Tag: Music
0 Liberty ‘N’ Justice to Release “Hell is Coming to Breakfast”
Roxx Productions along with Liberty ‘n’ Justice are very pleased to announce for LNJ’s 20th Anniversary (1992-2012) the release of their 11th studio album ‘Hell is coming to Breakfast’. This marks the bands second release on Roxx Records after a successful partnership on the Limited Edition charity CD entitled ‘Chasing a Cure LP’ that the two teamed up on earlier in 2011. ‘Hell is coming to Breakfast is set for release on March 1, 2012 with pre-sales beginning now.
Justin Murr of Liberty ‘n’ Justice has this to say about the release… “We recorded so many songs for our yet to be released 2 CD project entitled ‘The Cigar Chronicles’ and with the delay on this release not happening until late in 2012 or early 2013 we didn’t want the fans to have to wait that long to get some new LNJ in their hands. So when Bill and Roxx Records approached me and asked if we had anything else up our sleeves we could release, we realized we had to many songs that were not all going to fit on ‘Cigar’ so we took the 6 songs that we couldn’t fit and then recorded another brand new song which is the title track ‘Hell is coming to breakfast’ especially for this release and added 5 more previously unreleased rare cuts and demos just for this one, I am really excited for our fans to hear this collection”
Bill from Roxx Records had this to say about the new release “We are very excited to be working with Justin and Liberty ‘n’ Justice once again, especially in the bands twentieth year! Justin and all the wonderful artists he works with continue to release nothing but top notch material and after twenty years it is just amazing how they keep coming up with so many great Melodic Rock songs again and again and again”
In addition to the 7 brand new tracks and various demos and rarities we are very excited to be able to include on this release and on CD for the very first time ever the original acoustic demo version of ‘Sin’ featuring the late great Jani Lane of Warrant out front on vocals.
Full Track Listing…
1. “Hell Is Coming To Breakfast” Seann Nichols (Adler’s Appetite / Tarsha), JK Northrup (King Kobra/ XYZ)
2. “Madhatter” Donnie Vie (Enuff Z’ Nuff), JK Northrup (King Kobra/ XYZ), Chris Dickens (Mission Of One) & Tommy Denander
3. “Whack A Mole” Johnny Lima, JK Northrup (King Kobra/ XYZ), Jerry Johnson (SAINT) & Richard Lynch (SAINT)
4.”Thankful Heart” Philip Bardowell (MAGDALEN/Unruly Child), Lynn Louise Lowrey (Vixen/Testify), & Anthony Gravley
5. “Nakatomi Plaza” JK Northrup (King Kobra/ XYZ), Greg Bishop (X-Sinner) & Scott Weisenborn (Testify)
6. “Stretch Armstrong” Louis St August (Mass), JK Northrup (King Kobra/ XYZ)& Keri Kelli (Alice Cooper)
7. “Get Down” Tony Mills (TNT/ Shy),Mark Allen Lanoue (Chasing Karma/ Bilioxi), & Anthony Gravley
8. “Your Memory Just Won’t Do” [Previously unreleased on CD] David Cagle, Alex Grossi (Quiet Riot) & CJ Snare (Firehouse)
9. “Thy will be done” [demo] Jamie Rowe (Guardian)
10.”What do you believe?” [Original demo of ‘Do what you believe’] Mike Ledesma (FAR CRY) Vic Rivera (Crunch)
11. “Monkey Dance” [Alternate Mix] Jack Russell (Great White)
12. “Sin” [Original Acoustic Demo] Jani Lane (Warrant)
This is a Limited Edition CD Release for full details including pre-sale information and special packages please visit www.roxxproductions.com
1 The Golden Gods – The Thorny Crown of Rock and Roll (2005)
I am not sure how I manged to miss The Golden Gods magnificent piece of revival rock, but I am glad that I have found it now.
This San Francisco three-piece has a sound that borrow heavily from the mid 70’s, without sounding overly dated.
The Golden Gods tap into their influences like Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple to create eleven new tunes that rock hard.
I have read where people have compared singer Simon Scott to Justin Hawkins, as well as Eric Martin, and he does kind of sound like a mixture of the two. Judging from the album cover, you might think this band falls into some of the over the top styling of The Darkness, but The Golden Gods are more of straight forward classic hard rock band.
If you want to hear an album full of hard rocking stadium anthems that will get your blood pumping, you need to make it a priority to check out “The Thorny Crown of Rock and Roll”. My reaction every time I hear this is the same. Holy crap?! This band is amazing.
If the opening tracks “Even I Don’t Know”, and “Dynamite Lady” don’t get you rocking, there may be no hope for you. The band’s live energy comes through in their music, and makes a big statement on these songs. It sounds as if The Golden Gods have been infused with soul of Grand Funk Railroad and Humble Pie, and found away for that funky 70’s groove to work for them. One thing is certain, The Thorny Crown of Rock and Roll is packed with high energy tunes that are a lot of fun to listen to.
I don’t know if it the funky bass, the cowbell, soulful background singers, or just the overall tempo that captivates me with this CD, but is a very happy sounding disc, and quite frankly, I could use quite a few more of these! “Even I Don’t Know”, “Dynamite Lady”, “Midas Touch”, and “Stone Fox” are my favorites, but there really isn’t a bad tune on this disc.
The Golden Gods close out this album with a cover of the Carole King classic, “I Feel The Earth Move”. This version is so rocked out, you will hardly recognize the song as a cover tune. Cool stuff indeed!
It is a shame that The Golden Gods have broken up, but Simon Scott, and Richard Shelton Davis have formed a new band, called The Resurrection. You can check out The Golden Gods on their myspace page. You can find The Resurrection here. You can purchase “The Thorny Crown of Rock and Roll” at this link.
My only disappointment with “The Thorny Crown of Rock and Roll” is that I didn’t hear this album sooner. Highly Recommended!
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Even I Don’t Know
2. Dynamite Lady
3. Funny Lookin’ Mama
4. Rock And Roll Salvation Part II
5. Midas Touch
6. Un-Ltd. Baby
7. Stone Fox
8. Trouble And Bad Women
9. Liver’s On Fire
10. Test The Fire
11. I Feel The Earth Move
The Golden Gods are:
Simon Scott- Vocals and Guitar
Dynamite Dan Trilk – Bass and Vocals
Richard Shelton Davis – Drums and Vocals
3 Hard Rock Hideout Radio To Debut January 6th, 2010!
Nearly two years in the making HardRockHideout.com is set to make the leap into radio with the Jan. 6th debut of its very own show. Hard Rock Hideout has teamed up with KACV FM 90 in Amarillo, Tx to bring fans of not only hardrockhideout.com, but hard rock music in general, the bands and performers featured daily on the website that do not receive the airplay and attention of other commercial rock radio stations. KACV Program Director, Brian Lee “We are always looking to bring our listeners the best music available outside of the mainstream. We are excited about adding Hard Rock Hideout to our lineup at KACV FM.”
Hard Rock Hideout will debut Jan 6th at 9:00 p.m. CST on KACV 89.9FM and online at kacvfm.org. Hosted by Brian Basher, Hard Rock Hideout will feature 3 hours of the best music in the hard rock genre from established acts, up and coming bands, and classic tracks from some of the biggest acts of the past; as well as interviews, contests, and more. Host Brian Basher, “Being able to put together a show like Hard Rock Hideout is something Rob Rockitt and I have talked and dreamed about since we started working together. Teaming up with KACV FM has allowed our dream to become reality in bringing our readers and fans the best music available today and all the while staying true to the history of KACV FM and playing the best independent music available. We are excited about the opportunities being given to us by Brian Lee and KACV FM, and look forward to a long relationship between Hard Rock Hideout and KACV FM.”
Remember, Jan 6th at 9:00 p.m. CST on KACV 89.9FM and online at kacvfm.org, the debut of Hard Rock Hideout.
2 Gemini Five – Sex Drugs Anarchy (Release Year – 2008)
Stockholm, Sweden’s Gemini Five have been cranking out cool sleaze metal since 2003. I believe their latest release “Sex Drugs Anarchy” may be their best effort yet.
On this CD, the band gets a little help by Crash Diet’s Martin Sweet. Sweet plays guitar on the tracks “Scream 4 Me”, “Stay With Me”, and the title track “Sex Drugs Anarchy”. The Crash Diet influence plays heavily on the songs on this disc, so much so in fact, that I believe that “Sex Drugs Anarchy” tops the last Crash Diet disc, “The Unattractive Revolution”, and could possibly rival their excellent debut, “Rest In Sleaze”.
In my opinion, the best songs on this disc, are “I Am Hollow”, “Scream 4 Me”, the title track “Sex, Drugs, Anarchy”, “Lay Your Money Down” and “Blood on the Bricks”.
The song “Something’s Gonna Give” kind of bugs me. There is a part of this song that is almost exactly the same as Cinderella’s “Somebody Save Me“. The lyrics may be different, but there are parts of the song where the music, and timing is practically the same. Every time I listen to this song, I want to sing:
“Put your money in a big house
Get yourself a pretty wife
She’ll collect your life insurance
When she connects you with a knife”.
Try it, the lyrics fit with the music almost perfectly. The rest of the song is different, but the similar parts are uncanny. There are guitar parts on this tune that would do Warren DeMartini proud, so I guess it is a toss up on this one.
The song “Stay With Me” is a pretty cool song, but the fade at the end of the song is completely annoying in my opinion. Even with these minor issues, “Sex Drugs Anarchy” is a pretty enjoyable hard rock disc. These Swedish sleaze merchants have a hot record on their hands. The band is making plenty of waves in Europe, it would be great to see them get some support in the U.S. as well.
If you are a fan of hard rock/sleaze and hair metal, you have to check these guys out.
You can find Gemini Five on the web at this link. You can buy “Sex Drugs Anarchy” at this link.
Gemini Five has made a couple of these songs available for a free download through their website. You can right click on the highlighted songs below to download these tunes.
Track Listing:
1. Thunder & Lightning
2. I Am Hollow
3. Scream 4 Me
4. Here’s Looking at You Kid
5. All Pistols
6. Sex Drugs Anarchy
7. Lay Your Money Down
8. Here 2Day Gone 2Mrw
9. Something’s Gonna Give
10. Blood on the Bricks
11. We Do Not Come in Peace
12. Stay With Me
Gemini Five is:
Dany “Dee Dee” Douglas – Lead Guitars & Backing Vocals
Tin Star – Guitars and Lead Vocals
Hot Rod – Bass & Backing Vocals
Slim Pete – Drums
0 Mike Dimeo is Out of Masterplan
Mike Dimeo posted a new blog this afternoon talking about his new projects, and confirming that he is indeed out of the band Masterplan.
Read more at this link.
1 New Video – Airbourne – Girls in Black
0 Airbourne on Bruce Dickinson Show Today!
Australian hard rockers AIRBOURNE will be IRON MAIDEN frontman Bruce Dickinson’s guests today during Bruce’s weekly BBC 6 Music radio program, dubbed “The Bruce Dickinson Friday Rock Show”. Listen to the broadcast live via the Internet between 9:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. (midnight) U.K. time or at 4 p.m. EST in the U.S.
Bruce Dickinson’s show can be found at this link BBC.co.uk
1 TYR – All Comes Down To You (Release Year – 2008)
Back in the 80’s, for every successful hard rock and hair metal act, there were at least ten more that didn’t make it big. Tonight You Rock from Santa Cruz, California is one such act, and one that hair metal fans should take note of .
If you are fan of the era of big guitar riffs, and bigger vocals, you ought to give this latest a Retrospect Records Release a look. “All Comes Down To You” takes me back to the 80’s era of hard rock when music was fun, and exciting.
“Are You Lonely” is easily the best song in the lot. This guitar work by Greg Michaels smokes on this tune.
The music on “Looking Out For Number One” reminds me a lot of the late 80’s band Valentine led by singer Hugo. Joel Valentine’s vocals set this one apart, and the end result is a very good, melodic hard rock tune.
Guitarist Greg Michaels rips it up on “Tell Me No Lies”. The guitar work on this tune is about as good as it gets in 80’s hair metal.
TYR covers the Elvis Presley classic, “Heartbreak Hotel”. I like their version of this song, it doesn’t really stand up to the original, but they didn’t try to replicate the song either.
Retrospect Records has digitally remastered these songs, and although I wouldn’t call this a top notch production, the quality is pretty decent. Each time I listen to this CD it seems to get a little better. TYR has a sound that reminds a lot of a local (now defunct) hair metal band from Cincinnati called “The Take” that I used to enjoy in my late teens and early twenties. The music on “All Comes Down To You” brings back a lot of fond memories of the great hair metal era. It is a shame that TYR didn’t get a record deal back in the day. The band could have been something special.
Hair metal fans ought to preview some of the songs on “All Comes Down to You”. You can can check it out and purchase the record at this link. You can also find TYR on myspace. Check them out! You will be glad you did.
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing:
- Are You Lonely
- Looking Out for Number One
- Tell Me No Lies
- City of Angels
- Too Late Now
- Fight for Your Right to Rock
- Without You
- Running From Love
- Heartbreak Hotel
TYR is:
Joel Valentine – Vocals
Greg Michaels – Guitars
Kevin St. James – Drums
Dave Hayes – Bass
1 HRH Top 10 Live Videos – #4 – Theory of A Deadman
1 We Wish You A Metal Xmas…And A Headbanging New Year (Release Year – 2008)
Twisted Sister seemingly opened the floodgates for a new batch of hard rockin’ Christmas tunes when they released their album, “Twisted Christmas” in 2006. “We Wish You A Metal Xmas, and a HeadBanging New Year” has more hard rock and metal stars than any other Christmas compilation in history (Yes, even more than Monster Ballads Christmas from 2007). With that being said, it has to be awesome right?!
For the most part it is, and I would go so far as saying they have one upped, “Twisted Christmas” with this compilation.
First and foremost, I am a Jeff Scott Soto fan and he can do little wrong in my eyes. He helps rock out this rocking version of “We Wish You A Merry (Metal) Xmas”. My step daughter likes this one too. I caught her singing “We Wish You A Metal Christmas”. 🙂
You either have to love or hate Lemmy Kilmister. His rendition of “Run Rudolph Run” is pretty fun for the most part, but you know what to expect from his vocals. I have officially started a new holiday tradition by singing “Run Rudolph Run” in my best Lemmy Kilmister voice. What a great way to annoy the spouse and siblings.! 🙂
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” is a creepy and cool rendition of this tune. Ronnie James Dio and Tony Iommi make this sound like a lost Black Sabbath cut.
“Silver Bells” is one of the weaker moments on this disc. Geoff Tate’s lack of vocal fortitude really shows up badly on this song. He can’t hit the notes that this song requires, and that is a shame. He used to have an awesome voice, but it is severely lacking here.
Dug Pinnick from King’s X turns in a semi soulful version of the Little Drummer Boy. George Lynch adds some pretty tasty guitar licks to this version.
You have to love Ripper Owens. He may not be the best singer in the world, but he can really metalize Christmas songs like no one else. Steve Morse provides the tasty guitar licks on “Santa Claus is Back In Town”, and Ripper drives it home with his metal screams. I love it!
Chuck Billy destroys “Silent Night” with his death metal growl, but I think this is more tongue in cheek, than anything else. I can’t say I ever expected to hear a death/thrash metal version of “Silent Night”, but the unit of Scott Ian, Jon Donais, Chris Wyse and John Tempesta somehow manage to pull this off. The shredding on this tune is pretty awesome.
Every time I hear “Deck the Halls” I think it is Geoff Tate back for another dose. It is actually Lynch Mob’s Oni Logan. I don’t know if is just me, but his voice also sounds worse for wear here. I don’t remember him sounding anything like this in the 90’s.
RATT’s Stephen Pearcy pulls off a pretty good version of “Grandman Got Ran Over By A Reindeer”. As it turns out, Pearcy has a pretty good voice for this tune. Who would have thought that?
As a whole, I have enjoyed this CD, and have replayed this quite a bit . This is easily the best hard rock Christmas CD released in 2008. Buy it!!
Track Listing:
- We Wish You A Merry Xmas – (Jeff Scott Soto, Bruce Kulick, Bob Kulick, Chris Wyse, Ray Luzier)
- Run Rudolph Run – (Lemmy Kilmister, Billy F. Gibbons, Dave Grohl)
- Santa Claws Is Coming To Town – (Alice Cooper, John 5, Billy Sheehan, Vinny Appice)
- God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen – (Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Rudy Sarzo, Simon Wright)
- Silver Bells (Geoff Tate, Carlos Cavazo, James Lomenzo, Ray Luzier)
- Little Drummer Boy – (Dug Pinnick, George Lynch, Billy Sheehan, Simon Phillips)
- Santa Claus Is Back In Town – (Tim Owens, Steve Morse, Juan Garcia, Marco Mendoza, Vinny Appice)
- Silent Night – (Chuck Billy, Scott Ian, Jon Donais, Chris Wyse, John Tempesta)
- Deck The Halls – (Oni Logan, Craig Goldy, Tony Franklin, John Tempesta)
- Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer – (Stephen Pearcy, Tracii Guns, Bob Kulick, Billy Sheehan, Greg Bissonette)
- Rockin’ Around The Xmas Tree – (Joe Lynn Turner, Bruce Kulick, Bob Kulick, Rudy Sarzo, Simon Wright)
- Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – (Tommy Shaw, Steve Lukather, Marco Mendoza, Kenny Aronoff)
Produced by: Bob Kulick and Brett Chassen
1 Jaded Sun – Gypsy Trip (Release Year – 2008)
Wow! What is happening over in Ireland?! There has been some seriously cool hard rock acts coming out of there as of late. The Answer, Glyder, Million Dollar Reload and now Jaded Sun are amongst the pack of new rock bands that are on knocking on the door of success.
The first song I heard from this Irish five piece, was their tune “Hey You” (see the video below). I liked the song and video quite a bit, so I immediately sought out this CD.
There is no question that “Hey You” is a good tune, but it is far from the best song on this disc.
“Gypsy Trip” has a real 70’s classic rock vibe. Singer John Maher reminds me a lot of a young Paul Rodgers. I love his vocals on this disc. Jaded Sun not only has a great vocalist, but also excellent musicians. Seann Gosker and Eorann Stafford serve up some wickedly delightful six string action.
Gavan Murry serves up an almost tribal drum beat to get the tune “Breaking Free” started. This is a hard driving tune with a killer upbeat rhythm. In my opinion, they couldn’t have started off “Gypsy Trip” any better than this.
“Crazyman” has some killer slide guitar and excellent blues harp action. I love the groove of this catchy tune.
One of my absolute favorites on this disc is the tune “Can’t Stop”. This tune has a cool blend of piano, slide guitar and catchy lyrics. This rocking tune is type of stadium anthem that ought to help make “Jaded Sun” famous.
“Positive” is an upbeat bluesy foot stomper with a cool lead guitar/slide guitar duo in the middle of the tune.
“She’s Got Class” has a cool Aerosmith-like groove to it. This is the best album closing song that I have heard all year!
Jaded Sun has a superb debut record on their hands. No classic rock fan should be without this disc.
You can preview some songs on the Jaded Sun myspace page. “Gypsy Trip” is available for purchase at this link.
Track Listing:
1. Breaking Through
2. Crazyman
3. Fever
4. Hey You!
5. Crave
6. Cant Stop
7. Sweetness
8. He Knows Home
9. Positive
10. Higher
11. She’s Got Class
Jaded Sun is:
John Maher – Vocals
Sean Gosker – Guitar
Eorann Stafford – Guitar
Damien Kelly – Bass
Gavan Murry – Drums
2 New Video – Black Stone Cherry – Please Come In
0 ** THERAPY? – NEW ALBUM – RELEASE DATE AND ALBUM TITLE ANNOUNCED **
Global Music are proud to announce the return of the original Irish punk-rockers, Therapy?, with their new studio album, Crooked Timber, out March 23rd 2009.
For past two years, Therapy? fans have eagerly awaited the bands return, now they’re back with a hard-edged recording that will really get under your skin and into your mind.
According to the band, the album Crooked Timber focuses more on rhythm, rather than melody. Admitting that while it is a heavy recording, its not exactly the obvious path for Therapy?. Why?
Front-man, Andy Cairns has the answer:
I guess were always challenging just what makes us Therapy?. After so many years, if we were formulaic about it, wed have gotten bored with the band long ago. The album was written together as a band, and each track has its own concept and inspirations. They took a while to write and weve taken our time to write them.
From the crooked timber of humanity, no straight thing was ever made.
– Immanuel Kant (18th-century German philosopher)
Andy explains: The recording is about celebrating peoples quirks, the things which make us unique. These days everyone tries to fit it, instead of just being themselves.
The songs examine what it means to be human – To realise that we are the only living things on the planet aware of our own deaths.”
0 HardRockHouse Is Pleased To Announce The Re-Issue of Danny Vaughn’s Standing Alone EP
Following on from his two hugely successful Christmas shows, HardRockHouse is pleased to announce that Danny Vaughn’s Standing Alone EP is now available. Featuring stripped back interpretations of both Tyketto & Vaughn classics the EP, which has been unavailable since the 2002 pressing very quickly sold out, should be a “must have” for any classic rock fan.
From the beginning of his career Vaughn, the Tyketto & former Waysted vocalist, had always been the token acoustic guitar player who added a little extra flavour to the sound of the bands with which he was involved. The idea for Standing Alone came about following a UK tour which saw Vaughn taking to the stage alone every night to play a song acoustically. Such was the reception that these interludes received that soon after he invested in some home recording equipment and Standing Alone began to take shape. As Vaughn states: “The idea was to see how some songs from my near and not-so-near past would sound reinterpreted”. And the result is nothing short of spectacular. Emotional and honest Standing Alone is the sound of vocal and guitar working together at their best, the simplicity of the arrangements proving just how good Vaughn’s songs truly are.
Track listing
Wings, Was There A Moment, Seasons, The Voice, Write Your Name In The Sky &
Standing Alone.
For further information and to order a copy of the CD then please visit www.hardrockhouse.com/StandingAlone.htm
0 Saliva – Cinco Diablo (Release Year – 2008)
Saliva is back with their first new album in almost two years, “Cinco Diablo”. I liked Saliva’s last album, “Blood Stained Love Story” even though it wasn’t well received by the masses. Their last album saw the band moving away from their nu-metal sound into a more mainstream approach. With Cinco Diablo, Saliva continues to spread their wings with an album that blends hard rock, metal and pop. At times some songs feel like like past Saliva tunes, and other songs show the band moving into a different direction once more.
“Family Reunion” is the first single released to radio. If you are familiar with Saliva’s past work, this song will feel somewhat familiar. If you have heard their songs “Click Click Boom” and “Ladies and Gentleman” you will probably like the familiar “BOOM” in the lyrics. It is a good opening song for this disc, even though the lyric is getting a little tired and over used in my opinion.
“My Own Worst Enemy” is a mid tempo hard rocking song that adds a layer of industrial sounding keyboard in the background of the tune. The more I listen to this song, the more I like it.
“Best of Me” keeps the heavy rock going. This is a pretty good rocker that ought to be Saliva’s next single. This is my favorite cut on “Cinco Diablo” so far.
With three hard tunes in a row, Saliva smartly breaks up the pace with “How Could You” . This is a tune that will likely have radio appeal for fans of bands like Nickelback and 3 Doors Down. It has a few hard guitar parts, but is light enough that is could find its way onto pop rock radio.
The hard rock continues with “Hunt You Down”. This tune has a beat that reminds me a little bit of older Nine Inch Nails material. I like the old NIN stuff, so I though that was kind of cool. This is a good song that Saliva needs to make one of their concert staples.
“Judgment Day” has grungy guitars and occasional harmonics that are reminiscent of the songs Alice in Chains was doing in the 90’s. I think there are some cool guitar parts in this song, but I don’t think there is enough to really set this tune apart from a lot of the other mainstream radio tunes. This song needs something to push it over the edge, but it never quite gets there.
‘Forever And A Day” is the closest thing to a power ballad that you will hear from Saliva. This is another really good song that has major hit potential.
“I’m Coming Back” feels like a filler tune to me. I am sure that isn’t what the band was trying to achieve, but this song does nothing for me.
The song “Southern Girls” took me by surprise. This is kind of a nu-metal meets southern rock song. I don’t remember Saliva doing anything like this before, but I like this song a lot. The chorus on this song kind of has a Motley Crue like feel to it. Cool stuff!
“So Long” closes out “Cinco Diablo” with a piano based number that sounds as if it should have been on a Coldplay CD. Yes, that is right, I said Coldplay. This is a really good song, but it seems out of place on this disc. I think Saliva fans are going to be shaking their heads when they hear this.
As a whole, I think “Cinco Diablo” is a better than Saliva’s last album, “Blood Stained Love Story” but I still don’t feel this is their best stuff. This album shows a little more growth and more experimentation with Saliva’s sound. It is definitely a strong album for the band, and this disc is a cool way to close out a killer year of hard rock music.
“Cinco Diablo” is in stores tomorrow, Tuesday December 15th. You can preview “Cinco Diablo” at the Saliva myspace page. You can purchase the album here.
Track Listing:
1. Family Reunion
2. My Own Worst Enemy
3. Best Of Me
4. How Could You?
5. Hunt You Down
6. Judgment Day
7. Forever And A Day
8. I’m Coming Back
9. Southern Girls
10. So Long
Saliva is:
Josey Scott – Vocals
Wayne Swinny – Guitars
Jon Montoya – Guitars
Dave Novotny – Bass
Paul Crosby – Drums
1 New Video – Tankard – Stay Thirsty
0 Balance To Release New Album Equilibrium in February. Audio Samples Available!
The Melodic Rock and AOR scenes are both made up of legendary albums and bands, which, as time goes by, become even more respected among the community of fans. Balance are exactly one of these bands, whose name and reputation, like good wine, has stood the test of time for more than two decades. Formed at the end of the 70’s by three promising talents out of the NY music scene: singer Peppy Castro (formerly of The Blues Magoos, Wiggy Bits and Barnaby Bye), the classically trained keyboardist Doug Katsaros and guitarist Bob Kulick (who had already appeared as a guest musician on KISS recordings and on the Paul Stanley solo album in 1978 as well as playing in Meat Loaf’s band), Balance soon inked a deal with Portrait Records who released the band’s first eponymous album in 1981.
While the song writing and production quality shone all over the record and the band were immediately on the same level as contemporary luminaries such as Toto, Survivor or Journey, the album for which Balance are still today highly regarded is the follow up “In For The Count” released in 1982. The line-up was completed by former Speedway Blvd. member (the band that also featured the future Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess) Dennis Feldman on bass and Chuck Burgi (ex Brand X and later with Rainbow and Red Dawn) on drums. On “In For The Count” the band kicked in with heavier guitars and outstanding production skills, with a song writing talent that was not afraid to experiment while still keeping their strong Melodic Rock trademark intact.
In a perfect world that record should have catapulted Balance to the same level of popularity as Journey, Foreigner or Survivor, however fate and the label’s lack of support decreed the end of the band. As proof of the multi-talented artists involved in Balance, all members went on to brilliant careers in music in the following years. Kulick, continued collaborating with the members of KISS and Meat Loaf and went on to form Skull and Murderer’s Row, before becoming a Grammy Award producer in LA. Katsaros played, sang & arranged for KISS, Rod Stewart, Cher, Bon Jovi, Sinéad O’Connor and Aerosmith among others and worked in several rockin’ Broadway shows, including The Rocky Horror Show and Footloose. Peppy collaborated and sang on records by Diana Ross, KISS, Laura Branigan and Michael Bolton before starting to work in the jingles business.
The three of them kept in touch and had the chance to work together on several projects, however they could never resume the Balance concept and complete their musical circle, so as soon as they got a proposal from Frontiers Records, and after the recent reissue of their classic “In For The Count” album on Rock Candy / Universal, they decided the time was right to start working again, in Doug Katsaros words, on “tunes mostly originally written for a third album, and shelved at the collapse of the record company”.
Completed with the help of Bret Chassen on drums (who also co-produced the album together with Bob Kulick), the resulting album “Equilibrium” is truly a labour of love: a record written and crafted with the highest respect for the fans and the same enthusiasm as the old days, bringing back the trademark sound and updating it to the production techniques and taste of the new millennium. “All the guitars, vocals, synths and mix sounds are based on the original two records”, explains Katsaros, “we took great care in making certain there was nothing that could not have been performed in the 1980s, even the sequences. Also, the songs are authentic to the time period, since most of them were written in the time period! And we always had astonishing background harmonies and Peppy and I worked hard to keep that up as well. And you can’t beat using the original members to get an authentic sound! It was also great fun to recreate the whole blend of a tight intricate keyboard part as a counterpoint to Bobby’s brilliance.”
“Equilibrium” final tracklisting will include: Twist of Fate; Breathe; Old Friends; What Have You Done; Winner Takes All; Crazy Little Suzie; Liar; Walk Away; Who You Gonna Love; Forever; Rainbows End.
0 QUEENSRŸCHE Saves “the Ball”
There is a change to the bill for KISW‘s annual Holiday Hangover Ball, to be held this Friday, December 12, 2008 at Showbox SoDo in Seattle, Washington. Original headliners SALIVA who were scheduled to play, have been forced to cancel due to an unexpected health scare of lead singer Josey Scott.
In following with the annual tradition of delivering the Northwest’s best holiday party, KISW was forced to come up with a replacement for SALIVA.QUEENSRŸCHE will come to the rescue and take the stage at this year’s event. Ticketholders will be treated to a rare acoustic set with members ofQUEENSRŸCHE plus Duff McKagan‘s (VELVET REVOLVER, GUNS N’ ROSES) LOADED and JET BLACK STARE along with all the other fun and excitement you’ve come to expect at a KISW Holiday Hangover Ball.
The organizers state: “If you have purchased tickets to see SALIVA at theHoliday Hangover Ball, DON’T LOSE YOUR TICKET. SALIVA will return to Seattle when Josey‘s health permits, and your 2008 HHB ticket will get you entrance to that show for free. You essentially will be able to enjoy both this year’s Holiday Hangover Ball and a SALIVA show for the price of the ticket you purchased.”
We know you join us in wishing Josey a speedy recovery, and thanking Queensryche for stepping up and helping save the day.
Official statement from Saliva management:
We’re regretful to announce that Saliva will not be able to perform at KISW’s 2008 Holiday Hangover due to an unexpected health scare of lead singer Josey Scott. He was hospitalized Monday evening due to an irregular heartbeat. The band was scheduled to depart for the nationally syndicated radio show Rockline when Scott noticed a fluttering in his heart that didn’t seem right. The paramedics were called and he was taken to a local hospital where he spent the next four nights. His diagnosis was cardiac arrhythmia, which in some cases can be life threatening. His heartbeat was stabilized Wednesday afternoon and is under doctor’s orders for several days of no travel and rest. The band prides themselves to be a hard working act who has rarely ever missed a performance. They apologize to the fans in the Seattle area for this unfortunate situation. There will definitely be a make up show in 2009.
Source: www.kisw.com
0 DANGER DANGER In The Studio, New Album Planned For Spring 2009
Here is some news people have been waiting a long time to hear.
DANGER DANGER’s Bruno Ravel has issued the following update on the band’s next album:
“Ted (Poley) has completed five basic vocal tracks and will be returning in a few weeks to sing some more. We plan to finish all the recording in January and then we will finally start to mix!”
A release is tentatively planned for April/May 2009 through Frontiers Records. More details will be revealed soon.
Danger Danger is Bruno Ravel (bass), Steve West (drums), Rob Marcello (guitars) and Ted Poley (vocals). Go to the band’s official MySpace page here.
Source: bravewords.com
0 LES CLAYPOOL Makes History on New Year’s Eve
FIRST EVER ROCK SHOW @ The War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco
Co- Headlining is Dweezil Zappa performing Zappa Plays Zappa
Opening is Critically Acclaimed Singer/Songwriter Tim Fite
L
Les Claypool, infamous bassist and mastermind of the legendary band Primus will add yet another feather of creative genius to his hat. As a showman of colossal proportion, Claypool has created a visual and aural extravaganza in 3-D of the unexpected for his debut at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco. This is the first ever rock show to take place at the War Memorial Opera House home to housing the opera and ballet
The Opera House is one of the most beautiful venues in Northern California, and this is the first ever rock concert there. The box seats, usually reserved for ballet or opera season ticket holders, offer a unique viewing experience for groups of 8, including a private vestibule, waitress service and souvenir poster.
Les Claypool rose to fame in the early 90’s as leader of the multi platinum alt rock band Primus. Taking his funk derived mastery of the electric bass and witty story songs, he dove into the jamband scene in 2000. Primus headlined their annual New Year’s Eve Freak Out in the Bay Area from 1992-99, and Claypool has continued the tradition in the Bay Area ever since. His midnight climaxes are legendary and always over the top. Thematically manifesting everything from a band of cave man circa Quest For Fire to a parade of costumed freaks, Claypool takes great pride in his New Years Eve performances and extras. This year’s show will present unparalleled 3D visuals, with 3D glasses included in the ticket as well as other interesting antics that only Claypool himself could derive.
Zappa Plays Zappa has received rave reviews for the last few years, as Dweezil has carried on his father’s legacy. The music of Frank Zappa couldn’t be in better hands than the high level of musicianship collected in this group which includes some alumni from the original band (Ray White, also of KVHW).
This show marks the first ever appearance of a Zappa on the same bill with Claypool. He and Primus have often been compared to Frank, and Primus guitarist Larry LaLonde was recruited by Rykodisc several years ago to compile a Zappa Picks compilation of his favorites from Frank’s catalogue.
Les Claypool with Zappa Plays Zappa & Tim Fite
New Year’s Eve – December 31, 2008 at 8pm
War Memorial Opera House
Ticket prices will range from $69 – $125
Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster Outlets, Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 415-421-TIXS OR 510-625-TIXS.
8 KISS Recording First New Album Since 1998
Kiss has reversed course and decided to hit the studio next year to record its first new album since 1998’s “Psycho Circus.” Guitarist Paul Stanley will produce.
In recent years, bassist Gene Simmons has been vocal about his lack of enthusiasm about making a new album, which he attributes to the state of the business.
“The record industry is in such a mess,” he told Billboard in November 2007. “There is nothing in me that wants to go in there and do new music. How are you going to deliver it? How are you going to get paid for it if people can just get it for free?”
In 2006, Stanley told Billboard making a new Kiss album in the shadow of the band’s classic repertoire would be a formidable challenge. “The fact is, [fans] may tolerate the new songs, but it’s the old ones you want to hear,” he said. “I think Jimmy Page and Robert Plant found that out. The [Rolling] Stones certainly know it. The Who certainly know it. So unless you’re willing to go into the studio accepting that how your album will be received will never match your expectations, I’m not sure it’s worth the effort.”
Stanley admitted complete control would change his mind. “I would consider doing it if I could do it the way I wanted to do it,” he explained, adding that his 2006 solo album “Live To Win” confirmed how he’d “like music to sound that I’m a part of. To do another Kiss album, I would not be willing to compromise my point of view perhaps as much as I have in recent years.”
It’s unknown how Kiss will distribute the album, which will feature original members Stanley and Simmons alongside guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer.
Following its 35th anniversary tour, which primarily played Europe this summer, Kiss is expected to hit North America at some point in 2009.
0 Metal Band MELDRUM Completes Recording Of New Album
In Honor Of Michelle Meldrum
MELDRUM’s drummer, Gene Hoglan, announced the completion of recording their new album, entitled LIFER, consisting of ten tracks for 2009 release.
The new album stands as a proud tribute to founder, Michelle Meldrum, who passed away earlier this year. The album contains material written by both Meldrum and Hoglan, with new member’s bassist Laura Christine and vocalist Michele Madden.
LIFER is sonically different in direction than anything previously released by the band. With new life, and new talent, this album has carried the talents these four have to a higher level.
“Let me say this: Never have I obsessed over the recording of any album I’ve been involved in as I have with MELDRUM‘s latest,” explains Hoglan. “The tragic circumstances that took Michelle from us, also provided us with a laser-sharp focus to record the most amazing album we could. Michele Madden, Laura Christine, and hell, even Chicken, our engineer, put forth performances of a lifetime, with each member’s full love and respect going into every nuance of every song. Not only to honor Michelle, but to also lay down some badass music, which was ultimately what she stood for…what MELDRUM stands for. I think the songs speak for themselves, and I, for one, have never been prouder to be a part of a family, let alone a project such as this. Metal with balls. Crank it up, indeed.”
MELDRUM plans to unveil previews from their studio sessions on their Myspace in coming weeks, with news on the new release, music videos and tours forthcoming.
For more information go to www.meldrum.nu or www.myspace.com/meldrumrocks
3 Sink or Swim Video – Mammal – The Majority
0 4 More Acts Added to Sweden Rock Festival
Four more acts have been added to the line-up for Sweden’s Rock Festival those acts are VOLBEAT, ERIC SARDINAS, H.E.A.T. and THE CHAIR. Sweden Rock Festival, set to take place June 3-6, 2009 in Sölvesborg, Sweden with as many as 50 bands have been promised for the 4 day festival. More information about all bands confirmed so far and the festival in general can be found here.
Special four-day tickets are now available until January 31, 2009.
Tickets are on sale at this location.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
HEAVEN AND HELL (UK/USA)
IN FLAMES (S)
DREAM THEATER (USA)
EUROPE (S)
FOREIGNER (USA)
HAMMERFALL (S)
MOTÖRHEAD (UK/S)
JOHNNY WINTER BAND (USA)
LITA FORD (USA)
VOLBEAT (DK)
URIAH HEEP (UK)
MARILLION (UK)
AMON AMARTH (S)
RIOT (USA)
BLACKFOOT (USA)
SOILWORK (S)
FORBIDDEN (US)
THE OUTLAWS (USA)
THE TUBES (USA)
ERIC SARDINAS (USA)
H.E.A.T (S)
BULLET (S)
SEVENTH WONDER (S)
STORMZONE (IRL)
TORCH (S)
ENFORCER (S)
THE CHAIR (USA)
0 Rev Theory & Jam Legend Let Fans Rock Out Online
Interscope artists Rev Theory have partnered with online music gaming platform Jam Legend, which has just left private beta and is now open to the public!
Rev Theory’s track “Hell Yeah” will be available at launch, with current single “Light It Up” debuting next week. Both songs come from Rev Theory’s major label debut Light It Up, which hit stores earlier this year.
Jam Legend is a free, browser-based gaming platform that simulates the thrill of rocking out to a sold out crowd, while enabling features never before available in console games such as Rock Band or Guitar Hero. CNet’s Josh Lowensohn called it “just brilliant,” and that experience is now available to players everywhere.
On the road this winter with Hinder for the Jägermeister Music Tour, Rev Theory have been playing to sold-out crowds and, in their off time, reviewing videogames on their bus for IGN.com with their Gamercast video series.
Rev Theory – www.RevTheory.com
Jam Legend – www.JamLegend.com
Check out Rev Theory’s video, “Light It Up” below!
0 Fashion Bombs CD Giveaway
The Fashion Bombs have posted the following at their website:
The holiday season is among us and we at FashionBomb.net are sharing in the spirit with a NEW CONTEST! The winner of this contest will receive a SIGNED copy of the “Devils to Some, Angels to Others” CD and a SIGNED “Dead Techology” Graphic T-Shirt!
Here is how to participate:
1.) Post your personal review of “Devils to Some, Angels to Others” on itunes, SonyStyle.com, BestBuy.com, BarnesandNoble.com, CircuitCity.com, Target.com, borders.com, barnesandnoble.com, towerrecords.com, virgin.com or any other online retailer.
Your review does not have to be long in length, but FashionBomb.net reserves the right to reject plagiarized and one or two word reviews.
2.) After your review is posted, send a link and your REAL NAME to: [email protected] and you will be entered into a random drawing.
Multiple entries are not only accepted, but encouraged. For each review you post, follow Step 2 accordingly.
3.) All reviews must be posted by and entered into the contest by no later than 12/31/08. The winner will be announced on New Years Day (1/1/09).
Good luck to all who enter!
2 Buckcherry 2009 Tour Dates Announced!
The 2nd leg of the Buckcherry tour with Avenged Sevenfold and Papa Roach has been announced. Buckcherry Bombsquad members will be getting their presale passwords in email tomorrow!! (December 10th).
Jan 28, 2009 Salt Lake City, UT E Center
Jan 30, 2009 Phoenix, AZ Jobing.com Arena
Jan 31, 2009 Albuqurque, NM Tingley
Feb 02, 2009 Bakersfield, CA Rabobank Arena
Feb 03, 2009 Oakland, CA Oracle Arena
Feb 05, 2009 Yakima, WA Yakima Valley SunDome
Feb 06, 2009 Portland, OR Memorial Coliseum
Feb 07, 2009 Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome
Feb 09, 2009 Spokane, WA Star Theater
Feb 10, 2009 Great Falls, MT Four Seasons Arena
Feb 12, 2009 Rapid City, SD Rushmore Plaza Civic Center
Feb 13, 2009 TBA Kearney, Nebraska
Feb 14, 2009 Council Bluffs, IA Mid America Center
Feb 17, 2009 St. Louis, MO The Family Arena
Feb 19, 2009 Indianapolis, IN Egyptian Room
Feb 20, 2009 Cleveland, OH The Wolstein Center
Feb 21, 2009 Battle Creek, MI Kellogg Arena
Feb 23, 2009 Highland Heights, KY The Bank of Kentucky Center
Feb 24, 2009 Pikeville, KY Eastern Kentucky Expo Center
Feb 25, 2009 Pittsburgh, PA The Peterson Events Center
0 New Slipknot Video Footage Online!
Check out this great live footage from the shows at Zenith in Paris France. The footage was given to Slipknot by waxx-music.com! If you haven’t gotten a chance to see this amazing show or if you are just ready to see it again head to AllHopeIsGone.com to see when Slipknot will be in your area.
0 Helstar’s “The King of Hell” Due January 13th!
On January 13, Locomotive Records will release Helstar’s fifth studio album, The King Of Hell. This highly anticipated album is the first studio album to be released by Helstar in 13 years.
The band’s current line up includes vocalist James Rivera, guitarists Larry Barragan and Rob Trevino, bassist Jerry Abarca, and drummer Russel DeLeon. The bands and artists that Helstar has toured with in the past is more than impressive and includes world renowned musicians including Megadeth, W.A.S.P., and Yngwie Malmsteen.
With this new album, Helstar will satisfy their old fans, as well as entice new fans. Barragan and Trevino’s screaming guitar harmonies on The King Of Hell along with Rivera’s powerful vocals will captivate metal fans. Praised for their technical skills and creativity, Helstar is back to lead the metal scene once again.
Track Listing:
1) The King Of Hell
2) The Plague Called Man
3) Tormentor
4) Pain
5) Wicked Disposition
6) Caress Of The Dead
7) When Empires Fall
8) In My Darkness
9) Garden Of Temptation
5 D.A.D. – Monster Philosophy (Release Year – 2008)
Question? Is it possible to be legends and still nobody knows who you are? In this instance I am going to say yes because that is exactly what D-A-D are, though I still prefer to call them by their original name Disneyland After Dark just to piss off the mouse company. This Danish band has been recording and releasing records for over 22 years and are considered superstars and legends in Europe and Asia. But with the exception of two albums “No Fuel Left for the Pilgrims” and “Riskin It All” that were released by Warner Bros. D-A-D has been pretty much ignored here in the states which is an outright shame. Unfortunately with their 10th studio release “Monster Philosophy” I don’t see that changing. As great as “Monster Philosophy” is, it doesn’t fit into any of the catagories Americans like to put bands in. D-A-D does have two things most bands wish they could have, an instantly recognizable singer in Jesper Binzer and an instantly recognizable and original sound. In case you haven’t heard D-A-D before the best way to describe the sound is AC/DC meets cowpunk.
“Monster Philosophy” kicks off with “Revolution” after a short intro it blasts off into a foot stompin’, head banging feast with a very cool solo from guitarist Jacob “Cobber” Binzer, all the while letting the listener sing right along with the band.
“Nightmares in the Daytime” is the second track and though it starts off as a mid tempo song it kicks in at the chorus with another great solo from Cobber and excellent performance from drummer Laust Sonne.
“Too Deep For Me” is another mid tempo song but unlike the previously mentioned “Nightmares” it stays mid tempo with a jazzy guitar sound and really good bass from co-founder Stig Pedersen.
“Beautiful Together” gets the band back to the foot stomping rock-n-roll. I think it would hard to find a band that sounds tighter than D-A-D does on this track. It seems like everything fell in place when it was recorded, great vocals and playing throughout.
The title track “Monster Philosophy” is up next and it wouldn’t surprise me to hear this song remixed and playing in dance clubs around the world. Definitely a different sound for the guys.
“Milk & Honey” follows and it more of the classic D-A-D sound reminding me of past songs like “Hate To Say I Told You So” & “Down A Dusty 3rd World Road”
The rest of “Monster Philosophy” is filled with great songs “You Won’t Change”, “You Had A Head”, and “Money Always Takes The Place of Life” really stand out no just on the latter part of the album but the album as a whole.
In all honesty you simply can not go wrong with “Monster Philosophy” if you are already a fan listening to this album is like seeing a old friend you haven’t seen in years and if you are checking out D-A-D for the first time it is a great introduction to the band before you go back to check out the rest of their catalog.
22 years and 10 studio albums and D-A-D have never disappointed me, I just hope that someday the U.S. gives this band the respect that they deserve.
You can preview songs from “Monster Philosophy” at the D-A-D myspace page.
Track Listing:
1. Revolution
2. Nightmares In The Daytime
3. Too Deep For Me
4. Beautiful Together
5. Monster Philosophy
6. Milk And Honey
7. You Won’t Change
8. You Had A Head
9. I Am The River
10. Chainsaw
11. Money Always Takes The Place Of Life
12. Nightstalker
13. If I Succeed
D-A-D is:
Jesper Binzer – Vocals
Jacob Binzer – Guitars
Stig Pedersen – Bass
Laust Sonne – Drums