ARTIST SERVICE Announces New Releases in May 2008
ARTIST SERVICE is proud to announce new releases in May 2008
We are very proud to announce the signing of two excellent German bands from the melodic genre.
MIDNITE CLUB, melodic rockers from South-West Germany, fronted by renowned vocalist Carsten “Lizard” Schultz (EVIDENCE ONE) will release their second album “Circus Of Life”, a brilliant melodic rock effort with loads of catchy melodies.
MIDNITE CLUB “Circus Of Life” – release: 5/30/2008 (Artist Service / MBM)
The main man behind MIDNITE CLUB is guitar virtuoso Steffen “Seegi” Seeger, student of guitar legend JOEY TAFOLLA. Steffen also recorded critically acclaimed “The End Of Never” album of ARTENSION guitarist ROGER STAFFELBACH and recently produced the third album “Nomad” of US guitarist IAIN ASHLEY HERSEY.
Behind the mike no other than first class melodic rock singer Carsten “Lizard” Schultz of EVIDENCE ONE could be recruited to do the vocals for “Circus Of Life”.
Also Bernd Herrman, drummer for successful German all-star project SOEHNE MANNHEIMS is part of the project and thus MIDNITE CLUB´s track “One Night Like Lovers” was Bernd Herrmann’s contribution to the SOEHNE MANNHEIMS sampler “Soehne, Mond & Sterne”, which successfully remained in the German album charts for several weeks in 2007.
The album is also featuring Ferdy Doernberg (AXEL RUDI PELL, EDEN’S CURSE, ex-ULI JON ROTH) who plays the keys on the KENNY LOGGINS cover “Danger Zone”.
The line up is completed by keyboarder Holger Seeger (IAIN ASHLEY HERSEY) and bassist Andy Keller.
“Circus Of Life” can be best described as a successful effort to combine the best influences of AOR and melodic rock along with the energy of classic hard rock music. The songs are well structured, providing catchy melodies and huge choruses. The skills of the experienced musicians round off this very warm sounding album.
CLUSTERHEAD, a four piece melodic metal band hailing from Regensburg are pushing into the scene with their debut album “Times Of No Trust”, following the tradition of european influenced melodic heavyrock.
CLUSTERHEAD “Times Of No Trust” – release: 5/30/2008 (Artist Service / MBM)
In 2005 CLUSTERHEAD was formed by 4 musicians who had one single goal: delivering the kind of music to the people they were influenced by from their early days on.
Having grown up with the classic sound of their idols such as Judas Priest, Scorpions, Iron Maiden etc. singer Rene Brandt, guitarist Frank Stadlbauer, bassist Andreas Meyer and drummer Ruediger Tonn are following their roots with their debut album “Times Of No Trust”.
CLUSTERHEAD´s sound is driven by a tight working rhythm section, elobarated guitar work and crowned by Rene´s warm and melodic voice. Tracable melodies and huge choruses are trademarks to the band and although their sound can be described as melodic metal it´s not limited to just reach fans of this genre. Songs like “Poisened”, “Deep In The Night” or the balladesque “Ghosts” are fit for the playlists of every rock radio station.
CLUSTERHEAD already released 3 EP´s, which have been welcomed by the press, comparing the band with genre heroes such as BONFIRE, AXEL RUDI PELL and PINK CREAM 69.
They also gained intensive live experience by continously playing regional and national venues. Just a few weeks ago CLUSTERHEAD proved to be an awesome live band by supporting US power metal heroes CAGE in Southern Germany and thus surely could add lots of new fans to their constantly growing fanbase.
FINAL AXE “The Axe Of The Apostles” – release: 5/30/2008 (Retroactive / MBM)
In his review of this album, HM Magazine editor, Doug Van Pelt writes, “…those of you who remember FINAL AXE (who go all the way back to the late 80′s) will be glad to know that this is easily their best album. If Saint were to win ‘Comeback of the Year’ for 2004′s In the Battle, then this album would win it this year.”
In fact, some might say that with The Axe Of The Apostles, FINAL AXE has captured heavyweight status by showcasing their catchiest, most accessible set of tunes available yet. While retaining its precision guitar assault and quasi-Rob Halford vocals, the band proves they are also masters of melody. In true metal form, The Axe Of The Apostles rarely gives you a chance to come up for air, displaying a real penchant for stadium ready anthems.
Drums are handled by Stryper’s Robert Sweet, whose busy, virtuosic rhythmic base pushes Bill Menchen (guitar) and Simon Tyler (vocals) to the most energetic and impassioned performances of their careers.
Menchen and Tyler have also released two albums with Titanic (Maiden Voyage & Screaming In Silence).
THE SEVENTH POWER “The Seventh Power” – release: 5/30/2008 (Retroactive / MBM)
THE SEVENTH POWER is a band fronted by Bill Menchen, guitarist for both Titanic and Final Axe. All drum tracks on this album were performed by Stryper’s Robert Sweet. Robert references this record as containing some his most accomplished work to date!
Retroactive Records is thrilled to unleash this monumental classic metal release upon the world! Fans of classic Ozzy and Black Sabbath will receive this with open arms. No frantic, speed metal anthems here. Instead, you’ll discover a doomy, sinister elegance built on Menchen’s minor key innovations. THE SEVENTH POWER delivers a seemingly endless supply of crushingly loud and heavy riffs with which to bludgeon audiences into sweet, willing oblivion.
