Tag: Mike Portnoy
0 THE WINERY DOGS Set To Release Special Edition And Deluxe Edition Of Debut Album
THE WINERY DOGS
RELEASE A SPECIAL EDITION AND A DELUXE EDITION
OF DEBUT ALBUM INCLUDING
LIVE SONGS, ORIGINAL DEMOS, VIDEOS, INTERVIEWS AND EXCLUSIVE MERCHANDISE
THE WINERY DOGS–Mike Portnoy (drums), Billy Sheehan (bass) and Richie Kotzen (lead vocals, guitars)— is getting 2014 started with a new round of tour dates and the release of two new special versions of their self-titled and self-produced debut album that debuted in the Top 10 on various Billboard charts.
Set for release in April, THE WINERY DOGS SPECIAL EDITION will be comprised of two-CDs. Disc 1 is the standard album and Disc 2 is entitled UNLEASHED IN JAPAN 2013, comprised of 10 songs recorded live in Japan during their July ’13 tour including “Criminal,” a track previously unavailable in the U.S., along with a 16-page booklet of live photos and lyrics. A deluxe package for die-hard fans will be released simultaneously. DOG TREATS: THE WINERY DOGS DELUXE SPECIAL EDITION will be sold in a box resembling a box of dog treats, and will include the SPECIAL EDITION collection of music, a DVD featuring four music videos and interview footage, demos from the original recording sessions, a “studio diary” written by Mike Portnoy, as well as some unique merchandise unavailable elsewhere.
After THE WINERY DOGS was originally released on July 23, 2013 on Loud & Proud Records, it debuted on Billboard’s “Top Alternative Albums” chart at #3, “Top Independent Albums” chart at #4, “Top Rock Albums” chart at #5, “Top Internet Albums” at #8 and “Top 200 Albums” chart at #27.
It also landed on numerous “Top 10 Albums of 2013” lists, including the prestigious “2013 Pazz & Jop” critic’s poll in New York City’s Village Voice, EddieTrunk.com (#1), MetalExiles.com (#1), Examiner.com (#1), ZoiksOnline.com (#1), Hardrockhaven.net (#3), AmpsAndGreenScreens.com (#3), GuitarWorld.com (#6), BraveWords.com (#6), VintageRock.com (#8), ClassicRockRevisited.com (#17). The album’s first single, “Elevate,” was the #1 Most Played song of 2013 on WDHA-FM in New Jersey and it reached the Top 20 on Mediabase’s “Mainstream Rock Tracks” chart.
The four videos that have been released (“Time Machine,” the latest single currently being serviced to radio, “Elevate,” “I’m No Angel” and “Desire”) have garnered over 1.5 million views on their official YouTube page.
Check out THE WINERY DOGS at any of the following U.S. tour stops (with more dates to be added in the coming weeks):
DATE CITY VENUE
3/25 New York, NY B.B. King Blues Club and Grill
3/26 New York, NY B.B. King Blues Club and Grill
3/27 Chicago, IL Arcata Theatre
About Loud & Proud Records:
Loud & Proud Records is an independent record label founded in 2007 by Tom Lipsky whose mission is to provide a true and transparent partnership between artists and their record label. Labels under Lipsky’s direction in the past (CMC International, Sanctuary Records Group) have been among the market leaders in the veteran artist space, delivering Gold and Platinum albums and DVDs for Neil Young, Lynyrd Skynyrd, KISS, The Allman Brothers Band, Widespread Panic, Iron Maiden, Styx, Megadeth, Bad Company, REO Speedwagon and more. In a previous joint-venture with Roadrunner Records, Loud & Proud was responsible for new albums by Rush, Lenny Kravitz, Rob Zombie, Lynyrd Skynyrd, KISS, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, The Steve Miller Band and Ratt. Loud & Proud’s newest artist is five-time Emmy Award winning actor (currently on ABC’s Nashville) and musician Jonathan Jackson and his band Enation. 2013 releases include critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter Willie Nile, supergroup rock band The Winery Dogs and Seattle’s artistic envelope-pushers Walking Papers. The label is currently in an exclusive distribution, marketing and label services agreement for U.S. and Canada with RED Distribution, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. International distribution is via Sony Music Entertainment Germany, Sony Music Entertainment France, Sony Music Entertainment Australia, RSK Entertainment Ltd. (UK) and RSK Affiliates in select European countries. Loud & Proud Records is a registered trademark of Lipsky Music, LLC.
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.)
2 The Winery Dogs – S/T (2013) CD Review
Respect. When I think of the musicians that make up the band The Winery Dogs, I have nothing but respect. Billy Sheehan, Mike Portnoy, and Richie Kotzen are amongst some of the best hard rock musicians to ever grace the stage. When I first heard about the Winery Dogs, I couldn’t wait to hear what the band had to offer. Sometimes when a so called supergroup comes out, the music isn’t quite what you expect it to be. That simply isn’t the case with the Winery Dogs. Every member of the the band shines on this release, and Richie Kotzen is the real X-factor, as his singing is far better than expected. Kotzen pushes his voice to the limit. His vocals are fantastic, and some of the best he has ever done.
The music on this CD oscillates between the decades, and gives the listener a nice voyage from the 70′s & 80′s classic rock, to some bluesier numbers, and some more modern offerings. If you have ever listened to some of Richie Kotzen’s solo releases, The Winery Dogs will seem pretty familiar to you. The music isn’t a far stretch from Kotzen’s solo material, and that is a great thing.
The major difference with The Winery Dogs, is you get the best rhythm section in hard rock, and you get the wicked solos from Mr. Sheehan, Mike Portnoy and Richie Kotzen.
The Winery Dogs give you great songs, and sophisticated jams that should satisfy even the pickiest hard rock fan. This is one of those albums that you can listen to from beginning to end, without the need to skip any songs. It really is that good.
This CD has been one of my favorites of 2013. If you haven’t picked it up, you should definitely give it a listen. I highly recommend it!!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Elevate
2. Desire
3. We Are One
4. I’m No Angel
5. The Other Side
6. You Saved Me
7. Not Hopeless
8. One More Time
9. Damaged
10. Six Feet Deeper
11. Criminal
12. The Dying
13. Regret
The Winery Dogs are:
Richie Kotzen – Lead Vocals / Lead Guitar
Billy Sheehan – Bass / Vocals
Mike Portnoy – Drums / Vocals
0 THE WINERY DOGS (Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan & Richie Kotzen) Launches Headlining Tour October 3; “Time Machine” Video World Premieres Today On Billboard.com
THE WINERY DOGS
(MIKE PORTNOY, BILLY SHEEHAN AND RICHIE KOTZEN)
LAUNCHES U.S. HEADLINING TOUR OCTOBER 3
“TIME MACHINE” MUSIC VIDEO WORLD PREMIERES TODAY ON BILLBOARD.COM
THE WINERY DOGS–Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Avenged Sevenfold), Billy Sheehan (David Lee Roth, Mr. Big) and Richie Kotzen (Poison, Mr. Big)—will launch their latest U.S. headlining tour tomorrow in Agoura Hills, CA at the Canyon Club in support of their critically-acclaimed self-titled debut album, which was released in North America July 23 on Loud & Proud Records.
To further stir up excitement about the tour, the band world-premiered their latest video for the track “Time Machine” today on Billboard.com, which can be seen at http://bit.ly/15LGZSB. The clip was directed by Greg Kaplan and includes live rehearsal footage shot in Southern California, as well as concert footage shot during their recent sold-out tour of Japan. THE WINERY DOGS’ first-ever concert was in Osaka, Japan on July 15.
Fans can pick up the album on the band’s official website, iTunes, and Amazon. The band has already released three videos from the new album, “Elevate, “Desire,” and “I’m No Angel,” which can all be seen on their official YouTube page. “Elevate,” the album’s first single, debuted at #30 on Mediabase’s “Mainstream Rock” airplay chart and is currently bulleted at #17. It’s been the #1 most-played current song on WDHA-FM (The Rock of New Jersey, 105.5) for a number of weeks.
Of one of the band’s first-ever tour dates in August, Philadelphia’s Tell Magazine declared: “this band really is the Cream of 2013—three of the best musicians around grouped together and playing powerful music that takes full advantage of their virtuosity… their live show certainly exceeded my expectations. These guys are on fire. I don’t think anyone who attended that show wasn’t floored by the performance. I think the band members themselves were amazed by the power they’re putting out, and how much fun they’re having… It’s clear that this is a band with a great future ahead of them, and I implore you not to miss this combustible combination when they come to your town.”
During the upcoming tour, THE WINERY DOGS will make a special stop at the Hard Rock Café in New York City on October 23 to participate in a private star-studded celebration of Eddie Trunk’s 30th anniversary of his radio show. Trunk is best known as host of VH1 Classic’s “That Metal Show” and he played a key role in the formation of THE WINERY DOGS. The seeds of the band were planted in 2011 when Sheehan and Portnoy were working on music together with a different guitarist and songwriter. When that line-up didn’t gel, Eddie Trunk suggested they contact Kotzen and see if he was interested in forming a band. The rest is history. Tickets for the party are free and fans can enter to win them by clicking on the banner of www.EddieTrunk.com Fans who enter will be picked at random and notified by e-mail if they are selected to attend.
Check out THE WINERY DOGS at any of the following tour stops:
DATE CITY VENUE
Thu 10/3 Agoura Hills, CA Canyon Club
Fri 10/4 Las Vegas, NV Count’s Vamp’d
Sat 10/5 San Diego, CA Ramona Mainstage
Sun 10/6 San Juan Capistrano, CA Coach House
Tue 10/8 Sacramento, CA Harlow’s
Wed 10/9 San Francisco, CA Yoshi’s
Thu 10/10 Portland, OR Star Theatre
Fri 10/11 Seattle, WA Crocodile Café
Mon 10/14 Denver, CO Soiled Dove
Thu 10/17 Milwaukee, WI Potawatomi Casino
Fri 10/18 Palatine, IL Durty Nellies
Sat 10/19 Effingham, IL Effingham Performance Center
Mon 10/21 Pittsburgh, PA Altar Bar
Tue 10/22 Poughkeepsie, NY The Chance
Wed 10/23 New York, NY Eddie Trunk 30th Anniversary Party
Fri 10/25 Clifton Park, NY Upstate Concert Hall
Sat 10/26 Niagara Falls, NY Hard Rock
Sun 10/27 Allentown, PA Maingate Nightclub
Tue 10/29 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom
Wed 10/30 Patchogue, NY Emporium
Thu 10/31 Pawtucket, RI The Met
Sat 11/2 Cleveland, OH Agora Ballroom
Thu 11/5 Cincinnati, OH Mad Frog
Wed 11/6 Ft. Wayne, IN Piere’s
About Loud & Proud Records:
Loud & Proud Records is an independent record label founded in 2007 by Tom Lipsky whose mission is to provide a true and transparent partnership between artists and their record label. Labels under Lipsky’s direction in the past (CMC International, Sanctuary Records Group) have been among the market leaders in the veteran artist space, delivering Gold and Platinum albums and DVDs for Neil Young, Lynyrd Skynyrd, KISS, The Allman Brothers Band, Widespread Panic, Iron Maiden, Styx, Megadeth, Bad Company, REO Speedwagon and more. In a previous joint-venture with Roadrunner Records, Loud & Proud was responsible for new albums by Rush, Lenny Kravitz, Rob Zombie, Lynyrd Skynyrd, KISS, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, The Steve Miller Band, Meat Loaf and Ratt. Loud & Proud’s current roster includes critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter Willie Nile, supergroup rock band The Winery Dogs and Seattle’s artistic envelope-pushers Walking Papers. The label is currently in an exclusive distribution, marketing and label services agreement for U.S. and Canada with RED Distribution, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. International distribution is via Sony Music Entertainment Germany, Sony Music Entertainment France, Sony Music Entertainment Australia, RSK Entertainment Ltd. (UK) and RSK Affiliates in select European countries. Loud & Proud Records is a registered trademark of Lipsky Music, LLC.
0 Two For Tuesday Videos – The Winery Dogs – Elevate & I’m No Angel
What do you get when combine the talents of Billy Sheehan, Mike Portnoy & Richie Kotzen? One badass band called The Winery Dogs.
Check out their clips “Elevate” and “I’m No Angel below.
1 THE WINERY DOGS, FEATURING ROCK VETERANS MIKE PORTNOY, BILLY SHEEHAN AND RICHIE KOTZEN, RELEASES SELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM TODAY IN NORTH AMERICA ON LOUD & PROUD RECORDS
THE WINERY DOGS,
FEATURING ROCK VETERANS
MIKE PORTNOY, BILLY SHEEHAN AND RICHIE KOTZEN,
RELEASES SELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM
TODAY IN NORTH AMERICA ON LOUD & PROUD RECORDS
APPEARING ON DIRECTTV’S “THE ARTIE LANGE SHOW” ON AUGUST 5 &
NATIONALLY-SYNDICATED RADIO SHOW “ROCKLINE” ON AUGUST 14
IN-STORE APPEARANCE AT VINTAGE VINYL, NJ ON AUGUST 6
The highly-anticipated and already critically-acclaimed self-titled debut album by THE WINERY DOGS (@TheWineryDogs) was released in North America today on Loud & Proud Records. The power trio–Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Avenged Sevenfold), Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big) and Richie Kotzen (Mr. Big, Poison)—self-produced THE WINERY DOGS, which was mixed by Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Stone Sour, Steel Panther).
Fans can pick up the debut on the band’s official website, iTunes, and Amazon. The band has already released three videos from the new album, “Elevate, “Desire,” and “I’m No Angel,” which can all be seen on their official YouTube page. “Elevate,” the album’s first single, debuted at #30 on Mediabase’s “Mainstream Rock” airplay chart last week.
To celebrate the new album, drummer Mike Portnoy invades websites across the Internet—including Musicradar.com, Revolvermag.com, Loudwire.com/Noisecreep.com, GuitarWorld.com, Drummagazine.com and ARTISTdirect.com–premiering video clips discussing new songs and THE WINERY DOGS’ new place in the music community.
THE WINERY DOGS kicked off their first-ever tour in Japan last week to sold-out crowds. After wrapping up the successful stint in Japan, they’ll head to South America before returning to the States for their first shows on home soil starting August 3 in New York City at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill. While they’re in the Big Apple, THE WINERY DOGS will appear on “The Artie Lange Show,” which will air Monday, August 5 at 10pm ET on DirectTV and is streamed live on the show’s website. On Tuesday, August 6 at 7pm, the band will take part in an in-store performance and signing session at Vintage Vinyl in Fords, NJ. For more information, visit www.vvinyl.com.
In radio news, THE WINERY DOGS will guest on the nationally syndicated radio show, “Rockline,” with host Bob Coburn on Wednesday, August 14 at 8:30pm PT/11:30pm ET. Fans are encouraged to speak with the band that night by calling 1-800-344-ROCK (7625). The show will be streamed on Rocklineradio.com for two weeks beginning the afternoon after the live broadcast.
Even before today’s release, THE WINERY DOGS has been racking up rave reviews:
“The self-titled debut Winery Dogs album is one of the most intriguing releases of the year. The all-star trio has delivered a blistering collection of soaring tunes.” – Loudwire.com
“Mike Portnoy is a lot of people’s favorite drummer, Billy Sheehan is a lot of people’s favorite bassist, and Richie Kotzen is a lot of people’s favorite guitarist. But as The Winery Dogs, they very well could be a lot of people’s favorite new band. Yes, their self-titled debut album is that kind of winner.” – Musicradar.com
“…a cohesive, well-rounded classic-sounding trio with blazing songs that defy expectation. The group’s self-titled debut is filled with straightforward rock and roll inspired by some of their favorite bands, and their music transcends any of the styles they’re best known for and melds their collective talents into a magnificent brew.” — Icon Vs. Icon
“Free-wheeling, jamming and cohesively playing on 13 equally stellar songs as if they’ve been a unit for 20 years, The Winery Dogs self-titled release should easily stand up at year’s end as one of hard rock’s top albums. And carve a niche for years to come.” – Examiner.com
“The talents of these three artists found throughout their previous bodies of work is well known and hugely well respected, but put the three of them together in one band, and the result is nothing short of spectacular! The Winery Dogs debut album, for me is the album of the year, and I don’t think anyone who has followed these three throughout their careers will disagree. Do yourself a favor, buy this album and put on the second to last track ‘The Dying,’ close your eyes and listen to three masters at their craft…and then tell all your friends to buy it too!” — Jammagazineonline.com
Check out THE WINERY DOGS at any of the following tour stops:
DATE CITY VENUE
Sat 8/3 New York, NY B.B. King Blues Club and Grill
Sun 8/4 Lancaster, PA Chameleon
Tue 8/6 Fords, NJ Vintage Vinyl (in-store)
Wed 8/7 Newton, NJ The Newton Theater
Thu 8/8 Chicago, IL Reggie’s Rock Club
Thu 10/3 Agoura Hills, CA Canyon Club
Fri 10/4 Las Vegas, NV Vamp’d
Sat 10/5 San Diego, CA Romana Mainstage
Sun 10/6 San Juan Capistrano, CA Coach House
About Loud & Proud Records:
Loud & Proud Records was founded in 2007 by Tom Lipsky, and is currently in an exclusive distribution, marketing and label services agreement with RED Distribution, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. The label’s mission is to provide a true and transparent partnership between artists and their record label. Labels under Lipsky’s direction in the past (CMC International, Sanctuary) have been among the market leaders in the veteran artist space, delivering Gold and Platinum albums and DVDs for Neil Young, Lynyrd Skynyrd, KISS, The Allman Brothers Band, Widespread Panic, Iron Maiden, Styx, Megadeth, Bad Company, REO Speedwagon and more. In a previous joint-venture with Roadrunner Records, Loud & Proud was responsible for new albums by Rush, Rob Zombie, Lynyrd Skynyrd, KISS, Lenny Kravitz, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, The Steve Miller Band, Collective Soul, Meat Loaf and Ratt. Loud & Proud’s current roster includes critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter Willie Nile, supergroup rock band The Winery Dogs and Seattle’s artistic envelope-pushers Walking Papers. Loud & Proud Records is a registered trademark of Lipsky Music, LLC.
0 MIKE PORTNOY ISSUES VIDEO MESSAGE TO UK & EUROPEAN ADRENALINE MOB FANS
Mike Portnoy issues video message to fans about Adrenaline Mob’s upcoming UK & European tour
Legendary ex-Dream Theater sticksman Mike Portnoy has taken time out of his schedule to film a short video message from his studio for his UK and European fans, which reveals what they can expect from his upcoming debut live tour with heavy metal super group ADRENALINE MOB (Mike Portnoy, Russell Allen, Mike Orlando and John Moyer).
Watch Mike’s video message here:
Portnoy has also commented: “After having now given the US a taste of The Mob live, I cannot wait to bring the incredible raw energy of this band to Europe and the UK! It’s going to be a blast to play a bunch of the great festivals that have always been summer highlights for me as well as making the rounds in select cities with our own club shows.”
2012 is shaping up to be some year for ADRENALINE MOB who released their new vicious slap “Omertá”, via Century Media Records this spring, reaching #5 on the US Billboard Rock Album Chart and also landing #62 on the Billboard Top 200.
Catch the band on the UK & European leg of their tour at the following cities:
June
8 – Sweden Rock – Sweden Rock, Sweden
10 – Nosturi – Helsinki, Finland
13 – Studio Club - Krakow, Poland
14 – MMC Club – Bratislava, Slovakia
15 – Pesca Music Club – Budapest, Hungary
16 – Szene – Vienna, Austria
17 – Conrad Sohm – Dornbirn, Austria
18 – Z7 – Pratteln, Switzerland
20 – Orion – Rome, Italy
21 – Gods of Metal – Milan, Italy
23 – Graspop – Dessel, Belgium
24 – Maroquinerie- Paris, France
25 – Colos-Saal – Aschaffenburg, Germany
26 – Knust – Hamburg, Germany
29 – King Tuts – Glasgow, UK
30 – Moho Live – Manchester, UK
July
1 – Academy2 – Birmingham, UK
2 – The Junction – Cambridge, UK
3 – Kings College London Student Union – London, UK
5 – Rockfabrik – Ludwigsburg, Germany
6 – Theaterfabrik – Munich, Germany
7 – Matrix – Bochum, Germany
8 – Bospop Music Festival – Weert, Netherlands
Watch the video to ‘Indifferent’ – the first single from the album Omertá here:
LINKS:
2 Adrenaline Mob – Omertà (2012)
I have to admit that I had no idea what to expect from the band, Adrenaline Mob. I figured the music would be good with Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) and Russell Allen (Symphony X) involved. I have been a fan of Portnoy’s and Allen’s music for quite some time (I am still waiting for another Allen/Lande record). The real X Factor and surprise of Adrenaline Mob, is guitarist Mike Orlando. I knew nothing of Mr. Orlando prior to Adrenaline Mob. Needless to say, I am extremely impressed with his guitar work on this album. The music style ranges from modern hard rock to more classic styles (sorry, no prog rock here). There are some blood pumping hard rockers and a couple of slower numbers. Every song rocks and the riffs of Mike Orlando really make this album. Of course, Mike Portnoy’s drums are excellent, and Russell Allen’s vocals are top-notch, but it is Orlando’s fret work that really surprised me.
The opening number “Undaunted” (see video below) has a very modern feel that sounds like a blend of Godsmack and Disturbed. This is a heavy tune, and deserves a place on rock radio everywhere.
The next two tracks “Psychosane” and “Indifferent” are amongst my favorites on Omertà. “Psychosane” is a pretty catchy headbanger. When Orlando cuts loose on this song, look out! There are some impressive riffs on this tune. I liked the use of the voice coder too.
“Indifferent”isn’t quite as heavy as “Undaunted” or “Psychosane”, but it still a great song, and ought to be released as a single by Adrenaline Mob.
While “All On The Line” is one of the slower songs on Omertà, it might be the best song I have heard in 2012. This ought to be a huge hit for Adrenaline Mob.
The lyrics on “Feelin’ Me” are kind of silly (The main lyric is “Are you mother fuckers Feeeeeeeeeeeeelin Me”), but I still don’t dislike this song. It still rocks.
I have to admit that I am not a big fan of the Duran Duran song “Come Undone”. This song has been covered by far too many bands already, and I didn’t like it that much when Duran Duran did it. Adrenaline Mob’s version of this cover features the monster vocals of Lzzy Hale (from Halestorm). While this version is pretty cool, I still don’t love this song. Lzzy’s vocals do make it listenable though.
“Believe Me” is another song that falls into that modern hard rock style. It is Mike Orlando’s riffs that takes this song up a couple notches. If it wasn’t for his riffs, this song might get lost in a sea of modern rock sound alike tunes that you hear on most FM rock radio stations.
Another stand out tune is “Angel Sky”. This song has it all. Big riffs, big vocals, and yet it is probably the least heavy of all of the songs on Omertà. Russell Allen’s vocals truly shine on “Angel Sky”.
The bottom line – Omertà is easily one of the best hard rock releases this year, will easily find its way into my top 10 at the end of 2012. Don’t miss this!
You can pick up a copy of Omertà at this link!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
01. Undaunted
02. Psychosane
03. Indifferent
04. All On The Line
05. Hit The Wall
06. Feelin’ Me
07. Come Undone
08. Believe Me
09. Down To the Floor
10. Angel Sky
11. Freight Train
Adrenaline Mob is:
Russell Allen – vocals
Mike Portnoy – drums
Mike Orlando – guitars, bass
0 Mike Portnoy’s new band Flying Colors Announce Debut Album
Flying Colors (L-R): Dave Larue (bass), Neil Morse (keyboards, vocals), Steve Morse (Lead Guitar), Casey McPherson (lead vocals, guitar) and Mike Portnoy (drums, vocals).
Flying Colors, the spectacular new virtuoso prog/pop/rock band, featuring drummer Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater) and guitarist Steve Morse (Deep Purple), will release their eponymous debut album in the UK on Monday March 26th, followed by a US release on Tuesday March 27th.
Released by Music Theories Recordings, the debut album includes the talents of Mike Portnoy (drums, vocals), Dave LaRue (bass), Neal Morse (keyboards, vocals), Casey McPherson (lead vocals, guitar), and Steve Morse (lead guitar). “The album has bits and pieces of what you’d expect from each of us,” says Portnoy. “The sum of all its parts led to brand new, unchartered territory for everyone involved.”
The formation of Flying Colors began with a simple idea: virtuoso musicians and a pop singer joining together to make new-fashioned music the old fashioned way. Refreshing, classic, old and new, the recordings are saturated with the many styles, tones and hues of the players who, in becoming a band, have delivered a unique fusion of vintage craftsmanship and contemporary music.
Mike Portnoy was the co-founding member and drummer for one of the world’s biggest prog metal bands “Dream Theater”. Neal Morse is the co-founding member of the prog rock band Spock’s Beard and is currently the prog rock supergroup “Transatlantic”. David LaRue plays bass for the Dixie Dregs and has also worked with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. Steve Morse has been playing lead guitar for Deep Purple for the last 16 years. Founder and leader of “Alpha Rev”, Casey McPherson, has enjoyed major success in the US with multiple hits including the song “New Morning”.
“It was quite an experience,” recalls Dave LaRue. “The band moved at a fast pace, ideas flying around the room at all times. Sections of tunes were arranged, and then re-arranged. Ideas were tried every which way until we made them work, or, in some cases, discarded them altogether. Just keeping track of everything was a challenge!” The album is filled with trial and triumph. It’s been an inspiring challenge melding folk, prog, pop, and metal all into one big recording.”
Check out the “Making of the Album”. Click here to watch the EPK.
0 NOISECREEP HOSTING EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE OF AXEL RUDI PELL’S RENDITION OF “HOLY DIVER”
NOISECREEP HOSTING EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE OF AXEL RUDI PELL’S RENDITION OF “HOLY DIVER”
IN STORES SEPTEMBER 27th IN NORTH AMERICA ON SPV/STEAMHAMMER
Another seven years has passed since the release of the “The Ballads III”. Seven years of writing, recording and collecting even more emotional and melancholic songs. To keep with the tradition, the band decided to record 3 brand new tracks for this ballad compilation.
Starting today Noisecreep is hosting an exclusive premiere of PELL‘s take on the legendary Dio track “Holy Diver”. In addition you can check out an interview with AXEL himself. Be the first to listen “Holy Diver” at: http://www.noisecreep.com/2011/09/02/axel-rudi-pell-holy-diver-song/
Here is a short introduction by AXEL himself to every new song in the specific running order:
WHERE THE WILD WATERS FLOW -”My own composition in the true ARP ballad style. This song is not about love, it has a more mysterious content and it captures the long and hopeless journey of human beings trying to get away from some dark nights. One can apply this to many different thoughts and situations nowadays. I definitely think that this song is one of the strongest ballads I´ve ever written with a hookline that will stick to everyone´s ears !”
HOLY DIVER - “As everybody knows, my soul mate and friend Ronnie James Dio sadly passed away last year. It was very clear to me I needed to use one of his songs to pay him tribute. It had to be a song, which was very easily recognizable as one of his tunes and therefore I picked “Holy Diver”. Of course the original track isn´t a ballad, so I decided to re-arrange the song completely and we made a Piano version out of it, featuring some Orchestra strings, a Cello and a clean and melodic guitar solo. Johnny gave his very best vocal performance and after the track was finished, there were lots of tears in some eyes…”
HALLELUJAH - “At least one of the best ballads around. Originally written and released by Leonard Cohen in 1984, it wasn´t his version giving me the idea to cover this tune. Actually it was all the good and bad performances of some TV casting show participants, who gave me the real kick to create one of the, hopefully, ultimate versions of this song. We recorded a children´s choir for this, which fits perfectly to Johnny´s emotional and soulful voice. There are 2 different versions of this track: the CD album version which features a slightly wilder guitar solo and the “Single” (and downloadable) version which features a calmer guitar solo. ”
“The Ballads IV” will be released as standard version and digital download in North America through SPV/Steamhammer.
“The Ballads IV” – Tracklisting:
1) WHERE THE WILD WATERS FLOW (new song)
2) HOLY DIVER (new song)
3) HALLELUJAH (new song)
4) NORTHERN LIGHTS
5) NOBLESSE OBLIGE (Opus #5 Adagio Contabile)
6) LOVE GUN
7) GLORY NIGHT
8) IN THE AIR TONIGHT
9) TOUCHING MY SOUL
10) LIKE A CHILD AGAIN
11) NO CHANCE TO LIVE
12) HAUNTED CASTLE SERENADE (Opus #4 Grazioso E Agresso)
13) THE CURSE OF THE DAMNED
“Where The Wild Waters Flow”, “Holy Diver” and “Hallelujah” were recorded, mixed and co-produced by Charlie Bauerfeind at Twilight Hall Studios in Grefrath, Germany, in May 2011. The CD was mastered by Ulf Horbelt at DMS Mastering Studios in Marl, Germany. The cover illustration was created by Martin McKenna.
“The Ballads IV” – Release Dates:
Germany: September 23rd, 2011
Europe: September 26th, 2011
USA/Canada: September 27th, 2011
Line-Up:
Johnny Gioeli – Lead und Backing Vocals
Axel Rudi Pell – Lead, Rhythm und Acoustic Guitars
Ferdy Doernberg – Keyboards
Volker Krawczak – Bass
Mike Terrana – Drums
For More Info Visit:
0 Avenged Sevenfold – Nightmare (2010)
AVENGED SEVENFOLD “Nightmare” – The Crown Jewel Of A7X
It has been a little over two months since the July 27th, 2010 release of “Nightmare” from Avenged Sevenfold. This has been more than enough time for me to listen to their fifth studio album and come to this realization… “Nightmare” is profoundly bigger and more badass than any critics out there ever expected. To listen to this new A7X album and walk away unimpressed tells me only one thing… your oozing with quality Metal envy. The #1 album chart status and sales figures alone for “Nightmare” are telling of the popularity and quality that A7X carries with their brand of Heavy Rock.
The lead single of “Nightmare” alone is as fine an example of the musical maturation that A7X has reached, in factually just a decade. With shades of Metallica influence combined within their own Metal prowess, A7X can very well know they have made the song of their lives. Just when you think “Nightmare” is going to subside, it doesn’t. This song is uncannily relentless with its psyche-you-out continuity. I can’t help but think to myself… this “Nightmare” song will make Metallica wish it was theirs. I state this as a compliment to both bands, I’m opposed to stirring up controversy. Sometimes.
Anyone still unfamiliar with this “Nightmare” album should consider themselves either a rain forest hermit or walking in their sleep while still having functioning body parts. To pick apart this album would be rather easy… if you never listened to it. That sadly, has been the morbid case in situations that are few and far between. “Nightmare” is so much more than the lead single. As is always the case with A7X, this is a total album of songs. As diverse as it is dynamic, “Nightmare” flourishes with its originality from song to song, with not a micro hint of cut and paste with this extraordinary group of musicians.
If “Danger Line” doesn’t bring your eyes to some semblance of tears, then obviously the lyrics go right over your head. “Danger Line” incorporates whistling and a piano for extra emotional affect, evaporating the immature mentality out there that A7X is NOT a screaming Metalcore band for teenage boys only. Take that, all of you liberal and over compensated mainstream Rock Music critics. “Buried Alive” relies on its melodic heaviness to carry out it’s more than memorable song structure. This is a song that plays out in two parts, one part heavy ballad and second part melt your eardrums into Heavy Metal delirium.
“So Far Away” further removes the unsubstantiated stereotype and misgivings that A7X at times have to duck away from. This song is remarkable in both its musicianship and lyrics. “So Far Away” is the bridge between A7X the Metal Band and A7X the diverse and skillful musicians that they glowingly are. “Tonight The World Dies” tantalizes with a Classic Rock sensibility that marries into the emotionally driven darkness that is this “Nightmare” album. M. Shadows vocally switches from crooning to power bellows with flawless and inherent confidence.
“God Hates Us” is undisputedly the heaviest track on “Nightmare”, exposing the full throttle and extreme side that A7X can credibly unleash through song. If “Nightmare” was built around the sound and fury of “God Hates Us”, A7X would be just another Metal Band that made a “decent” album. This song is grand and mighty in every musical aspect, only A7X doesn’t need to rely on this high level of heaviness to be as great as they are. It is songs like “Victim” that enriches this “Nightmare” album into its “necessity to own” status. A heavy ballad is “Victim” and it does not resemble anything you have ever heard in a “heavy ballad” before. This is as modernistic and emblematic of what a heavy ballad should sound like… and A7X created it.
M. Shadows sings his heart out on this entire album, with the purest and most legitimate emotion spilling over each and every syllable. Yes, hearing Dream Theater founder and former drummer Mike Portnoy on drums is evident and incredible all the same. Mike Portnoy only escalates the totality of power and drive with his rhythmic essence and elegance within these songs heard on “Nightmare”. Synyster Gates on lead guitar and Zacky Vengeance on rhythm guitar compliment one another to the point where they are a guitar brotherhood. Listening to both play together on “Nightmare” is seamless in their unison. Johnny Christ on bass is heard very clearly, playing alongside Mike Portnoy with rhythmic precision, to my ears anyways.
“Save Me” is the epic song on “Nightmare”, coming in a few seconds short of eleven minutes. If Synyster Gates intentionally wanted his guitar to sound as if it were singing, he succeeded here. This song is not going to be a dreaded epic listen, for those of you who have not heard it just yet. A7X took great care into considering song structure for “Save Me”, it plays out as a short story with ample guitar parts that focus on melody and harmony, rather than raw power leads. With a ballad formula that compensates by its overall hardness, “Save Me” never loses my attention for a second. The speed kicks in at the midway point, with multiple guitar solo’s that brandish speed, while never compromising this song’s melodic intent.
Jimmy “The Reverend” Sullivan sings on “Fiction” and is credited with the drum arrangements as well. Hearing “The Rev” sing these lyrics on “Fiction” is chilling and leaves an emotional impression on me. Not to sound cliche, yet, “The Rev” was a one of a kind drummer. A7X will never be the same band without “The Rev”, his untimely and tragic passing only reminds me to never take for granted great musicians who have brought joy to my Metal loving life… and to not take life for granted either.
“Lost It All” is the non-album track that is available on itunes as a deluxe version bonus track. This song’s dark theme and heaviness fits right into the “Nightmare” scheme of things, showcasing just how brilliant sounding A7X is, when they combine present day “hardness” with their already patented “heaviness”.
I liken “Nightmare” to be Avenged Sevenfold’s “Back In Black” album, possibly their “Black Album” of their career. It surely comes across this way to my ears and senses. A7X took a dark approach lyrically and delicately weaved some heavy emotion into an album of songs that is fittingly titled “Nightmare”. Not one song sounds forced or contrived “at the last minute” of recording. This is an album to embrace for not just its skillful musicians, this album must be embraced for its end product being the totality of “real” songs. There is nothing pre-packaged here, this is “Nightmare” and A7X can stand tall and proud in “my” Metal world.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
- Nightmare
- Welcome To The Family
- Danger Line
- Buried Alive
- Natural Born Killer
- So Far Away
- God Hates Us
- Victim
- Tonight The World Dies
- Fiction
- Save Me
Avenged Sevenfold is:
M. Shadows – vocals
Synyster Gates – lead guitar, backing vocals
Zacky Vengeance – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Johnny Christ – bass
The Rev – Drum arrangements, Lead Vocals on Fiction, Drums on Nightmare’s demo
Additonal Musicians:
Mike Portnoy – drums, percussions
Brian Haner, Sr. – guitars on “So Far Away”
Sharlotte Gibson – backing vocals
Jessi Collins – backing vocals
David Palmer – piano, keyboards
Stevie Blacke – Strings, string arrangement
Stewart Cole – trumpet
Mike Elizondo – keyboards
The Whistler – Whistling
4 Mike Portnoy leaves Dream Theater
Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater posted the following on the DT blog tonight:
I am about to write something I never imagined I’d ever write:
After 25 years, I have decided to leave Dream Theater….the band I founded, led and truly loved for a quarter of a century.
To many people this will come as a complete shock, and will also likely be misunderstood by some, but please believe me that it is not a hasty decision…it is something I have struggled with for the last year or so….
After having had such amazing experiences playing with Hail, Transatlantic and Avenged Sevenfold this past year, I have sadly come to the conclusion that I have recently had more fun and better personal relations with these other projects than I have for a while now in Dream Theater…
Please don’t misinterpret me, I love the DT guys dearly and have a long history, friendship and bond that runs incredibly deep with them…it’s just that I think we are in serious need of a little break…
Dream Theater was always my baby…and I nurtured that baby every single day and waking moment of my life since 1985…24/7, 365…never taking time off from DT’s never-ending responsibilites (even when the band was “off” between cycles)…working overtime and way beyond the call of duty that most sane people ever would do for a band…
But I’ve come to the conclusion that the DT machine was starting to burn me out…and I really needed a break from the band in order to save my relationship with the other members and keep my DT spirit hungry and inspired.
We have been on an endless write/record/tour cycle for almost 20 years now (of which I have overseen EVERY aspect without a break) and while a few months apart from each other here & there over the years has been much needed and helpful, I honestly hoped the band could simply agree with me to taking a bit of a “hiatus” to recharge our batteries and “save me from ourselves”…
Sadly, in discussing this with the guys, they determined they do not share my feelings and have decided to continue without me rather than take a breather…I even offered to do some occasional work throughout 2011 against my initial wishes, but it was not to be…
While it truly hurts for me to even think of a Dream Theater without Mike Portnoy (hell, my father named the band!!), I do not want to stand in their way…so I have decided to sacrifice myself and simply leave the band so as to not hold them back against their wishes….
Strangely enough, I just read an interview that I recently did that asked me about the future of DT and I talked about “always following your heart and being true to yourself”…sadly I must say that at this particular moment, my heart is not with Dream Theater…and I would simply be “going through the motions”, and would honestly NOT be true to myself if I stayed for the sake of obligation without taking the break I felt I needed.
I wish the guys the best and hope the music and legacy we created together is enjoyed by fans for decades to come…I am proud of every album we made, every song we wrote and every show we played….
I’m sorry to all the disappointed DT fans around the world…I really tried to salvage the situation and make it work…I honestly just wanted a break (not a split)…but happiness cannot be forced, it needs to come from within….
You DT fans are the greatest fans in the world and as you all know, I have always busted my ass for you guys and I hope that you will stay with me on my future musical journey, wherever it may lead me….(and as you all know my work ethic, there will surely be no shortage of future MP projects!)
Sadly…
Your fearless ex-leader and drummer,
MP
“Move on be brave, don’t weep at my grave, because I am no longer here…
But please never let your memory of me disappear….”
— The Spirit Carries On
2 New Video – Avenged Sevenfold – Nightmare
Check out Avenged Sevenfold’s latest video, “Nightmare” below! Avenged Sevenfold’s new album, Nightmare, featuring Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy on drums, will be released, and in stores tomorrow (July 27th, 2010).
1 AVENGED SEVENFOLD UNVEIL ARTWORK AND TRACKLISTING FOR NIGHTMARE
NIGHTMARE AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE JULY 27TH
Southern California’s Avenged Sevenfold have just unveiled the artwork for their upcoming album, Nightmare, which will be in-stores on July 27th. The band will also be releasing a special limited edition of their upcoming album on Warner Bros. Records. Nightmare was produced by Mike Elizondo (Dr. Dre, Eminem) and mixed by noted engineer Andy Wallace. Please see below for full track-listing.
Book of Nightmares includes the full Nightmare album on CD, plus an expanded booklet featuring lyric sheets from the band and exclusive artwork — all packaged in a bound book with a silver-plated “Nightmare” crest. The package also includes a limited 24” x 36” lithograph entitled “Death Bat Anatomy” featuring original artwork on textured paper embossed, as well as an instant digital download of Avenged Sevenfold’s current single “Nightmare.” Book of Nightmares is only for sale from the band’s official website, http://www.avengedsevenfold.com, where it is currently available for pre-order for $49.99.
The album’s first single and title track has enjoyed airplay at Active Rock, Mainstream, and Modern Rock radio stations across the country and was the No. 1 Rock Song on iTunes in the U.S. and the U.K. in its debut week. A lyric video of “Nightmare” that premiered via a Youtube on the band’s website received more than 275,000 plays in 24 hours and has since racked up nearly 1.7 million views.
In August, Avenged Sevenfold will set out co-headlining the first annual Rockstar Energy Drink UPROAR Festival with Disturbed. Also on the bill are Stone Sour, Halestorm, and Hell Yeah. The UPROAR tour, which will hit amphitheatres and arenas, marks the band’s first tour since the passing of beloved friend and drummer Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan. Mike Portnoy from Dream Theatre plays drums on Nightmare and will also tour with the band for UPROAR. Please visit http://www.rockstaruproar.com for details.
The track-listing for Nightmare is as follows:
1. Nightmare
2. Welcome To The Family
3. Danger Line
4. Buried Alive
5. Natural Born Killer
6. So Far Away
7. God Hates Us
8. Victim
9. Tonight The World Dies
10. Fiction
11. Save Me
3 Dream Theater – Images and Words (Release Year – 1992)
I still remember the day when I heard Pull Me Under on the radio for the first time. I was out of town for business in Detroit. The DJ didn’t say who it was, but I was immediately blown away. I had to know who this was, and quickly.
Images and Words was the release that opened up the world of progressive metal for this listener. At the time of this album’s release, glam metal was on the decline. Progressive metal offered listeners something new, and Images and Words, quickly put Dream Theater on top of the progressive metal scene.
Images and Words is Dream Theater’s second release, and the first for singer James Labrie. The first CD, When Dream and Day Unite, didn’t take off, and the band’s singer Charlie Dominici was fired. The band didn’t start gaining success until James Labrie joined the group.
I did not start paying attention to this genre of metal until I heard this album. Images
and Words offers a somewhat unique style that was certainly ground breaking to me, and many others. The musicianship on this record is nothing short of stellar. John Petrucci showcases his awesome guitar skills, and Mike Portnoy proves to be one of the best drummers out there. James Labrie’s great voice ties it all together for one nice package.
There are a few songs that blend well with mainstream metal including Pull Me Under, Another Day, and Take the Time. It isn’t until later in the album where you find gems like Metropolis Part 1, a nine minute monster of a song that seems to fly by. Dream Theater can craft heavy tunes, and turn on a dime, and create music that is AOR quality. They back up their tunes with incredible live performances. For this listener, Images and Words is still an extraordinary listening experience. This release is essential for all progressive rock and metal fans.
Rating:
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Pull Me Under
2. Another Day
3. Take The Time
4. Surrounded
5. Metropolis – Part 1 “The Miracle And The Sleeper”
6. Under A Glass Moon
7. Wait For Sleep
8. Learning To Live
Dream Theater is:
James LaBrie – vocals
John Myung – bass
John Petrucci – guitars, vocals
Mike Portnoy – drums, percussion, vocals
Kevin Moore – keyboards
