METAL ICON KAI HANSEN ANNOUNCES NEW SOLO ALBUM BORN WITH A HAMMER. ARRIVES SEPTEMBER 18 VIA EARMUSIC
Kai Hansen is one of the defining figures in heavy metal.
As co-founder of Helloween and founder of Gamma Ray, he shaped power metal into a global force and created a sound that continues to drive the genre today.
Now, Hansen returns with Born With A Hammer, his first solo album since Kai Hansen & Friends’ XXX – Three Decades In Metal, is set for release on September 18 on earMUSIC.
Raw, energetic, rebellious and unmistakably personal, Born With A Hammer brings together every side of Hansen’s musical identity. Across 10 songs, the album moves between powerful heavy metal, punk attitude, hard rock drive, melodic hooks, and pure guitar-driven energy, carried by the songwriting instincts, guitar work, and unmistakable voice that have made Kai Hansen one of metal’s most distinctive artists. Written without compromise and fueled by pure passion for heavy music, Born With A Hammer captures Hansen at full creative force: Direct, alive and unmistakably metal.
The album was produced by Eike Freese and recorded with a band that brings both firepower and history to the project. Alongside Freese on guitar, the lineup features Alexander Dietz (Heaven Shall Burn) on guitar and Dan Wilding (Carcass) on drums, who already stood alongside Hansen on XXX – Three Decades In Metal, plus Tim Hansen (Induction) on guitar.
Released today alongside the album announcement, “Feeding The Beast” is the first single and opening track from Born With A Hammer, accompanied by an official music video. Driven by razor-sharp riffs, anthemic melodies, and relentless energy, the song delivers a direct and powerful first taste of the album.
Following the global success of Helloween’s recent reunion era and world tours, Born With A Hammer opens a new chapter for Kai Hansen as a solo artist, bringing that energy into a record that stands firmly on its own.
FEEDING THE BEAST TRACK LISTING: “Feeding The Beast” “Welcome To Life” “Don’t Care” “Wait And See” “Born With A Hammer” “I.D.G.A.F.” “End Of The Road” “Triple Trouble” “Invaders” “Wonderland”
FORMATS: CD Digipak Black LP Gatefold (180g) Limited Picture Disc LP (180g)
Canadian rockers LOCKART are set to release their debut album! The band consisting of Devon Kerr, Jason Junop, and Fabio Alasandrini, play a classic 80s style high energy AOR/Metal, but with the synths up front. If you like that 80s AOR sound, you’ll want to check out City Pulse, which comes out in various formats through High Roller Records. I spoke with frontman Devon Kerr a few weeks back, where we discussed the band and the new album, as well as talked music in general, record collecting, favorite bands, etc… Check it out. *Also check out the videos (included), and the links below…..
You guys had an EP out in 2022…
Yes.
What led up to getting a full album out in that time?
So up until that point, 2022, we only had those three songs written. I had no idea how the reception was going to be at the time. The songs were 10 years old, even in 2022 or ‘23.
We started writing those in like 2014. They came out and just kind of feeling it out. And people seem to really take to it, considering we don’t have any marketing. We don’t have any. We got nothing at that time. We just put songs out to the world and saw what happened.
And the support and the number of people that actually enjoyed was overly positive. So it made sense to hit back into the studio and start writing some new songs and making an album. And so that’s basically how it happened.
It was done by us, but because of the reception from the EP from fans.
There seems to be a lot of a bit of an uptake or whatever in 80s AOR and hard rock influenced and inspired bands. Some of them are a little more satirical in that. I don’t know how you got on to that direction and how deliberate and serious it is as opposed to, like, say, Steel Panther.
I’ve always loved this music.
Same with Jay, same with Fabio. It’s definitely not a joke. I mean, this music from the 70s all the way through into the 90s is just top quality music, in my opinion.
The songwriting that goes into bands from the 70s, like Journey and Boston into the 90s, like what Mark Free was doing at that time. It speaks to me. It always has.
So we wanted to do that for real. I know that there’s a resurgence of this type of music or maybe even just a continuation, in Europe. But it seems like, Canadian listeners might understand this and, it seems to be like out on the other continents that a lot of AOR music is like their Nickelback, you know, they’re just kind of generic rock music.
It’s they just fall on to it falls into AOR, where here we got that kind of like country, infused, you know – butt rock stuff. I’m talking about like, it’s kind of like whatever grunge turned into. So we’re trying to stay away from that ‘music by numbers’, generic AOR that’s all digital, nothing’s recorded with amps, none of the artwork’s done by artists – It’s just computers.
We want to stay away from that. But we also want to stay away from any sort of idea that we’re joking around. I know that we’re crazy looking and we do everything to an extent that, some people might think “Are these guys for real?” But we’re just trying to be authentic. We’re trying to do it exactly the way that it’s always been done. It’s just people started getting self-conscious maybe in the ‘90s about the way they looked in bands. We’re trying to get rid of that. Let’s be crazy again, right!? More is more.
I’ve had criticism from family members, they’re like – “What the hell are you doing?” And “Dial it back maybe a little bit!?” And I go, “No, no, no. Turn it up!”
That’s the whole point of this. Let’s go nuts.
The rock star image seemed to have taken a beating over the years. But there’s obviously like watching the video. I mean, you guys get it with the dress and that. There’s a band in Sweden, are you familiar with called Nestor?
Yeah. I listen to them a lot.
And there’s a band from Brazil called Creatures.
Yeah. They’re also on High Roller.
I wonder if we can talk a bit about some of the songs. Do you guys all write or is it mainly you?
I don’t want to sound…I don’t know the word. But yes, it’s primarily my writing. Ninety nine percent.
Jason did write the song “Together As None.” That’s his work. And I just “LockHart-ized” it with keyboards and big vocal choirs and all that. But this project kind of emerged because of I’m feeling sort of in a corner with my other band Axxion. Vocally, I wanted to do something that really showcased what I could do as a singer. So I just went off on my own for this stuff, and this is this is what came of it. I’m still loving playing an Axxion, I’m still doing that. I just wanted to showcase my other abilities as an artist and bring in guys like Fabio and Jay to who are pros. And to leave their signature on it as well. I don’t control any of Jason’s writing or playing. And Fabio’s drum work is entirely him.
I just gave him the music and he, in studio recorded all the drum parts for whatever was in his head. And then we went from there. I never sent him back into the studio to change anything. We used exactly what he heard.
What sort of what sort of things do you influences or inspires your writing lyrically, musically, whatever, like songs like “City Pulse” or “Can’t Shake It”?
They all come from different either experiences or “Can’t Shake It” is just a story about young love. I’m sure almost everyone’s got something similar when they’re in their teens and they’re infatuated with somebody and that experience of either just meeting up, and the second verse, you end up, you’re actually driving around town in the car together, going to the beach. It’s kind of like seeing things come together.
And then we’ve got songs like “City Pulse”, which is finally going to make sense. I can’t tell you how many interviews I’ve done with international interviewers, but you’ll probably remember City Pulse – the news program in Toronto. That’s what we named the album after.
But the song was written about Robert Pickton, the guy out in Vancouver that was the serial killer. I didn’t write about Pickton, it’s about – there was a detective, Kim Rossmo, at the time, who kept being like, “It’s Pickton” to the Vancouver Police Department. And they kept being like, “It’s not Pickton, leave him alone.” And he just kept killing and killing, and it drove this detective, Kim, crazy to the point where he had to leave the police department. And that’s what “City Pulse” is about – Detective Kim Rossmo, my perceived frustration that he must have felt like trying to catch this guy. And in turn, City Pulse, a news program and a true crime story, they kind of come together. I wrote the music for that before the lyrics, I had no idea and I was listening to a podcast about Canadian true crime, and I thought, “This is an interesting story…. And it’s Canadian.”
So, finally, I get to talk about City Pulse – the news program, and someone knows what I’m talking about!
I’ve spent a lot of time on those YouTube channels watching true crime and cold cases.
I actually reached out to Detective Kim Rossmo. I found him on Facebook. He’s just a guy, he’s not famous or anything. And I sent him the song. I said, “I wrote a song that was kind of inspired by a podcast. I’m not a police enthusiast by any means; I just thought it was an interesting story…and maybe you’d be interested in hearing this and letting me know like, do the lyrics speak to you at all?” And he said that it made sense. He actually ended up buying the single – digitally, and I sent him the record. So somewhere out there in the world, this guy, I got a chance to speak with the detective behind the Picton case, which was interesting.
Another song that caught my attention was “You Wouldn’t Know Love”. It kind of reminds me of Heart in places.
Well, that’s a cover song. That’s the one cover we have on the album. You have to read into the liner notes. We didn’t make it obvious because, this record is here; it’s on High Roller Records. It’s not like we’re trying to sell and push the record on people, but this record is being presented to a crowd of metal fans. All three of us are metal guys that are playing AOR – ‘80s pop rock style music. I’m really trying not to use that word because it discourages people from listening, but that’s what it is. But it’s a Michael Bolton song. He wrote it; he did record it. It’s also featured on Cher’s Heart Of Stone album. We wanted to get a song that we thought was kind of groovy and heavy in there, that was by someone like Michael Bolton or Cher, which metalheads would never give a chance to.
Not only that, but we got Nick from Municipal Waste and Vulture to play the guitar solo on it. We found the heaviest guitar player we knew; I asked him on his tour bus if he was interested in doing the solo on this particularly interesting song on the record. And he was all over it. So, that’s the story behind that one.
It’s interesting when you say like ‘metal’ because the songs are pretty synth keyboard led songs. And then you get the big solos. I don’t think there’s any big guitar riffs on the album as far as opening.
No, it’s like a ‘lead synth’ band, right!? The synth sits forward in the mix. The guitars are primarily rhythm guitars. I do dual guitar solos throughout the record there. And I mean, that’s something that you find in traditional heavy metal bands everywhere. There’s some guitar parts that I’m playing lightning fast, like the end of the solo in “Under Fire”, it’s some of the fastest playing that I was able to even pull off.
So, my solos are from metal, and the chord progressions that we use, a lot of them are classic metal chord progressions, but they’re flooded with analog and old FM synthesizers, and big vocal parts that take four singers to pull off.
It’s interesting when I think of like a keyboard led band that it has the more of the metal image and the guitar. The one band that comes to mind is Guffria with Greg Guffria.
Yeah, exactly. That’s a good comparison. We don’t sound like them, but I definitely appreciate what they did and how the keyboardist was actually at the forefront of that band.
In all the bands you’ve been in, aside from being a singer, are you usually on guitar or usually on keyboards?
I’m always just been a lead singer. Now, I play guitar as my first instrument; that’s what I learned how to play music on. But I almost exclusively write music on a piano and then bring guitars into it. I’m sure people hear that in Lockhart, because you listen to the beginning of “Just Can’t Wait”, and it’s a keyboard melody, and then the guitars come in and they’re just chugging along, supporting that keyboard riff. All the vocal parts are written on a keyboard or on a piano.
I’m not an amazing keyboardist, I’m not like Jens Johansson from Yngwie Malmsteen or anything like that, shredding the keyboards the way I do guitar, but I write on the keyboard and I create all the vocal parts. It’s definitely my most expressive instrument. I would say, though I’m a more proficient guitar player, playing keyboard is more like having two guitars in your hands because you’ve got 10 notes you can play.
I assume you guys are going to play live at some point!?
That’s the goal. We’re currently assembling a live band because at our core here we’re a rhythm section, a bass and a drum kit and a lead singer. So, we are currently working with a guitar player, Johnny Nesta, and we’re working with a keyboardist. There’s actually been a few guys who have reached out about getting involved with keyboards, which is good because those are hard to find. But really, everyone needs to be proficient singers. They all need to be able to be lead singers, essentially, in this band. That’s kind of the determining factor of who we’re going to end up going with. We’re going to need a five man band and three, at least, are going to have to be strong singers.
Is it harder in Ontario finding those live shows or are you looking at going elsewhere?
You’ve got to go to like Detroit or you got to go to Toronto, at least for me. I’m similar to you, I’m living in a city that’s kind of in the middle of nowhere. You’d think that London would have an independent (from the rest of the province) kind of music scene because there’s nothing around here. We’re not like attached to another city or anything like Oakville would be. But yeah, it seems that here it’s cover bands, tribute bands all the time. And it seems like anytime I want to see an original act, they’re always touring through Toronto or the Toronto bands that are able to hold enough people to justify a show with original music they have to play in a big city like that. So, me being right square between Toronto and Detroit, I just fluctuate between the two cities.
About the album cover. Who did that? And is there a little bit of a story behind it or anything?
It was a guy, I believe his name’s Julian Elias. (Sorry, Julian, if I screwed your name up,) but he was an artist I found, funny enough I was just looking for a screen saver on my phone, (something that was better than whatever comes with the phone) and I found this Vinnie Vincent Invasion fan artwork on Google. And I was like, man, whoever did that’s awesome. I clicked the image to save it, and it was actually an Instagram page. It took me to his artwork, and he’s an airbrush artist. So I reached out to him – “We’re recording an album. I’m looking for an artist, and I really like what you’re doing.” I sent him a few of his pieces that he’d already done, and said, “If you could do something like this, we’d be all over that.”
He worked with us for months, back and forth, putting different pictures of us together in the sky, finding the right set, finding where to put our logo and the city-scape and everything. And the most difficult part is he was from Argentina, so he spoke Spanish as his first language. And a lot of the things that I would say, I had to make sure I wasn’t using slang, or things that you and I would take for granted because he would take it literally. And then we’d get something that said ‘The City’, the album would be called ‘Night Pulse’. You know, the album is literally called ‘City Pulse’, if you’re supposed to draw a city. So, there was a few times where we would get kind of lost in translation. But yeah – awesome dude! We’re going to give him a shout out once the album is released, and people have actually seen the album cover, because the guy deserves some recognition.
Is the album coming out on vinyl as well?
Yeah, it comes out on black vinyl. And tt comes out on a splatter vinyl through High Roller Records and us. It comes out on a night sky sparkle version. So, it kind of looks like the night sky vinyl we’re currently sold out of that one already in the pre sale. And but that’s available through High Roller. And then it comes out on CD through High Roller and us directly. But we are the only ones who are selling the cassette tape.
The City Pulse cassette is available through our Bandcamp page.
Do you still buy a lot of vinyl?
I do. I buy records. I buy cassettes. I’ve got a whole hi-fi system set up inside. Well, yeah.
I’ve got a big collection, but I’m kind of a little more careful, cautious with what I buy nowadays, with the prices.
Well, now it’s a lot more expensive. Like, I started collecting records in 2008 or something like that. I could buy Malmsteen’s Odyssey for $1.75, and now I see the same record for $35. If I knew that I could invest in these records back then, I’d be a billionaire.
(I relay my story of picking up the entire Kansas catalogue at a flea market 30 years ago for $2 a piece).
What sort of stuff did you grow up on? As far as what do you listen to the most favorite albums and artists and stuff?
My favorite artist, my favorite band of all time is Survivor. Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan, I think they’re amazing songwriters. Jamison was an incredible singer…and Dave Bickler, I mean, the passion in his voice when he sings almost makes me emotional. But those guys from top to bottom, from their first record to their last is nothing but top quality stuff. So I’ve been listening to those guys for years and years to the point where I know everything inside and out. Kansas was a band I was really into growing up (that’s one you just mentioned). I got into Iron Maiden and Judas Priest and all exactly what you’d expect a young metal head to be into. And it kind of grew into like more of a Macauley-Schenker Group, where you’ve got the UFO guitar player, but playing in a hard rock/AOR style of band, where you still get that metal in there as well. It’s completely different than Survivor where it’s all AOR.
That’s kind of what I’ve grown up listening to. It started with your, like I said, Iron Maidens and Kansas and developed into stuff like Survivor within the last 15 years. And then I’ve just stayed there. So maybe it’s a slow change now than it used to be between the first 15 years of my life. But if someone can find me a band that can top Survivor, I’m waiting.
Have you heard the Cobra album Jimi Jameson did?
Yes, I have.
I’ve got that, and I’ve got the Target albums he did.
Oh, okay. I haven’t even heard those. I’ll have to check that out.
Any other newer Canadian bands that you listen to, or would recommend?
I would say, you should check out Cauldron, (I want to say check out Axxion, my other band); Manacle, from Toronto – they’re a new band. Amo, from Toronto – another metal band; Spell from out on the Westcoast. I haven’t heard of anything coming out of the Metalian side of things, but back when we were playing all the time, Metalian was a huge one. Right now there’s not as much going on as there used to be. Funny, when people ask me what my favorite Canadian guitar players are, I start by saying Bobby Orr, and then just start(lol) naming off random hockey players. But they can’t be Canadian, it’s got to be from some guy halfway across the world. Gordie Howe is my favorite keyboardist, I told someone once, because I couldn’t think of one. And they just go “Oh yeah…” But, for Canadian bands, I’m still waiting on some more AOR bands. But I would say, If you haven’t heard Cauldron – give them a listen. They’re one of my favorites. Goat Horn is the predecessor band to Cauldron, an amazing band; a little darker than Cauldron, doomy, more like growly vocals. Those are like our sister bands, Jay plays in Cauldron, and Ian – who did the guitar solo on “Can’t Shake It”, plays in Cauldron.
I’ve got the new Spell and new Crown Lands on order.
That new Spell video and single, “Lilac” is pretty sweet; I love it. The video is totally “Time Stand Still” – Rush, but the sound is very unique; kind of gothic, awesome keyboards…
Canadian rockers TEAZEreunited in 2019, I was fortunate to catch that first show in Windsor, Ontario. An energetic rock performance, and great evening. From 1976 to 1980 Teaze released 4 studio albums, plus the classic Tour Of Japan. Following 1980’s Body Shots the band split up, but their return has been most welcome, and with the release of last year’s Live In Leige, a new studio album seemed to be the next step. The first single, “Man Of Vision” is instantly likeable and recognizeable as Teaze, and among the 11 tracks, there’s a new take of their classic “Sweet Misery”, as well as an excellent cover of Rainbow’s “Man On The Silver Mountain”. More on Rev Your Engines in a few days. Check out the press info below, as well as “Man Of Vision”. The album comes out on CD, May 29 viaDeko Entertainment.
TEAZE, the iconic Canadian rock band, is back and stronger than ever, ready to captivate audiences on major stages worldwide. Known for their explosive sound and electrifying live shows, the band continues to build on a legacy that stretches back to the mid-1970s while proving that their best days are far from behind.
Formed in Windsor, Ontario, in 1975 by bassist and vocalist Brian Danter, guitarists Mark Bradac and Chuck Price, and drummer Mike Kozak, Teaze quickly earned a reputation for their high-energy live performances and powerful melodic hard rock sound. Their early albums produced fan favorites like “Rockin’ With The Music”, “Boys Night Out,” and “Sweet Misery,” helping the band build a loyal following in Canada, Europe, and Japan.
Now, decades later, Teaze is experiencing a resurgence. Recent live performances have drawn enthusiastic crowds, including sold out shows in their hometown region and memorable appearances alongside legendary acts. The band’s chemistry, musicianship, and passion remain undeniable, connecting longtime fans with a whole new generation of rock audiences.
The next chapter for Teaze arrives with their highly anticipated new album, Rev Your Engines. The album captures everything fans love about Teaze, soaring vocals, huge guitar riffs, memorable hooks, and the unmistakable energy that has always defined the band. At the same time, it introduces a fresh, modern edge that proves Teaze is not simply reliving the past but pushing forward with purpose and confidence. They just dropped their new single “Man of Vision” and as founding member Bradac comments, “Man Of Vision is a powerful rock anthem in the grand tradition of Teaze classics like “Heartless World” & “Touch The Wind”. MOV speaks of a righteous person living in a world of chaos, facing uncertainty, searching for truth, and rising above all fear.”
Rev Your Engines is everything Teaze has always been about, big guitars, powerful vocals, great songs, and that same energy that made people fall in love with the band in the first place,” says the band. “We’re proud of where we came from, but this album proves we’re not living in the past. This is Teaze, right now, louder and stronger than ever.”
As Teaze continues to perform live and prepare for the release of Rev Your Engines, the band is proving once again why they remain one of Canada’s most enduring and exciting rock acts.”
Rev Your Engines Man Of Vision Turning The Night Away Gotta Rock Let Me Go We Are One The Man On The Silver Mountain Wonder Can’t Stop Loving You City Of Roses Sweet Misery
Guitarist GUS G, of Greek power-metal band FIREWIND. has his 5th solo album coming out. Gus G is also known for his association with OZZY from 2009-2017, plating on the ‘Scream’ album, as well as being Ozzy’s touring guitarist in this period.
I’ll confess, I am not very familiar with Gus G’s past, nor is Scream high on my list of Ozzy album;s, but his soon to be released Steel Burner is something I can get in to. There’s a short list of guest vocalists and players here (see below). There are a few instrumentals here, such as the title track that kicks things off, which is excellent, as is the more moving piece “Confession” and final cut “Closure”, which features acoustic guitar before it changes, picks up pace and metal, before settling back down in the end.
Of the vocal tracks, favorites include “No One Has To Know” w/ Dino Jelusic (Jelusick, Animal Drive, Stone Leaders), “My Premonition” w/ Ronnie Romero (Lords Of Black, Elegant Weapons), and “Frenemy” (also w/ Romero). Love the big guitar sound, the production, and plenty of solid rock and metal, with enough changes to keep the listener interested throughout the 10 cuts here. Check it out!
Press info:
Internationally acclaimed guitarist, composer, and FIREWIND mastermind Gus G. will release his fifth solo album, ‘Steel Burner‘, on April 24, 2026 via Metal Department Records. The album marks his first solo release in five years and blends modern instrumental metal with select vocal collaborations.
Following an extended period of post-pandemic touring, ‘Steel Burner’ reflects a renewed focus on Gus G.’s solo vision. The album highlights his signature guitar style — combining technical precision, melody, and power — while expanding its scope through collaborations with some of metal’s most respected voices.
The album’s title track, “Steel Burner,” served as the starting point for the project. Originally commissioned by a company that manufactures industrial machines used to shape metal, Gus G. drew inspiration from a machine bearing the same name. The track’s driving energy ultimately set the tone for the album and inspired its title.
While the instrumental pieces showcase Gus G.’s evolution as both a guitarist and composer, ‘Steel Burner’ also features several standout vocal performances. Metal icon Doro Pesch appears on “Nothing Can Break Me,” a powerful anthem centered on perseverance and resilience. “No One Has to Know,” featuring Dino Jelusick, takes a modern hard rock approach while exploring the artificial lives and personas often projected through social media.
Matt Barlow (Iced Earth, Ashes of Ares) brings his unmistakable intensity to “Dancing With Death,” an epic metal track with a contemporary edge that tackles the darker theme of addiction. Ronnie Romero (Rainbow) also appears on two tracks, a collaboration that grew out of his recent world tour with Gus G.
Reflecting on the release, Gus G. comments: “This is my first solo album in five years. I’ve been busy touring in the post-pandemic world, but I always knew I wanted to make another solo record. This time I wanted the best of both worlds — exploring instrumental guitar music while also collaborating with singers I admire and am a fan of.”
‘Steel Burner’ was mixed and mastered by Dennis Ward (Helloween, Pink Cream 69, Magnum), delivering a clear and powerful modern production that complements both the album’s instrumental depth and vocal performances.
With ‘Steel Burner’, Gus G. delivers a confident and forward-looking record that honors metal’s roots while embracing modern production, themes, and collaboration.
Newly compiled list of new (newer) tracks from soon to be released albums. Some good Canadian content included as well 🙂 Check out the tracks, click on the links for more info….
HIGH FADE – from Edinburgh, Scotland. This heavy 3-piece will release their 3rd album May 8 on RPN Records. These guys have a pretty unique sound, based on big riffs. Harry Valentino (guitar, vocals), Oliver Sentence (bass, mustache), and Heath Campbell (drums), Check it out. https://highfademusic.live/
SPIRIT ADRIFT – the band’s first single since their previous album in 2023, . Lead by frontman / songwriter Nate Garrett. Spirit Adrift blends classic heavy metal with doom and a bit of thrash. Check them out. https://spiritadrift.bandcamp.com/
MEAN SILVER MACHINE – 70s classic rock influenced band from Helsinki, Finland. Mean Silver Machine’s debut album ‘No Way Out‘ was released in 2025. These guys released a new single, a ballad “The Time Of My Life”, earlier this year. Another single is scheduled for later this month, with an album planned for next year. MSM are: Ville “Willie Silver” Silvennoinen: vocals, bass Perdez Lunkka: vocals, guitar Jari Aaltonen: vocals, keyboards Juha Rastas: drums
VON GROOVE – Canadian rockershave a new single, “Fearless,” taken from their upcoming new album ‘Born To Rock,’ set for release on May 15, via Frontiers Music Srl. It is the 2nd single from the upcoming album. Guitarist Mladen comments on the new single: “‘Fearless’ is a battle cry. It’s about refusing to back down, trusting your instincts, and stepping into your power. This song is classic VON GROOVE, big riffs, big hooks, and a message that hits you straight in the chest.”https://ffm.bio/borntorock
CROWN LANDS – Canadian prog rock duo CROWN LANDS have emerged as one of the genre’s most ambitious modern voices. Now, the band deliver their new studio album Apocalypse, their most demanding and fully realized work to date, set for release on May 15th,. Album Cover Art by Quinn Henderson https://crownlandsmusic.lnk.to/Apocalypse-Albumhttps://www.crownlandsmusic.com/
IRON SAVIOR – German power-metal band’s upcoming album includes covers of 80s pop hits. The new single adds some metal to Michael Sembello’s 1983 hit “Maniac”. https://ironsavior.rpm.link/awesomeanthemsPR
JOHN CORABI – the latest single from John’s excellent new album ‘New Day’. Check out my recent interview with John, as well as my review of New Day, elsewhere here…. https://ffm.bio/johncorabi_newday
SUZI QUATRO w/ ALICE COOPER – 2 legendary 70s artists have recorded a cover of “Kick Out The Jams” . This rocks, Alice even slips in a line from “Schools Out”. The track will be on Suzi’s’new album ‘Freedom‘
CREATURES recently released their second album, Creatures II, to follow up their debut in 2021. The 4-piece band from Brazil is heavily influenced by ’80s hard rock and heavy metal bands like Judas Priest, Ratt, Ozzy, Dokken….and although I see no mention, lead vocals definitely remind me of Lizzy Borden. Creatures II features a new line-up, with the band lead by guitarist/songwriter Mateus Canteleano, who has answered my questions below. Bandmembers also included their ‘top 10’ album lists, as well as influences.
CREATURES consists of Mateus Cantaleäno, Marc Brito (vocals), Ricke Nunes (bass), and Sidnei Dubiella (drums). *Check out Creatures II, the interview, and the links below.
Can you guys tell me a bit about the band coming together and direction?
Mateus Cantaleano: Basically, this lineup came together around 2022, a few months after the release of our first album, which was recorded only by me and the former singer, Roberto. After the release of the album, people started getting in touch with me asking about live shows, and since Roberto had moved to Canada, I invited Marc—at first just to sing the first shows—and CJ to play drums. The last one to join the band was Ricke, who became part of the band in 2023. We created a really strong connection not only musically, but also in our personal lives, and this naturally became the official lineup of the band.
What are some of the yours (bandmembers) favorite bands, musicians, influences that you grew up on?
Mateus: For me, it was and still is bands like Judas Priest, Dokken, and Scorpions. As guitarists, I’d say Yngwie Malmsteen, Uli Jon Roth, and George Lynch.
Marc: Halford, Jon Oliva, Udo, King Diamond.
Ricke: Rush, Geddy Lee, Billy Sheehan, Juan Alderete, Felipe Andreoli, Bob Daisley, Jeff Pilson, Juan Croucier.
Are you able to give me a ‘top 10’ of favorite albums (each)?
Mateus (Top 10):
Defenders of the Faith – Judas Priest
Under Lock and Key – Dokken
Trilogy – Yngwie Malmsteen
Icon – Icon
Taken by Force – Scorpions
The Final Countdown – Europe
Bonded by Blood – Exodus
Down to Earth – Rainbow
Bark at the Moon – Ozzy Osbourne
Marc (Top 10):
Defenders of the Faith – Judas Priest
Invasion of Your Privacy – Ratt
Phantasmagoria – The Mist
Absolut Country of Sweden – Anti Cimex
Gutter Ballet – Savatage
Tower of Spite – Cerebral Fix
Ordem e Progresso – Azul Limão
Floodland – The Sisters of Mercy
Anything – The Damned
Into the Pandemonium – Celtic Frost
Ricke (Top 10):
Moving Pictures – Rush
Ready to Strike – King Kobra
Second Heat – Racer X
The Ultimate Sin – Ozzy Osbourne
Angels Cry – Angra
Icon – Icon
Back for the Attack – Dokken
Welcome to My Nightmare – Alice Cooper
Lean into It – Mr. Big
Leftoverture – Kansas
What is the metal scene like in Brazil? What sort of venues and shows have you been playing? Any major festival shows or guest slots ?
Mateus: Like I always say, I think Brazil in general is more focused on extreme/thrash/death/black metal bands and scenes, but we do have a small resistance within the traditional metal and hard rock scene. It’s not very big, but it’s loyal. Most of our shows here are as guests or opening slots for bigger bands—most of the time from other countries—or at festivals with local Brazilian bands. Sometimes we headline, and they are usually good shows in terms of audience.
A lot of excellent songs, such as Dreams, Devil in Disguise, Beware The Creatures, Nothing Lasts Forever…. This album doesn’t really slow down (til the last track). Any antidotes or stories behind some of the tracks? what stands out for you guys (individually)? and how much of this will the band be performing live on the road?
Mateus: Thank you! Well, something curious is that I usually compose the full songs alone at home, record a complete demo with everything, and then pass it on to the band. Each member takes their part, studies it, and adds their own identity individually. Since Marc doesn’t live in the same city as us, we never rehearsed or played the songs together as a band before recording the album—it was all a surprise. Also, balancing our jobs and personal lives, it took us a few months to record everything, but we were extremely satisfied with the result. For me, the standout tracks are “Beware the Creatures” and “Nothing Lasts Forever.” They’ve always been two of my favorites and still are.
Creatures II is a great production, with some riffs, intros, harmonies….Can you tell us about the making of the making of this album, as far as how aware you were about making it a ‘big’ sounding album? and what you (if) you had any 80s records or productions in mind that you might’ve strived for?
Marc: It took many, many hours of vocal recording on consecutive days, and there came a point where I was literally lying on the floor during every break between takes, even if it was just for a few seconds, lol.
Mateus: Well, like I said, it took a lot of work, days, and energy to record this album. We put the best of ourselves into it, and we’re very lucky to count on our producer and mixing engineer, Arthur Migotto, who has all the technical knowledge to bring out everything we were aiming for. We also tried to keep everything as analog as possible—real amps, real pedals, real drums—to sound as close as possible to what we like to listen to.
How does Creatures II compare to the first album (or differ)?
Mateus: First of all, I’m the one who recorded both albums, so this time we had almost a completely new band recording it. Over these four years, I’ve also greatly improved my knowledge of music, my skills as a guitar player, and mainly as a songwriter. I think the songs are much more mature on this album. Having a full band recording it this time—people who were already used to playing together and performing shows—also made a huge difference for the better. Musically, the new album goes into a darker territory, and I also think we have more heavy metal (and a little less hard rock) influences on this one.
Can you tell me about the albums artwork? Who created it? The ideas behind it, etc..?
Mateus: I developed the concept, and the artwork was made by a guy named Velio Josto, who had already worked with a considerable number of heavy metal bands that we like. We were aiming for something simple, something that mixed all that heavy metal and horror aesthetic that we’ve always liked and embraced. I think it turned out great.
What’s coming up for Creatures in the near future? Any possibility of shows in North America?
Mateus: Well, we have a few shows ahead. We’re going to play our first Creatures II show in a few weeks and do some more shows in Brazil. In April, we’ll play our first show outside Brazil, at the Keep It True Festival in Germany. We’ll actually be the first Brazilians ever to play this festival in its entire history, so this will be a historic moment for us!
About a show in North America, we would absolutely love to do it! I hope we can make this possible in the near future! 🙂
LEGENDARY PROG ROCK BAND NEKTAR SELLS OUT OF THE FIRST PRESSING OF MISSION TO MARS AND ISSUES LIMITED EDITION AQUA BLUE HAND NUMBERED AND SIGNED TO KICK OFF THEIR 2026 MISSION TO MARS TOUR
Formed in Germany in 1969, Nektar favored extended compositions and concept albums over the constraints of pop. They were among the progenitors of the progressive rock movement of the 1970s as well as the jam-band scene that arose in the late 1990s. Their sound traveled well to the States, where they enjoyed Top 40 success with A Tab in the Ocean (1972) and Remember the Future (1973). Nearly 20 albums later, the band’s artistic and personal charisma has earned them masses of devoted fans along with their album “The Other Side” (2020) which was Number 1 on Amazon Progressive Music. For over half a century, Nektar has been the guiding star for countless fans, leading them on mesmerizing expeditions through the vast expanses of the cosmos and the depths of the ocean. With their unique fusion of progressive rock and stunning visuals, these trailblazing prog-rock legends have ignited the imaginations of generations.
Nektar’s latest release, Mission To Mars, is the first in a trilogy and the first to feature new drummer, Jay Dittamo, alongside longtime members Ryche Chlanda (guitars, vocals), Kendall Scott (keyboards, synths), Maryann Castello (vocals) and original founding member Derek “Mo” Moore (bass guitar, vocals). Nektar melded those aforementioned traits with the soothing mellowness and adventurous jamming of Camel, the Grateful Dead and Caravan. Nektar’s knack for thought-provoking concepts and entrancing music has rarely wavered and is just as evident on Mission To Mars.
The first pressing of Mission To Mars is officially Sold Out worldwide so Deko Entertainment is thrilled to announce a second pressing Limited to 300 copies on Aqua Blue only for Indie Record Stores and 100 hand numbered and signed by the band available only direct to consumer. As founding member Moore says, “We have had the Mission to Mars LP pressed in a very different color. There will be 100 units numbered and signed available. Please order these special copies NOW before they run out. Please note the first pressing is Sold Out.”
The band also kicks off the first of their 2026 dates in January at the following venues. Friday January 23rd – My Father’s Place – Roslyn, NY Saturday January 24th – The Dunellen Theater – Dunellen, NJ
Rock icon JOHN CORABI is proud to announce his debut full-length solo album ‘New Day,’ due out on April 24, 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl. To celebrate, JOHN offers fans a first glimpse of the upcoming album with the release of it’s title track, alongside an official music video, available below.
A trip down memory lane with a nostalgic mood, the lead single “New Day” moves from intimate acoustic moments to richly layered rock arrangements. It’s a journey through the heart of rock, infused with soul and blues sensibilities and inspired by the melodic grandeur of early Boston and Queen.
On the title track, JOHN shares: “‘New Day’ is a positive, upbeat song with a message of enjoy life!!! Stop whining and complaining about how unfair life is, and enjoy the ‘little beautiful things, life offers’ and make the changes you need to make your life better!!! Change happens WITHIN…”
‘New Day’ marks JOHN CORABI’s first full-length solo album of original material. Recorded in Nashville during the summer of 2025 and produced by multi-platinum songwriter and producer Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Buckcherry), the album fuses classic ’70s rock, soul, and blues influences into a sound that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
The record features the previously released singles “Così Bella (So Beautiful)” (2021) and “Your Own Worst Enemy” (2022), now presented as part of a rich collection of tracks that spotlight his commanding vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and masterful songwriting. Throughout the album, CORABI is joined by Marti Frederiksen, who adds backing vocals, guitars, piano, and percussion; Evan Frederiksen on drums, bass, B3 organ, electric guitar, mandolin, and programming; Richard Fortus (Guns N’ Roses) on lead guitar; Paul Taylor (Winger, Steve Perry) contributing piano, organ, and clavinet, as well as Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke) offering guitar solos. Together, they create an organic, instrument-driven sound built on real performances, melodic interplay, and soulful energy. With a European tour planned for February/March 2026 and additional shows running through late spring and summer, CORABI is poised to bring this new music directly to fans, delivering both powerful live energy and genuine emotional resonance.
More than just a solo debut, ‘New Day’ serves as CORABI’s personal testament to rock’s enduring spirit—an exploration of melody, soul, and authenticity, played with passion and conviction at every turn. JOHN shares: “I’m very excited for everybody to hear this new collection of songs! I wanted to put together an album of eclectic, organic songs that are reminiscent of the music I grew up listening to, and I truly believe the mission was accomplished! This is a 60’s-70’s sounding classic rock and roll record…Turn it up, and enjoy!!!”
HEAVY PETTIN’ released 3 albums of hard rock back in the ’80s. In recent years the band from Scotland has been brought back to life via singer Stephen Hayman, and in October released their first full length album since 1989. Rock Generation features a fun set of hard rockers and anthems, and I like the sound (big guitars and even those 80s backing gang vocals at times). Fave cuts include “X-Rated”, “Brother Sister”, and “This Life”. The band has been busy playing live to support this album, more recently as support for Uriah Heep, (and) with April Wine in Europe.
*Check out the press info below, as well as the videos and links at the bottom,
The Scottish rock warriors Heavy Pettin release the title track and video from the brand-new studio album Rock Generation, which is set for release on on October 24th via Silver Lining Music. Pre-orders available now at this location.
Vocalist and founding member, Stephen “Hamie” Hayman comments: “Heavy Pettin are back!!!! Rock Generation is a celebration for all rock fans around the world… Made to ROCK ur Soul.”
Back in the ‘80s, Scottish rock ‘n’ roll warriors Heavy Pettin strode stages worldwide whilst their debut album, 1983’s Lettin Loose, threatened to break the rock world apart. They were seen as the natural ascendants to rock’s highest echelons, touring internationally alongside the likes of Ozzy Osbourne and Motley Crüe as wild Glaswegian whippersnappers. Then life happened and Heavy Pettin went on a triple decade hiatus.
Listening to Heavy Pettin’s first new studio album since 1989 – Rock Generation – feels more like a 30 week’ hiatus augmented by a supreme confidence. Led by founding frontman Stephen “Hamie” Hayman, featuring Dave “Davo” Aitken and Richie “St. James” Dews on guitars and backing vocals, plus David “Boycee” Boyce on bass and Mick “The Wizard” Ivory on drums, Rock Generation is a sonically-superb, classic song-strong rock ‘n’ roll return to that glorious slipstream between Def Leppard, Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy. The ten cuts bristle with full-frontal attitude and powerful melodies. Take the title track, with its hip swinging anthemic swagger, there’s “Oblivion” with guest vocals from Roni Lee which carries a true Celtic swing in its groove plus an addictive singalong chorus, while “X-Rated” fuses the attitude of Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Street with the punch and panache of the Sunset Strip.
Made in Glasgow at Morsecode Studios and produced with a timeless sheen by Ciarán O’Shea, make no mistake, Rock Generation is only interested in bringing you on a thrill-ride through the carefree sweat and leather landscape of cut-loose heavy rock ‘n’ roll. It’s a mission which will demand -and receive- your willing acquiescence.
Well, this comes out in the new year, and I am excited to hear this! Saw the band when they played in Niagara Falls last year, and thought they sounded great. *Check out my interview with Harry Whitley from the beginning of his time with the band. Here is the press release, new video, artwork, track-listing, etc….
Today, legendary English rock supergroup ASIA are thrilled to announce their upcoming live album, ‘Asia – Live In England,’ dueout on March 13, 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl. To celebrate the announcement, the band unveils the live version of their hit song “Heat Of The Moment,” alongside an official live video, available to view below.
Geoff Downes comments: “’Heat Of The Moment’ has an interesting story behind it. It was actually the final track John and I wrote for the ASIA album, and it ended up being the opening track and lead-off single. We threw it together in one afternoon. I had the verse, John had the chorus, although this was a guitar picking country-style piece in 3/4 time. We straightened it all out and bingo, there it was!”
He continues, “A couple of days later we wrote the middle 8 section, rehearsed it in the studio and recorded it straight down with band. Ironically, it still remains our most famous track to this day. Without it, I doubt the album would have been as big as it was, so I am very grateful to have been a part of the creation of HOTM. It’s still a really fun track to play live, and I hope it will bring back memories, and give pleasure to the listeners and fans all over the world for many years to come.”
Harry Whitley adds: “Playing ‘Heat Of The Moment’ live is always such an incredible experience, it’s always electrifying and this recording was no different – it was such an exciting night and a thrill to revisit all of ASIA’s catalog over the three nights. We’re really looking forward to fans hearing this whole live album and the others to follow…”
“This song carries decades of history – every note, every moment – and we hope listeners feel the same passion we pour into it night after night,”Virgil Donati states.
John Mitchell also expresses his love for this track: “’Heat Of The Moment’ is a very dear song close to my heart. Having performed it a vast number of times over the years both previously with the John Wetton solo band and with John and Geoff in Icon, from the quiet introspective acoustic version at The Borderline to the full band amped up version in front of 12000 strong in St Petersburg, it is both an uplifting anthem and a quiet tonic for the soul which never fails to bring warmth to the many.”
ASIA are back and roaring in their new, exhilarating line-up! Recorded live on the first of three unforgettable nights at Trading Boundaries in Sussex in April 2025, this release captures the band performing their iconic 1982 debut album ‘ASIA’ in full, along with a selection of their greatest hits. Featuring Geoff Downes (keys), Virgil Donati (drums – ex-Planet X), John Mitchell (guitars – Arena, It Bites etc.) and the astonishing Harry Whitley (on bass and vocals), this fresh incarnation of ASIA brings both reverence for the classics and a thrilling new energy to the stage. The setlist includes fan favorites like “Heat Of The Moment,” “Only Time Will Tell,” “Sole Survivor,” “One Step Closer” and “Time Again,” alongside video-era and bonus tracks such as “Ride Easy,” “Video Killed The Radio Star,” “The Heat Goes On” and “Daylight” (video exclusive). Geoff Downes shares: “Revisiting the entire first ASIA album brought all the great memories flooding back from 43 years ago. In the studio with John, Steve, Carl and, of course, the great Mike Stone at the production helm. I think at the time we knew we’d made a good album but could not have predicted the enormous success that followed, that made the band a household name across the world, and particularly in America. That said, it was a result of much hard work and effort from everyone involved. So, when I had the opportunity to put together the live album with the current and fantastic line-up of ASIA and in collaboration with Frontiers Music, it was really a no-brainer.” “I was reminded of what a collection of great songs and performances made up the album – variety and musical dynamics to the fore. When we recorded it again earlier this year, I was drawn to some of the less featured tracks and realized how much they played an important part of overall album, in addition of course to the signature tracks such as ‘Heat Of The Moment,’ ‘Only Time Will Tell’ etc.”, he continued. “We did this for you, the fans, and hope you really enjoy hearing these songs in the live setting performed in their entirety once again and enjoy it as much as we did creating and performing it”.
TRACKLIST:
1. Heat Of The Moment
2. Only Time Will Tell
3. Sole Survivor
4. One Step Closer
5. Time Again
6. Wildest Dreams
7. Without You
8. Cutting It Fine
9. Here Comes The Feeling
10. Ride Easy (Bonus track)
11. Video Killed The Radio Star (Bonus track)
12. The Heat Goes On (Bonus track)
With ASIA’s legacy spanning over 40 years – from multi-million selling albums like ‘ASIA,’ ‘Alpha,’ and ‘Astra’ to defining the sound of the MTV era – this new line-up proves that the Year of the Dragon is bringing the legendary songs to life for a whole new generation of fans.
This is just the first of three live releases from Trading Boundaries, each capturing a full classic album from their initial trilogy in concert in audio and video. Experience the magic of ASIA, live, where past and present collide in a spectacular display of musicianship and passion.
Outsider Rock 