Tag Archives: new-album

ARTHUR BROWN – to release new album ‘Nature’

June 23, 2026 KJ Leave a comment

Legendary British rocker Arthur Brown has a new album coming out September 4th, through Prophecy Productions. It is a collaboration with multi-instrumentalist Dan Smith. Arthur Brown is still out there rocking – touring, and creating new music – 58 years after his worldwide hit “Fire”!

Arthur had 2 albums in 2022, Monster’s Ball (w/ various guests) and the excellent Long Long Road (w/ Rik Patten). His new single and video is out. The album is available for pre-order, in various formats HERE. Check it out. Really looking forward to this. *Also check out the press release below, as well as tracklisting and links to more on Arthur Brown. Further, Arthur has upcoming shows and will also be a guest host on ALICE COOPER’s upcoming UK book tour, see all dates below.

Video by Marvin Stang

Iconic British blues rocker ARTHUR BROWN has revealed the title track of his forthcoming new full-length “Nature“, which has been created in collaboration with DAN SMITH. ‘Nature’ is presented in the shape of a beautiful music video that has been pro-shot live at his flamboyant shows during ARTHUR BROWN’s recent touring across Europe.

ARTHUR BROWN comments on ‘Nature’: “This is a time of confusion and choice”, the legendary rock musician muses. “Deep inside us is a consciousness, which is the basis of everything. Can we find a way to know ourselves as being it? At the moment all our social structures, our laws, education system, everything in our culture are no longer using the parts of our brain that can care for the world in its totality. From this comes our discomfort in our living. All our problems arise from this dualistic world image. We need to find a way to stand before this ‘consciousness’ and drop all our current ‘answers’.”

As ARTHUR BROWN continues to perform – “Nature” stands as a profound and poetic culmination of his artistic journey. After six decades on all the stages of the world, boundary‑breaking performances, pioneering and innovating rock music, fate and life have brought the iconic singer back to where he came from – both as a creative artist and in his personal geography.

For more than sixty years, ARTHUR BROWN has stood as one of the most singular figures in rock music. The singer and performer is universally recognised as a true visionary whose work has always moved beyond conventional songcraft and crossed over into theatre, ritual, and sonic experimentation. At the culmination of his extraordinary decade-spanning career, ARTHUR BROWN announces the release of what he describes as his pinnacle album: “Nature”.

In recent years, ARTHUR BROWN has been contemplating how he would like to see the final chapter of his musical journey to unfold. After decades of global travel and artistic exploration, the question became not how to continue – but how to remain true and authentic to himself. Originally planning to settle in the United States, the Norns weaving fate pulled some strings. Brown and his partner as well as creative director, Claire Waller, found themselves unexpectedly in North Yorkshire, in the north of England.

An Album Shaped by Time, Elements and a Return

What at first looked like only a temporary change of plan soon revealed itself as something far more profound. Settling down among the vast landscapes of the North York Moors, ARTHUR BROWN discovered that he had followed something powerful, the call of his blood. The iconic rock pioneer found himself living in his ancestral home, only miles from the final resting place of his great‑grandfather, grandfather, and father on one side. While on the other side loomed that ancient fishing town at the heart of many a dark folk tale, Whitby – the place of his birth. These discoveries made his return feel almost magical in its poetic symmetry.

“Nature” is a reflection on a life that has and is dedicated to the search of meaning through creativity, spirituality, and artistic exploration. Throughout ARTHUR BROWN’s life, one idea has returned time and again: the cosmic unity of existence. “Nature” places that philosophy at its centre. “Nature” is not intended as some kind of closing statement but rather the distillation of a lifetime spent exploring the mysteries of being. It is the sound of a wandering minstrel pausing, at last, to listen to the wind in the trees. And quite literally so…

Nature’s call changed the way that ARTHUR BROWN was used to working on new music. Rather than constructing the album purely within the walls of a studio, he began recording the natural sounds that surround his home. The bubbling brook. The flow of the nearby river. Wind moving through trees. Wind chimes hanging in the air. Footsteps across soil and woodland paths. The crackle of fire in the hearth. All these sounds and more became part of “Nature”‘s sonic palette.

ARTHUR BROWN went on to find the perfect collaborators for his musical endeavour. Working with his friend and producer Isaac McInnis of Crooked Room Studio, the veteran musician developed the conceptual framework of the record – blending environmental recordings with improvisational composition. When he was satisfied, ARTHUR BROWN took the next step and called upon another friend, the composer, multi-instrumentalist, and collaborator Dan Smith, who is also a member of the current CRAZY WORLD OF ARTHUR BROWN live line-up, to help shape the music.

Together with McInnis and Claire Waller, the creative process unfolded organically step by step. ARTHUR BROWN brought with him a lifetime of lyrical writing, poetic prowess, and philosophical reflection. The songs evolved through a series of improvised recording sessions, which were guided by instinct rather than rigid structure.

Following these sessions, Dan Smith continued to expand and develop the musical landscape. He worked alongside McInnis, Waller, and Brown to shape what would ultimately become “Nature”. More than just another album, this record offers an interwoven tapestry of natural sounds, improvised exploration of instruments, traditional composition, and joyful collaboration.

It is time to let “Nature” take its course…

Tracklist
1. Nature
2. With a Tear
3. The Source
4. Seven
5. Bursting the Bubble
6. Water on Stone
7. Open Hearts
8. Enough

Line-up: Arthur Brown – vocals
Dan Smith – various instruments

Recording line-up:
Arthur Brown – vocals
Dan Smith – guitar, bass, keyboards, programming, backing vocals
Isaac McInnis – keyboards, programming, scissors

Guest musicians:
Sam Walker – drums, steel pans, percussion, backing vocals on track 1 & 4
Claire Waller – scissors, recorder on track 1 & 7
Paul Elliott – drums, percussion on track 2

Recording & mix: by Isaac McInnis at Crooked Room Studio, York (UK)
Mastering: by Kevin Tuffy at Tuff Mastering, Berlin (DE)

Artwork photography: by Harvey Waller
Layout: by Łukasz Jaszak

Available formats

“Nature” will be available as a ltd. hardcover 48-page 2CD artbook with essays by Arthur Brown & bonus CD incl. two excl. studio tracks, ltd. Gatefold marbled natural & clear vinyl LP (400 copies), ltd. Gatefold brown vinyl LP (400 copies), Gatefold black vinyl LP, and on Digipak CD.

Links
www.thegodofhellfire.com
www.facebook.com/arthurbrownmusic
www.instagram.com/godofhellfire_actual

https://arthur-brown.bandcamp.com/album/nature-1

ALICE COOPER UK Book Tour dates with host ARTHUR BROWN:
13 OCT 2016 London (UK) Palladium
14 OCT 2016 Brighton (UK) Dome
17 OCT 2016 Stockton (UK) Globe
20 OCT 2016 Wolverhampton (UK) Civic Hall

UPPER LIP release second album, ‘Devil’s Ride

May 5, 2026 KJ Leave a comment

Rising hard rock force Upper Lip returns with their explosive second studio album, Devil’s Ride – an eight-track powerhouse that marks a bold and darker evolution from their debut record, Deep Within.

Following the success of their first release, Upper Lip ventures deeper into the shadows with Devil’s Ride, an album that explores betrayal from those meant to stand by us, the weight of internal struggles, and the eternal duality between good and evil. While the themes cut deep, the record ultimately carries a powerful message of hope – a call for unity and resilience in the face of pain, hardship, and forces that seek to divide and destroy.

Drawing inspiration from the raw blues fire of Rory Gallagher, the intricate acoustic textures of Bert Jansch, and the riff-driven mastery of Jimmy Page, Upper Lip fuse classic rock authenticity with unapologetic power. The swagger and grit of Guns N’ Roses and the explosive, anthemic energy of The Who echo throughout the record, shaping an album that honors rock’s golden era while forging its own commanding identity.

Notably, the track “The Castle” ventures boldly into heavier territory, with verses embracing classic heavy metal textures and dark tonal weight reminiscent of Black Sabbath, adding a brooding, ominous edge to the album’s sonic landscape.

Devil’s Ride was recorded at the iconic Temple Studios in Mistra under the guidance of producer David Vella, who also produced the band’s debut album. The record captures Upper Lip’s raw energy while elevating their sound into darker, more intense territory.

All the music and lyrics on the album were written by Joseph Azzopardi, showcasing his uncompromising creative vision and songwriting depth.

Speaking about the new release, songwriter Joseph Azzopardi reflected on the journey behind the album: “I love this record so much. It took a lot of work to get it where it is, but I think it really shows how much we’ve matured as a band. My favourite track on the album is Won’t You Listen because it’s a very personal song for me. What I really love about Devil’s Ride is how varied it is it merges different styles and influences, and that’s something I’ve always loved in a record.”

On vocals, Christopher Portelli, often hailed as the band’s very own Bon Scott, delivers a commanding and electrifying performance that channels pure rock ‘n’ roll spirit. Reflecting on the album, Portelli highlights one track in particular: “One of the songs I love the most on the album is Goddess of the Sun. I’m a massive old-school rock fan, and that song really captures that classic vibe that I grew up loving. Recording this album was also a big step for me personally as a singer I feel like I improved a lot throughout the process and pushed myself further vocally.”

Reflecting on the album, bassist Marcel Paul Grima shared his personal highlights: “My favorite riff on the album is from ‘The Duel,’ it really gives me that old western movie standoff vibe. The song I connect with most is ‘Won’t You Listen,’ because it’s about how stubbornness can create barriers between people, but also about not giving up. It was actually the most challenging song for me to get right, as it needed a very specific feel, but I ended up loving the vibe and melody it became. Looking back at our first album, Deep Within, I feel we’ve grown a lot as a band, both in songwriting and musicianship, and now we really know what we want.”

The rhythm section brings thunder and groove, with Marcel Paul Grima on bass and seasoned Finnish drummer Sami Karpinnen behind the kit. Karpinnen, known for his work with Therion and his collaborations and touring with Opeth, injects the album with dynamic power and precision.

The album’s striking artwork was created by local artist Peter Magro. The cover depicts an intense and symbolic scene: the devil behind the wheel, with two figures riding in the back — a powerful representation of the choices we make and the paths we choose. The imagery perfectly encapsulates the album’s title and underlying message: life itself can feel like a ride steered by temptation, but the direction remains ours to confront.

Devil’s Ride is available now for purchase via Upper Lip’s official website at www.upperlipmusic.com and is also streaming on all major digital music platforms here: https://album.link/s/1lMLCvv7Pj8kJE236j4oNG

With this second release, Upper Lip proves they are not just riding the wave of rock ‘n’ roll, they are steering it straight through fire.

Devil’s Ride Track Listing:

Blood of Rock n’ Roll
Charlie Plays Harmonica
Another Kiss
Goddess of the Sun
Won’t You Listen
The Duel
The Castle
Going Nowhere

YES – new album ‘Aurora’, and single

April 17, 2026 KJ Leave a comment

Well, not really new news, but YES have announced a new album and released the first single with animated video.Check out the press info below, the album art by Roger Dean, and the video.

YES, who is Steve Howe, Geoff Downes, Jon Davison, Billy Sherwood & Jay Schellen, are proud to announce their 24th studio album ‘Aurora’ will be released on the 12th June 2026 via InsideOutMusic/Sony Music. As Howe explains: “Making this record was joyful, a chance to play, explore and give everything to the music. It’s always been about collaboration, somebody can write a song, but until everybody puts their contribution in it isn’t really a Yes song. We’re not trying to echo the past; we’re carrying the spirit of Yes forward and turning it into something new”. The band are also launching the first single from the album, and you can watch the beautiful animated video for the title track, created by Matt Hutchings (Greg Lake, Oasis, Iron Maiden),

‘Aurora’ will be available as a Limited Deluxe 180g Light Green 2LP+2CD+Blu-ray Artbook & Poster, as well as a Ltd Deluxe 2CD+Blu-ray Artbook, both featuring the stunning artwork of Roger Dean and Freya Dean, as well as a bonus disc of instrumentals, and a blu-ray featuring Dolby Atmos, 5.1 Surround Sound & 24bit stereo mixes (by Curtis Schwartz). The album is also available as a Gatefold 180g 2LP + LP-booklet, Special Edition CD Digipak & as Digital Album.

Pre-order now here: https://yes-band.lnk.to/Aurora

Track listing:

1. Aurora 07:27

2. Turnaround Situation 05:50

3. Love Lies Dreaming 06:24

4. Countermovement 13:48

5. Ariadne 06:18

6. All Hands on Deck 03:04

7. Outside the Box 04:20

8. Emotional Intelligence 03:30

9. Jambustin’ (Bonus Track) 04:24

10. Watching the River Roll (Bonus Track) 04:42

When Yes first began sketching out ideas for what would become ‘Aurora’, the process was loose and exploratory. There was no preconceived concept at the start, just a collection of musical fragments that gradually began to find one another and take form. Among these early sketches was a piece titled “Aurora,” and it quickly became clear that the name carried certain gravity. It suggested light, emergence, and a sense of vastness, qualities that resonated deeply with the band. Jon Davison remembers how “the title immediately resonated with Steve Howe and sparked visual inspiration for artist Roger Dean, setting a conceptual tone that would guide the project.”

Work on ‘Aurora’ began almost as soon as the ‘Classic Tales of Yes’ tour ended in 2024. The idea of a new album surfaced quickly and with the label’s encouragement, the band had the time to develop material organically. Rather than gathering in a single studio for months, they embraced a modern workflow; ideas were born in home studios, shaped independently, and then woven together through constant collaboration. Downes and Howe often acted as the central creative axis, with Howe, as producer, serving as the point through which all ideas eventually flowed. Across ‘Aurora’, each track carries its own character. Some echo the classic Yes approach, others push into new territory, but together they form a cohesive whole that honours the band’s heritage while embracing forward motion. With their 24th studio album, Yes demonstrate not just longevity, but a sustained curiosity, a desire to keep exploring, keep refining and keep discovering their capacity to create.

YES ONLINE:

http://www.yesworld.com

http://www.facebook.com/yestheband

http://www.x.com/yesofficial

http://www.youtube.com/user/yesofficial

http://www.instagram.com/yesofficial

PURPENDICULAR (feat. Ian Paice) announce new album ‘Banned’

September 10, 2025 KJ Leave a comment

PURPENDICULAR, the band named after one of my favorite Deep Purple albums, and also features Ian Paice , on drums, have their 4th album ‘Banned‘ coming out on October 4th! Check out the bio below, as well as the 2 videos released so far, band photos, and links below.

In the hot summer of 2024, PURPENDICULAR decided to write their fourth album in a remote village high in the mountains near Porto, Portugal.

The concept was agreed on the first night, but that concept took a twist when the devastating fires took place that very evening, putting the lives of the band in grave danger.

The band were rescued off the mountain from their villa, to a safer option and to an alternative accommodation, where they spent the night watching the fires rage on the veranda.

It was here titles and more ideas came to fruition, to add to the already conceptual theme of Banned, which summarizes today’s sensitive culture, in that the slightest wrong word can get you banned, adding the pun Banned with the last two letters before the last D in the word being crossed out equaling the word BAND.

With all this in mind and the whole band in agreement, it was then decided to add an autobiographical theme also, telling the story of events as they unfolded that treacherous night where many people lost their lives and homes.

The final recordings of the album were completed in Italy, Poland, and the UK. The record is produced by Alessandro Debiaggi and Robby Thomas Walsh. It is a fresh modern look back at the ’70s! It is advised to play this record very loud!

Line-up:
Robby Thomas Walsh (Ireland) – vocals (Roger Glover, Tony Carey, Joe Lynn Turner)
Ian Paice (UK) – drums (Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Gary Moore)
Murray Gould (UK) – guitars (Eric Clapton, Elton John, Joe Bonomassa)
Alessandro Debiaggi (Italy) – keyboards (has toured with Ian Paice Purpendicular since 2022)
Mauricio Torchio (Italy) – bass (has toured with Ian Paice Purpendicular since 2022, here replacing the unavailable Nick Fyffe)