AXEL RUDI PELL’s New Album ‘Risen Symbol’ to be released June 14, 2024, via Steamhammer/SPV
No doubt about it: The world would be a much poorer place without AXEL RUDI PELL! On his 22nd (!) studio album ‘Risen Symbol’, the Bochum-based guitarist and songwriter continues to fly the melodic hard rock flag without watering down his style with pseudo-modern stylistic variations or expendable studio gimmicks. At the same time, he is constantly looking for new influences, exciting inspirations, and catchy hooks. One of the best things about ARP’s anthems is that they are perfectly tailored to the charismatic voice of frontman Johnny Gioeli. The American vocalist is one of the most eminent rock singers worldwide and, together with PELL, former Rainbow drummer Bobby Rondinelli, and the two longstanding ARP members Ferdy Doernberg (keyboards) and Volker Krawczak (bass), has been an integral part of a perfectly oiled machine for more than ten years, wowing fans and media alike.
‘Risen Symbol’ will be available on Steamhammer/SPV from June 14, 2024. For all those who can’t wait, 3 April 2024 will see the arrival of the lead single “Guardian Angel” followed on May 22, 2024, by “Darkest Hour”.
Track List:
1. The Resurrection (Intro)
2. Forever Strong
3. Guardian Angel
4. Immigrant Song
5. Darkest Hour
6. Ankhaia
7. Hell’s On Fire
8. Crying In Pain
9. Right On Track
10. Taken By Storm
‘Risen Symbol‘ will be released on June 14th, 2024
via Steamhammer/SPV in the following configurations:
Band: Johnny Gioeli – Lead and Backing Vocals, Axel Rudi Pell – Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Ferdy Doernberg – Keyboards, Volker Krawczak – Bass, Bobby Rondinelli – Drums
“Buffalo Rock City II” – Fun Love Songs Helping the Maria Love Fund (Hard Rock All-Stars Joins Western New York Talents on KISS Tribute Album)
“Buffalo Rock City II” is coming October 31, 2023 to digital media and CD (via Bandcamp at LINK) and at “brick and mortar” retail record stores. “BRC II” is the sequel to the first “Buffalo Rock City,” the best KISS tribute album ever made! Proceeds from the sales of “BRC II“are earmarked to the Maria Love Fund, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, providing immediate financial assistance to those in need.
Lifelong KISS fan and KISS THIS! founder/guitarist, John Jeffrey, has, once again, assembled a who’s who of artists, largely representing the Western New York music scene. Among the artists are original “Buffalo Rock City” alumni: Shawn Przybylak (drums), Gene Schmidt (guitar), Joe Teresi (guitar), Rock Rollain (bass) and Nat Peace (vocals). “II” features WNY “newcomers” to the studio project – Larry Kremer (drums), Kylie Velletta (vocals) & Debbie Knight (who made her first “BRC” appearance on 2022’s, “Buffalo Rock City ALIVE!“). The 2 headlining bands returning to “Buffalo Rock City II” album, are tribute band, KISS THIS! and DoDriver, an all-original act, handpicked by KISS and their manager Doc McGhee, to open for KISS on the Sonic Boom tour at Darien Lake on August 13, 2010.
Another WNY artist bassist Billy Sheehan spearheads the list of international rock artists contributing to the project. The album features John Corabi (vocals), Jeff Scott Soto (vocals), John Gioeli (vocals), Jean Beauvoir (vocals), Tommy Henriksen (vocals), Tommy Denander (guitar), Howie Simon (guitar), Rafael Moreira (guitar) Deen Castronovo (drums/vocals), Steve Blaze (guitar), Philip Shouse (bass), Dave Comer (vocals) & Mitch Weissman (vocals). These “celebrity guests” have toured and recorded with Ace Frehley, Alice Cooper, Warlock, Accept, David Lee Roth, Hardline, Talas, KillSET, Gene Simmons, Journey, Ozzy Osbourne, The Hollywood Vampires, Lillian Axe, Winger, Stryper, Tesla, Michael Jackson, Motley Crue, The Dead Daisies, The Ramones, The Plasmatics, Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Stanley, Soul Station and Beatlemania.
Mitch Weissman, who sang on “Buffalo Rock City,” returns with his co-write with Gene Simmons, “What You See Is What You Get.” Originally demoed by Weissman and Simmons for the 1987 Ron Nevison produced KISS album, “Crazy Nights,” the Mitch and BCR’s producer John cleared 30-year old cobwebs to complete this special song.
Making an additional note in “KISStory,” Jean Beauvoir plays a significant role, recording a brand new version of “Who Wants To Be Lonely,” which he originally contributed to KISS’ 1985 release, “Asylum.”
“Buffalo Rock City II” was mixed by C. Wood (Brian McKnight, Rascal Flatts, Alicia Keys, Leann Rimes, Lenny Kravitz, Justin Timberlake, Kenny G & Slash) and David Julian. Julian is an established producer and songwriter, who has written songs for Jack Russell (Great White) and Ace Frehley.
Keeping in tradition with the great KISS album covers, Kevin Conrad, the comic artist who penciled and inked the front cover of “Buffalo Rock City,” created a masterpiece once again– the front and back art for “II.” A life-long KISS fan, Kevin’s most known for ink all 31 issues of Todd McFarlane’s “KISS – Psycho Circus” comic book series. This new BCR II cover art depicts the KISS members that the musicians in KISS THIS! portray and personify. The cover is an homage to the iconic KISS “Love Gun” album artwork, featuring Buffalo’s Albright Knox Art Gallery as the centerpiece.
As the first album, “Buffalo Rock City” focused on topical/non-cock rock KISS songs, it was decided that “Buffalo Rock City II,” while serving a greater purpose, would focus exclusively on all the fun “love” themed songs in the catalog.
*Check out the first video for the album, “Calling Dr. Love,” filmed and directed by Joe Palumbo of Niagara River Pictures LLC)
Buffalo Rock City II tracks:
“I Stole Your Love ’89” (Johnny Gioeli & Howie Simon)
“Saint And Sinner” (DoDriver)
“Who Wants To Be Lonely” (Jean Beauvoir)
“Down On Your Knees” (John Corabi)
“Have Love Will Travel/Got Love For Sale'” (Dave Comer)
“Tomorrow and Tonight” (Dave Comer)
“Love For Sale” (Billy Sheehan & Jeff Scott Soto)
“Calling Dr. Love” (KISS THIS!)
“Makin’ Love” (KISS THIS!)
“Save Your Love” (Tommy Henriksen & Philip Shouse)
“Love Gun” (Deen Castronovo & Rafael Moreira)
“Shoot U Full Of Love” (Various artists)
“Exciter” (Dave Comer)
“You Love Me To Hate You” (Steve Blaze)
“I” (Dave Comer & Tommy Denander)
“Hell Or High Water” (Various artists)
“What You See Is What You Get” (Mitch Weissman)
The release is available for PRE-ORDER now!!!! All ordering information can be found at www.BuffaloRockCity.com and more details can also be found at their social media page: Buffalo Rock City – KISS Tribute Album (facebook.com/WNYTribute2KISS)
Outsider Rock 