Posts By Brian Basher
0 Europe To Release New Single “Last Look At Eden” In June
Swedish hard rockers EUROPE will release a new single, “Last Look At Eden” — the title track from the band’s forthcoming album — in June. It will be made available as a three-track CD single (released in Scandinavia on June 10) and limited-edition collector’s five-track digipack (European release scheduled for June 26).
EUROPE fans living outside Europe who wish to download the single can do so by visiting the EUROPE MP3 store.
The “Last Look At Eden” full-length album is tentatively due in September.
EUROPE recently shot a video for “Last Look At Eden” with director Patric Ullaeus (DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES) of Revolver Film Company. The band says, “We chose to work with Patric after seeing his work with IN FLAMES, amongst others.”
EUROPE has just released its “Almost Unplugged” live album in the U.S. The CD features a recording of the band’s January 26, 2008 concert at Nalen in Stockholm. The band performed songs from its latest album,“Secret Society”, along with some of its classic hits.
The three-song CD single will feature the following track listing:
01. Last Look At Eden (4:11)
02. U Devil U (3:52)
03. Last Look At Eden (radio edit) (3:59)
Source: Blabbermouth.net
0 ROB HALFORD LAUNCHES METAL GOD RECORDS
Metal God Entertainment and Rob Halford are pleased to announce the launch of Metal God Records – a new music label providing global physical and digital distribution services for the world’s Rock and Metal performers.
‘It’s been a long desire of mine to be a co-owner and participate in the operation of a label focused on supporting the Rock and Metal communities,’ explains Rob Halford. ‘The infrastructure we have been assembling at Metal God Entertainment now allows myself and other artists to benefit from Metal God Records global physical and digital distribution networks, promotion and marketing services, apparel products and a broad range of Artist & Repertoire services.’
Metal God Entertainment and Rob Halford are also pleased to announce several new strategic relationships aligned with Metal God Records beginning with – ADA Global / Warner Music Group for the world excluding Japan; which is under license with Sony Music Japan; Canada operating under license with Conveyor / Universal Music Canada and beginning July 2009 in the USA Metal God Records is pleased to begin a new relationship with Fontana / Universal Music Group.
Metal God Records will debut Halford Crucible World Tour – Live In Anaheim DVD & Blu Ray Fall 2009.
Rob Halford will be appearing in Los Angeles, CA at the E-3 Electronic Entertainment Expo June 2 & 3.
Rob Halford will also be appearing in San Diego, CA at the NARM (The National Association of Recording Merchandisers) Convention June 7, 2009.
Please visit: www.MetalGodRecords.com and www.RobHalford.com for additional Halford news and release details.
Source: www.robhalford.com
0 Chickenfoot prepares for release of debut album
The anticipation is growing as the release date for Chickenfoot’s eponymous debut grows nearer, several rock magazines are hailing the band as a breath of fresh air. Chickenfoot, which consists of drummer Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), bassist Michael Anthony (ex-Van Halen), guitarist Joe Satriani and vocalist Sammy Hagar (ex-Van Halen) will release their debut, which will be packaged in exclusive “heat sensitive” artwork, www.chickenfoot.us/album on earMUSIC in Europe on Friday June 5th followed by the North American release on Tuesday June 9th. It will also be available online at iTunes and Napster. The band has also scheduled an appearance on “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien”, Friday June 5th.
With the album currently at No. 6 in the Amazon.co.uk pre-order chart, the album will coincide with a European tour in June and July that will take in a number of outdoor festivals and intimate indoor dates, including a rare concert at the London 02 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on Thursday June 25th.
The band has also posted on their website a video serial titled “12 Days of the Foot”, where Joe, Chad, Mike, Sammy share some background on each song of the new album. Also included are clips of each song so you can get a listen in advance of the release date. One episode, one song per day. You can check it out by visiting www.chickenfoot.us/12days
Full “Chickenfoot” Track Listing:
- Avenida Revolution
- Soap On A Rope
- Sexy Little Thing
- Oh Yeah
- Runnin’ Out
- Get It Up
- Down The Drain
- My Kinda Girl
- Learning To Fall
- Turnin’ Left
- Future In The Past
0 DROWNING POOL RETURNS HOME FROM PLAYING FOR THE TROOPS AT GUANTANAMO BAY
Drowning Pool returns home today after playing a private show for the troops at Guantanamo Bay on Memorial Day, May 25th. The invitation from the U.S. Navy comes two-years after the start of the “Soldiers” campaign. Through commitment and perseverance, the band have played over 300 shows and are geared up to release the 4th single from their CD, Full Circle.
“Anytime we get the chance to play in front of the troops, it is a great honor and they’re always the best crowds. When we got the call we were like – hell yeah, let’s go rock Guantanamo Bay. It’s a once in a lifetime chance and I don’t know of many artists that get an invitation like this,” says Drowning Pool frontman Ryan McCombs.
Drowning Pool are set to release the follow-up to the biggest hit of their career, “37 Stitches” — which reached #4 at Active Rock — with their next single “Shame” off of their triumphant album, Full Circle. The band recently finished the high-energy video for “Shame,” giving fans yet another look at the depth and consistency Drowning Pool has shown throughout their impressive career.
After two years on the road in support of their album Full Circle, Drowning Pool will be bringing their brand of Texas rock and roll to the highly anticipated Crüe Fest 2 Tour which stars Mötley Crüe and features support from Godsmack, Theory of a Deadman, Drowning Pool and introduces Charm City Devils. The sequel to last summer’s most successful touring festival begins its North American trek in Camden, NJ on July 19th and comes to an end on September 5th in Darien Lake, NY.
Source: http://www.drowningpool.com
0 KISS ANNOUNCES BUCKCHERRY AS OPENING ACT
Legendary band KISS made headlines last month when they announced their U.S. and Canadian tour will be the world’s first to put fans in charge of where a tour is routed. Now, KISS is adding even more excitement to their tour as they announce the selection of Buckcherry as opening act. This is destined to be the most explosive show of the year; and by partnering with Web site Eventful, fans will “Demand” exactly where KISS will perform in (top-voted) North American markets beginning this September.
Buckcherry fans can now join the hundreds of thousands of KISS fans that have voted to date at www.eventful.com/KISS. They have just six more weeks—until voting ends on June 30th— to “Demand” what cities they want to see the tour hit. No matter where the fans say—“from stadiums to cornfields”–if there are enough votes, the KISS tour will be there! And in order to keep the competition fair for smaller cities, final site selection will weigh population size versus total votes. More than 8,000 cities and towns are already represented on the fan-submitted list.
Just for voting for their town, all KISS and now Buckcherry fans will have the opportunity to purchase pre-sale tickets prior to the general on-sale and will also receive KISS merchandise discounts and more. In addition to joining in on the major campaigns launched by rock radio in each city, fans are also incentivized to create their own viral videos online, motivating their fellow residents to participate in casting votes for a KISS show in their city. City-specific “best-of” compilation reels of these videos will be shown on jumbo screens at venues before each concert.
KISS just wrapped up an astonishing trek through South America, where fans hailed the band at sold-out stadium shows across the continent. From the Hipodroma la Rinconada in Caracas, Venezuela to the River Plate Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, KISS treated fans to a set of some of rock’s greatest hits, including “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Detroit Rock City,” “God Gave Rock & Roll to You” and “Shout It Out Loud,” and more. The group’s 2009 South American tour also included sold-out dates in Santiago, Chile; Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Brazil; Bogota, Columbia and Lima, Peru.
An official video announcement by the band’s Paul Stanley, Eric Singer, Tommy Thayer and Gene Simmons (see video at www.KISSonline.com), shot in front of a capacity crowd in Santiago, kicked off this first-ever tour promotion. With tens of thousands of their Chilean counterparts cheering in the background, North American fans were astonished to learn that they were being put in charge of routing their favorite band’s upcoming tour.
KISS, which has garnered more than 30 gold and platinum records and sold in excess of 90 million albums worldwide, is currently recording its first new studio album in 11 years. The band will release exciting news about the album (produced by Paul Stanley) at www.KISSonline.com in June.
Source: kissonline.com
4 Charlemagne – S/T (Release Year – 2009)
From Eonian Records comes Charlemagne’s self titled, this four piece first formed in 1987 when Raymond Barrett Jr. – Lead Vocals and Scott Oliver – Lead & Rhythm Guitars met Lee Bryan – Bass and Ken Kowalski – Drums after moving to Hollywood for Scott to attend Musicians Institute’s GIT.Even though the band became a regular on the Sunset Strip club scene they were never able to get the major label record deal like so many of the other bands at the time. Thanks to Eonian the world is finally getting to hear Charlemagne in all their glory, and any fan of 80’s Sunset Strip hard rock will find plenty to like about Charlemagne’s music as it is filled with soaring vocals, screaming solos, and gang vocals galore.
“Secret Romeo” is the first track on the album and this song could have easily stood along side any song released by Poison, Danger Danger, or any of the other big bands at the time. Great chorus and solo with some excellent vocals both lead and background you can easily find yourself tapping your foot and singing along. “I Don’t Wanna Lie” takes a little heavier approach without losing any of the melody before the chorus breaks out. Oliver pulls off another very good solo. “She’s Only Young” stays on the heavy path while tackling a very serious subject in child abuse. “So Far Away” is a catchy mid tempo rocker as Barrett wraps his soaring vocals around these lyrics nicely. “Is It Ever Easy” and “I’ve Got You” are both ballads although “Is It Ever Easy” has a nice funk touch added to it. On “Chances Calling” Scott Oliver has a nice intro before the song kicks in and pulls off another stylish solo, he definitely made me a fan of his playing with this record. “Last Chance” is a very nice instrumental piece where the whole band gets a chance to shine but especially Kowalski’s drumming.
Charlemagne would not have started any new musical trends, but had they been given a chance they definitely could have had a nice run on the charts. Sadly though like so many other talented bands on Sunset Strip at the time they were lost in the shuffle before grunge completely killed the hard rock scene in the early 90’s. Any fans of guitar players will find plenty of reasons to pick this album up if only because of Scott Oliver’s excellent playing throughout. You can check out Charlemagne at myspace.com/officialcharlemagnepage.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Secret Romeo
2. I Don’t Wanna Lie
3. She’s Only Young
4. So Far Away
5. Is It Ever Easy
6. I’ve Got You
7. Chance is Calling
8. Last Chance
9. Wait And See
10. I’m Not That Easy
11. I Wish I Knew
Charlemagne is:
Raymond Barrett Jr. – Lead Vocals
Scott Oliver – Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Lee Bryan – Bass Guitar
Ken Kowalski – Drums
0 Fresh Blood Featuring Big Engine
Rolling out of Jacksonville, Fl comes a four piece known as Big Engine with their brand of straight up in your face kick ass southern party rock n roll. Made up of founder Tony Mikus (lead vocals & guitar), Hans Oellerich (guitar & vocals), Benny Puckett (drums), and Ryan Wilcox (bass), once known as the Motion, the band has been known as Big Engine since 1990 with Mikus being the primary member and the others have joined at different times over the years. The band has released upwards of ten albums plus a live dvd, played thousands of shows all across the U.S. on their way to becoming one of the most well known and popular bands in the Southeast.
With one listen to Big Engine’s latest release “That Girl” you will be hooked by such songs as “That Girl’s A Freak”, “Kings Of The Rock-N-Roll Crowd”, and “What I’ve Waited For”. The first two songs are straight up rock songs that will have you singing along and you are pounding drinks down at the bar while “What I’ve Waited For” has a more modern rock feel but still great nonetheless, with some great bass by Ryan Wilcox. Once you throw in other songs such as “Give It To Me”, “Shake My Soul”, “Wasted”, and “No Money” you are in for one hell of a rocking time.
You can find Big Engine online at www.myspace.com/bigenginerocks or www.bigengine.com You can join them on Reverb Nation at www.reverbnation.com/bigengine and you can buy a digital copy of “That Girl” at www.digstation.com/artistalbums.aspx among other places.
You can also check out a couple of the clips off of Big Engine’s DVD below!
5 Rhino Bucket – The Hardest Town (Release Year – 2009)
When I think of Rhino Bucket I picture a hot sweaty smoke filled bar, with a bunch of rowdies smashing bar stools and breaking bottles over each other’s heads with the band is onstage banging out their three chord brand of working man rock ‘n roll while all hell is breaking loose in front of them. To picture them anywhere else would not only take away from the band but the music they have been perfecting for the past 19 or so years. Three years after their last release “And Then It Got Ugly” , Georg Dolivo – Vox/Guitar, Reeve Downes – Bass/Vox, Brian “Damage” Forsythe – Guitar, and the returning Simon Wright – Drums are back in business with their new release “the Hardest Town”. Much like their idols AC/DC Georg and the guys live by the “If It Ain’t Broke Don’t Fix It” rule and I personally wouldn’t have it any other way. The hardest thing about “the Hardest Town” is actually turning it off because once you get started listening to it you will not want to stop.
The title track starts us off and right away I can tell a difference in the drumming expertise and power Simon Wright brings back to the band and the music. Reeve Downes works the bottom end of his bass like a dog on a bone with solid thumping lines from beginning to end. Georg’s whiskey and cigarette soaked voice is music to my ears and sounds better than ever. “Damage” is also solid throughout and pulls off a nice solo. “Justified” doesn’t have a big anthemic chorus but you will find yourself singing along and tapping your foot nonetheless the more I listen to this song the more I think it is going to be a classic Bucket song much like “One Night Stand” and “Beat To Death Like A Dog”. “Know My Name” is another song with classic written all over it a full throttle rocker with a great chorus. Wright and Downes shine once again as they are completely in sync with one another. “Dog Don’t Bite” and “No One Here” both have a great AC/DC feel to it more so than usual for Rhino Bucket. If I was forced to pick a favorite song off of “the Hardest Town” then “Street To Street” would be my choice another full throttle rocker with a great foot tapping crank the stereo groove. Forsythe pulls off his best solo on this song also. “Take Me Down” has a cool ZZ Top meets AC/DC vibe to it that makes me think the guys could have been sitting out on a porch somewhere when this tune was recorded. “She’s With Me” would run a very close second to being my favorite song with “Street To Street” great groove and playing by the band as a whole on this track.
After 20 years of making kick ass music “the Hardest Town” may be the album that gets Rhino Bucket the mainstream recognition they definitely deserve, a absolutely great album from beginning to end with at least 4 songs that should be come classics. You can check out Rhino Bucket at www.rhinobucket.com or www.myspace.com/rhinobucketmusic. In addition to other retailers you can also pick up “the Hardest Town” directly from Acetate Records by going to www.acetate.com/bands/rhinobucket/index.html, it is also available from Amazon Downloads and I-Tunes.
Rating: 
Out 0f 10
Track Listing:
1. The Hardest Town
2. Justified
3. Know My Name
4. Dog Don’t Bite
5. No One Here
6. Street To Street
7. Take Me Down
8. She’s With Me
9. You’re Gone
10. To Be Mine
11. Slip Away (Bonus Track)
Rhino Bucket is:
Georg Dolivo – Vocals/Rhythm Guitar
Brian “Damage” Forsythe- Lead Guitar/Vocals
Reeve Downes – Bass/Vocals
Simon Wright – Drums
0 Johnny Lima – Livin’ Out Loud (Release Year – 2009)
Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist/ Johnny Lima is back after a 3 year absence, which he spent producing other bands such as Miss Crazy, Dirty Penny, and most notably the newly released debut from Freakshow. Appropriately titled “Livin’ Out Loud” is the best album Lima has released in the 12 years he’s been a solo artist. Well known throughout Europe, the fact that the U.S. hasn’t caught on to this California native’s music is mind boggling. With a vocal style similar to Tuff’s Stevie Rachelle, Lima takes touches of glam and mixes it with early Bon Jovi and Def Leppard influences to produce catchy, well written songs filled with melody, hooks, gang vocals galore, excellent solos, and enough rhythm a dead man would be tapping his foot along.
“Livin’ Out Loud” starts off with “All I Wanna Do” which is a catchy foot tapping rocker with a excellent solo and chorus. “Wildflower” follows up with a great thumping bass line followed by a great guitar intro, before the vocals kick in. This is the type of songs you would find playing in a hundred strip clubs back in the day. It has catchy sing-a-long lyrics with another great solo. Heavy guitars and keyboards dominate the opening of “Hate To Love You” which I think is a great touch the keyboards also kick back in at the bridge and chorus. Another catchy sing along that is a little heavier than a lot of the other songs included here. If you can’t hear the Def Leppard influence on “I’m On Fire” you definitely need to get your ears checked out this song could have came straight out of the Hysteria/Adrenalize era. Lima slows things just a tad with “Somebody To Love” but this mid tempo track does not lose any of the power or catchiness that has preceded it. “Caught In The Middle” is a tale of a man getting caught with a married woman by her husband, it boasts more great guitar playing and another excellent chorus. “Gimme Some Rock So I Can Roll” pays tribute to 80’s hard rock while trashing the state of the music industry and commercial radio today. On the title track “Livin’ Out Loud” Lima gives another nod to Def Leppard while singing about living life to the fullest because we only get one chance.
With 12 tracks abouts girls, rock ‘n roll, bad relationships, more girls and life in general,13 if you get the import version, “Livin’ Out Loud” is a fun, catchy, well written album that is absolutely filler free and a great summer time album. Any fan of 80’s style hard rock should definitely have Johnny Lima in their collection, not only “Livin’ Out Loud” but the rest of his catalog as well. You will not be disappointed in the least bit. You can check out all things Johnny Lima at www.johnnylima.com or www.myspace.com/johnnylima
Livin’ Out Loud is for sale at CD Baby.com.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
- All I Wanna Do
- Wildflower
- Hate To Love You
- I’m On fire
- Somebody To Love
- Caught In The Middle
- Gimme Some Rock, So I Can Roll
- Livin’ Out Loud
- Still Waiting For You
- Long Way Down
- Hard To Say Goodbye
- ‘Til Love Is Gone
Musicians on Livin’ Out Loud:
Johnny Lima – Lead & Backing Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Keyboards
Craig Takeshita – Lead Guitar
Bernie F. Diaz – Drums
Danny Danzi – Lead Guitar (2nd guitar solo on “Wildflower” and guitar solo on “Caught In The Middle”)
Christian Wolff – Lead Guitar on “I’m On Fire”, “Somebody To Love”, “Still Waiting For You”, and “Hard To Say Goodbye”
Brandon Baumann – additional Backing Vocals on “All I Wanna Do”, “Wildflower” and “Gimme Some Rock, So I Can
Roll”
2 Fresh Blood Featuring Middle Finger Mob
Please allow me to introduce to you from the gutters of Sunset Strip and Hollywood a 5 piece who eat, breathe, and sleep sex, drugs, rock ‘n roll and rebellion known as the Middle Finger Mob. We have been doing Fresh Blood here at Hard Rock Hideout since January and MFM is easily one of the best bands we’ve previewed so far. Imagine if Lemmy (Motorhead) and Mike Ness (Social Distortion) formed a gutter/sleaze rock band with catchy songs and riffs, memorable hooks and fast melodic stylish solo’s and maybe you will get the picture of where MFM is coming from.
Made up of Freekshow (vocals), Shawn Smash (guitars and vocals), D.J. Cruise (bass), Danny “Boy” Virus (drums) and Lenka Danger (background vocals) MFM has been together less than a year and already established quite a following not only in L.A. but nationwide. On their debut album “Songs of Life, Sex, & Death” MFM share their experiences of life in not so glamorous Hollywood with songs like “Doing Time”, “Love Song”, “Save A Place In Heaven” written for Traci Michaels of Peppermint Creeps who passed away late last year, “I Don’t Miss You”, & “Rock ‘N Roll Outlaw”, just to name a few. With Freekshow and Shawn trading and sharing vocals while D.J. and Danny Boy lock in perfectly along side each other and beat you utterly senseless on bass and drums respectively any fan of great hard rock would be in heaven but when you add the glue that holds everything together with Lenka’s background vocals MFM reaches damn near perfection.
You can check out Middle Finger Mob at www.myspace.com/middlefingermobband and middlefingermob.webs.com/home.htm where you can order “Songs of Life, Sex, & Death” for a mere $6.00. Do yourself a favor and check MFM out or you will be missing out on one of the best bands to come along in a very long time.
If you are in a band or know a band that should be featured in Fresh Blood you can email me at brianbasher@hardrockhideout.com
2 The Last Vegas – Whatever Gets You Off (Release Year – 2009)
There are very few times, especially in today’s music scene, where a band actually lives up to the hype that precedes them. For Chicago based rockers the Last Vegas they not only live up to the hype on their new release “Whatever Gets You Off” they completely blow all those expectations out of the water. But then again, the Last Vegas is not just some new band that walked in off the streets and into the recording studio to record “Whatever Gets You Off”. The band has been releasing albums since 2004 and along with endless touring have definitely paid their rock ‘n roll dues, the fact they have Nikki Sixx helping drive the boat only helps take the band’s punk, sleaze/glam inspired rock to the next level. The only complaint I have about “Whatever Gets You Off” is the fact that six of the eleven songs on this album were also included on their 2008 self titled release. But for anyone hearing the guys for the first time that isn’t going to really matter.
The title track “Whatever Gets You Off” kicks off the whole shebang with a modern sounding Dangerous Toys groove, especially at the chorus. The band as a whole absolutely smoke this song, but vocalist Chad Cherry and guitarist Adam D’ Arling especially stand out. D’Arling shreds his solo on this track and Cherry is so full of swagger and attitude it just spills all over this song. If you want a song to crank and piss the neighbors off this is definitely the song. “I’m Bad”, which is the first single and video, follows up with a thumping nasty groove laid down by drummer Nate Arling and bassist Danny Smash. “High Class Trash” and “Loose Lips are two more swagger and attitude filled rockers with some great foot stomping grooves courtesy of some great bass lines from Danny Smash.
“Apologize” is probably the biggest surprise on “Whatever Gets You Off” after four straight up rockers, a piano and strings based dare I say power ballad with a great 70’s arena rock feel to it was the last thing I was expecting but the band is able to pull it off. You can definitely expect lighters and cell phones lighting up for this one if the band performs it live. “Cherry Red” gets the band back on track with a great sleazy groove and sing along chorus. “Dirty Things You Do” is a great stripper song with a Velvet Revolver feel to it. The remaining four songs on “Whatever Gets You Off” are all re-recorded versions of songs from the band’s last release other than a few subtle changes here and there, they are all note for note versions of the originals.
When summer finally comes around and the top comes off my Jeep “Whatever Gets You Off” is definitely one of the albums I will be blasting all summer long, much to the dismay of my neighbors.
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Whatever Gets You Off
2. I’m Bad
3. High Class Trash
4. Loose Lips
5. Apologize
6. Cherry Red
7. Another Lover
8. Dirty Things You Do
9. White Lies
10. Love Me Bad
11. Outta My Mind
The Last Vegas are:
Chad Cherry – Vocals
Adam D’Arling – Guitars
Nate Arling – Drums
Johnny Wator – Guitars
Danny Smash – Bass
0 Fresh Blood Featuring Airless
Hailing from Bilboa, Spain comes a melodic rock 4 piece known as Airless who released their third album “Fight” in December of ’08. Airless is comprised of Robert Rodriguez (guitars), Iñaki Lazakano (vocals) and the rhythm section of Miguel Manjón (bass) and Pako Martinez (drums). Airless formed in 2002 and released their self titled debut in June of the same year. A little under 3 years later the guys returned with their second release titled “2nd Round” bringing even more attention to these Spainards and opening the doors for them to tour with the likes of Tyketto, Riot, and DARE. 2008 saw the release of the band’s third release “Fight” which took the sound of the guys in a slightly harder edge direction trying to capture the energy and rawness of their live show.
For fans of big choruses, melodies, and excellent guitar Airless offers it all plus more, with a sound that mixes a little Firehouse with a little Dokken. There are a few songs on “Fight” where Iñaki Lazakano reminds me of a young Don Dokken, especially on the track “Blame (The Darkness Part II). Rodriguez can hold his own with just about any guitarist in music today while Miguel Manjón and Pako Martinez are as tight as can be as a rhythm section. Other stand out tracks include “Don’t Give Up”, “Now or Never”, and “Crying For Your Love”.
You can check out Airless for yourself at www.myspace.com/airlessrock or www.airless.es “Fight” is also available through most digital and retail outlets including Lion Music, Amazon, and others.
0 Nasty Idols – Boys Town (Release Year – 2009)
With the world being flooded with Swedish sleaze and glam bands it should be no surprise that the legendary Nasty Idols are back with “Boys Town” their first release of new material since 1996’s “Heroes For Sale”. If you asked the new sleaze and glam bands coming out of Sweden about influences, it would be a safe bet to say the majority of them would list Nasty Idols somewhere on the list. Now Sweden’s Motley Crue, Andy Pierce (vocals), Dick Qwarfort (bass), Peter Espinoza (guitars), and newcomer Rikki Dahl (drums) are back to show all the upstarts how Swedish Sleaze is really done. With sirens wailing “Rock Out” gets us started, it is a good heavy song with some good gang vocals at the chorus. “Boys Town” follows the same formula as “Rock Out” a heavy song with a slow dirty groove to it. For me “Method To My Madness” is where “Boys Town” really kicks in and starts to take off, great song with a nice groove and solo from Espinoza, kind of has a Backyard Babies feel to it. “Scar For Life” is up next and if I didn’t know better it would be easy to think “Scar For Life” was a Shotgun Messiah B-Side from the “Second Coming” era with Pierce’s vocals sounding a lot like Tim Tim on this track.
“Nite Like This” is probably one of the best power ballads I have heard in quite a long time, great vocals, both lead and backup, and a really nice touch adding the acoustic guitar and organ to the song. Espinoza pulls off another good solo with a little bit of flash. The guys come back with guns blazing for “Crashlanding” and “48 Hours” both songs have a great sleazy groove which once again remind me of Backyard Babies. “7 Year Itch” along with “Nite Like This” and “Method To My Madness” is one of the best songs on the album, with a great groove, and some very cool guitar parts once again. “Evil One” is by far the heaviest song on the album with some Zakk Wylde style guitar parts but for the most part I wouldn’t have missed this song had it not be included on “Boys Town” “It’s Not Love” and “Need The Nite” are both decent songs. I have never understood why bands close albums out with a ballad instead of going out with guns blazing in a full throttle rocker, but closing with a mid tempo ballad is exactly what the Idols do with “It Ain’t Easy” which is a great song but just not the way I would finish an album.
All in all “Boys Town” is a good introduction or re-introduction to Nasty Idols and I am already looking forward to the band’s follow-up seeing if they can build off of what was started with this album.
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Rock Out
2. Boys Town
3. Method To My Madness
4. Scar For Life
5. Nite Like This
6. Crash Landing
7. 48 Hours
8. 7 Year Itch
9. Evil One
10. It’s Not Love
11. Need The Nite
12. It Ain’t Easy
Nasty Idols are:
Andy Pierce – vocals
Dick Qwarfort – bass
Peter Espinoza – guitar
Rikki Dahl – drums
1 Triggerdaddy – Stereosonic Meltdown (Release Year – 2005)
In 1989 Tim Karr released his excellent debut album “Rubbin’ Me The Right Way” and for all intents and purposes disappeared until 2005 when he hooked up with Gilby Clarke and reappeared with Triggerdaddy’s “Stereosonic Meltdown”. One could call Triggerdaddy a supergroup, at the very least a Sunset Strip Supergroup as it is rounded out with Gilby Clarke pulling double duty as producer and guitarist, Eric Singer on drums, and including the talents of such performers as Johnny Griparic (Slash’s Snakepit), Muddy Stardust (L.A. Guns, Starfuckers, Gilby Clarke Band), Brian Tichy (Billy Idol), Teddy Zig Zag (Guns n’ Roses), Ryan Roxie (Glamnation, Slash’s Snakepit, Alice Cooper), Chad Stewart (Faster Pussycat), and Jon E. Love (Love/Hate).
The music on “Stereosonic Meltdown” is heavily influenced by such 70’s
artists as T Rex, David Bowie, and Alice Cooper. As a matter of fact the first time I heard “Gimme Sum Skin”, “Enemy”, “Shape of Things 2 Come”, and “Can’t Get High” I had to go back and look to see if Alice himself didn’t help out on the vocals. On “Jesus Cowboy” and “Price of Love” both have a strong Bowie influence and “Jesus Cowboy” is definitely one of the standout tracks on this album. Another standout is “Peach” which would be hard for one to guess is a cover of Prince, there is another cover of Marc Bolan’s 20th Century Boy but this song has been covered so many times it is hard for me to get excited about another cover version of it.
I know it has been 4 years since this album was released, but I am hoping there will be a followup because I am definitely looking forward to hearing more music from Tim Karr and/or Triggerdaddy. All in all “Stereosonic Meltdown” is a damn good album for something I found by complete accident while browsing through CDBaby.com.
You can purchase Triggerdaddy “Stereosonic Meltdown” by visiting http://cdbaby.com/cd/triggerdaddy and you can check some of the songs out by going to http://www.myspace.com/triggerdaddy
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Space & Time
2. Gimme Sum Skin
3. Enemy
4. Jesus Cowboy
5. Can’t Get High
6. Train 2 Nowhere
7. Shape of Things 2 Come
8. Peach
9. 20th Century Boy
10. Price of Love
0 LES CLAYPOOL Starts Summer Escapade, OF FUNGI AND FOE releasing on Vinyl on May 12th
Les Claypool will take over the northern hemisphere on his summer tour starting May 26th in Charlotte, NC. This is the 2nd leg of his year-long tour in support of his critically acclaimed latest masterpiece OF FUNGI AND FOE out now on Prawn Song Records.
Special collectors’ addition of “OF FUNGI AND FOE” will come out on vinyl May 12th. This is a MUST HAVE for all Les Claypool fans. This is a limited run so go to www.clubbastardo.com and get your copy~
OF FUNGI AND FOE is the expansion of material Claypool has recorded over the past few years for the video game “Mushroom Men” and the motion picture “Pig Hunt”. Being inspired by these 2 projects Claypool decided to keep creating and turn it into an album. The song Mushroom Men on this release is a more in depth version of the theme song from the video game. Additionally a jam session with Gogol Bordello’s charismatic front-man Eugene Hutz turned into the track “Bite Out Of Life”. The band is comprised of Les Claypool on bass/vocals, Paulo Baldi on Drums (Cake), Mike Dillon on Percussion (Ani Difranco), and Sam Bass on Cello (Deadweight).
LES CLAYPOOL SUMMER TOUR DATES:
May
23 Chilicothe, IL Summer Camp
24 Thornville, OH Hookahville
26 Charlotte, NC Neighborhood Theatre
27 Asheville, NC Orange Peel
28 Hilton Head, SC Shoreline Ballroom
30 Pompano Beach, FL Pompano Beach Amphitheater w/ Matisyahu
31 Orlando, FL House of Blues w/ Matisyahu
June
1 St. Petersburg, FL Jannus Landing w/ Matisyahu
2 Atlanta, GA Tabernacle w/ Matisyahu
4 Memphis, TN Minglewood Hall w/ Matisyahu
5 Ozark, AR Wakarusa
7 Dallas, TX The Palladium w/ Matisyahu
8 Houston, TX House of Blues w/ Matisyahu
9 Austin, TX Austin Music Hall w/ Matisyahu
11 Albuquerque, NM Sunshine Theatre
12 Tempe, AZ The Marquee
13 Ventura, CA Ventura Theatre
19 Sacramento, CA The Grove @ Radisson Hotel
20 San Francisco, CA The Warfield
21 Medford, OR Britt Pavilion
23 Boise, ID Knitting Factory
24 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory
25 Vancouver, BC Commodore
27 Edmonton, AB Event Center
28 Calgary, AB MacEwan Hall
30 Winnipeg, MB Burton Cummings
July
1 Fargo, ND The Venue
4 Rothbury, MI Rothbury
5 Indianapolis, IN The Vogue
6 Nashville, TN War Memorial Auditorium
7 Knoxville, TN Bijou Theater
9 Norfolk, VA Norva
10 Masontown, WV All Good Fest
11 Poughkeepsie, NY The Chance
12 Burlington, VT Higher Ground
17 Atlantic City, NJ House of Blues
For more information go to www.lesclaypool.com or www.myspace.com/thereallesclaypool
0 HRH Fresh Blood Featuring Electric Mary
This week we head down under to check out the Melbourne five piece known as Electric Mary. The band came together in 2003 when singer Rusty Brown and guitarist Irwin Thomas met, later adding second guitarist Pete Robinson, bassist Alex Raunjak, and drummer Venom to the mix. Blues based, 70’s inspired pub rock with heavy doses of “Coverdale era” Deep Purple, Free, and Bad Company thrown in is how I would describe Electric Mary’s sound. After releasing two e.p.’s in ’04 and ’06 the guys have just released their full length debut titled “Down To The Bone”. If the first two tracks off the album “Let Me Out” and “No One’s Does It Better Than Me” doesn’t get your heart pumping and feet stomping then you need to go see the doctor because you’re probably considered legally dead. When you add other stompers such as “One Foot In The Grave”, “Sorry”, “Crashdown” and “Luv Me” you are in for a seriously good time.
Electric Mary have toured Australia with Whitesnake, Judas Priest and are gearing up to support Jon Lord on his next trip down under. After making fans out such people as David Coverdale, Iron Maiden’s Adrian Smith, and “Little” Steven Van Zandt, the guys in Electric Mary are ready to take on the rest of the world and they are definitely on the right road. By the way if you are wondering where the band came up with their name, I’m sure Mary Campbell, the studio manager for the legendary Electric Lady Studios in New York could help you out with that story.
You can check out Electric Mary at www.myspace.com/electricmary and “Down To The Bone” is available on I-Tunes and Amazon.com You can also purchase “Down To The Bone” from the band’s myspace page.
0 HRH Interviews 7th Heaven’s Richie Hofherr
I was blown away by 7th Heaven’s USA/UK when it was released late 2008 so much so that it ended the year in my Top 15 list at #9 beating out a lot of better known bands for the spot. USA/UK is filled with 18 tracks of pop metal very reminescent of Def Leppard’s “Hysteria” era, not only do you get 18 tracks with USA/UK you also get 18 tracks in which every song could be released as a single as there is not a single filler song on the album. After a few scheduling mishaps on my part I was finally able to make contact with 7th Heaven’s producer/guitarist Richie Hofherr this past week for what turned out to be one of the best and most informative interviews we’ve had here at Hard Rock Hideout…Enjoy!
HRH: For readers that may not be familiar with 7th Heaven can you fill them in with a little history of 7th Heaven?
Richie: 7th heaven has been around since 1985. We are known to be one of the busiest band’s in the world. We play 250+ shows a year and have TONS of live experience. We have had greats highs and low lows. Our sound has been compared to a modern Def Leppard, which we are honored to be compared to. We are a AOR arena rock type of band. You can find a very detailed history of our band on our website under the “history” tab.
HRH: You released USA/UK in August of 08 what has the reaction been to the album so far?
Richie: Very good. It has already outsold our last release “Silver”, which did very well. We move most of our CD’s at our shows, and since we play so much our sales are consistent. We have placed a few songs in various media outlets. A few radio stations have picked up the CD and have us in heavy rotation, mainly ClassXRadio.com
We also have been getting great reviews on the CD, like MelodicRock.com‘s 93%
HRH: This is the band’s first album with Keith Semple singing how did the band find out about Keith and get him to join the band?
Richie: I actually was looking online for a new singer for the band and was searching for a certain type of quality that I thought would fit our band well. I also had to find someone who wanted to play a lot of shows. Keith had a myspace page and I emailed him and asked him what he was doing with music. Rather than respond to my email, he actually searched the band out and called and left me a message. Impressed with his desire, I made him the offer. After hiring Keith I then realized he won “Pop Stars” (the UK version of American Idol). Keith is a perfect fit for 7th heaven.
HRH: What led to the departure of previous singers Andrew Blake and Tony di Giulio?
Richie: The same thing that happens to all bands. Different visions or different agenda’s. 7th heaven is like a family, it always has been and always will be. Sometimes a member wants a break or wants to do their own thing. I don’t really take offense to that, in fact Tony and I still write together. 7th heaven is a very unique band. We run our business in a way that doesn’t really have a definitive path, add to that a style that isn’t the current trend, it makes for everyone to agree on business directions. In the end, we survive and hopefully the music we make is what really matters to people.
HRH: USA/UK has a very different sound compared to the last 2 7th Heaven albums, particularly “Faces Time Replace” was a conscious
effort by the band or more because of the way Keith sings?
effort by the band or more because of the way Keith sings?Richie: The way I like to produce is always surrounded by what I feel is the best direction of the voice. While that being said, all the singers that have been in 7th heaven have the ability to sing various styles. In terms of “Faces Time Replaces”, it was a reflection of the environments we were in at the time in terms of clubs we played. We have TONS of pop rock songs, but at the time if we played them they wouldn’t do well for us live. In fact our song “Right by your side” off “Silver” was actually a song we wrote in that “Faces..” era of writing, but it just didn’t fit. “War Machine” was from “Faces…”. Around 2002 we started getting festivals and they wouldn’t accept the heavy side of the band so we made a adjustment to the sound to keep the band busy.
HRH: USA/UK has gotten the band a lot of comparisons to “Hysteria” era Def Leppard not only as far as sound but production also is that a favorable comparison as far as the band is concerned?
Richie: I’m not sure how the band feels, but to me it’s one of the biggest honors I could ever get. I work for hours on mixes and try to polish my mixes. That’s the way I like to mix 7th heaven. But not all my mixes are that way. For example, when I produced Bill Beckett of “The Academy Is..” it was VERY different then 7th heaven. I grew up loving arena rock bands.. bands like Queen, Led Zep, Def Lep, Bon Jovi, Journey, Foreigner, AC/DC… they had a massive sound. So when I write songs and think about 7th heaven I think I want this band to sound like it belongs in a arena. The band can handle a arena stage. So I produce it that way.
HRH: There are 6 songs from Silver that were re-recorded for USA/UK with Keith is there a chance we could see some more of those songs re-recorded in the future? I would love to hear Keith’s vocals on Fall Into You, Invisible, and Everlasting Love among others.
Richie: The only reason why we recorded Keith on some of those songs was because when Keith got to America we were playing those songs (Cellophane, Gravity, etc.. ) in our set and new fans asked if they could get the song and then wanted it with Keith on it, so rather than re-record “Silver” with Keith I thought it was easier to add the tracks to a new CD, so to me that CD is a new CD os 12 songs with 6 bonus tracks.
HRH: When I compare the songs on “Silver” and “Faces Time Replace” to USA/UK. The songs on USA/UK seem like a more natural sound for the band would you agree?
Richie: Faces was for it’s time. Silver was my chance to make a record that I wanted to make and release various styles. and USA-UK is a methodical product for the band to sell in the environment we are within. The CD has a consistent sound on purpose and doesn’t sway too much away from that. We had a few very different tracks, but I wanted to work on them more and we needed a product to market ASAP. I think the CD is a good representation of where the band is today.
HRH: You guys have a reputation of being road warriors, how many shows has the band played since the release of USA/UK?
Richie: I think we are close to 500 shows with Keith. This year we should hit 260-275 shows. Our philosophy is that if a major
label or radio station won’t play us (or any rock for that matter) then we’ll bring our music to the people. I am blown away that the big wigs in the biz keep scratching their heads wondering why they are not making money in the business don’t open their eyes and see where the consumers are at. They are following ROCK acts… period. Look at the Pollstar (www.pollstar.com) and look to the right side at the top 50.. now look at the billboard (billboard.com).. see the disconnect. If I was a big wig, I would push all 50 of those artists and their products to people. The fans always dictate the success of a act. So because of this landscape, we survive by playing live shows.
HRH: Has there been any talk of the band playing any of the festivals like Rocklahoma or Rock Gone Wild this summer?
Richie: Rocklahoma would be cool, we have never been asked, mainly because the side stages are ran by indie labels and since we run our own label I’m not sure it will ever happen… Rock Gone Wild I am unaware of. All anyone has to do is ask us to play and we’ll be there. It’s not like we don’t like playing.. :)
HRH: What are the band’s summer tour plans?
Richie: We are booked for over 60 midwest festivals this summer. For June, July and August we play almost everyday, with many days with two to three shows. We have a solid summer booked.
HRH: When will the band start thinking about getting back in the studio to record the follow-up to USA/UK?
Richie: We’ll be working in the studio for various things over the next year. We have a HUGE surprise for 2010 when the band turns 25 years old. Something I don’t think that has ever been done before. Stay tuned.
HRH: 7th Heaven is also known for your 30 songs in 30 minutes medley how did that come about?
Richie: We were asked to play a family festival in 1991 and when we went there we played all originals for 90 minutes. The fest promoter said if we wanted to come back the next year we would have to play some covers so we went and made a 5 song medley. After that show we had a lot of people asking for it again. Then in 1993 I put a 80 song 120 minute long medley together to accomplish a few things; better my skills as a producer, work on arrangements and build our voices by having to learn all those different singers. We made a tape of that and it became very popular in the college markets, which then got us shows at colleges. So we cut the medley down to 25 minutes and started playing them in the clubs. We have made 11 different medleys and have played eight of them live. They make a great addition to our festival and college shows. We just created a new one that we are playing now.
HRH: Where can fans go to find out what is going on in 7th Heaven’s world?
Richie: www.7thheavenband.com
we update our website weekly and just added a new blogger to the website that we all chime in at. There’s also a news page that updated every month and our email newsletters are the best ways to stay up to date with us.
You can sign up by clicking the “Mailing List” tab on the website.
One cool thing we have going on is this:
We are shooting new video and wants YOU in it! We are shooting a music video for the song This Summer’s Gonna Last Forever and they want to use video footage of different fans from around the world showing them in their country in the background… something unique to your country (example: like standing in front of the Great Wall Of China or the Eiffel tower) they want to show the world that rock music is still alive and doing well around the world…
We want a video of you lip syncing the song and then the video footage to the band and it will be edited into the video.
- Prefer a mini DV tape or a DVD if possible and would like the video back to us by the end of April if possible.
Send it to: 7th heaven, PO Box 66473, Chicago, Il 60666.
If you want to make it a digital file and upload it to a server, that would be fine as well but it has to be uncompressed at 720 x 480. E-mail the band at: rich777@aol.com for more info with the subject “music video”.
The song can be downloaded here: www.7thheavenband.com/summer/.
HRH: Is there anything you would like to tell the fans and readers before we let you go?
Richie: We really appreciate all the fans and friends who have helped support our dream of creating and performing music.We will always strive to put 110% effort in everything we do! We are very accessible to our fans so get in touch with us. Thanks for all your support!!!
1 Sunstorm – House of Dreams (Release Year – 2009)
Joe Lynn Turner is a man that needs no introduction to classic or hard rock fans, the former Fandango, Rainbow, Malmsteen and Deep Purple vocalist has been blowing crowds away for years with a voice that is still as powerful today as it was on Fandango’s 1977 debut. Now Melodic/AOR fans have a reason to celebrate with the release of Sunstorm’s second album “House of Dreams”. The return of the Joe Lynn Turner fronted project should be celebrated by not only melodic/aor fans but any fans of music that love well written songs loaded with plenty of melody and hooks galore. A virtual who’s who of songwriters, producers, and musicians lent their talents to this project lead by Dennis Ward (Pink Crean 69) who not only returned to the helm as producer but also supplied all the bass and background vocals on “House of Dreams”, Jim Peterik (Survivor, Pride of Lions), Tom and James Martin (House of Lords, Khymera) returned and Paul Sabu also came on board to help out in the songwriting process. Besides the presence of Turner and Ward this time around the band consists of Uwe Reitenauer and Thorsten Koehne on guitars, Chris Schmidt on drums and Gunter Werno on keyboards, all of which are accomplished musicians in their own right.
From the opening keyboards of “I Found Love” I knew I was in for one hell of an enjoyable ride and I was not disappointed at all. Great keyboards, and guitar with a chorus that will have you singing along long after the song is finished playing. “Divided” follows the same formula with the same excellent results. “Don’t Give Up” makes me think back to the 1980’s and those movie montage theme songs where the hero is trying to over come the impossible, much like Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” and “Burning Heart” or Robert Tepper’s “No Way Out”. Along with “I Found Love”, “Gutters of Gold” is my favorite song on the album with Schmidt’s hard driving drums and an awesome chorus. “Walk On” is another stand out track that was written by Desmond Child and Joe Lynn Turner that originally appeared on Jimmy Barne’s 1987 release “Freight Train Heart”
The one thing you will not find on “House of Dreams” is filler material, every song has hit potential if they are given a chance. Although there is no mistaking that “House of Dreams” is a melodic rock album with it’s soaring vocals, guitar solos and keyboards the music is modern sounding and does not sound dated whatsoever.
If I have one complaint about Sunstorm it is the fact that in all actuality this is a side project. With the way the music scene is today a band this great with an album this great it’s a shame it can’t be the primary focus of the players involved.
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing:
01. Divided 4:38
02. Don’t Give Up 4:49
03. The Spirit Inside 4:02
04. 04 I Found Love 4:00
05. Say You Will 4:34
06. Gutters Of Gold 4:39
07. Save A Place In Your Heart 4:14
08. Forever Now 4:16
09. Tears On The Pages 4:36
10. House Of Dreams 4:51
11. Walk On 4:35
Sunstorm is:
Joe Lynn Turner – vocals
Dennis Ward – bass, background vocals
Uwe Reitenauer, Thorsten Koehne – guitars
Chris Schmidt – drums
Gunter Werno – keyboards
0 Aerosmith To Tour With ZZ Top, New Album Delayed
Health issues and touring commitments have combined to postpone Aerosmith’s next album, according to guitarist Joe Perry.
Perry tells Billboard.com that the record sessions — for the group’s first album since 2004’s “Honkin’ on Bobo” and first of all-original material since 2001’s “Just Push Play,” were delayed when he had to have surgery earlier this year to clear out an infection in his knee replacement.
Then, last month, singer Steven Tyler came down with pneumonia, after which the veteran Boston rockers “realized there wasn’t any chance of getting it finished before we hit the road for the summer. So basically we had to push (the album) back, and when the band gets off the road, that’s when we’ll pick up the Aerosmith record.”
Aerosmith’s tour, the group’s first since 2007, starts in June with ZZ Top. Perry says about 40 dates are set so far for North America, with South America, Europe and Japan also under consideration. The itinerary should be announced soon.
Perry — who was in Cleveland to attend Saturday’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony and perform the Yard Birds’ “Train Kept A Rollin'” with Metallica, Ron Wood and inductee Jeff Beck — says Aerosmith has “probably two or three (songs) that could be mixed right now, maybe even more. But there’s a long way between two or three and doing the 12 or 14 that you have to have to do a whole project.” He says what’s been done so far at his home studio with producer Brendan O’Brien “sounds like ‘Rocks'” and hews closer to the rougher sound of “Honkin’ on Bobo” than the more polished production of “Just Push Play.” “It’s everybody in the room with a producer cracking the whip,” Perry notes, “laying the tracks down and getting a good take without having to (edit) too much.”
The silver lining in the Aerosmith delay, Perry adds, is that he’s been able to go “full blast” on his next solo album, the follow-up to 2005’s Grammy-nominated “Joe Perry.” He has 10-12 songs ready — three of which, including a cover, he played for Billboard.com — which he’ll record with “an A-list producer I can’t name, but will very soon.” David Hull from the Joe Perry Project is playing on some tracks, along with Ben Tileston, who plays drums with two of Perry’s sons in TAB the Band. He’s also considering using other players and possibly guest vocalists.
“I have a big chunk of time before the tour, so I’m gonna try to get the solo record done as soon as I can,” Perry says. “Chances are you’re gonna be hearing that before you hear an Aerosmith record…’cause I expect the Aerosmith tour, God willing. to continue through the fall.”
Source: Billboard.com
0 Heaven’s Basement announce U.K. Headlining Tour and add 3 new songs to Myspace
Over the past couple of weeks English rocker’s Heaven’s Basement have added 3 new songs to their myspace page . “10 Minutes” is a kick ass full out rocker with a great groove, “Deadman” is an excellent bluesy ballad that builds at the chrous, “Misunderstood” is a slow and heavy rocker with another great groove. All three songs help in further building the anticipation for a release of a full album from the band.
For the fans in the U.K. the band also announced a headlining tour to start April 5th going through May 15th. They also have 3 festival shows scheduled in June and July.
1 Video Double Shot: Electric Angels/the Throbs
This week we are focusing on two bands from the New York area, who both belong in the “Should Of Been Big If Grunge Hadn’t Killed The Whole Music Scene” Catagory. First off is “Rattlesnake Kisses” from Electric Angels self titled 1990 debut with a special appearance from the 90’s favorite dumb blonde. Following Electric Angels we have the Throbs “Come Down Sister” from their 1991 release “The Language of Thieves and Vagabonds”. When the Throbs first hit the music scene, they were billed as a cross between Guns N’ Roses and the Black Crowes, but I will let you decide for yourselves on that. Unfortunately both bands were “One & Done”, although after Ryan Roxie left Electric Angels the band replaced him with guitarist John Ceparano and renamed themselves the Loveless and released “A Tale of Gin and Salvation” in 1995. All three of these albums are still available on E-Bay and Amazon and all are worth checking out. Enjoy!
0 HARDCORE SUPERSTAR: Streaming New Single on Myspace
“Beg For It”, the new single from Swedish sleaze rockers HARDCORE SUPERSTAR, is available for streaming on the band’s MySpace page. The song is the title cut of the group’s new album, which will be released on June 5 via Nuclear Blast Records. “Beg For It” will be the first album with new guitarist Vic Zino, formerly of Crazy Lixx, who replaced Thomas Silver when Silver left the band in January 2008. The band also announced in March on their myspace blog they will be part of the Cruefest lineup when it hits Scandinavia this summer along with playing festival dates all over Europe.
“Beg For It” track listing:
01. This Worm’s For Ennio
02. Beg For It
03. Into Debauchery
04. Shades Of Grey
05. Nervous Breakdown
06. Hope For A Normal Life
07. Bad Behaviour
08. Remove My Brain
09. Spit It Out
10. Illegal Fun
11. Take Them All Out
12. Innocent Boy
0 HRH Fresh Blood Featuring Pleasure Maker
This week for Hard Rock Hideout’s “Fresh Blood” we are taking a trip down south, I mean way down south as in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to check out the band Pleasure Maker. The band first came together in 2001 in Rio de Janeiro as a follow-up to a Bon Jovi cover band by the name of New Jersey. The band which is now made up of Alex Meister (Guitars), C. Marshall (Vocals), Andy Starr (Bass), Sandro Rossi (Keyboards), and Adriano Morais (Drums) plays 80’s inspired hard rock that you would expect from a band that is heavily influenced by such bands as Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Danger Danger, and Winger.
Pleasure Maker has released two albums 2002’s “Love on the Rocks” and the 2008 follow-up “Twisted Desire”. Songs such as “Come N’ Get It”, “What We Left Behind”, “Is There A Doctor In The House”, and “Eden’s Fruit” will make any fan of 80’s hard rock proud with the scorching solos, keyboards galore, and great gang backing vocals.
You can check out Pleasure Maker by going to www.myspace.com/pleasuremakerrocks or www.pleasuremaker.com “Twisted Desire” is available for purchase from www.perrisrecords.com, www.metalmayhem.com, www.NEHRecords.com and CDBaby.com among others.
0 Dope – No Regrets (Release Year – 2009)
“No Regrets” is the long awaited follow-up to Dope’s ’05 release “American Apathy” and the Dope Army have reason to rejoice. The band which is now made up of guitarist Virus, Tripp on bass, Angel on drums, and the mastermind of it all, Edsel Dope on vocals haven’t changed their sound but are definitely working to perfect it. “No Regrets” takes the best parts of the band’s four previous albums and combine them into a sleazy, heavy, hook-laden homage to sex, drugs, “Violence”, and rock-n-roll that will have you moshing and singing along at the same time.
After a 38 second intro called “Flatline” Edsel and the guys get down to business right from the start with the thrasher “6 6 Sick”. Angel beat the drums on this track like his life depended on it while Virus lays down some thick heavy guitar. For track #2 “Addiction” Edsel enlisted some guy named Zakk Wylde to play lead guitar and for his efforts he got the catchiest song not only on the album but the catchiest Dope song I have heard in a long time. “Addiction” should definitely be getting some major radio airplay.
“No Regrets” and “We Are” are two more heavy songs that have Edsel and the guys raging from start to finish. “My Funeral” and “Dirty World” are both great catchy songs with “Dirty World” being the heaviest of the two. Other stand out tracks include “Best For Me” and “Scorn”. You can also get a bonus tracks edition of “No Regrets” which has an awesome cover of Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell”, which the band released a few years ago as a website download. There is also a live track called “Die Boom Bang” which is three songs in one and one more new song “Nothing For Me Here” with a damn good solo from Virus.
One thing I have always liked about Dope is the fact they don’t give the listener time to get bored listening to a 6 or 7 minute opus. Edsel gets in your face says what he has to say and moves on to the next subject. The same holds true with “No Regrets” all of the songs and in the 2 1/2 or 3 1/2 minute range with the title track being the longest clocking in at 3:32 but the energy the guys put into that short time span is amazing, they go from 0 to 150 and never let up til the very end.
Dope will not revolutionize the music world but I don’t think that is Edsel or the band’s intentions. What they will do is give the world some heavy and catchy music that will leave you wanting more and more and who said Dope isn’t addictive?
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Flat Line
2. 6-6-Sick
3. Addiction
4. No Regrets
5. My Funeral
6. We Are
7. Dirty World
8. Interlude
9. Violence
10. Best For Me
11. Bloodless
12. Scorn
13. Rebel Yell
14. I Don’t Give A…
15. Die Boom Bang Burn Fuck
16. Nothing For Me Here
Dope is:
Edsel Dope – Lead Vocals/Guitar
Virus – Guitars/Vocals
Tripp “Lee” Tribbett – Bass/Vocals
Angel Bartolotta – Drums
0 HRH Fresh Blood Featuring Free Spirit
Free Spirit is the latest Scandinavian rock n’ roll import. Hailing from Finland this six piece is just beginning to make waves in the rock world as the winner of the Garage Countdown contest with their video “Until the Night”., which was viewed over 82 000 times. Mixing Celtic and folk music with Melodic/AOR, Free Spirit are carving out their own niche in the rock world with the release of their album “Pale Sister of Light”, the band’s first full length album.
Sami Alho (vocals), Pasi Koivumäki (drums), the original founding members started Free Spirit with the idea to bring melodies, harmonies and breathtaking songs back to rock music instead of being one of those bands where a group of angry men try to shout out that they have “the attitude”. The current line-up also consisting of Vesa Yli-Mäenpää (guitars), Sami Hämäläinen (bass), Marko Haapamäki (guitar), and Timo Alho (keyboards) has been together since 2006.
With such songs as Strangers, Far Away From Heaven, Preacher Man, and Moonlight Ride, “Pale Sister of Light” take you through the real world, dream and illusion, with a sound that is filled with melodies, harmonies, and tight musicianship as it brings you to the roots of nature and its mighty scenery.
You can preview Free Spirit at www.myspace.com/freespiritrock.You can also buy “Pale Sister of Light at various digital outlets including Amazon.com and Cdon.com. You can also visit the band’s website at www.freespiritrock.com
0 Hardline – Leaving The End Open (Release Year – 2009)
It’s hard to believe that after debuting in 1992 “Leaving The End Open” is only Hardline’s third studio album. Hardline’s debut “Double Eclipse” is an outstanding album that I still listen to regularly and is as viable today as it was 17 years ago. Now while “II” was decent it did not come close to comparing to “Double Eclipse”. So needless to say I was a little apprehensive when I got “Leaving The End Open” especially knowing that neither Neal Schon or Joey Gioeli were involved in the project. But Hardline, which is now made up of Johnny Gioeli (Vocals), Josh Ramos (Guitars), Michael T. Ross (Keyboards), Jamie Brown (Bass), and Atma Anur (Drums), put my apprehension somewhat to rest when I heard “Falling Free” the second track on “Leaving The End Open” and followed it up with “Start Again” because the one thing I thought was missing on “II” was strong songs the band had found again.
“Leaving The End Open” has a good mix of rock, mid-tempo, and ballads and while not every song is a winner, there are enough here to make me want to keep listening to the album and give the whole album a chance to grow on me. Besides the two previously mentioned songs “Pieces of the Puzzle”, “Before This”, “Give In To This Love”, and “Leaving The End Open” are all strong songs and given the chance such songs as “Voices”, “Bittersweet”, and “In This Moment” will probably grow on me too.
I am gaining new respect for Josh Ramos as a guitarist and I have always thought Gioeli has a great voice and he doesn’t disappoint here, he is definitely the star of the band. The rest of the band are all solid performers with Anur standing out among the three. Hardline really shines on the mid-tempo songs here but what is missing on this album and “II” are the attitude filled dirty groove songs such as “Takin’ Me Down”, “Bad Taste”, “Dr. Love”, “Rhythm From A Red Car”, and “Hot Cherie” that were loaded on “Double Eclipse”, that is the Hardline I know and love.
While “Leaving The End Open” is definitely better than “II” it still falls way short of the expectations set 17 years ago with the release of “Double Eclipse”.
For more information on Hardline, please visit the band’s myspace page.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
01. Voices
02. Falling Free
03. Start Again
04. Pieces Of Puzzles
05. Bittersweet
06. She Sleeps In Madness
07. In This Moment
08. Give In To This Love
09. Before This
10. Hole In My Head
11. Leaving The End Open
Hardline is:
Johnny Gioeli – vocals
Josh Ramos – guitars
Michael T. Ross – keyboards
Jamie Brown – bass
Atma Anur – drums
0 Video Double Shot – Thunder – Dirty Love/Fade Into The Sun
Unfortuantely one of my favorite bands Thunder will be calling it quits later this year. In honor of the guys who have given me and the world so much great music over the years I give you “Dirty Love” from their album “Backstreet Symphony” and appropriately “Fade Into The Sun” from “The Magnificent Seventh!” and from the DVD “Thunder Go Mad In Japan”. Danny, Luke, Harry, Ben and Chris will be sorely missed.
1 HRH Fresh Blood Featuring The Last Vegas
The Last Vegas seen to have everything needed to be called “the Next Big Thing”. This 5 piece from Chicago, IL won the Guitar Center/Motley Crue “Make Rock History” contest last year, was named Spin Magazine’s Chief Editor’s “Best Discovery” at SXSW and even won the RedOctane “Be A Guitar Hero” in 2006 in which their song “Raw Dog” was included on the Guitar Hero II video game. But the band comprised of Adam D’Arling (Guitar), Chad Cherry (Vocals), Nathan Arling (Drums), Danny Smash (Bass), and John Wator (Guitar) are anything but an overnight sensation. They have been releasing music since 2004 with their debut “Lick ‘Em and Leave ‘Em”. They have followed that with 2 more albums, an E.P., endless touring and are preparing for the release of their new album “Whatever Gets You Off” with the help from producers DJ Ashba, Marti Frederiksen, and Nikki Sixx. They play a modern sounding 70’s glam punk inspired rock with a touch of sleaze, filled with in your face attitude the band uses to grab your attention whether you want them to or not.
On songs such as “I’m Bad”, “High Class Trash”, “So Young, So Pretty, So What”, “Loose Lips” or “Room At The Top” you will find yourself unable to resist singing along or stomping your feet along with Arling’s drums. Only time will tell if the Last Vegas really are the Next Big Thing but they seem to have the determination and the goods and with a management deal from 10th Street Entertainment and a label deal from Eleven Seven Music they are definitely on the right road.
If you haven’t already heard the Last Vegas you can check them out at www.myspace.com/thelastvegas or take a trip to www.thelastvegas.com You can also purchase the band’s music from I-Tunes and Amazon, believe me you will not be disappointed.
1 Video Doubleshot: Gypsy Rose – Poisoned By Love/Slik Toxik – White Lies Black Truth
Two more Canadian bands this week, from Gypsy Rose’s one and only album “Prey” “Poisoned By Love”. This is not the same band that released the album “Another World” late last year with David Reece on vocals. This Gypsy Rose consisted of Micheal Ross (Vocals), Brian Joyce (Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Micheal Vaughn (Bass), Steve Thomas (Drums), Craig Van Gaver (Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Keyboards), and was released on Simmons Records.
White Lies/Black Truth was featured on Slik Toxik’s debut album “Doin’ The Nasty” The band had released a 4 song e.p. titled “Smooth & Deadly” prior to the release of this album and went on to release one more album in 1994 titled “Irrevelant”. Slik Toxik was comprised of Nicholas S. Walsh (Vocals), Kevin Gale (Guitars),Patric Howarth (Bass), Rob Bruce (Guitars), and Neal Busby (Drums).
0 HRH Fresh Blood Featuring Stolen Order
Called by some as Scotland’s answer to Guns N’ Roses from Inverness, Scotland comes Stolen Order. Comprised of Toby Michaels(Vocals), Jonny Gash and James Dice(Guitars), El Minge(Bass) and Dan Carson(Drums), this five piece has been together starting their own rock revolution since 2005 when fed up and disappointed with the state of music the guys decided to put together something they felt the music industry needed, some fun loving hard rock. The guys began writing music and lyrics, not to change the world, but music they enjoy and that others would enjoy too. Music for the rock world to party to all night long.
Stolen Order has toured Scotland extensively opening for such bands as Therapy?, Bullets and Octane, Wishbone Ash and Heavens Basement, among others and have also played such festivals as the Belladrum and Skye Festivals. With the 2008 release of their e.p. “Whatever It Takes” the band hopes to open new doors not only to the rest of Britain, but Europe also and eventually the rest of the world. With such songs as “Love Money”, “Can’t Complain”, “Let’s Get The Feeling”, and “The Bitch Is Gone” is shouldn’t be long before fans across the world are joining Stolen Order’s revolution.
You can check out Stolen Order and their music by visiting http://www.stolenorder.com/, http://www.reverbnation.com/stolenorder or www.myspace.com/stolenorderband
