Legions Of The Night – Darkness
product: Legions Of The Nightrelease date: 12.07.2024format: CD & digitalterritory: world After the huge success of LEGIONS OF THE NIGHT’s debut album in the year 2020 during the pandemic, “Sorrow Is The Cure”, and the sophomore release “Hell” in 2022 the Germany based Power Metal group now returns with the third full length release “Darkness”! The group still exists of Jens Faber (Dawn of Destiny, MalefistuM, ExoS), drummer Philipp Bock (Dawn Of Destiny” and exceptional singer Henning Basse (Metalium, ex- Firewind, Mayan). “Darkness” continues exactly where the previous album has stopped – on this new release the typical Power Metal trademarks like huge melodies, powerful riffs and catchy choruses are present all over the released which is topped by an incredible performance of singer Henning Basse! There’s also again a stunning cover of a Savatage classic on this release, i.e. “Tonight He Grins Again”! “Darkness” once again was mastered by mastermind Dennis Köhne (Orden Ogan, Sodom, Lacuna Coil)! https://www.facebook.com/Legions-of-the-Night-102006271677428
Dark Mile – Dark Mile
product: Dark Mile – Dark Milerelease date: 12.07.2024format: CD & digitalterritory: world Dark Mile set out to create a sound that can certainly be described as melodic hard rock. But there is a uniqueness to the sound that cannot be described as a copycat or sound alike. Long time friends Tracy G (Dio), Paul Alfery (Walk The Walk) and Randy Oviedo (Streek) connected with Mark Huff (Quiet Riot) and respected what each of them had done musically in the past. All four have been involved in the hard rock music scene for years. They felt that if they could draw on that experience, they could create a powerful and distinctive sound. Tracy G will be best known for his years with Ronnie James Dio. Mark Huff spent several years touring with Quiet Riot. Paul Alfery released the debut record for Walk the Walk and Randy Oviedo has been playing live as well as doing studio sessions since his days with Streek. Their debut record can be best described as big, loud and raucous. Crunchy guitars, thunderous bass and vocals that demand your attention. Catchy songs with an elevated level of musicianship. Ready to make their mark in the melodic hard rock market. The future looks bright for Dark Mile. Dark Mile are:Mark Huff (lead vocals)Tracy G. (guitars)Paul Alfery (guitar, keyboards)Randy Oviedo (bass) Track list:1. The Boy2. No Deal3. I Can’t Help You4. Like Nerver Before5. Is Anybody Listening6. Games7. He Said She Said8. Maybe On A Sunday9. Know Me10. Where’s The Love11. United We Stand12. Lies https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558042420831
Miss Behaviour – Heart Of Midwinter
product: Miss Behaviour – Heart Of Midwinter release date: 17.02.2023 format: CD (ltd. mailorder only release) & digital territory: world remark: ltd. edition Cd re-issue (500 units only) with new booklet Emerging from a Swedish town by the name of Norrköping, some young musicians who enjoyed hardrock, heavy metal, AOR and melodic rock eventually founded a band in 2003. Miss Behaviour was born and this debut was able to leave its mark on the scene already in 2006. Erik Heikne (g), Henrik Sproge (keys), Mattias Wetterhall (v), Sebastian Gustavsson (b) and Hampus Landin (d) were the line-up. „Henrik and me had known each other since we were like seven years old. We discovered bands like Helloween at a very young age and had a very supporting teacher later on, who was probably a musician himself. He recognized that we were very focused on the bands we liked and encouraged us to start a band ourselves. We had a first gig soon after. And to cut a long story short, Henrik and I started to study in Kalmar. We studied music management but soon found out that what we were taught about the music industry was more or less out-dated already with Napster and the like going stronger and stronger and a radical change in promoting and releasing music coming up.“ Not having much to do apart from writing music, Heike and Sproge, sharing an apartment at the time and having played in various power metal outfits before discovering bands like Magnum or classic Yngwie Malmsteen, eventually started a band. Miss Behaviour was born. „We didn’t have the money and the knowledge back then but we wanted to create something in the vein of what Nestor is doing today“, Heike explains. More or less, nobody was doing it at the time. „Hampus, our drummer was not really into that kind of music but rather into Slayer and Pantera but he was the drummer around and recorded the songs and that’s it. But he is still one of my best friends and he and I still playing in different bands. The bass player was a kind of one-off-performance. He still plays but far away from what we did back in the day. I think he works in a library today. And the singer Mattias, how he was called back then, changed his name“, Heikne recalls. “I still talk to him from time to time. Still to this day, I’m pretty sad that he didn’t do much with his talent. The whole album has a great feel to it although the whole performance is far from what we did on our later albums but Mattias had that powerful voice which he wasn’t fully aware of“, states Heikne. Unfortunately, “Heart Of Midwinter“ is one of the very few releases Wetterhall sang on so far. Sebastian Roos, the current singer in Miss Behaviour, actually sang backing vocals on the debut, so coming full circle with the band. The debut came out in 2006 on a small label called Sunset Fox Records. „We were so happy to be able to spread our music“, Heikne remembers. Early Crashdïet might have been an influence on the band, too. Also the name of the band has to do with the love of sleaze rock back then because sleaze bands and musicians are often a bit out of line and live every cliche of rock to the fullest, probably misbehaving sometimes. “The music on our debut was also not pure AOR“, Heike admits. The guys did not know yet what exactly AOR – Adult Oriented Rock – really was. The opening track “The Shine“, being some kind of signature song for the album, certainly sticks out. “This track is a great example of the fine sense of melody in Henriks songwriting“, the guitarist recalls. The artwork reflects the search for their very own sound as the songs are a mixture of metal, AOR and melodic rock. Therefore, the artwork, too, is not typical AOR style. With three albums (“Last Woman Standing“ in 2011, “Double Agent“ in 2014 and “Ghost Play“ in 2016) following and e.g. a big UK tour and several festival appearances in Sweden or Germany, Miss Behaviour left a mark on the scene, having their hey days around 2011 and 2012. So, obviously, with prices on eBay and the like going up for the very few remaining copies of “Heart Of Midwinter“, it is about time to give this album a proper rerelease with a new booklet. “I think it would be unfair towards fans, who have been asking continuously for it as it wasn’t even available on streaming platforms, not to rerelease it. And Birgitt Schwanke and Pride & Joy Music are reliable partners.“ With Erik Heikne and Henrik Sproge writing songs currently, there might be some new music in the pipeline soon. Miss Behaviour is still alive and kickin’… product: Dark Mile – Dark Milerelease date: 12.07.2024format: CD & digitalterritory: world product: Miss Behaviour – Heart Of Midwinter release date: 17.02.2023 format: CD (ltd. mailorder only release) & digital territory: world remark: ltd. edition Cd re-issue (500 units only) with new booklet Emerging from a Swedish town by the name of Norrköping, some young musicians who enjoyed hardrock, heavy metal, AOR and melodic rock eventually founded a band in 2003. Miss Behaviour was born and this debut was able to leave its mark on the scene already in 2006. Erik Heikne (g), Henrik Sproge (keys), Mattias Wetterhall (v), Sebastian Gustavsson (b) and Hampus Landin (d) were the line-up. „Henrik and me had known each other since we were like seven years old. We discovered bands like Helloween at a very young age and had a very supporting teacher later on, who was probably a musician himself. He recognized that we were very focused on the bands we liked and encouraged us to start a band ourselves. We had a first gig soon after. And to cut a long story short, Henrik and I started to
Czakan – State Of Confusion
product: Czakan – State Of Confusion (re-release) release date: 17.02.2023 format: CD territory: world The time has come: the re-release of the much acclaimed Czakan debut album ‚State of Confusion‘, which was awarded ‘record of the month’ in ‚Metal Star‘ when it was released in 1989 and sold around 25,000 copies in Germany, is imminent! The outstanding re-mastering by Robin Schmidt at 24-96 Mastering Karlsruhe brings the `89 production far more than just to today’s level in addition to having a new label behind it – a storm is brewing! Back home after this release, none other than Reinhold Mack (Queen, Rolling Stones, ELO and many more) contacted the boys and invited them to a weekend at the Musicland Studios in Munich. He put Czakan to the next step of their career. ‘Free Line‘ and ‚She is a Woman‘ were recorded. Two incredible titles that opened the next doors for the band. Frank Bornemann, owner of Horus Sound Studio Hanover and mastermind of German based band Eloy, knocked. In April 1988 he signed Czakan to Edition Metromania – a cooperation with Warner Chappell publishing. The musical fine-tuning of the rough diamond Czakan began. The band reaped the first benefits of this cooperation with the silver medal at the young talent festival, which the Rockfabrik Ludwigsburg organized in cooperation with the magazine ‚Metal Hammer‘ on Boxing Day 1988. In the audience, executives of former German record company Intercord. After many lucrative offers, the band finally decided to sign a record deal with the guys from Stuttgart. In June1989 Czakan boarded the Horus Sound Studios. During that summer they created their first record. ‚State of Confusion‘ was born. Already, after the first feedbacks it became clear that this band easily could measure up with any international competition. A tour across Germany followed as the opening act for Uriah Heep’s 20th Anniversary tour. After that, the trail of this brilliant band unfortunately got lost in the sands of time… …until today …because Czakan is back! With a grandiose remaster of `State of Confusion` and lots of news for spring 2023
Chris Rosander – The Monster Inside
product: Chris Rosander – The Monster Inside release date: 17.02.2023 format: CD & digital territory: world Chris Rosander is a 25 year old musician and songwriter from Örnsköldsvik, Sweden who has been writing songs in the AOR/Melodic and West Coast genre since he was 14 years old. Christian’s musical work includes artists and bands such as Michael Ruff, Paulo Mendonca, Frank Ådahl and X-Romance. In Mars 2020 Rosander signed with the record label AOR Heaven and debuted with his first full-length album ”King Of Hearts” that same year. Since it wasn’t possible to get out to play live shows at that time due to the pandemic, he started the writing process for a new album which now will be released on February 17th, 2023 via Pride & Joy Music. The album also was written & produced by Chris Rosander. In 2022 Chris got invited to guest on a charity project for the Ukraine called Save The Noise. He recorded vocals and guitar tracks on the song “Can’t Take Freedom From Me”, written by Filippa Nässil from Thundermother together with musicians and artists such as Filippa Nässil and Emlee Johansson from Thundermother, Liv Sin (Ex Sister Sin), Martin Motnik (Accept), Snowy Shaw (Ex King Diamond), Chaq Mol (Dark Funeral), Pontus Snibb (Bonafide), Linnea Wikström (At The Movies, Fd Therion, Ronnie Atkins Band), Ross ”The Boss” Freidman (MANOWAR, The Dictators), Søren Andersen (Chad Smith, Glenn Hughes, Marco Mendoza, Neil Murray, Ida Nielsen, Marcus Linnet, Simona Abdallah, Michael Gersdorff, Morten Hellborn) and Ida S (VA Rocks). Chris Rosander says about the new album: “The Monster Inside – Don’t we all have one of those? I know I do, and I believe that the most of us have, metaphorically speaking a monster inside and that’s what this work is all about. I started working on this record in August back in 2020 straight after the release of my debut ”King Of Hearts”. All songs were ready to be recorded in December that same year but due to the pandemic we couldn’t start until late august 2021. I didn’t know when I started the writing process that it was going to be a concept album but when I wrote the song Turn Your Heart To Stone the idea of having all the songs following the same theme felt rather intriguing. It’s not that kind of album where you get to follow the same storyline throughout the track list. On this record you get to hear 11 stories/songs about different people, each got a more twisted/darker side of them self than the other. Basically this album is about different and absurd behaviours and the fact that all of us got a side of our self that we rather not let anybody else see. The Monster Inside.”
Eye – Anthology (3 CD Box)
product: Eye – Anthology (mailorder release only!) release date: 20.01.2023 format: 3 CD Box territory: world Remarks: includes 50 tracks from the band’s archives, rare picture material, a 24 pages booklet incl. liner notes written by Mike Varney, ltd. on 500 copies only ———————————————————————————————————- Timmy (EYE) a histography It all started in 8th grade, 1967, the summer of love, in Buckhead, Georgia. Keyboardist John „Langford“ Harrison met guitarist Donny Macleod, and the rest was history. For nearly five decades, they still practiced every night. Why? Because they loved it. From the beginning, they had to have that „Brown“ soun‘. (Translated into laymens terms, that basically means a Marshall on ten). Thus the name ‚Timmy‘. A contradiction in terms, dialectic, or a sucker punch. I am reminded of when Elvis Presley came on the Ed Sullivan show, and said, „Okay, we’re gonna slow it down a little…You ain’t nothin‘ but a houndog!!! That knocked me back on my heels as a three-year-old. So Timmy comes out with a friendly little name, and then proceeds to knock you back on your heels! Heralded as the unsung progressive band of the seventies, that no one“s ever heard of, Timmy boasts an impressive history of associates that includes: Andy West of the Dixie Dregs, Mark O’Conner, world renowned fiddle champ,Vince Welnick, of the Tubes and Grateful Dead, Eddy Offord, produce of Yes and ELP, and engineer on John Lennon’s Imagine, and infamous rock manager Tony Secunda, who managed such acts as Procol Harem, Moody Blues, T Rex, Motorhead, Denny Laine, Chrissie Hinde, and Steel-Eye Span. 1975 Marin County California Timmy joins forces with Cream of Chicken, replacing guitarist Angie Makurak with Peter Penhallow, (aka Mr. Cheez), and drummer Dave Obiedo with Paul Southard, (aka Paul Zahl…his girlfriends tall!). Peter eventually moves to mini moog, (the ’saxophone‘, as John would affectionately refer to it), Donny moves, from bass to guitar, and John takes over the bass with his killer left hand. One of their songs at that time was called „Big Long One“, which says it all. Most of their tunes, mostly written by John, and collaborated with by Donny and Peter, were anywhere from ten minutes to a half hour long, and were these fantastic and beautiful epics with time changes every measure. From 1975 to 1988, various drummers came in and out, while John, Donny and Peter remained as the core of the group. Zahl stayed maybe a year, and maybe came back once or twice, but was eventually replaced with Mitch Hinard, (aka Panda McCaan). The music was a stretch for Panda, but he rose to the occasion and then some and hit excellent and hard. After Panda came Bob, (Uncle Woofy), easily among the best progressive drummers on the planet. The Uncle Woofy period was a height. The tunes were longer, crazier, more beautiful than ever, and played with precision. The band opened for many progressive bands of that era to standing ovations. (Bill Bruford, Dixie Dregs, Captain Beefheart, Allan Holdsworth, Brian Auger, etc.) Next up was Charlie Tapp on drums. Charlie also brought in a few nice tunes. The band was also recruited by famed rock manager Tony Secunda. A shift in the music occurs: shorter tunes, straighter beats. This was a typical shift for progressive bands at this time, e.g. Asia, the early eighties rhing, and Timmy handled the shift with grace. 1983 Andy West, bass player for the Dixie Dregs, joined the band. 1984 The band made a demo, (The Atlanta Project), produced by Eddy Offord. All the King’s men loved it, just the King’s A and R guys went, ehh! Hello Brain! Paul Chatterton III on the drums. Vince Welnick came in to co-write and produced a few tunes for the „Eye“ CD. 1988 „Has anyone seen Peter?“ „Hey Peter, when ya comin‘ to rehearsal?“ „Guys, I ran away from home to play piano for babies“. Brain left the band soon after Mr. Cheez, and eventually flew into the arms of God from the seat of his Harley. God bless ya, brother. 1990 Andy Bishop joins the band on drums, they were a bad ass rockin‘ trio. The Timmy line up at that time was: John (Langford) Harrison, Donny (Jock McNutt) MacLeod, Andy Bishop 30 years of Rock and Roll! So I seriously doubt that this is… The End Bio, originally published in Strtterzine magazine, was written by Peter Mr. Cheez Penhallow, 2005. R.I.P John Gimma Langford Harrison – Jan. 3, 1953 – June 25, 2012 Donny McLeod – Sept. 27, 1952 – Jan. 10, 2010
Autumn’s Child – Starflower
product: Autumn’s Child – Starflower release date: 20.01.2023 formats: CD & digital territory: World excl. Asia Mikael Erlandsson needs no further introduction when it comes to melodic rock. He has released six successful solo albums and a lot of titles with groups like Phenomena, Salute among others. Between 2006-2018 Erlandsson fronted the Swedish super group Secret Service which he toured with live all over the world. Together with the fantastic guitar player Andy Malecek from the successful German hard rock band Fair Warning he founded the band LAST AUTUMNS DREAM in 2003 which also featured Ian Haugland, Mic Michaeli and John Leven of Europe fame at the time. Last Autumn’s Dream went on releasing another 14 albums with different line ups including great musicians like Jamie Borger (Treat) and Marcel Jacob (Talisman). They toured Japan, England and Germany but decided to take a break in 2018. Shortly after, Erlandsson founded the group AUTUMN’S CHILD who have released three extremely successful albums so far (“Autumn’s Child” – 2019, “Angel’s Gate” – 2020, “Zenith” – 2022). January 2023 sees Autumn’s Child returning with their fourth album “Starflower”, their second release via Pride & Joy Music. The group still features Michael Erlandsson on vocals, keyboards & guitars, Pontus Åkesson on lead guitar, Robban Bäck on drums, Claes Andreasson on piano and Magnus Rosen on bass. “Starflower” was produced by Mikael Erlandsson & Claes Andreasson, mixed and mastered by Mikael Andersson at Soundport Studios, Sweden; drums recorded by Mikael Andersson at Soundport Studios.
Barnabas Sky – What Comes To Light
product: Barnabas Sky – What Comes To Light release date: 20.01.2023 formats: CD & digital territory: world The melodic hard rock all-star project BARNABAS SKY, led by German guitarist and songwriter Markus Pfeffer (LAZARUS DREAM/WINTERLAND), launches its sophomore album „What Comes To Light“! Stylistically, the project of the multi-instrumentalist from Kaiserslautern combines groovy guitar riffs, catchy choruses, distinctive voices of several singers with international reputation, spherical synth sounds and filigree solos to a timeless rock melange way beyond short-lived trends. Once again on board are TYKETTO’s Danny Vaughn as well as SILENT RAGE’s Jesse Damon, whereby the former impresses with energetic vocals on the title track and the latter is supported with choirs by AOR legend PAUL SABU on the elegiac earworm „Grant Me A Wish From Heaven“. For the first time, Doogie White (RAINBOW, ALCATRAZZ, RISING FORCE etc.) is on board for the classic rock steam hammer „Circus Of Delight“ as well as Dan Reed (DAN REED NETWORK) with the synth-hooked „Take A Ride“. Also featured are Roy Cathey (COLD SWEAT, THE FIFTH), Dirk Kennedy (HITTMAN), Carsten „Lizard“ Schulz (DOMAIN, EVIDENCE ONE), Lee Small (SWEET, LIONHEART, PHENOMENA) and metal legend Alan Tecchio (WATCHTOWER). In addition to these already established singers, the exceptional vocal talent Deibys Artigas Venegas (PREINCARNATION) from Venezuela, who is just 30 years old, is on board as an insider tip. The impressive cover design was done by Stan W. Decker (POWERWOLF, MEGADETH etc.) and the mastering by Rolf Munkes at Empire Studios (MICHAEL SCHENKER, MAD MAX, VOODOO CIRCLE etc.). Line-up: Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Guitarsynth: Markus Pfeffer Vocals: Danny Vaughn, Dan Reed, Doogie White, Jesse Damon, Roy Cathey, Dirk Kennedy, Lee Small, Carsten Lizard Schulz, Alan Tecchio, Deibys Artigas Venegas Drums, Percussions: Thomas Rieder Backing Vocals: Paul Sabu, Stephan Hugo
Blue Ruin – Hooligans Happy Hour
product: Blue Ruin – Hooligans Happy Hour release date: 25.11.2022 formats: CD & digital territory: world Blue Ruin is Charlotte Tybalt, Anna Monteith, Elettra Pizzale and Louisa Maria. Inspired by all things creepy and fun, Blue Ruin brings a captivating and colorful sound, reminiscent of the punk rock and pop punk genre. With fast paced riffs and mesmerising stage performances – Blue Ruin sets audiences on fire. Initially founded out of New Zealand in 2015, Blue Ruin embodies the down to earth culture of New Zealand’s people, exuding a sense of effortless, carefree fun. Having completed several tours throughout New Zealand, Europe and the UK, Blue Ruin has their sights focused on further dominating the punk rock scene. With the release of their debut album, Hooligans Happy Hour, fans can expect songs reflective of Blue Ruin’s playfully dark sound, with more face melting guitar solos, moody baselines, heart pumping drum beats and gritty vocals than ever before. Having garnered much success over the years, with opening slots with icons such as Misfits, Cherie Currie and Steel Panther, Blue Ruin is set to continue to rise. With a beautifully refined visual style, and a sound that reminds us there is beauty in darkness, Blue Ruin encourages us all to come on this journey of freedom, self expression and good old fashioned fun.
Bad Sister – Where Will You Go
product: Bad Sister – Where Will You Go release date: 25.11.2022 formats: CD & digital territory: world BAD SISTER was founded in 1980 in Hamburg. During the 80’s and 90’s the AOR and melodic hard rock band played countless shows – for example famous „Onkel Pö“ in Hamburg. In 1989 BAD SISTER released their first CD „Heartbreaker“ which was sold all around the world and is estimated among critics as an classic album of AOR. The first single released from this album was „Catriona“. The band supported Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan and Detroit based rock shouter Mitch Ryder. The second album „Out Of The Business“ was released in 1991 in Europe, USA und Japan. Many shows and open air festivals followed incl. several performances at Wacken Open Air. In 2022 BAD SISTER releases „Where Will You Go“ – 13 great AOR and melodic hard rock songs which were produced by Kai-Ove Kessler at Hammaburg Studios, Hamburg and mixed at Wellenschmiede, Hamburg by Timo Höcke. „It’s our best album so far“, says singer Andrea Löhndorf. The first single & music video is called „Lose Or Win“, a powerful eighties-style hard rock smash hit: pure and straight. „Feels Like Love“, a classic AOR track, offers pure energy with driving guitar riffs and great choir singing whilst „Couldn’t Do Right“ pleases with its earthy guitars, melodic keyboards, harmonic voices and a chorus that stays on your mind. „Fair Enough“ is another example for showing the passion of this band: rough guitars, powerful keyboards and a catchy hook. And „Moon Woman“ is an emotional ballad with a melodic chorus and supported by a guitar solo that gets under your skin.