SUMMIT, THE – Higher Ground
product: The Summit – Higher Ground release date: 04.09.2015 release territory: Europe format: CD digi-pack & download An unexpected clash of elements, several years in the making but assembled in just a short couple of months. In October of 2011 Björn Höglund (drummer of EASY ACTION and HOVEN DROVEN) made the call to Mats Karlsson (220 VOLT) and explained what he had in mind. For him, a dream team consisting of Mats, singer and childhood friend Michael Klemmé (MARMALADE SOULS) and bass player Lars Ericsson. Both with who Björn had played with since eighth grade. A carefully picked team of great players and established songwriters with the same background, musical taste and origin. The task: a quickly assembled album with a nod to the 70’s. Tired of being tied up in several album projects, years in the making, Björn wanted to write and record quickly, just like many of his favorite albums were made in the 70’s , and the music had to fit the same idea. Within hours everyone was on board. At this time Michael and Mats had never even met. Stepping up to the challenge, the boys began writing in January. Out of some 16 songs written, recording began in April and eleven songs. The result; a modern sounding 70’s rock album with several nods to the all the bands that shaped Mats, Björn, Michael and Lars musically, without ripping off any of them. Well crafted songwriting in the hands of potent players with years of experience from the stage and the studio. The digital version of this release includes the bonus track “The Way Down”.
Black Majesty
Australia’s best power metal band Black Majesty returns with their sixth studio album titled ‘Cross Of Thorns’. ‘Faster, heavier yet melodic as ever’ the new album continues the band’s evolution of finely crafted melodic power metal anthems. Charismatic frontman John Cavaliere shines on the new album with emotive vocals that showcases the fine ‘timber’ in his voice on songs like Phoenix, Crossroads & Vlad The Impaler – not to mention on the cover version of the Gary Moore classic anthem ‘Out In The Fields’. Cross Of Thorns is dedicated to Dirk Illing, the band’s long-time friend and artist of all five previous album covers (R.I.P.). Mixed by Roland Grapow (ex Helloween/Masterplan) the album sounds amazing. Big drums, bass and guitars are all evident on the new release. Previous appearances at fests such as Wacken Open Air, Masters Of Rock, Screamfest and tour supports with the likes of Saxon, Blind Guardian, Hammerfall, Edguy and Dragonforce, Black Majesty will continue to build on their ever growing fan base with further touring, including some upcoming special acoustic shows in Europe to coincide with the release of the new album. Fans of Dio, Judas Priest, Helloween, Queensryche and Hammerfall will welcome Black Majesty’s new album – Cross Of Thorns. Black Majesty is : John Cavaliere – lead vocals, Stevie Janevski – guitars, Hanny Mohamed – guitars & keyboard, Evan Harris – bass, Ben Wignall – drums Pride & Joy Music releases: 31.07.2015 „Vlad The Impaler“ (digital single) 04.09.2015 „Cross Of Thorns“ (album) 21.09.2018 „Children Of The Abyss“ (album) www.blackmajesty.com http://www.facebook.com/blackmajestyofficial
Sebastien
SEBASTIEN is a melodic power metal band with symphonic and progressive influences. The band was born on roots of another heavy metal group, NAVAR, with an ambition to catch the worldwide interest, in 2008. In November 2009 the band went to Grapow Studios (Slovakia) to record the album „Tears Of White Roses“ which was produced by Roland Grapow (MASTERPLAN, ex-HELLOWEEN) himself! The album feat. various guest performances incl. Amanda Somerville (AVANTASIA, KISKE/SOMERVILLE), Apollo Papathanasio (ex-FIREWIND), Doogie White (ex-RAINBOW), Fabio Lione (RHAPSODY OF FIRE), Mike DiMeo (ex-MASTERPLAN, ex-RIOT), Roland Grapow (MASTERPLAN, ex-HELLOWEEN) and Tore Moren (ex-JORN LANDE) During Autumn 2011, SEBASTIEN went on the first real tour (in the Czech Republic and Slovakia) with EAGLEHEART (CZ) and FLOWERWHILE (CZ). They also appeared on more gigs with SERENITY, ELVENKING, VICIOUS RUMORS, FATES WARNING and at MASTERS OF ROCK in July 2012. One live-song was also released on the official Masters of Rock DVD 2012. In August 2012 the band started its first European tour with CIRCLE II CIRCLE and played some more shows with AXXIS and with JORN LANDE. The band found a new permanent drummer – Lucas R. – and played the first show with the new line-up at METALFEST 2013 before they went on tour in 2013 with MASTERPLAN, MYSTIC PROPHECY & SIREN’S CRY. The first half of 2014 was spent with finishing the upcoming second album, concert activities in the Czech Republic and Austria, and also with preparations for the next big gig on MASTERS OF ROCK’s main stage – this time with Tony Martin (ex-BLACK SABBATH) as a special guest! This huge show happened in July and, besides the legend – Tony Martin, also Roland Grapow, Martin “Marthus” Skaroupka and Marlin Rya Poemy showed themselves. The band performed two of legendary BLACK SABBATH songs: “Headless Cross” and “Nightwing”! In November 2014 SEBASTIEN went to Grapow Studios again to finish the mix of the new album „Dark Chambers of Déjà vu“ which will be released on Pride & Joy Music/ Edel on September 25th, 2015 and includes guest performances by Tony Martin (Black Sabbath), Sergey Baidikov (Inner Fear), Zak Stevens (CircleIICircle, Savatage), Roland Grapow (Masterplan) and Aylin Gimenez (Sirenia) Sebastien is: George Rain – vocals, Andy Mons – guitars, backing vocals, Petri Kallio – bass, backing vocals, Pavel „Dvorkys“ Dvorak – keyboards, Lucas R. – drums https://www.facebook.com/pages/SEBASTIEN/95599649484 Pride & Joy Music releases: 14.08.2015 „Sphinx In Acheron“ (digital single) 25.09.2015 „Dark Chambers of Déjà-Vu“ (CD) 23.02.2018 Act Of Creation (CD) 01.02.2019 Behind The World EP (digital)
Echoes
After performing hundreds of concerts throughout Europe, enchanting thousands of people and playing festivals alongside all time greats like Jethro Tull, Joe Cocker, Manfred Mann and Asia, Echoes are now one of the premier Pink Floyd Tribute Bands. To echo the music has never been enough for this band and so the elaborate live shows convey the grandeur in all its facets. The „Süddeutsche Zeitung“ simply calls it a spectacle. In 2014 „Pink Floyd’s star pupils“ (Vogtland-Anzeiger) ventured a new course and on top of their typically atypical renditions of Pink Floyd’s music they dared an experiment: the Pink Floyd acoustic concert – no amps, no safety net and no smoke and mirrors. Is that even possible? Can music that lives and breathes sprawling soundscapes, intricate cascades of electronic noise and intense atmospheric density be reduced to such austerity that the spirit isn’t lost? Or simply put, can you walk barefoot to the dark side of the moon? With the acoustic show „Barefoot To The Moon“ Echoes present their answer. The band centered around extraordinary guitarist and singer Oliver Hartmann (Rock Meets Classic, Avantasia) carefully dismantles the complex arrangements of the British art rock giants and uses only elementary and partly very unique Instruments to reduce the songs to their fundamental composition. All the while making sure that none of the magic is lost, but rather focused and so familiar sounds slightly change color and thus far unknown shades emerge. This stripped state shows a fascinatingly fragile beauty, that could not have been perceived before. Echoes reveals the essence of Pink Floyd. The exceptional atmosphere of this acoustic concert reflects not only in the music but also the familiar setting; candles instead of a laser show, a string section instead of keyboard sounds, reduction instead of inflation. Floydian grandeur turns into intimate music experience, borne by creativity, wit, charm and respect for the makers who are Pink Floyd. This DVD, recorded at the sold out Stadttheater Aschaffenburg, impressively documents the memorable evening and manifests the music of Pink Floyd in a way that it has not been heard before. Line-up: Line-up: Oliver Hartmann (Acoustic Guitar, Vocals); Martin Hofmann (Vocals, Acoustic Bass, Gitarre); Paul Kunkel (Piano, Vocals); Steffen Maier (Drums & Percussion); Michael Unger (Woodwinds & Vocals); Carolin Riehemann (Vocals); Irena Morisáková (Cello); Terezie Fadrná (Cello); Milena Kolárovà (Violin); Alice Vasilová (Violin) Releases: 16.10.2015 Barefoot To The Moon (CD) 16.10.2015 Barefoot To The Moon (DVD) 04.11.2016 Barefoot To The Moon (2-LP) 04.11.2016 Barefoot To The Moon (Blu-ray) 15.03.2019 Live From The Dark Side (Blu-ray, 2-CD, DVD and Box (with Blu-ray and 2-CD)
Psyco Drama
PSYCO DRAMA return withAshes to Wings, continuing the melodic power/progressive metal sound that brought them worldwide acclaim. Formed in Colorado Springs in 1990, PSYCO DRAMA established themselves as a musical force to be reckoned with on their debut album,The Illusion(1996). Its unique blend of hooks and melodies combined with epic and progressive passages resulted in compositions such as “Eyes Of A Child,” “Flames,” and “From Here,” with favorable comparisons placing them in the same league as progressive metal giants DREAM THEATER, QUEENSRYCHE and FATES WARNING. With Corey Brown (vocals) and Hercules Castro (guitar) being the main writing team behind PSYCO DRAMA, the band is considering Ashes to Wingsto be the rightful follow-up to „The Illusion.” Joining Corey and Hercules on this musical rebirth is bassist Ian Ringler, a member of PSYCO DRAMA during their previous incarnation (as well as Corey’s band mate in MAGNITUDE 9), and drummer Greg Sands. Ashes to Wings‚ 11 tracks will deliver PSYCO DRAMA’S unique style of heavy metal to the world, with songs such as “From Ashes To Wings,” “Requiem,” and “All That We Have” firmly reestablishing the band at the forefront of the power/progressive metal genre. Psyco Drama is: Corey Brown (Vocals), Hercules Castro (Guitar, Keyboards, Backing Vocals), Ian Ringler (Bass), Greg Sands (Drums, Backing Vocals) https://www.facebook.com/psycodramaband
BORMANN, MICHAEL – Closer
product: Michael Bormann – Closer release date: 22.05.2015 release territory: Germany, Austria & Switzerland format: CD On the 22nd of May 2015, after more than four years, the long awaited fifth solo album „Closer“ by Michael Bormann will see the light of the world. 2014 has been an eventful and exciting year. With his impressive performance at one of today’s biggest TV-Shows “The Voice of Germany” Michael reached millions of people. All songs were written, recorded and produced within a three-month studio session by the end of 2014. Due to the huge demand of the Demi-Lovato song „Warrior“, that got him into “The Voice” – show, Michael had no chance but taking it on the forthcoming CD. Downright refreshing, versatile and rocking Bormann presents „Closer“. Ballads, mid-tempo songs and pure Rock´n´Roll: you got it all! Defining a favorite is pretty hard as every single song has its own magic. „Because we are the world“ goes straight to the heart. The children’s choir makes this tune very special. Not only radio stations will love this song. It should be mentioned, that a valuable contribution to this album has been given by Eric Ragno and Bobby Stoecker. Knowing what and how he wants it, Bormann played most of the instruments by himself. It’s impressively showed on “Closer”. His strong “Voice” – performances got Michael the long deserved attention. Now it´s time for the next level. Closer will be drawing in the crowds under its magic spell.
The Summit
An unexpected clash of elements, several years in the making but assembled in just a short couple of months. In October of 2011 Björn Höglund (drummer of EASY ACTION and HOVEN DROVEN) made the call to Mats Karlsson (220 VOLT) and explained what he had in mind. For him, a dream team consisting of Mats, singer and childhood friend Michael Klemmé (MARMALADE SOULS) and bass player Lars Ericsson. Both with who Björn had played with since eighth grade. A carefully picked team of great players and established songwriters with the same background, musical taste and origin. The task: a quickly assembled album with a nod to the 70’s. Tired of being tied up in several album projects, years in the making, Björn wanted to write and record quickly, just like many of his favorite albums were made in the 70’s , and the music had to fit the same idea. Within hours everyone was on board. At this time Michael and Mats had never even met. Stepping up to the challenge, the boys began writing in January. Out of some 16 songs written, recording began in April and eleven songs. The result; a modern sounding 70’s rock album with several nods to the all the bands that shaped Mats, Björn, Michael and Lars musically, without ripping off any of them. Well crafted songwriting in the hands of potent players with years of experience from the stage and the studio. The digital version of this release includes the bonus track “The Way Down”. Line-up: Mats Karlsson (guitars, vocals); Björn Höglund (drums), Michael Klemmé (vocals, guitars); Lars Ericsson (bass) www.jointhesummit.com https://www.facebook.com/jointhesummit Releases on Pride & Joy Music: 31.07.2015 „One Way Highway“ (digital single) 04.09.2015 „Higher Ground“ (album)
Artists
Bormann, Michael
On the 22nd of May 2015, after more than four years, the long awaited fifth solo album „Closer“ by Michael Bormann will see the light of the world. 2014 has been an eventful and exciting year. With his impressive performance at one of today’s biggest TV-Shows “The Voice of Germany” Michael reached millions of people. All songs were written, recorded and produced within a three-month studio session by the end of 2014. Due to the huge demand of the Demi-Lovato song „Warrior“, that got him into “The Voice” – show, Michael had no chance but taking it on the forthcoming CD. Downright refreshing, versatile and rocking Bormann presents „Closer“. Ballads, mid-tempo songs and pure Rock´n´Roll: you got it all! Defining a favorite is pretty hard as every single song has its own magic. „Because we are the world“ goes straight to the heart. The children’s choir makes this tune very special. Not only radio stations will love this song. It should be mentioned, that a valuable contribution to this album has been given by Eric Ragno and Bobby Stoecker. Knowing what and how he wants it, Bormann played most of the instruments by himself. It’s impressively showed on “Closer”. His strong “Voice” – performances got Michael the long deserved attention. Now it´s time for the next level. Closer will be drawing in the crowds under its magic spell. Line-up: Michael Bormann – Drums, Bass, Keyboards, Guitar & Leadguitar, Acoustic guitar, Vox; Jean Bormann – Guitar s, Backingvox; Marco Grasshoff – Keyboards, Backingvox; Eric Ragno – Keyboards; Bobby Stöcker – Leadguitar; Katie Juraschka – Backingvox Produced by M. Bormann Recorded and mixed at RMB Studios, Duisburg, Germany Mastered by Michael Bormann www.michaelbormannpage.de https://www.facebook.com/michaelbormannrox
Artists
Artists