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
Mentalist – Earthbreaker
product: Mentalist – Earthbreakerrelease date: 11.04.2025format: CD & digitalterritory: world Hardly any other new band has been able to stir up as much dust in the power metal scene in recent years with their first three albums as the Saarbrücken and Stockholm-based formation MENTALIST! After the huge success of their debut “Freedom Of Speech” (2020), the group, consisting of Peter Moog (guitars), Thomen Stauch (drums, ex BLIND GUARDIAN), Kai Stringer (guitars) and exceptional vocalist Rob Lundgren (vocals), only narrowly missed the German Media Control album charts with their 2021 album “A Journey Into The Unknown” (trend charts: 63rd place)! On iTunes, MENTALIST achieved an impressive #2 as the highest position in the metal charts; in the Facebook group “Power Metal” with more than 110K followers, “A Journey Into The Unknown” was voted the best power metal album of 2021. “Empires Falling” (2023) easily topped its predecessor with a long overdue placement in the official German charts and a subsequent German tour in late fall of the same year. The fourth album, entitled “Earthbreaker”, is a little heavier than its predecessors. Even more speed, even heavier riffs and epic moments characterize this melodic masterpiece! Both guitarists Kai Stringer and Peter Moog embellish the compositions in an enchanting way with their virtuoso guitar playing. The intensity of the hooklines and the vocals give you goose bumps. Thomen’s drumming magnetizes with an animalistic impulse. With Oliver Palotai (Kamelot) and Mike LePond (Symphony X), MENTALIST once again received active support on keyboards and bass. Andreas Marschall (Blind Guardian, Running Wild, among others) was once again enlisted to design the artwork, while Bulgarian Dann Valentino was responsible for mixing and mastering. Track list:1. Intro2. Earthbreaker3.March On Legionnaire4. Event Horizon5. Millions Of Heroes6. Lord Of A Wasteland7. All For One8. Mistress Of Pain9. Monkey King10. Together As One11. A New World
Mystery Moon
Mystery Moon Kaiserslautern based guitarist and songwriter Markus Pfeffer (LAZARUS DREAM/ATLANTIS DRIVE) actually only wanted to record a single song with Swedish singer Rob Lundgren (MENTALIST) for his all-star project BARNABAS SKY. But then everything turned out quite differently… After the two of them met in person at a MENTALIST gig and immediately hit it off, it was clear that it couldn’t just be one song – a whole album was needed. The first song the creative duo wrote together, „The Mystery“, is therefore also the first video track as well as the deciding factor for the band name. With MYSTERY MOON, Pfeffer and Lundgren embark on an 11-song musical journey towards melodic hard rock with its own touch and one or two surprises, such as the subtle use of flute melodies in the heavy rocker „Mindset“ and the ballad „Nature’s Way“. Pfeffer’s groovy, edgy guitar riffs are heavier than ever, yet they are always combined with prominently shimmering keyboards that create a very own mystical atmosphere. The seven-minute opener „Now’s The Time“ ends with an opulent and impressive a capella part with over 100 vocal tracks, „The Hidden Magic“ captivates with oriental harmonies and hard-hitting riffs, the catchy power ballad „Moment Of Life“ is an ode to life and birth, the steam hammer „Sudden Rupture“ is a deliberate reminiscence of the JUDAS PRIEST albums of the late 1980s and in the 8-minute closing epic „Stars A Million Miles Away“ Rob Lundgren tells of a very personal, life-changing experience in his early youth, when he rode his bike across a field at night and perceived and felt the universe in its incomprehensible infinity for the very first time. The album was engineered and mixed by Markus Pfeffer, masted by JK Northrup and the cover designed by Artistic Ramzan. Line-up:Rob Lundgren: Vocals, Backing VocalsMarkus Pfeffer: Guitars, Bass, Guitar Synths, Synths, Backing Vocals Guests:Drums, Percussions: Thomas Rieder; Keyboards: Thomas Nitschke („The Mystery“, „The Hidden Magic“, „Nature’s Way“); Piano in „Moment Of Life (Piano Version)“: Jorris Guilbaud; Backing Vocals: Sabrina Roth, Stephan Hugo, Jürgen Walzer; Flute: Sabrina Roth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mysterymoonofficial Releases Dark Mile – Dark Mile TRACKLIST 1. Now’s The Time2. Shine3. The Hidden Magic4. The Mystery5. Moment Of Life6. Mindset (Road I’m On)7. Crossroad In My Heart8. Sudden Rupture9. Nature’s Way10. Frustration11. Stars A Million Miles Away12. Moment Of Life (Piano Version) Videos Playlist 2 Videos MYSTERY MOON – The Mystery (Official Video) 5:21 MYSTERY MOON – Shine (Official Video) 4:20
Winding Road
Winding Road Winding Road was formed in 2018 by Jan Hedlund (Coastline) and Magnus Åkerlund (Blender). The two musicians have played in numerous bands and played loads of different genres touring all over Sweden before. Their true love however was Melodic Rock and AOR. First, Winding Road recruited singer Jonas Tyskagen (Domino Drive) and began writing songs with the intention to make an album, i.e. their self-titled debut which was released in March 2021 on AOR Heaven. Now they are back with Pride & Joy Music as their new label and the follow-up release entitled “Fill My Sails” which once again includes 11 songs of pure melodic rock/AOR, again produced, mixed and mastered by Magnus Åkerlund. “Fill My Sails” also features some great guest musicians like Thomas Larsson (Glenn Hughes) and Fredrik Folkare (Unleashed). Line Up:Jonas Tyskhagen: Lead VocalsMagnus Åkerlund: Guitars, Bass, Keyboards and Background VocalsJan Hedlund: Drums and Background Vocals https://www.facebook.com/WindingRoadSweden Releases Dark Mile – Dark Mile TRACKLIST 1. Close My Eyes In Tokyo2. Fill My Sails3. I’m Alive4. I’ll Give My Heart To You5. Love’s Walking Out Of Sight6. Hang Tough7. Devils Daughter8. Closer To The Truth9. Healing Touch10. Jackie Lee11. When The Lights Go Down Videos Playlist 2 Videos Winding Road – Close My Eyes In Tokyo (Official Lyric Video) 4:55 Winding Road – Close My Eyes In Tokyo (Official Lyric Video) 4:55
Neptune
Neptune Neptune is a Melodic Metal band with a long and vibrant history dating back to the early 1980s. Influences from classic heroes such as Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Accept, but of course, with a more modern touch that belongs in the 21st century are obvious. During the 80s, the band recorded several demo tapes which led into meetings with multiple record labels. Ultimately, one of these labels funded the recording of an EP that was never released, causing the band to lose momentum, and eventually split up for what was believed to be for good. It wasn’t until 30 years later, specifically in 2018, that these recordings from the 80’s were released along with several of their early demo recordings, resulting in the album „Land of Northern.“ This release reignited the band’s passion, leading them to record a completely new album in 2020 entitled „Northern Steel“ which still featured three original members from the 80’s line-up. Now, Neptune releases the album „End of Time“ on September 20th, 2024 via Germany based Pride & Joy Music which is a musical continuation of the previous record. Since all band members contribute to songwriting, the material covers a wide range of styles and emotions. Neptune’s lyrics often have a connection to their ancient Nordic history, and as a sounding board or creative engine, they often use an underlying narrative for their albums. This time it’s based around the last known Viking, Harald Hardrada and several somewhat fictionalized stories about his life and existence. It inspired them to several of the lyrics on the album, especially Harald’s final battle at Stamford Bridge that was fierce and relentless, culminating in Harald Hardrada’s passing, marking the end of the Viking Age. His followers then celebrated this event as the „End of time.“ Produced and mixed by Jan Tosh Ason; Co-produced by Neptune; Recorded at Stockholm Soundroom; Mastered by Hoffe Stannow/Cosmos Mastering; Artwork by Spoil; Photos and Graphics by Anders Olsson Row Alex – VocalsAnders Olsson – GuitarsJan Tosh Ason – Bass & VocalsJohan Rosth – KeyboardsJonas Wikström – Drums Releases Neptune – End Of Time TRACKLIST 1. Metal Hearts2. Brightest Steel3. The End Of Time4. Revenge5. Motherland6. Sun Goes Down7. Nepturion8. Power9. Highlands10. Northern Warriors Videos Playlist 3 Videos Neptune – The End Of Time (Official Video) 4:08 Neptune – Revenge (Official Video) 4:24 Neptune – Metal Hearts (Official Lyric Video) 4:02
Heartwind
Heartwind Heartwind is a Swedish hard rock band that was formed in Stockholm in 2017. The current line-up consists of the three core members: Göran Engvall (guitars), Mikael Rosengren (keyboards) and Peter Svensson (drums). The band plays melodic hard rock with influences from the classic rock bands of the 80s such as Journey, Whitesnake and Europe and has released two albums, “Higher and Higher” (2018) and “Strangers” (2020) so far which both received positive reviews from fans and critics alike, showcasing the band’s ability to create powerful and emotional songs with strong melodies and choruses. In early 2024, Heartwind reached 1 million streams on Spotify. After signing a new record deal with German label Pride & Joy Music, Heartwind’s third album, Heartwind III, is set for release on September 20th 2024. It features 10 new original songs feat. an amazing line up of guest singers and musicians! The single from the album, “Struck by Love” featuring rock legend Matti Alfonzetti on vocals, was released in December 2023 in advance. Other songs on Heartwind III feature the great talents of Nalle Påhlsson (Treat), Rick Altzi (Gathering of Kings), Fredrik Folkare (Unleashed), Jakob Samuel (The Poodles), Henrik Bergqvist (Prins Svart/The Poodles), Thomas Vikström (Candlemass/Therion), Andreas Novak (House of Shakira) Robert van der Zwan (Remedy), Carl Berglund (Age of Reflection/Nationwide), Matt Marinelli (Borealis) and Nina Söderquist (solo), to name a few (or not so few)! https://www.facebook.com/Heartwindtheband Releases Heartwind – Heartwind III TRACKLIST 1. Warrior2. Facing the Night3. Struck by Love4. Now is the Time5. One Reason6. Blink of an Eye7. Cry for Love8. Brothers9. Crying in the Rain10. Rocking Heroes Videos Playlist 2 Videos Heartwind feat. Robert van der Zwan – Facing the Night (Official Audio Video) 3:53 Heartwind feat. Jakob Samuel – Warrior (Official Audio Video) 3:21
Hydra
Hydra Swedish AOR group Hydra returns on September 20th, 2024 with their sophomore release “ReHydration”! With a stable line-up, the band still consists of long-time friends from the Swedish rock scene, i.e. song-writer/ musician Henrik Hedström (First Signal, Angelica), drummer/ producer Daniel Flores (Find Me, First Signal etc.), bassist Jonny Trobro (First Signal, Find Me) and singer Andi Kravljaca (Aeon Zen, Seventh Wonder). Hydra once again delivers a high-class AOR release with some obvious influences from the Westcoast genre as well. The opening track “We Belong” will be released on August 16th, 2024 as single in advance. Line-up: Henrik Hedström – keyboards, backing vocals; Andi Kravljaca – lead vocals, guitars; Daniel Flores – drums, keyboards, backing vocals; Jonny Trobro – bass Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/henrikhydra Releases Hydra – ReHydration TRACKLIST 1. We belong2. Marionette3. Still the same4. Eye of the storm5. Made up stories6. Clown without a circus7. Two of a kind8. I remember9. Out in the cold10. Love remains11. Me minus you Videos Playlist 2 Videos Hydra – Marionette (Official Lyric Video) 5:10 Hydra – We Belong (Official Audio Video) 5:37
Mikael Erlandsson
Mikael Erlandsson Mikael Erlandsson has spanned a long career in the music business and today is a household name when it comes to quality Melodic Rock.Erlandsson was the frontman of the super group Secret Service for 12 years singing their smash hits ”Oh Susie” and ”10 o’clock Postman“ in packed arenas all over the world.The world class singer also released albums with Phenomena, Radioactive, Sapphire Eyes, Heartbreak Radio, Salute, Love Under Cover amongst others but is best known for his work with his own bands ”Last Autumns Dream” (14 albums) and ”Autumn’s Child” (5 albums so far). Autumn’s Child will return with a new release in 2026. Additionally to this, Erlandsson also appeared at the Eurovision Song Contest finals for Sweden, Poland, Denmark and Latvia.The Swedish artist has had a successful solo career as well, which started started with his smash debut album ”The 1”in 1994 that sold enormous copies over the world.Erlandsson to this day released 6 solo albums and now returns with a new one entitled ”The Second 1”. The title is of course aspiring to the fact that it is exactly 30 years since his first soloalbum ”The 1”. Therefore the Swede recorded the real follow-up to his first solo album in the same feel of ”The 1” capturing his own unique style of songwriting. This time, he teamed up with producer Mats M.P. Persson (Roxette) for the mixing & mastering – just as it was for his solo debut 30 years ago! Keyboards & all vocals – Mikael ErlandssonGuitars – Rasmus Ehrnborn & Mikael Erlandsson Drums – Richard JohnssonBass – Mats Mp Persson & Martin Olsson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikael.erlandsson1 Releases Mikael Erlandsson – The Second 1 TRACKLIST 1. Evil Eye2. Call My Name3. Ricochet4. Paper Moon5. CircusFlamenco In The Snow7. Bug8. C’est La Vie9. Put Some Love In The World10. Knocking On A Broken Heart11. Geronimo Videos Playlist 2 Videos Mikael Erlandsson – Paper Moon (Official Audio Video) 3:44 Mikael Erlandsson – Ricochet (Official Audio Video) 3:44