Grand Illusion – Prince Of Paupers
product: Grand Illusion – Prince Of Paupersrelease date: 08.12.2023format: CD territory: world Pride & Joy Music continues with its recently started new Classixx releases series on December 8th, 2023 with Swedish AOR group GRAND ILLUSION’s 6th and final studio album “Prince Of Paupers” which originally was released on AOR Heaven in the year 2011. On this release, the Grand Illusion core trio consisted of Anders Rydholm, Peter Sundell and Per Svensson who were joined by Steve Lukather (Toto), Jay Graydon (Airplay), Tim Pierce (Rick Springfield), Gregg Bissonette (David Lee Roth), Paul Buckmaster (Elton John & David Bowie), Muris Varajic, Kjell Klaesson and Staffan Stavert. The songs for this album, were as usual, written and produced by Anders Rydholm and most of the lyrics were penned by Arlene Matza-Jackson. Grand Illusion started in 1986 under the name Promotion and released 2 albums in 1997 and 1998. In 2001, the band changed their name to Grand Illusion and started a more active record carrier – and during a period of 10 years, they released 6 albums. Rydholm later founded the band Art Of Illusion together with Lars Säfsund (Work Of Art) and singer Peter Sundell now is active with the band C.O.P. During the years, “Prince Of Paupers” has become a sought after collector’s item and is now re-issued with the bonus track “Winds Of Change” by Pride & Joy Music Classixx as Vol. 5. Track list: 1. Gates Of Fire, 2. Better Believe It, 3. Prince Of Paupers, 4. So Faraway, 5. St. Teresa’s Love, 6. Through This War, 7. Eyes Of Ice, 8. Gone, 9. Believe In Miracles, 10. On And On, 11. Under The Wire, 12. Winds Of Change, 13. Not For Sale (bonus track)
Heart Line – Original Seeds (EP)
product: Heart Line – Original Seedsrelease date: 08.12.2023format: CD-EP & digitalterritory: world Oh, the glorious 80’s…! Those were the years of innovations and great hopes and for music lovers, an endless wave of Rock, Hard-Rock, Heavy Metal, Hair Metal and AOR fabulous bands who could capture audiences instantly with powerful emotions. In essence, it was the reign of flashiness, big choruses, effervescent guitar solos and above all the decade for melody.It is no secret that Yvan Guillevic the founder of Heart Line grew up nurtured by these fascinating music influences. They made him the outstanding musician we know who now rocks his own guitar on the AOR wave. If you ask him, he will tell you they are actually his DNA, the raison d’être of Heart Line! With 2 album releases in the verve of melodic rock “Back in the Game” & “Rock ‘N’ Roll Queen’ that were both acclaimed by the Int’l press, the band thought it was fair to pay a sincere tribute to the great bands of this fabulous era. The 5 titles of this EP are a fine selection of some of the most outstanding music AOR material of the 80’s from various countries, UK, Sweden and the US. Forget about mainstream hits! Through their immense qualities, these 5 tracks prove enough how breathtaking the music level was in the 80’s and how much the bands deserved recognition. Who knows? May be some of you will discover band names that had slipped under your radar and yet deserved!? The fantastic 80’s retro artwork once again was designed by Stan W. Decker. Track list “Original Seeds”: 1. Falling (TOBRUK cover), 2. Runaway (DAKOTA cover), 3. Front Line (AVIATOR cover), 4. Living On A Knife Edge (VIRGINIA WOLF cover), 5. Go Easy (ALIEN cover) Line-Up: Emmanuel Creis (vocals), Yvan Guillevic (guitars), Jorris Guilbaud (keybords), Dominique Braud (bass), Walter Français (drums) https://www.facebook.com/Heartlinebandofficial
Silent Tiger – Twist Of Fate
product: Silent Tiger – Twist Of Faterelease date: 24.11.2023format: CD & digitalterritory: world SILENT TIGER was formed in 2018 by guitarist Jean Funes and drummer Joel Mejia from Honduras and singer David Cagle (USA) with the desire to make melodic hard rock music with influences like Def Leppard, Van Halen, Europe, Bon Jovi, Ratt, Dokken and Scorpions, with a modern touch. The debut album titled “Ready for Attack” was released in 2020 and mixed and mastered by Dennis Ward. With a more guitar-oriented sound and a little bit of glam rock influences, the debut was promoted with the singles “Chasing The Wind” and “Tearing Me Apart”, gaining good comments from the critics and reviewers worldwide. It has the collaboration of the bassist Andreas Passmark (WET, Royal Hunt) and Dennis Ward on keyboards. SILENT TIGER noew returns with the sophomore release “Twist Of Fate” which features a more melodic and thunderous sound, with the help of a powerful mix by Mats Ericsson (Degreed) and the atmospheric keyboards of Mikael Blanc (Degreed), and with the bassist Andreas Passmark as a guest. This is a new chapter for the band, seeking to take these new songs to a bigger audience. Silent Tiger is: David Cagle: Lead and background vocals. Jean Funes : Guitars Joel Mejia: Drums https://www.facebook.com/silenttigerband Track list:1. Shadows of Life, 2. Twist Of Fate, 3. Face the Night, 4. Last Of The True Believers, 5. Wings of a Dream, 6. Escape from the Fire, 7. Place Where I Belong, 8. Another Destination, 9. Until I get Home, 10. Remember who you are
Freakstorm – Angel In The Dark
product: Freakstorm – Angel In The Darkrelease date: 24.11.2023format: CD & digitalterritory: world In the year, 2016 FREAKSTORM was founded as a tribute project. The first song which the band recorded was a cover of the US group Halestorm. The goal to hand this track over to their idols personally (which indeed happened), gave Sinah and Olli the motivation to record their own songs. After the self-released EP „We Got The Fire“ (2018) and the EP “From Zero” (2019), a new era for FREAKSTORM began when they started to work with producer Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69/Helloween). He supported the band to develop a rich rock sound – a strong fundament for Sinah’s powerful and clear voice. In May 2019 the successful single „Can’t Keep Me Down“ was released digitally. The EP „From Zero“ also was released as physical CD and draw great attention in the scene. In the year 2021 the musicians fulfilled their dream to release their first full-length album „Storm Inside My Heart“. Ahead of the album release on the 27th of August 2021, FREAKSTORM put out two singles in advance, i.e. the propulsive title track „Storm Inside My Heart“ and the electrifying AC/DC-cover „Shot Down In Flames“. In the Christmas season the band presented an emotional acoustic version of their rock song „Out Of The Door”. In the year 2022 FREAKSTORM celebrated several releases. In May an EP with the powerful, melodic „When Dawn Is Breaking“ as title track got released digitally and also as CD. In September the band delivered the single „Can’t Keep Me Down 2022“. For the remake of FREAKSTORM’s most successful single so far David Readman from Pink Cream 69 performed a duet with Sinah Meier. FREAKSTORM started the year 2023 in March with the single „Creature Of The Night“ – for the first time on vinyl and digital as well. The B-Side of the single is a cover version of the Scorpions classic „Big City Nights“. Until early summer this song was exclusively available on the limited edition vinyl (100 copies only). Producer once again was Dennis Ward and guitars were delivered by Oliver Hartmann (Avantasia). During intensive studio sessions 2023 FREAKSTORM moved in August to the Label Pride & Joy Music which will release the band’s second album „Angel In The Dark“ at November 24th FREAKSTORM is: Sinah Meier – Vocals, Olli Fuchs – Drums Guests: Dennis Ward – Bass; Oliver Hartmann (Avantasia/ Hartmann) – Guitars, Timothy Shaw (SchwarzLicht) – Vocals on “Stop The Fire”, Toby Wendeler (SchwarzLicht) – Guitars on “Stop The Fire” & “Paparazzi”, Rick Benton (Magnum) – Keyboards on “Angel In The Dark) www.freakstorm.dewww.facebook.com/FreakstormBand Track list:1. Fight To The End, 2. Stop The Fire, 3. Creature Of The Night, 4. Angel In The Dark, 5. Black Soul, 6. Big City Nights, 7. Paparazzi, 8. You Destroy Me, 9. Stop The Fire (feat. SchwarzLicht), 10. Angel In The Dark (Piano Version)
Prisoner – One + Two
product: Prisoner – One + Tworelease date: 10.11.2023format: 2-CDterritory: world The double album „One + Two“ of the Swedish melodic rock band PRISONER contains the total of two albums of the band: „Blind“ (2000) and „II“ (2001) and is released in a limited edition of 500 copies. Producer Tommy Denander remastered both works and created the new artwork. As part of the Pride & Joy Music Classixx series, the double CD is released as Vol.4 Line-up „One“: Geir Rönning (vocals), Johan Koleberg (drums), Tommy Denander (guitars, bass, keyboards), Ricky Delin (keyboards), Bruce Gaitsch (lead guitars), Pierre Weinsberg (lead vocals) Line-up “Two”: Geir Rönning (vocals), Tommy Denander (drums, guitars), Ricky Delin (keyboards), Sayit (lead guitars), Pierre Weinsberg (lead vocals)
Say It – One And Again
product: Say It – One And Againrelease date: 10.11.2023format: 2-CD territory: world Das Doppel-Album “One And Again” des schwedischen Künstlers SAY IT (ursprünglich: Sayit) enthält in auf 500 Stück limitierter Auflage die beiden Alben „Sayit“ (1999) und „Again“ (2001), welche beide heute als gesuchte Klassiker des Genres gelten. Gerade „Again“, das ursprünglich bei AOR Heaven erschien, erzielte zuletzt in Sammlerkreisen Höchstpreise. Namensgeber der Band ist Gitarrist Sayit Dölen (Voices Of Rock, Legends Of Rock), der u.a. bereits mit Künstlern wie Jimi Jamison oder Bobby Kimball tourte. Unterstützt wurde Dölen bei allen drei Alben von einer wahren All Star-Riege. Produziert wurden die Werke von Tommy Denander, welcher nun auch für das neue Artwork und das Remastering verantwortlich ist. Im Rahmen der Pride & Joy Music Classixx-Serie erscheint die Doppel-CD als Vol.3 The double album „One And Again“ by the Swedish artist SAY IT (originally: Sayit) contains the two albums „Sayit“ (1999) and „Again“ (2001) in a limited edition of 500 copies, both of which are now considered sought-after classics of the genre. Especially „Again“, which was originally released by AOR Heaven, recently achieved top prices in collector circles. The band is named after guitarist Sayit Dölen (Voices Of Rock, Legends Of Rock), who has toured with artists such as Jimi Jamison and Bobby Kimball. Dölen was supported on all three albums by a veritable all-star cast. The works were produced by Tommy Denander, who is now also responsible for the new artwork and remastering. As part of the Pride & Joy Music Classixx series, the double CD is released as Vol.3. Line-up „One“: Sayit (guitars), Bruce Gaitsch (guitars, track 5), Tommy Denander (bass, keyboards), Andy Eklund (vocals on 7, 9, 11), Annika Burman (vocals on 10), Geir Rönning (vocals 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10) and Pierre Weinsberg (1, 2, 5) Line-up “Again”: Sayit (guitars), Kee Marcello (lead guitar), Michael Thompson (lead guitar), Tommy Denander (lead guitar, keyboards, bass), Jim Jidhed (lead vocals), Geir Rönning (lead vocals), Mats Olausson (keyboards), David Hungate (bass), Martin Landin (bass), Ricky Delin (speech)
Rozario – To The Gods We Swear
product: Rozarion – To The Gods We Swearrelease date: 20.10.2023format: CD, LP & digitalterritory: world Singer David Rosario was looking for someone to record some of his songs with. David had been impressed with guitarist Stein Hjertholm and drummer Per-Helge Bruvoll after seeing several gigs with their band, so he reached out to them. The three of them recorded a 3 song demo, and during this process, the chemistry between them was eminent and the idea of Rozario was born. This was just prior to the pandemic and naturally all activity became very restricted. They used their time wisely and focused on song-writing and finding the direction of the band, with songwriting contributions from all three. Rozario then teamed up with producer Trond Holter (Wig Wam, Holter, Jorn etc.) and started to record what would become “To The Gods We Swear” in his studio in Halden, Norway. During the recordings of this release, the lineup of the band was finalized when young guitar virtuoso Johan Jamtfall & bassist Anders Halsan Engum joined them. Rozario is: David Rosario (vocals), Stein Hjertholm (guitars), Johan Jamtfall (lead guitar), Anders Halsan Engum (bass), Per-Helge Bruvoll (drums) https://www.facebook.com/rozarioband Track list:1. Rosario Anthem, 2. To The Gods We Swear, 3. Heavy Metal Rider, 4. Nightmare In Flames, 5. Born Again, 6. Silent Lies, 7. Headed For Hell, 8. United We Stand, 9. Cage, 10. Raged, 11. Heaven’s Falling Down, 12. Burning Up
Vambo – II
product: Vambo – IIrelease date: 20.10.2023format: CD, LP & digitalterritory: world With a critically acclaimed, self-titled debut album under their belt, Vambo are gearing up for the release of their second studio album, ‚Vambo II‘. Featuring twelve tracks, the album serves as a showcase for the band’s formidable musical talent and high-energy performances. The songs on the record offer a blend of melodic choruses, hard-hitting riffs, and dynamic guitar solos, promising an exciting listening experience that builds upon their signature sound, whilst also pushing new, creative boundaries. Drawing inspiration from both ‘classic’ rock sensibilities and contemporary influences, the album presents a fresh and innovative approach to the genre. Produced by Ray Stiles, former member of the 70’s glam rockers MUD and longstanding member of The Hollies. All songs on ‚Vambo II‘ were written and recorded at Ray’s studio in Surrey, England. Meet Vambo – Jack Stiles, vocals, with his captivating presence and powerhouse voice, is a magnetic force at the centre stage. On guitar, Pete Lance, unleashing a thunderous energy that seizes the audience’s attention from the very first power chord. David Flitt, a dynamic drummer who is the driving force behind Vambo’s signature style, which blends power and subtlety. Finally, James Scott’s provocative bass lines underpin every performance, adding depth and vigour to Vambo’s music. As seen in Classic Rock Magazine’s ‘High Hopes’ spread, Vambo have established themselves as a rising force in the rock scene, one that is not to be overlooked. They are no strangers to the live circuit, having played shows and major festivals throughout Europe, including Download Festival, Isle of Wight Festival and Stone Free Festival. They have toured extensively in the UK, supporting other acclaimed acts such as Jared James Nichols, Y&T, Praying Mantis, Stray and Cats in Space. Track list:1. Minute Of Madness, 2. Love, Sin and Fire, 3. Sweet Christine, 4. Hey Willy, 5. Take My Hand, 6. Shake It Woman, 7. Worlds Collide (Struggle for Power), 8. Holy Lights, 9. This Is Your Life, 10. Oh, 11. Love Candy, 12. Shadows
Zhiva – Into The Eye Of The Storm
product: Zhiva – Into The Eye Of The Stormrelease date: 20.10.2023format: CD & digitalterritory: world Zhiva is finally back with a full-length album on October 20th 2023! “Into The Eye Of The Storm” marks the fourth full length album (After Shiva in 2002, Desert Dreams in 2004 and The Curse of the Gift in 2006). The sublime songwriting of Guitarist Mats Edström together with the powerful voice and lyrics of Anette Johansson has, together with the rest of the band, produced an album at the junction of Melodic Symphonic Metal and Hard Rock. The energy of the earlier albums carefully was combined with a fresh take on lyrical content and the result is an album that consists of 10 songs with heavy riffs together with dramatic melodies that are sure to make you throw a fist in the air and bang your head! The album is mixed and produced by Mats Edström and recordings took place in Strömbergs Studios. The mastering was done by Andy „Hippy“ Baldwin at Metropolis Studios. Artwork by Marcel Briani and Caroline K Da Silva. Zhiva will hit the road in Autumn of 2023 in support of the new album and has planned gigs in Sweden and some pending international dates. Zhiva is: Anette Johansson – Vocals Mats Edström – Guitar (Arrow) Patrik Svärd – Guitar (Cloudscape, Sapphire Eyes, Alyson Avenue) Nilo Kovacic – Bass (Hellspray) Thomas Olsén – Keyboard Fredrik Eriksson – Drums (Sapphire Eyes, Alyson Avenue) Track list:1. Breaking The Chains, 2. Step Into The Fire, 3. Evelyn, 4. Into The Eye Of The Storm, 5. Autumn Sky, 6. Broken, 7. Beyond Forever, 8. Nothing Will Ever Remain, 9. Last Tears, 10. Undeniable
Deacon Street – One + Two
product: Deacon Street – One + Tworelease date: 06.10.202307format: 2-CD territory: world Remastered with new artwork, limited on 500 copies, 2 bonus tracks DEACON STREET PROJECT was an AOR focused project led by Swedish musician, song-writer and producer Tommy Denander. The project has released 2 genre classics during the 00’s, i.e. „Deacon Street Project“ (AOR Heaven, 2004) and „Deacon Street II“ (MTM Music, 2006). Both albums today are sought after, hard to get releases which now are re-issued as double CD set via Pride & Joy Music under the name of „Deacon Street – One + Two“. Both albums were remastered by Tommy Denander, cover and artwork were newly created and both releases include 1 bonus track each! This re-issue is limited on 500 copies only and will be available exclusively via Pride & Joy Music directly via shop.prideandjoy.de while stock will last! Deacon Street „One + Two“ is Vol.1 in the new Pride & Joy Music Classixx series. „One“: Tracklist: 1. Radio 2. Changes 3. Caught Up In A Fear Of Loving 4. I Can’t Go Back 5. Lost In The Moment 6. Before I Loved Just You 7. Living A Lie 8. Love Got A Hold On Me 9. Find Me A Meaning 10. I Don’t Mind 11. Someday I’ll Offer You Surrender 12. Mad About You, 13. Love Is Killing Me (Bonus Track) Line-up: Jan Johansen (v) Geir Rönning (v) Magnus Weinemo (v) Chris Demming (v) Jamie Meyer (v) Tommy Denander (g, b, k) Jeff Northrup (g) Bruce Gaitsch (g) Sayit (g) Lars Chriss (g) Marcel Jacob (b) Marcus Liliequist (d) Pat Thern (d) Produced by: Tommy Denander & Chris Demming „Two“: Track listing: 1. Beautiful Chardaine 2. Leann 3. When Love Is On The Line 4. Save Me 5. I Give This Promise 6. Now We Cry For You 7. Second Comings 8. (Kill Us) On Another Day 9. The Promise Of Forever 10. Misery 11. Action 12. Easy As It Seems 13. Them Changes 14. Jason, 15. How Do I (Bonus Track) Line-up: Peter Sundell (v) Thomas Vikström (v) Johan Fahlberg (v) Andreas Novak (v) Chris Antblad (v) Stan Bush (v) Geir Rönning (v) Tommy Denander (g) Reb Beach (g) Jeff Watson (g) Marty Friedman (g) Steve Morse (g) Christopher Cross (g) Bobby Messano (g) Bill Leverty (g) Bruce Gaitsch (g) Al V. Dohn (b) Tony Franklin (b) Pat Thern (d) Vinny Heter (d) Daniel Flores (d) Walter Diego (d) Produced by: Tommy Denander