White Widdow – Crossfire
product: White Widdow – Crossfirerelease date: 27.06.2025format: CD territory: world Formed in Melbourne, Australia in 2008 and centered around the Millis brothers Jules (Vocals) & Xavier (Keyboards) with Guitar virtuoso Enzo Almanzi. Raised on a healthy diet of 80’s Arena Rock and influenced by artists such as Survivor, Dokken, Night Ranger, White Sister & Giuffria. In 2010 White Widdow stormed onto the Melodic Rock scene across the globe with the release of their self titled debut album, filled with swirling keyboards, blistering guitar playing and big choruses. The release of the debut was met by the press with rave reviews making it into Classic Rock Magazine’s top 10 AOR albums for 2010. Hot on the heels of their debut, White Widdow quickly returned with their follow up release “Serenade” in September 2011. „Serenade“ was heaped with praise by the press as one of the best albums in the genre of 2011, gaining 9/10 in both Classic Rock and Powerplay magazines and receiving a 94% on the coveted website melodicrock.com. In support of „Serenade“, White Widdow hit the road playing festivals and headlining club shows throughout Europe which saw them tour through Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Greece and England. Along the way performing at HEAT Festival (Germany) and Firefest (UK). This was followed in 2012 with a full tour of the UK as support band to English melodic rock band TEN. White Widdow had initially hoped to release their third album at the end of 2013, however 2013 proved to be a difficult year for the band with original bass player Trent Wilson retiring from the music industry and the unfortunate death of drummer George Kristy. Despite these set backs, in early 2014 the Millis brothers and Almanzi regrouped with a rejuvenated new line up, featuring Ben Webster on Bass and Noel Tenny on Drums. The band set about making their third album “Crossfire“, which shows the band retaining their trademark keyboard driven Melodic Hard Rock. Showing at times a slightly more hard rock edge than on the previous albums, yet still drenched in melody and hooks. Produced & engineered by Xavier Millis and mixed once again by Pelle Saether (Grand Design), White Widdow are back with quite possibly their best album yet. Track list:1. Caught In The Crossfire2. Fly Me Away3. Just Another Night4. Below The Bel5. Dreams Don’t Die6. Too Many Tears7. Angel8. Born To Be A Rebel9. Carry The Heartache10. Never Again11. Thunder (Bonus Track) www.facebook.com/whitewiddowaor
White Widdow – Serenade
product: Dark Mile – Serenaderelease date: 27.06.2025format: CD territory: world Founded in Melbourne Australia, White Widdow was formed in 2008 by front man Jules Millis , Bassist Trent Wilson and Guitarist Enzo Almanzi. Soon after, Jules brought in his brother Xavier Millis on the keyboards, a two time ARIA (Australian Record Industry Award) nominee. With Xavier onboard, the writing team was in place and the line-up was then completed with Jim Naish on drums. Raised on a healthy diet of 80’s Arena Rock and influenced by artists such as White Sister, Giuffria, Aviator, Survivor , Danger Danger, Rick Springfield and Roxus, White Widdow started out playing live amongst the diverse Melbourne Rock scene, they quickly established themselves as a solid live unit throughout their native Australia. In mid 2009 White Widdow recorded and released their free digital only EP which was very well received in selected press. In 2010 White Widdow stormed onto the Melodic Rock scene across the globe with the release of their self titled debut album through AOR Heaven. With the release of the debut, the full vision of White Widdow has become a reality. An album full of Melodic Rock and AOR anthems filled with swirling keyboards, blistering guitar playing and big choruses full of hooks. Hot on the heels of their debut, White Widdow return with their follow up release “Serenade”. Proud of their 80’s influences, the new album “Serenade” retains the urgency and energy of the White Widdow debut , while also showcasing more diversity in song style and structure. Recorded at Solid State Studios in Melbourne Australia and Mixed and Mastered by Pelle Saether (Grand Design) at Studio Underground in Sweden. Track list:1. Cry Wolf2. Strangers In The Night3. Do You Remember4. Reckless Nights5. How Far I Run6. Serenade7. Show Your Cards8. Mistake9. Patiently10. Love Won’t Wait 11. Reckless Nights Acoustic (Bonus Track) www.facebook.com/whitewiddowaor
White Widdow – White Widdow
product: White Widdow – White Widdowrelease date: 27.06.2025format: CD territory: world Hailing from Melbourne Australia, White Widdow was formed in 2008 by charismatic front man Jules Millis along with Bassist Trent Wilson and Guitar virtuoso Enzo Almanzi. From its inception the vision was always to write and perform 80’s Arena style Melodic Rock and Hard Edged AOR inspired by artists such as White Sister , Survivor, Treat, Dokken, Aviator, Bon Jovi and Australia’s own Roxus. After initial sessions it was clear to them that to fulfill the sound they wanted, they would require a full time keyboard player. Jules immediately enlisted the help of his brother Xavier Millis on the keyboards, a two time ARIA (Australian Record Industry Award) nominee and a well versed keyboard player in many musical styles. With Xavier onboard, the writing team was in place and the line-up was then completed with Jim Naish on drums. Starting out playing live amongst the diverse Melbourne Rock scene, White Widdow quickly established themselves as a solid live unit throughout their native Australia. In mid 2009 White Widdow recorded and released their free digital only EP which was very well received in selected press. With their debut Self Titled album, the full vision of White Widdow has become a reality. With absolutely no concerns about modern rock trends the band has followed their hearts and proudly wear their 80’s influences on their sleeves . Mixed and Mastered by Martin Kronlund (Overland, Joe Lynn Turner, Hammerfall, Bangalore Choir) at JM Studios in Sweden, White Widdow have put together an album full of Melodic Rock and AOR anthems filled with swirling keyboards, blistering guitar playing and big choruses full of hooks, the way they believe rock music should be. Track list:1. Shoukai (Intro)2. Tokyo Rain3. Broken Hearts Won‘t Last Forever4. We‘ve Got The Wings5. Cross To Bare6. Don‘t Fail Me Now7. Spirit Of Fire8. Shadows Of Love9. One More Day10. Change Of Passion11. Fire & Ice12. Broken Hearts Won‘t Last Forever – Acoustic (Bonus Track)
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
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.
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)
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)