Tag Archives: Heavy Metal

QUEENSRYCHE – Digital Noise Alliance

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The new Queensryche album Digital Noise Alliance is out. It’s the 4th studio album featuring singer Todd LaTorre, who is a more than suitable choice as replacement for Geoff Tate – at least if I’m going by this album, because this is an outstanding album. It’s very well produced, love the sound, the heaviness of it all, melodies and the songs in general make for a great listen (repeatedly!). I’ve heard plenty of Queensryche stuff since their glory days, but nothing that grabbed my attention like this one with “In Extremis” kicking things off in full force, and other ‘eavy cuts like “Lost In Sorrow”, “Sicdeth”, “Out Of The Black”, “Tormentum”, “Behind The Walls”… DNA only lets up on the ballad “Forest” and on the verses of “Hold On” (the latest single/video). A cover of Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell” ends the disc, as a ‘bonus’ track, and it sounds really good (tho’ I don’t think anyone can really capture Billy Idol’s ‘attitude’ in the song, La Torre does a fine job on it).

*For more check out the press info below –

In April 2022, QUEENSRŸCHE finished a five-week North American tour supporting metal gods Judas Priest. That tour wasn’t merely a fiery return to the stage for QUEENSRŸCHE after a two-year pandemic: it was a rejuvenation. The sound of a band locked-in and firing on all cylinders. “The Priest tour was a great springboard for us to get back onstage in what’s essentially a new world,” says founding guitarist Michael Wilton. “We had so much momentum going off of our last record [2019’s The Verdict] and then, the world, our business, came to a grinding halt. We had to survive, pick ourselves up and get back to being QUEENSRŸCHE.” Now, their legacy has coalesced into another career milestone for the Bellevue, Washington borne band with the release of their 16th studio album, Digital Noise Alliance. 

Overcoming obstacles and defying expectations has always been at the heart of QUEENSRŸCHE. With 20 million albums sold worldwide, innumerable accolades and a career that has charted the course of multiple genres, QUEENSRŸCHE remains bloodied but unbowed. Teamed again with producer and mixer, Zeuss (Rob Zombie, Hatebreed), Digital Noise Alliance embraces and refracts QUEENSRŸCHE’s history from the classic drive of opener, “In Extremis” through the ominous strains of “Behind The Walls” to epic album closer, “Tormentum”. Digital Noise Alliance is that elusive career-embodying album that echoes the most classic elements of the QUEENSRŸCHE’s sound. It pulses with the sort of sonic ambitions that changed the hard rock and metal landscape on albums like their multi-platinum Empire or their magnum-opus concept album, Operation: Mindcrime. 

It was the isolation of Covid-19 that fueled the first creative stirrings for QUEENSRŸCHE. “Being left to your inner abandons brought up a lot of feelings,” Wilton admits. “It was a weird, strange time and not knowing if you were going to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It sucked, but it did ignite some of the creative elements for the new record.” Those ideas started to come together in early 2021 when Wilton met up with vocalist Todd LaTorre and began assembling the bare-boned riffs for Digital Noise Alliance at the singer’s home studio in Tampa, Florida. “It was a chaotic, uncertain time,” says bassist Eddie Jackson. “But the bottom line for us was to do what we always have done, which is to continue to create music, even in the face of adversity.” 

“We started from scratch, face-to-face, in a room with our producer Zeuss,” says LaTorre, who joined QUEENSRŸCHE in 2012 and has been a driving force in the band ever since. “We were creating together in the same room, not file sharing. “It was all immediate, in real-time and nothing came from earlier sessions or discarded ideas.” Writing sessions continued for a year with tracking on the album commencing in the first week of January 2022. Drums ended up being tracked in a Florida mansion that once belonged to wrestling legend, Hulk Hogan with Zeuss recording on a mobile rig. “There’s a trust factor with Zeuss,” says Wilton of the band’s now three-album-running relationship with their producer. “He came in as a fan and really understood what QUEENSRŸCHE is about. With Zeuss, there’s a level of trust and understanding that we’ve rarely had with a producer. Everyone’s ideas and energies are on 10 and he knows how to harness that.” 

During the album sessions, Michael Wilton employed an arsenal of amps from QUEENSRŸCHE’s early days. “We ended up using Michael’s collection of old Marshalls,” says Zeuss. “The amp from The Warning and the amp from Rage for Order or Mindcrime or Empire. Each song has different amps and different guitars that reach back to that era. Some of these amps that hadn’t been turned on in years and had markings on them that dated back to those records. We’d turn them on and it would be like, ‘Whoah!’ Like we were awakening this beast. It brought a lot of great vibes to the album.” 

That cloying together of QUEENSRŸCHE’s past, and present has become the mark of the band who regrouped in 2012. Over the course of its last triptych of albums Queensryche (2013), Condition Human (2015) and The Verdict (2019), the five-piece took hold of the proverbial flame to give fans QUEENSRŸCHE in its purest essence. Moments like the lush, contemplative “Forest” echo career-defining highlights like the band’s Grammy-nominated hit single, “Silent Lucidity”. Digital Noise Alliance is every bit as emotionally passionate and forward thinking as anything in their expansive discography. 

“QUEENSRŸCHE has always been a forward-thinking band,” says Todd, adding with a laugh, “The ‘Thinking Man’s Metal Band’ as they were called years ago! As early as The Warning QUEENSRŸCHE was experimenting, bringing in strings and orchestral elements. People like Michael Kamen. Back then, you’d only hear those elements on a Meatloaf album! Back then their staging was always very forward-thinking. They were using big ass projectors and screens. They were progressive in their own right and changed the landscape. They pushed things and expanded the genre in a thought-provoking, way. For us, the mission is really to get to preserve and elevate the essence of the QUEENSRŸCHE sound.” 

With it’s current lineup of LaTorre, Wilton, Jackson, guitarist Mike Stone and drummer Casey Grillo, QUEENSRŸCHE is looking towards the future while looking back on the influence and impact of its past. “When you have two of the original members, you can’t help but get those QUEENSRŸCHE elements,” says Jackson, who founded the band with Wilton in 1982. “It’s in our DNA. But it’s also nice to hear fresh ideas or interpretations from Todd, Casey or Mike Stone.” For LaTorre, that balance between the band’s past and present is crucial. “We’re all advocates for certain characteristics that are very indicative to the band’s sound,” says the frontman. “The challenge for us is blending that history and the nuances that are important and true to the band but still feel modern.” 

Digital Noise Alliance is quintessentially QUEENSRŸCHE. Track to track it embodies the lush melodies, passion and intelligence that’s been the mark of the band since they first took hold of the flame with their hugely received self-titled 4-song EP in 1984. “For me, musically and lyrically, QUEENSRŸCHE has always represented something cerebral,” says Todd “At a time when bands were writing about sex, drugs and rock n roll, QUEENSRŸCHE were writing about politics, religion, social injustice – topics that are more relevant now than ever. Even now, we’re walking that fine line between not telling people what to think, but simply to think.” 

Hold On is the latest single/video from Digital Noise Alliance. The band comments: “‘Hold On’ primarily focuses on the misfortune of social media and how this new societal landscape has become a false barometer of ones’ value, essentially, influencing and affecting peoples’ self-worth.  Reminding people to not believe everything they see, and to not buy into the glorification of fame, money, and popularity.  It strives to empower those that have been blinded by the distorted reality of the glorified social media lifestyles. It is a song reminiscent of older, simpler times.”

QUEENSRYCHE is currently on tour as openers for JUDAS PRIEST:

Oct. 15 Albany, NY – MVP Arena
Oct. 16 Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall Fenway
Oct. 18 Uniondale, NY at Nassau Veterans
Oct. 19 Wilkes-Barre, PA – Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza
Oct. 21 Kalamazoo, MI – Wings Event Center
Oct. 22 Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple Theatre
Oct. 24 Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center
Oct. 25 Waukegan, IL – Genesee Theatre
Oct. 27 Green Bay, WI – Resch Center Theater
Oct. 29 Moline, IL – TaxSlayer Center Moline
Oct. 30 Mankato, MN – Mayo Clinic Event Center
Nov. 01 Sioux City, IA – Tyson Events Center
Nov. 02 Rapid City, SD – The Monument
Nov. 07 Ontario, CA – Toyota Center
Nov. 08 Tucson, AZ – TCC Arena
Nov. 10 Loveland, CO – Budweiser Events Center
Nov. 12 Park City (Wichita),KS -Hartman Arena
Nov. 13 St. Charles, MO – The Family Arena
Nov. 15 Corbin, KY – The Corbin Arena
Nov. 17 Southaven, MS – Landers Center
Nov. 18 Baton Rouge, LA – Raising Canes River Center
Nov. 20 Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center
Nov. 22 San Antonio, TX – Tech Port Center & Arena
Nov. 23 San Antonio, TX – Tech Port Center & Arena
Nov. 25 Dallas, TX – The Factory – Deep Ellum
Nov. 26 Corpus Christi, TX – Concrete Street
Nov. 28 Edinburg, TX – Burt Ogden Arena
Nov. 29 Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall

With a career that not only spans, but has charted the course of multiple genres, QUEENSRŸCHE remains a force in their own right. “Digital Noise Alliance”, QUEENSRŸCHE’s 16thstudio album continues their ever-evolving legacy.

Once again teaming up with producer Zeuss (Rob Zombie, Hatebreed), “Digital Noise Alliance” not only refracts QUEENSRŸCHE’s past accomplishments but also pushes into the band’s future. It is the band effortlessly moving from strength to strength: immediate and thought-provoking.

QUEENSRŸCHE line-up:
Eddie Jackson – bass
Michael Wilton – guitar
Todd La Torre – vocals
Casey Grillo – drums
Mike Stone – guitar

QUEENSRYCHE ONLINE:
Website // Facebook // Instagram // Twitter

LEAFLET – release first single from forthcoming album

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Another fine sounding heavy rockin’ band from Finland, Leaflet has a brand new single out from their forthcoming 2nd album. Check out the video to the excellent track “Gonna Do It”. For more info on the band and their upcoming album, check out the press release below.

Finnish rockers LEAFLET will be releasing their sophomore album Something Beyond this coming January 2023 via Rockshots Records. The album follows their debut album Outta Door released through VR Label Finland in 2017.

Today, the band is “Gonna Do It” and pull the trigger by giving fans the first single off their second full-length. The track is a hard riffing fist-pumping track to get you off your feet and rocking out!

“‘Gonna Do It’ is about the feeling of getting stuck in your life. You realize it is time for a change, and that it is your own duty to change the course of your life. Of course, there is a risk involved and it feels scary as hell, but you need to hear yourself saying: “Gonna do it”. ‘Gonna’ is the heaviest track we have written so far. We had several versions of it and ended up pretty much re-writing the whole song during the pre-production process. We are glad we did because the end result sounds absolutely stunning with its monster opening riff, crushing chorus, and epic guitar solo!” says the band about the track.

Listen to “Gonna Do It” at the following links: Youtube: https://youtu.be/J6RFeUKWttI​
Digital: https://bfan.link/gonna-do-it​

The band comments on Something Beyond: “With this album, we are definitely showing that rock music is alive and pumping! The album is full of catchy metal-influenced rock tunes that would fit perfectly in the heavy rotation of every rock radio station. The album has a lot of variety within the songs, and we got a diverse selection of singles as well. Three very different singles trying to represent the entire album as well as possible. As singles, we got one heavy and hard-hitting tune, one straightforward and super catchy tune, and one fast-paced in-your-face type of tune. You should check out them all to see what you think! “

Formed in 2013, LEAFLET is a four-piece hard rock band from Turku, Finland. Their music can be described as metal-infused American-style hard rock and while you might hear echoes of bands like Alter Bridge or Shinedown they have their own unique Nordic flavor. “Our musical cocktail is a blend of many things. Although we love the 80s, we are trying to keep our hard rock fresh and not follow the retro route”, the band says.

The band has performed on Finnish festivals such as Kuopiorock and Saaristo Open Air along with touring across their home country to support their debut album. They also spent time on the road in the Baltics with Willie & the Goodsouls in 2018 again playing clubs and festivals.

In 2019, LEAFLET released “Johnny Two-Face” as a single through VR Label Finland followed by an ambitious music video shot in both Turku, Finland, and Tokyo, Japan. After a couple of years of silence due to the pandemic, the band is now back with their second album Something Beyond to be released by Rockshots Records on January 20, 2023, sounding stronger than ever.

Album pre-order – https://bit.ly/LEAFLET_CD

Track Listing:​
1. Gonna Do It
2. Resonate
3. Alone Alive
4. Earth
5. Johnny Two-Face
6. Tattoos of Life
7. Shades of Black
8. Someone Somewhere
9. Something Beyond

LEAFLET is:

Jaakko Leaflet – lead vocals & guitar

Antti Kallio – guitar & backing vocals

Fabian Korsström – bass & backing vocals

Pekka Jokela – drums

Links: ​
​https://www.rockshots.eu​
​http://www.leafletband.com​
​http://www.facebook.com/leafletband

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGFenAwec6fJwoeIaaB-fFA
Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3qpA2su​

STEEL PANTHER – Announce sixth studio album: On The Prowl

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Steel Panther debut on record with 2009’s Feel The Steel, which featured favorites “Death To All But Metal”, “Party All Day (F**k All Night)”, and “Asian Hooker”. These guys took ‘shock rock’ in a new direction. Call them an ’80s metal parody band or whatever, but those first few albums delivered some memorable X-rated anthems that celebrated and mocked the ’80s metal scene, while the band’s videos lived up to the lyrics like it was 1985! 2011’s Ball’s Out featured “Just Like Tiger Woods” and “17 Girls In A Row”, followed by 2014’s All you Can Eat featured the classic “Party Like Tomorrow Is The End of The World”. The band followed up with a live album and 2 further studio album before bass player Lexxi Foxx left the band. The band has now found a new bass player and have recorded a new album. The first single is “It’s Never Too Late (To Get Some P***y Tonight)”, with a hilarious accompanying video (below). The band is set to go on tour (see dates below). For further info check out the press release and links below…

STEEL PANTHER ANNOUNCE SIXTH STUDIO ALBUM ON THE PROWL SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE ON FEBRUARY 24, 2023

On the heels of the recent addition of Spyder as their full-time bassist, California rock legends STEEL PANTHER are announcing their sixth studio album On The Prowl. The album is schedule for release on February 24, 2023, and feature 13 new tracks from the creative brains of Satchel, Michael Starr, Stix Zadinia and Spyder. On The Prowl was produced by Steel Panther and is now available for pre-order in multiple configurations including CD, Cassette, and 2 different color variant vinyl records HERE! 

From the opening synth intro of “Never Too Late (To Get Some Pu**y Tonight)” to the thunderous outro of “Sleeping On The Rollaway,” Steel Panther is back with the infectious riffs, pounding drums, unforgettable vocals alongside the witty humor that has earned them a global audience. Songs like “On Your Instagram,” “Magical Vagina” and “One Pump Chump” are sure to fit in on the biggest live stages next to the band’s most-memorable songs. “1987” is an incredible retro look at that unforgettable year and the band even slows things down on the reflective “Ain’t Dead Yet.” The first single from On The Prowl is the memorable “Never Too Late (To Get Some Pu**y Tonight).” A music video for the song can be seen HERE.

“The song and video are an absolute public service announcement. People have been asking Steel Panther for advice on life, love and the pursuit of happiness for decades. ‘Never Too Late’ is a reminder to never give up, follow your heart, realize your dreams, overcome your challenges, navigate the rough seas, reach for stars and any other cliché you have in your pocket. Basically, what we are saying it is never too late to get some pu**y tonight,” explains Stix Zadinia. 

The track listing for On The Prowl is:
1)    Never Too Late (To Get Some Pu**y Tonight)
2)    Friends With Benefits
3)    On Your Instagram
4)    Put My Money Where Your Mouth Is
5)    1987
6)    Teleporter
7)    Is My D**k Enough (feat. Dweezil Zappa)
8)    Magical Vagina
9)    All That And More
10)  One Pump Chump
11)  Pornstar
12)  Ain’t Dead Yet
13)  Sleeping On The Rollaway

As Steel Panther has ventured into the musical instrument space with the successful release of three guitar pedals: the legendary Pu**y Melter, Poontang Boomerang and Butthole Burner; the band is back with another must-have piece of gear – the 1987 pedal. The pedal is a combination distortion and delay pedal that can give any guitarist the signature sound of that classic year. The pedal will retail for $198.70 (see what we did there?) and as only Steel Panther can describe: “With the grit of 100 chainsaws and the ability to repeat itself more than that super stoned dude from Chemistry Class, it is truly the ultimate badass accessory…next to eyeliner.” The band is also making limited number of Charvel Custom Satchel 1987 Guitars. The 1987 pedal and Charvel Custom Satchel 1987 Guitars are available for pre-order here: https://steelpantherrocks.com/collections/on-the-prowl.

To coincide with the new bassist announcement, the newly whole Steel Panther are announcing a new US tour-   Claus & Paws Holiday Party. The eight-city tour will kick off In late November after the band wraps up their recently announced Canadian leg of the Res-Erections tour 2022. The holiday shows will be sure to bring out the ho-ho-hoes to Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, New York and Connecticut. More information on tickets and purchase links for all shows can be found at: https://steelpantherrocks.com/pages/tour. 

Res-Erections 2022 Fall Tour Dates 
10/28 – Calgary, AB – Grey Eagle Casino 
10/29 – Enoch, AB – River Cree Casino
10/30 – Grand Prairie, AB – The Bowes At Bonnetts Energy Centre
11/1 – Saskatoon, SK – The Coors Event Centre
11/3 – Regina, SK – Casino Regina Show Lounge
11/4 – Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre
11/5 – Minot, ND – The Original Bar & Grill *
11/7 – Green Bay, WI – Epic Event Center
11/9 – London, ON – London Music Hall
11/10 – Toronto, ON – History
11/11 – Ottawa, ON – Algonquin Commons Theatre
11/12 – Montreal, QC – Corona Theatre
* Steel Panther Only/No Black Stone Cherry

A Claus & Paws Holiday Party Tour Dates 
11/26 – Sault St. Marie, MI – Kewadin Casino
11/27 – Grand Rapids, MI – 20 Monroe Live
11/29 – Warren, OH – Packard Music Hall
11/30 – Ft. Wayne, IN – Piere’s Entertainment Center
12/2 – Waterloo, NY – Del Lago Casino *
12/3 – Poughkeepsie, NY – The Chance Theater
12/4 – New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place
12/29 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
12/30 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom 

ABOUT STEEL PANTHER:  
For the uninitiated, Steel Panther was formed in 2000.  Hailing from Los Angeles, the epicenter for rock n’ roll in all its debauchery and glamour, Steel Panther has established themselves as the world’s premier party band, melding hard rock virtuosity with parody and criminally good looks. Steel Panther is a global phenomenon with four full-length albums, touring across the world, platinum-level You Tube status and high-profile television appearances such as Jimmy Kimmel Live, Larry King Now, and FOX NFL Sunday.

Rolling Stone avowed, “There’s a reason Steel Panther have transcended their origins as a cover band playing the Sunset Strip,” while Metal Sucks declared, Steel Panther’s concept is genius…their songwriting is…preposterously snappy – and relatable.”
Steel Panther L to R: Stix Zadinia (Drums),  Spyder (Bass),  Michael Starr (Vocals),  Satchel (Guitars)  

Links:

www.steelpantherrocks.com

https://www.facebook.com/steelpanther

https://www.instagram.com/steelpanther/

NESTOR – KIDS IN A GHOST TOWN RE-RELEASE DELUXE EDITION

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NESTOR – “KIDS IN A GHOST TOWN” RE-RELEASE DELUXE EDITION WITH BONUS TRACKS OUT SEP 30TH

The unanimously acclaimed debut album from Swedish nostalgic rockers NESTOR is getting a re-release. After signing with Napalm Records earlier this year the band and label decided to give new life to the record, with new music and new cover art. The deluxe edition, that will be released on digital, CD, vinyl and cassette includes the latest single “Signed In Blood” that was released this spring, a song based on a true friendship that can be traced back to the band’s humble beginnings in 1989, before the three-decade long hiatus that lasted until their reformation and glorious return last year.
Two additional songs round out the enhanced track list. The somber and reflective “A Losing Game” contains so many key changes that it will bring tears of joy in the eyes of anyone that listens to it (even the guys in Ultravox)! And the cover version of “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” sounds like the perfect summer fling lovechild between Whitney and Van Halen!
A great album has become even greater! The deluxe version of Kids In A Ghost Town will be available on September 30th everywhere – Even in your Walkman!

https://www.nestortheband.com

RivetSkull : Re-record & reissue Trail Of Souls album, add Aerosmith cover

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(photo : Neil Lim Sang)

Seattle and Los Angeles-based heavy metal four-piece RivetSkull’s re-imagined full-length album was released on July 8th of this year. Trail of Souls: Samsara is a complete re-recording of the band’s self-published 2020 album Trail of Souls. The first single released was “Crash and Burn”, along with a psychedelic video. Of the single, RivetSkull says:

“‘Crash and Burn’ is about the pitfalls of relationships. Though you can try to stay clear of danger, sometimes you can’t help but fall into the same traps! The new recording and production convey the drive and momentum a song about recklessness should be swimming in. We think we got there with this song and all the others on the album.”

Oozing energy and easy-to-move-to vibes, the single brings back the classic sound of the 90s, played with precision and expert musicianship. The members of RivetSkull have been playing together previously for many years and vocalist Chad McMurray has training from Maestro David Kyle (vocal coach to Geoff Tate, Layne Staley, Ann Wilson), ensuring that the band is able to deliver a high level of production and professionalism. After self-recording and releasing their debut album during the global pandemic, they’ve revisited their songs with professional production that captures the massive sound that fans have come to expect from their live shows.

Since it’s release, Trail of Souls: Samsara has only been gaining momentum. Within the first month of it’s release, RivetSkull was fortunate enough to be featured on Band in Seattle, KISW’s Loud and Local Band of the Week, and they were interviewed for the Concerts that Made Us podcast.

Recorded at London Bridge Studio (Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Queensrÿche) and produced by Matt Hyde (Slayer, Deftones, Seether), Trail of Souls: Samsara promises much more than a sonic retouch of the original. The reworked collection features new cover artwork and the previously unreleased recording of a cover of Aerosmith’s “King and Queens”, which has now been issued as the album’s next single/video –

*Recommended for fans of Dio, Black Sabbath, and Judas Priest, RivetSkull is well suited for those with a taste for classic metal).

Track Listing:​
1. Crash and Burn (2:49)
2. Forever (5:24)
3. Mystified (3:45)
4. Another Way to Heaven (7:29)
5. Narcissus (5:01)
6. Trail of Souls (4:04)
7. It’s Not Enough (4:02)
8. Kings and Queens (Aerosmith cover) (5:16)

Trail of Souls: Samsara is available on all digital platforms at the following link – https://lnk.to/TrailOfSoulsSamsara

TALAS – Return to 1985

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Buffalo’s TALAS had gone through many changes over their years of activity from the early 70s to the mid 80s. The 3-man line up of Billy Sheehan, Paul Varga and Dave Cosentino had reunited a number of times, but in 2017 Billy Sheehan reassembled the last incarnation of the band he was in (pre David Lee Roth Band; MK 2) – with singer Phil Naro, drummer Mark Miller, and new guitarist Kire Najdovski (in place of Mitch Perry). The band played several shows over the few years prior to Covid shutting down shows, and then the passing of Phil Naro (RIP). But in there the band signed with Metal Blade and recorded a new album. In fact they recorded the album they really intended to in 1985! Almost all of these songs came from that period of the band, with a couple having been included on the band’s 1984 live release Live Speed On Ice. So, for fans one could say this was long overdue and a most welcome album.

1985 kicks off with “Inner Mounting Flame”, a hard driving fast rocker that sets the tone for what’s to come, you’d be hard pressed to find a better album opener IN 1985! The album was recorded in Mark Miller’s house, and it’s very energetic and has a very live feel to it all. Tracks like “Do You Feel Any Better” (originally on the live ’84 album), “On The Take”, “Come When You Call”, “I’ll Take The Night”, and “Close To The Killer” are all enjoyable Talas rockers. Also included is “Power To Break Away”, which pre-dates the Phil Naro years (see youtube), and debuted on Mk 1’s 1998 live album If We Only Knew Then What We Know Now, and “Crystal Clear” – which also was included on the live ’84 album, as well as covered by Jim Crean (on his Velvet Crush album, feat Naro on backing vocals). The one ‘new’ track is “Black & Blue”, which a bit slower paced, near ballad; Phil’s vocal on the verses reminds me a bit of Kiss’ “I Love It Loud”. A good addition to the mix.

A great return album from Talas, though saddened that Phil Naro is no longer here to see it and see the reaction. The guy did an amazing job leaving fans with 2 excellent albums – Talas 1985 and Lips Turn Blue LTB (released a few months ago). Rockers will dig this album, it sounds awesome, probably a bit heavier than Talas’ 2 early studio albums, with lots of cool intros, riffs, and guitar solos. Love the album cover, very 80s, very fitting!

Links:

https://talas.bandcamp.com/album/1985

https://music.apple.com/album/1625152213?at=11lbUF

https://www.metalblade.com/talas/

https://www.facebook.com/talasv2

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1795442547162738

CROSSON – Ready, Aim… Rock! (new album)

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The latest from Australia’s CROSSON, Ready, Aim…Rock! is a fun album full of ’80s influenced hair metal, and anthems. Lots of great rock and riffs here, such as “Fallen From Grace”, “One Way Love Affair”, and the title track. Lots of thought put in to the whole production with big intros, choruses, and solos, and backing vocals, check out tracks like “United”, “Take On The World”, and lighter cuts like “The Way It Is”. Well worth checking out!

*for more info check out the bio below, as well as the clips I’ve included, and links…

If it’s fist- pumping, uplifting, catchy stadium rock anthems that you are looking for, then it’s time to turn it up to eleven as Aussie Theatrical Glam Rockers CROSSON return all-guns blazing, with their sixth studio album Ready, Aim…. Rock !!  
Once again mixed by legendary U.S engineer / producer Duane Baron (Ozzy Osbourne, Motley Crue, Alice Cooper, Poison) and mastered by U.S mastering giant Dave Donnelly (Aerosmith, KISS, Whitesnake), Ready, Aim…. Rock !! punches you in the face from the opening chords and erupts with ten infectiously catchy, highly addictive rock tunes.

Writer, vocalist and producer Jason Crosson stated: ” ‘Ready Aim .. Rock !!’ is definitely the most sophisticated and mature CROSSON album to date. It still includes the catchy, stadium rock anthems that you’d expect, but being careful not to repeat ourselves and also grow musically, my admiration and respect for Jim Steinman ( writer for Meat Loaf / Bonnie Tyler) was channeled during the writing process which can be heard on songs like ‘United’,  ‘The Way It Is & ‘Love Is Endless’ .

The album was tracked in Sydney at 3By3 Studios and introduces guitar virtuoso Marko Rado, whose solos will definitely raise eyebrows.  The band’s long term live drummer Kyle Barr, provides an explosive backbeat, whilst the Queen-esq backing harmonies send chills down the listener’s spine.

Directed and edited by Lord Tim (Lord), the first video from the album, ‘United’, shows CROSSON in all their glory unleashing their electrifying, energetic, choreographed stage moves while showing the band’s history with archival footage.  The second video ‘Fallen From Grace’ depicts a horror movie setting with the CROSSON dancers appearing as fallen angels and casting their demonic spell over the band that transforms them into rock ‘n roll demons.  

CROSSON will commence their Australian National tour in October with Sweden’s Crashdiet and Australia’s Sisters Doll.  

The album will be exclusively available on CD in Europe via http://www.prideandjoy.de/shop

Ready, Aim…. Rock !! comes crashing from the stratosphere on 9 September 2022 via Galaxy Records!

LINKS:

http://crosson.com.au/

https://www.facebook.com/CrossonRock

https://www.youtube.com/user/CrossonRock

Crosson

THY ROW reissue debut album ‘Unchained’ on limited vinyl

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Finnish heavy metal band Thy Row will celebrate the one-year anniversary of their debut album Unchained with the release of a limited edition vinyl along with a brand new digital single entitled “Blue Blood”, a cover of one of the biggest hits by the biggest Japanese metal band of all time X Japan.
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The band comments:

“We were so proud of how our debut album turned out, that we knew that it deserved a vinyl release with a bonus track as well as a brand new vinyl master. The bonus track which was initially released only in Japan is a cover of the country’s biggest ever metal band X Japan. We’ve had a ton of fun performing the song ‘Blue Blood’ live multiple times, and while recording ‘Unchained’ we decided to record that one as well! The result is energetic and heavy, just as the speed metal classic should be! Join us and our wonderful label Rockshots Records who were open to realizing these wishes in celebrating the one-year anniversary of our first album, and we hope you enjoy what we have to offer with these releases!”  ​

The vinyl was mastered by Svante Forsbäck (Rammstein, Volbeat) at Chartmakers Studios, and will be released together with the digital single ‘Blue Blood (X Japan Cover)’ on October 7th, 2022.
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Recommended for fans of The Scorpions, Megadeth, and Queen, Thy Row’s vinyl of Unchained is available for pre-order at – bit.ly/ThyRowVINYL​

Founded in 2017, Thy Row made their first entry on the Finnish scene with their 2019 independently released self-titled EP. The record’s lead single “The Round” reached over 110K streams on Spotify and added to the EP’s overall praise that gave the group the opportunity to tour Japan in 2019 with Beast In Black and Swallow The Sun.

Following the success of that EP, Thy Row’s offered up their first full-length, a fresh mix of the finest heavy metal with modern hard rock that every metalhead can bang their heads to. With ten tracks, there are lots of great melodies spiced up with shakin’ riffs that are sure to encourage fans to turn up their stereo knobs all the way to eleven and enjoy.

Unchained features guest artists Ben Varon (Oceanhoarse, ex-Amoral), Ilja Jalkanen (Raskasta Joulua, Kiuas), and Teemu Mäntysaari (Wintersun, Smackbound) plus was mixed by Jussi Kraft (Starkraft Studio) and partly by Nino Laurenne (Sonic Pump Studios).​

Thy Row is:
Mikael Salo – Vocals
Jussi Laulainen – Guitar
Ville Vase – Guitar
Juho Jokimies – Bass
Teemu “Snake” Laitinen Drums

For more info:
​Rockshots.eu​
​Facebook.com/ThyRowBand​
​Instagram.com/thyrowband​
​Spotify

​Links:

https://bravewords.com/reviews/thy-row-unchained

Interview with Thy Row — “This whole album is about raw emotions and real stuff that has happened to us.”

SERPICO – The Chosen Four, out now!

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From Finland, Serpico (great name!) has released their 3rd full album – The Chosen Four (cool album cover by Rauli Mard) . A fun set of somewhat ’80s influenced hard rockers. Cool lead off track “Riverbanks” reminds me of early ’80s Kiss (especially that intro). Lots of ‘rock’ here, via anthems “Rock Your Brain”, “I Am A Rocker”, and “Holy Rocks Outta Body” (the latter featuring a nice Chuck Berry sounding inspired intro). All guitar driven rockers, No keyboards! Best cuts being “Midnight Cowboy” and the heavy power ballad “Dark Energy”.

*For more info check out the press bio below …

Finnish rockers Serpico released their latest album  “The Chosen Four” this July 1st, via Rockshots Records. The album was produced by platinum-selling Finnish record producer Anssi Kippo (Children of Bodom, Hanna Pakarinen, Teräsbetoni).

“Warmth of full analog sound is the key word on this particular record. There are many things you have been missing out on in music and in the listening experience, I think. We hope fans will pay full attention to the album and go along with the music. I must say there is no way back from the world of analog recording once you step into it. This is the way we are going to do it from this moment on.” adds vocalist Vee Dour.

“People will definitely notice its high quality in songs, production, the sound & versatility if comparing to nowadays, dull sound world n’ song arrangements. Also, there’s a big difference when doing it all by full analog session, which we did. So, it’s gonna stand out pretty easily from the masses, I think. Although I hope so.” also adds drummer Jani Serpico.

Album pre-order links:
Vinyl – https://bit.ly/TheChosenFourVINYL
CD – https://bit.ly/TheChosenFourCD

Since Serpico‘s inception in 2005, they have released two full-lengths “Rose Tattoo” (2018), ‘Shallow Mistress” (2014), and an EP “Bad Commercial” (2011) along with touring all over Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, and England. The band is genuine and unique Rock n’ Roll with big respect for the classic titans.

SERPICO is: Vee Dour – Lead Vocals / Snake – Lead guitars & backing vocals / Andy – Bass & backing vocals / Jani Serpico – Drums & backing vocals.

Tracklisting:
1. Riverbanks
2. Midnight Cowboy
3. Rock Your Brain
4. I Am A Rocker
5. Dark Energy
6. Silent Love
7. Smokin’ Hot Mama
8. Holy Rocks Outta Body
9. The Last Days Of Monopoly

For more info:​
​www.Rockshots.eu​
​www.Serpicoband.com​
​www.Facebook.com/serpicoroxx

08/’21

SPIRIT ADRIFT – 20 Centuries Gone

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Austin, Texas based doom-metal act SPIRIT ADRIFT release their 5th album – 20 Centuries Gone. The band started as a project by guitarist/songwriter Nathan Garrett over a decade ago. 20 Centuries Gone features 2 original tracks and 6 covers. The 2 new tracks lead off the disc, “Sorcerer’s Fate” is a good lead off rocker, with influences of Iron Maiden and Metallica, followed by “Mass Formation Psychosis”, which is a bit more dark, and a bit of more of a Sabbath or Black Label Society feel, but dig the guitar sound here. Of the others , I am not much of a fan of a few bands covered, but I do like the band’s take on Thin Lizzy’s “Waiting For An Alibi” and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Poison Whiskey” – nicely done! The band’s own songs are the most interesting here, so interested in hearing more of the catalogue.

*for more info and see press release & tracklisting below…

Photo credit: Dave Creaney

SPIRIT ADRIFT expand their prolific catalogue with “20 Centuries Gone”, a collection of two new original songs and six cover songs that span the timeline of the band’s most foundational influences. Featuring artwork by Brian Mercer (Lamb of God, High on Fire, Mastodon), and mixed by Zeuss (Overkill, Crowbar, Municipal Waste), this release is a powerful journey through the past, present, and future of trad-metal’s most exciting new band.

Available on August 19th via Century Media, “20 Centuries Gone” sees SPIRIT ADRIFT put their trademark swagger on classics from Type O Negative, Pantera, Metallica, Thin Lizzy, ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd..

SPIRIT ADRIFT mastermind Nate Garrett comments: “I always thought it would be a cool experience to record some songs by bands that are foundational to the DNA of SPIRIT ADRIFT. These choices are obvious and on the nose to me, but maybe unexpected to the fans. That made the whole thing a lot of fun. A band like Lynyrd Skynyrd might not be the first thing you think of when considering SPIRIT ADRIFT’s influences, so the task for me became figuring out how to honor these great songs, but in the distinct SPIRIT ADRIFT style. To make the whole thing even more special, I channeled these influences and wrote a couple of new songs to kick things off.”

Regarding the band’s own track “Sorcerer’s Fate”,  Garret continues, “When I wrote this one, I was obsessing over the film director William Friedkin. I’ve been a fan of his since I saw ‘The Exorcist’ as a kid, but when I discovered the documentary ‘Leap of Faith’, it sparked a much deeper interest in the man and his process. I started watching as many of his interviews as I could find, and I read his autobiography which was just amazing. Friedkin’s life and art are inseparable. His human experience, search for higher truth, and borderline-psychotic level of obsession/perfectionism all coalesce into his artwork. I relate to that on a profound level. This song is about our search for purpose, and humanity’s struggle to understand ‘the mysteries of faith and fate.’  Musically, I would say it’s one of our heaviest and most straightforward songs. Inspired equally by New Orleans sludge, flipped-cap crossover, and Scandinavian metal, but with the distinct SPIRIT ADRIFT sound and approach.”

Track listing:
1.  Sorcerer’s Fate
2.  Mass Formation Psychosis
3.  Everything Dies (Type O Negative)
4.  Hollow (Pantera)
5.  Escape (Metallica)
6.  Waiting for an Alibi (Thin Lizzy)
7.  Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings (ZZ Top)
8.  Poison Whiskey (Lynyrd Skynyrd)

The band is currently on tour, check out their website for dates.

SPIRIT ADRIFT touring line-up:
Nate Garrett – guitar & vocals
Leanne Martz – guitar
Sonny DeCarlo – bass
Michael Arellano – drums

Links:

https://www.spiritadrift.com/

https://www.facebook.com/SpiritAdrift/

https://spiritadrift.lnk.to/20CenturiesGoneID

https://centurymedia.store/product/Y4CE631COMBO/spirit-adrift-20-centuries-gone-transparent-sun-yellow-lp-digital-download

08/’21