Soul Secret
Soul Secret are an Italian progressive metal band based in Naples. After a long time playing together, they hit the market in 2008 with their debut album „Flowing Portraits“, published by ProgRock Records and with Mark Basile (DGM) as guest singer on the whole album. This album was highly praised by the critics and let them play on stage together with bands like Pendragon, Vanden Plas and Subsignal. After three years the band published „Closer To Daylight“ under Galileo Records, a heavier album featuring Marco Sfogli (James LaBrie Band) on „River’s Edge“ and Arno Menses on the acclaimed 16+ minutes suite „Aftermath“. After playing together again with Subsignal and Vanden Plas, the band decided to change the singer and to start working on a new album. While writing it, they played together with Haken and Neal Morse Band. Their third release, called „4“, was their first concept album and released on April 10th 2015 (October 4th in USA) by GoldenCore Records and distributed by Zyx Music. Their new album, titled „BABEL“, will be released by Pride & Joy Music on July 28th 2017 and will be previewed at Night Of The Prog, opening Mike Portnoy’s show. BABEL is a concept album, covering topics like religion and love and ranging from classic progressive rock to more modern progressive metal, with influences from djent, electronic and latin music. The artwork was completely designed by Thomas Ewerhard and the mix handled by Alex Argento (Virgil Donati, Marco Sfogli). Sam and Adriel are sent in space to find God, helped by logOS, an on-board computer providing cutting-edge technology to the mission. When they finally find the City Of Gods, they find it empty… Releases on Pride & Joy Music: Babel (2017)
Badge
BADGE was put together by guitarist/singer Matti Norlin and drummer Fredrik Haake in 2002. Matti´s love for Pre War Blues and both their ambition to create new and exciting music is the drive. Since then BADGE has released two albums „Kill Another Fuzz“ in 2010 and „If I Could Love I’d Love This“ in 2013. Their new album“ If It Hurts It Must Be Good“ will be available via Pride & Joy Music from July 28th, 2017. With focus on energy, new paths and groove, but always to serve the song, BADGE has been breaking new ground ever since. Even though they started out with the old Blues in mind, they never thought about themselves as a Blues band. Rather a band that makes it’s own mark with many influences. In 2013 BADGE was picked to represent Sweden in the European Blues Challenge. In 2014 Matti Norlin and Fredrik Haake got a composer-scholarship from SKAP (Swedish Society of song-writers) for the music of BADGE, and the video for the track “If I Could Love This” reached over 135.000 views on YouTube. With the new album „If It Hurts It Must Be Good„, they have really come a long way as far as songwriting and getting a unique sound on print! The first advance single from the album, „Reap What You Sow“, was picked by Swedish national radio as one of the top 30 songs of Rock in 2015! *Matti Norlin has released four solo albums: Pre War Blues (1995), Kitchen Sink Blues (1998), Sliding Out (2002) and LIVE – Blues Three Floors Up (2010). Matti has established himself as a great blues artist and is one of the most perceptive interpreters of early Scandinavian „Pre War Blues“. He has also appeared on records with Sam Mitchell (ex-Rod Stewart’s band), Nicolai Dunger and Tony & The Bitters (interpretations of the Swedish death metal band Dismember). *Fredrik Haake has previously played with New York band God is my co-pilot as he made several tours with, both in Europe and the U.S. Fredrik was involved in two of the band’s CDs. He also starred in his New York period in Jim Sclavunos (from Nick Cave’s Bad Seeds) new band The Vanity Set and recorded an album with Roger Manning. Fredrik has also been featured in Sideburn, Moa and Swedish-American heavy metal band Meldrum who toured with: Motorhead, Zakk Wylde Black Label Society, Sepultura, Danzig, and Nashville Pussy. *Lennart „Z“ Zethzon is featured in Swedish Classic rock band „Lugnet“ who released their debut last year. He also appears on two albums with Clifftones. In -98 Lennart put down the bass for Leda Battisti’s self title release, featuring Grammy Award winner Ottmar Liebert. Releases on Pride & Joy Music: – If It Hurts It Must Be Good (2017)
Starsick System
STARSICK SYSTEM is a new sensation in modern hard rock, mixing influences from bands like Alter Bridge, Sixx AM, Shinedown with the deep research for a personal sound where catchy choruses and melodies are melted with heavy riffing. The band was born in 2012 from the union of experienced musicians: vocalist and guitarist Marco Sandron (Pathosray, Eden’s Curse, Fairyland, etc), bassist Valeria Battain and lead guitarist David Donati (both known in Syrayde) were joined by producer-songwriter and drummer in this record Ivan Moni Bidin (Pathosray, Ashent, Garden Wall, Syrayde, etc) to give birth to new sounds and melodic approaches. After years had passed in the metal scene with their previous bands, the guys decided to join their different experiences and musical approaches into a brand new band focused in melody approach and the pure song form. During 2014 STARSICK SYSTEM recorded their debut album under the production of drummer Ivan Moni Bidin and immediately signed their first record contract with Scarlet/Bakerteam Records. “Daydreamin’” was released on April, 14th 2015 and since day one was noticed by the musical press all around the world, hailing the album as “new sensation” and elected “Daydreamin’” “album of the month” first and later lists it between the best albums of the year. The group supported Zakk Wylde’s BLACK LABEL SOCIETY live in 2015 and was also picked to play with actual Ozzy’s axeman GUS G. STARSICK SYSTEM have now completed the recordings for their second album “Lies, Hope & Other Stories” which will be released on June 23rd, 2017 on Pride & Joy Music! The record also features an outstanding cover of the Chris Cornell song “You Know My Name” (James Bond 007 – Casino Royale soundtrack)! Pride & Joy Music releases: Lies, Hopes & Other Stories (2017)
Kings Of Broadway
KINGS OF BROADWAY were originally formed in 2011 when guitarist Aldo Lonobile (one of the most recognized guitar players/composers from the Italian metal scene, founder member of bands like Secret Sphere, Civilization One and Shadowspell) started gathering musicians and friends to fulfill his desire to create a Hard Rock band. After a year of writing songs, making demos with his longtime friends Luca Cartasegna (ex-Secret Sphere) on drums, Ricky Messeri on guitar and JJ Andreone (Odd Dimension, A Perfect Day) on bass, the showed the ability to create amazing rock songs for the masses, once sung by the right singer! After trying out some different options, JJ suggested his long time friend Tiziano Spigno (that later became the singer of Lucky Bastardz); Tiziano has a unique vocal tone and an amazing ability in writing rock melodies that give its best melted with KINGS OF BROADWAY! This was 2012 – and the band then really started! From 2012 to 2015 they worked in the shadows, composing the whole debut album and recording it in the best way possible, with the aim to deliver an outstanding sound able to play the game with the rock giants out in the market! Among the great words received by the representatives of the musical industry, the band signed a record deal with German label Pride & Joy Music in early 2017. The group’s self-titled debut album “Kings Of Broadway” is set for a release on April 28th, 2017! Releases on Pride & Joy Music: Kings Of Broadway (2017)
Lioncage
The band LIONCAGE was founded in 2013 by Thorsten Bertermann (vocals), Torsten Landsberger (drums) and Lars König (guitar & mix). All three musicians had known each other for many years performing in professional tribute bands, and impulsively started a band with original songs after having a couple of beers at a festival, well, a rock festival… After two years of song-writing and recording demos, the LIONCAGE debut release „Done At Last“ successfully saw the light of day in Europe and Japan. Even though the trio has a big variety of individual musical influences they have one passion in common: Melodic Rock and Rock bands such as Toto, Foreigner, Journey, Huey Lewis, Genesis, Yes, Paul Carrack, Chicago and many more. Besides these influences, LIONCAGE’s sound also showcases a contemporary, own sound on their second album “The Second Strike” which now is presented with even more finesse, power and versatility. Some fantastic and talented musicians and friends helped the German three-piece to complete their new record. The bass guitar was handled by Lars Slowak, Sven Zimmermann, Andreas Laude-Schwedewsky and Dirk Meyer, keyboards by Mitch Knauer and Shanger Ohl, and backing vocals by Madeleine Lang, Anja Bublitz, Olaf Senkbeil and Billy King. Last but not least, one of the finest studio guitarists, Tim Pierce, (Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Rascal Flatts, Joe Cocker, Rick Springfield, Elton John etc.) took over some guitar parts on the track “Secrets”. On “The Second Strike”, Lioncage impressively prove that Germany is able to offer great productions in the Westcoast, AOR and Melodic Rock genre. Pride & Joy Music releases: The Second Strike (24.03.2017) Turn Back Time (21.09.2018)
Jimi Anderson Group
Born in Rigside, Lanarkshire, Scotland. Jimis first Rock band was in 1978, singing mainly Rush & Deep Purple songs & so his passion for ‚Classic Rock‘ had begun. The next few years brought many hours of practise & to Paul Rodgers, David Coverdale & Ronnie James Dio for inspiration. He began writing songs and formed the rock band Sahara whilst spending any spare time attending a gazzillion gigs at the Legendary ‚Glasgow Apollo‘ till it closed in 1985. Various incarnations of the band ensued including a name change to „The Hardline“ until they were picked up by Wet Wet Wet’s manager Elliott Davis and offered a management contract on the strength of a demo tape. Showcasing his phenomenal voice, five years of recording demo’s, touring, notable sell out gigs at Glasgow’s King Tut’s, London’s ‚Borderline Club‘ and a support to Wet Wet Wet in front of 30,000 people at Glasgow Green. Jimi continued writing, performing and recording, appearing on Michael Barrymore’s shows ‚ My Kind of People‘ & ‚Barrymore‘ in 1997/98 and went on to sing at concerts & festivals in Romania, Turkey and Holland. Living now in York, Jimi has continued writing. The vocalist moved on to spend two years as lead vocalist with Tribute Band ‚A Foreigners Journey ‚ he toured extensively in the UK and Rhodes. Meeting new friends along the way, and his voice just got better and better so a decision was made to leave „A Foreigners Journey“ and the next adventure started. His latest project is a tribute to great American Melodic Rock with some great musicians and friends „Legends of AOR“ debut gig was in Spain in front of a crowd of Rhodes Rockers, safe to say it was so emotional that tears were shed. After recently recording an album of original songs at FML studios in Scotland with Sandy Jones and Greame Duffin he is now starting a new challenge to take his music on the road, and so the Jimi Anderson Group was born. The new album “Longtime Comin’” is fusion of Classic Melodic Rock and AOR, and the original tunes showcase Jimi’s voice perfectly. Pride & Joy Music releases: Longtime‘ Comin (24.02.2017)
Empire
EMPIRE is the Hard Rock band of German guitarist Rolf Munkes (ex Majesty, ex Razorback, Crematory) which has released four exceptional albums in between the years of 2001 and 2007. On these releases, Munkes was accompanied by numerous high-class musicians. The history of EMPIRE began in the year 2001 with the release of the album “Hypnotica” (Lion Music) which featured both the American singers Mark Boals (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen) and Lance King (ex Nightmare) on vocals. The line-up at the time was completed by Neil Murray (bass, ex Whitesnake, Brian May Band, Black Sabbath etc.), Gerald Klos (drums), Anders Johansson (drums, ex Stratovarius) and Don Airey (keyboards, ex Rainbow, Deep Purple). Rolf Munkes produced „Hypnotica“ himself; the mix was handled by Stefan Kaufmann (ex Accept, ex U.D.O.). Only one year later, “Trading Souls”, the band’s second album came out on Lion Music. The CD once again was produced by Munkes with the mix being handled by Kaufmann. On this release, singer extraordinare Tony Martin (ex Black Sabbath) replaced King and Martin on the vocal spot. Tony Martin also sang on the – up until now – most successful CD from EMPIRE, “The Rave Ride”, which was released in 2006 on German label Metal Heaven. Besides of Munkes, who, for the first also produced and mixed this release himself at his own Empire Studios in Bensheim, Germany, Neil Murray took again care of the bass work whilst the drums this time were handled by ex-Rage/ex-Axxis drummer André Hilgers. In 2007, the so far last album of EMPIRE saw the light of day. “Chasing Shadows” was once again released on Metal Heaven and the first record feat. former Rainbow singer Doogie White in the line-up. Mike Terrana (ex Rage, ex Axel Rudi Pell, Tarja Turunen) joined the group on drums. In 2017, German label Pride & Joy Music will re-issue all four releases in a revised version. First up will be “Hypnotica” which will be released on February 24th, 2017 and include the three bonus tracks „Take A Look Around“, „Dogtown Shuffle“ and „Spread My Wings“ (acoustic version). One other album will follow every three months. Pride & Joy Music releases: – Hypnotica (24.02.2017) – Trading Souls (26.05.2017) – The Raven Ride (18.08.2017) – Chasing Shadows (17.11.2017)
Avenford
Avenford was formed by guitarist Peter Szehoffner and guitarist/vocalist Arpie Gamson in Hungary in the summer of 2012. Initially they started to create music on their own as they got on well from the beginning, both having similar backgrounds, musical ideas and influences which include Masterplan, Jorn Lande, Yngwie Malmsteen and Iron Maiden etc. A few months later they had enough material written for a full album and with the help of lyricist Zoltan Bako the songs reached their final form. Soon after Szehoffner and Gamson moved to the UK, they got together in Gamson’s flat and recorded the basic tracks for the first album. It was named after their most epic song “Mortal Price”. The tracks were sent to Denever studios in Hungary for final mixing – it also helped that the studio owners were also huge Maiden fans. The line-up was completed by Pete Jean (drums) and Zoltan Meszaros (bass). Since then, the band has gone through a few changes but apparently is stronger than ever. Jivodar Dimitrov joined AVENFORD on drums and Tom Longbottom took over the bass. “New Beginning” was recorded with Roland Grapow (Masterplan) – and it’s stronger, harder and faster than the first one. Guest musicians: Apollo Papathanasio (Majestic, ex-Firewind) – vocals on “Dead or alive”, Zoltan Marothy (Kiss Forever band) – guitar solo on “Back in time”, Roland Grapow (Masterplan) – guitar solo on “Fury road”, Zoltan Kiss (Iron Maidnem) – vocals on “Dark angel”, Bodor Mate (Alestorm) – guitar solo on “Mask”, Piotr Sikora (Exlibis)- keyboard solo on “Return to the land of emeralds” Releases on Pride & Joy Music: New Beginning (2017)
Asphalt Horsemen
Asphalt Horsemen was formed by well-known musicians in Hungary in 2010. First they led into jams of songs of bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Black Stone Cherry, Pride & Glory. Soon came up their own ideas of songs which were working out and tested at smaller gigs. The audience reaction was splendid as they felt heavy-load beating of Southern Rock on their skin. The genre what AH plays fills a gap in the rock music-scale in Hungary, it’s not really found this style among local bands. In march 2014 their debut album was released which received positive feedbacks from both national and international audiences. The album was nominated as the „best newcomer of the year 2014” by the Hungarian Recording Industry Association – Hungarian Group of IFPI. After several tours, shows in Hungary, Finland, Italy, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania they recorded the second album – Brotherhood – to be released on January 13th, 2017 all over the world. Asphalt Horsemen consists of István Bencsik (drums, backing vocals), Károly Lőrincz (lead vocals, guitars, tambourine), Géza Matyasovszki (guitars, backing vocals), Balázs Megyesi (bass). Pride & Joy Music releases: Brotherhood (2017)
Stamina
Italian melodic/progressive metal band STAMINA is the brainchild of guitarist, songwriter and producer Luca Sellitto. Since the beginning, the band’s aim has been to create a personal style of music, combining a wide range of influences ranging from melodic power metal to progressive rock, to hard-rock and fusion. During the years the band has released three full-length albums feat. many guest musicians including Henrik Brockmann (ex Royal Hunt, Evil Masquerade), Kenny Lubcke (ex Narita, André Andersen, backing vocalist of Royal Hunt), Göran Edman (ex Yngwie Malmsteen, John Norum, Brazen Abbot, etc.) and Nils Molin (Dynazty). In April/May 2012, STAMINA embarked on their first European Tour, including shows in Germany, Austria, Holland, Spain and north of Italy. During the second leg of the tour the band had the opportunity to open for Danish rock quintet Royal Hunt in honor of their 20th anniversary world tour. Today, STAMINA consists of Alessandro Granato – vocals, Luca Sellitto – guitars, Andrea Barone – Keyboards and Mario „Uryo“ Urciuoli – bass plus the additional musicians, Andrea Stipa – drums; Jacopo DiDomenico – backing vocals; Donata Greco – flute; Giulia Silveri – cello. Band leader Luca Sellitto says: „Our new studio effort, ‘System of Power’ is the most mature release from us up until now, displaying a slightly more aggressive approach, an even increased level of technical proficiency and a wider sonic spectrum than ever before.” STAMINA’s fourth album “System Of Power”, will be released on German label Pride & Joy Music on February 24th, 2017 and is tailor made for fans of Melodic Prog Metal in general, in the vein of early Symphony X, Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force, Dream Theater, Royal Hunt, Angra and many more. Pride & Joy Music releases: System Of Power (2017)