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1 Royal Hunt to Unleash Collision Course
Royal Hunt’s Collision Course…Paradox II
After 8 studio albums, 3 live albums/DVD´s and a few special releases (EP´s, compilations etc.) – combined sales over 1,5 million copies – the band decided to produce a sequel to their critically acclaimed release from 1997 “Paradox” (an album, which in a majority of respected publications like: Metal Hammer, Burrn, Break Out, Classic Rock, Metal Edge etc., was honourably mentioned as one of the most essential albums of the 90´s).
The sequel (Collision Course… Paradox II) takes off from the idea and atmosphere of its predecessor but – without a doubt – sounds charged to go for 2007. No ammunition’s being saved for this one – 6 months of recordings in NorthPoint Studio, mix at EMI Studios, best musicianship possible (the band was there to define the term neo-prog with their first release back in 1991) and even a bunch of good friends as participants: Doogie White (Rainbow, Y. Malmsteen), Ian Parry (Elegy, Consortium Project), Kenny Lubcke (Jokers Wild, Narita), Henrik Brockmann (ex-Royal Hunt, Evil Masquerade) among others. And yes, there are female voices, real violins, cellos and woodwinds thrown in for good measure.With this album ROYAL HUNT is introducing their new lead singer Mark Boals (ex-Y. Malmsteen, Ring Of Fire). His great voice and talent, plus many years of experience are perfect fit for the band.
Andre Andersen comments on the band’s website: “Album is done. It’s such a great feeling to finally be able to hold your new “baby” in your hands (weird at the same time… looking at this tiny CD, knowing how much time and money went into its creation). And a bit sad at the same time – we had such a blast making it, there’s been tons and tons of great moments in the process: countless barbeques and other assorted “nights out”, a bunch of dear friends/guests who joined us along the way and even the fact that all of us – for almost 6 months period – had this album as a cornerstone of our lives, the goal which we were working so hard to achieve – as a unit. I know, I know it sounds sentimental but there’s always that bittersweet feeling than the job is done and you’re looking back at the process…But now it’s all history – for us, at least. For you there’s another album to discover and – hopefully – to enjoy, and we all wish you the latter… in spades”.
The lyrical concept is as controversial as the original “Paradox” – this time concentrating on a “collision course” of modern Western world and “a new breed”, grown on Eastern religious movements. Musically you’ll have it all – album runs in a “non stop” fashion (all songs are chained together): there are huge epics, intricate progressive arrangements and all good things metal with killer melodies… and there will be videos… and a concert tour. Combine all this with an astonishing line-up and a grand scale production, and you’ve got a winner: ROYAL HUNT is about to reinvent this style of music – don’t miss it. Frontiers Records will release in Europe “Collision Course…. Paradox II” on March 14th 2008, with more details to be announced at a later stage.
To listen to soundclips: go to www.royalhunt.com and click media!
5 EZO – Fire Fire (Release Year – 1989)
The Japanese band known as Flatbacker had two releases under their belt, before they were discovered by Gene Simmons of KISS who suggested the name change to EZO.
The band was signed to Geffen records and released a couple of albums in the late 80’s.
Fire Fire is the second and final release by this four piece
metal band. The band lost their deal with Geffen and broke up after this record was released. Their current whereabouts are unknown. Fire Fire is a very slicked produced record. EZO sounds like a million bucks on this disc. The tunes fall between somewhere between hard rock and heavy metal, and is in the vein of Loudness. Shoyo Iida’s fretwork does not disappoint on this record. Masaki Yamada is an above average singer/screamer. He even had a brief stint in Loudness
Fire Fire is a pretty good record for the most part. My favorite cuts are Love Junkie, the title track Fire Fire, Streetwalker, and Million Miles Away.
Both EZO records are a chore to find. If you are able to grab either one at a decent price, do so. They are pulling down big bucks on Ebay and on Amazon.com. Happy Hunting!
Rating:
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Love Junkie
2. Night Crawler
3. Fire Fire
4. Wild Talk
5. Burn Down the Night
6. Black Moon
7. Back to Zero
8. Cold-Blooded
9. She’s Ridin’ the Rhythm
10. Streetwalker
11. Million Miles Away
EZO is:
Masaki Yamada – Vocals
Taro Takahashi – Bass
Hiro Homma – Drums
Shoyo Iida – Guitar
1 New Video – Scum of the Earth – Bombshell From Hell
2 Alter Bridge Video Premiere
Alter Bridge’s new music video for “Ties that Bind” premieres today on Yahoo! Music. The band shot the video while on the road for their North American tour with Another Animal. Alter Bridge is getting ready to kick off the European leg of their tour on January 18th. You can also catch Alter Bridge’s hit single “Rise Today” as the promo song on the highly anticipated Fox show “The Sarah Connor Chronicles.” Alter Bridge’s sophomore album, Blackbird, is in stores now.
