Atlantis Drive – Atlantis Drive
product: Atlantis Drive – Atlantis Driverelease date: 14.06.2024format: CD & digitalterritory: world excluding Japan Brand new multinational band Atlantis Drive is the brainchild of German guitarist Markus Pfeffer (Barnabas Sky, Lazarus Dream). With the creative goal of celebrating and reviving the Melodic Rock sound of the 80’s, he embarks on a musical journey together with vocal legend Mark Boals (Ring Of Fire, Shining Black, ex-Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force), French keyboardist Jorris Guilbaud (Devoid, Heart Line) and drummer Markus Kullmann (Glenn Hughes, Sinner, Voodoo Circle). Beyond short-lived trends, Atlantis Drive stylistically celebrates the spirit of the 80’s with thick and shimmering keyboards full of hooklines, groovy guitar riffs, filigree solos, catchy choruses and bombastic vocal arrangements. Mark Boals hasn’t been heard in such a melodic context for a long time and those who know him primarily from neoclassical bands and projects will certainly be very positively surprised by the unbelievably catchy hooklines and choruses that he conjures out of his hat with Atlantis Drive. In terms of content, Boals’ lyrics, which are really worth listening to, cover a wide range of topics from nostalgic retrospectives („Way Back When“), faith in oneself („Faith“), one’s own finiteness („Time“, „Curtain Falls“) and betrayal („Medusa Smile“) to missing our musical heroes in the eight-and-a-half-minute closing epic „Heroes“. Mark Boals: Vocals, Background Vocals Markus Pfeffer: Guitars, Bass Jorris Guilbaud: Synths Markus Kullmann: Drums Mix, Production: Markus Pfeffer Mastering: Rolf Munkes, Empire Studios (www.empire-studios.de) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atlantisdrivemusic Track list:1. Way Back When, 2. Medusa Smile, 3. Living For The Moment, 4. Brand New Start, 5. United, 6. Curtain Falls, 7. Faith, 8. Time, 9. Farewell To A Friend, 10. Heroes
Tommy Denander – Cut In Ice (Revisted 1984-2024)
product: Tommy Denander – Cut In Ice (1984-2024) release date: 17.05.2024format: CD territory: world Tommy Denander brings 40 year career full circle! When only 15 years old, he signed his first record contract with the Swedish hard rock band ATC with Polygram/ Vertigo who then released their only album entitled ”Cut In Ice” in April 1984. One thing stood out in all reviews and articles and that was the ”wonder-kid” Tommy Denander. Despite the chance of maybe becoming a young rock star and guitar hero Denander followed his heart into the world of becoming a studio musician, song writer and producer. 40 years later that move proved to be a smart one with having worked on more than 3000 albums, big movies and touring the whole world with some legendary artists. Tommy Denander has received more than 100 gold and platinum records and among the countless artists he has worked with names like Alice Cooper, Hollywood Vampires, Deep Purple, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, Michael Jackson, Ricky Martin, Jeff Beck, Anastacia, Ricky Martin, Richard Marx, Peter Cetera and Steve Perry to name are just a few. So, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of how it all started Denander decided to re-record the whole ATC album together with new American singer Rob Blake and trusted drummer Neil Anami. It’s a perfect blend of keeping the old school hard rock of the original but with an up-to-date production. The CD booklet also features the whole story of the band and lots of never before seen pictures. Tommy Denander “Cut In Ice” will be available as a limited edition of 500 CD’s and Vol. 7 as part of the Pride & Joy Music Classixx series via shop.prideandjoy.de and wholesale via Pride & Joy Music! Track list:1. Cut In Ice, 2. I’m Alive, 3. Reach Out, 4. Above The Clouds (Part 1 & 2), 5. Hard To Believe, 6. It’s Alright, 7. Bursting Out, 8. Nobody’s Heroes
Equus – Equus
product: Equus – Equus release date: 17.05.2024format: CDterritory: world In 1980, 4 high school friends from London, Ontario Canada started a band called Equus. Like many other musicians before us, they hit the road with stars in their eyes, and hope in their hearts. By 1985, they had produced an EP that started to get airplay in and around their hometown, and they followed it up with two more singles in 1986. The band also went through a few member changes, not unlike many of our heroes in the music industry. Along the way, they found ourselves sharing the stage with the likes of Gowan, Helix, and Blue Rodeo. Several „reunion“ shows occurred in 1992 and 2011 with the original core 4, while they all pursued musical endeavours in other projects. Fast forward to 2024, and they find ourselves „back on the horse“ as they say. Enhanced and remastered by Paul Piccari (Hit The Ground Runnin’) the new and expanded Equus album contains 5 fantastically sounding tracks from the original EP and expanded tracks that continue this musical journey with two coming from their 1986 single, “You Decide” and “She’s Gone”. Bonus tracks include a new recorded version of “Powerlife” and the unreleased tracks “If That What It Takes” and “Mother Earth”, that were recorded with some of the original lineup that captures the same passion energy and spiritual direction the band was exploring at that time. Saddle up, it’s going to be an interesting ride! “Equus” is part of the Pride & Joy Music Classixx series (Vol.8) and limited to 500 copies only. Exclusively available via shop.prideandjoy.de Track list:1. Metal Man, 2. I’ll Be Waiting, 3. When You Gonna Find The Time, 4. Power Life, 5. Think Of You, 6. You Decide (1986 single), 7. She’s Gone (1986 single), 8. Mother Earth (1990), 9. If That Is What It Takes (2009), 10. A Better Life (2003)
Universe – Universe III
product: Universe – Universe IIIrelease date: 17.05.2024format: CD, LP & digitalterritory: world excl. Japan ::: ENGLISH ::: Universe started in 1982 in Upplands Väsby, Sweden, where hard rock ruled the streets. The members hailed from several different local bands. After leaving the band Moon, lead guitarist Michael Kling, who founded the band WC in the late 70’s with John Norum, became one of UNIVERSE’s founding members. Bassist Hasse Hagman, who played in Joey Tempest’s first band, along with drummer Anders Wetterström and guitarist Per Nilsson, all came from the band Twilight. Once UNIVERSE got their hands on keyboard player Fredrik Kriström and singer Kjell Wallen, the band was complete. They played diligently for a couple of years all over Sweden, opening for Nazareth, among many other gigs. In 1985, the band released its self-titled debut album with songs like „Rollin’ On“, „Stories from the Old Days“, and „Strong Vibrations“. In 1986, Kjell Wallen left the band on good terms following creative differences and was subsequently replaced by Janne Åström. With Janne as the new frontman, the band focused fully on a follow-up to their debut album. Several demos were recorded but never ended up in the right hands. The band dissolved in early 1988 and then had a short reunion for a final show in the ice hall in Upplands Väsby later that year. The band members went their separate ways, each showing up here and there in different contexts with connections to music. Everyone maintained occasional contact. 2002, all the members met up together for the first time in 14 years. They immediately knew they wanted to play again and became convinced that the old material still had potential. Everyone agreed that a new album had to be released, but also that they were being pulled in different directions. For several years they kept continuous contact, waiting for the time when recording an album became inevitable. At first, UNIVERSE lacked a singer, but suddenly one day he was just there. Andreas Eklund (ex-House Of Shakira) became the new front man, his narrative lyrics and tasteful melodies opening the door to another dimension, so the band could take a bigger step into the galaxy. UNIVERSE was back as UNIVERSE INFINITY with “Rock Is Alive” in 2018 via Pride & Joy Music, a powerful album that is a tribute to the music of the 70’s and 80’s, and to their youth in Upplands Väsby. After the release of „Rock Is Alive“, several gigs followed at clubs and festivals, among other venues, where the band mixed songs from the new record with classics from their debut album. Performing live again was glorious and ended too quickly. The pandemic was difficult for many artists. Most of the band decided early on that they couldn’t imagine isolating themselves from one another and safely continued meeting. Reinvigorated, the members began working on new songs in the rehearsal room with the same vigor they did when creating the debut album. They quickly pounded out 20 songs, style-wise reminiscent of the 2 previous records, and 10 of which they saved for release on a future album. During the pandemic, there was a clear rift between the members for various reasons resulting in Kling and the band going their separate ways. During the phase UNIVERSE III, their third record will be released, with the release date and title to be announced shortly. With a new album locked and loaded, the band is ready to go out and play again. They are thirsty to meet the audience and are planning a setlist with songs from all the records and new material that will not disappoint! Line-up: Andreas Eklund (Lead and backing vocals), Freddie Kriström (keyboards), Hasse Hagman (bass), Anders Wetterström (drums), Per Nilsson (Electric and acoustic guitars) https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084321095383 Track list:1. I Am, 2. To Serve And Protect, 3. Casa De Los Pollos, 4. Why, 5. Hanging By A Thread, 6. Rise Above, 7. Liquid Confidence, 8. Dream Of Better Days, 9. Too Late, 10. It’s Time
Bad Boy – Private Party
product: Bad Boy – Private Partyrelease date: 19.04.2024format: CD territory: world For more than 4 decades, Bad Boy has been writing music, getting airplay, reviews and still playing Rock and Roll. Must be something in the blood. Bad Boy is a legendary hard rock band from Milwaukee Wisconsin USA that signed their first record deal with United Artists in 1977. Founded by Steve Grimm, John Marcelli, Joey LaVie, and Lars Hanson their first two albums reached the top 100 on the Billboard national music charts. In 1980 the band signed with Streetwise music and with two new members Scott Stephan on guitars and Hector “Jackie” Ramos on drums released the band’s third album entitled “Private Party” in 1981. The Saga continues with this re-release that is frozen and stands the test of time. Recorded at the Playboy Club in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin by soundscapist Andy Waterman. “Private Party” is a fantastic hard rock album that has on CD been a highly sought collectors commodity and is now finally available and remastered with one additional bonus track “You And Me Against The World”. This CD is Vol. 6 of the Pride & Joy Music Classixx series and exclusively distributed via shop.prideandjoy.de and strictly limited to 300 copies. Track list:1. Intro/ Run From Yourself, 2. Don’t Pretend, 3. Can’t You See, 4. Have I The Right, 5. How Log, 6. Let me Love You, 7. Come With Me, 8. Come A Bit Closer, 9. Here I Am, 10. Private Party/ Closing, 11. You And Me Against The World (Bonus Track)
A Neverending John’s Dream – Coming Back To Paradise
product: A Neverending John’s Dream – Coming Back To Paradiserelease date: 19.04.2024format: CD & digitalterritory: world A Neverending John’s Dream is a Melodic Hard ‘n’ Heavy band formed in Barcelona in 2022 when Joan M. Heredia (drums, vocal, and composer) teamed up with David Vidal (guitars), Paul E. Schuster (bass) and Xavier Miró (keyboards). Joan M. Heredia started to play drums, to sing and to write songs more than 20 years ago, has been playing in dozens of bands but so far never has thought about releasing own material until now. A Neverending John’s Dream’s debut album, “Coming Back to Paradise”, was completely written and produced by Joan M. Heredia. The recordings and the mix took place at Moontower Studios in Barcelona. Erik Mårtensson (Eclipse) at Mass Destruction Production Studios (Sweden) mastered this release. The cover artwork and the CD layout were designed by Jan Yrlund, at Darkgrove Design (Finland); photos were taken by Irene Serrano. “Coming Back to Paradise” is a melodic hard ‘n’ heavy album, with a late 80s/ early 90s feel, but with an up to date production. The lyrics are telling stories about a lot of experiences, centred in human condition, music, and nature. The song chosen as a single with a video clip (filmed by Visual Noise Barcelona) is “Coming Back to Paradise”, a veritable hard rock hit with the homonymous title of the album. The meaning of the band’s name is a bit philosophic. The creation of music has no end (Neverending), and this fact, is like a dream for Joan M. Heredia (John). Live gigs for Spain around currently being planned. https://www.facebook.com/aneverendingjohnsdream Track list:1. Welcome To My Ghost Kingdom, 2. Coming Back To Paradise, 3. Equilibrium, 4. I’ve Lost My Dreams, 5. If We Stand United, 6. Alone With My Shadow, 7. Prisoners Of This Life, 8. In Our Hands, 9. Sad Winter, 10. Save Me From Myself, 11. Mother Of All, 12. Sunrise
Alicate – Heaven Tonight
product: Alicate – Heaven Tonightrelease date: 19.04.2024format: CD & digitalterritory: world (excl. Japan) Alicate was formed in the late eighties by lead vocalist/guitarist Jonas Erixon and bass player Fredrik Ekberg. They released a 7” single called “The End/Too Shy To Take It” which is a collectors piece today. They toured in Sweden and Finland and also supported Ian Gillan on his „Toolbox Tour“ in 1992. During the mid-nineties the band was put on ice. Fast forward to 2006, where the Alicate reformed and started to work on new material that resulted in their first full length album called “World Of Anger” (released in 2009). The same year they did a successful appearance at Sweden rock festival. The success of this album and the popularity of their concerts, led to the release of their second album, “Free Falling” in 2013. Their third Full length album, “Unforgiven To Be Forgiven”, followed in 2018 together with a Live EP called “Live At Forum”. The creativity was reaching soaring levels when Covid sadly hit the world and put the progress on hold for the band. However, Jonas Erixon still wrote songs and collaborated with some high profile artists and wrote/co-wrote songs for Giant, Skills (with Billy Sheehan and Brad Gillis) and Sweet Oblivion (Geoff Tate). During the Pandemic, work also started on new material for Alicate. The band looked for a natural progression from their previous heavy album that would result in a more melodic version of the group, adding even more hooks to the songs. The result was the most successful album to date „Butterfly“ (released 2022 via Pride & Joy Music). The Swedish quartet quickly started recording their next release in the same vein. The result is their new album called „Heaven tonight“ (2024) that was recorded and mixed in Spjutseroad Studios and Blind Mans Aim Studios which will now be released again on Pride & Joy Music on April 19th, 2024. Alicate Line-up: Jonas Erixon – vocals and guitars, Fredrik Ekberg – bass, Glenn Ljungkvist – keys, Jesper Persson – drums https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063466240047 Track list:1. Are You Ready?, 2. Under the Gun, 3. Heaven Tonight, 4. Big Time, 5. Ride The Storm, 6. Dreaming, 7. Dangerous, 8. Hold On, 9. Count to Ten, 10. You’re Gone
Neon Rider – Destination Unknown
product: Neon Rider – Destination Unknownrelease date: 22.03.2024format: CD & digitalterritory: world The story of Argentinian Melodic Rock group NEON RIDER began in the second half of the year 2020, when the two guitarists, bandmates in another group, Hernan Cattaneo & Marcos Nieva Green, decided to put together a new project to create music with a more classic sound that is based on their Hard Rock & AOR roots. When they began composing and recording demos, they realized that they had much more to show thank just being a project and that the obvious and correct thing was to mutate towards an actual band. That’s how, finally, after a couple of years, with a single and EP released both independently and already with some line-up changes NEON RIDER was completed with Bruno Sangari (vocals), Daniel Bravo (bass) and Pablo Ureta drums). Now, they offer their first full-length album called “Destination Unknown” which contains of 11 songs plus one intro, which seeks to take the listener to an “unknown destination”, making him feel like they are traveling to other places and eras. This album also represents a link between the members and their sons and daughters, as the last song of the album, “Riders Of The Night” showcases a children’s choir, with special guests: Valentino Sangari, Sofia Cattaneo, Leandro Guzman Nieva, and Julieta Nieva Rodriguez. Line-Up:Bruno Sangari – VocalsDaniel Bravo – BassPablo Ureta – DrumsHernan Cattaneo – Guitar & Backing vocalsMarcos Nieva Green – Guitar & Backing vocals FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064182996926 Track list: 1. Destination Unknown, 2. Neon Rider, 3. Feel The Magic, 4. Unleash The Fire, 5. I Lay My Life In Rock N Roll, 6. Compass Rose, 7. Surreal, 8. My Time To Say Goodbye, 9. Standing By The Edge, 10. One And Only, 11. One Night In The Big City, 12. Riders Of The Night
Social Disorder – Time To Rise
product: Social Disorder – Time To Riserelease date: 23.02.2024format: CD & digitalterritory: world DSOCIAL DISORDER – the „project“ feat. Anders La Rönnblom (X-Romance), Tracii Guns (LA GUNS), Leif Ehlin (PERFECT PLAN), Shawn Duncan (LA GUNS), David Stone (RAINBOW), Thomas Nordin and Rudy Sarzo (WHITESNAKE, OZZY etc.) that turned in to so much more! After the fantastic response, and incredible reviews around the world for the album „Love 2 Be Hated“ (2021), they decided to record another record. Anders Rönnblom started right away to write new material, and in the fall of 2021 the recording process for the sophomore release „Time To Rise“ kicked off and was completed earlier this year. Everyone in the band was more involved in the new album this time – and the result speaks for itself! Production credits go to mastermind Anders La Rönnblom, to mixing engineer Marten Eriksson at Fan Club Production and the mastering credits to Svante Forsbäck at Chartmakers. … It’s now TIME TO RISE! Line-up: Thomas Nordin – Vocals, Anders La Rönnblom – Bass Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Piano, Tracii Guns – Lead & Rhythm Guitar, Rudy Sarzo – Bass Guitar, Shawn Duncan – Drums, Leif Ehlin – Keyboard & Hammond, Dave Stone – Keyboard & Hammond Guest on „Going Blind“ (Bjorn Englen, bass) https://www.facebook.com/OfficialSocialDisorderSweden https://www.instagram.com/socialdisordersweden https://www.twitter.com/disordersweden Track list:1. Time To Rise, 2. High On Life, 3. Going Blind, 4. Free Your Spirit, 5. Forged InFire, 6. Stardust In Mirrors, 7. Last Call, 8. Can’t Get You Out Of My Head, 9.Dancing In The Rain, 10. See What You Believe
Arkado – Open Sea
product: Arkado – Open Searelease date: 23.02.2024format: CD & digitalterritory: world Embark on a sonic voyage with Swedish Melodic Rock group Arkado’s highly anticipated second album, „Open Sea,“ set to make waves worldwide on February 22nd, 2024, under the banner of Pride & Joy Music! Building upon the infectious melodies and sing-along choruses that defined their debut „Never Say Never“ (2020), „Open Sea“ introduces a slightly symphonic and heavier dimension to Arkado’s signature sound. The first single „You Make Me Feel“ was released in Summer 2023 in advance. Crafted with precision, the album was brought to life through the skilled hands of Mikael Svensson, recording and mixing at LdM Studios in Helsingborg, Sweden, and mastered by Thomas Plec Johansson at Panic Room in Gothenburg, Sweden. The captivating artwork, courtesy of Nello Dell’Omo, visually complements the musical journey that awaits. Join Arkado as they navigate the boundless expanse of the „Open Sea,“ where melody meets symphony in a harmonious fusion! Track list:1. Voyage, 2. Open Sea, 3. Running Through The Night, 4. I Gave My Heart, 5. You Make Me Feel, 6. Rising High, 7. Her Mothers Lullaby, 8. Long Way To Go, 9. Unchain The Night, 10. Like Something Heaven Sent, 11. Show Me The Light Again