Barnabas Sky – Over The Horizon
product: Barnabas Sky – Over The Horizonrelease date: 22.08.2025format: CD & digitalterritory: world Multi-instrumentalist Markus Pfeffer (LAZARUS DREAM, MYSTERY MOON, WINTERLAND) from Kaiserslautern/Germany launches the third album of his Melodic Rock all-star project. In keeping with tradition, TYKETTO’s Danny Vaughn again opens the album with the epic track “The Sign Of The Wolf”. He is represented with two songs, as are David Cagle (SILENT TIGER) and Dirk Kennedy (HITTMAN). Tony Harnell (TNT) enhances the elegiac ballad “The Only Way” with his unmistakable voice, for which HEART LINE keyboardist Jorris Guilbaud contributed a string arrangement. Lee Small (THE SWEET/LIONHEART) takes on the groovy “Lone Wolf”, which is reminiscent of old QUEENSRYCHE, the Swede Conny Lind (AMAZE ME) sings about social media on “Book Of Faces” and the title track is sung by the young up-and-coming talent Deibys Artigas (PREINCARNATION) from Venezuela, who doesn’t have to hide behind his well-known colleagues with his distinctive voice and impressive vocal range. Pfeffer combines edgy guitar riffs, filigree solos and shimmering synthesizer sounds with catchy melodies and has several melodic rock earworms on the album, such as “Platform Of A Star” (David Cagle), as well as overlong tracks such as the title track and the 9-minute epic track “Scirocco Sands” (Dirk Kennedy). Despite the different voices and variety, the songs remain stylistically homogeneous and form a well-rounded whole. The mastering by Rolf Munkes (Empire Studios) is responsible for the transparent and powerful sound, while the futuristic cover was created by Argentinian artist Nicolas Oliveros. Mixed & produced by Markus Pfeffer All music by Markus Pfeffer Lyrics written by the respective singers Line-Up:Markus Pfeffer: Guitars, Bass, Guitarsynthesizer, Synthesizer, Backing VocalsVocals: Danny Vaughn (01/09), Tony Harnell (05), Dirk Kennedy (02/09), Lee Small (07), David Cagle (03/08), Conny Lind (06), Deibys Artigas (04). Guests:Drums, Percussions (all Songs): Thomas RiederString-Arrangement (05): Jorris GuilbaudAdditional Synths & FX (01): Thomas Nitschke Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barnabasskyband Track list:01. The Sign Of The Wolf (Danny Vaughn)02. One By One (Dirk Kennedy)03. Platform Of A Star (David Cagle)04. Over The Horizon (Deibys Artigas)05. The Only Way (Tony Harnell)06. Book Of Faces (Conny Lind)07. Lone Wolf (Lee Small)08. Dreams (David Cagle)09. Fire Falls (Danny Vaughn)10. Scirocco Sands (Dirk Kennedy)
Hearts On Fire – Signs & Wonders
product: Hearts On Fire – Signs & Wondersrelease date: 25.07.2025format: CD & digitalterritory: world Seven years after HEARTS ON FIRE’s debut album titled “Call Of Destiny” (2018) was released, the group returns with powerful music and a new voice! This time featuring none other than renowned singer Mark Boals on vocals! Their second album “Signs & Wonders” features a solid line-up consisting of Jean Funes (guitars, Silent Tiger), Joel Mejía (drums, Silent Tiger) and keyboardist Eric Ragno (Khymera, The Babys) that brings 11 songs to life, delivered with more intensity and punch, but still keeping that melodic magic present. Dennis Ward (Khymera, Magnum), who also mixed and mastered the release, appears as guest on bass guitar. The sound of the band has evolved by adding more personality and depth to the music – with definitely more edges than the debut album but keeping that distinctive melodic sound. “Signs & Wonders” features lyrics with reflective themes and topics of relevance in the world right now, and the songs are full of inspired melodies and hooks that will leave you wanting more. Hearts On Fire is: Mark Boals (Lead and Background Vocals), Jean Funes (Guitars), Joel Mejia (Drums), Eric Ragno (Keyboards) Additional Musician: Dennis Ward (Bass)Produced by Jean FunesMixed and mastered by Dennis WardExecutive producers: Jean Funes and Joel Mejia Track list:1. Signs in the Sky2. Collective Mind3. Lights & Shadows4. Stay in this Moment5. Blood Moon6. Eleventh Hour7. Battlefield8. Restless Heart9. Rearview Mirror10. World Torn in Two11. Road to Eternity https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558042420831
FIRST LIGHT – Elemental
product: FIRST LIGHT – Elementalrelease date: 25.07.2025format: CD & digitalterritory: world First Light is the melodic rock band of lifelong friends Dave Hardman (guitar) and Carl Sharples (bass)—two musicians bound by decades of friendship and a passion for the golden era of AOR. What began as lockdown collaboration in 2020 has become a dynamic musical force, rooted in the spirit of classic bands like FM, Journey, Foreigner, and Giant, yet fully charged with fresh energy and modern production. Despite now living in different countries—Dave in Spain and Carl in the UK—the duo has forged a creative partnership through remote collaboration, with Dave shaping the music and Carl penning lyrics and melodies. Together, they deliver a sound that is both nostalgic and invigorating, combining lush harmonies, heartfelt songwriting, and the unmistakable spirit of British melodic rock. To bring their vision to life, they assembled an outstanding lineup. Warren Passaro, a powerful and soulful vocalist from New York City, brings transatlantic fire and finesse. On drums, long-time friend Andy Jakeman provides thunderous, driving energy. with the crown jewel of fanboy dreams coming when Didge Digital, legendary keyboardist of British AOR giants FM, joined the band—adding his trademark melodic textures and deepening the band’s sonic identity. After receiving international airplay and glowing praise for their 2023 Gravity mini-album—including a Classic Rock Magazine review (a rare feat for an unsigned band), a 90% score from melodicrock.com, and Album of the Month in AOR Underground—First Light knew they had to raise the bar. Produced by Pete Newdeck (Vega) and mastered by Harry Hess (Harem Scarem), Elemental is a powerful, emotionally charged collection of 11 brand new songs—each one crafted with precision, passion, and purpose. Created virtually, yet bursting with chemistry, the album captures the clarity, depth, and organic spirit that inspired its title. Elemental is not just an album—it’s a statement. Track list:1. Closer2. Damned if you do3. Forever young4. Mayday5. Leave a light on6. Mesmerising7. Run8. Caught up in you9. Shooting for the stars10. Untouchable11. The Prize https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066826565739
Heathen’s Eye – Port Inspiro
product: Heathen’s Eye – Port Inspirorelease date: 27.06.2025format: CD & digitalterritory: world HEATHEN’S EYE is a new Swedish Melodic Metal band which incorporates many different influences from the fields of AOR, melodic rock and progressive into its sound. Most band members live in the beautiful north, the land of snow, aurora borealis, months of eternal darkness in the winter, and warm days when the sun never sets in the summer. These contrasts are also reflected in the music of HEATHEN’S EYE which spans over heavy rock, airy ballads and progressive metal. The band features five experienced musicians with a background in several genres. It consists of Göran Hamrin (song writer and guitar), Jonas Jönsson (drums), Mikael Andersson (keys), Ola Hellström, (bass) and Robb Lindh (vocals). In HEATHEN’S EYE their wide experience is fused together into a unique sound that expands the borders of Hard Rock. Many of the Scandinavians‘ influences come from the 80s and 90s and from bands like like Queensrÿche, Accept and Lynch Mob, but at the same time it pushes the boundaries of progressive rock further into the future. The name of the album, Port Inspiro, “Inspired by the past” in Esperanto, is a tribute to the bands that led HEATHEN’S EYE onto the path they are on today. “Port Inspiro” will be released via Pride & Joy Music on CD and digital on June 27th, 2025. Line-up: Göran Hamrin – guitars, Jonas Jönsson – drums, Mikael Andersson – keyboards, Ola Hellström – bass, Robb Lindh – vocals Track list:1. One Black Lie2. Mirrorman3. Ghosts Of Yesterday4. Still Water Runs Deep5. Firepriest6. Is It Over Now7. Endless Lies8. Lost In The Wind9. Shine10. Monsters11. Blind12. Time To Deliver https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082695914047
White Widdow – Crossfire
product: White Widdow – Crossfirerelease date: 27.06.2025format: CD territory: world Formed in Melbourne, Australia in 2008 and centered around the Millis brothers Jules (Vocals) & Xavier (Keyboards) with Guitar virtuoso Enzo Almanzi. Raised on a healthy diet of 80’s Arena Rock and influenced by artists such as Survivor, Dokken, Night Ranger, White Sister & Giuffria. In 2010 White Widdow stormed onto the Melodic Rock scene across the globe with the release of their self titled debut album, filled with swirling keyboards, blistering guitar playing and big choruses. The release of the debut was met by the press with rave reviews making it into Classic Rock Magazine’s top 10 AOR albums for 2010. Hot on the heels of their debut, White Widdow quickly returned with their follow up release “Serenade” in September 2011. „Serenade“ was heaped with praise by the press as one of the best albums in the genre of 2011, gaining 9/10 in both Classic Rock and Powerplay magazines and receiving a 94% on the coveted website melodicrock.com. In support of „Serenade“, White Widdow hit the road playing festivals and headlining club shows throughout Europe which saw them tour through Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Greece and England. Along the way performing at HEAT Festival (Germany) and Firefest (UK). This was followed in 2012 with a full tour of the UK as support band to English melodic rock band TEN. White Widdow had initially hoped to release their third album at the end of 2013, however 2013 proved to be a difficult year for the band with original bass player Trent Wilson retiring from the music industry and the unfortunate death of drummer George Kristy. Despite these set backs, in early 2014 the Millis brothers and Almanzi regrouped with a rejuvenated new line up, featuring Ben Webster on Bass and Noel Tenny on Drums. The band set about making their third album “Crossfire“, which shows the band retaining their trademark keyboard driven Melodic Hard Rock. Showing at times a slightly more hard rock edge than on the previous albums, yet still drenched in melody and hooks. Produced & engineered by Xavier Millis and mixed once again by Pelle Saether (Grand Design), White Widdow are back with quite possibly their best album yet. Track list:1. Caught In The Crossfire2. Fly Me Away3. Just Another Night4. Below The Bel5. Dreams Don’t Die6. Too Many Tears7. Angel8. Born To Be A Rebel9. Carry The Heartache10. Never Again11. Thunder (Bonus Track) www.facebook.com/whitewiddowaor
White Widdow – Serenade
product: Dark Mile – Serenaderelease date: 27.06.2025format: CD territory: world Founded in Melbourne Australia, White Widdow was formed in 2008 by front man Jules Millis , Bassist Trent Wilson and Guitarist Enzo Almanzi. Soon after, Jules brought in his brother Xavier Millis on the keyboards, a two time ARIA (Australian Record Industry Award) nominee. With Xavier onboard, the writing team was in place and the line-up was then completed with Jim Naish on drums. Raised on a healthy diet of 80’s Arena Rock and influenced by artists such as White Sister, Giuffria, Aviator, Survivor , Danger Danger, Rick Springfield and Roxus, White Widdow started out playing live amongst the diverse Melbourne Rock scene, they quickly established themselves as a solid live unit throughout their native Australia. In mid 2009 White Widdow recorded and released their free digital only EP which was very well received in selected press. In 2010 White Widdow stormed onto the Melodic Rock scene across the globe with the release of their self titled debut album through AOR Heaven. With the release of the debut, the full vision of White Widdow has become a reality. An album full of Melodic Rock and AOR anthems filled with swirling keyboards, blistering guitar playing and big choruses full of hooks. Hot on the heels of their debut, White Widdow return with their follow up release “Serenade”. Proud of their 80’s influences, the new album “Serenade” retains the urgency and energy of the White Widdow debut , while also showcasing more diversity in song style and structure. Recorded at Solid State Studios in Melbourne Australia and Mixed and Mastered by Pelle Saether (Grand Design) at Studio Underground in Sweden. Track list:1. Cry Wolf2. Strangers In The Night3. Do You Remember4. Reckless Nights5. How Far I Run6. Serenade7. Show Your Cards8. Mistake9. Patiently10. Love Won’t Wait 11. Reckless Nights Acoustic (Bonus Track) www.facebook.com/whitewiddowaor
White Widdow – White Widdow
product: White Widdow – White Widdowrelease date: 27.06.2025format: CD territory: world Hailing from Melbourne Australia, White Widdow was formed in 2008 by charismatic front man Jules Millis along with Bassist Trent Wilson and Guitar virtuoso Enzo Almanzi. From its inception the vision was always to write and perform 80’s Arena style Melodic Rock and Hard Edged AOR inspired by artists such as White Sister , Survivor, Treat, Dokken, Aviator, Bon Jovi and Australia’s own Roxus. After initial sessions it was clear to them that to fulfill the sound they wanted, they would require a full time keyboard player. Jules immediately enlisted the help of his brother Xavier Millis on the keyboards, a two time ARIA (Australian Record Industry Award) nominee and a well versed keyboard player in many musical styles. With Xavier onboard, the writing team was in place and the line-up was then completed with Jim Naish on drums. Starting out playing live amongst the diverse Melbourne Rock scene, White Widdow quickly established themselves as a solid live unit throughout their native Australia. In mid 2009 White Widdow recorded and released their free digital only EP which was very well received in selected press. With their debut Self Titled album, the full vision of White Widdow has become a reality. With absolutely no concerns about modern rock trends the band has followed their hearts and proudly wear their 80’s influences on their sleeves . Mixed and Mastered by Martin Kronlund (Overland, Joe Lynn Turner, Hammerfall, Bangalore Choir) at JM Studios in Sweden, White Widdow have put together an album full of Melodic Rock and AOR anthems filled with swirling keyboards, blistering guitar playing and big choruses full of hooks, the way they believe rock music should be. Track list:1. Shoukai (Intro)2. Tokyo Rain3. Broken Hearts Won‘t Last Forever4. We‘ve Got The Wings5. Cross To Bare6. Don‘t Fail Me Now7. Spirit Of Fire8. Shadows Of Love9. One More Day10. Change Of Passion11. Fire & Ice12. Broken Hearts Won‘t Last Forever – Acoustic (Bonus Track)
Gabrielle de Val – I am the Hammer
product: Gabrielle De Val – I Am The Hammerrelease date: 27.06.2025format: CD & digitalterritory: world Gabrielle de Val began to get involved in the Rock scene in Madrid, where she started by winning several important contests in Spain with her first band, such as the “Villa de Madrid”. Gradually, music became a very important part of her life. In 2011, she released her first full album with her band, The Val, titled ‚Back‘, taking advantage of the rise of social networks which allowed the band to be heard beyond their borders. The album was distributed and supported by important media such as Classic Rock Magazine and Fireworks Magazine, which made possible the recording of a second album, ‚Heading for the Surface‘ (2015) and a third one, ‚King Ocelot‘ (2020), all of them with extraordinary reviews from the specialised media. With The Val, Gabrielle gave major concerts, participated in festivals, toured England and had the opportunity to sing live alongside big names in international Rock such as Robert Tepper (Rockingham Fest, 2015). In 2022, an album created by Bruce Mee (editor of Fireworks Magazine) and Khalil Turk (Escape Music), ‘The Garden’, by Circle of Friends, was released, in which the vocalist performed an original song written by Mikael Rosengren titled ‘When He’s Gone’, which was highly praised by the specialised press. In this work, she coincided with several of the artists who would later participate in her first solo album. ‚Kiss in a Dragon Night‘, Gabrielle’s first solo album, was conceived when Bruce Mee listened to the album ‚Back‘ to write a review for Fireworks Magazine. Somehow, the song that gave the album its title, over time, led him to want to record a full album, and together with producer Khalil Turk (Escape Music), he shaped the idea and created an album involving vocalists such as Steve Overland (FM), Mick Devine (Seven), Robin McAuley (Michael Schenker Band), Mark Boals (Yngwie Malmsteen) and Terry Brock (Strangeways) as well as musicians such as Gary Pihl (Boston), Eric Ragno (Joe Lynn Turner), Johan Kullberg (HammerFall) and Fredrik Folkare (Nordic Union). After the debut solo album, Gabrielle began working 18 months ago on what had been conceived to be her second album, ‘Cry Wolf’, but due to a delay in production, Gabrielle and Bruce Mee took advantage of the waiting time and wrote a bunch of songs together. Tommy Denander took on the role of producer/musician, leading the creation of a completely new album, titled after one of these recent songs, ‘I Am The Hammer’. Bruce and Gabrielle are the authors of almost all the tracks on the album, except for ‘Show me Heaven’, whose author is Tommy Denander himself, and ‘Princess of Darkness’ which was written by Mee and Roland Forsman, from the Swedish band Remedy, and which will surely delight fans of that band. Gabrielle and her band have been playing live over the past year, both in Spain and England, including sets at the inaugural Tower of Fire festival and the revamped Firefest 2024. Several concerts are already planned for 2025, and with the new album ‘I Am the Hammer’ already recorded, and ‘Cry Wolf’ expected to be finished in the coming months…2025 really seems to be shaping up as a very important year for this Spanish-German singer! Produced, mixed and arranged by Tommy DenanderMastered by Harry HessExecutive Producer: Bruce MeeRecorded and mixed at: Holliewood Studios, SwedenVocals: Gabrielle de ValBacking vocals: Gabrielle de Val, Manuel Iglesias, Valerie-Anne Gibson, Jasmyne LindonGuitar, bass and keyboards: Tommy DenanderKeyboards on ‘Princess of Darkness’: Roland ForsmanDrums and percussion: Neil AnamiCover art: Manuel IglesiasLogo and Layout Design: Sebastian Kozak https://www.gabrielledevalofficial.com/eshttps://www.facebook.com/gabrielle.devalkoenzenhttps://www.instagram.com/elledevalhttps://www.youtube.com/@GabrielleDeVal Tracklist:1. The Sky Is Falling2. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie3. Good Morning Vietnam4. For Whom The Bell Tolls5. Show Me Heaven6. The Ghosts of My Lai7. Land Of The Blind8. Blinded9. Autumn Sun10. Princess Of Darkness11. I’m The Hammer12. The Nights Are Killing Me13. Toxic14. Shadow
Midnite City – There Goes The Neighbourhood
product: Midnite City – There Goes The Neighbourhoodrelease date: May 23rd, 2025Label: Pride & Joy Music ClassixxLtd. to 500 copies Following on from their explosive self-titled debut album in 2017, MIDNITE CITY return all guns blazing with their sophomore release ‚THERE GOES THE NEIGHBOURHHOOD‘ a year later – eleven tracks plus two bonus cuts of fist pumping, high energy, feel-good, hair metal of the highest order! The lush melodies, huge choruses and gargantuan hooks found on their debut album are all here in abundance alongside some true modern day glam anthems, fun commercial party rock, moody mid-paced hard rockers and heart wrenching power ballads big enough to light up an entire arena. Let alone “You Don’t Understand Me” shine… As with the first album, the winning formula has remained – all songs have been written by frontman Rob Wylde, whilst Pete Newdeck (d) has once again taken control of production, engineering and mixing duties. Together with Miles Meakin (g), Josh “Tabbie” Williams (b) and Shawn Charvette (keys) they create the magic. With ‘THERE GOES THE NEIGHBOURHOOD’, the band has literally stepped everything up several notches to unbridled, head splitting proportions. The guitars are big, the drums are huge, there are walls and walls of harmonies and more synths than you’d find this side of a classic Bon Jovi album. In a nutshell, this album has everything but the kitchen sink! So if you long for a band that still look, sound and perform like those long lost million selling forgotten bands of the late 80’s/early 90’s, MIDNITE CITY and ‚THERE GOES THE NEIGHBOURHOOD‘ is the album for you. It absolutely is! MIDNITE CITY, unlike many competitors, is still tearing it up live all over the UK, Europe and beyond in their own inimitable, arena rock style…You bet! Two bonus cuts, “Heaven’s Falling (Piano)” and “Rock And A Hard Place (New Studio Track)” and that fact that there are only 500 copies whatsoever of this rerelease make this one a true collector’s item. Number 19 of Pride & Joy Music Classixx is a shining gem for every lover of melodic rock music. ’HERE COMES WEEKEND…HERE COMES THE PARTY!’ Tracklist:1.Here Comes The Party2. Give Me Love3. You Don’t Understand4. Life Ain’t Like This On The Radio5. We’re Gonna Make It6. Tonight You’re All I Need7. Hard To Get Over8. Takes One To Know One9. Heaven’s Falling10. Gave Up Giving Up11. Until The End12. Heaven’s Falling (Piano)13. Rock And A Hard Place (New Studio Track) This release is exclusively available via shop.prideandjoy.de
Midnite City – Midnite City
product: Midnite City – Midnite CityRelease date: May 30th, 2025Label: Pride & Joy Music ClassixxLtd. to 500 copies The 2017 debut album of one of the finest acts out there in melodic rock/AOR is available again as Pride & Joy Classixx Vol. 18. The addition of the two bonus cuts ‚Ghost of My Old Friends (Acoustic)‘ and ‚This Time Around‘ (New Studio Track) makes this out of print gem a must-have. MIDNITE CITY were formed in January 2017 by then Tigertailz front-man (and former Vega, Steevi Jaimz, Sins Of America, Nitrate and Teenage Casket Company member and songwriter) Rob Wylde. Ever since, the UK band proved themselves a magnificent live act in the genre and beloved fan favorite all over the world with an ever growing fanbase. Armed with an album’s worth of material written under the working title of MIDNITE CITY, Wylde approached friend Pete Newdeck (former Newman/ Eden’s Curse, Blood Red Saints member) to produce three songs for him to shop to record labels. The songs ‚Nothing’s Like Losing You‘, ‚Summer Of Our Lives‘ and ‚Think About You‘ were then sent out to labels and garnered considerable interest across the board, resulting in a deal being inked with German label AOR Heaven. Wylde sang, played guitar and bass on the recordings whilst Newdeck played drums, provided backing vocals and took care of production. Wylde also brought in newcomer guitarist Miles Meakin who played guitar solos on the recordings and former band mate James Martin (Vega) who laid down keyboards. After being mixed by Newdeck, the songs were sent to Harry Hess (Harem Scarem) who mastered them at his studio in Canada. With a record deal in place, Newdeck officially joined the band as drummer in the spring of 2017, alongside Miles Meakin (g) and Shawn Charvette on keyboards. With the line up now in place, the band began to work on their debut album at PNP Productions in Tewkesbury/UK, completing the recordings in June 2017. With a sound that the band describes as ‚Timeless, melodic rock/hair metal‘, MIDNITE CITY cover all bases when it comes to this beloved genre of music. From ultimate feel good, party rock anthems to brooding melodic rock monsters to spine tingling power ballads, they are all here in abundance, and then some. Tracklist: 1. We Belong2. Ghost Of My Old Friends3. Summer Of Our Lives4. Nothing’s Like Losing You5. Last Beat Of My Heart6. Everything You Meant To Me7. Can’t Wait For The Nights8. One Step Away9. I Just Can’t Take It10. Things She Said11. Think About You12. Ghost Of My Old Friends (Acoustic)13. This Time Around (New Studio Track) This release is exclusively available via shop.prideandjoy.de