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Revolution Renaissance update
Frontiers Records would like to inform that the forthcoming REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE album, “New Era”, is going to be released regularly on June 6, 2008.
However, Frontiers has recently decided not to pick up the option for the next Revolution Renaissance studio album, purely for business reasons, and wishes Timo and the rest of the band the best of luck for their career. Nevertheless, there will be one further release on Frontiers from RR, an EP, which will include the following tracks: Heroes (album version), I Did It My Way (acoustic remix), Angel (acoustic remix), Keep The Flame (acoustic remix), We Are Magic (Tobias Sammet version), Last Night On Earth (original Stratovarius demo), Revolution Renaissance (original Stratovarius demo), Heroes (original Stratovarius demo).
The new EP from RR will be released after the summer, with further details to be released at a later stage.
Lacuna Coil prepare DVD
Italian goth/metal icons LACUNA COIL have started to work on a DVD project which is tentatively
scheduled to be released later this year.
The DVD will be a retrospective of all things from the band's “Karmacode” album cycle. It will be including promotional videos, spectacularly remixed pro-shot festival appearances, behind-the-scenes travel documentaries and home videos - and a few other fan-friendly surprises!
This will be the first official Lacuna Coil DVD release. For more details on the fan-friendly surprises be sure to visit http://www.lacunacoil.it regularly for information!
Also, Lacuna Coil vocalist Cristina Scabbia has confirmed that she will be performing with Finnish cello metal sensations Apocalyptica at this year’s Download Festival on Sunday, June 15, 2008.
Cristina will be performing the epic ballad “SOS (Anything But Love)”, which was released earlier this year. The Download Festival performance will be the first time that Apocalyptica have performed live with Cristina Scabbia and it's also a first for Cristina to be performing in the UK without Lacuna Coil, something she's rather excited about.
URLs:
http://www.lacunacoil.it
http://www.myspace.com/lacunacoil
http://www.emptyspiral.net
New solo album from Ronni Le Tekrø
In Norse mythology, Odin creates the world and all the elements within it, but what of Ronni Le Tekrø, that rare element himself? The truth is out there ...
The conventional story is that this exceptional musician was born in Oslo (Norway), but the unconventional tale, or rumour, has it that he is an alien. He is a man out of this space and time where the future, past and present are convergent. As the man and the musician, he won't be easily slotted into any predefined box, boundary or series of definitions. The moment one attempts such folly, Tekrø, in wizard-like fashion, displays yet another heretofore-unknown facet.
From an early age, music played an integral part of Rolf Ågrim Tekrø's life and by his young teenage years, the future course of this virtuoso guitarist was set. In those days, jamming in those first bands, that spark of genius was there to be seen and heard. Thor-Rune Haugen who, in The Big Bang -The Essential Collection liner notes writes of the jaw-dropping epiphany of hearing a 14-year old Ronni play for the first time, said it best when he stated as compared to the then-current music scene in Norway '(Tekrø) was like a shining champagne glass in a sink full of dirty dishes.'
While a crystal glass sings and silver coins ring, one of the hallmark Tekrø signature sounds is a technique referred to as 'machine-gun'. Throughout his years composing and performing, that and a number of other equally impressive techniques have helped him to set a high standard of musical performance and creativity. The sound and tone, the language he speaks through playing is a unique signature.
Tekrø has the true artists' ability to pick up any musical instrument and elicit a melody or rhythm. With his limitless versatility, he has been known on occasion to perform and record non-traditional instruments as well.
So from what planet does this visitor amongst hail? Certainly one of colour, creativity and emotion: Ronni's musical vision, the techniques with which he coaxes forth absolutely unique melodies to communicate emotion and feeling, continue to help set him apart from any peers.
Recognized as a uniquely talented, his work has always received acclaim and admiration of musicians throughout the rock world as well as other genres. Ronni continues to express his musical creativity through projects that are diverse and even fuse those hallmark elements of various musical genres.
TNT guitar wizard Ronni Le Tekrø will release his latest solo album, “Kingdom Of Norway” on June 20, 2008. He is also responsible for the vocals again here and continues where he had stopped with the predecessor “Extra Strong String”.
Line-up: Ronni Le Tekrø - Vocals & Guitars; Bard Petter Horvik - Drums; Markus O. Klyve - Keyboards, Sveinung Hovensjo - Bass, Mari Persen - Violin
Nightmare Records sign Memoira
Nightmare Records are proud to announce the signing of the new metal force MEMOIRA, a young female fronted Finnish band playing what we would call ‘epic melancholic metal that has progressive and gothic orchestral parts’, carrying on in the fashion of bands such as Nightwish, Epica, Kamelot, Within Temptation, Evanescence, Lacuna Coil.
MEMOIRA is known for its strong melancholic melodies and heavy guitar walls, and began its journey in the beginning of 2007, originally formed by the two guitarists Jani Haanpää and Marko Heurlin in 2001. They gathered together a group of various musicians who had played in different bands. Memoira went to studio to work on first album in the end of 2007 and in the beginning of 2008 started to work with Lance King (known for best for his work as vocalist of Balance Of Power, Pyramaze and most recently of Avian & Krucible) as an executive producer naturally leading to their new full length debut release with Lance's label Nightmare Records.
Release date has been set for August 19, 2008.
Sample tracks can be heard on the band’s pages:
http://www.memoira.net
http://www.myspace.com/memoira
Fireworks # 32 (June-July 2008) out now!
Without a doubt the best melodic rock mag on the planet, edited by Bruce Mee and designed by James Gaden. 96 pages, written in English. Highly recommended!
Including no less than two free CDs, featuring 37 tracks in total
CD 1 “The ROCK Disk” features 18 tracks from Overland, PowerQuest, Michael Bormann, Brother Firetribe, Sonata Arctica, Alliance, Darksun, M.ILL.ION, Eden’s Curse, Sixty 8, Pain, Panic Room, Dangerous Enemy Forum, Fantasy Child, Badhoven, Crossfire, Fugitive & Tonk
CD 32 “Catz ‘n’ Clawz 2” features 19 tracks from Alannah Myles, Hunter Valentine, Doro, Juice Newton, Edenbridge, Battlelore, Nikki Puppet, Robin Brock, Mattsson, The Venus Mission, Midnattsol, Qntal, Leandra, Gina Stone, Mary Amora, Nail, Dazz, Rebecca Riot & Tular
Contents
Jon Oliva’s Pain, Axel Rudi Pell, Young Heart Attack, Tygers Of Pan Tang, Broken Teeth, Magnus Karlsson, White Lion, The Lion Music Interviews, Magenta, Hugh Cornwell, New Generation Superstars, Benedictum, Alliance, Triumph, Adelitas Way, The Storys, Bonfire, Heart, Queensrÿche, Glenn Hughes, Whitesnake, PowerQuest, Brother Firetribe, Krokus, Stone Gods, Clive Nolan & Caamora, Michael Bormann, Kill Hannah, Airbourne, Eden’s Curse
Other stuff
Album Reviews – Multimedia – Re-Issues - Firin' On All Six (concert reviews) – The Melodic Rock Labels (ProgRock Records) – Bailey Bros: Firefest IV Access All Areas – Catz ‘n’ Clawz – The Music Is Out There (Nicky Baldrian’s column)
URL
http://www.rathole.com/fireworks
Street address
Fireworks Magazine
10 Dunnock Close
Offerton, Stockport
SK2 5XD United Kingdom
E-mail
fireworks.mag@ntlworld.com
Appearance Of Nothing - “Wasted Time”
Swiss band Appearance Of Nothing was founded by Pat Gerber (vocals/guitar) and Yves Lüthi (drums) back in the 90s under the name No Thanx. For the first couple of years the band spent its time rehearsing and playing cover songs.
After two of the original No Thanx members left, the band found a new bass player (Omar Cuna) and a new keyboards player (Marc Petralito). So this was the beginning of Appearance Of Nothing. From this time on the band began to write their own songs. Unfortunately they didn’t have a singer and after a long search for the right vocalist the decision was made that Pat should take the part of the lead singer!
After a couple of concerts and still writing songs the band took a big step forward. For their new album, “Wasted Time“, they engaged Markus Teske who worked together with famous bands such as Vanden Plas, Symphony X , Saga and The Ladder (“Sacred”). Markus Teske was able to create a really powerful yet warm production, which is evident on this CD.
The production and line-up changed once more. Appearance Of Nothing received an offer from Peter Berger (ex-Daydreamer) to join the band as lead guitarist. In addition to that Omar took the part of the second lead vocalist, which gives the music a whole new sound.
What we have with this band is a very symphonic and highly enjoyable sound that brings together the best elements of Dream Theater, Symphony X, Saga and Vanden Plas. Arrangements are grand and lush with powerful keyboard passages and strutting guitars, all backed with a great rhythm section.
Appearance Of Nothing hopes to expand their audience with this new album, “Wasted Time”, as well as bring their music to the people in fantastic live performances in 2008. They should go far!
To be released by Escape Music on July 18, 2008.
AOR Heaven/Metal Heaven July releases and new signings
Michael Vescera - Sign Of Things To Come (July 26, 2008)
Michael Vescera rose to metal popularity at the age of 18 years as the legendary vocalist of the band Obsession. After recording one EP and two full-length studio records with Obsession and numerous tours, Vescera was approached by the Japanese supergroup Loudness to front the band. After auditioning in Tokyo, Japan he became the first Western vocalist to front a Japanese group. The singer recorded two full-length studio records, various singles, MTV videos and one live DVD, “Live At Budokan” with Loudness. After three years it was time to move on due to complications within the organisation. He then began what would later become MVP, but had to put it on hold after being approached by Yngwie Malmsteen to be his vocalist. Vescera recorded 2two full-length studio records with Malmsteen as well as an EP, various videos and also a “Live At Budokan” DVD. Both studio CDs with Malmsteen received platinum awards. After three and a half years of recording and touring with Yngwie, Vescera started his solo career. MVP (Michael Vescera Project) released 3 CDs and toured South America and the States. During this time the charismatic singer also fronted the group formed by Roland Grapow (guitarist of Helloween, Masterplan).
Michael Vescera has recently finished recording his soon to be released solo CD, “A Sign Of Things To Come”. Joining Michael on this CD are Jim Bell and BJ Zampa (House Of Lords), Chris McCarvill (Obsession, Jeff Scott Soto), Mats Olaussen (Yngwie Malmsteen, Ark), Scott Boland, John Bruno and Jay Mezias (Obsession), Todd Kennedy and Tony Mei (XFactorX). On this CD he will be introducing two of the world’s newest guitar master discoveries: Joey Concepcion, a 17 year old guitar prodigy from Connecticut and Ango Tasso, a newly discovered shredder from Taiwan will also be featured.
The album was produced, engineered and mastered by Michael Vescera himself at “Toy Room North” (Milford, Conneticut) and “Toy Room South” (Nashville, TN). Vescera co-owns both studios and has recently moved to Nashville. “A Sign Of Things To Come” will be released by Metal Heaven, and the excitement is mounting with a July 26, 2008 release date.
URL: http://www.myspace.com/mikevescera
Elevener - When Kaleidoscopes Collide (July 26, 2008)
Elevener came to life as childhood friends Johan Bergquist (vocals, keyboards, bass) and Andreas Brodén (guitar, drums) joined forces in 2005 to make new music sounding as if the 90s never had existed. Johan and Andreas had played in numerous bands together during the mid & late eighties and then moved on to pursue new musical adventures.
Throughout the nineties Johan developed his love for progressive rock and was the lead singer & keyboardist for Swedish progsters Scenario for five years. During those years Andreas went to the USA and came back to Sweden as a slick soul & funk guitarist and earned his stripes doing studio sessions and playing clubs in Stockholm. As a keyboard player, Johan appeared on the HammerFall album “Crimson Thunder” as well as on Stefan Elmgren’s Full Strike (both released in 2002). In 2002 Johan became the keyboard player for Swedish metal/hard rock band M.ILL.ION who released the critically acclaimed “Kingsize” in 2004 and among the gigs that followed was a well-received performance at the very first Firefest in 2005 and also a UK tour with MSG. In May 2008 M.ILL.ION will release “Thrill Of The Chase” (on AOR/Metal Heaven), an album that was recorded by Johan who also was very much involved in the songwriting (as on “Kingsize” previously).
At the dawn of the new millennium Johan and Andreas got together and soon realised that they both had gone full circle and returned to the music the grew up with: melodic rock/AOR. New songs were written and in 2005 the project known as Elevener was born. As the project rolled on it became a more and more serious matter and finally the album “When Kaleidoscopes Collide” was recorded and soon after that a deal was signed with AOR Heaven who will release the album on July 26, 2008. The Elevener debut album “When Kaleidoscopes Collide” was mixed by Tobias Lindell at Studio Bohus and mastered by Dragan Tanaskovic, also at Studio Bohus. The album contains 11 tracks of pure AOR, with the unique blend that is the sound of Elevener.
URL: http://www.myspace.com/elevenelevenagain
101 South - new signing at AOR Heaven
We are proud to announce that 101 South are coming back with a third CD following the success of their first two albums, “101 South” (2000) and “Roll Of The Dice” (2002). This new CD will feature the wonderful Gregory Lynn Hall (Rat Sally) on vocals and also Roger Scott Craig (Liverpool Express, Fortune and Harlan Cage) on keyboards and as producer. Billy Liesegang has been lined up to do the guitars in London. Six new tracks have already been written and the new CD should be available by late 2008 through AOR Heaven. We will keep you posted.
URL: http://www.myspace.com/101southband
Metal Heaven on MySpace
Metal Heaven has set up a new MySpace site on the net. It can be found at the following address: http://www.myspace.com/metalheavenrecords
New Sylvan live CD/DVD
After the incredible success of their concept album “Posthumous Silence” and celebrating their
10th anniversary, Sylvan presents the entire concept album in a breathtaking setting worth
their unique music. Sylvan staged a huge live show on September 1, 2007 to record this stunning DVD as well as a double CD. With a string section and backup singers and a powerful light show, this
sold out show brings all of “Posthumous Silence” to life as well as other Sylvan favourites.
The DVD´s title is “Posthumous Silence - The Show” and the double live CD is called “Leaving
Backstage”. The DVD contains the whole concept album “Posthumous Silence” as a live
recording of the concert (approx. 80 minutes). In addition, the DVD contains about 100 minutes of
bonus footage such as a live version of the song “Artificial Paradise”, two making-of movies, an
audio commentary, interviews with the band and complete subtitles of all lyrics in English as well as in German.
The double live CD contains the whole “Posthumous Silence” show and on top of this the second part
of the concert which was kind of a "Best Of" setlist through 10 years of Sylvan. Watch out: except for the title “Artificial Paradise” you won´t find the songs of the second live CD on the DVD!
Both titles will ship in mid to late June 2008. You can buy each separately for $ 19.95 each from
http://www.progrockrecords.com/shop/view.php?id=160 for the double CD or
http://www.progrockrecords.com/shop/view.php?id=159 for the DVD. If you buy both together, it is only $ 34.95, a savings of $ 5 if bought separately. The double pack is available at
http://www.progrockrecords.com/shop/view.php?id=162 - audio and video samples are available on the web page.
Silent Rage – “Four Letter Word”
Frontiers Records are excited to announce the release of Silent Rage’s highly anticipated fourth studio album, “Four Letter Word”, on July 4, 2008.
Silent Rage is known for their multi-captivating vocals, the unmistakeable blend of melodic and hard rock and signature songwriting reminiscing of the glorydays of 80s arena hard rock. “I think our sound can be described as classic arena style hard rock”, says singer and guitarist Jesse Damon, “that's what we're considered in Europe!”
“Four Letter Word” is another fine example in the tradition of the band’s classic production. “We had a great time staying within the natural progression of our 1989 release ‘Don't Touch Me There’ and mixing in the sounds of modern hard rock”, continues Damon, “all of the tracks, whether lighthearted or serious in nature, have deep meaning to the band members. There's no hidden agenda, just melodic hard rock with contemporary production, written from the heart and soul of four veteran rockers”.
Silent Rage’s new album was produced by former Guns n’ Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke who is also credited on the album for his contribution on guitar, keyboards and percussion. “Gilby is a long time friend of the band”, tells Jesse, “we were first acquainted with him back in the 80s when he was playing with his band Candy. Both bands were performing on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood. Then, Silent Rage's first tour manager (Bill Greer) went on to work with Gilby in Guns n’ Roses and we got to see his rise to fame. Our association with him became very close when our bassist, EJ Curse began riding motorcycles with him on a regular basis. EJ went on to play bass for a few of Gilby's concerts. SR heard the CD of The Bronx that Clarke produced and loved it. It was great to work with someone that we had such a long kinship with”.
Another very special guest is Ratt’s Bobby Blotzer on drums and former Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick, who plays a guest solo on “Man Or Machine”. “We met Bruce while working with Gene Simmons on the Don't Touch Me There CD”, explains Damon, “Bruce co-wrote one of the songs for that disc. Kulick has always been in our circle of friends and a supporter of Silent Rage. We always admired his guitar virtuosity plus, he's a great guy. Knowing he lived nearby our recording studio, we had to ask him to do a jam on the CD. We thought it fitting to have him perform on ‘Man Or Machine’ since originally, that song was an idea that Gene Simmons and I started a few years back”.
Silent Rage is very proud of the new CD “Four Letter Word” and look forward to present it live in Europe during the summer. A string of concerts has been already set in Europe and more are going to be announced shortly.
Get ready for a raw, rock explosion for melodic hard rock fans, new and old, on July 4!
Pleasure Dome – “For Your Personal Amusement”
Pleasure Dome is an exciting new band made up from some familiar faces in the melodic rock world. Ted Poley (vocals), David Tsien (guitars), Charlie Calv (keyboards), Ed Avila (bass) and John Hummel (drums) have collectively sold over 1 million records, toured over 500 cities in 15 countries and have played more then 5,000 shows … and they just got started!
Ted first commanded the stage from the drum throne for progressive rockers Prophet on their debut release in 1985, but is probably best known for fronting the chart topping band Danger Danger (Sony Records) on hits like “Naughty Naughty” and “Bang Bang”. Charlie and Ed first blasted onto the scene with the critically acclaimed debut Shotgun Symphony CD, released in 1993, and have continued to provide their talents to a host of acts through the years like Intruder, Message, Melodica, Skin Tag, Arcara and The Way. This is the second time Dave joins Charlie on a project, first working in Skin Tag together following Dave’s successful stint with Shoot the Doctor (MCA Records). And John is the true road warrior, first becoming the live drummer for Shotgun Symphony after the release of their last CD “Sea Of Desire” and continuing to keep one of the busiest touring schedules, most recently seen on the road with Chris Cornell’s (Soundgarden) younger brother Peter Cornell in Black Market Radio.
Their debut release, called “For Your Personal Amusement” (to be released by Escape Music on July 18, 2008), is a tight powerpop rollercoaster ride of soaring melodies, crafty guitars and colourful sounds that is destined to become another classic to add to their arsenal of works. From the rocking opener “Trapped”, the haunting melodies of “The Aura That Surrounds You” to the ballad “Praying For A Miracle”, they are able to switch gears in an instant without missing a beat. Pleasure Dome first tested the waters in 2004 with the recording of “Always Tomorrow” and “One And Only”, the latter which can be found in its earliest inception on the Melodic Rock.com CD 2 – “The Beast Inside”. They would continue to work on and off between other projects and tours during 2005 and 2006, but it would not be until 2007 that they would kick it into high gear and put on the finishing touches. The CD was produced by keyboardist Charlie Calv in the bands home turf of New Jersey, USA and mixed by Martin Kronlund in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Pleasure Dome are a powerful melodic rock band that will certainly gain your respect, this is one release that won’t disappoint.
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Album Reviews 
