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
TRISHULA
Trishula UK guitarist and songwriter Neil Fraser previously has worked/recorded with the likes of TEN, Rage of Angels/Ged Rylands (Tyketto), Tony Mills (TNT, SHY). Trishula started out as Neil’s solo project back in 2015. Fraser had previously worked with Welsh vocalist Jason Morgan in the band Rage of Angels, so Jason was Neil’s first choice for lead vocal duties when it came to assembling the band members for Trishula. It took another 4 years of song writing from 2015 before the debut album ‘Scared to breathe’ was released in 2019. Whilst recording the debut, the UK based group were joined by Neil’s long-time friend and MAGNUM keyboard player Rick Benton and bass player Dan Clark from the Rebecca Downes Band. One year after the release of the debut, Trishula released their second album ‘Time waits for no man’ in 2020. It was at this point that Neil Ogden (DEMON) became their new drummer. A third album, ‘We all fall down’, was released in 2022. The brand new fourth CD is titled ‘Becoming the enemy’ and the first one to be released on the band’s new label Pride & Joy Music. Line up: Neil Fraser: Guitar, Keyboards, Backing VocalsJason Morgan: Lead Vocals, Backing VocalsRick Benton: KeyboardDan Clark: Bass GuitarNeil Ogden: Drums. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neilfraserguitarist Releases Dark Mile – Dark Mile TRACKLIST 1. Wardance (Long live the rising)2. Will heaven ever give us what we need3. When I gave you everything4. The walls of Eden5. The long goodbye6. You’re my detonation7. Here comes the night8. Wait for a minute9. Down, down, down10. Hold my hand Videos Playlist 2 Videos Trishula – Will Heaven Ever Give Us What We Need (Official Audio Video) 3:47 Trishula – Wardance (Long Live The Rising) (Official Audio Video) 5:46
MENTALIST
Mentalist 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. Releases Mentalist – Earthbreaker TRACKLIST 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 Videos Playlist 2 Videos Mentalist March On Legionnaire (Official Lyric Video) 4:57 Mentalist – Millions Of Heroes (Official Video) 6:30
HEAVEN’S REIGN
HEAVEN’S REIGN Heaven’s Reign are a powerhouse of classic rock energy, hailing from the UK and deeply inspired by the golden era of rock and roll. The band features three founding members of Rollin Thunder (Rik Cayton, Ian Lynan, Ste Birch), Faster than Bulls (Ricky Moss) & Sketcher/Deep Cellar (Gaz Birch) Collectively the band shared stages with legends like Bryan Adams, Blue Öyster Cult & UFO. Cementing their reputation for high-energy, electrifying shows. They’ve also been featured on major radio stations like BBC Radio One and highlighted in renowned publications such as Total & Classic Rock magazine. Their upcoming album, Northern Lights, captures the band’s raw energy, featuring songs like „City Sights“ and „Listen to Your Heart.“ With powerful riffs, infectious rhythms, and lyrics that celebrate freedom, live music, and the thrill of the weekend, the album promises to be a rock anthem for the ages. The title track and “Here We Go Again” will be released as singles in advance. Recorded at RT Studios & Inspire studios. UK. Mixing, mastering, and programming by Dražen Kecman from Cirith Ungol Studio Bosnia And Herzegovina. https://www.facebook.com/heavensreignuk Releases Heaven’s Reign – Northern Lights TRACKLIST 1. City Sights2. Here We Go Again3. Fire In My Blood4. Lady Of The Night5. Born To Fly6. Northern Lights7. Listen To Your Heart8. Bad Boys9. The Good Die Young10. Never Again Videos Playlist 2 Videos Heaven’s Reign – Northern Lights (Official Lyric Video) 3:59 Heaven’s Reign – Here We Go Again (Offical Audio Video) 2:45
NATIONWIDE
NATIONWIDE In 2023 longtime friends and songwriters Carl Berglund and Peter Ledin decided to put together the band that they dreamed of, a band that would close the gap between classic AOR and modern rock and bring something new to the melodic rock scene. They teamed up with bass player Mikael Hagström (ex- Age of Reflection), drummer Richard Holmgren (ex: Scaar, Grand Design, Wolf) to form the new melodic rock group NATIONWIDE. The band searched for a completely new voice and are happy to introduce singer Daniel Groth. Daniel was an immediate perfect match, and his voice became the color and nuances that completed the musical artwork that Peter and Carl had begun sketching. NATIONWIDE is all about the refuge that music means to us all. That music has no national borders, it is NATIONWIDE. Recorded & produced by: Carl Berglund at Studio RainRoom, Västerås, SwedenMixed & Mastered by: Erik MartenssonArtwork by: Carl BerglundPhoto by: Patrik Hellstrom Line up: Carl Berglund: Guitar, Keyboards, Backing Vocals; Daniel Groth: Lead Vocals, Keyboards; Peter Ledin: Guitar, Backing Vocals; Richard Holmgren: Drums, Backing Vocals; Mikael Hagström: Bass, Backing Vocals Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NATIONWIDESweden Releases Nationwide – Echoes TRACKLIST 1. Fade Away2. Dreams3. Can’t Get Over You4. Without You5. In Your Eyes6. Passion Ignite7. Echoes8. The One9. The Last Goodbye10. Reason11. The other Side Videos Playlist 3 Videos Nationwide – Danger Zone (Official Video) 4:04 Nationwide – Without You (Official Video) 5:20 Nationwide – The One (Official Video) 4:22