aceves and gatefold art by Joe Mruk at Red Buffalo Illustration.

BONE CHURCH links

Facebook⎪Bandcamp⎪Instagram⎪Spotify

RIPPLE MUSIC links
Website⎪Facebook⎪Bandcamp⎪Instagram⎪Youtube

SUSPIRIORUM release cover of Blue Öyster Cult classic “I Love The Night”; self-titled debut EP available now

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Texan occult and classic rock collective SUSPIRIORUM (with members of Witchcryer, Destroyer of Light, Runescarred, Hinayana) present the lyric video for their new single and Blue Öyster Cult cover “I Love The Night” exclusively on The Obelisk today. The song is taken from the upcoming CD version of their self-released debut EP Suspiriorum.  

SUSPIRIORUM take their cue from bands like Italian progressive and cinematic rock masters Goblin, while expanding their sound further to include inspiration from occult rock pioneers Blue Öyster Cult and Coven, as well as prog rock luminaries Opeth. Their luscious debut 3-track ranges from organ-driven classic rock to ominous synth-infused passages, and adept lead guitar work and catchy riffs, with sultry vocals from Suzy Colca. Highly inspired by the imagery of cult moviemakers Dario Argento, Lucio Fulci, Mario Bava, and Lamberto Bava, their songs deal with occult rituals, zombies, and Giallo killers in one big celebration of the mastery and exploitation of the history of Italian horror films. 

Stream new track “I Love The Night” (Blue Öyster Cult cover)

The Suspiriorum EP was recorded and mixed at Red Nova Ranch by Jeff Henson (Clutch, High On Fire, Spirit Adrift, Duel) and mastered by Alberto De Icaza (Clutch, Dead Cross, Crobot). Artwork was created by David Paul Seymour (Conan, Municipal Waste, High On Fire) with CD layout and additional photography and art done by Erik Bredthauer of Necroblanca Photography and Design.

About the song, bassist Joseph Maniscalco declares: “I knew in my heart that BOC was the right band to cover, but I didn’t want to be another band that does, “Don’t Fear the Reaper” (an amazing song). It had to be something that spoke to me and spoke to the project. My sort of mission statement for the band’s sound is where horror soundtrack meets classic rock. I listened to the album Spectres and the final track, “I Love the Night” hit me like a wall. ‘I Love The Night’ is a great sentiment about feeling drawn toward horror. When I heard the first mix of our version it came out exactly as I heard it in my head and I cried. I still feel that way every time I hear it and thought the emotional attachment is personal and mine, I hope that people listening can feel the magic I felt or discover some of their own. This song feels anthemic for the outcast horror fan, attracted to the beauty in the dark, and I think it will always feel that way for me.”

Debut EP “Suspiriorum”
Available now on Bandcamp – STREAM IT 
*CD pre-order coming soon

SUSPIRIORUM:
Joseph Maniscalco – Bass and Synth
Suzy Bravo – Vocals
Tim Driscoll – Lead Guitars
Steve Colca – Rhythm Guitars
Adrian Voorhees – Drums

LINKS:

https://www.facebook.com/suspiriorumatx

https://suspiriorum.bandcamp.com/album/suspiriorum

RAVEN – release new album: All Hell’s Breaking Loose

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British metal legends RAVEN have a brand new album out – All Hell’s Breaking Loose. If you like your rock fast and furious, check this out. There’s 3 singles/videos released so far (see below), as well as favorite cuts like “Turn Of The Screw”, “Desperate Measures”, and “Invasion”. Ten tracks that don’t let up from beginning to end. The band has also released a new single/video for the album’s title track (today). Great production, love the sound of this album. Dig the album art courtesy of Andrej Bartulović at All Things Rotten! *For more info check out the press info, videos, and links below…

photo_ Jay Shredder

Prepare yourself for a metal rampage the likes of which you haven’t enjoyed in many a year as New Wave of British Heavy Metal stalwarts RAVEN deliver the electric mayhem of All Hell’s Breaking Loose, their 15th studio album, released June 30th on Silver Lining Music. 

The Newcastle pioneers, formed by the Gallagher brothers (bassist/vocalist John and guitarist Mark) and rounded out by drummer extraordinaire Mike Heller have emerged from Heller’s own Heaven And Heller Studios in Los Angeles with 10 crisp, visceral metal classics, each fused with riffs, twists, turns, chaos and more hooks than all the Hellraiser movies combined (think hyperbole, ‘turn-it-UP’ and find out for yourself)!

Among the stand-outs are lead single “Go For The Gold”, with the redline pushed hard by a cavalcade of riffs and furious, percussive madness, yet behind it all a melodic journey that makes it multi-dimensional skull-crushing.

“‘Go For The Gold’” is our first single as it really represents the new album mission statement… 100% full on RAVEN lunacy!!!!”,  enthuses John Gallagher. “If you’ve got an initial great riff, you just build from it,… you try not to milk it to death. You want a good structure. You want a good verse with hooks, a good pre-chorus with hooks, a great chorus, and then you want little left turns here and there to spice it up. Otherwise it can sound boring. And if you have too many left turns then it turns into jazz fusion, so it’s a funny line you gotta dance on to have structure but also the chaos part as well.”

Title track “All Hell’s Breaking Loose” twists and turns with accents and flavours buried inside the chaos. “Lyrically the song is about the constrictions of being locked down during the pandemic and the desire and need to ‘break free’ from it all or risking going insane…” explains co-founding member and guitarist Mark Gallagher. “It’s about taking control of your freedom!” Mark exclaims. Meanwhile “Surf The Tsunami” sees  Heller gatecrash your eardrums with a furious flurry of his own, before some supreme twister riffs bring on the full metal chaos; “Turn Of The Screw” bounces on the upbeats before smashing you with a thunderous chorus; “The Far Side” has as classic a metal riff as you’ll hear in 2023; “Desperate Measures” is pure ’81-saturated tales of hardship and despair, if you ever wondered what RAVEN at the Marquee were like on a sweaty metal night in ’83; “Edge of A Nightmare” is your portal to paradise, thundering as hard as the opener “Medieval”. 

What RAVEN have delivered with All Hell’s Breaking Loose is permission for everyone to remember exactly what it’s like to lose yourself in the healing aural waters of supreme heavy metal music, resplendent in sweat-soaked denim and leather. 

“You got three guys with very strong, passionate, opinions,” offers Mark, “and when those are brought together, it’s a case of ‘iron sharpens iron.’”

“We’re very hard on ourselves,” adds John, “it had to be ‘all killer, no filler’. Absolutely every single part of every song had to make sense, had to mean something, and had to be there for a purpose.”

And All Hell’s Breaking Loose makes it clear that RAVEN aren’t messing around in that regard.

*To order on green vinyl, CD, and Cassette(!), check out – https://raven.tmstor.es/?lf=92b7b4d1d4cd1b587d5f32f64b525256

Recommended to fans of  Anvil, Lizzy Borden, Diamond Head, Saxon, Metal Church, Exciter, Armored Saint.

Links: 

https://smarturl.it/AllHellsBreakingLoose

http://sl-music.net/en/60-news-silver-lining/1058-ravens-all-hells-breaking-loose-out-now

Home

https://www.facebook.com/ravenbandofficial

https://www.instagram.com/official_raven_lunatics/

ROZARIO – Norwegian band issues debut single

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ROZARIO is the new Norwegian band, fronted by singer David Rosario. The Norwegian Melodic Heavy Metal band will release their debut album on Pride & Joy Music – To The Gods We Swear on October 22nd, with 3 singles to come before then (the first one is out now!). Produced by Trond Holter (Wig Wam, Dream Police, Holter, Jorn), the album will be released on CD, LP and digitally.

Check out the band’s debut single/video to the song “To The Gods We Swear”. A memorable opening riff, a massive guitar sound, with great lead and big backing vocals. Love the production of this. An excellent song, and a huge sound. Looking forward to the rest of the album!

“This is our first single out and with this song, we salute Norse mythology…maybe not in it’s correct form, but we wish to highlight the greatness and courage that the Vikings stood for. In other words, this is a tribute to the history of Norway and the Norwegian people. Enjoy this salute to the greatest of them all ; Odin and Thor and their conquest for victory.”

Rozario might just be one of the most exiting new bands on the exploding new Norwegian metal scene, and the debut album can be expected later this year. This album is definitely a monster you want to be attacked by. The upcoming album consists of 11 songs that will dig into your soul…and stay there. – *Pre-order the album Here

About the band: David Rosario was looking for someone to record some of his songs with. David had been impressed with guitarist Stein Hjertholm and drummer Per-Helge Bruvoll after seeing several gigs with their band, so he reached out to them. The three of them recorded a 3 song demo, and during this process, the chemistry between them was eminent and the idea of Rozario was born. This was just prior to the pandemic and naturally all activity became very restricted. They used their time wisely and focused on song-writing and finding the direction of the band, with songwriting contributions from all three.
Rozario then teamed up with producer Trond Holter (Wig Wam, Holter, Jorn etc.) and started to record what would become “To The Gods We Swear” in his studio in Halden, Norway.
During the recordings of this release, the lineup of the band was finalized when young guitar virtuoso Johan Jamtfall & bassist Anders Halsan Engum joined them.

Photo: Marius Sørgjerd

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/rozarioband

https://www.rozarioofficial.com/

https://www.instagram.com/rozarioband

https://www.facebook.com/PJMRecordLabel

ELOY – legendary German progressive band release new video and album

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Legendary German prog band ELOY has a new album out – Echoes From The Past. The band, from Hanover, formed in 1969 and is lead by founder/guitarist/vocalist/songwriter & producer Frank Bornemann. Also on board is bass player Klaus-Peter Matziol, who joined Eloy in the mid-’70s, drummer Stephan Emig (who played on the previous album), as well a number of backing singers, and keyboard players – most notably Steve Mann (MSG, Sweet), who’s been on a number of Eloy albums since the mid ’90s. Echoes From The Past is Eloy’s 20th studio album and is a follow up to the band’s previous 2 releases – The Vision, The Sword, and The Pyre (Parts 1 & 2), which are based on the same story (see below).

The new album’s stunning artwork was once again created by Michael Narten, who has done many covers for Eloy, as well as Scorpions and Trumvirat, Eloy has also released a single/video for the song “Fate” (check it out below). Echoes From The Past comes in multiple formats and multiple colored vinyl issues.

Eloy’s debut album was released in 1971, produced by the legendary Conny Plank. Eloy (the album), was a harder guitar driven album, more in tune with the likes of Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, and Lucifer’s Friend. But the band would turn towards a much more progressive sound and approach, ala Pink Floyd, releasing such classic albums as Dawn (1976), Ocean (1977), and Silent Cries And Mighty Echoes (1979). The latter could be easily mistaken for a lost Pink Floyd album upon first hearing. During this era Eloy also featured former Scorpions’ drummer Jurgen Rosenthal, and keyboard player Detlev Schmidtchen (who would go on to release a pile of solo albums in the 2000s). Eloy’s ’70s output is some of the most essential progressive rock out there, though harder to come by over here as very few of these albums got issued in North America.

From press release: “The album is the conclusion of a three-part album production on the theme of “Joan of Arc”, and a very spectacular video is also presented for the title “FATE”, which illustrates the whole story of the French heroine from the Middle Ages, who was crowned a saint, in an astonishing 3 minutes with rhythmic force and a rolling beat, as well as a tremendous choral refrain. After the first two albums entitled “The Vision, The Sword & The Pyre (Part 1 & 2)” already brought great success, as well as reaching high chart quotations, “Echoes from the Past” could even surpass this, because on this album the band sounds even more the way their worldwide fan community likes them most. The typical Eloy spirit of sensitive, atmospheric sound waves alternating with powerful, pulsating rhythms rules this album, literally jumping at the listener with every note.“

LINKS:

https://www.music-merchant.shop/de/eloy/?fbclid=IwAR1vpFJexrOv8PEXuyOnwIm8pH3aSUoJ5uFA-98irIJNQFCGdld4SoyDQu4

http://eloy-legacy.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Official4Eloy

https://www.facebook.com/groups/480619625337102

https://www.facebook.com/drakkarentertainment

https://www.rockreport.be/albums/eloy-echoes-from-the-past

https://justforkicks.de/en/search?sSearch=eloy

AVI ROSENFELD & ANDRE TULIPANO – Battle Of Rock

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For his latest project, Israeli guitarist/songwriter/producer Avi Rosenfeld teams up with singer Andre Tulipano from Brazilian band STEEL WARRIOR. Battle Of Rock is a good rock album, with a number of stand out cuts, heavy on guitar, and fine vocals – with Tulipano being from that Rainbow/Purple influenced school (ala Dio, Doogie White, and a bit closer to Ronnie Romero, IMO).

“Raven” leads of this 10 track album. It has a soft yet atmospheric intro before the band kicks in along with a big scream. This is the best track here, has a NWOBHM feel, and Andre Tulipano’s strong vocals suit this perfectly, making a pretty powerful sound. Other standouts include the rocker “Send Down The Angels”, with a bit of an ’80s Deep Purple feel, and cool Hammond solo courtesy of Colombian player Victor Hugo Santafe Ossa, as well as the faster paced “It’s Hot”, featuring British Hammond player Nick Foley. “Burn The Light” is highlighted by Finnish guitarist Timo Tolkki (ex Stratovarious). There’s a lot of players here, pretty amazing how Rosenfeld pulls together so many different musicians from various parts of the world. Battle Of Rock is well worth checking out, and can be purchased digitally or in a very limited vinyl edition Here.

LINKS:

http://avirosenfeld.wix.com/avirosenfeldband

https://avirosenfeld.bandcamp.com/album/battle-of-rock

https://www.facebook.com/AviRosenfeldBand

https://www.facebook.com/steelwarriorband

THE KINGS release new single. New album coming in September.

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Iconic Canadian Rockers The Kings Celebrate 43rd Anniversary With New Single “Always Off The Deep End” – Listen Here! Single Off Of Band’s Upcoming Album “The Longest Story Ever Told” out September 8th via Dizzy Records 

The Kings Announce Summer Shows with Kim Mitchell, April Wine, Tom Cochrane & more – Tickets Here!

Mixed and mastered by Harry Hess (Harem Scarem, Billy Talent, Blue Rodeo), “Always Off The Deep End” was written about a longtime friend who never does anything halfway, a trait that The Kings have inherited through the decades. The track stays true to the band’s signature classic rock roots but with an exciting breath of fresh air. It’s a slice of rock n roll summer, fitted for the beach and the dock, with its hooky guitars, soaring vocals and infectious beat. The single’s musicianship offers a glimpse of the spectacular record to come and proves that The Kings are here to stay. 

The Longest Story Ever Told is The Kings’ 7th studio album following the release of 2003’s Because of You. A musical triumph, the new 10-track album features a lineup of iconic music industry veterans handling the mixing console, including Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper, Deep Purple), Terry Brown (RUSH, Blue Rodeo, Gowan), Garth Richardson (Rage Against The Machine), Michael Vail Blum (Madonna, Prince), Chris Snow (Barenaked Ladies, Big Wreck, Arkells), Jim Hardy (Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee) and Harry Hess. On the album, the band comments, “Once we decided to make a new album, we went all in to produce what we feel is, from beginning to end, our best one yet.”

The Kings were formed in Vancouver, British Columbia and Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Original members were David Diamond on lead vocals, and bass guitar,  Sonny Keyes on vocals, and keyboards, Max Styles behind the drums, and Mister Zero on guitar.  In 1980 after signing with Elektra Records, The Kings released the Bob Ezrin produced album The Kings Are Here, and the single ‘This Beat Goes On/Switchin’ To Glide’. Even at over five minutes in length, the segue caught on all over the USA and Canada with huge airplay in every major market and stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 for six months. It was named one of the Top 100 U.S. Radio Programmers Picks of the Decade by Album Network Magazine and The Kings were named most promising group by Cashbox Magazine. They also had an amazing appearance on Dick Clark’s ‘American Bandstand’ which helped propel the band to more success. The album, The Kings Are Here is certified platinum and the single “This Beat Goes On/Switchin’ to Glide” is certified gold.

THE KINGS ONLINE:

https://thekingsarehere.com/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063548021148

https://www.instagram.com/thekingsrhere/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaNjWtQvNPE

APRIL WINE : Top 12 songs from the early years

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For many rock fans familiar with Canadian band APRIL WINE, the band made it big internationally between the late ’70s and early ’80s, with such albums as Harder…Faster, Nature Of The Beast, and Powerplay. But prior to the addition of 3rd guitarist Brian Greenway, and the band’s US breakthrough hit “Roller” from First Glance, the band had already released 6 studio albums and 2 live albums. The band’s US and UK releases of some of these albums were through smaller labels like Big Tree , then London Records. The band, originally from Nova Scotia included Myles Goodwyn, Ritchie Henman, (brother)David Henman, and (cousin) Jim Henman, and got started in 1969, after the Henmans had a band named ‘Prism’, and later regrouped and added Goodwyn to form a new band. Upon misinterpreting a polite rejection letter to their demo submitted to Aquarius Records, the band packed up and relocated to Montreal on April 1st, 1970, and eventually wound up being one of the first band’s signed to the newly independent label. Although they would have a hit single on their debut album, it was 2 covers they recorded for their 2nd album that gave the band a bigger breakthrough in Canada and a foot in the US – with Hot Chocolate’s “You Could Have Been A Lady” and Elton John’s “Bad Side of The Moon”; both were big hits in Canada. These songs saw the band on TV, and are still featured on Canadian classic rock radio, and are performed by the band live. My list below features the band’s own songs from the band’s ’70s period prior to changing to the ‘classic’ 5-man line-up . I am pretty sure albums like Stand Back and Electric Jewels rank highly among April Wine fans. *Feel free to add in your own comments and choices in the comments.

Fast Train

April Wine’s first album, self-titled, was released in the fall of 1971. It was a Canadian-only release (or so I thought), until I saw a release in Brazil (on Discogs) in ’72, and a mention in Billboard of the single getting an Australian issue (on Festival Records) . Anyway, April Wine was far from the sound that they’d later become a huge success for, and with all band-members contributing to the songwriting and vocals. “Fast Train”, penned solely by Myles Goodwyn is the obvious standout track, and closest thing to what the band’s more commercial pop-rock sound would evolve into. The single charted in Canada, in the summer of ’71, at #38 (RPM charts). A follow up single “Listen Mister” (also penned by Goodwyn) was issued as a follow up single, but didn’t chart or have the lasting impact that “Fast Train” did.

Page Five

Although the band’s first album has become largely overlooked, save for “Fast Train”, by older fans, and those curious about the feet on the cover, it does feature some other interesting songs, and songs that were of the time, sound-wise, mixing acoustic and heavier guitars, backing vocals, kinda psychedelic in places, and some fine guitar solos. Bandmembers had a vast range of influences, notably Led Zeppelin and Frank Zappa. In some ways the mix of all those things mentioned and unclear direction of all this kinda reminds me of those first 2 Alice Cooper albums (particularly Easy Action). But tracks like “Wench” and “Time” (which I almost picked here) feature some heavy guitar solos). “Page Five”, one of 2 tracks written by guitarist David Henman is pretty cool mid range rock track for the time, with plenty of changes, drum fills from brother Ritchie, and a big guitar solo. It’s also the longest track on the album. Following this album Jim Henman left the band to return home, not being keen on what the rock n roll lifestyle might bring. He did contribute 3 songs to the debut, notably “Time” and the acoustic ballad “Song For Mary”. In later years Jim Henman has been doing acoustic shows with Myles Goodwyn on occasion.

Drop Your Guns

Th band followed up with On Record, which saw the debut of Jim Clench on bass (ex Allison Gross). On Record also featured a number of good bandmember penned songs, such as Jim Clench’s ballad “Didn’t You”, Myles Goodwyn’s “Refuge”, and “Drop Your Guns” – the 3rd single (in Canada) written by David Henman, but sang Myles Goodwyn. A good rocker, and an early April Wine classic, “Drop Your Guns” would hit #34 in Canada, but wouldn’t be released (as a single) anywhere else. Driven by one of the band’s more memorable riffs. “Drop Your Guns” came out in a picture-sleeve, originally, as well the album would be released as the band’s ‘debut’ in the US with a different cover (featuring the bandmember photos from the inner gatefold)

Work All Day

Also from On Record. Written and sang by Myles Goodwyn. The album’s heaviest track; one of the band’s underrated gems from this period, and cool opening riffs. Interesting thing about this album is all those strings that linked the songs together would make tracks, aside from the singles, too difficult for album formatted radio stations to play cuts like this. “Work All Day” would make for an interesting live cut for the current touring band.

Electric Jewels

April Wine’s third album would take longer, and include 2 versions of the band, as the band essentially broke up while making this one. The title track was written by Goodwyn and Clench (as most of this album is credited to) about frustrations with the record companies and the business at the time “electric jewels in the hands of fools” – with the jewels being the artists and the fools being record company execs. It featured a number of changes, along with keyboards and acoustic guitars, a pretty progressive number for the band at the time, and one of my favorite ‘Wine songs. It is during a change in the song, to the 2nd movement that band changes from the Henmans to new members Gary Moffett (guitar) and Jerry Mercer (drums, ex Mashmakhan, Roy Buchanan). Also released as a single, edited down severely. David & Ritchie Henman would be listed among the ‘additional personnel’ in the credits, which also include Pierre Senecal on organ, also from Mashmakhan. The album was fully recorded with the Henmans, but once David and Ritchie were no longer in the band the 2 songs that David Henman had contributed to the album were removed and replaced. David & Ritchie went on to record under the band name SILVER (https://www.discogs.com/release/6358635-Silver-Serpent-In-The-Street)

Cat’s Claw

Electric Jewels included 9 tracks, side 2 containing 5, and well, I prefer this side, just a great run of songs. “Cat’s Claw”, sang by Jim Clench is a favorite here, a good mix of acoustic and heavy lead guitar. As much as I like the song and Clench’s vocals here it is the heavy guitar solo and extended guitar outro that really make this one stand out.

Come On Along

As Electric Jewels and Stand Back would be in my top 3 or 4 AW albums, it is a challenge to pick just a few from each. After the Henman’s split and before Moffett and Mercer joined Goodwyn and Clench, the latter went to England for a short time to try and do some writing there. Goodwyn & Clench would share lead vocals on a few songs. “Come On Along”, which opens side 2 is a great example of how well this shared vocals worked. Good tune, excellent production. There are a number of good songs on this album that I am sure others will feel should be included here, notably Robert Wright’s “Weeping Widow” (sang by Jim Clench), and “Lady Run, Lady Hide”, written about the environment (Mother Nature) – both singles. Following Electric Jewels the band released their first ‘Live’ album, with the set including a few songs that were originally only released as A & B-side singles – notably a cover of David Elliot’s “I’m On Fire For You Baby” , which was a minor hit. Both the single and the Live album were produced by The Rascals Dino Danelli and Gene Cornish.

Oohwatanite

One of the band’s trademark songs. Penned and sang by Jim Clench from the Stand Back album, which would be produced by the band. Unlike Electric Jewels – Stand Back saw Myles Goodwyn and Jim Clench credited on their own to the songs, and featured a much more polished sound and direction. “Oohwatanite” was 1 of 2 solely credited to Clench (and sang by), and his greatest contribution to the band. “Oowatanite” has always remained a highpoint of the band’s live set, set off by the train-crossing bell and light. Clench’s replacement (Steve Lang) would later sing the song (as credited) for Live At The El Mocambo, and Goodwyn would sing it for years after that.

Victim Of Your Love

Stand Back featured 11 tracks, and seems to have been penned with singles in mind, because almost every track sounds like they would’ve made for fine single releases. So, picking just a few from this album was pretty difficult. “Victim Of Your Love” is one of a few outstanding guitar driven rockers, memorable riff, the solo, the harmonies and lead vocal all make for a great production. I wondered if the song’s title was originally incorrect, as the line being sung is “victim for your love”, but I see it was listed as “Victim For Your Love” on the Greatest Hits Love 2003 release. Also, the only song that’s over 4 minutes long on this album.

Highway Hard Run

Another Myles Goodwyn track from Stand Back. interesting story in the tune (I often wonder who might be the band in the song’s tale?). Also, the B-side to “Oowatanite”. Perhaps my favorite (non-A side single) album rocker from this era, love the performances and changes in this one.

Gimme Love

In 1975 Jim Clench left the band and would go on to record 2 albums with BTO, as well as 451 (Degrees), and rejoined April Wine in the early ’90s. Clench was replaced by Steve Lang (ex Devotion, Mashmakhan). The Whole World’s Goin’ Crazy was another solid album, tho’ not quite as loaded with potential hit singles as Stand Back. It was produced by Myles Goodwyn and would feature a few guests, as well as co-writes. “Gimme Love” was a strong opening track, a good upbeat rock tune, with a few nice changes, co-written with Havoness Hagopian (of Moonquake). Another from the band’s vast catalogue that might be cool to hear in the live show again. Strangely this was also released as a B-side to a non-LP A single. The album featured the Mad Hatter on the cover, one of the band’s most memorable album covers from Aquarius in-house artist Bob Lemm.

So Bad

Also from The Whole World’s Goin’ Crazy. Probably the heaviest track the band did during this period, with the legendary Frank Marino guesting on guitar. The Canadian and American versions of this album would differ in track selections, with the US having an extra track, and including a couple more ballads – songs that would appear on the band’s next release. ” When April Wine was hitting it big, their manager – Terry Flood, came and asked me how to penetrate the American border and make it big. Terry and other Canadian bands came to me because I was huge in the States. In fact, to this day, aside from Montreal, I have still not played very many gigs in my own country. I told them – don’t ask me! I just stumbled into this …!” (Frank M. – https://rickkeenemusicscene.com/2012/09/03/frank-marino-anti-establishment-101/ ) Other favorites on this album include “Rock n Roll Woman” (which I almost picked here), and “Wings Of Love”.

Holly Would

OK, so now I am at #13. And honestly I am not a big fan of Forever For Now, not for lack of good songs, just not much in the way of rockers here. But, I believe this album did start out as a Myles Goodwyn solo album, with the band brought in to complete it and use the band name (record company decision?). There;s a lot of (good) ballads here, and a few different things, but the title track is a good upbeat rock track, and this one would be my favorite here, “Holly Would” – a neat wording. Asides from Canada, Forever For Now only got released in Greece. Following this album April Wine would famously open for The Rolling Stones (ie The Cockroaches) and release Live At The El Mocambo from it, which (again) featured a number of non-LP songs, notably 2 tracks from Bob Segarini (The Wackers).

LINKS:

https://mylesgoodwyn.com/

https://www.aprilwine.ca/thebuerstercollection/

https://www.ritchiehenman.com/

https://www.ritchiehenman.com/

https://rockpapermerch.com/products/just-between-you-and-me-book?variant=40015090253908
Great Moments In Canadian Music (Track 13): How April Wine Turned A Rejection Letter Into Their Big Break

SPIRIT ADRIFT release new single from next album

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Spirit Adrift will release their career-defining LP Ghost At The Gallows on August 18th.  The album’s fiery third single “Barn Burner” has premiered with a companion music video.  Inspired by Michael Flanagan’s Midnight Mass, the “Barn Burner” video illustrates the song’s themes— anger, identity politics, and blind persecution— coupled with an explosive live performance from Spirit Adrift.  Though intense and bombastic, the underlying message is “a plea for unity, empathy, and love,” says bandleader Nate Garrett.

With Ghost At The Gallows, Nate Garrett has delivered Spirit Adrift’s most fully realized work to date; a record that confidently stands at the crossroads of heavy metal at its most epic and elemental and hard rock at it’s most honest and heartfelt.

The road lead to the album was nothing short of massive undertaking. Garrett has been weaving the sonic tapestry of Spirit Adrift since 2015, marking his own personal growth from doom metal and his much-documented sobriety to today’s sonic triumph with Ghost At The Gallows. The album intricately pulls together every element of Garrett’s riff-mongering musical mastery to arrive at a conclusion and start a new chapter for Spirit Adrift.

From the start, it didn’t take long for Spirit Adrift to strike a very loud, resounding chord with worshippers of the riff.  By the time they released 2017’s Curse of Conception and 2019’s Divided by Darkness (both on 20 Buck Spin) what began as Garrett’s solo project had taken on a life of its own, placing high on year-end polls and filling clubs as Nate and an ad-hoc amalgamation of friends and bandmates brought his songs to volume-dealing life. The influence of “Hendrix, Black Sabbath, Metallica, Slayer and also growing up in the South, really loving old sincere country music, bluegrass and stuff like that” is the sonic soul of Spirit Adrift according to Nate. 

2020 saw the release of Spirit Adrift’s Century Media debut, Enlightened In Eternity (a split release with 20-Buck Spin in North America); Garrett set to work forging a more permanent line-up for the spirited, energized release. Spirit Adrift began to hit the road as a band with a solidified and freshly empowered line-up – bassist Sonny DeCarlo, drummer Mike Arellano and ex-Carcass guitarist Tom Draper. 

With Sanford Parker at Chicago’s Electrical Audio and Jeff Henson at Texas’s Red Nova Ranch engineering and co-producing alongside Garrett, and legendary Zeuss (Queensryche, Hatebreed) handling mixing and mastering duties, Ghost At The Gallows takes chances few of Spirit Adrift’s riff-obsessed brethren could possibly approach.

Ghost At The Gallows can be pre-ordered here.

Ghost At The Gallows, track listing:
Give Her To The River
Barn Burner
Hanged Man’s Revenge
These Two Hands
Death Won’t Stop Me
I Shall Return
Siren Of The South
Ghost At The Gallows

Check out the previous videos- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vrFXyAiwMM and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XS_wkkoieA

Links:

https://spiritadrift.bandcamp.com/album/ghost-at-the-gallows

https://centurymedia.store/product/Y4CE802COMBO/spirit-adrift-ghost-at-the-gallows-bone-lp-digital-download

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