Sellitto, Luca
Luca Sellitto is an Italian guitarist and songwriter, mostly known in the European melodic metal scene for being the founder and leader of the power/progressive metal band STAMINA, officially active since 2007. With STAMINA, Luca has released four full-length studio albums up until now, plus a live album (CD+DVD), recorded in Poland. He has also played numerous gigs in Europe with the band, including countries such as Italy, Spain, Holland, Belgium, Austria, Germany and Poland. “The Voice Within” is a neoclassical power metal album, composed and produced by Luca Sellitto, therefore his first solo album. With this record, Sellitto’s intention is both to pay his personal tribute and bring new life to this old subgenre of heavy metal, for the joy of all fans of YNGWIE MALMSTEENS’S RISING FORCE, early STRATOVARIUS, ROYAL HUNT, VINNIE MOORE, TONY MACALPINE, early SYMPHONY X etc. For this purpose, the guitarist decided to join forces with some of his favourite singers and musicians, who are among the best performers in the neoclassical/power metal realm. Most of them have actually taken part to some important albums for the history of this style. All tracks were mixed & mastered by Fabio Calluori and Luca Sellitto at “Sonic Temple Studio”, Santa Tecla (SA), Italy. Releases on Pride & Joy Music: The Voice Within (2019)
Tarchon Fist
Tarchon Fist was created at the end of March 2005, after the split of the band Rain, the memorable Italian metal group, whose mastermind was Luciano “Lvcio” Tattini (g). This event coincided with the coming of Marco “Wallace” Pazzini (b, Basic Dreams). The name TARCHON FIST was the “logical evolution” of the “Rain” band. Tarchon being an ancient Etrurian king, hero and then also a god. The god of storm. Whereas “fist” underlines the band’s power and impact on stage. By the end of 2005, a video clip was produced. Thanks to this video, the band put out two albums on an Italian label, their self-titled debut in 2008 and “Fighters“ in 2009. Line-Up changes and many shows followed. October 2013 “Heavy Metal Black Force” came out. Remembering the first decade, the band released “Celebration 2005-2015” in December 2015 with a new song called “Celebration” and a best of. In July 2017 the EP “Proud to be Dinosaurs“ came out. Since 2010 the band’s line-up has been solid except for new drummer Giacomo “Jack” Lauretani (2016). So from 2010 until today, the band toured all over Europe. In August 2018, after 13 years of activity with albums, EPs, video clips and tours, the band performed a show at the mighty Wacken Open Air! On their previous albums e.g.Tom Naumann (g, Primal Fear) or Robb Weir (g, Tygers Of Pan Tang) guested. “Apocalypse”, the concept album, their first ever, is scheduled for August 16, 2019, via the German label “Pride & Joy Music” and showcases artwork by Stan W. Decker (Megadeth, Avantasia a.o.). The tale has nothing to do with the Apocalypse of St. John the Apostle. It combines motives from literature, history, mythology and many pre-Christian cultures. It is a story that is based on the dualism of human beings: Nobody is born bad. Nobody good. Personal choices lead us towards the former or the latter. And although there cannot be one without the other, it still seems that evil takes root more easily in our soul. It is always evil that „makes the first move“. Tarchon, deified king and hero of popular Etrurian culture (from which the band began its journey almost 15 years ago) will appear in the guise of the „Lord of Light“ and the forces of good. In the course of this long war, he is be accompanied by creatures that actually existed but are considered extinct today. Darkness, on the other hand, is represented by Manth, the demonic divinity of the Felsinean cult guarding the underworld. He can make use of any kind of fantasy creature associated with evil which are found in the most disparate cultures in the history of mankind. releases on Pride & Joy Music: Apocalypse (2019)
Qantice
Qantice is more than your average virtuoso symphonic metal band. Its sci-fi saga encompasses both a story and the craziest sci fi/fantasy movie atmospheres. Enriched by a violinist and various traditional instruments, the sound of the French quintet is unique in this scene. On their previous album “The Phantonauts”, Qantice had gathered prestigious names like PelleK (3 million subscribers on YouTube) as lead vocalist, Zaher Zorgati (Myrath) or Yossi Sassi (ex-Orphaned Land). Then, in 2016, the band recruited Swedish singer David Akesson (Aldaria, Vivaldi Metal Project, Six Foot Six, ex Moonlight Agony) to share the stage with Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody on their European tour, and then Myrath in Paris. Thanks to a lineup strengthened by touring together, the band’s chemistry is stronger than ever, making this third album their most epic and collaborative effort yet. With Kevin Codfert (Adagio, Myrath) on production and many surprises such as Italian opera tenor Riccardo Cecchi from L T’s Rhapsody, here’s a new offering of pure epicness, served by the biggest orchestras and choirs ever deployed in a Qantice album. Line-up: David Åkesson: Lead & Backing Vocals, Trumpet; Tony Beaufils: Guitars, Banjo, Bouzouki, Synths and Orchestration; Alexandra Laya: Violin; Christine Lanusse: Bass; Aurélien Joucla: Drums Pride & Joy Music releases: – The Anastoria (2019)
MASS
Founded in 1973 with an international line-up (from Germany, Switzerland, USA), MASS in their prime time played about 180 gigs in clubs and at festivals every year all over Europe. They sold over 200.000 albums and received radio airplay all over the continent. The album „Slaughter House“ (1979) hit the top 5 of the Greek album charts. A few years later, the readers of a famous German Hard Rock magazine voted MASS on # 4 of the best German Metal Bands after the Scorpions, Accept and Warlock. But fate doesn’t care about glory or fame. Just like so many musicians at the time, they had to pay the price for an excessive Rock’ n Roll lifestyle which resulted in the breakup of the band in 1987. Many years had passed before Günther V. Radny (bass) started to think about a reformation of the group when Hard Rock Label SPV released 4 of 8 successful MASS albums on CD as part of their “Rare Classic Series”. In 2016, the in Metal circles, highly respected Tom „Warrior“ Fischer (Hellhammer, Celtic Frost, Tryptichon) quoted the 1980 released MASS LP “Angel Power” as one of the most important albums of the era in an article in a big German Heavy Metal magazine – the call for a comeback became louder and Radny knew that the time was right. Because of health reasons, the original line-up wasn’t able to perform. So Radny formed a new line-up in January 2017 with Matthias „Wauxl“ Pfaller on vocals, Hannes Heid on guitar, Andy Gmeinwieser on drums and Clemens Matejka on organ. Completing the MASS sound with organ was a long desired wish from Radny. So he is not just starting a copy but creates a new chapter of the former most famous Metal Band from the South of Germany: MASS. 40 years after beginning one thing remains and so stays like from first day on the first rule and their highest maxime: „MASS only plays for the audience – 100% Hard Rock!“ The album “Still Chained” was produced by Robert Hoffmann & MASS at Single Coil Studios/ Regensburg and Slash Zero Records/ Abensberg between March and October 2018. The cover artwork was designed by Gisella Sapiña Febrero. Line-up: Günther V. Radny (bass), Matthias „Wauxl“ Pfaller (vocals), Hannes Heid (guitars), Andy Gmeinwieser (drums), Clemens Matejka (organ) Discography: Back To The Music (1973), Rock’n’Roll Power (1978), Slaughter House (1979), Angel Power (1980), Swiss Connection (1981), Metal Fighter (1983), War Law (1984), Kick Your Ass (1986), Still Chained (2019) Web: www.mass-rock.com Wiki: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_(Band) Pride & Joy Music releases: – Still Chained (2019)
Orion’s Reign
Orion’s Reign are back with their second full-length studio album, „Scores of War“, set for an October 19th release by Pride & Joy Music. The album, engineered, mixed and mastered at Fascination Street Studios (Powerwolf, Arch Enemy, Dragonforce, Amorphis etc.), in Sweden by Jens Bergen, Linus Corneliusson and Orion’s Reign, includes 11 tracks of epic/symphonic metal. The band continues the music path it had already begun with the previous album „Nuclear Winter“, offering this time a full symphonic experience profoundly influenced by epic movie scores, with a complete orchestra, bombastic rhythms, massive choirs and guest appearances such as Tim Ripper Owens (Judas Priest, Iced Earth), Bob Katsionis (Firewind), Mark Boals (Malmsteen) and others. The record is extremely diversified and contains much to explore, from Symphonic Speed Metal to catchy (Hard) Rock sounds, as well as operatic refrains filigreeing rich emotionality. The single „The Undefeated Gaul“ is the first appetizer of the album, with fast riffs, heavy rhythm section and furious guitar solos! Stay tuned for more single releases! Releases on Pride & Joy Music: Scores Of War (2018)
Crying Steel
Crying Steel were founded in Bologna in 1982 from the ashes of the Hard Rock group WURDALAK. The founding members were Alberto Simonini (guitar) and Angelo Franchini (bass), who were joined by Luke Bonzagni (vocals) and in 1983, and after various line-up changes, by Luca Ferri (drums) and Franco Nipoti (guitar). After a couple of demos, the Italians released their debut EP “Crying Steel” in 1985. During the next two years the group intensified their live activities throughout Italy including a performance at Heavy Metal Festival in Bologna in June 1986 with Motörhead and Twisted Sister. After more demo and promo releases, the debut LP “On The Prowl” came out in 1987. This was a revolutionary album – at least for the Italian New Wave of Heavy Metal (NWOIHM), as it was the first to be also released on CD. In September 1988 the line-up changed again. Simonini and Bonzagni left Crying Steel and were replaced by Michele Vanni and Lisa Bisognin. In March of 1990 Michele Vanni also left when Francesco Di Nicola joined the group. In the same year, the band performed some gigs in Russia with Massimiliano Merlini as new singer in the line-up. Some more gigs followed in 1994 and 2003 – reunions which saw Crying Steel perform with the classic line-up (Simonini / Nipoti / Bonzagni / Franchini / Ferri). In 2006, Crying Steel were signed by Italian label My Graveyards Production and began to record the new record “The Steel Is Back” which was released in 2007. Shortly after the album came out, Simonini unfortunately decided to leave the group. Max Magagni stepped in for the release party. Luca Bonzagni then had to leave the band due to differences with the other members until Crying Steel announced their new singer Stephen Palmonari in November 2009. Another series of concerts followed and included a performance at the British Fest. The follow-up album, “Time Stands Steel”, was released in April 2013. In June 2013, Crying Steel parted ways with singer Palmonari who was immediately replaced with Ramon Sonato and Luigi Frati. Before the concert held in Reno in February 2014, Friars Luigi replaced Max Magagni who had to leave due to increasing work commitments. After this line-up change, the group intensified it’s touring schedule once more and also represented Italy at Wacken Open Air’s 25th Anniversary. In 2015, they played the Greek festival „Metal Rites“ in Athens with Jag Panzer and signed a record deal with local label No Remorse Records before playing with former Iron Maiden singer Blaze Bayley in 2015. In 2016, Crying Steel celebrated their 30th Anniversary with a live show at Lokomotiv Club in Bologna with their friends Rain, Markonee and later on supported the American band Riot. A special box set containing a reprint of „On The Prowl“ + a DVD with the performance at Wacken Open Air 2014 was released in 2016, and Mirko Bacchilega became the new singer. In 2016, Crying Steel announced that the coming studio release will feature Tony Mills (Shy, TNT), one of the greatest voices in the international rock scene, on vocals. Crying Steel also played Paris Metal Fest in 2017. Crying Steel during the recent years have also shared the stage as well with Twisted Sister, Motörhead, Grim Reaper, Demon, Diamond Head, Girlschool, Angel Witch, Gotthard, Praying Mmantis, Vanadium, Raven, Satan, Killer, Jag Panzer, Behemoth, Razor, Riot, Blaze Bayley, Decapitated, Van Canto, Hammerfall, Hatebreed, Black Star Riders, Carcass, Children Of Bodom, Hellyeah, King Diamond, Arch Enemy, Amon Amarth, Kreator, Accept, Megadeth, Saxon, Skid Row, Slayer, Sodom, Steel Panther, Wasp and more… Releases on Pride & Joy Music: Stay Steel (2018)
Universe Infinity
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 and eventually Per Nilsson reached out to the others to see if they were interested in playing together again. In 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. Now, finally, UNIVERSE is back as UNIVERSE INFINITY with “Rock Is Alive”, a powerful album that is a tribute to the music of the 70’s and 80’s, and to their youth in Upplands Väsby. “Rock Is Alive” was produced by Michael Kling and Per Nilsson at Kling Studios, and mixed and mastered by Stefan Helleblad; drums were recorded in Standstraight Studio One Scandinavia. The artwork was created by Sylvain Lucchina at Razor Images. Release on Pride & Joy Music: – Rock Is Alive (as Universe Infinity) – Universe (as Universe)
Squealer
Originally founded in the 1980’s as classic Power Metal band, SQUEALER from the north of Hessia, Germany so far have had a busy band history. Today, the music by SQUEALER is a melting pot of several Metal elements which has enhanced through the years, i.e. an unique and diversified mix of Melodic Thrash Metal (which nowadays builds the foundation of each new SQUEALER song), groovy Rock stuff and, of course, the still obvious Heavy, Speed & Power Metal influences. After the release of eight studio albums and lot of career highlights such as performances at the big Summer festivals, support shows with Motörhead, Rage, Blind Guardian and many more, five-figured albums sales for the album Under The Cross followed by a tour with their big heroes Judas Priest the group faced a lot of deep hits as well. One of the biggest defeats was the accidental death of singer and founding member Andreas „Henner“ Allendörfer in the year of 2005. After the angry and very aggressive album Confrontation Street (2006) which featured Gus Chambers (Grip Inc.) on vocals, SQUEALER just found back to their common theme in the year to 2008 with the release of the CD The Circle Shuts. Numerous changes in the line-up made it almost impossible to continue to work in a professional manner. So, SQUEALER was put on hold for a while to take their time to search for a suitable line-up and only to continue occasionally with playing music in a smaller set-up. Now, in late 2017, the band is back full force and with a powerful line-up which just was completed last year. SQUEALER now consist of Lars Döring (guitars), Michael Schiel (guitars), Sebastian Werner (vocals) and Manuel Roth (bass). The band has started to perform live again in 2016 and since then played several gigs and festivals (incl. 70000 Tons Of Metal) with the new and convincing band constitution. The live shows were directly followed by the recordings for the new album Behind Closed Doors. The new record impressively proves the strength of the new SQUEALER line-up. To complete the makeover, a new, highly professional team was added for the album production. Ito Grabosch took care of the recordings while Roland Grapow (Helloween/ Masterplan) handled the mixing and Mika Jussila (Nightwish, Lordi, Him, Children Of Bodom) the mastering. The artwork was designed by Thomas Ewerhard (Amon Amarth, Avantasia). In late 2017, SQUEALER also has revealed the name of their new record label. Out of several offers, the band decided to go with Pride & Joy Music who will now release Behind Closed Doors on February 23rd, 2018. In advance, three singles will be published from late November. SQUEALER also has found a new partner to work with at the booking sector; Nauntown Music are currently working on more dates and festivals for 2018 & 2019. Pride & Joy Music releases: Behind Closed Doors (2018) Insanity (2020)
Voodoma
VOODOMA are a Dark Rock band with Gothic and Metal influences from Düsseldorf, Germany. To date, the band has released two regular albums and some self-produced records. In addition, the group also has played numerous gigs, including major festivals such as „Wacken Open Air“, „Ragnaröck Festival“ and „Castle Rock“. Three years after the release of the “Secret Circle” CD, the new album “Gotland” will now hit the stores on September 22nd, 2017 via Pride & Joy Music. The band’s sound still can be described as melodic, catchy Dark Rock which offers a wide range of elements and songs which will appeal to Gothic and Metal fans alike. Once again, VOODOMA have invited a couple of guest musicians including Maike Flüshöh (Mayze), Ollie Bölke (Seelensturm), and Bernemann from the German Thrash Metal legend Sodom. The release stands up with a powerful sound – also due the amazing mastering by multi-platinum award-winning mastering studio Monoposto. Pride & Joy Music releases: Gotland (2017)
Angelwings
ANGELWINGS were born in April 2013 out of a group of experienced musicians that had been in the Gibraltar local music scene for some time and who had played in different bands a wide variety of musical genres. Initially, to get together as a band it was decided to perform a number of covers from Finnish symphonic metal sensation Nightwish. Soon it became clear to all that original music would have a very considerable element of orchestration. Thus, ANGELWINGS became the first symphonic metal band from Gibraltar. It is in October 2014 when the band starts to write their original material. The first (demo) track titled „Wonderland“ was posted on YouTube in January 2015 and attracted attention from local media and internationally on social media. Two more demos have followed since, „Memories“ and „Forbidden Love“. These have enjoyed wide acceptance and support, and have increased the band’s exposure. These tracks have had air time on radio stations in Argentina, Spain and the UK. „The Fallen“ and „Lilith“ also premiered in Argentina. In June 2015 ANGELWINGS supported Heavy metal legends Saxon at the „Hard n Heavy“ festival in Gibraltar. In September 2015 they performed at the Gibraltar Music Festival where Kings of Leon and Duran Duran were headliners. These ANGELWINGS tracks have been on air by genre specialized radio stations throughout Europe, North and South America and elsewhere. After numerous offers from record labels from around the world, the group signed with Pride & Joy Music from Germany. The debut album titled „The Edge of Innocence“ was recorded at Angelwings Studios in Gibraltar and produced by ANGELWINGS. Album cover concept idea Darren Fa; graphic designer Thomas Ewerhard; band logo design Paul P Cano. ANGELWINGS will release its debut album „The Edge Of Innocence“ on June 23rd 2017. Pride & Joy Music releases: The Edge Of Innocence (2017) Primordium (2021)