0 Silent Force – Rising From Ashes (2014) – CD Review
Alex Beyrodt and Mat Sinner are busy men. Beyrodt and Sinner already have two great releases with Voodoo Circle & Sinner in 2013, and now in 2014, Silent Force & Primal Fear. In the case of Silent Force, it has been seven long years since the band’s last album, Walk The Earth.
Silent Force’s new album Rising From Ashes boast a new singer, and a great one at that! Michael Bormann replaces former Silent Force singer DC Cooper on vocals, and helps to turn in one of the best melodic rock albums of 2014 so far. For those of you not familiar with Bormann, he has lent his vocals to several great bands over the years including Jaded Heart, Bonfire, Redrum and more. He is a fantastic singer, and a great addition to Silent Force.
Rising From Ashes is packed full of heavy, melodic and catchy rockers. Alex Beyrodt delivers an album full of amazing guitar work, and Alessandro Del Vecchio adds a melodic flair to the music with his outstanding keyboards. Some of my favorites on the album are “Caught In the Wicked Game”, “There Ain’t No Justice”, “You Gotta Kick It “, and “Born To Be A Fighter”, but this is an album that I can listen to from beginning to end without the need to skip a track.
Rising From Ashes grows on you more and more with each play. I have always loved Michael Bormann’s voice, and he does an outstanding job as Silent Force’s new front man. I can only hope that Silent Force will make it to the U.S. as some point. I would love to hear the songs from this album live. If Rising From Ashes is any indication of the music to be released in 2014, it will be a great year for hard rock. Check it out!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
01. Caught In The Wicked Game
02. There Ain’t No Justice
03. Circle of Trust
04. Living to Die
05. Before You Run
06. You Gotta Kick It
07. Turn Me Loose
08. Born To Be A Fighter
09. Anytime Anywhere
10. Kiss of Death
Silent Force is:
Alex Beyrodt – guitars
Michael Bormann – vocals
Mat Sinner – bass
Alessandro Del Vecchio – keys
André Hilgers – drums
0 New Video – VITNE – Nasty Habit
Norway’s VITNE has released his new single entitled “Nasty Habit” alongside a new music video, marking the third single from his full-length album “Neon” released just before the new year (December 3rd, 2013). Produced by VITNE and directed by Fajrin Affandi, the video features the singer with a variety of special effects, from cyberpunk imagery to computer animation.
VITNE’s “Neon” album released December 3rd, 2013, and has consistently received highly positive reviews with VITNE and his lead guitarist Julian Angel (of Beautiful Beast fame) being compared to a modern-day version of Billy Idol and Steve Stevens. SleazeRoxx says “Neon’ is a winner…. For the hard rock glam metal community at large, this oh-so-tasty collection of aural stimuli is as relentless as it is amazing.” The album has received ratings of 9/10 (EGHTS.com), 8.5/10 (Rock Garage Germany), 8/10 (Heavy Paradise), and 4.5/5 (Sputnik Music). Sputnik Music says “Neon” is a “A different, creative, and really refreshing new entry into the hard rock genre.”
VITNE draws from a variety of musical influences from Jethro Tull to Japan’s mega-icon GACKT, hair-metal to Japanese visual kei. Recently Vitne participated in Broken Rose Records’ omnibus project “Decadent Society Volume 1” featuring visual rock artists from all over the world.
9 Hard Rock Hideout’s Top 10 Hard Rock & Metal Albums for 2013
There were a bunch of great releases in 2013 and each year it seems harder and harder to pick the 10 best. Ryo Vie and I have listed our 10 best hard rock and metal albums of 2013. Agree or Disagree? Let us know what your picks are in the comments below!!
Rob Rockitt’s Top Hard Rock & Metal Albums of 2013
I am glad 2013 is now in our rear view mirror. 2013 has hung heavily over my family on the injury and overall health and wellness. Not only has it affected my family members, I laid to rest two of my furry family members, Jake & Mia. On the music front, 2013 was pretty good. maybe not as strong as some of the recent past years. That doesn’t mean we were without quality music. There was a lot of great music that was released, and 2014 looks to be another great year for hard rock & metal music.
10. Death Angel – The Dream Calls for Blood
It had to happen sooner or later…. a band has out-thrashed the Big 4. Death Angel’s The Dream Calls For Blood is the best thrash metal album of 2013. When I first heard the title track “The Dream Calls For Blood” I was immediately hooked. This album is heavy, dark and sometimes brutal. It is Bay Area metal at its finest. This album also has a killer cover of Black Sabbath’s Heaven & Hell”.
9. Motörhead – Aftershock
You have heard one Motörhead, you have heard them all right? WRONG! Lemmy Kilmister and company prove they have plenty of fire left in them, and have crafted one of their best albums to date. I have all of 21 of their albums, and I have found Aftershock to be completely satisfying. Lemmy pulls out a bunch of new riffs for Aftershock, making this one of the most surprising albums of 2013. Fair warning, you may want to set your cruise control if playing this album while driving. It may be hazardous to your driving record.
8. Michael Monroe – Horns & Halos
Michael Monroe has done it again with his latest effort Horns & Halos. Monroe has crafted another great album. Horns & Halos is a little more punky and a little less glammy than 2011′s Sensory Overdrive, but it is a solid album all the way through.
07. Alter Bridge – Fortress
Man oh man, Alter Bridge quietly released their new album Fortress in October.With their album Blackbird being so great, I thought ABIII (2010) was a step backward for Alter Bridge. The band righted any wrongs with their new album Fortress. Fortress is Alter Bridge’s heaviest album to date. Myles Kennedy dishes out some powerful vocals, and Mark Tremonti’s riffs are drifting ever so closer to his metal roots.(Check out the video for Addicted to Pain below) Fortress is another one of 2013′s great surprises.
06. Stryper – No More Hell To Pay
If someone would have told me Stryper would release one of their best albums in 2013, I wouldn’t have believed it, but that is exactly what happened. No More Hell To Pay is packed with heavy riffs,and the fantastic vocals of Michael Sweet. No More Hell To Pay is one of Stryper’s heaviest albums, and packed with great songs. I am hopeful to see Stryper perform some of these in 2014. That would be a real treat!
05. Black Sabbath – 13
While the drama between Bill Ward and Black Sabbath continues, one thing is for certain, 13 is the strongest albums that Sabbath has ever released, and definitely one of the strongest with Ozzy Osbourne singing. If you didn’t pick up the bonus edition CD of 13 (available at Best Buy), you missed out one not one, but three killer Sabbath songs “Methademic”, “Peace of Mind” and “Pariah”. “Methademic” was a staple in Sabbath’s concert list this summer.
04. Tom Keifer – The Way Life Goes
Tom Keifer worked on his solo album for many years before finally releasing The Way Life Goes in 2013. The wait was well worth it, as the Cinderella front man has turned in one of 2013′s best rock albums. Getting to see Tom perform with his solo band was one of my favorite concert moments of 2013 too.
03. Airbourne – Black Dog Barking
Sooner or later, Airbourne is going to get the respect they deserve. The band released their third and arguably best album in 2013. This album has gotten countless plays from me in 2013, and will continue to be played for many years to come.
02. Winery Dogs – S/T
Billy Sheehan, Mike Portnoy, Richie Kotzen are some of the best hard rock musicians to ever grace the stage. With this in mind, I knew the Winery Dogs album would have to be awesome, and it is. Great songs, vocals and musicianship. The Winery Dogs are a dream band for any hard rock fan and should not be missed.
01. Brand New Machine- The Devil Made Me Do It
Sometimes simple is better…. Ever since I stumbled upon this album by complete accident in August of this year while music shopping with my buddy Ryo Vie, I have not been able to stop listening to The Devil Made Me Do It. Former Beautiful Creatures guitarist Michael Thomas has breathed some serious life into Brand New Machine. I am a sucker for good old 80′s style sleaze rock and The Devil Made Me Do It delivers from beginning to end. Check out the clips below and buy the album here!!
There were so many great albums in 2013, it wouldn’t be fair to not mention those albums that nearly made my top list. All of the albums below are very worthy of your hard earned dollars.
Age of Days – Radioactivity
Avenged Sevenfold – Hail To The King
Buckcherry – Confessions
Deep Purple – Now What?
Krokus – Dirty Dynamite
Megadeth – Super Collider
Pop Evil – Onyx
Sammy Hagar – Sammy Hagar & Friends
Sideburn – Electricity
Skillet – Rise
Suicidal Tendencies – 13
Voodoo Circle – More Than One Way Home
Ryo Vie’s 10 Favorite Hard Rock Albums For 2013
Another year is over. A new one has just begun. 2013 was a solid year for hard rock music lovers. Some exceptional albums were released by new comers, young stars, and the royal guard of the past. We were blessed with new music from Pearl Jam, Black Sabbath, and the return of Suicidal Tendencies.
Young bands like Pop Evil and Five Finger Death Punch released their best material to date. And a new band put out one incredible record. All in all 2013 was a fantastic year for music. We can only hope that 2014 will be just as great. And as we look forward to the new releases of 2014, let’s take a moment to reflect on the best releases of the past year. Here’s Ryo’s picks for the 10 best hard rock albums of 2013.
10. Suicidal Tendencies – 13
“Suicidal’s back, Suicidal’s back!” So sang Cyko Miko on the latest Suicidal Tendencies record, 13. This was a fantastic record that heralded the return of one of the best hard rocking bands around. 13 was a solid release that made me glad Suicidal Tendencies were back in action. Layered with multiple infectious grooves, powerful hooks, heavy guitars, and lots of funk and fun, 13 is a powerful album that takes the listener on a journey of musical styles with thrash always remaining as the main focus. Suicidal is back indeed— and we couldn’t be happier.
09. Five Finger Death Punch – The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell Volume 1
2013 was a very good year for Five Finger Death Punch. They released two terrific albums in the span of 10 weeks and both charted high on the Billboard charts, deservedly so. Both albums are exceptional works of art, and worthy of multiple listens. Volume One was an enjoyable, unexpected delight that really caught my ear and got my attention. And it was only the beginning of what was to come for this band in 2013. However, if this was the only record the band put out, it would have been good enough. Thankfully for hard rockers everywhere, Five Finger Death Punch wasn’t stopping at just one.
08. Hell Or Highwater – Begin Again
Atreyu drummer/vocalist Brandon Saller’s side project released one hell of a record this year. Begin Again is a stellar modern rock album packed with gems. The album had plenty of staying power and longevity and I found myself returning to it again and again as the year went on. That’s always the sign of an amazing record, which is just what Begin Again is. If this album somehow passed you by, I still recommend that you seek it out.
07. Buckcherry – Confessions
It was nice to see Buckcherry back with a new record in 2013. Most people may have forgotten about this album since it came out so early in the year (early January) and that’s a real shame, because Confessions is a strong record filled with enjoyable songs that rock eardrums hard. It was interesting to see Buckcherry put together a themed album, and they pulled it off, delivering a grand collection of songs on Confessions. I still listen to “Wrath” on a regular basis and it has become one of my favorite Buckcherry songs, up there with “Lit Up.” Yes, I did just state that.
06. Tom Keifer – The Way Life Goes
No Cinderella? No problem. Tom Keifer went solo and released the biggest surprise of 2013 with The Way Life Goes. I had no expectations when this record was released, and it absolutely blew my mind. After all that he has been through, it was amazing to see Tom Keifer can still make meaningful music, and that his voice still sounds as terrific as ever. It may be the best he’s ever sounded. The Way Life Goes has me hopeful to see Mr. Keifer at some of the festivals this year, particularly M3. With or without Cinderella, Tom Keifer is a force, and The Way Life Goes proves it.
05. Black Sabbath – 13
The godfathers of heavy metal reunited (sans Bill Ward) and released a record. 13 is bound to be on everyone’s top 10 list this year, simply because it’s Black Sabbath and that creates a lot of exposure. However, the record deserves to be on most top 10 lists because it’s a spectacular album. Returning to the early sound of Black Sabbath (from their debut release), 13 is a mind trip of amazing music performed by real heavy metal pioneers. Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Ozzy Osbourne worked hard to create a sound that was true Black Sabbath—and they succeeded marvelously. 13 is a magnificent release and one that any hard rock fan should own.
04. Avenged Sevenfold – Hail To The King
Avenged Sevenfold just keeps getting better and better with every record they release. If there is any successor to the great Iron Maiden, Avenged Sevenfold are it. Their music is complex, layered in multiple guitar riffs, complicated drum beats, and heavy bass lines that pull every note together into a harmony of joyful sound. Hail To The King is certainly Avenged Sevenfold’s best album yet and catapults the band to the next level of greatness. If you haven’t spent much time with Avenged, or if you don’t own any of their albums, Hail To The King is a great place to start.
03. Pop Evil – Onyx
2013 was a good year for Pop Evil fans. The band continued their endless touring opening for any band that would have them, their live act became better than it ever has been, and they released their hardest album to date, Onyx. I admit, it took me a few spins to get into Onyx, but once I did, I couldn’t get out. I still listen to this album on a weekly basis and continue to find new parts to fall in love with. Pop Evil worked hard to get away from the acoustic ballads they were becoming known for and went to a much darker place. The result was magnificent and Onyx was a serious contender for best album of 2013.
02. Pearl Jam – Lightning Bolt
As is usually the case when Pearl Jam releases a new record, expectations were high. It had been four years since their last release, which was scattered at best. Many fans were wondering if Pearl Jam still had the goods and if they did, could they still deliver. And then the band released the first single, “Mind Your Manners.” Most doubts were squashed right there. Then the band released their next single, “Sirens.” Even critics jaws dropped at that point. “Sirens” is one of the best Pearl Jam songs ever recorded, and Lightning Bolt is one of the band’s best records ever released. In 2013, only one band could make a record better than Lightning Bolt.
01. Five Finger Death Punch – The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell Volume 2
When a band has two albums in a top 10 list for one year, it’s obvious that the band has had one magnificent year. Such is the case for Five Finger Death Punch. After the release of Volume 1, I was curious to see what Volume 2 would bring, but felt there was no way it would be better. I have never been more wrong about an album in my life. Volume 2 is one of the greatest records I have ever heard. It blends the perfect mix of hard, heavy, angry, introspective, and soft at just the right times. Volume 2 contains power, emotion, and a level of magnificence that is hard to find on a record. Without question, if you only purchase one release from 2013, The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell Volume 2 has to be it. It will be a long time before you hear a better record.
0 Vie’s Verses – Finally…KISS Is Going Into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame
They’ve been eligible for fifteen years, and finally, this April, Kiss will be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. I understand that in the end it doesn’t matter if they were inducted or not. When bands like Public Enemy and Run-DMC are in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, it’s all a marketing joke, but deep down inside, I’ve always wanted Kiss to be inducted. As a fan, it’s the recognition of the band’s longevity and success by their critics and peers that makes me excited. Yes, it is silly, but when they stand up there and give their speech and get enshrined, as a fan, it’s our way of justifying that we were right, this is the greatest rock band in the entire world.
After years of being ignored, Kiss will finally have their day alongside Nirvana and Peter Gabriel (as well as Hall & Oates and Linda Ronstadt). This year’s ceremony is going to be held at the Barclay’s center in Brooklyn, and former members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss are expected to be present and may even take the stage with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley for a performance. As amazing as that will be, I don’t think it will open the door for a full reunion. Gene is happy with Tommy and Eric being in the band, and even though many fans still refer to them as “scabs” they are talented musicians in their own right and add an element to the band that was lacking in prior years. Hopefully they will attend the ceremony along with former guitarist Bruce Kulick. Ultimately, I would love to see all 7 members on stage for at least one song (ala the Unplugged concert from 1996). It would be a magnificent experience, but I am sure that most fans only want the original four to perform and be honored on that night.
Kiss is going to be celebrating their 40th are still performing (The Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band are the only two I can think of). Kiss has been entertaining the masses for 40 years anniversary next year. Not many bands reach that plateau andvand they still put on one of the best shows in all of rock and roll. To see them enshrined in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame is going to be fantastic. It’s an honor they should have been given years ago. And for one night, the spotlight will be on the original four once again. I’m sure they will perform the overplayed hits like “Rock And Roll All Night” and “Deuce,” but that’s all right. To see the four original members perform together again will be nice, but again, I expect that it will be only for one night, and that’s all right.
Rather than do a nostalgic reunion tour, I am hoping that Kiss gets back in the studio and releases another record. Their last album, Monster, was one of the strongest of their career and I want to see that creativity continue on. As a fan, I am greedy. I want more Kiss albums and I want them now. To tour with the original members would halt that production, unless they record a new album with all four original members. That would be a real treat, but not something I will hold my breath for.
Tickets for the April concert are going on sale to the general public in January, and I am going to do my best to try and get them, but I expect to be shut out. However, I am going to give it my best effort. To be at this ceremony, watching Kiss get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame would be a lifelong Kiss fan’s dream. Hopefully, it will be a dream come true.
0 BOSTON RELEASES CHRISTMAS DIGITAL SINGLE “GOD REST YE METAL GENTLEMEN” ON ITUNES TODAY
Multi-platinum band BOSTON is celebrating the holiday season with the release of a rocking twist on a Christmas classic titled “God Rest Ye Metal Gentlemen.” This festive song, produced by BOSTON mastermind Tom Scholz, is available today on iTunes at http://smarturl.it/BostonGodRestYe and features Kimberley Dahme on bass and lead vocal, Gary Pihl and Scholz on vocals and guitars, along with Tom Hambridge on drums. Fans can visit the band’s Facebook page, facebook.com/bandboston, for more information and how to listen to a stream of the track.
Scholz said about the song, “This was my chance to BOSTON-ize one of my favorite Christmas carols. I had so much fun with this one, I think I’ll have to try a few more.”
BOSTON is currently conquering the airwaves as “Heaven On Earth,“ the lead single from the newly released Life, Love & Hope, climbs Mediabase’s Classic Rock chart. Written and produced by Scholz, “Heaven On Earth” features David Victor on vocals with special guest Louis St. August.
More than a decade in the making, the highly anticipated new album Life, Love & Hope was released on December 3 in the U.S. and Canada and is available now for purchase at Amazon and iTunes. The collection of brand new tracks, recorded at Scholz’s very own Hideaway Studio II, was produced, arranged, and engineered by Scholz and is BOSTON’s first release since 2002’s Corporate America. In addition to Brad Delp and Victor, current BOSTON singer Tommy DeCarlo, Kimberley Dahme and Scholz himself, contribute vocals on the new album. Diverse yet cohesive, the long-awaited album has something for everyone and will fulfill the expectations of existing fans, while exposing a new generation to one of rock and roll’s great acts. Albums purchased at Best Buy will contain a bonus track titled “Te Quiero Mia.”
BOSTON burst onto the music scene with their eponymous best-selling debut album in 1976, and never looked back. With over 17 million copies sold, BOSTON generated hits such as “More Than a Feeling,” “Peace of Mind,” and “Smokin’,” rock staples that are still in heavy rotation today. Their second effort, Don’t Look Back was another chart-topper that confirmed their place in rock history, followed by Third Stage, which hit #1 on the charts, with the top single of 1986, “Amanda.” With over 31 million albums sold to date, BOSTON’s music has stood the test of time, as evidenced by live BOSTON audiences that span generations.
0 Y&T Announces 2014 Tour Dates
Details for each of the shows below are on the Tour Dates page of the Y & T web site.
http://www.meniketti.com/tourdates.html
2014
January 4 ~ Lahaina, Maui, HI – Hard Rock Café Maui
January 10 ~ Tokyo, Japan – Kawasaki Rock City 2014 @ Club Citta’…..Y&T 40th Anniversary Special Show
January 11 ~ Tokyo, Japan – Kawasaki Rock City 2014 @ Club Citta’ + Winger & Firehouse
January 12 ~ Tokyo, Japan – Kawasaki Rock City 2014 @ Club Citta’ + Winger & Firehouse
January 13 ~ Osaka, Japan – Namba Rock City 2014 @ Namba Hatch + Winger
January 31 ~ Modesto – Fat Cat Music House
February 1 ~ Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst
February 28 ~ Fresno, CA – Tower Theatre
March 1 ~ San Luis Obispo, CA – SLO Brewing Co
March 8 ~ San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
March 14 ~ Las Vegas, NV – Vamp’d
March 15 ~ Tempe, AZ – 93.3 KDKB’s Mike Gaube’s HEADBANGERS 3-Year Anniversary Show outside @ 910 Live
March 20 ~ Dallas, TX – Trees
March 21~ San Antonio, TX – Backstage Live
March 22 ~ Houston, TX – Concert Pub North
March 29 – April 2 ~ Monsters of Rock Cruise
April 4 ~ Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage
April 5 ~ New York, NY – Stage 48
April 6 ~ Londonderry, NH – Tupelo Music Hall–Sold Out
April 7 ~ Londonderry, NH – Tupelo Music Hall
April 8 ~ Cranston, RI – 1150 Oak Bar & Grill
April 11 ~ Etobicoke, Canada – The Rockpile West
April 12 ~ Toronto, Canada – The Rockpile East
April 13 ~ Akron, NY – Braun’s Concert Cove
April 16 ~ Pittsburgh, PA – Deadhorse Cantina & Music Hall
April 17 ~ Akron, OH – The Rock Factory
April 18 ~ Flint, MI – The Machine Shop
April 19 ~ Bolingbrook, IL – Tailgaters
April 21 ~ Madison, WI – High Noon Saloon
June 4-7 ~ Solvesborg, Sweden – Sweden Rock Festival….actual show date to come
Schedule subject to change. Be sure to verify with each venue.
Check the web site Tour Dates page for the most up-to-date concert information.
0 MONSTER TRUCK TO TOUR AS DIRECT SUPPORT TO BUCKCHERRY FOR NORTH AMERICAN RUN COMMENCING ON JANUARY 20TH
Monster Truck is confirmed to appear as direct support for Buckcherry in January and February commencing in Idaho Falls, ID on 1/20/14. The band continues to build traction in The U.S. alongside a career in Canada and Europe where they are quickly becoming stars. Singer Jon Harvey offers, “Very excited to rip around the US and Canada with the Buckcherry dudes. North America…get ready to have you face melted!”
Monster Truck and Dine Alone Records have selected “The Lion” as the follow-up single to their debut hit “Sweet Mountain River” from the album, FURIOSITY. The lyric video premiered on GuitarWorld.com and can be viewed here: http://www.guitarworld.com/exclusive-monster-truck-premiere-lyric-video-lion. “Sweet Mountain River” received support, in the US, from rock stations across the country. In Canada, the song achieved the milestone of becoming #1 at the Active Rock, and Mainstream Rock, for eight consecutive weeks. The follow-up track, “The Lion” stood at the top of the Canadian rock charts for six weeks, with an impact date planned for U.S. radio in early 2014.
The band has been filmed extensively as they travel the globe, and recently premiered a short-form documentary capturing their essence. It can be streamed here: http://youtu.be/IYLkY4mxcdk
Monster Truck took home the 2013 Juno Award for Breakthrough Group of The Year, toured their home country of Canada with Alice In Chains, and established themselves as a major headlining attraction. In the U.S., the band has been active, appearing with Kid Rock, Slash, Guns ‘n Roses, Sevendust, and others, performing for hundreds of thousands of rock fans over the course of this year. Overseas, the band appeared on a 29-date run of Europe supporting Vista Chino (formerly Kyuss). In March, 2014, Monster Truck return to Europe as headliners of the “Lords of the Riff, Volume 1″ tour in association with Classic Rock and Metal Hammer Magazines.
Hailing from Ontario, Canada, Monster Truck was formed in 2009 by Jon Harvey (bass, lead vocals), Jeremy Widerman (guitar, vocals), Brandon Bliss (organ, vocals) and Steve Kiely (drums, vocals). What began as a side-project to their other more ‘serious’ bands quickly gained momentum and took on a life of its own. The band has released 2 EPs since their inception; a self-titled, and notably self-released EP produced by Gus Van Go & Werner F (The Stills, Priestess, Hollerado) and The Brown EP (also produced by Ratz) on Dine Alone Records.
Produced by Eric Ratz (Three Days Grace) at Vespa Studios in Toronto and Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville, NC, FURIOSITY showcases Monster Truck’s ability to seamlessly integrate influences from grunge and punk era greats that they love so dearly with alt-sounding vintage rock. The resulting album remains anchored in grooves, yet propulsive and volcanic, fueled by front man Jon Harvey’s colossal and impressive vocal delivery. The Huffington Post exclaimed, “…no-frills classic rock and roll — huge Les Paul guitar riffs, spacey organ fills, thunderous drums, bottom-heavy bass, and one powerful vocalist. The spirit of Stillwater and Grand Funk Railroad lives! I predict these lads will be playing much larger venues very soon.”
The itinerary with Buckcherry will be updated in the coming weeks, with additions to these confirmed dates:
1/20 Idaho Falls, ID Idaho Falls Civic Auditorium
1/21 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory
1/22 Butte, MT Butte Civic Center
1/24 Bismarck, ND Bismarck Civic Center Arena
1/25 Winnipeg, MB The Oak
1/26 Edmonton, AB Encore at West Edmonton Mal
1/31 Lloydminister, AB The Kooler
2/01 Calgary, AB Marquee Beer Market & Stage
2/03 Minot, ND State Fair Center
2/04 Duluth, MN Clyde Iron Works
2/05 Turtle Lake, WI St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake Event
2/11 Moncton, NB The Centre at Casino New Brunswick
2/13 Rochester, NY Water Street Music Hall
2/14 Pottsville, PA Goodfellas
2/18 Cleveland, OH Agora Ballroom
2/20 Hartford, CT Webster Theater
2/21 Philadelphia, PA Trocadero
2/22 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom
0 BLACK SABBATH Earn Multiple Grammy Nominations
BLACK SABBATH
EARN MULTIPLE GRAMMY NOMINATIONS
FOR THEIR #1 CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED
‘13’ ALBUM
AND
“GOD IS DEAD?” SINGLE
THE NOMINATIONS ARE FOR
BEST ROCK ALBUM, BEST ROCK SONG AND
BEST METAL PERFORMANCE
In a year that saw BLACK SABBATH earn the first U.S. #1 record in their career, the band has now been honored by the Grammys® with multiple nominations for their 2013 critically acclaimed 13 album (Vertigo/Republic). BLACK SABBATH’s nominations are for Best Rock Album for 13 and Best Rock Song and Best Metal Performance for “God Is Dead?” The band’s last Grammy win was in 2000 for Best Metal Performance for “Iron Man” from their Reunion live album.
“We are ecstatic, surprised and very happy!” says OZZY OSBOURNE.
For more than three decades, rock fans have hoped for the return of BLACK SABBATH, but few could have predicted the forceful return-to-form of 13, which was produced by seven-time Grammy-Award winning producer Rick Rubin. Entering the charts at #1 in 13 countries, 13 features the original BLACK SABBATH: OZZY OSBOURNE, TONY IOMMI and GEEZER BUTLER. With epic songs like “God Is Dead?,” “End of the Beginning” and “Loner,” 13 is a testament to the enduring relevance of BLACK SABBATH‘s long-running reign. The original BLACK SABBATH has sold over 70 million albums worldwide.
In support of the release of 13, BLACK SABBATH kicked off their triumphant 2013-2014 world tour in April, captured for the just released “Black Sabbath: Live…Gathered in Their Masses” (Vertigo/Republic), available in five different configurations, the most comprehensive of which is a deluxe box including a Blu-ray disc of the live show with exclusive bonus visual extras; two DVD discs; and a CD featuring live audio from the show. North American dates followed, along with shows in South America and Mexico for a headlining stadium tour (where they played to more than 300,000 fans). BLACK SABBATH are currently on the road in Europe through the end of the year and next year. The band also have additional shows in North America and Europe in 2014.
www.blacksabbath.com
https://www.facebook.com/BlackSabbath
https://twitter.com/OfficialSabbath
http://instagram.com/officialsabbath/
1 Vie’s Verses – London LeGrand Deserves Another Shot
Over the Thanksgiving break, I was re-organizing my CD collection, dusting off some old gems, and cataloging some new acquisitions. As I often do when browsing my collection, I pulled out some albums that I hadn’t listened to in a while and gave them a spin. Two of the discs I played featured London LeGrand on vocals, (Brides of Destruction’s debut and Souls Of We) and that found me pondering whatever happened to this guy?
When Brides Of Destruction released their debut album, Here Come The Brides, I was excited because it featured Nikki Sixx and Traci Guns. That was an interesting combination and I wanted to hear the album for those two alone. What blew me away on first listen were the vocals. A raspy, deep, rocking voice was singing and screaming some exceptional music and it made me an immediate fan. I wore that Brides CD out and I was happy to give it another listen (or six) just last week.
After a stellar debut, Nikki Sixx left the Brides and returned to Motley Crue full time. The Brides released a second CD, which was not even as close to awesome as their debut, but there were still a few gems, mostly due to London’s vocal prowess. After their second disc, the Brides split up and LeGrand went on to work with George Lynch for Souls Of We.
Once again it was the excitement of hearing an established musician (George Lynch) that attracted me to the album, but it was the vocals of London LeGrand that hooked me on the album. With superb songs like “Skeleton Key” and “Let The Truth Be Known,” Souls Of We put out a fantastic record with a strong vocalist that I could listen to again and again.
Souls Of We was reputed to be working on their follow up album in 2010, but everything has been quiet since that announcement. Lynch went on tour with Oni Logan and Lynch Mob and then released a solo album. He followed that up by forming Tooth And Nail with his former Dokken band mates (minus Don Dokken). LeGrand has been quiet since 2009, with the exception of a few guest appearances both live and on studio albums. Whether he’s waiting for Lynch to finish the new Souls of We, going back to being a hairstylist, or if he has other plans, is still unclear at this time.
What is clear is that London LeGrand should definitely be making more music. His voice is magnificent and perfect for glam/hard rock bands all over. There are several bands out there in need of a lead singer in which LeGrand would be a perfect fit (Britny Fox comes to mind immediately). He would also be a fantastic fit for Velvet Revolver should they ever want to get back together. Perhaps he could reach out to some contacts and form a super group all on his own. Think London LeGrand, CC Deville, Billy Childs, and Bobby Rock.
Whatever the decision, I just think it is a complete waste of talent that London LeGrand isn’t singing, performing, and otherwise making music. He is an exceptional talent that needs to be revived and back into the public eye. What about you? Love London? Hate him? Not sure who he is? Drop a line and let us know what your thoughts are.
0 STOLEN BABIES Announce Upcoming U.S. Tour with STONE SOUR and POP EVIL – Coming This January/February
Experimental rock group STOLEN BABIES are pleased to announce their upcoming U.S. tour with headlining hard rock giants Stone Sour and fellow supporters Pop Evil. The tour begins on January 14th in Orlando, FL and stops in several major American cities through February 15th. See below for all current tour dates and make sure to get tickets now before there are none left! Additional dates are scheduled for announcement.
Drummer Gil Sharone says, “We’re really excited about being on the Stone Sour tour and coming back to so many of our favorite cities. It’s a big deal to us and we’re grateful for the opportunity.”
STOLEN BABIES
ON TOUR W/ STONE SOUR, POP EVIL
14-Jan Orlando, FL @ House of Blues
15-Jan Charlotte, NC @ Fillmore
17-Jan Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live
18-Jan New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
19-Jan Philadelphia, PA @ TLA
21-Jan Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
22-Jan Boston, MA @ House of Blues
24-Jan Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
25-Jan Ft. Wayne, IN @ Piere’s
26-Jan Cincinnati, OH @ Bogarts
28-Jan Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
31-Jan Minneapolis, MN @ Skyway Theatre
1-Feb Sioux Falls, SD @ The District
3-Feb Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
5-Feb West Hollywood, CA @ House of Blues
6-Feb Anaheim, CA @ House Of Blues
8-Feb Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
9-Feb Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee
11-Feb El Paso, TX @ Tricky Falls
13-Feb Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
14-Feb Houston, TX @ House of Blues
15-Feb San Antonio, TX @ Backstage Live
STOLEN BABIES drummer Gil Sharone is an official nominee in the Modern Drummer 2014 Readers Poll! Gil is nominated in the Best Clinician category. Support STOLEN BABIES and cast your vote for Gil HERE.
While you are surfing the web, check out the band’s latest music video for the track ‘Second Sleep’. The video was directed by Ilan Sharone, well-known video director and brother of Rani and Gil, with visual FX and animation by Meats Meier. The track is cut from the band’s most recent full-length release, entitled Naught. The album is available at your local music retailer and through iTunes, Amazon and all other standard digital retailers.
For more information on STOLEN BABIES, please visit these websites:
www.facebook.com/stolenbabiesofficial
STOLEN BABIES is:
Dominique Lenore Persi – Lead Vocals/Accordion
Rani Sharone – Bass/Guitar/Vocals
Gil Sharone – Drums
1 DANKO JONES Releases Controversial, Provocative New Video for “Legs” by Acclaimed Director Bruce LaBruce
It gives us great pleasure to present yet another intriguing visual installment from DANKO JONES, this time it is the official video for their latest single ‘Legs’. With acclaimed and often controversial Canadian director Bruce LaBruce at the helm they’ve produced a visually captivating video by mirroring the works of Pierre Molinier and applying an artistic yet eccentric use of sexuality.
LaBruce, who is best known for his sexually charged and culturally challenging productions have been looking forward to working with the band for a long time, says LaBruce, “I’ve known Danko and John for many years, and I went to many DANKO JONES shows when they were first starting out in Toronto and in New York./…/ After reconnecting with Danko last year at his book launch, we decided it was finally time for me to do a video for them.” The video itself is in line with the direct vision LaBruce had to create a spectacular and unexpected video for the song. “Danko suggested their song Legs, and for some reason I immediately thought of some of my sexy and leggy acquaintances in the M-F transsexual community. I really love the work of the famous photographer Pierre Molinier, whose gender bending photographs have influenced a variety of artists, so I decided to pay tribute to his work in the video.” Alongside LaBruce was art director Kenny Baird who, together with LaBruce, has worked notably with Floria Sigismondi on some of her most successful music videos, to help recreate the style and mood of Molinier.
Link to video: http://youtu.be/rvOtTkm0QHQ
This out of the box thinking has resulted in a striking and unique video to join the long list of video installments the band has made over the years including the Below The Belt trilogy and their documentary Bring On The Mountain (both directed by The Diamond Brothers). Danko says, “Why this collaboration with Bruce LaBruce didn’t happen sooner is beyond me. From writing the liner notes to our second release, to using our song in his 1999 movie, “Skin Flick/ Skin Gang”, Bruce’s connection to our band is irrefutable.”
This past year the band has been touring extensively. Not only have they sold out shows all over Europe and Canada, they have finished their two biggest US tours to date; supporting Volbeat across the country as well spending 5 weeks on the road with the 2013 Uproar Festival. They’ve also reached their highest ever radio ratings in the US with the single ‘Just A Beautiful Day’ peaking at no. 26 on the Active Rock charts.
This new collaboration with LaBruce is paving a new road of artistic creations for the band: “For us, Bruce directing ‘Legs’ has been a long time coming and of course, good things come to those who wait. This music video is a trip. We love it. We know you’ll love it too.”
More info on all things Danko Jones here:
0 ROCK TO THE RESCUE EXTENDS A HAND TO THOSE IN NEED FEATURING STYX, REO SPEEDWAGON, RICHARD MARX, TED NUGENT, LARRY THE CABLE GUY, SURVIVOR, HEAD EAST & BRUSHVILLE COMPLETELY SOLD OUT
BENEFIT CONCERT AT U.S. CELLULAR COLISEUM IN BLOOMINGTON, IL ON DEC. 4 TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CENTRAL ILLINOIS TORNADO & STORM VICTIMS
* * * * *
ROCK & ROLL MEMORABILIA CHARITY AUCTION LAUNCHED ON EBAY PLUS
ROCK TO THE RESCUE ACCEPTING DONATIONS AT ROCKTOTHERESCUE.NET
STYX and REO SPEEDWAGON are proud to announce the complete sell out of tickets to Rock To The Rescue Extends A Hand To Those In Need. On Wed., Dec. 4, this benefit concert at U.S. Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington, Illinois will raise funds for central Illinois communities that were affected by the recent devastating tornadoes and winds. Scheduled to perform at Rock To The Rescue Extends A Hand To Those In Need are REO SPEEDWAGON, STYX, RICHARD MARX, TED NUGENT, LARRY THE CABLE GUY, SURVIVOR, HEAD EAST and BRUSHVILLE.
Although tickets are no longer available to attend this concert, artists and organizers urge the public to bid on exciting rock & roll auction items, such as signed instruments, memorabilia and experiences at ebay.com/usr/rocktotherescue, as well as to directly donate to Rock To The Rescue at rocktotherescue.net. Rock To The Rescue will distribute funds raised from ticket sales, auctions and donations to the Midwest Food Bank, Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity, Tazwood Community Services, Toys for Tots and the Washington Rotary Club. Additional charities may be announced following the event.
Rock to the Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, whose mission is to build strong, healthy communities through the support of grassroots organizations across the country. The Midwest Food Bank gathers large food donations from nationwide corporations and distributes them to social service organizations, as well as at national disaster sites. The Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity is a Community Action Agency and leadership organization that promotes self-sufficiency and economic security. Tazwood Community Services was organized for the purpose of reducing the causes and alleviating the effects of poverty in Tazwood and Woodford Counties. The U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to the less fortunate – a Toys for Tots toy drive will be held onsite at Rock To The Rescue. The Washington Rotary Club is a service organization located in Washington, IL and an affiliate of Rotary International.
Rock To tThe Rescue originally started in 2001 as a result of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and is the brainchild of STYX’s Tommy Shaw and REO SPEEDWAGON’s Kevin Cronin. The two musicians brought together bands and artists such as Bad Company, Journey, Survivor, Kansas, Lynyrd Skynyrd and many others to be part of “Volunteers For America” concert events in Dallas and Atlanta that ultimately raised over $775,000 for victims of 9/11, as well as the Port Authority police department in New York City. On the bands’ last tour together, the Midwest Rock N’ Roll Express, Rock To The Rescue not only raised thousands of dollars for local charities at each tour stop, but also raised $108,000 which went directly to the Boston One Fund, helping victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.
Hannah Shaw, daughter of Tommy Shaw, is Executive Director of Rock To The Rescue.
For more information visit: rocktotherescue.net and facebook.com/rocktotherescue.
1 Age of Days – Radioactivity (2013) – CD Review
It seems like every couple of years or so, there is a new modern rock act to catch my attention. In the case of Age of Days (formerly known as Age of Daze), they aren’t new at all. The band has been around since 2005, and their latest release Radioactivity is their second album. Their first album, Hollywood Ending, was released in 2008. Judging from the songs on Radioactivity, I need to seek out Age of Days’ first album asap.
Radioactivity is packed with a bunch of radio ready singles that could spawn a bunch of hits for these Canadian rockers. Age of Days sound may not be original, but in their music, I hear a great blend of bands like Theory of a Deadman, Nickelback, My Darkest Days and Hinder. In fact, Sal Costa (ex-My Darkest Days) co-wrote and played guitars on the song “Now or Never” along with Hinder’s Cody Hansen on drums. Their music might be derivative of these other modern hard rock acts, but with an album as good as Radioactivity, I could care less. Age of Days have crafted a bunch of catchy tunes, that with a little bit of luck, could help make them a very successful rock act in the U.S. and beyond.
Radioactivity has a good mixture of modern pop rock/hard rock, and there isn’t a bad song in the bunch. Of course, my favorites on Radioactivity are the hard rockin’ numbers “Bombs Away”, “Justify”, “I Did It For Love”, “Ready to Go” and “All I Know”.
Radioactivity is an album that I can listen to, from beginning to end without the need to skip songs. I have enjoyed this album greatly, and I think you will too.
You can pick up Radioactivity at Amazon.com & at iTunes. Check it out!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Bombs Away
2. Now or Never
3. Broken
4. Justify
5. Live Out Loud
6. I Did It For Love
7. Ready To Go
8. Wrecking Machine
9. Not Breathing
10. All I Know
Age of Days is:
Tim Morrison – vocals, guitar
Matt McLaughlin – bass, backing vocals
Brent Alvey – lead guitar
Mike Langford – drums
0 Jizzy Pearl Joins Quiet Riot
QUIET RIOT is pleased to announce the addition of Love/Hate vocalist Jizzy Pearl who will perform his debut QUIET RIOT show on New Years Eve December 31 in Flagstaff, Arizona. We are thrilled with the new addition and welcome Jizzy to the Quiet Riot family. The band is currently in the recording studio with Jizzy in preparation for the release of a new QUIET RIOT CD in early 2014. QUIET RIOT and Scott Vokoun have parted company amicably and thank Scott for his past dedication and wish him much continued success.
0 HINDER OFFICIALLY PARTS WAYS WITH LEAD VOCALIST AUSTIN WINKLER; BAND TO CONTINUE WITH NEW SINGER TO BE ANNOUNCED
Multi-platinum rock band, HINDER has announced they have officially parted ways with their lead singer, Austin Winkler.
Earlier this year, Winkler left the band’s national tour due to personal reasons. Hinder continued to tour with guest lead vocalists helping out, including Jared Weeks from Saving Abel.
The band’s 2005 debut, Extreme Behavior, sold over 3 million copies in the US, while its breakthrough single “Lips of an Angel” hit #1 on the Billboard Pop Chart. The album’s follow up three years later, Take it to the Limit, surpassed gold status after debuting #4 on the Billboard Top 200 with over 80,000 copies sold the first week. Hinder has since released two more albums All American Nightmare in 2010, and Welcome to the Freakshow in 2012, and has shared the stage with everyone from Motley Crue to Nickelback.
“I’m really proud of what we accomplished over the years,” says Hinder drummer (and songwriter/producer) Cody Hanson. “We hold no animosity towards Austin, and wish him the best. Although it was a difficult decision, it was the best thing for everyone involved and time for us to move on.”
“This summer/fall tour was a tough one. We want to thank the fans for all their overwhelming support. We couldn’t have made it through everything without you. We are very excited about the future of Hinder and can’t wait to share the next chapter with all of you!”
0 New Video – Fates Warning – I Am
U.S. Progressive Metal pioneers FATES WARNING have recently finished a successful first European headlining tour in support of “Darkness In A Different Light”, their first new studio album effort in almost a decade and InsideOutMusic debut, and are about the commence a full North American run.
Consequently, FATES WARNING are now launching a video clip based on live-footage for the new album’s track “I Am”. The clip was shot during their European tour and produced by Oliver Barth / Visions In Fear.
Here is an overview of all upcoming North American dates:
FATES WARNING North American Tour 2013:
FR 15.11.2013 Joliet, IL – Mojoe’s *
SA 16.11.2013 Detroit, MI – Harpos *
SU 17.11.2013 Louisville, KY – Diamond Pub & Billiards *
MO 18.11.2013 Cleveland, OH – Agora Ballroom *
WE 20.11.2013 Toronto, ONT – Mod Club *
TH 21.11.2013 Poughkeepsie, NY – The Chance *
FR 22.11.2013 Hartford, CT – Webster Theater *
SA 23.11.2013 New York, NY – The Studio @ Webster Hall *
SU 24.11.2013 Clifton, NJ – Dingbatz *
TU 26.11.2013 Amityville, NY – Revolution *
WE 27.11.2013 Reading, PA – Reverb *
FR 29.11.2013 Springfield, VA – Empire *
SA 30.11.2013 Spartanburg, SC – Ground Zero *
SU 01.12.2013 Atlanta, GA – Masquerade *
TU 03.12.2013 Houston, TX – Scout Bar **
WE 04.12.2013 San Antonio, TX – Backstage Live **
TH 05.12.2013 Dallas, TX – Trees **
SA 07.12.2013 Tempe, AZ – Club Red **
SU 08.12.2013 San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick **
TU 10.12.2013 Los Angeles, CA – The Whisky **
WE 11.12.2013 San Francisco, CA – DNA Lounge **
FR 13.12.2013 Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theater **
SA 14.12.2013 Seattle, WA – Studio Seven **
* + Halcyon Way
** + Artizan
FATES WARNING’s “Darkness In A Different Light” has not only received great response from media and band supporters alike, but also managed to enter the official sales charts in Germany on #41, in The Netherlands on #90 and in the USA on #162 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, as well #50 on the Current Rock Chart, #14 on the Current Hard Music Chart, #142 on the Top Current Albums Chart and #5 on the Top New Artist Albums Chart.
A sampler containing pre-listening clips of all the tracks of the album can be checked out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOeH2dS1GKk
The album’s first single, “Firefly”, can be checked out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReoQw9ua9_Y
“Darkness In A Different Light” was produced by FATES WARNING guitarist and main composer Jim Matheos and mixed by long time FATES WARNING engineer Phil Magnotti, while mastering duties were handled by Maor Appelbaum at Maor Appelbaum Mastering, California. The artwork was designed by Conte di San Pietro.
Next to the standard CD jewel case and the Digital Download format, “Darkness In A Different Light” will also be available in Europe as 2CD Mediabook edition and as Gatefold 2LP version (180gr. vinyl in black as well as strictly limited red or white vinyl versions) with four bonus tracks.
All different formats of the album can be purchased in Europe from the InsideOutMusic online shop here:
http://smarturl.it/fateswarning_iom
FATES WARNING Online:
www.fateswarning.com
www.facebook.com/FatesWarning
0 RED DRAGON CARTEL TO RELEASE THEIR SELF-TITLED DEBUT VIA FRONTIERS RECORDS
New Album by Band Comprised of Former Ozzy Osbourne/Badlands Guitar Legend Jake E. Lee, Bassist Ronnie Mancuso, Vocalist D.J. Smith and Drummer Jonas Fairley Set for Release in January
The newest band ready to take aim at the creative void in the hard rock world, Red Dragon Cartel, are set to release their debut album via Frontiers Records. The self-titled debut by the band made up of guitar legend Jake E. Lee, bassist Ronnie Mancuso, singer D.J. Smith and drummer Jonas Fairley is set for release on January 24th in Europe and January 28th in North America.
Jake E. Lee is best known for his work in Badlands and as guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne on Bark at the Moon and The Ultimate Sin albums. Red Dragon Cartel also features various guest appearances from some of music’s most notable faces including legendary Cheap Trick vocalist Robin Zander, original Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di’Anno, Kill Devil Hill/Pantera bassist Rex Brown, Slash’s Conspirators Todd Kearns and Brent Fitz and In This Moment front woman Maria Brink. The album was produced by Ronnie Mancuso and Jake E. Lee and was executive produced, mixed and mastered by Kevin Churko (In This Moment, Ozzy Osbourne, Five Finger Death Punch).
From the opening riff of “Deceived” to final sustained piano chord of “Exquisite Tenderness,” it is clear Red Dragon Cartel has created an album that stands amongst some of the greatest hard rock albums of all time. Infectious songs such as “Shout It Out,” “Wasted” and “Slave” showcase the band’s ability to write memorable hooks and vocal melodies. Robin Zander of Cheap Trick lends his voice to the track “Feeder” and a lyric video for the song can be seen below.
Maria Brink of In This Moment lends her unique vocals to the track “Big Mouth.” Paul Di’Anno and Sass Jordan also lend their talents to the band’s debut. Jake E. Lee’s trademark playing style instantly shines through and picks up right where he left off. The album is available for pre-order on Amazon.com at http://amzn.to/1aYjMng or digitally on iTunes at http://smarturl.it/reddragoncartel that comes with an instant download of “Deceived.”
The track listing for Red Dragon Cartel is:
1. Deceived
2. Shout It Out
3. Feeder with Robin Zander
4. Fall From The Sky (Seagull)
5. Wasted with Paul Di’Anno
6. Slave
7. Big Mouth with Maria Brink
8. War Machine
9. Redeem Me with Sass Jordan
10. Exquisite Tenderness
The band will be bringing these new powerhouse songs on the road playing a handful of dates in the US before embarking on a full tour in 2014. Tickets are currently on-sale and all information can be found on the band’s website.
December 12th – Los Angeles, CA – Whisky A Go Go
December 14th – Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theater (Support of Queensryche)
December 15th – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick
December 20th – Las Vegas, NV – Count’s Vamp’d
Weblinks:
Red Dragon Cartel – Official Website: http://reddragoncartel.com
Official Facebook: www.facebook.com/reddragoncartel
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/reddragoncartel
0 THE PRETTY RECKLESS RELEASES DIGITAL SINGLE “HEAVEN KNOWS”
DOWNLOAD ON iTUNES
“HEAVEN KNOWS” IS THE SECOND SONG FROM THE FORTHCOMING ALBUM
‘GOING TO HELL,’ OUT IN EARLY 2014 ON RAZOR & TIE
Taylor Momsen and THE PRETTY RECKLESS have released their first single “Heaven Knows” digitally today, Tuesday, November 19. Taken from the band’s upcoming sophomore album GOING TO HELL, out early 2014 on Razor & Tie, the song rocks a powerful rhythmic guitar with a striking refrain that Momsen delivers dead-on: “Oh no, heaven knows, we belong way down below.” After premiering on SiriusXM’s Octane, the song arrives at rock radio in early December, with a video premiere to follow in January.
Earlier this Fall the band released the song and video for “Going To Hell” in support of the band’s completed, critically acclaimed, Going To Hell headlining tour in North America. The video, directed by Tim Mattia, had over 1 million YouTube plays in the first week. To purchase the song at iTunes, visit: http://georiot.co/HeavenKnows and to hear it below.
See what critics said about THE PRETTY RECKLESS and their Fall North American tour:
“Taylor Momsen has transformed into one of the sexiest and most confrontational front women. In spite of the skepticisms, Taylor is the real deal. A bona fide Rock Goddess that can sing her ass off, with more swagger than you can handle and is overwhelmingly sexual” … JAM MAGAZINE
“The Pretty Reckless are about to set fire to rock ‘n’ roll. The genre’s been begging for an honest-to-goodness firestarter like Taylor Momsen for years now. The Pretty Reckless in rock ‘n’ roll that taps into true danger…Rock music is about to go up in flames with Going to Hell. It’s easily one of our most anticipated records of 2014.” … ARTISTDIRECT.COM
“…with the release of her band’s second album, Going to Hell, and their current tour, she clearly has her sights set on becoming a bona fide music star. Gentlemen, prepare to get rocked.” … MAXIM
“…her ‘Going to Hell’ tour…it’s exactly as promised. Momsen and her show in San Diego was loud with a hot crowd fired up and ready. Taylor and her band took to the stage to pull a true rock and roll set with grit and energy.” …SAN DIEGO CITY TIMES
“The crowd peaked in energy during the band’s current single, ‘Going To Hell.’…Momsen put on quite a show, leaning on the drum riser, shaking her body, and sliding up and down her bandmates.’…GRAMMY.COM
For more information on THE PRETTY RECKLESS:
http://goingtohell.me/hell/
www.facebook.com/theprettyreckless
https://twitter.com/taylormomsen
http://www.youtube.com/tprofficial
0 Free Download & New Video From The Black Spiders
The Black Spiders have released a new album, This Savage Land, and you can check out two of the songs now. You can download the song “Young Tongues” for free by visiting the Black Spiders website.
You can check out the Black Spiders hot new video “Balls” below!
0 3 Doors Down Announce Acoustic Tour
3 DOORS DOWN ACOUSTIC -
SONGS FROM THE BASEMENT” TOUR ANNOUNCED
Band Hits The Road January 10th With Plans To Perform Deep Cuts And Hits
From Extensive Catalog of Songs In An Intimate Setting
3 Doors Down return to the road on January 10th in Reno, Nevada for “3 Doors Down Acoustic – Songs From The Basement.” Alongside some of their biggest hits the band will reach into their extensive catalog to perform fan favorites rarely heard live. Limited VIP tickets featuring on stage seating will be made available offering the rare chance to “sit in the basement with the band” in this intimate, live setting. On hitting the road to perform acoustically, Singer Brad Arnold shares, “We experimented with an acoustic show in Nashville and had such a great response that we decided to take it on the road. We’ve never toured like this before, some of these songs have never been played live!”
Last week, 3 Doors Down staged the 10th annual The Better Life Foundation concert on November 16 at Horseshoe Casino in Tunica, Mississippi. The long-term mission of the foundation is to make a positive change in the lives of children in need of food, shelter, and medical assistance, and to enhance the lives of children and young adults with special needs. Funds raised are distributed to organizations and hospitals that fulfill the band’s mission to enable children to develop their potential, achieve their goals, and become caring and responsible adults. Operating with the mission statement, “Changing the World, One Life at a Time,” 3 Doors Down has committed their energies over the past decade to make a tangible contribution for those in need through this annual event, and continuous efforts to generate funding to support these goals.
In November 2012, 3 Doors Down released The Greatest Hits, returning to the rock charts with the Top 5 hit “One Light.” The collection features nine #1 remixed and re-mastered hits, alongside three new songs. The band then staged three successful North American co-headline runs with Daughtry. 3 Doors Down also toured overseas, visiting Russia for the first time alongside appearances in Dubai, Mexico, and across the European continent performing for hundreds of thousands of fans.
Initial confirmed appearances include:
1/10/14 Reno, NV Silver Legacy Resort Casino
1/11/14 Henderson, NV Green Valley Ranch Resort
1/14/14 West Hollywood, CA House of Blues
1/15/14 Visalia, CA Visalia Fox Theater
1/17/14 Lincoln City, OR Chinook Winds Casino
1/18/14 Lincoln City, OR Chinook Winds Casino
1/20/14 Anaheim, CA House of Blues
1/21/14 San Diego, CA House of Blues
1/23/14 Phoenix, AZ Celebrity Theatre
1/24/14 Albuquerque, NM Isleta Resort and Casino Showroom
1/26/14 Denver, CO Paramount Theatre
1/27/14 Park City, UT Park City Live
1/30/14 Catoosa, OK The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
1/31/14 Newkirk, OK First Council Casino Event Center
2/1/14 Concho, OK Lucky Star Casino
Additional appearances will be announced in the coming weeks.
0 MEGADETH’S DAVE MUSTAINE SIGNS WORLDWIDE PUBLISHING AGREEMENT WITH WARNER/CHAPPELL MUSIC
Heavy Metal Icon Joins Award-Winning Music Publisher
Warner/Chappell Music, the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group, today announced that it has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with renowned Megadeth singer, songwriter, and guitarist Dave Mustaine. Effective immediately, Warner/Chappell will administer Mustaine’s songwriting from Megadeth’s recently released album Super Collider, as well as future songwriting.
Mustaine said, “The last two years have been the most rewarding of my career with a new record contract with Universal Music Enterprises (UMe), my own label Tradecraft, and now, this new exciting partnership with Warner/Chappell. I am very excited about reuniting with a hero of mine, former President at EMI publishing Jon Platt, and industry legend Greg Sowders. I have never been happier.”
“As a singer, songwriter and guitarist, Dave Mustaine has virtually defined heavy metal music for the past three decades,” said Jon Platt President, Creative – North America, Warner/Chappell Music. “Since founding Megadeth, Dave has built a body of work that serves as the benchmark for an entire genre. Today, Megadeth remains a vital force, and Dave continues to rank among rock’s most creative and influential musicians and composers. We are thrilled to welcome him to Warner/Chappell.”
In 1983, Mustaine founded Megadeth and, in 1985, they released their first album which established the band as pioneers in the thrash metal movement. The band has since sold 50 million albums worldwide, including five consecutive platinum or multi-platinum albums in the U.S., while garnering 11 Grammy nominations. The band’s 14th studio album, Super Collider, was released this past summer and debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 album chart. It was the first Megadeth album to be released via Mustaine’s own imprint, Tradecraft, through Universal Music Enterprises (UMe). Prior to Megadeth, Mustaine was an early member of Metallica. Before leaving the band in 1983, he had co-written a half dozen songs that would appear on the band’s first two albums.
In the video game arena, Mustaine composed the Grammy-nominated Megadeth track “Sudden Death” for the 2010 release, Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. The game also featured two other Mustaine-composed Megadeth songs: 1990’s “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” and 2009’s “This Day We Fight!”
Noted rock author/journalist Joel McIver ranked Mustaine No. 1 in his 2009 book, The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists, and 2010 saw the publication of Mustaine’s acclaimed New York Times bestselling autobiography, Mustaine: A Heavy Metal Memoir. Mustaine is also the organizer of the traveling heavy metal music festival known as Gigantour. Throughout Megadeth’s various personnel changes over the years, Mustaine has remained the band’s sole constant member.
About Warner/Chappell
Warner/Chappell Music, the global music publishing company of Warner Music Group, is home to a wide array of legendary songwriters and a rich catalog of contemporary hits and influential standards. With offices in more than 40 countries, Warner/Chappell provides deep expertise across a range of creative services and the most innovative opportunities for songwriters and copyright holders. With a history dating back more than 200 years, Warner/Chappell currently publishes and administers music from Barry Gibb, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Eric Clapton, fun., Gamble & Huff, Green Day, Jay-Z, Katy Perry, Led Zeppelin, Madonna, Miramax Films, Muse, Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, R.E.M, Roc Nation, Stephen Sondheim, T.I., Timbaland and Wayne Hector, among many others.
0 New Video – Michael Monroe – Stained Glass Heart
MICHAEL MONROE
PREMIERES NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO FOR
‘STAINED GLASS HEART’
FROM NEW ALBUM
‘HORNS AND HALOS’
OUT NOW ON SPINEFARM RECORDS
HEADLINING U.K. TOUR KICKS OFF NOVEMBER 27 IN NEWCASTLE
MICHAEL MONROE, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, über-energetic frontman and iconic rock ‘n’ roll legend, has premiered the new video for “Stained Glass Heart” on GUITARWORLD.com “Stained Glass Heart” marks the third single from his new studio album HORNS AND HALOS, out now on Spinefarm Records.
“I’m feeling quite excited about our new ‘Stained Glass Heart’ video,” explains MICHAEL MONROE. “It was shot in Helsinki at an amusement park on a perfectly grey and rainy day which made it look more like an ‘abusement park.’ The video turned out very cool and classy.”
Check out the video below!
0 LEGENDARY INTERNATIONAL HARD ROCKERS SCORPIONS’ “MTV UNPLUGGED” TRACK LISTING REVEALED
CD/DVD AND BLU-RAY DUE OUT JANUARY 21ST IN NORTH AMERICA
VIA SONY INTERNATIONAL; PACKAGE INCLUDES NEW ACOUSTIC VERSIONS OF BEST-LOVED CLASSIC HITS AS WELL AS NEW MATERIAL
The track listing for legendary international hard rockers the Scorpions‘ new offering MTV UNPLUGGED has just been revealed. Please see below for the complete list of songs on the CD and DVD. Due out in North America on January 21st, 2014, material from MTV UNPLUGGED is taken from the Scorpions‘ first-ever “MTV Unplugged” show and features new acoustic versions of best-loved classic hits, as well as five brand new songs. MTV UNPLUGGED will be available in North America as a deluxe CD + DVD package and as a Blu-Ray. MTV UNPLUGGED is being released in 50 countries, a testament to the German band’s iconic status worldwide.
Recorded and filmed just a few months ago on September 11th and September 12th of this year, the Scorpions‘ MTV UNPLUGGED was culled from two dynamic acoustic sets at the Lycabettus Theatre in Athens, Greece. The spectacular open-air theatre, situated 300 meters above the city, was an impressive backdrop for the first-ever open-air show in the history of “MTV Unplugged” (the theatre also shares a birth year with the Scorpions themselves, having been built in 1965, the same year the Scorpions formed). In other news, the Scorpions are still in the midst of their epic Farewell World Tour; the tour has been going on for more than three years now. To the delight of their fans there is no end in sight, as to date the band has only played 23 out of the 38 countries planned on the itinerary.
The Scorpions is Klaus Meine (vocals/guitar), Rudolf Schenker (guitars/vocals), Matthias Jabs (guitars), Pawel Maciwoda (bass) and James Kottak (drums); additional musical support on MTV UNPLUGGED includes contributions from Swedish musicians and producers Mikael Nord Andersson (guitars, mandolin, lap steel, vocals) and Martin Hansen (guitars, harmonica, vocals). The duo is also responsible for the arrangements on MTV UNPLUGGED.
The Scorpions is one of the most successful international hard rock bands of all time, selling upwards of 75 million records worldwide and playing more than 5,000 concerts in 80+ countries globally. Formed in Germany in 1965, the band has come to be known for their colossal radio and MTV hits “Rock You Like A Hurricane,” “No One Like You” and “Wind Of Change,” as well as their status as international rock ambassadors. VH1 ranked the Scorpions as the #46 Artist on the “Greatest Artists Of Hard Rock” special, while “Rock You Like A Hurricane” came in at #18 on VH1′s “Greatest Hard Rock Songs”. The band recently received a star on the Hollywood Rock Walk in Los Angeles. To date, the Scorpions have released 18 studio albums and 5 live records.
Scorpions MTV UNPLUGGED track listing:
CD:
1. Sting In The Tail
2. Can’t Live Without You
3. The Best Is Yet To Come
4. Dancing With The Moonlight – new song
5. Delicate Dance – new song
6. Love Is The Answer – new song
7. Follow Your Heart – new song
8. Send Me An Angel
9. Where The River Flows
10. Rock You Like A Hurricane
11. Blackout
12. Still Loving You
13. Big City Nights
14. Wind Of Change
15. No One Like You
DVD:
1. Sting In The Tail
2. Can’t Live Without You
3. Pictured Life
4. Speedy’s Coming
5. Born To Touch Your Feelings
6. The Best Is Yet To Come
7. Dancing With The Moonlight – new song
8. In Trance
9. When You Came Into My Life
10. Delicate Dance – new song
11. Love Is The Answer – new song
12. Follow Your Heart – new song
13. Send Me An Angel
14. Where The River Flows
15. Passion Rules The Game
16. Rock You Like A Hurricane
17. Hit Between The Eyes
18. Drum-Athenica
19. Rock N’ Roll Band – new song
20. Blackout
21. Still Loving You
22. Big City Nights
23. Wind Of Change
24. No One Like You
25. When The Smoke Is Going Down
0 MONSTER MAGNET to Kick Off North American Tour; Premiere Bonus Track From Last Patrol on the “Deciblog”
MONSTER MAGNET released their critically acclaimed new album Last Patrol this past October via Napalm Records. Last Patrol is available as a Limited Edition Digipak, which contains two bonus tracks, standard CD, 2LP and digital format. The album is available to order on Amazon and iTunes.
MONSTER MAGNET will be hitting the road beginning tomorrow night in Grand Rapids, MI for their first North American tour in over 10 years! The tour will run through December 14th in New York, NY. Support on the tour will be come from Royal Thunder and Anti-Mortem. (Zodiac who were originally part of the tour have been denied visas and will not be on the bill) A complete last of dates can be found below.
Today Decibel Magazine’s “Deciblog” is hosting an exclusive premiere of one of the bonus tracks from Last Patrol. The song “One Dead Moon” is only available on the Limited Edition Digipak, LP and deluxe digital versions of Last Patrol. Check out the exclusive premiere of “One Dead Moon” HERE.
MONSTER MAGNET‘s video for the song “Mindless Ones” was directed by Tom Scharpling and can be seen HERE.
MONSTER MAGNET North American Tour With Royal Thunder and Anti-Mortem:
11/14: Grand Rapids, MI @ Intersection
11/15: Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews
11/16: Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge
11/17: Minneapolis, MN @ Mill City Nights
11/19: Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater
11/20: Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge
11/22: Seattle, WA @ Neumos
11/23: Vancouver, BC @ Rickshaw Theater
11/24: Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater
11/26: San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
11/27: Los Angeles, CA @ House of Blues
11/29: Tempe, AZ @ Club Red
11/30: Albuquerque, NM @ Launch Pad
12/2: Austin, TX @ Red 7
12/3: Houston, TX @ Fitzgeralds
12/4: Dallas, TX @ Trees
12/6: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
12/7: Charlotte, NC @ Amos Southend
12/8: Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Sound Stage
12/10: Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace
12/12: Boston, MA @ Sinclair
12/13: West Chester, PA @ The Note
12/14: New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
For More Info Visit:
https://www.facebook.com/monstermagnet
0 Remember Stephen Shareaux?
Remember Kik Tracee frontman Stephen Shareaux? He may be older and wiser, but his voice is still in fine form. Shareaux is back with a brand new solo CD, “Golden”. You can check out the tunes on bandcamp.com, and score a copy of the album for the nice price of 10 bucks! Check it out!
0 New Video – Supralunar – Nine Candles
Sweden’s Supralunar have released a new video “Nine Candles”. This is the first single from the band’s upcoming album “A New Hope”.
1 The Winery Dogs at The Mad Frog – Cincinnati, Ohio – 11/5/2013
By the time you read this, The Winery Dogs first tour has now been complete. The Sixxis and The Winery Dogs visited Cincinnati, Ohio’s Mad Frog on the second to last night of their tour last Tuesday night. The Winery Dogs have been drawing big crowds all over the United States, so I was pretty concerned about how many people would try to squeeze into the tiny Mad Frog to see the band play. Maybe it was due to the Black Crowes were playing down the street, or just for the fact that it was a Tuesday night, but the crowd at the Mad Frog was not unmanageable. Quite frankly, seeing a show of this caliber in this small venue, made this a magical night of live music.
I never heard of the opening band The Sixxis before, and I scanned their website to see what they were about. They bio states that their “music presents a core sound of influences ranging from Classical, Jazz, and Rock music coated in a powerful, heavy, seductive, and emotional shell of sound reminiscent of Rush, Muse, Soundgarden, System of a Down, Kings X, and Alice in Chains”. I could definitely hear a mix of these influences in their performance, and I thought these guys kicked ass. They could barely fit their 5 band members on the small stage, and they rocked it nonetheless. Major kudos to Mike Portnoy for helping to bring these guys out on tour. If you are unfamiliar with the Sixxis, visit the band’s website, and check out the clip below. I think you are going to hear a lot more about these guys in the future.
I knew before The Winery Dogs even took the stage that they would be awesome, I just don’t think I realized just HOW awesome they would be. Seeing Billy Sheehan, Richie Kotzen and Mike Portnoy play on a small stage like this was just pure hard rock magic. Sheehan was on fire all night with his acrobatic bass playing. Mike Portnoy was a joy to watch. He is very animated while playing the drums, and in this small club, he controlled the light show as well (that part was pretty comical). Richie Kotzen’s had me bewildered all night. I knew he was a tremendous guitarist, but getting to see him play, and sing for the first time had me stunned. This guy is one of the best unsung talents in hard rock music.
The Winery Dogs’ set list was mostly made up of music from the band’s debut CD, some Richie’s solo music, and the Billy Sheehan penned Talas classic, “Shyboy”. I loved their extended version of “Desire”, and was very impressed by Kotzen’s two songs they performed, “Doin’ What The Devil Says to Do” and “You Can’t Save Me”. This has inspired me to seek out Richie’s solo music. It is fantastic.
Overall, I was very glad that I got to see The Winery Dogs on a small stage. To see expert musicianship from a few feet from the stage was a pretty special experience. I have a feeling we will be hearing a lot more music from The Winery Dogs. This is probably the last time they will play on the smaller stages together. I was glad I was there to see them live.
( I snapped a few pics with my point and shoot camera. You can check them out below.)
0 New Video – Buckcherry – Wrath
BUCKCHERRY Premiere “Wrath” Music Video
Band On Tour Overseas Through December 12;
Hometown Show January 17, 2014 at The Whisky A GoGo
Think you’re strong enough to play this game? BUCKCHERRY fulfill the need to be broken in “Wrath,” the third music video from their current studio release ‘Confessions’.
“They say it’s the quiet ones you gotta look out for, you know why? Because they keep all their wrath inside…” says BUCKCHERRY frontman Josh Todd of the song. “This is a fight song – fuck the system or the system fucks you!” The official “Wrath” music video can be viewed below:
The video was directed by Billy Jayne, who also directed “Gluttony” (watch here), the first single released from ‘Confessions.’ “Wrath” is the third video to be released from the album, and the follow-up to “Nothing Left But Tears” (watch here).
Buckcherry are currently touring overseas in Europe, the United Kingdom and Australia through December 12. They celebrate the new year with a hometown show January 17, 2014 at The Whisky A GoGo in West Hollywood, CA.
BUCKCHERRY online:
0 LEGENDARY INTERNATIONAL HARD ROCKERS SCORPIONS TO RELEASE “MTV UNPLUGGED” JANUARY 21ST, 2014 IN NORTH AMERICA VIA SONY INTERNATIONAL
CD/DVD PACKAGE INCLUDES EXCITING NEW
ACOUSTIC VERSIONS OFBEST-LOVED CLASSIC
HITS AS WELL AS NEW MATERIAL
Sony International is proud to announce the release of legendary international hard rockers the Scorpions‘ new offering MTV UNPLUGGED. Due out in North America on January 21st, 2014, material from MTV UNPLUGGED is taken from the Scorpions‘ first-ever “MTV Unplugged” show and features new acoustic versions of best-loved classic hits, as well as five brand new songs. MTV UNPLUGGED will be available in two formats – a standard CD and a deluxe version featuring CD + DVD. MTV UNPLUGGED will be released in 50 countries, a testament to the German band’s iconic status worldwide. The exact track listing will be announced at a later date.
Recorded and filmed just a few months ago on September 11th and September 12th of this year, the Scorpions‘ MTV UNPLUGGED was culled from two dynamic acoustic sets at the Lycabettus Theatre in Athens, Greece. The spectacular open-air theatre, situated 300 meters above the city, was an impressive backdrop for the first-ever open-air show in the history of “MTV Unplugged” (the theatre also shares a birth year with the Scorpions themselves, having been built in 1965, the same year the Scorpions formed). Of the choice to film/record MTV UNPLUGGED at the Lycabettus Theatre, Scorpions‘ singer/guitarist Klaus Meine commented, “We have fabulous fans all over the world, but the Greeks are absolute die-hards fans.”
The Scorpions is Klaus Meine (vocals/guitar), Rudolf Schenker (guitars/vocals), Matthias Jabs (guitars), Pawel Maciwoda (bass) and James Kottak (drums); additional musical support on MTV UNPLUGGED includes contributions from Swedish musicians and producers Mikael Nord Andersson (guitars, mandolin, lap steel, vocals) and Martin Hansen (guitars, harmonica, vocals). The duo is also responsible for the arrangements on MTV UNPLUGGED.
In other news, the Scorpions are still in the midst of their epic Farewell World Tour; the tour has been going on for more than three years now. To the delight of their fans there is no end in sight, as to date the band has only played 23 out of the 38 countries planned on the itinerary.
The Scorpions is one of the most successful international hard rock bands of all time, selling upwards of 75 million records worldwide and playing more than 5,000 concerts in 80+ countries globally. Formed in Germany in 1965, the band has come to be known for their colossal radio and MTV hits “Rock You Like A Hurricane,” “No One Like You” and “Wind Of Change,” as well as their status as international rock ambassadors. VH1 ranked the Scorpions as the #46 Artist on the “Greatest Artists Of Hard Rock” special, while “Rock You Like A Hurricane” came in at #18 on VH1′s “Greatest Hard Rock Songs”. The band recently received a star on the Hollywood Rock Walk in Los Angeles. To date, the Scorpions have released 18 studio albums and 5 live records.
For more information, please visit:
0 Stryper – No More Hell To Pay (2013) – CD Review
The wait is over! Stryper’s eighth studio album No More Hell To Pay is finally here. Good things come to those who wait, and No More Hell To Pay pays the listener massive dividends. This album delivers Stryper’s strongest and heaviest material since their 1988 classic album, In God We Trust. Big Vocals, bigger riffs and great songs, No More Hell To Pay has it all!
The album starts off with the heavy song “Revelation”. This song is classic Stryper all the way, and a fantastic lead off song for No More Hell To Pay.
The guitar tone for “No More Hell to Pay” takes me back to the Stryper classic “To Hell With The Devil”. This is a killer cut, and if you wondered if Michael Sweet lost any range in his voice, the answer is a most definite “no”! (Check it out in the video below).
Michael Sweet pushes his voice to new limits on the heavy rocker,”Saved By Love”. You have to hear this song to believe it. This is one amazing tune, and my new favorite from Stryper. I hope to hear them do this song live.
Stryper tears the roof off with their smokin’ cover of the Doobie Brothers hit, “Jesus is Just Alright”. This is easily one of the best cover songs I have heard in a long time. Stryper gave this song a great, heavy face lift, and it really works well.
“The One” does a good job changing the tempo on the album, and delivers a song that could get airplay, if DJ’s out there had a soul.
“The Legacy” is another face melting rocker that demands several replays just to register what you just heard. This is easily one of the heaviest Stryper songs to date.
“Marching Into Battle” sounds like it came out of the early 80′s and that is a great thing. This is one of those deep cuts that may not be hit material, but fans will appreciate this nonetheless. Michael Sweet again pushes his screams to the max on this tune.
I immediately hit replay after hearing “Te Amo” the first time. This is another tremendous rocker that is a feast for the ears. This song ought to be another big sing along tune for Stryper’s live set.
“Renewed” closes out No More Hell to Pay with another amazing rocker, and a song that is easily as good as the first.
Major kudos to Michael Sweet, Oz Fox, Robert Sweet and Tim Gaines. The yellow and black attack have released one of the best albums of their career. Michael Sweet’s voice has never been stronger, and the guitar work on this album is fantastic.
Clearly, No More Hell to Pay is an album that Stryper made for the fans, and it delivers all the way through. If you have ever listened or have been a fan of Stryper in the past, you are going to LOVE this album. If you do one thing this Tuesday, you should download the album from iTunes, or if you are old school like me, run (don’t walk) to your nearest music store and pick this CD up asap. You won’t be disappointed. No More Hell To Pay is one of the best albums of 2013. Get it now!! Highly recommended!!
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing:
01. Revelation
02. No More Hell To Pay
03. Saved By Love
04. Jesus is Just Alright
05. The One
06. The Legacy
07. Marching Into Battle
08. Te Amo
09. Sticks & Stones
10. Water Into Wine
11. Sympathy
12. Renewed
Stryper is:
Michael Sweet – Lead Vocals / Lead Guitar
Robert Sweet – Drums and Visual Timekeeping
Timothy Gaines – Bass / Vocals
Oz Fox – Lead Guitar / Vocals
