Italian prog-metal band DGM have a new album coming out next month, and have just released their 2nd single from it. It’s a faster paced rockin’ track titled “To The Core”, a nice follow up to the epic “Unravel The Sorrow”. Check out the videos below, as well as the press info, and links!
Today, DGM share their new track, “To The Core”, accompanied by a new music video. This is the second single from their upcoming new album, ‘Life’, out November 17th on Frontiers Music Srl.
‘Life’ is the product of a two year period of creativity during which DGM’s main man, Simone Mularoni, wrote a wealth of musical material. The songs clearly show his desire to push the band beyond any previous boundaries and to build a more personal identity and approach. Truly, no small feat given the band’s catalog!
All the trademark elements of DGM’s sound can be found on ‘Life’ – sweeping choruses, deftly technical passages, lightning-fast fretwork, huge vocals and dynamic transitions – but the care and the dedication to the songwriting boldly emerges. Filled with phenomenal songs which carefully encompass everything from the heaviest of progressive metal to a more classic hard rock sound, the playing on this new album is faultless, as usual, and the melodies are perfectly woven into killer guitar work, epic keyboards, and pounding drums.
DGM comment, “’Life’ is exactly the sum of all the elements that build the DGM’s sound so far. Over the years we’re focusing more and more on the quality of the songs rather than the usual prog-metal technical aspects, putting all our efforts in the arrangements and caring every little detail of each song. We strongly believe that this album is the peak of our songwriting!”
Additionally, DGM’s line-up is more cohesively gelled than ever but, beyond Mularoni’s spectacular guitar playing, a special mention goes to singer Mark Basile who truly dominates the new material like a helmsman on a stormy night.
Watch out for DGM! They are not only Italy’s finest, but are an absolutely astounding force to be reckoned with in the international progressive metal scene. With ‘Life’ they offer up their fastest, heaviest, most intense platter of progressive power metal to date.
*DGM are planning a European tour in support of the album’s release. Dates will be announced soon.
Track List: 1 Unravel The Sorrow 2 To The Core 3 The Calling 4 Second Chance 5 Find Your Way 6 Dominate 7 Eve 8 Journey To Nowhere 9 Leave All Behind 10 Neuromancer
Canadian singer Kami Van Halst has a new single, a tribute to Alice Cooper. The song “My Alice” includes parts of a few Alice songs put together in a new heavy tune. Featured guitarist on “My Alice” is Canadian guitarist Phil X formerly of Triumph, and currently of Bon Jovi. Check out the singles from Kami below, as well as the press info. Both tracks are also available on Spotify.
Canada’s KAMI VAN HALST Shares A Halloween Treat With New Singles“My Alice” ft. Phil X: A Fierce Ode to Alice Cooper& “Jack Sally’s Song” ft. Paul Woida: A Musical Journey to Halloween Town
The haunting new piece, “My Alice” is a sinister homage to the enigmatic Alice Cooper. In this electrifying tribute, Kami Van Halst delves into the dark, theatrical, and rebellious essence that defines Alice Cooper’s legacy. The song encapsulates the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll, unleashing its wild and untamed energy for music lovers worldwide. “My Alice” is a powerful, head-banging masterpiece that bridges generations of rock enthusiasts.
“This has been a labor of devotion, nurtured in shadows for what feels like an eternity. What could be more fitting for this monstrous revelation than Halloween time? For too long, our band has harbored this dark symphony, yearning for the perfect moment. The torment of waiting has made it all the sweeter. I must extend my deepest gratitude to our producer, Arnold Lanni, who delved fearlessly into this odyssey, pushing the boundaries of my artistry. To my band, my brethren, who poured their souls into the writing and playing, enduring the agonizing wait for this release. Step right up, for the show is about to begin, and the mysteries of the night await you under the big top.” adds Kami.
As an added bonus for Halloween lovers and fans of the beloved movie “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” Kami Van Halst and her husband, Paul Woida, bring to life the enchanting love story of Jack and Sally with their rendition of “Jack and Sally’s Song”. This hauntingly beautiful tribute to the iconic film captures the magic and melancholy of Halloween Town while blending Kami’s vocal prowess with Paul’s musical talents. The song is a heartfelt homage to the creativity and imagination of Tim Burton’s masterpiece and a perfect addition to any Halloween playlist. Experience the magic of Jack and Sally’s love story in a whole new way.
In addition Kami Van Halst is working on her metamorphosis into the enigmatic Jezebel Slade, a fierce and untamed force of nature. With an enthralling stage presence and a captivating aura, Jezebel Slade commands the spotlight like a true rock goddess. For mroe info on this, check out her website HERE.
Initial Kick Featuring Angel Bassist Steve E. Ojane Drops Debut Album Plays With Mercury Through DEKO Entertainment
Initial Kick is the high-energy Philadelphia-based rock band helmed by singer / songwriter Steve E. Ojane (Angel) and lead guitarist Frankie Schaffer (Hurricane Jane.) Inspired by the influences of Mott The Hoople, Hanoi Rocks, Alice Cooper, T. Rex, and David Bowie, the boys offer up their own unique blend of songwriting and performance to the genre of arena rock with their debut album ‘Plays With Mercury’.
Steve E. Ojane replaced bassist Felix Robinson in the legendary ’70s glam band Angel in 2018 and contributed to their Billboard charting comeback album ‘Risen’ and latest release ‘Once Upon A Time’. Initial Kick’s debut album ‘Plays With Mercury’ features 12 tracks including a cover of The Archies “Sugar Sugar” and the first single “Tranquilizer” which dropped on September 15th.
As Initial Kick co-founders Steve E. Ojane and Frankie Schaffer state, “This album is our love letter to rock and roll. With a driving passion for the theatrical anthem rock we all grew up on, we had a blast putting this together. We think it’s pretty special and we’re stoked to share it with you. Crank it up!” Plays With Mercury was mixed by Steve DeAcutis (Vanilla Fudge, Corey Glover, Dave Bickler, Angel, etc…) and features guest appearances by fellow Angel bandmates Billy Orrico and Charlie Calv, as well as Richie Ranno (STARZ.)
Track list: On The Inside Tomorrow And Forever Wish You Well (Once Upon A Time) Tranquilizer Sotheby’s Wasteland (It’s A Mall World After All) Me And Rock And Roll Sloane Road Kids ’93 At Home With The Animals Sugar Sugar Big In Singapore Rock And Roll Saved My Life
Finland’s SATAN’S FALL have a new album coming out in a few weeks. Destination Destruction will be the band’s 2nd full length album, and they’ve gone through a number of changes since their 2016 debut EP. The band just released their 2nd single (and video) from Destination Destruction – “Afterglow”; I like it, kinda reminds me a wee bit of Iron Maiden’s “Wicker Man” (the beginning, anyway). Great heavy sound, well produced. *Check out the clips below, as well as the press info, album cover, track listing, etc…
Finland is well-known as a country where metal talent abounds, and SATAN’S FALL, from Helsinki, is no exception. The band presents the second single from their upcoming album ‘Destination Destruction,’ accompanied by a music video. The song is called “Afterglow” and is one of the faster, more melodic tracks off the new album.
Guitarist Tomi Mäenpää adds: “‘Afterglow’ is easily one of the catchiest tracks on the album, both in terms of melody and delivery of the song. It reflects well how far we have come as composers and as a band. We think listeners will like it a lot!
“Once again we had the pleasure and honor to shoot the video with our trusted man Esa Jussila who is behind our previous videos.”
The music video was directed, shot and edited by Esa Jussila. The album was recorded and mixed by Lassi Tiainen and mastered by Mika Jussila.
After the release of their debut album, ‘Final Day’, in December of 2020, the pandemic, of course, made all tour plans redundant. However, SATAN’S FALL, the five-piece surrounding vocalist Miika Kokko, guitarist Tomi Mäenpää and bass player Joni Petander, hasn’t lost its idealism, as a matter of fact, quite the opposite. Following a line-up change that saw Ville Koskinen join on as new lead guitarist and Arttu Hankosaari take the drummer’s seat, the Nordic quintet sounds more impressive than ever before!
An even stronger album than the first, ‘Destination Destruction’ is eight powerful metal songs (+ two bonus cover tracks) performed with speed and virtuosity, infused with catchy melodies and brilliant production.
The album will be available from Steamhammer/SPV on November 3rd, 2023 on CD, LP and for digital download.
The 2nd of 2 albums by British progressive band FAMILY to include John Wetton on bass is getting an expanded CD release. Bandstand featured the hit “Burlesque”, as well as favorite “Coronation”, which included Wetton as a co-writer. The band lead by singer Roger Chapman and guitarist John ‘Charlie’ Whitney released 1 further album in 1973 (minus Wetton) before going on to form STREETWALKERS. John Wetton left after this album to join KING CRIMSON. This expanded version includes 5 excellent live BBC tracks from October of ’72, notably the acoustic “My Friend The Sun”, great stuff! Looking forward to hearing the 3-disc version of the previous FAMILY album Fearless. *Check out the press release, as well as ordering info and links below!.
Family “Bandstand” New Remastered and Expanded Edition Available November 24, 2023
• NEW REMASTERED AND EXPANDED RELEASE OF THE CLASSIC 1972 ALBUM BY FAMILY.
• REMASTERED FROM THE ORIGINAL MASTER TAPES WITH 10 BONUS TRACKS, FULLY RESTORED ARTWORK AND NEW ESSAY.
Released in September 1972, Family’s “Bandstand” was the second to feature a line-up vocalist Roger Chapman, guitarist John “Charlie” Whitney, drummer Rob Townsend, bassist and vocalist John Wetton and multi-instrumentalist John “Poli” Palmer on vibes, keyboards and flute and followed the success of the album “Fearless” released the previous October.
The album featured such classic tracks as “Burlesque” (a UK Top 20 hit single), “My Friend The Sun”, “Glove” and “Coronation”. The recording sessions also featured guest vocalist Linda Lewis on the powerful “Broken Nose”.
This new expanded edition has been newly remastered from the original master tapes and also includes ten bonus tracks drawn from the single “The Rockin’ Rs”, unreleased studio out-takes from May 1971 and a BBC Radio session from October 1972. This new expanded remastered release also features an illustrated booklet with a new essay.
TRACK LISTING:
1 Burlesque 2 Bolero Babe 3 Coronation 4 Dark Eyes 5 Broken Nose 6 My Friend the Sun 7 Glove 8 Ready to Go 9 Top of the Hill Bonus tracks 10 The Rockin’ Rs (B-Side of single) 11 Coronation (first version – Olympic studios May 1972) 12 My Friend the Sun (first version – Olympic studios May 1972) 13 Glove (first version – Olympic studios May 1972) 14 The Rockin’ R’s (first version – Olympic studios May 1972) 15 Ready to Go (BBC Session October 1972) 16 Dark Eyes (BBC Session October 1972) 17 Burlesque (BBC Session October 1972) 18 My Friend the Sun (BBC Session October 1972) 19 Coronation (BBC Session October 1972)
Southern California roots rockers Robert Jon and The Wreck have a new single out, described as “a soulful ode to the touring life.” Check out the video below, or listen to it digitally – “Hold On”
“’Hold On’ is a track that wrestles with the question of every touring musician of how long can you hold on to this crazy lifestyle of being on the road, away from loved ones and family,” comments Robert Jon. “The song was recorded at Village Studios in LA and started out as a soundcheck riff, with promise. It turned into a riff-based rock classic, with soaring vocals and ripping guitar lines.”
The release of “Hold On” follows the band’s prior single “Stone Cold Killer.” Accompanied by the band’s first foray into animation, the “Stone Cold Killer” music video was directed and animated in black and white by Marco Pavone, introducing a fresh visual narrative while maintaining the band’s authentic Southern Rock essence.
Robert Jon & The Wreck are touring extensively in 2023, bringing their new music to fans both in the United States and Europe. They are currently on a European tour, covering countries like Germany, the Netherlands, UK, France, Austria, and Switzerland. After wrapping up in Europe on October 8th, the band will head to the U.S. in November. They will start by supporting The Mavericks for four shows, followed by their own headline tour that will continue until December 10th and end the year with newly added shows supporting Blackberry Smoke.Recently, keyboardist Jake Abernathie joined the band as an official member as they continue to tour and record in the studio. Simply put, it is difficult to ignore when these talented musicians take the stage.
Music On CD have reissued the ARGENT box of the band’s first 5 essential albums. Well worth checking out, if you don’t have any Argent! Includes hits “Liar” (made famous by Three Dog Night), “Hold Your Head Up”, and “God Gave Rock n Roll To You” (covered by Kiss).
This great box set includes five original albums recorded between 1969 and 1974 by the great British Prog group Argent, created by Rod Argent after the demise of the Zombies, one of the most important and talented representatives of British scene. With masterpiece “Argent” with excellent guitar playing, “Ring Of Hands” with a more rock mood, “All Together Now”, “In Deep” and “Nexus”. The albums have been digitally remastered and packaged in album replicas (mini-sleeves), housed in a cardboard box. This is an essential!
DOKKEN has a brand new album out next week. The band was one of the best that came out of the LA ‘metal’ scene in the ’80s with hits like “Breaking The Chains”, “In My Dreams”, “Just Got Lucky”, and “Alone Again”. They definitely built an impressive catalogue of albums throughout the ’80s, but over the years the ‘original’ band members would come and go, and for the past several years vocalist / songwriter and namesake Don Dokken has been keeping the Dokken name alive (rightfully so). The rest of the band consists of guitarist Jon Levin (for some 20 years now), and the longtime rhythm section of BJ Zampa and Chris McCarvill. Heaven Comes Down was produced by Don Dokken and Bill Palmer, and mixed by Kevin Shirley (Iron Maiden, Aerosmith…). Don Dokken’s health issues over the past decade plus have been documented, and the guy’s taken criticism online on occasion over his voice in later years, but really the guy is 70, still out there, and listening to Heaven Comes Down – he can still write good songs and delivers them fine by me! In going back and checking out the band’s previous few albums, I would say this is much better. The songs and production suit Don’s voice well; he sounds good throughout this, not overdoing it, but still rockin’. Heaven Comes Down is not ‘metal’ (was Dokken ever really metal?), but it rocks, and offers a good range of songs, with a few surprises. “Fugitive” was the lead off single, and it’s the first track on the album, a great opener with Jon Levin’s guitar notes, and the band coming in, easily a favorite here. I also dig the 2nd single “Gypsy”, a cool story behind it, and well – gotta love the title (thinking of all the classic bands that have used the same title & idea — Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, Black Sabbath). There is a good mix of rockers and a few ballads here, with favorites being “Saving Grace”, “Lost In You”, and the ballad “Never Give Up”. Plenty of cool intros and hooks throughout this, with Jon Levin being outstanding on this. Heaven Comes Down closes with the most interesting and perhaps best non-rock Dokken tune ever – “Santa Fe”, a memorable acoustic ballad, biographical lyrics , as Don sings about packing up and moving on. Is it a sign that this is Dokken’s last album (as Don has suggested in interviews)? Let’s hope not, as Heaven Comes Down is a great return after a decade. Check it out!
MAGNUM have announced a new album, ‘Here Comes the Rain’, to be released January 12, 2024. There will be a new single & (lyric) video out on November 22! A European & UK tour will follow starting in April. *Check out the press info & tour dates below.
There are few great bands on our planet that can be infallibly identified within the first few bars of one of their songs. With unique melodic skill, tasteful instrumentation, an amazing balance of depth and catchiness, and, of course, that charismatic voice: MAGNUM are Magnum!
The same can be said of their latest studio album ‘Here Comes The Rain’, which will be out on Steamhammer/SPV January 12th, 2024 on CD + DVD, double vinyl LP, as a box set and for digital download, proving once again that classic rock music could hardly sound more atmospheric. The band surrounding frontman Bob Catley and guitarist/songwriter Tony Clarkin is set to release two lead singles – “Blue Tango” on November 22, 2023 and “The Seventh Darkness” on January 3, 2024. Additionally, a tour has been scheduled to kick off in early April 2024.
The album’s highly inspired artwork is once more designed by the great Rodney Matthews, who has already created a number of MAGNUM sleeves to support the band’s atmospherically dense music. Says Tony Clarkin: “The back cover features a kind of avian battalion in attack mode, which I think is a great allegory!”
Apart from MAGNUM’s typical trademarks, ‘Here Comes The Rain’ also holds a number of thoroughly pleasant surprises. First single, “Blue Tango”, is a real riff-rock number that makes you want to move your feet while “The Seventh Darkness”, is filled with awesome brass sections courtesy of guest musicians Chris ‘BeeBe’ Aldridge (saxophone) and Nick Dewhurst (trumpet), which lend the song brilliance and shape.
There is no doubt about it: ‘Here Comes The Rain’ sees the MAGNUM line-up consisting of Catley, Clarkin, keyboardist Rick Benton, bassist Dennis Ward and drummer Lee Morris, once again succeed in creating an outstanding, colorful, varied and inspired new studio album. “Everyone played their part without me dictating anything,” Clarkin enthuses, “everyone just instinctively played what their inspiration told them.” It’s a good thing that these superb musicians can rely on their intuition!
‘Here Comes the Rain’ Track List: 1. Run into the Shadows 2. Here Comes the Rain 3. Some Kind of Treachery 4. After the Silence 5. Blue Tango 6. The Day He Lied 7. The Seventh Darkness 8. Broken City 9. I Wanna Live 10. Borderline ‘
Here Comes The Rain’ will be released on January 12th, 2024 through SPV/Steamhammer in the following configurations: > CD+DVD (‘Live At KK’s Steel Mill’) DigiPak > CD Jewel Case Version > Limited Box Set > 2LP Gatefold, 140 g, solid baby blue vinyl, printed inner sleeves > Download / Streaming > Exclusive CD/LP Bundles with a shirt only at the Steamhammer shop HERE > 2LP Gatefold exclusive colored edition only at the Napalm shop HERE
URIAH HEEP’s sixth studio album since their inception in 1970, was released in September of 1973.Sweet Freedom marked a change in direction for the band following the favorites – Demons And Wizards and The Magician’s Birthday, both released in 1972, both including fantasy themes and Roger Dean artwork. But following the band’s Live album released earlier in 1973, the band spoke of the unwanted attention that the previous 2 albums drew in based on the song titles and lyrical topics, and that they’d be steering clear of that on their next album. The band’s contract with Mercury Records was also up and they were signed to Warner Brothers in North America. Warners was a bigger label, and had loads of the big name heavy acts at the time, so Heep would make a fine addition to their roster. With Sweet Freedom the band began a more mainstream approach. This new album came in a brightly colored cover featuring the band on the front in a sunset, and a tri-fold sleeve to include individual photos,lyrics and credits (gone would be Ken Hensley’s liner notes). Cover and photos by Fin Costello.
Sweet Freedom featured the single “Stealin'”, penned by Ken Hensley. Although it be de-railed from being a massive hit single due to radio stations, at the time, not playing it because of the line “I done the rancher’s daughter”, it would go on to be a huge favorite amongst fans, and a live favorite regularly for decades to come. Based on a story Hensley claimed was pure imagination, it is one of the best examples of David Byron interpreting his words so convincingly. And add in Gary Thain’s bass (intro) and Mick Box’s brilliant solo, “Stealin'” is Heep at their best. But there’s 7 other cuts here, and they’re all classic Heep. “Dreamer”, penned by Box & Thain is a solid rocker that opens the album, telling the tale of a fan who hangs around the band, the feel-good short rocker “One Day”, and title track round out the first side.
“If I Had The Time”, opens side 2 with Hensley using more keyboards, giving this a more prog & psych feel. He would later in life disagree with some of his own lyrics here, commenting that he wouldn’t do things the same given the chance ‘if I had the time to re-live my life’. “Seven Stars”, another Hensley tune based on a dream would be the album’s 2nd single. The last 2 tracks tho’ are huge favorites – the acoustic “Circus”, another penned by Box & Thain would’ve made an excellent single (much more so than “Seven Stars”, IMO). Heck, I would suggest between Gary Thain’s songwriting contributions and playing throughout, that Sweet Freedom would be his best record with Heep. The album closes with the Hensley & Byron epic “Pilgrim”. It’s a theatrical heavy rocker, with some cool changes, and a great vocal. Clocking in at over 7 minutes, about as long as post-’72 Heep would get, as they abandon the longer pieces as they moved to a more mainstream approach (the band’s next few albums would feature more shorter tunes).
Sweet Freedom was another big charting album for the band in many countries, notably in Canada where it reached top 10. Odd that I never hear anything from it on Canadian classic rock radio, tho “Stealin'” still gets played on many American stations (like Buffalo’s 97 Rock). Sweet Freedom was also the first album Heep recorded outside of the UK (for tax reasons), at France’s Chateau D’Herouville, which was a popular studio at the time. They would stumble a bit with the next album which they also recorded out of country, in Germany. Sweet Freedom though is essential Uriah Heep listening from the band’s golden era.
*Leave a comment and let me know where Sweet Freedom sits amongst your favorite Uriah Heep albums.
*Songs from Sweet Freedom can be heard live on the release of the band’s 1973 King Biscuit Flower Hour, as well as a decent audience bootleg from the band’s show in Buffalo, New York, a few weeks prior to the album’s release. Aside from “Stealin'”, a few other tracks have been brought back to the live show on occasion, so live versions of “Sweet Freedom”, “Circus”, and “Seven Stars” exist with Bernie Shaw & Phil Lanzon. Ken Hensley also released an early take of “If I Had The Time” on his 1993 compilation of outtakes From Time To Time.
URIAH HEEP, “SWEET FREEDOM.” Uriah’s first album for the Brothers Warner is loaded with explosively driving rock that should leap to the top of the charts. “Stealin’ ” looks like a giant hit single and Ken Hensley and Gary Thain have written a heap of solid tunes, including “One Day,” “If I Had Time,” “Pilgrim” and “Seven Stars.” Warner Bros. BS 2724 (Record World, 09-29-1973)
SWEET FREEDOM-Uriah Heep-Warner Brothers-BS 2724 On their debut for their new label, Uriah Heep comes on stronger than ever and look ready to storm American shores as they have in their native England. Spearheaded by their current single release, “Stealin’,” this Heep disk is a very powerful demonstration of what the group is capable of delivering and one which should impress the masses upon first listening. Along with the single is the power driving title track and “Dreamer” other Heep compositions that score heavily, and only do more to increase their already high level of respectability. If you’ve been waiting for the vehicle to really get this group on their way, the wait is over. “Sweet Freedom” is here. (CashBox, 09-23-1973)
Outsider Rock 