Constancia – IV Evermore
Product: Constancia – IV Evermorerelease date: 12.07.2024format: CD & digitalterritory: world excl. Japan Constancia was formed in 2007 by former Token keyboardist Mikael Rosengren. He got in touch with guitarist Janne Stark (Overdrive, Grand Design, Locomotive Breath, Merryweather Stark etc) and asked him to lay down some guitars. Janne loved the songs and got more and more involved in the process, and the seeds of Constancia were sown. Peter “TrumPeter” Svensson (Mercy, Faith, Overheat, Locomotive Breath, Mountain of Power) came in on drums and the band was completed with bass player Michael Müller (Jaded Heart) and singer David Fremberg (Andromeda), and in 2009 the band’s debut “Lost And Gone” was released. The band labels their music “melogressive hard rock” – melodic, a bit progressive and a little bit aggressive. In 2015, the band’s second album “Final Curtain” was released in a regular and special edition (featuring three bonus tracks). The album saw Linus Abrahamson (Andromeda) replacing Müller. Maintaining the six-year gap, the band’s third album “Brave New World” was released in 2021. The album saw UK based singer Pete Godfrey (In Faith, Blood Red Saints) replacing David Fremberg (who was too busy with his studio and other projects). Breaking the six-year gap, the band has managed to finish a new album in only three years!! “IV Evermore” (yes, there’s a pun in there) features twelve new songs that show the band at an even higher level. This time the “melogressive” label fits even better, with some songs having an even more aggressive punch with some heavier riffs yet maintaining the high degree of melodies and hooks. A song like “Build This House” could probably have been a big hit back in the 80s (and there may still be some fans of classic epic melodic pompyness out there), while a song such as “Evermore” displays some heavy, crunchy and detuned guitars. Then there’s the melancholic “Rise” and “Tears I Cry” which takes you on an emotional and musical journey. Overall, there’s a bit more power in the mix and the heaviness has definitely been pushed up a notch. This time Janne mixed and mastered the album with remote tips from his longtime friend and colleague Mikael Nord Andersson (Scorpions, The Rasmus, Roxette, BALLS etc.) and Flemming Rasmussen (Metallica). Constancia is: Pete Godfrey – Vocals; Janne Stark – Guitars and bass; Mikael Rosengren – Keyboards; Peter “TrumPeter” Svensson – Drums The album was mixed and mastered by Janne Stark (The Re-Stoned, Maat Lander, Magnolia, Overdrive, Bandolier Kings etc). www.constancia.se https://www.facebook.com/ConstanciaSweden Track list:1. Evermore, 2. Feel My Heartbeat, 3. Higher, 4. My Redemption, 5. Call My Name, 6. Build This House, 7. Live Life On The Run, 8. You Don’t Know Love, 9. Rise, 10. I Can’t Believe (That This Is Love), 11. Stand Up, 12. Tears I Cry
Backbone Slide – Backbone Slide
product: Backbone Slide – Backbone Sliderelease date: 12.07.2024format: CD territory: world Germany based label Pride & Joy Music Classixx re-releases the sought after Melodic Hard Rock classic self-titled release by German Hard Rock group Backbone Slide as Vol. 11 of its Classixx series! Originally released via Mausoleum Records in 1994, the Germany based group delivered a high-class Hard Rock album which due to the Grunge wave at the time maybe came 2-3 years too late to get the success it deserves. Backbone Slide consisted of American kick-ass singer Shaun Michaels, guitarists Oliver Güttinger and Kai Portolano, Frank Schrafft on bass and Achim Gschwend on drums. Schrafft and Güttinger both are members of the German Hard Rock Czakan as well who are also signed to Pride & Joy Music. For fans of 80’s Bon Jovi, AC/DC, Guns ‘N Roses & Rhino Bucket, The re-release of “Backbone Slide” comes remastered and with the two bonus tracks “What Happened To My $” and “Shout It Out” (Live Version). Ltd. to 500 copies only and available via shop.prideandjoy.de, wholesale and at Czakan’s coming live shows while stock lasts.
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
Legions Of The Night – Darkness
product: Legions Of The Night – Darknessrelease 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 Track list:1. No Control, 2. Rebirth, 3. Darkness, 4. Hate, 5. One Moment, 6. Another Devil, 7. Let The River Flow, 8. Better Men, 9. The Witches Are Burning, 10. Leave Me, 11. I Don’t See The Light, 12. Tonight He Grins Again
The LA Cowboys – Endless Summer
product: The LA Cowboys – Endless Summerrelease date: 14.06.2024format: CD territory: world Germany based label Pride & Joy Music Classixx re-releases the sought after Westcoast classic „Endless Summer“ by The LA Cowboys as Vol. 10 in its Classixx series! This version is identical to the AOR Heaven Classixx Version released in 2010 and limited on 300 copies only! The LA Cowboys ‘Endless Summer’ Liner Notes ‘Endless Summer’ is one of the early 90’s most under-rated Westcoast / AOR albums, despite its high quality. This is because this album was released only in Japan, with little promotion. The album was originally released on March 31st,1993 for Insideout, a sub label of Toshiba EMI (EMI Music, Japan). This followed the single “Something In My Heart”, which was released on November 18th, 1992. The single was released as the main theme for the Japanese television biographical drama “Red Thunder”, which was the life story of Kinue Hitomi. Hitomi was the first Japanese female Olympic Medalist who won the sliver medal in the 800m run at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympic Games. 3 years later, she lost her life from tuberculosis. The LA Cowboys are comprised of James Studer and Wayne Nelson. When Endless Summer was released, Japanese Westcoast / AOR fans did not pay much attention to the album because of misleading promotion by the label, which I will detail later. There were no music websites in those days, thus Westcoast / AOR music lovers in Europe or the United States had no way of knowing about this album. The album was already out of print by the time people started to talk about it. When it was reissued by AOR Heaven in 1998 in a limited 1000 copies, it did not take a long before the warehouse became empty. James ‘Little Joe’ Studer was raised in California and Hawaii. He moved to Los Angeles in 1975 and gradually found his way into the LA music scene. James got a chance to participate in the studio recording session for Jim Messina’s first solo album entitled “Oasis” (1979). This is where he met his long time friend and LA Cowboy partner, Wayne Nelson, who also participated in the Messina recording. James showed his musical talent not only as a keyboard player but also as a background vocalist on the album. It is quite natural that he was also invited to the sessions for the album “Messina” (1982). In the early 80’s, James worked with Al Jarreau as his musical director, and you can listen to this effort on Al Jarreau’s acclaimed live recording album “Live In London” (1984). It should be added that he also recorded and performed with other giants including David Sanborn, Kenny Loggins, Thom Rotella, Mike Love (of the Beach Boys), Kalapana, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole and many more. Since 1997, James has been concentrating his efforts on composing for American television. Wayne ‘Rowdy’ Nelson, born in Kansas City, Missouri, is best-known as the bass player and lead vocalist of the Little River Band. In the late 70’s he moved to Los Angeles. While touring with Jim Messina, who was opening for the Little River Band, Wayne was invited to join LRB because George McArdle, bass player of LRB, decided to pursue a path as a minister, and left the band after finishing their U.S. tour in 1979. Wayne officially became a member of LRB in April of 1980. It was Wayne who dedicated his talent as a lead vocalist for LRB’s top 10 US single hit “Night Owls”, the first cut from the 1981 album “Time Exposure”. He then shared duties with Glenn Shorrock, the voice of LRB, on the next single “Take it Easy on Me”. Wayne has been keeping busy as a core member of LRB ever since, except between 1996 and 1999 when he was absent from the band. In the late 80’s. while Wayne Nelson kept busy with LRB, James Studer started to produce Mari Iijima, a young talented Japanese female singer/songwriter. They met while recording Mari’s album ‘Miss Lemon’ in 1988, and were married the following year. James co-produced Mari’s next 8 albums, which featured first-call LA musicians including Joseph Williams, Jeff Porcaro, John Robinson, Michael Landau, Lenny Castro and LA Cowboy partner, Wayne Nelson. It was during this time that James and Wayne got a recording deal for their own project. Yes, this was “Endless Summer”. What was the reason ‘Endless Summer’ was not reviewed well in Japan ? As some of you might know, in those days there were many compilation albums featuring Japanese pop songs covered by acclaimed Westcoast / AOR singers, including Joseph Williams, Tommy Funderburk, Bill Champlin, Jason Scheff, Peter Beckett and many more. The L.A. Cowboys “Endless Summer” was categorized as being in the same vein, because they covered 5 songs written and/or originally performed by Japanese artists. But it should be noted that the story lines and arrangements of the Japanese songs had been changed to fit the style of the LA Cowboys. Taking into account that “Something In My Heart” became available as a single CD before the album’s release, the album provided only 4 brand-new original songs, written by James Studer. However, that did not matter for true music-lovers all over the world (mostly in Europe) who were not familiar with Japanese pop songs. Thus, it took a few years for the the LA Cowboys album “Endless Summer” to gain the reputation as a Westcoast classic. The album opens with “Tokyo Woman”, originally performed in 1989 by Japanese American female rock singer, Ann Lewis. The song was originally used for a Japanese noodle TV commercial and later, in 1995, was also used as the ending theme song for the Japanese animation “City Hunter”. The second track, “Endless Summer”, the title song of the album was a Japanese smash hit single in 1986, originally performed by Carlos Toshiki & Omega Tribe. “Aubree’s Melody”, a very beautiful ballad, can be said to be one of the best Japanese hidden gems.
Captain Black Beard – Sonic Forces
product: Captain Black Beard – Sonic Forcesrelease date: 14.06.2024format: CD territory: world Captain Black Beard made their live debut in Stockholm, Sweden on the 31st October 2009 and released their self-titled album in May 2011. Hailed by the press all over the world, so much it was called one of the „albums of the year” by legendary journalist Geoff Barton of Classic Rock Magazine. After shows in America and the UK, most of 2013 was spent working on the second album „Before Plastic“ which was released in May 2014. The band also made a return to the UK playing the Hard Rock Hell Festival and opening for Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, MSG). This album also got great reviews and featured a guest appearance by Bruce Kulick (KISS, Grand Funk Railroad). In February 2015, Captain Black Beard entered the studio with producer Chips Kiesbye (Hellacopters, Bonafide). They also toured Scandinavia as support act to Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow, Yngwie Malmsteen), Robin Beck and House Of Lords. “It’s A Mouthful“ was released in March 2016 and the tour started with a comeback to the Hard Rock Hell Festival as well as – again – supporting Joe Lynn Turner. By the end of the year the group amicably parted ways with singer Sakaria Björklund. In 2017 a „new“ Captain Black Beard entered the studio to record with producer Jona Tee (keyboardist in H.e.a.t) and in April 2018, „Struck By Lightning“ was released to rave reviews. This line-up would however be short-lived and tour dates following the release featured the amazing Linnea Vikström (Therion) as temporary lead vocalist. In early 2019 the band brought in singer Martin Holsner for a co-headlining tour with Osukaru throughout Germany and started to work on a new album with producer Dave Dalone (guitarist in H.e.a.t) which led to the band completely reinventing themselves in time for their 10th anniversary. Following a bombastic start of 2020 supporting Geoff Tate on tour, Captain Black Beard are proud to bring out their “Sonic Forces” which was recorded at Yardstreet Studios in Stockholm, Sweden in April 2020 on AOR Heaven. Pride & Joy Music Classixx now re-issues the long-time sold out “Sonic Forces” album with 2 bonus tracks! The CD is limited to 300 copies only and available as Vol. 9 in the Pride & Joy Music Classixx series! Line-up: Christian Ek – guitar, Martin Holsner – vocals, Robert Majd – bass, Vinnie Stromberg – drums Facebook; www.facebook.com/captainblackbeardband Track list:1. Headlights, 2. Lights & Shadows, 3. Disco Volante, 4. Tonight, 5. Sonic Forces, 6. Time To Deliver, 7. Midnight Cruiser, 8. Young Hearts, 9. Gotham City, 10. Emptiness, 11. All The Pain (Bonus Track – 2022 re-recording), 12. Headlights (Instrumental Synthwave Remix)
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