HEAVY PARADISE, THE PARADISE OF MELODIC ROCK!: October 2011

Monday, October 31, 2011

ANKOR / MY OWN ANGEL (2011)

Ankor is a melodic metal/hard rock band, with a modern touch from Spain. They were formed in 2003, they released some demos back then, and, in 2008, they released their first full-length album which was titled "Al Fin Descansar" in their mother language. Nowadays, the band is back with the brand new "My Own Angel", an album that will make this band known to a bigger audience with it's power, melodies, strong arrangements and passionate performances!

CHICKENFOOT / III (2011)

Supergroup? Yes, that's sure! The high expectetions that I had from the band's debut album weren't fullfilled. I don't know why, maybe something about the songs or the lack of some big chorus didn't work for me.

Steve Harris, the creative force and guitarist behind British rock band Shy, has passed away after battling a brain tumor. In a statement at http://www.shyonline.co.uk/ the members of Shy said, "It is with great regret and sadness that we have to announce the passing of our beloved Steve Harris, guitarist and creative genius behind Shy. Steve was a very private man and had battled a brain tumor sine June 2009 and only those closest to the family knew. A full statement will be issued shortly."

Saturday, October 29, 2011

ICED EARTH / DYSTOPIA (2011)

Firstly, I have to say that I'm not a big fan of this band but, I have to admit that Iced Earth is one of the most respectable bands in the planet and they have released some really good albums in the past which made every single fan of this gerne very happy.

FASTWAY is the band that was created, in 1983, by MOTΦRHEAD's guitarist Fast Eddie Clarke. Their self-titled album received some great reviews back then and the band achieved to build a strong reputation around it's name. So, the next year Fastway released the "All Fired Up" album which was and still is a classic hard rock stuff and it was the band's ticket to success! They, also, followed three more good-enough efforts, a couple of live albums and a best-of!

VOODOO SIX / FALLING KNIVES (EP, 2011)

Voodoo Six is a new rising British modern hard rock band. "Falling Knives" is the band's new EP that will be released in digital format in November 28. The EP which will be a special limited edition release, will be available to fans until the end of February.

Due to the fast sold out of the first edition of Voodoo Highway's debut album "Broken Uncle's Inn", the hard rock band is actually going to print a second edition of the album with some bonus contents.

CANDLELIGHT RED CONFIRMED FOR A STRING OF DATES WITH SEVENDUST AS DEBUT SINGLE "CLOSER" CONTINUES TO CLIMB RADIO CHARTS

With Candlelight Red's debut recording for the Imagen label, 'The Wreckage,' recently released digitally (September 27th), it has just been confirmed that the group will be supporting metal veterans Sevendust on a string of dates from November 22nd through December 10th. Additionally, Candlelight Red will be headlining their own show on October 29th, before playing a one-off show with Puddle of Mudd on November 16th and as part of 2 Broke To Rock with Texas Hippie Coalition on November 19th.

STRANGE KARMA SET TO ROCK IN NOVEMBER ON US TOUR

"Australian rock" is a genre that music fans hold in high regard, as some of the greatest rock bands of all time (AC/DC, Rose Tattoo, The Saints, Radio Birdman, etc.) hailed from the land down under. And the latest hard rocking Australian band that is turning heads is Strange Karma.

Voodoo Six announce new Limited Edition EP and 2011 UK Tour

Voodoo Six are set to release much-anticipated new EP entitled ‘Falling Knives’ in digital format on November 28. The EP, which will be a special limited edition release, will be available to fans until the end of February. The band will precede the release by kicking off their 14-date UK tour in Leicester on November 17. The tour will finish with a set at this year’s sold-out Hard Rock Hell V Festival in Prestatyn.

JOLLY POWER / ...LIKE AN EMPTY BOTTLE AGAIN (2011)

The band starts out in 1988 thanks to a project created by Luchy Chiva (guitar), Bely (bass) and Dynamite XXX (drums); then they are joined by Elia (vocals). The demo-tape “Like an Empty Bottle” (1994) and the cd “Fashion, Milk and Smokin’ Pills” (1996), recorded with this line-up, let them gain a widespread success both in Italy and abroad; the band has also been included in the american compilation “It’s only Rock’n’Roll but I like it” which includes bands like Vain, Hollywood Teasze and Paradise Alley (1996).

ABSYNTH AURA / UNBREAKABLE (2011)

Absynth Aura were officially born in 2007, when Claudia "Klod" Saponi worked in close collaboration with Michele "Dr.Viossy" Vioni (Killing Touch, Mr. Pig) and Giorgio "JT" Terenziani (Killing Touch, Mr. Pig) to release the song "Will is Power". Marco "Mark" Renzi joined the team and Absynth Aura were born. "Will is Power" wins the CESVI contest and Claudia tours Europe to promote the song in some important venues.

Hailing from Brno, Czech Republic, Eagleheart is one of the most promising new forces in the current Power Metal scene. Their debut album, ‘Moment Of Life’ (2008) gained an excellent response from fans and critics alike, leading them to energetic live performances as a support band for names like W.A.S.P., Blaze Bayley and André Matos to name a few, not to mention the fact that they also appeared in some of the biggest Czech Metal festivals such as Masters Of Rock and Benátská Noc where Eagleheart played for thousands of fans.

FIONA / UNBROKEN (2011)

After so many solo artists/bands from the glory 80's who make their comeback with new albums, the time has come for Fiona with her brand new effort "Unbroken". Fiona was one of the hottest female names back in the 80's who made a big success with songs like 'Talk To Me', 'Hopelessly Love You' and especially with the brilliant 'Everything You Do (You're Sexing Me)", a duet with Kip Winger.

Seven Thorns is a melodic power metal band that started in 1998 by Lars "Laske" Borup. In 2005, the first single “Artificial Night” was recorded and released. Lars continued with Mik Holm and, in 2008, a new line-up was ready. "Forest Majesty", the first single from the up-coming album, was recorded over New Year 2008/2009 and was released in March 2009. Nowadays, the band is back with it's new release "Return To The Past".

The Ritual were formed in 2002 as a Heavy/Thrash project but after many line-up changes, most notably the addition of guitarist Marco Pastorino (of Secret Sphere and Timesword fame), they developed into the powerful force they are known today. Their music is violent, aggressive but, also, very melodic.

Rob Mancini (AOR/Melodic Rock) joins Rock N Growl Promotion!

After almost a decade of recording abstinence, touring the Irish Club scene, Irelands German-Italian born rock musician and producer, Rob Mancini is back on track with the smash hit, “Edge of a broken heart” and the powerful ballad “Every time you Cry” from his new album “Rock’n'Roll Circus“.

Beggars & Thieves Keep Their Comeback Promise With 'We Are The Brokenhearted'

Frontiers Records is excited to announce the release of the anticipated new Beggars & Thieves album entitled 'We Are The Brokenhearted' on November 29th in North America and December 2nd in Europe.

Beggars & Thieves debuted on Atlantic Records in 1990 with their self-titled album, a record that was critically acclaimed with the first single appearing in the top 40 Billboard Magazine Album Rock Charts and being added to rotation on over 100 Parallel One AOR radio stations.

The change of musical climate, and the advent of grunge, halted the band's rise to the stardom when their new label Epic Records decided not to release Beggars & Thieves second studio album 'Look What You Create', written and produced in collaboration with Jim Vallance (Aerosmith, Bryan Adams, The Scorpions, Heart, etc.).

Former EUROPE guitarist Kee Marcello will release his controversial autobiography, "The Rock Star God Forgot", in Sweden on October 19.

RIOT discuss their new album 'Immortal Soul' – First song online.

The wait is nearly over! In less than five days legendary US metal outfit RIOT release their hugely anticipated fourteenth album 'Immortal Soul' worldwide via Avalon/Marquee in Japan and Steamhammer/SPV in all other territories. Release dates are: 19.10. Japan / 26.10. Scandinavia / 28.10. Germany, Austria, Switzerland / 31.10. Europe / 22.11. USA/Canada

Absynth Aura: new song posted online

ABSYNTH AURA (http://www.absynthaura.com/ ), the italian metal band featuring current and former members of KILLING TOUCH, MICHELE LUPPI'S HEAVEN, MR. PIG, SYNFUL IRA and SOLD OUT, has posted a full-length track from their forthcoming album Unbreakable, "The Fire In My Eyes", on the group's YouTube Channel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwQ7kvzJSPY ).

Unbreakable is scheduled for release on October 21 via logic(il)logic Records.

Absynth Aura is: Claudia "Klod" Saponi, Michele "Dr.Viossy" Vioni (Mr.Pig - Killing Touch), Giorgio "JT" Terenziani (Mr.Pig - Killing Touch - Angels & Demons), Marco "Mark" Renzi

Joe Bonamassa's UK tour continues this week!!

On Saturday October 15^th, Joe Bonamassa came down with the flu and was forced to re-schedule his Blackpool Opera House concert Saturday October 15^th to the new date of Thursday April 5^th 2012. Joe’s Nottingham Capital FM Arena concert on Sunday October 16^th has now been re-scheduled to Monday April 2^nd 2012.

Dust Bowl is Bonamassa's 9th studio release on Provogue Records in Europe and his J&R Adventures label (which he created with long-time manager Roy Weisman) in the US and his 6th collaboration with Dust Bowl's producer, Kevin "Caveman" Shirley (Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Black Crowes, Black Country Communion).

Dust Bowl was recorded at Black Rock Studios in Santorini, Greece, Ben's Studio in Nashville, TN, The Cave in Malibu, CA and The Village in Los Angeles, CA. The new album combines the gritty, blues-based tones of Bonamassa's first albums with the fluid, genre-defying sounds he's mastered in the years since, and also features a dose of Nashville in duets with legends John Hiatt and Vince Gill, as well as a song collaboration with Glenn Hughes.

Electro Metal Project "BYFALL" presents promo video teaser!

Rock N Growl's latest band project "BYFALL" a Electro Metal sensation coming from Germany/Spain that will blow your mind! Synthetic textures meet raw metal for a ultimate hybridation!

Z ROCK 2012 have announced the unsigned band whom will open the event on May 5th 2012. Aftermath will be known to those among you who follow Vanden Plas , the band will have a 30 min set. One final sign act will be announced soon, You wont be disappointed when they are announced so watch this space.

Slash & Eagle Rock to Release Live DVD "Made in Stoke 24/7/11"

Slash & Eagle Rock will be releasing the live recording of Slash's first ever solo show in his hometown of Stoke, UK on 11/14 for the UK/Euro version and 11/15 for the US version.

The concert, shot at the history Victoria Hall as part of an intensive world tour, is a 21 song live set and hailed as a celebration of Slash's legendary career. Both the US & UK/Euro editions will feature several additional songs in the DVD bundle including: "Ghost," "Back From Cali," "Beggars & Hangers On," "Been There Lately," & "Starlight" as well as an exclusive interview with Slash.

The recording will be released in the US as a 2 CD bundle or a special edition 2 CD + DVD and in the UK & Europe as a 2 CD + DVD bundle. The track listing for both the CD and special edition DVD is...

MEGADETH have announced that their new album, TH1RT3EN will be launched across the UK at 13 rock club album launch events on Halloween weekend. Fans around the UK can hear TH1RT3EN tracks and pick up goodies courtesy of Dean Guitars, EMP-UK and Monster Energy at the following 13 rock club album launch parties taking place on Halloween weekend.

ISSA / THE STORM (2011)

ISSA hails from Norway and made a huge impact with her debut album last year. She has often been compared to music stars such as Celine Dion, Avril Lavigne and Amy Lee (Evanescene). That being said, Issa has created her own style and approach to Melodic Rock by mixing her peculiar and unique melodic sensibility with a rocking attitude which is unseen in today’s Pop singers.

LORD VOLTURE / NEVER CRY WOLF (2011)

LORD VOLTURE is a Melodic Heavy-Power Metal act that hails from The Netherlands and "Never Cry Wolf" is their second release after the successful debut effort "Beast Of Thunder" in 2010. The band's music style is somewhere between Jag Panzer, Iced Earth and Vicious Rumors. The band consists of David Marcelis on lead vocals, Paul Marcelis on lead guitars, Leon Hermans on guitars, Simon Geurts on bass and Frank Wintermans on drums.

KIMBALL-JAMISON / KIMBALL-JAMISON (2011)

Bobby Kimball and Jimi Jamison, two legends of AOR for the first time together to offer us a great piece of melodic rock stuff. Kimball with TOTO gave us some timeless tunes such as "Hold The Line" and "Rosanna" among others. Jamison with SURVIVOR achieved to write two of the best rock tracks ever; "Eye Of The Tiger" and "Burning Heart". So with these two legendary and high-skilled musicians, you can't go wrong here! In this album, we have, also, the participation of the elit of today's AOR scene like Jim Peterik (Survivor), Richard Page of Mr. Mister, John Waite (Bad English), Robert Sall ( W.E.T.) and Erik Martensson (W.E.T., Eclipse). Responsible for the production of this release is the mighty Mat Sinner.

Former Danger Danger guitarist Andy Timmons is about to release a classic rock trio version of The Beatles' classic album 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'. The acoustic album, entitled 'Andy Timmons Band Plays Sgt. Pepper', is available for pre-order at http://www.andytimmons.com/ and will be shipped on october 24th.

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of ROYAL HUNT 11th studio album entitled « Show me How to Live » on November 29th in North America and December 2nd in Europe.

LORD VOLTURE stream new song "MINUTES TO MADNESS"

"LORD VOLTURE unleash onto you another song from the upcoming NEVER CRY WOLF album. Hardrocker MINUTES TO MADNESS features a special guest appearance by Mark Bogert who plays the central guitar solo. Mark was also on several songs on the BEAST OF THUNDER album and yet again he shows his formidable guitar play."

Chickenfoot announce UK & European tour for January 2012

Following the release of their long awaited second album ‘III’, the hottest rock & roll band in the world, Chickenfoot, have announced a 5-date UK & European tour for January 2012; their first European concerts since July 2009. Including 2 UK concerts in Manchester and London, tickets will go on sale at 9am on Friday October 14th 2011; further info is detailed below, and at http://www.chickenfoot.us/ .

"Dear Circus freaks!

After a few small setbacks in the recording process of our sophomore album, due to some financial & artistic issues, and what not!, we're happy to inform you that we just finished up recording the basic tracks for 13 new songs!!

Copy-cats or just paying dues to their heroes and the big sounding of 80's hard rock? One thing is sure; Grand Design is back to offer us another excellent piece of Melodic Hard Rock album full of catchy choruses, huge harmonies, great performances, excellent riffs and solos and the Def Leppard spirit stronger than ever! The band that impressed us with their debut album, "Time Elevation" in 2009, has come back to rock our world once again! As Pelle Saether, the band's lead singer, said : "We knew we had found a formula to make an '80s rock record work in the 21st century – so why change it?".

NOVATION is a garage/heavy rock band that hails from Natick, MA. They were formed in 2008 by Anthony Santoro, Jack Francis, and Max Petot. In 2009 Brian Cummings came on board as the band's lead singer.

Born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden Matti Alfonzetti began his musical career in his early teens playing bass in the local Hard Rock band Heavy Waters. Later on, he was a member of the bands Bam Bam Boys, Water Front, Jagged Edge, Skintrade and Boxer. In 2000 Alfonzetti's first solo album 'Ready' saw the light of day – followed, two years later, by the album 'Machine'. Following this Matti started getting into songwriting and producing and had success producing and writing for bands such as The Poodles among others. One new project emerged in 2007, Road To Ruin, including drummer Tomas Broman and Sampo Axelsson and Lars Chriss of Lion's Share. 'Road To Ruin' came out the same year on Metal Heaven.

Rough Angel to release remastered EP "Hear the Angels rock"!

The music is “doomy“, “lava” – like and heavy metal with tuned down guitar riffs that sounds like a brick wall is coming down on you. Aggressive high pitch screams with oriental type melodies forge these recordings and give it the ultimate experience on a pure metal meltdown.

Lucky Thir13n, LIVE

Modern, youthfull, Hard-Rock, written by the sensational Lucky Thir13n, from Thessaloniki, Greece. After many successful shows in Greece, the release of their first demo, entitled “Far From Home”, that got many positive reviews both in Greek and foreign zines. They have played many unplugged shows in Greek radios and they were the opening act for Crashdiet show in Thessaloniki and also for W.A.S.P. The boys have released their debut album which is titled "March Of The Young" and they are ready to perform live this month in Thessaloniki, Gr.

Reckless Love made a huge impact with their self-titled album last year. It was a great combination of 80's melodic hard rock stuff, such as Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Danger Danger with a 'small' touch of new age scandi sleaze rock. Cool melodies, catchy choruses to sing-a-long for days and a tight musicianship. This year Reckless Love is back with their brand new release which is titled "Animal Attraction".

Aware of the importance of a third album release by a band, Eternal Flight, one of France's leading Power/ Prog Metal acts from the Haute-Savoie took time to care its new offering to propose a special and clashing album. Founded by skilled singer Gιrard Fois in the year 2001 after the split of his band Dream Child with whom he had recorded two albums, the new songs are certainly the most effective and creative proposed until now. The Frenchman also played bass, keys and acoustic guitars, wrote all the songs and was at the production helm on this new release which shows a wider broad of styles and influences incorporated to their Melodic Metal. To make this album 'Diminished Reality, Elegies and Mysteries' ('D.r.e.a.m.s' for the close friends!) even more special, distinguished guests agreed enthusiastically to take part in this work. It is at first the Brazilian drummer Ricardo Confessori (Angra, Shaman) who after listening to demos was ready for this adventure and played on (almost) all the album and by marking the rhythm section with his style. For certain solos, world-class guitarists Mark Mc Gee (ex Vicious Rumors), Chris Caffery (Tran-Siberian Orchestra, Savatage) from the USA and Rob Love Magnusson (Dynazty) from Sweden were acquired.

LORD VOLTURE’s sound and style is said to resemble US power metal masters JAG PANZER, ICED EARTH, CAGE and VICIOUS RUMORS. The band’s second full-length album “WOLF NEVER CRY” release is scheduled for 11 November 2011. The 11 tracks cover over 67 minutes of pure delicacy for the steel-hearted. Master vocalist Sean Peck from US power metal crusaders CAGE sing along on one of the songs.

JUDAS PRIEST CELEBRATE STELLAR METAL CAREER WITH TWO COMPILATIONS AND UPCOMING NORTH AMERICAN EPITAPH TOUR

Judas Priest's contribution to the world of heavy metal can never be understated, as there are few metal bands that appeared in their wake that can match the group for their influence on the genre, and the amount of classic albums and anthems they created. And soon, fans will be able to re-experience Judas Priest's all-time classic recordings with two compilations.

Pop Rock Star DIAMANTE Unveils New Single "Impossible"

Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood's newest gem, DIAMANTE, is making her mark and dominating the music scene with her latest single "Impossible". This ultramodern rock 'n' roll marvel flawlessly delivers with her new single "Impossible", and has critics saying her compelling sound is reminiscent of Pat Benetar and Alanis Morissette. The story of the innocent girl falling for the modern day heartthrob and bad boy, only to realize she is better off without him takes superior form in DIAMANTE's new single.

DRAGONLAND: release date, album title, tracklist unveiled!

The highly-anticipated new DRAGONLAND album will be entitled „Under The Grey Banner“. The release date is set for November 18. Right now the cover artwork is very close to be finalized, but the tracklist is known already.

AFM Records is celebrating 15 years in metal! Therefore a rich 3-CD-set will be released on October 28. It will be entitled “15 Years - Metal Addiction” and is about to include 54 songs (from classics like U.D.O., Doro or Fear Factory to brand new and so far unreleased tracks of Iron Savior, Dragonland, Oz und Iron Mask). “15 Years - Metal Addiction” will be available for special price. All visitors of AFM´s 15th anniversary festival (which will take place on November 26 in Hamburg, Germany) will get the 3-CD for free!

Nickelback Release Full Track Listing For "Here And Now"

Nickelback have released the full track listing for their upcoming album Here and Now. The album, the band's seventh, will be released Monday, November 21. Nickelback has released two singles from Here and Now already - "Bottoms Up" and "When We Stand Together" .

Since the band arrived on the scene with their first album in 1998, progressive melodic metal band Evergrey have brought out eight studio albums and one live cut. All of them made the top 20 in their native Sweden and the last two made the top 10.

The ultimate cult band is back!

Once known from Aki Kaurismäki’s movies as “the worst rock-and-roll band in the world”, the band’s worldwide respected for their unique live shows. During the 20+ years they have performed more than 1000 shows in more than 60 countries. They have produced massive joint concerts with the Red Army Choir, confused audiences at the MTV Music Awards, performed with classical orchestras and played in hundreds of festivals and clubs.

"Dark Riders" The new album of David Stockdale

This is the new album of the American Folk/blues songwriter David Stockdale “Dark Riders“, scheduled to be release for Tanzan Music on September the 23rd, marks an artistic and musical evolution of the singer/songwriter from Santa Barbara.

The Italian hard rockers "Voodoo Highway" are going to release their debut album "Broken Uncle's Inn" (physical edition already sold out) on October 14th 2011 - digital distribution worldwide. "Broken Uncle's Inn" is actually defined by most as a true revelation in the classic rock scenario and contains a concentrate of the best seventies and eighties hard rock...

On November 7th, EMI will release a super deluxe box set of Whitesnake's Sunburst Years. Collecting together all studio and live albums, two previously unreleased BBC concerts, a limited 7", DVD and a 90-page book with new interviews and previously unseen photos and rare memorabilia, all overseen by David Coverdale. Called 'Box O'Snakes: The Sunburst Years 1978 - 1982', the collection is now available for pre-order at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk -- Whitesnake are also giving away a copt of the boxset at www.whitesnake.com.

GOTTHARD / HOMEGROWN-ALIVE IN LUGANO (2011)

Last year, when it was announced that Steve Lee was killed in an accident, not only the fans of the band were shocked but, also, the rock world took part in the loss of one of the greatest frontmans around the world. A lot of people, inlcuding me, said that this band couldn't excist without Steve Lee.