HEAVY PARADISE, THE PARADISE OF MELODIC ROCK!: April 2013

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

GÜRU signs with MelodicRock

MelodicRock Records is proud to announce a very special collaboration with Spain's finest purveyors of melodic rock - Güru.

MRR will release the band's brand new album White as a Deluxe Edition CD - strictly limited to 500 units only. Once they are gone, they are gone forever.

White is the band's second album, which sees the guys stepping up the tempo, the songwriting, the performances as well as a cracking production. For those that love high-tech melodic rock with a twist of Toto and a dash of European flair, this is one to check out! The video for the lead single and title track White and Soundbytes for the entire album are online now at: www.melodicrock.com.

LANESLIDE is one of the most exciting Melodic Rock collaborations in recent years, the feedback from the international print media, the online Rock magazines, the radio stations and the fans alike is nothing but phenomenal.

The line-up put together by Italian songwriter/ guitarist Bruno Kraler (Brunorock) for their debut album, includes vocalist extraordinaire Frank Vestry (Marcello/Vestry, Last Temptation), Alessandro Del Vecchio (Hardline, Lionville, Edge of Forever) on keyboards, John Billings (Rick Springfield, Donna Summer, Lancia) on bass, Dominik Hülshorst (ex-Bonfire) on drums, as well as Lino Gonzalez and Bobby Altvater on guitars and Erik Mårtensson & Michael Bormann on backing vocals.

The band is now presenting its debut record which was released on April 12^th through the Avenue Of Allies label in a brand new video trailer, which can be watched here:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2nJzwZzhBI

SCHEMATA THEORY: UK METAL NEWCOMERS RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM

‘A beautiful blend of progressive textures and soaring vocal arrangements.' – TheNewReview

‘Purely sensational music and experimentation.’- Throwing Shapes Media & Reviews

“Dry Lung Rhetoric is a calling card from a band destined for great things, combining melody, aggression, attitude and ambition to an exhilarating effect.” – OneMetal.com

Bursting onto the UK metal/prog-metal scene all guns blazing, energetic new Reading-based six-piece Schemata Theory prepare to unleash their explosive debut album ‘Dry Lung Rhetoric’ on June 3.

"This gets said often by a lot of bands, but we believe we have recorded some of our finest music in years. The collaborative effort of everyone on this album is something we are extremely proud of. Working with Jimbo and the addition of Todd has revitalized the band in ways we never knew until we heard the final results. We know you have to wait a little longer but are excited for all of our fans to hear it. Queensrÿche wouldn’t be in this position if not for your unwavering support!! "
~ Scott Rockenfield.

The track listing for Queensrÿche is:

1. X2
2. Where Dreams Go To Die
3. Spore
4. In This Light
5. Redemption
6. Vindication
7. Midnight Lullaby
8. A World Without
9. Don’t Look Back
10. Fallout
11. Open Road

Sunday, April 28, 2013

BAI BANG / ALL AROUND THE WORLD (2013)

Swedish melodic sleaze rockers are back with their brand new album which is entitled "All Around The World". The band's latest two efforts, "Are You Ready" and "Livin' My Dream", were both perfect examples of pure melodic hard rock samples with catchy choruses, up-tempo rhythms and positive attitude.

Seven Deadly / 'The Allegiance ep' (2012)

Seven Deadly is a new five piece metal act that combines the early 90's thrash metal sound filled with some more melodic metal elements and features members from Panic Cell, the band that shared stages with Metallica and Slayer among others.

From the press release that I received, Neuronspoiler was described as a 'loud' classic heavy metal band that combines perfectly the old-fashioned style of metal along with some modern metal elements as well. The Classic Rock Magazine stated about these guys : "..this multi-cultural quintet can really play...". As for me the truth is that I was never heard about this band till' now and I have to admit that I was curious of what to expect!!

HEAVEN + EARTH / DIG (2013)

Stuart Smith is a very talented and charismatic guitarist and Heaven & Earth is his band that started as a project back in 1998 and after three solid releases Stuart Smith and Heaven & Earth are back with another great sample of pure hard rock stuff! For all of three releases, Smith collaborated with many great artists such as Richie Sambora, Pat Regan, Joe Lynn Turner and Glenn Hughes among others.

TAINTED NATION / F.E.A.R. (2013)

This is the debut album of a kinda of a supergroup. Tainted Nation consists of the well-known drummer Marc Cross (Outloud, Firewind), guitarist Ian Nash (Lions Heart), Pontus Egberg of The Poodles and drummer Pete Newdeck of Eden's Curse who is responsible for the lead vocals here.

CHASING VIOLETS ' new album!

Once again the talented and sensual French sisters Sarah & Mélissa Fontaine have surrounded themselves with the best musicians from the AOR scene like Frédéric Slama, Tommy Denander (Alice Cooper, Paul Stanley), Paul Sabu (Kidd Glove), Göran Edman (Yngwie Malmsteen), Mikael Erlandsson (Last Autumn's Dream), Bob Harris (Axe), members of Alien, Hardline & Lionville, Christian Tolle (David Reece) among many others... With this new album, Chasing Violets will take you to melodic perfection with a sexy edge, killer songs, angelic vocals and unforgettable solos. Jade Hearts is the perfect illustration of what pure AOR is all about.

After the 2012 release of Outside Heaven, their debut cd who took journalists and fans alike by storm, Chasing Violets is back for more with their second album entitled Jade Hearts. Written & produced by Frédéric Slama from the band AOR (who has worked with such legends as members of Toto, Chicago, Paul Sabu, Tommy Denander, Steve Overland (FM), James Christian (House Of Lords), Paul Shortino (Quiet Riot) among many other greats of the AOR world), Jade Hearts is the most impressive female fronted melodic rock album you can imagine, reminiscent of Journey, Heart & Survivor, with a glamorous touch …

REVERSE GRIP Release 'Mirror Mirror' Video

Canadian Hard Rockers REVERSE GRIP have released a new video from their debut album “Hunger For Chaos“, self-released in Sept. 2012. Watch the video "Mirror Mirror” below:

http://youtu.be/KZOGQ2GLkko

QUEENSRYCHE (Geoff Tate) / Frequency Unknown (2013)

This is the brand new album by Geoff Tate's Queensryche which is titled "Frequency Unknown". It's been a year, or something, since the divorce of Geoff Tate and his band-mates of this legendary band. But Tate didn't gave up and formed his own edition of Queensryche and finally his brand is releasing its first opus. As you can see on the front cover, there is a fist and three rings; the F (for Frequency), the Queensryche logo and the letter U (for Unknown). So I'll leave the letters F.U. open to your assumptions.

Joe Satriani launches video for new single "A Door Into Summer"

Guitarist Joe Satriani has launched a video for his new single “A Door Into Summer” taken from his new 2013 album "Unstoppable Momentum".

The video features exclusive footage from the famed Skywalker Ranch in Marin County, California, where Joe recorded the new album with Mike Keneally, Vinnie Colaiuta and Chris Chaney. The video is directed by Jon Luini and Arthur Rosato for Chime Interactive.

Click here to view, embed and share the video - www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M4BGpdU3pY.

The new album is released by Sony Music UK on Monday 6^th May, followed by North American release via Epic Records on Tuesday 7^th May.

2nd annual Jani Lane Tribute Show feat. Faithsedge Singer Giancarlo Floridia

Giancarlo Floridia of Faithsedge will be playing a full set of classic Jani Lane songs and also some very rare ones spanning all era’s of Jani’s time in Warrant.

Stern Pinball has announced the availability of a second Premium model Metallica pinball machine. The initial release of Metallica pinball captured the attention of gamers and fans alike. Stern sold out of both the US and International allocations of its 500 Limited Edition ("LE") games within an hour of each respective customer announcement.

The second Premium edition machine features the vibrant artwork of Dirty Donny Gillies and complement’s Stern’s Metallica LE, "Road Case" Premium and Pro models.

It's been a long time in the making, so we are proud to finally announce the arrival of a first for us – an all Metallica pinball machine! After years of playing on Kirk's machines at HQ, we jumped at the idea when Stern Pinball came to us with some designs and ideas some time ago. The machines will include 12 'Tallica songs with "Master of Puppets," "One," and "Fade To Black" among them. Features will include an electric chair, snake, grave markers and lots of other bells and whistles along with art by our friend Dirty Donny.

Four models are available for order now, the Pro, Premium (Road Case), Premium (Dirty Donny) and Limited Edition through Stern's dealers or for Met Club members who log in and hit the store here. Check out the chart below for all the features of each and look for them to start hitting the streets some time in May.

Stern Pinball is the leading producer of pinball games and all machines are engineered and manufactured by hand just outside of Chicago, IL. Recent popular machines have included AC/DC, the Avengers, X-Men, Avatar, Iron Man, and Spider-Man. For more info visitwww.sternpinball.com.

A PALE HORSE NAMED DEATH will release their sophomore album Lay My Soul to Waste May 24th in Germany/Austria/Switzerland, May 27th in Rest of Europe and May 21st in N. America on Steamhammer/SPV.

A PALE HORSE NAMED DEATH will release their sophomore album Lay My Soul to Waste May 24th in Germany/Austria/Switzerland, May 27th in Rest of Europe and May 21st in N. America on Steamhammer/SPV. Once again the artwork was commissioned by Sam Shearon, who is also responsible for artwork on the band’s first release And Hell Will Follow Me.

DEBUT "HARD ROCK'N'ROLL" OUT IN JUNE
Frontman Junior Figueroa’s voice brings to mind Bon Scott

They’re young and hungry for rock’n’roll, they come from Argentina and have recently shaken all the hottest clubs in and around Buenos Aires to their very foundations: 42 Decibel is the name of Steamhammer/SPV’s latest signing. Their debut album Hard Rock’n’Roll – the title says it all about their stylistic direction – has been scheduled for release on 24 June 2013 (Germany: 21 June 2013; US/Canada: 2 July 2013).

Frankie Sullivan couldn't “Hold Back” any longer and has reunited four original members of Survivor – and BOTH lead vocalists, Dave Bickler and Jimi Jamison.

“Our fans are the best and I can't think of a better way to give them our best. With this line-up, and both Dave and Jimi in the band, we can perform ALL of our hits” says guitaristFrankie Sullivan.

Dave Bickler was lead singer of Survivor from 1977–1983 and 1993–1999. From 1999-2009, Dave was the singing voice behind the highly successful 'Real Men of Genius' Bud Light radio and TV commercials, the most award-winning radio campaign in advertising history!

MINDFEEDER / ENDLESS STORM (2013)

Mindfeeder is a Portuguese melodic power metal band that was formed in 2003 as Inertia and changed its name after the recordings of its debut, "Rise From The Flames".

BLACK SABBATH will release the new digital single 'God Is Dead?' on April 19th. The track can be found on their upcoming album 13, Black Sabbath's first album in 35 years to feature singer Ozzy Osbourne, bassist Geeezer Butler, and guitarist Tony Iommi. RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE drummer Brad Wilk replaces Bill Ward behind the kit for 13.

HELLYEAH will play 15 shows throughout Europe and The UK this summer, confirmed dates are as follows:

June
12 - O13 - Tilburg, Netherlands
13 - Hirsh - Nuremberg, Germany
14 - Nova Rock - Nickelsdorf, Austria
16 - Download Festival - Donington, United Kingdom
17 - The Electric Ballroom - London, United Kingdom
19 - Volkshaus - Zurich, Switzerland
20 - L'Usine - Geneva, Switzerland
21 - Hellfest - Clisson, France
23 - Rock & Roll Arena - Tonezza Del Cimone, Italy
24 - Backstage-Werksgelände - Munich, Germany
25 - Essigfabrik - Cologne, Germany
26 - Le Forum - Vauréal, France
28 - Colos-Saal - Aschaffenburg, Germany
29 - With Full Force - Roitzschjora, Germany
30 - Graspop Festival - Dessel, Belgium

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa release new album "Seesaw"

LA-based singer-songwriter Beth Hart, known for her raw and powerful blues-rock sound, wraps her expressive vocals around classic soul covers on “Seesaw”, the second album that grew out of her musical ties with the acclaimed blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa. The album is released on Deluxe CD+DVD and Double Vinyl in the UK/Europe on Monday 20th May by Provogue Records (followed by US release on Tuesday 21^st May).

Heavy Metal weights RAVEN LORD proudly announce the addition of CRAIG GRUBER for the bassist’s position. GRUBER is best known for his work with bands like GARY MOORE, ELF, DIO and early RAINBOW and helped co-write BLACK SABBATH’s top selling album “Heaven and Hell” with RONNIE JAMES DIO on vocals.

RAVEN LORD are currently recording their second album due to be released in 2014. The record will contain tracks from metal guitar virtuoso JOE STUMP combined with modern edge riffage by GEORGE KARAFOTIS GK “The KID“. This next album will also include unreleased material from CRAIG GRUBER’s work wit BLACK SABBATH and RAINBOW.

DARK MOOR / ARS MUSICA (2013)

Dark Moor is another band that I totally ignored its existence so far. From the promo pack that I received, I read that Dark Moor is a symphonic power metal band and "Ars Musica" is its brand new opus. I, also, have to admit that over the last years I discovered some excellent new-old symphonic/power metal bands and for that reason I was a bit curious what to expect from this one.

Sinocence are Ireland's premier metal act. The band is hailing from Belfast and this is Sinocence's newest effort which is titled "No Gods, No Masters (Volume 1)". The band's previous album, "Scar Obscura", was a really solid one hook-laden, melodic metal stuff and received some very positive feedback from all over the net.

Germany’s progressive metallers ASSIGNMENT have signed a two album deal with Mausoleum Records. The group’s debut album, “Inside Of The Machine“, is scheduled for a release this summer. The new album is a conceptual masterpiece including ROBIN BECK, MICHAEL BORMANN (ex-Jaded Heart, Bonfire), MATS LEVEN (ex-Malmsteen, Addagio), & CARSTEN KAISER (ex-Angel Dust) on vocals.

One of the greatest and most famous guitarists of the world - YNGWIE MALMSTEEN - will perform at MASTERS OF ROCK this year!

YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN is a living icon of world's rock and metal scene. This famous Swedish multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer become renowned already in 80's and since then he is definitely one of the greatest, technically most perfect and proficient metal guitarists of the world. His first solo album "Rising Force" (1984) was named Album of the year by prestigious Guitar Player Magazine and was also nominated for Grammy in Best instrumental rock event category.

Since then his musical career has developed well, also evidenced by the fact that he was chosen to participate in XBox 360 - Guitar Hero II game.

YNGWIE MALMSTEEN has always been a truly legendary, respected and highly regarded artist even despite his occasional behavior swings, which he defends himself being simply complex personality which is hard to understand.

The anticipated album of Alice In Chains will be released on May 14th. It will be titled "The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here" and below you can watch the lyric video of "Stone".

ICED EARTH : New DVD Video

ICED EARTH’s first officially recorded DVD / Blu-Ray “Live In Ancient Kourion” will hit the stores on April 15th (USA April 16th), 2013.

The band recorded an epic two and a half hour monster of a show in a 6000 year-old ancient amphitheatre with an incredible atmosphere.

The Limited Edition Deluxe Book features the main show and a plethora of bonus content on DVD and Blu-Ray Disc, as well as the entire concert on a 2 CD set (4 discs in total!). The audio version of the full concert is available as 3-LP gatefold in different vinyl colors, or as a 2 CD set.

Swedish melodic death metallers Deals Death made a public announcement that after three years together they will be parting ways with bass player Fredrik Ljung.

The band comments, "There are times when everything is great, there are times when everything is bad. And there are times when different paths are chosen and you simply drift apart. Things like these are never easily decided and we thank our friend and bandmate for three awesome years and wish you a brilliant future."

Heavy Metal weights RAVEN LORD announce to have started working on their second album. In the latest edition for their video podcast RAVEN LORD TV bandleader and singer CSABA ZVEKAN with rhythm guitar player GEORGE KARAFOTIS, G.K “the kid” are talking about the recording sessions. The video can be viewed below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qI0XjEKlTTo

Blackmore's Night is releasing their brand new album, DANCER AND THE MOON, on June 11th in North America and June 14th in Europe on Frontiers Records. DANCER AND THE MOON will be released in 2 editions, as a CD and a digipak deluxe edition with a bonus DVD that includes music videos of "Dancer And The Moon" and of a "The Moon Is Shining (Somewhere Over The Sea)", plus an extensive interview with Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night.

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of a brand new – all original – studio albumJORN "Traveller" on June 11th in North America and June 14th in Europe.

EDEN'S CURSE Third Studio Video Diary Posted Online

Multinational melodic metal band EDEN’S CURSE is in the studio working on its as-yet-untitled fourth album for a late summer release via AFM Records. The third in a series of video clips featuring behind-the-scenes footage from the new album recording sessions can be seen below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8ocwSXBj4U

LATTER DAY DIO CLASSIC MAGICA TO GET DELUXE CD TREATMENT

LATTER DAY DIO CLASSIC, 'MAGICA,' TO GET DELUXE CD TREATMENT

As long time fans can attest, the quality of Dio's studio albums never wavered throughout the group's near 30-year career. Case in point, the fan favorite/concept album, 'Magica,' which featured Ronnie James Dio's one-of-a-kind vocals and the return of guitarist Craig Goldy. The album spawned such metal classics as "Fever Dreams," "Turn to Stone," and "Lord of the Last Day," and has sold over 100,000 copies worldwide - largely on word of mouth alone. One small problem - the original 2000 CD version has been out of print for years, and has become increasingly hard to find. But to the delight of Dio fans worldwide, 'Magica' will be getting a makeover - on Tuesday, June 25th, 2013 as Niji Entertainment Group will be issuing the 2 CD 'Magica Deluxe Edition.'

Multinational heavy metal band RAVEN LORD have announced to work on close collaboration with R-MINE PRODUCTIONS. The Belgium based booking agency is known for their many Summer festivals that they organise in Europe as well as tour planing for many bands. RAVEN LORD is already confirmed for the R-MINE METALFEST 2013 playing main stage Saturday 22nd June 2013. On later this year an EU/UK tour is in planning in early October 2013.

BON JOVI / WHAT ABOUT NOW (2013)

Bon Jovi was and still is one of my all time favorite hard rock/pop-metal acts ever! With album like their huge debut or "New Jersey" and "Slippery When Wet", they achieved to build a strong name in the hard rock world and was a big influence for hundreds of bands . Songs such as "You Give Love A Bad Name", "I'll Be There For You" and "Bad Medicine" are all classics!!

VOODOO HIGHWAY / SHOWDOWN (2013)

Voodoo Highway's debut album, "Broken Uncle's Ihn", was one of the pleasant surprises in 2011. These new Italians rockers surprised us with their groovy and solid hard rock stuff. They achieved to mix perfectly the 70's-80's hard rock sound with a new 'fresher' air and the result was extremely interesting.

UFO’S PAUL RAYMOND ANNOUNCES NEW REGIONAL UK LIVE DATES

UFO’S PAUL RAYMOND ANNOUNCES NEW REGIONAL UK LIVE DATES

Following a successful solo album launch show at London’s Borderline venue earlier this month and his UK and European tour dates with UFO, Paul Raymond is pleased to announce the addition of two new live dates to the Paul Raymond Project 2013 UK tour schedule:

Stone Orange: details from the upcoming albumSlovenian hard rock band Stone Orange will publish its second album “The Dreamcatcher” under Street Symphonies on April 23rd 2013. The album, the band’s first work in English, was anticipated by the single “Nobody Cares”, whose videoclip can be seen at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ur3_Cnih-v8.

Canadian hard rockers FAMOUS UNDERGROUND – the new project of Nick Walsh, formerly frontman of SLIK TOXIK, together with his long-time bassist/musical partner Laurie-Anne Green at his side – recently inked a world-wide two album deal with German label Dust On The Tracks Records(DOTT).

WIN FREE DIGITAL PROMOTION

Portus Musica is giving unsigned Metal bands and artists the opportunity to win a free digital campaign to promote one album.

To enter the contest, you just need to send an e-mail to contest@portusmusica.com with your band's name, photo, link with one song (from YouTube or Soundcloud), links and the band's origin.

This information will be featured in Portus Musica's Facebook and the band with more Facebook "likes" in their photo will win! All participants will also get a 20% discount in all promotion services!

Check http://www.portusmusica.com/contest for more information / rules.

Stay up to date with this contest by following Portus Musica on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/portusmusica

This contest ends on April 30th, 2013.

WHITE WIZZARD Confirm West Hollywood Show With LIZZY BORDEN

Los Angeles-based metallers WHITE WIZZARD have confirmed a show in West Hollywood, with veterans LIZZY BORDEN. White Wizzard - who are currently recording their new studio album, The Devil's Cut - will be supporting Lizzy Borden at the world famous Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip on April 13th.

White Wizzard bassist and main man Jon Leon comments: "We are happy to announce White Wizzard will be playing direct support to the classic and amazing band Lizzy Borden at the Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood, April 13th. We go on at 11 PM sharp. If you are in LA make sure you buy tickets. It's going to be an amazing show!!!"

The Devil's Cut is being recorded with producer Ralph Patlan (MEGADETH, UFO, MICHAEL SCHENKER) at Phase Four Studios in Tempe, Arizona. The album is the band's third full-length release, and their first to feature vocalist Joseph Michael. The album is due to be released later this year on Earache Records in Europe and via Century Media/Earache Records in North America.

White Wizzard released a demo last year of one of the new tracks, called 'Torpedo of Truth'.