Legendary British rockers SWEET will release their ‘last ever’ album next month, titled Full Circle. The band has been led since the ’80s by guitarist Andy Scott and has gone through numerous line-up changes over the decades since the original SWEET made a huge impact in the ’70s with hits like “Action”, “Ballroom Blitz”, and “Fox On the Run”. Full Circle features 11 tracks, which were begun back in 2019. Check out the press info & links below, as well as the 3 clips which have been released.

SWEET are a rock music phenomenon that has taken the world by storm for more than six decades. Over the years, SWEET sold more than 55 million records and earned 34 #1 chart positions worldwide. 

The golden thread that links the past through to the present and into the future is SWEET founding member Andy Scott, with all his determination to maintain high standards with the band’s musical legacy, recording, and touring. 

The band today still has an illustrious pedigree recreating “live” the high energy and soaring vocals associated with the SWEET sound that is the band’s trademark.

SWEET began writing songs for the Full Circle album in 2019 pre-pandemic. The project was shelved, and the band released Isolation Boulevard instead. This involved remote recording sessions which put a new spin on the material. The album was well received, and the single “Set Me Free” appeared in many Heritage Rock charts. 

With the Covid period of isolation behind us, SWEET started the sessions for Full Circle in earnest. The band’s touring schedule split the sessions, but by the spring of 2024, the recordings were done. The band’s performance is outstanding, and producers Andy and Tom Cory are very proud of the result. 

Full Circle will be SWEET’s final studio album ever.

MUSICIANS:
Paul Manzi – lead vocals
Lee Small – bass guitar / vocals
Tom Cory – guitars / keys / vocals
Adam Booth – drums / percussion
Andy Scott – guitars / vocals

LINKS:

www.thesweet.com 
www.metalville.de
www.facebook.com/metalville

I haven’t seen much about this one, but it grabbed my attention for the DIO connection, as it features guitarist Tracy G. Tracy played on the Dio albums Strange Highways, Angry Machines, and Dio’s Inferno: Last in Live – not Dio’s most successful period, but Tracy G had his own distinctive sound and suited Dio’s heavier& darker direction at the time. The other name of interest here is singer Mark Huff, who was the first of many singers to front the re-booted QUIET RIOT from 2010 to2012 before being sidelined and replaced following a serious health issue. Huff resurfaced a few years ago in the band STEEL MOUNTAIN CROSSING, who released a 7-track CD in 2019. But DARK MILE, which recently was released doesn’t necessarily sound like either member’s past. This is a solid, more melodic hard-rock/metal album. I like this, lots of good riffs, big heavy guitar sound, with a few acoustic moments, and a good mix of songs. Standout tracks include “Games”, “Know Me”, and “I Can’t Help You”. Check out the clip below, as well as the band bio, and links.

Dark Mile set out to create a sound that can certainly be described as melodic hard rock.  But there is a uniqueness to the sound that cannot be described as a copycat or sound alike.    

Long time friends Tracy G (Dio), Paul Alfery (Walk The Walk) and Randy Oviedo (Streek) connected with Mark Huff (Quiet Riot) and respected what each of them had done musically in the past. All four have been involved in the hard rock music scene for years.  They felt that if they could draw on that experience, they could create a powerful and distinctive sound.

Tracy G will be best known for his years with Ronnie James Dio. Mark Huff spent several years touring with Quiet Riot. Paul Alfery released the debut record for Walk the Walk and Randy Oviedo has been playing live as well as doing studio sessions since his days with Streek.

Their debut record can be best described as big, loud and raucous. Crunchy guitars, thunderous bass and vocals that demand your attention. Catchy songs with an elevated level of musicianship. Ready to make their mark in the melodic hard rock market. The future looks bright for Dark Mile. ​

Dark Mile are: Mark Huff (lead vocals), Tracy G. (guitars), Paul Alfery (guitar, keyboards), Randy Oviedo (bass)

LINKS:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558042420831

https://www.shop.prideandjoy.de/en/home/16398-dark-mile-dark-mile-cd.html

So, I am behind in my BLUE OYSTER CULT collecting. I’ve yet to get last years’ 50th Anniversary Live in NYC: First Night but listening to ‘Second Night‘ now (to be released in a few days), I am looking forward to getting both, (and presumably the Third Night down the road). The band’s ‘Second Night‘ performance consisted of the band’s 2nd album, Tyranny and Mutation – in full, as well as a cool selection of favorites the band included that night as well. This recording sounds excellent, and those early classics sound fresh and alive. The 2nd half of the show included gems like “Perfect Water”, “Lips In The Hill”, and a few from the band’s last studio album The Symbol Remains. Love the album art again. *Check out the press info, clips, track listing, and ordering link below….

Following the triumphant success of their 50th Anniversary celebration, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT is gearing up for the release of the eagerly anticipated ’50th Anniversary Live – Second Night.’ This electrifying performance, which includes the band’s second album ‘Tyranny and Mutation’ performed back-to-back, is set to hit the shelves on August 9, 2024 and promises to be a spectacular follow-up to the band’s historic three-night stint at Sony Hall in NYC.

In September 2022, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT enthralled fans with a unique trilogy of sold-out shows, each dedicated to one of their first three albums. Founding member Albert Bouchard made a special appearance on all three nights, adding a nostalgic touch to the historic milestone.

For nearly three hours each night, the band delivered a spellbinding set, weaving through the entirety of their classic initial trilogy of albums and treating fans to a mix of favorites, deep cuts, and classic hits. The atmosphere was electric, and Frontiers Music captured the magic, set to release each night as a special individual package

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT’s legacy spans over five decades, captivating fans with intelligent hard rock loaded with classic songs. Hailing from Long Island, NY, the band is renowned in the hard rock and heavy metal scene for their pioneering work, earning both critical acclaim and commercial success.

Cited as a major influence by acts like Metallica, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT boasts a timeless catalog, including iconic tracks like “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” “Godzilla,” and “Burnin’ for You.” The creative vision of the original core duo, Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeserand Eric Bloom, is complemented by Richie Castellano, Danny Miranda, and Jules Radino, forming a powerhouse lineup.

As the band embraces its status as a ‘classic rock’ phenomenon, they continue to create vibrant work, offering a refreshing alternative to mainstream trends. With a relentless touring schedule and the critically acclaimed album ‘THE SYMBOL REMAINS’ released in 2020, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT remains an enduring force, ready to ignite the stage once again with the upcoming release of ’50th Anniversary Live – Second Night’ on Frontiers Music Srl.

*Pre-Order ’50th Anniversary Live – Second Night’ HERE

’50th Anniversary Live – Second Night’ Track List

Album 1
1. The Red & The Black
2. O.D.’D On Life Itself
3. Hot Rails To Hell
4. 7 Screaming Diz-Busters
5. Baby Ice Dog
6. Wings Wetted Down
7. Teen Archer
8. Mistress Of The Salmon Salt (Quicklime Girl)

Album 2
1. Box In My Head
2. Burnin’ For You
3. Lips In The Hills
4. Perfect Water
5. Tenderloin
6. The Revenge Of Vera Gemini
7. E.T.I (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence)
8. That Was Me
9. Godzilla
10. (Don’t Fear) The Reaper
11. Unknown Tongue
12. Tattoo Vampire
13. Cities On Flame With Rock And Roll

*And if you don’t have the ‘First Night’, below is the link for more info and ordering for that release.

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT – 50th Anniversary Live – First Night – Black 3xLP

This came out in the summer of 2004, and was the first studio album to feature guitarist/singer Joe Gooch in place of Alvin Lee. A more modern blues rock album, Now is one of my favorites under the TYA banner, and a CD I still out regularly. From the start with “When It All Falls Down”, Now rocks. Lots of further great tracks here with “Time To Kill”, “Long Time Running”, and the more laid back epic piece “A Hundred Miles High”. The North American version of Now featured different cover art, as well as 2 live ‘bonus’ tracks of TYA classics “I’d Love to Change The World” and “Going Home”. The band released the live album Roadworks from the tour in support of Now, which also featured a number of songs from it. A follow up album titled Evolution was released a few years later (I’ve recently got this one). Joe Gooch & Leo Lyons left TYA a few years later and formed Hundred Seventy Split, while keyboardist Chick Churchill and drummer Ric Lee carried on with replacements.

Anyway, if you never heard this era of Ten Years After, check out Now.

Initially, I started out writing a list of favorite tracks from the John Payne years of ASIA, but I kept coming back to this album, and decided to feature it instead (first). Silent Nation was the last studio album of the John Payne years, released in 2004. It seems a bit of an oddity in the ASIA catalogue up until then with a totally different take on cover art (a photo), and an album title that doesn’t simply start with an ‘A’.

I remember seeing this when it came out in the local music chain shop, and being curious, but not curious enough to pay the ridiculous import price. Over the last year or so, I’ve picked up and revisited these Payne era albums on occasion, and though there are some excellent tracks throughout the catalogue w/ JP, a number of things sounded a bit too laid back at times, and I’ve wound up moving on to something else. But, I finally listened to this a few times in full (Youtube) one day, and thought this was far better than anything that came before it, with songs like the epic “Blue Moon Monday” (love that big Hammond organ sound), “Ghost In The Mirror”, the ballad “Gone Too Far”, the title track, and the 2 which I think would’ve made fine radio hits in “What About Love” and the single “Long Way From Home”. This album gets better with every listen. No duff cuts here, with every song offering something different and of interest. For me, this is not only the oddity in the ASIA catalogue (see above), but also the most overlooked IMO. Excellent album.

Silent Nation featured probably the longest running line-up of the John Payne years, with the players who had been holdovers from the previous album Aura in 2001. That album featured a number of drummers and guitar players, but among them – the legendary Chris Slade (Manfred Mann’s Earthband, Uriah Heep, The Firm, AC/DC…) and guitarist Guthrie Govan. Slade, Govan, Payne, and Downes were the ASIA line-up that I saw in 2002 in Trenton’s Classic Rock Festival (along w/ Uriah Heep, Focus, and others. This show was released on DVD & CD). Silent Nation does include a few other guest players and co-writers, notably Billy Sherwood (now of YES). This album was produced by John Payne, who did an excellent job, (I gotta wonder why Payne was left to this task on his own!?).

Anyway, this one would only come out on CD, and now seems to fetch a high price for the CD /DVD package. A shame this (and many from the John Payne years) never saw a vinyl release and have yet to see proper reissues. Perhaps someone could put together a nice box set of this period of ASIA(!?) Payne is currently touring his version of ASIA; I gotta wonder if anything from this album features in his show.

LINKS:

https://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=6261

https://www.seaoftranquility.org/article.php?sid=440

US band MAD PAINTER have a new single out – “Empty Bottles”. A fun upbeat retro 70s type of tune with various 70s influences from Uriah Heep, Slade, and (for whatever reason) this one kinda reminds me of Meat Loaf! Check out the song and press info below!

  https://open.spotify.com/intl-pt/album/2w26ySm0KIQuJ0ruqeJCIw

Mad Painter, the eclectic rock band known for their vibrant blend of 1970s influences, announces the release of their latest single, “Empty Bottles”. The track showcases the band’s signature sound with a nostalgic yet contemporary twist, appealing to both long-time fans and new listeners alike. Formed in Arlington, MA, Mad Painter consists of Alex Gitlin on keyboards and vocals, Al Nahabedian on guitar, Kenne Highland on bass, Al Hendry on drums, and backing vocals by Julie Gee and Sharon Crumrine. The band’s unique chemistry developed from their shared love of 1970s rock’n’roll, encompassing everything from proto-punk to early heavy metal and psychedelic rock. Mad Painter has performed at notable events such as Winter Tangle Fest in Kingston, NY and Echo Fest in Cuddebackville, NY, as well as numerous venues across the Boston area including Somerville and Cambridge. Their previous singles from the album “Splashed,” namely “Illusion” and “Rock And Roll Samurai,” garnered significant radio airplay and favorable reviews. Produced in Peabody, MA by Thomas Hamilton, known for his work with various rock acts, “Empty Bottles” promises to deliver Mad Painter’s trademark energy and lyrical depth. The single reflects the band’s ethos of celebrating the carefree spirit of 1970s rock while addressing contemporary themes with sincerity and insight.

Sweden’s NESTOR have released their 2nd album – Teenage Rebel. The band’s debut of 80s influenced hard rock/AOR is an easy favorite of the past few years, and Teenage Rebel offers another solid set and mixed bag of rockers, poppier tunes and ballads- like one of your favorite 80s bands might’ve done nearly 40 years ago! Musically and lyrically Teenage Rebel isn’t that far off from Kids In A Ghost Town. There’s the intro of news clips, video game, tv shows, and music – largely taken from the 80s, before the band kicks in to lead off anthem “Anthem”, which follows closely to the band debut single “On The Run”. From there on, it’s kinda more of the same as the debut – which is fine by me! The faster paced title track, pop rockers “Last To Know”, “Victorious”, and “Addicted To Your Love” are all easily likeable. There’s also a pair of ballads “The One That Got Away” and “Daughter” (the latter more reminiscent of “Tomorrow” from their first album). The album’s cover photo features a pair of kids staring at a bedroom wall covered in 80s posters, a pretty cool retro idea. A fun album for those wanting to re-call or re-live the 80s!

https://www.nestortheband.com/