German hard-rockers CZAKAN return with their first new album in 30 years titled Unreal, due to be released April 14. The band’s 1989 debut State Of Confusion was recently reissued, an album that sold 25 thousand copies in Germany upon it’s original release.
Unreal is straight out of that class of great ’80s hard-rock & aor, think fellow German bands like Scorpions, Frontline and Bonfire, as well as the likes of Dokken and Firehouse. Guitar driven rockers, with keyboards, harmonies, cool solos, 14 tracks. First run through and I like this; like a lost favorite ’80s heavy melodic rock album, with excellent tracks like – “City Nights”, “Under The Gun”, “Living In A Nightmare”, and “Show Me All Your Love”, sounds excellent. Not a duff cut here! If this was an ;80s album, it’d be tough choosing a first single, but lead off rocker “Free Line” will is an excellent choice!
Line Up: Michael Schennach – Vocals, Oliver Güttinger – Guitar, Tom Fein –Keyboard, Randy Arcachon – Drums, Frank Schrafft – Bass
L-R: Tommy Wolffe (Bass. Vocals), Bobby Deuce (Guitar), Angus Pike (Drums) Photo Credit: Megan Kay
Toronto’s Deadwolff have released their 3rd single from their upcoming debut full length album Heavy Rock N’ Roll, due out at the end of March. The metal trio also plays a release party for the album on April 7 in Toronto, and will undertake a tour of North America (see below). *Check out the new track below, as well as the press release and links for more info on the band and Heavy Rock N’ Roll.
A blend of hard rock, punk, and metal, Deadwolff set themselves apart from other bands with their take on the New Wave of Heavy Rock and Roll. Recommended for fans of Judas Priest, Motorhead, and W.A.S.P, Deadwolff‘s is a revival of foot-tapping, beer-drinking, headbanging tunes, and more. They are touring across the United States and Canada this May and June in support of their forthcoming debut full-length “Heavy Rock N’ Roll” due out on March 31st via Golden Robot Records.
May 8 – Outer Limits Lounge – Hamtramck, MI 9 – Liars Club – Chicago, IL 11 – Whittier – Tulsa, OK 12 – Double Wide – Dallas, TX 13 – Black Magic Social Club – Houston, TX 14 – Valhalla Tavern – Austin. TX 15 – Faust Tavern – San Antonio, TX 17 – The Edge – Tuscon, AZ 18 – The Blooze Bar – Pheonix, AZ 19 – Tower Bar – San Diego, CA 20 – Red Dwarf – Las Vegas, NV 23 – Destructive Warehouse – Fresno, CA 24 – The Knockout – San Francisco, CA 25 – On the y- Sacramento, CA 26 – Shea’s Tavern – Reno, NV 27 – Knucklehead – Los Angeles, CA 30 – High Water Mark – Portland, OR 31 – The Cherry Pit – Seattle, WA June 1 – Sunny Chibas – Squamish, BC 2 – The Cambie – Vancouver, BC 3 – Kami Inn – Kamloops, BC 4 – Canmore Hotel – Canmore, AB 6 – The Palamind – Calgary, AB 7 – Starlite Room – Edmonton, AB 9 – Bulldog – Winnipeg, MB 10 – Atmos – Thunder Bay, ON
British band White Spirit, who’s 2022 album Right Or Wrong featured previously unreleased tracks sang by the late Brian Howe (Bad Company), have posted a new video for the instrumental track of the song “Rock ‘N’ Roll”. This instrumental version is the Japanese-only bonus track. A great ’80s sounding fast paced rock track, love the synths throughout this. Check out the clip below (and others via their new youtube channel). Right Or Wrong featured a number of name players such as Neil Murray (Whitesnake, Black Sabbath) and Russell Gilbrook (Uriah Heep), as well as guest singers Jeff Scott Soto, Lee Small, and Steve Overland, all joining guitarist Mick Tucker and keyboardist Malcolm Pearson.
The band have recently announced their touring line-up, which (besides Tucker & Pearson), includes drummer- Kyle Hughes (Graham Bonnet Band), bassist- Steve Ireland, guitarist- Micky Crystal (Tygers Of Pan Tang), Lead singer- Alexx Stahl (Bonfire, Purple Rising, Viron), plus backing singers Ian Gillson, Linzi Hunter and Jackie Fox. As well, the band are signed on to play the Dominion Festival in the UK, May 7. White Spirit are currently finishing up work on an EP to be completed in March, which will include a pair of older songs, plus 2 new ones, and is being produced by Pontus Norgren (Hammerfall).
If you haven’t checked out Right Or Wrong from White Spirit, I recommend it; a classic ’80s style hard-rock album (see my review elsewhere here). Looking forward to the new songs, and possibly a vinyl release of Right Or Wrong.
The 4th album from Oakland’s Blackwulf is now out. Thieves & Liars, featuring 9 tracks, notably the lead off cut & single “Shadow” . These guys deliver a solid massive ’70s inspired heavy album that is not short on killer doomy riffs, hooks and solos, with great vocals that are somewherez between a younger + heavier Ozzy and a young Rob Halford, at times — this, along with melodies and changes should appeal to fans of Black Sabbath and early Judas Priest fans, among others heavy ’70s . Of the 9 tracks that run together nicely, check out the title track, which oddly reminds me of Sabbath’s “Heaven And Hell”, as well as cuts like “Seems To Me”, “Failed Resistance” and “Brother” (w/ singer Alex Cunningham sounding like a younger Rob Halford at times) – all easily likable heavy doom metal rockers. Thieves & Liars is also highlighted by the 8 and a half minute epic “Psychonaut/Edge Of Light”, which featured one great heavy slower doom number that fades in to the ballad featuring acoustic guitars…which blends in to the brief atmospheric instrumental “Mysteries Of This”. One of those albums that just flows so well from track to track, with no duds, and is over before ya know it. Awesome cover art from David North.
I’m not a big fan of covers albums, but I eventually picked up Saxon’s Inspirations from 2021, and thought it was a fine addition to the band’s catalogue, and they’re following it up with a ‘part 2’, simply titled More Inspirations (hmm, will part 3 be called ‘Even More…’ ?) Anyway, the first single sounds great, a cover of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band’s “The Faith Healer”, and I’m looking forward to hearing many of the titles included on it, such as Heep’s “Gypsy”, Alice Cooper’s “From The Inside”, ZZ Top’s “Chevrolet”, and Rainbow’s “Man On The Silver Mountain.” *Check out a full track listing below, the first video, and all the links and order info below! As well, read the press info for more details.
British Heavy Metal legends Saxon unveil the first single “The Faith Healer”, from the upcoming More Inspirations – set for release on March 24th via Silver Lining Music. Following the release of Inspirations in 2021, More Inspirations is the second ‘deep dish’ serving of the influences which have fed the mighty Saxon’s immensely successful 40+ year career. The first single is an astonishing take on The Sensational Alex Harvey Band’s “The Faith Healer”.
Frontman Biff Byford comments “We used to see The Sensational Alex Harvey band play this back in the day, they started the set with it, such a fantastic song and fantastic band… big influence!” Listen To/Watch “The Faith Healer”, the “making of” video directed by Jay Shredder.
Whether getting feral with The Animal’s “We’ve Gotta Get Out Of This Place”, letting loose a high-octane take on Alice Cooper’s “From The Inside”, or laying down a ferocious tribute to KISS’ “Detroit Rock City”, More Inspirations is a joyous trip into the sounds which galvanized the Barnsley boys and continue to get spun on home stereos and tour buses.
Produced by vocalist/co-founder Biff Byford, with Seb Byford helping record the music alongside mixing engineer Jacky Lehmann. More Inspirations also includes enthusiastic takes on Alice Cooper, Rainbow, ZZ Top and Cream, as well as a thunderous “Razamanaz” by Nazareth, a tasty take on The Who’s “Substitute”, and a thick groove take on Uriah Heep’s “Gypsy”. Whether this is your first dance with such classic songs, or you’ve come to see where Saxon were born, More Inspirations delivers the goods and then some. Following the success of the Seize the World Tour 2022, Saxon will be back on the road in March 2023 for a string of European dates, with special guest’s German metal titans RAGE. For a full list of confirmed dates, tickets, and additional information visit this this location.
More Inspirations will be available on 12” Black Vinyl, CD Digipak, digital formats and special D2C bundles; to pre-order go tothis location.
Steel Panther have released a new video from their upcoming album On The Prowl. The song is “1987”, another track (see Nestor’s “1989”) that celebrates the ’80s.
With the recent announcement of their sixth studio album On The Prowl and the launch of their “Who’s Your Daddy(‘s Jokes)” series on YouTube, California rock legends Steel Panther have released another song from the upcoming album available worldwide on February 24, 2023. “1987” is a reflective look at one of the greatest years in rock music supported by unforgettable hooks, relatable lyrics and fretboard fireworks. Satchel, Michael Starr, Stix Zadinia and Spyder pay homage to the icons of the year including Guns N’ Roses, Poison, Whitesnake, Ozzy Osbourne and Van Halen to name a few. The music video was directed by longtime collaborator J.T. Arbogast and follows a young duo who find an abandoned recording studio. When one of the kids plugs in a hidden 1987 pedal (available for purchase HERE), he is transported to the time in the studio when Steel Panther recorded the song and lives the memories of 1987 in his own way.
To celebrate the release of “1987,” Steel Panther is also announcing a massive world tour in support of their latest release. The On The Prowl World Tour 2023 is set to kick off in February and will run throughout North America through April. Crobot and Tragedy will be joining the band on the North American tour. The band will take a short break before bringing the party to the United Kingdom and Ireland in May. These new shows will be added to the 2022 year-end dates in Vancouver and the warmup weekends in January 2023 that were previously announced. Additional Information on all ticket and VIP packages including meet and greets, exclusive merch items, early entry and more for the On The Prowl World Tour 2023 can be found HERE.
On The Prowl World Tour 2023 Dates 2/24/23 – Las Vegas, NV – House Of Blues 2/25/23 – Anaheim, CA – House Of Blues 2/26/23 – Tempe, AZ – The Marquee Theatre 2/28/23 – San Antonio, TX – The Aztec Theater 3/1/23 – Houston, TX – House Of Blues 3/3/23 – Dallas, TX – House Of Blues 3/4/23 – Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom 3/6/23 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works 3/8/23 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room 3/10/23 – Orlando FL – The Plaza Live 3/11/23 – St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live 3/12/23 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre 3/14/23 – Baltimore, MD – Rams Head Live 3/16/23 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza 3/17/23 – Philadelphia, PA – Keswick Theatre 3/18/23 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom 3/19/23 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium 3/21/23 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore 3/22/23 – Columbus, OH – The Bluestone 3/24/23 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room 3/25/23 – Chicago, IL – House Of Blues 3/26/23 – Bloomington, IL – The Castle Theatre 3/28/23 – Milwaukee, WI – The Eagles Club Stage 3/29/23 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore 3/31/23 – Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theatre 4/1/23 – Denver , CO – The Fillmore 4/2/23 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot 4/4/23 – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom 4/6/23 – West Hollywood, CA – Whisky A Go Go 4/7/23 – West Hollywood, CA – Whisky A Go Go 4/8/23 – San Diego, CA – House Of Blues 5/14/23 – Glasgow, UK – O2 Academy 5/15/23 – Newcastle, UK – O2 City Hall 5/17/23 – Manchester, UK – Academy 5/18/23 – Birmingham, UK – O2 Academy 5/20/23 – London, UK – O2 Forum Kentish Town 5/21/23 – Bristol, UK – O2 Academy 5/23/23 – Leeds, UK – O2 Academy 5/25/23 – Belfast, UK – Ulster Hall 5/26/23 – Cork, IE – Cyprus Avenue 5/28/23 – Dublin, IE – Vicar Street Previously Announced Tour Dates 12/29/22 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom 12/30/22 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom 1/5/23 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore 1/6/23 – Sacramento, CA – Ace Of Spades 1/7/233 – San Luis Obispo, CA – Fremont Theater 1/27/23 – Greensboro, NC – Piedmont Hall 1/28/23 – North Myrtle Beach, SC – House Of Blues 1/29/23 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore
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.” A music video for “Never Too Late (To Get Some Pu**y Tonight) was previously released and can be seen HERE.
Tracklisting: 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
Steel Panther: Michael Starr [lead vocals], Satchel [lead guitar], Spyder [bass], and Stix Zadinia [drums]
Ahead of a new US tour Queensryche have released a new video for the track “Sicdeth” from their excellent new album Digital Noise Alliance (released in October). The is an outstanding heavy cut, accompanied by a dark video directed Thomas Crane, A killDevil Films Production. Todd La Torre shares: “‘Sicdeth’ is an abstract tale about convicted killers and the fallout of those attached on both sides. How can the victims’ and the assailants’ families overcome such pain? The inmate now has only their mind with which to escape. The song lyrics discretely touch on the very polarizing convicted murderer Jody Arias. The video however was more tailored to the Aileen Wuornos case.” Check out the video below, and if you haven’t listened to Digital Noise Alliance – check that out! *Tour dates and info from the press release below.
TOUR:
Commenting on their upcoming live shows, QUEENSRŸCHE share, “We are very excited to be doing this headline tour in support of our most recent album, Digital Noise Alliance!
This touring package is amped up and very much looking forward to seeing all of you! Come on out and let’s have a great time together, as live music is as vibrant as ever once again!”
Direct support on the Digital Noise Alliance Tour comes from Marty Friedman, with Trauma opening the night for each show. A complete list of dates can be seen below.
QUEENSRŸCHE – 2023 Digital Noise Alliance Tour
wsg. Marty Friedman + Trauma 3/3/2023 – Orlando, FL @ The Plaza Live 3/4/2023 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room 3/5/2023 – Jacksonville, FL @ Florida Theatre 3/7/2023 – Destin, FL @ Club LA 3/9/2023 – San Antonio, TX @ The Vibes Event Center 3/10/2023 – Houston, TX @ Scout Bar 3/11/2023 – Dallas, TX @ House Of Blues 3/12/2023 – Midland, TX @ La Hacienda Event Center 3/14/2023 – Phoenix, AZ @ Marquee Theatre 3/16/2023 – Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades 3/17/2023 – El Cajon, CA @ House Of Blues 3/21/2023 – Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom 3/22/2023 – Seattle, WA @ The Neptune Theatre 3/24/2023 – Denver, CO @ Gothic Theatre 3/25/2023 – Kansas City, KS @ Knuckleheads Saloon 3/26/2023 – St. Louis, MO @ Delmar Hall 3/28/2023 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave 3/29/2023 – Ft. Wayne, IN @ The Clyde Theatre 3/31/2023 – Chicago, IL @ Concord Music Hall 4/1/2023 – Grand Rapids, MI @ The Intersection 4/2/2023 – Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall 4/4/2023 – Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall 4/5/2023 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Roxian Theater 4/7/2023 – Boston, MA @ The Palladium 4/8/2023 – Huntington, NY @ The Paramount 4/10/2023 – New York, NY @ Irving Plaza 4/11/2023 – Baltimore, MD @ Soundstage 4/12/2023 – Charlotte, NC @ The Underground 4/14/2023 – Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl 4/15/2023 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade (Heaven) 4/16/2023 – St. Petersberg, FL @ Jannus Live
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 16th studio 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.
Finnish rockers LEAFLET will be releasing their sophomore albumSomething Beyond this coming January 2023 via Rockshots Records. The album follows their debut album “Outta Door” released through VR Label Finland in 2017.
The band recently shared their second single “Resonate” accompanied by a music video.
They comments: “Resonate is a song about a person who goes through an out-of-body experience realizing life is short and one has to live it once it lasts. This song is a reminder for us all in our daily grind that life is supposed to be enjoyed. Resonate was mainly composed in the heat of the day and thunderstorm of the night while visiting Bangalore, India. I am sure some of that atmosphere got subconsciously translated into the song as well.”
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 flavour. “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.
“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! “
Tragic Magic is the 4th release from Vancouver’s SPELL, who are described/labelled as ‘hypnotic heavy metal’. Hypnotic is one word, but there’s a number of words that spring to mind in describing the band’s latest album. First and foremost, they are Canadian, so I hear the likes of Rush in their sound, as well as Harlequin and Red Rider, maybe it’s the vocals, the melodies with the latter… And then there’s the cool hooks, riffs, and fantasy type songs that have elements of Blue Oyster Cult, Black Sabbath, Wishbone Ash…. Tragic Magic has all the elements of a classic 70s early metal album, but with clever melodies, perfectly timed uses of 80s synths, and songs that will grow on the listener, and elements of prog and space-rock, Each track offers something unique that will demand repeated plays. “Ultraviolet” may be the standout track here, but this album keeps me interested with every tune, the latest single being “Fever Dream” instantly reminding me of early 80s Rush and Red Rider, like this could’ve been a big arena favorite 40 years ago! Favorites include “A Ruined Garden”, “Cruel Optimism” (with that heavy riff, lighter verses, and hard-edged chorus) , and “Watcher Of The Seas” (love the 80s Rush, and metal feel of this). Album ends with the short instrumental “The Watching”, a bit space/prog rock., a great ending. Ten tracks here, most of which come in under 4 minutes, but yet one feels there’s much more. +Tragic Magic available on vinyl LP (multiple colors), CD and digital
*for more info, check out the press release and links below. Highly recommended!
(Photo: David P. Ball)
Hypnotic Heavy Metal Band, SPELL, Streams New Video “Fever Dream”
Vancouver Progressive Duo to Drop New LP, ‘Tragic Magic’, October 28
“Music is magic, and Spell is a spell. Fundamentally, it is a forum to make our dreams come true”- Spell bassist/guitarist/vocalist Cam Mesmer
Fantastical heavy metal band Spell will release its new LP, ‘Tragic Magic’, on October 28 via Bad Omen Records. Featuring ten tracks of prime, progressive heavy music flooded with mesmerizing atmospheres, ‘Tragic Magic’ sees Spell take a decidedly grittier lyrical approach, leaning less into escapism, while confronting real life challenges of modern times. Striking cover art (Frenzy of Exultations by Władysław Podkowiński, 1863) featuring an angelic woman riding a frenetic horse, portends the palpable potency that the record promises. In its review of the new Spell song, “Ultraviolet”, Metal Injection says the band’s sound treads “the line between dreamy progressive rock in the vein of King Crimson and more straightforward old-school heavy metal like Blue Öyster Cult.” Pre-order ‘Tragic Magic’ at THIS location.
In advance of the release of ‘Tragic Magic’, Spell streams a video for the new track, “Fever Dream”, (Directed by Scotti Gibson, with cinematography by Kyle Samuels & make up effects by Caitlin Rose Delaplace and edited by Vince Edwards) an enticing earworm that fuses darkwave and progressive psych in hypnotizing fashion while exploring the realms of “nightmares and sleep paralysis”.
“Fever Dream” comes directly from the most evil and frightening moments I’ve experienced in the depths of illness and sleep,” offers Spell vocalist/guitarist Cam Mesmer. “These things may not make sense in the light of day, but once they take hold you have no choice but to follow their twisted path. Deep within nightmares and sleep paralysis, I have conflicting desires: first the urge to shake myself and escape, but also a second, deeper instinct – to give in to the feeling and allow it to conquer me completely to see where it will take me. This song represents your darkest subconscious, urging you to allow that evil inside of yourself and give it the agency to take you somewhere new, somewhere unholy. Now go back to sleep…”
‘Tragic Magic’ is the highly anticipated follow up to Spell’s critically acclaimed 2020 LP, ‘Opulent Decay’, a record hailed as “fantasy rock” by Blabbermouth, “enchanting” by Heavy Blog is Heavy, and “captivating” by Revolver. The record’s songcraft is steeped in the atmosphere of the arcane, yet the hooks are more razor-sharp than ever. While influences like the esoteric charge of the aforementioned Blue Öyster Cult and the elemental expansions of Camel drift through these crepuscular melodies, Spell are as likely to be influenced by the life-affirming energy of ‘60s Motown, the ethereal dimensions of Cocteau Twins, the strident woe of Candlemass, and the classic songwriting chops of Russ Ballard.
Another taste of what ‘Tragic Magic’ holds in store can be ingested now on the previously unveiled video for the LP’s radiating first single “Ultraviolet”. Created by Sean Edwards for Ramble Films (Freeways), the eye-catching clip showcases Spell at the height of its powers.
“The themes on this album are more concrete, guided by personal experience,” offers Mesmer. “Tragic Magic’ has to do with mental illness, ageing, the death of a loved one, the decay of time… this is what ‘tragic magic’ means to us – loss and tragedy outside of our control, which fundamentally alters our perceived reality. This album is our response to the world as it currently is music for an ascetic age. The identity of Spell came into sharp focus as it was always intended to be.”
Ultraviolet” explores the hidden terror of forces that rule us but cannot be perceived or understood,” says Spell vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Cam Mesmer. “Our world is shaped by powers that the limitations of our physical bodies prevent us from directly encountering. Will we fall victim to the lust for that which cannot be ours, or harness them to fulfil our wildest dreams?”
“If this band was a van, they would be the raddest, most pimped out airbrushed 70’s van with plush interior and a BOOMING system. SPELL is a perfect name for them, because their songs are jamming heavy metal magic.” – Cvlt Nation
“Psychedelic space rock exploration steeped in sludge and fuzz. Tipping their caps to a range of classic hard rock influences like Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult, Rush and even old-school Mercyful Fate, Spell captures a dreary, overcast and lo-fi vibe” – Exclaim!
SPELL is: Cam Mesmer: vocals, bass, rhythm guitar/ Al Lester: vocals, drums, lead guitar. (* Synthesizers by Gabriel B)
Italian prog-metal band Even Flow have released a new 5-track mini-album. Meditterraneo features a big range of heavy rock, prog and lighter moments from the opener “Ocean Lies” which comes charging out and features a few changes throughout. “Revelation Day” is probably the easiest likeable track here, a straightforward bright rock tune, while in contrast “Leaves” is a soft piano-based ballad, great vocal. The set comes to a great finale with the 7-and-a-half-minute title track, which is probably the heaviest cut here. Fine heavy guitar, acoustics, synths, and vocals throughout this. For fans of Dream Theater, Stratovarius, and Queensryche. CD and other merch can be ordered at the band’s website- https://www.bandevenflow.com/
*For more on Even Flow check out the bio and press info below, and the links below
Photo Credit – Claudia Chiodi
Italy’s EVEN FLOW is proud to unveil their latest offering Mediterraneo, a five-track EP that takes the sounds of progressive metal blended with power metal-esque vocals with a dash of AOR eighties influences. Lyrically, the recording speaks of love, hope, sadness, and joy for the future.
“We decided the sequence of the songs according to the musical power it gave us at the time of writing and recording.” adds the band.
The EP opens up with the powerfully composed “Ocean Lies” with it’s strong vocal harmonies, that give way to a hint of Latin influences from the way the drums mesh with the guitar solo. Following into “Ray Of Light”, this is a song that speaks of love towards a woman, characterized by a clean guitar intro, working together with a keyboard to create very beautiful melodies to then end with an Arabic influence guitar harmonization. “Leaves” solo piano and voice piece, extremely intimate with the final part of the piano demonstrating strong harmonic tensions decreased to represent a love story between two young people that did not materialize. A song that gives a calm and melancholic balance to relax the listener’s ears bringing them to heavenly visions. “Revelation Day” with lyrics that have a Catholic inspiration, is to be heard very closely in its entirety, its melodic parts are intertwined with more progressive charm. EP closer and title track, “Mediterraneo,” tells a story about a loving relationship between two men, the track has Arabic interludes, many progressive metal parts, and melodic guitar solos.
Mediterraneo features Even Flow’s new lineup with vocalist Marco Pastorino (Fallen Sanctuary, Temperance) and bassist Luca Negro (Temperance) joining the Lunesu brothers Pietro Paolo (guitar) and Giorgio (drums).
The EP was mixed and mastered by Michele Guaitoli (Visions Of Atlantis, Temperance) with artwork by Mickael Briot of Mythrid Art (Nightmare).
Over the years, since making their debut in 2008 with their EP “Dream Weaver”, Even Flow has done multiple tours across Europe and has supported bands such as Serious Black, Firewind, Eluveitie, Iron Savior, Katatonia, Orphaned Land, Katatonia, Pain Of Salvation among many more.
Even Flow is: Marco Pastorino: Vocals and Choirs Pietro Paolo Lunesu: All Electric and Acoustic guitars Giorgio Lunesu: Drums and Percussion Luca Negro: Bass
