Various Artists – 10 Years Of Joy
product: Various Artists – 10 Years Of Joyrelease date: 19.09.2025format: CD Limited on 500 copies, only available at shop.prideandjoy.de Pride & Joy Music was founded in 2025 by music industry veteran Birgitt Schwanke. The record company with a focus on the genres AOR, Melodic Rock, Hard Rock & Melodic Metal is based in Ascheberg, Germany. In the early years, the label focused more on melodic metal releases and over the years developed into one of the world’s leading record companies in the fields of AOR, melodic rock and hard rock. In January 2024, Pride & Joy Music took over some business areas from the record label & mail order company AOR Heaven, which further strengthened Pride & Joy Music’s market position. To celebrate the 10th anniversary appropriately, the CD sampler ‘10 Years Of Joy’, which you are now holding in your hands, has now been released. Limited to 500 copies and only available directly from the label, the CD contains some unreleased and rare material from 13 bands of our current roster. We would like to thank Midnite City, Osukaru, Nationwide, Heart Line, Mikael Erlandsson, Mentalist, Lazarus Dream, Universe III, Alien, Hartmann, Heaven’s Reign, Heartwind and Hearts On Fire for providing the songs! Label owner Birgitt Schwanke comments: “When I originally founded the record company in 2015 as a ‘supplement’ to my PR and management services, I could never have imagined what it would become over the next 10 years. So far, we have released over 200 albums that we are very proud of. Unlike some of our competitors, we have coped well with the changes in the music industry and are in a better position in 2025 than ever before, i.e. with a great roster of passionate bands, a functioning global distribution network for both physical and digital products and a flourishing online store. Despite the increasingly challenging business, we are still passionate about what we do every day and love what we do. Pride & Joy Music aims to be a band & fan-friendly label that supports artists in the development of their careers on the one hand and appeals to music fans with new, exciting releases on the other. A big thank you goes to all our friends, bands, business partners and music fans, without whom this trip would never have been possible. We raise our glasses to you and look forward to the next 10 years and more!“ Birgitt Schwanke, Ascheberg, August 2025 Tracklist: (1) Osukaru – Dreams Don’t Die (2025 Version)(2) Midnite City – Only A Matter Of Time(3) Nationwide – Danger Zone(4) Alien – I Remember (Soft Version)(5) Heart Line – Urgent(6) Mentalist – It’s A Long Road(7) Heartwind – Strangers In The Night (2025 Version)(8) Lazarus Dream – Crack The Hourglass (Guitar Mix)(9) Universe III – Summer Night City(10) Hartmann – Twenty Times Colder (Alternative Mix)(11) Heaven’s Reign – Free Fallin’(12) Hearts On Fire – Lonely Eyes (Remix 2025)(13) Mikael Erlandsson – Dynamite Osukaru – Dreams Don’t Die (2025 Version) „When we were invited to contribute something special to this amazing release, I instantly thought of ‚Dreams Don’t Die‘ – a song I co-wrote with Jules Millis of White Widdow for their 2014 album ‚Crossfire‘. We jumped at the chance and recorded it with our own new take on it. What a kick!“, says Oz Hawe Petersson. Osukaru in 2025 is Fredrik Werner (lead vocals), Oz Hawe Petersson (guitar), Antoine Mikhtarian (guitar), Marcus Zerath (bass), C.D (drums); additionally on this track: Mathias Rosén (keyboards), Peter Johansson (backing vocals), Lisa Eugenia (backing vocals) Music & lyrics: Oz Hawe Petersson, Jules Millis https://www.facebook.com/osukarumusic Midnite City – Only A Matter Of Time Japanese bonus track from the Midnite City album “In At The Deep End” (2023); previously unreleased in Europe. Text & music: Rob Wylde https://www.facebook.com/midnitecityuk Nationwide – Danger Zone Cover of Kenny Loggins‘ smash hit “Danger Zone” from the Top Gun movie soundtrack; previously only released digitally by Swedish Melodic Rock group Nationwide! Music: Giorgio Moroder Lyrics: Tom Withlock https://www.facebook.com/NATIONWIDESweden Alien – I Remember (Soft Version) “I Remember” is a track which originally appeared on Alien’s 2025 chart breaking album “When Yesterday Comes Around”. This is a new, softer version of the song. Featuring Jim Jidhed (vocals & acoustic guitars), Toby Tarrach (percussion), Tony Borg (acoustic & solo guitars), Kajsa Borg & Jonathan Jaarnek Norén (backing vocals), Joel Selsfors (keyboards & piano), Ritchie Borg (bass, mix & mastering) Music & lyrics: Jim Jidhed, Tony Borg, Toby Tarrach https://www.facebook.com/Alien.Sweden Heart Line – Urgent “We are all big fans of Foreigner in Heart Line. The idea to cover this title was born from our desire to play all these classics songs on our “Big Rock Show” tour, and what better than ‚Urgent‘ to set the stage on fire. We hope that this version will be as enjoyable for you as it was for us to play it!” comments Yvan Guillevic Music & lyrics: Mick Jones https://www.facebook.com/Heartlinebandofficial Mentalist – It’s A Long Road The song was originally intended as a bonus track for the Japanese version of the album ‘Earthbreaker’ (2025), but has remained unreleased until now. Music & lyrics: Peter Moog https://www.facebook.com/mentalistband Heartwind – Strangers In The Night (2025 Version) “The song was written by Mikael Rosengren, Göran Engvall and Mattias Falkendal for our second album “Strangers”. The original version was produced by Fredrik Folkare and sung by Stefan Nykvist, but when digging in the vault, we found this great alternative take with Subztain singer Andreas Morling. The song got a whole new more aggressive vibe with Ante singing and we decided to also remix and reproduce the track to make it even heavier than the original. More drums and more guitars, simple as that. The guitar takes we had from Martin Hall were so good that we wanted them even more up front”, Mikael and Göran comment. Players: Drums: Peter TrumPeter Svensson; Bass: Göran Engvall; Guitars: Martin Hall; Keyboards: Mikael Rosengren; Vocals: Andreas „Ante“ Morling; Backing vocals: Göran Engvall; Mix, Master and overall production: Göran Engvall Music
Civil Daze – Once In A Blue Moon
product: Civil Daze – Once In A Blue Moonrelease date: 24.10.2025format: CD & digitalterritory: world „Once In A Blue Moon“ is the debut album from Civil Daze, a Melodic Rock band based in Upplands Väsby just north of Stockholm, Sweden. There must be some kind of secret rock’n’roll potion in the water there since it’s also where bands like Europe, Candlemass, H.e.a.t & Universe III were born. Civil Daze started out as the solo project of Mikael Danielsson. However, since he didn’t fancy his own voice („I sounded like Tom Waits auditioning for Journey“) the songs were put on a shelf for some time as he was looking for the perfect singer. Playing together for years in different bands, Mikael realized the Helena Sommerdahl was „the one“ who could give the songs some amazing new dimensions. They have since brought in their favourite musician friends to make Civil Daze complete. So even if the band is new, these guys have shared the stage thousands of times already. The album is filled with both big AOR-choruses and 70-80’s Melodic Rock in a cool and rocking mix. The title „Once In A Blue Moon“ (which means „something that occurs very rarely“) points to the fact that the album has been on the way for a very long time. After finding the perfect singer, there was a worldwide pandemic, heartbreak and that thing called life that always gets in the way. But now the album is finally here and the Civil Daze are certain that the next one will be ready „like tomorrow“ in comparison. CIVIL DAZE is: Helena Sommerdahl – Vocals, Mikael Danielsson – Guitars, Tony Lindh – Guitars, Hasse Hagman – Bass, Glenn Jonsson – Drums 1. Top Of The World2. A Million Miles Away3. Face Down In The Dirt4. Paradise5. Got to Go6. The Right Kind Of Lovin’7. Turn The Page8. Heroes9. Revolution10. Givin’ It All
The Theander Expression – Chaos, Dreams & Love
product: The Theander Expression – Chaos, Dreams & Loverelease date: 19.09.2025format: CD & digitalterritory: world THE THEANDER EXPRESSION saw the light of day in 2013 as the solo project by Swedish guitarist Andrée Theander. The debut album was called ”Strange Nostalgia” quickly became a fan favorite among AOR listeners around the globe. This was the first release of original music by the guitarist since the self-released EP ”Influence Grind” by his prog rock band Cap Outrun in 2008, a band who many years later reshaped and made the full-length album ”High on Deception” in 2021. For the next album, “Wonderful Anticipation” (2016), Theander recruited a great line-up of rock musicians from Sweden, he either knew personally or who had impressed him with their previous work, such as the amazing vocalists Göran Edman and Christian Eriksson and drummer Herman Furin of Work Of Art. This album was leaning a bit more to the modern melodic rock sound compared to the slightly more classic west coast sounding debut. It also showcased the Swede’s love for more blues based rock and instrumental music. This time Christian shared the vocal duties with Christoffer Särnefält and Theander himself. Since then there have been two solo releases under his own name, as well as an album with the funk/rock band Clouds Of Clarity (Superficial Society, 2022) as well as the aforementioned work with Cap Outrun. The forthcoming album, ”Chaos, Dreams & Love”, and the lyrical themes are as usual depictions of Andrée’s personal life and the world around, modern society and human psychology. The music is best described as a return to the traditional AOR sound that fans have been asking for for years. Lead vocals are performed by Andrée, Christian and Christoffer like on ”Wonderful Anticipation”, but this album also features an impressive line-up of new guest artists named Chandler Mogel (Cap Outrun, Double Vision), Andrew Freeman (Last In Line, ex-Lynch Mob) and August Rauer (Creye). Other musicians are Johan Ludvig Rask on drums and percussion and Bob Fridzema on hammond organ. Track list:1. The Pursuit Of Serenity2. Too Many MilesToo Little Time3. I’m Moving On (Like You)4. Locked Out In The Cold5. Here And Now6. A New Strange Kind Of Emotion7. Did You Ever Intend To Stay?8. Free With A Broken Heart9. Love Song For No One10. You Left in the Middle of the Night11. Chaos Dreams & Love https://www.facebook.com/theanderexpression
Hartmann – Twenty Times Colder
product: Hartmann – Twenty Times Colderrelease date: 19.09.2025format: CD & digitalterritory: world Oliver Hartmann, well known as internationally respected singer and guitarist is considered with his band HARTMANN since their debut ’Out in the cold’ in 2005 as one of the best modern German Rock-/ Hard Rock acts. Since then, the band has released 9 successful albums and toured with countless top-acts as Uriah Heep, Toto, The Hooters, Y&T, House Of Lords and many others. The duet ’Simple man’ featuring the outstanding vocalist Eric Martin of Mr. Big has reached more than 1 million streams on Spotify since its release in 2018 as second single of the album ’Hands on the wheel’. After their latest album ’Get over it’ in 2022, which was enthusiastically accepted by fans worldwide and received once more top reviews by the global rock press, the band is now celebrating their 20th anniversary with the release of the new album ’Twenty times colder’, that again copes with the balancing act between guitar oriented Classic Rock and modernity. The album contains 11 brand new songs incl. the two singles & videos ’Twenty times colder’ and ’This heart’ – two powerful rock tracks that combine classic rock elements with the typical band’s sound, always carried by the unique powerful voice and virtuosic guitar playing of front man Oliver Hartmann. Recorded at Oliver Hartmann’s Alive Studio and Dennis Ward’s TrakShak Studio the album has again been co-produced, mixed and mastered by Sascha Paeth, who is well known for his outstanding work with Avantasia, Kamelot, Beyond the Black and many others. The release of the anniversary album ’Twenty times colder’ is accompanied by a headliner tour this autumn that will be presented by the magazines Break Out, Eclipsed, Good Times, Musix and ROCKANTENNE, Germany’s No. 1 rock radio station. Oliver Hartmann is also known as long-time part of metal-megaseller Avantasia, ex-part of Rock Meets Classic, ex-At Vance singer and as front man of Germany‘s No.1 Pink Floyd Tribute Pulse. Line-Up: Oliver Hartmann – vocals / guitarMarkus Nanz – keyboardsMarkus Kullmann – drums (John Diva, Voodoo Circle, ex-Glenn Hughes)Armin Donderer – bass (ex-Freedom Call) Track list: 1. Twenty Times Colder2. No One But You3. This Heart4. Alone5. Just Fly6 Don’t Cry7. Someone Like You8. The Time Of Your Life9. Valentine’s Day10. Heart Over Mind11. Remember Me
Barnabas Sky – Over The Horizon
product: Barnabas Sky – Over The Horizonrelease date: 22.08.2025format: CD & digitalterritory: world Multi-instrumentalist Markus Pfeffer (LAZARUS DREAM, MYSTERY MOON, WINTERLAND) from Kaiserslautern/Germany launches the third album of his Melodic Rock all-star project. In keeping with tradition, TYKETTO’s Danny Vaughn again opens the album with the epic track “The Sign Of The Wolf”. He is represented with two songs, as are David Cagle (SILENT TIGER) and Dirk Kennedy (HITTMAN). Tony Harnell (TNT) enhances the elegiac ballad “The Only Way” with his unmistakable voice, for which HEART LINE keyboardist Jorris Guilbaud contributed a string arrangement. Lee Small (THE SWEET/LIONHEART) takes on the groovy “Lone Wolf”, which is reminiscent of old QUEENSRYCHE, the Swede Conny Lind (AMAZE ME) sings about social media on “Book Of Faces” and the title track is sung by the young up-and-coming talent Deibys Artigas (PREINCARNATION) from Venezuela, who doesn’t have to hide behind his well-known colleagues with his distinctive voice and impressive vocal range. Pfeffer combines edgy guitar riffs, filigree solos and shimmering synthesizer sounds with catchy melodies and has several melodic rock earworms on the album, such as “Platform Of A Star” (David Cagle), as well as overlong tracks such as the title track and the 9-minute epic track “Scirocco Sands” (Dirk Kennedy). Despite the different voices and variety, the songs remain stylistically homogeneous and form a well-rounded whole. The mastering by Rolf Munkes (Empire Studios) is responsible for the transparent and powerful sound, while the futuristic cover was created by Argentinian artist Nicolas Oliveros. Mixed & produced by Markus Pfeffer All music by Markus Pfeffer Lyrics written by the respective singers Line-Up:Markus Pfeffer: Guitars, Bass, Guitarsynthesizer, Synthesizer, Backing VocalsVocals: Danny Vaughn (01/09), Tony Harnell (05), Dirk Kennedy (02/09), Lee Small (07), David Cagle (03/08), Conny Lind (06), Deibys Artigas (04). Guests:Drums, Percussions (all Songs): Thomas RiederString-Arrangement (05): Jorris GuilbaudAdditional Synths & FX (01): Thomas Nitschke Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barnabasskyband Track list:01. The Sign Of The Wolf (Danny Vaughn)02. One By One (Dirk Kennedy)03. Platform Of A Star (David Cagle)04. Over The Horizon (Deibys Artigas)05. The Only Way (Tony Harnell)06. Book Of Faces (Conny Lind)07. Lone Wolf (Lee Small)08. Dreams (David Cagle)09. Fire Falls (Danny Vaughn)10. Scirocco Sands (Dirk Kennedy)
Hearts On Fire – Signs & Wonders
product: Hearts On Fire – Signs & Wondersrelease date: 25.07.2025format: CD & digitalterritory: world Seven years after HEARTS ON FIRE’s debut album titled “Call Of Destiny” (2018) was released, the group returns with powerful music and a new voice! This time featuring none other than renowned singer Mark Boals on vocals! Their second album “Signs & Wonders” features a solid line-up consisting of Jean Funes (guitars, Silent Tiger), Joel Mejía (drums, Silent Tiger) and keyboardist Eric Ragno (Khymera, The Babys) that brings 11 songs to life, delivered with more intensity and punch, but still keeping that melodic magic present. Dennis Ward (Khymera, Magnum), who also mixed and mastered the release, appears as guest on bass guitar. The sound of the band has evolved by adding more personality and depth to the music – with definitely more edges than the debut album but keeping that distinctive melodic sound. “Signs & Wonders” features lyrics with reflective themes and topics of relevance in the world right now, and the songs are full of inspired melodies and hooks that will leave you wanting more. Hearts On Fire is: Mark Boals (Lead and Background Vocals), Jean Funes (Guitars), Joel Mejia (Drums), Eric Ragno (Keyboards) Additional Musician: Dennis Ward (Bass)Produced by Jean FunesMixed and mastered by Dennis WardExecutive producers: Jean Funes and Joel Mejia Track list:1. Signs in the Sky2. Collective Mind3. Lights & Shadows4. Stay in this Moment5. Blood Moon6. Eleventh Hour7. Battlefield8. Restless Heart9. Rearview Mirror10. World Torn in Two11. Road to Eternity https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558042420831
FIRST LIGHT – Elemental
product: FIRST LIGHT – Elementalrelease date: 25.07.2025format: CD & digitalterritory: world First Light is the melodic rock band of lifelong friends Dave Hardman (guitar) and Carl Sharples (bass)—two musicians bound by decades of friendship and a passion for the golden era of AOR. What began as lockdown collaboration in 2020 has become a dynamic musical force, rooted in the spirit of classic bands like FM, Journey, Foreigner, and Giant, yet fully charged with fresh energy and modern production. Despite now living in different countries—Dave in Spain and Carl in the UK—the duo has forged a creative partnership through remote collaboration, with Dave shaping the music and Carl penning lyrics and melodies. Together, they deliver a sound that is both nostalgic and invigorating, combining lush harmonies, heartfelt songwriting, and the unmistakable spirit of British melodic rock. To bring their vision to life, they assembled an outstanding lineup. Warren Passaro, a powerful and soulful vocalist from New York City, brings transatlantic fire and finesse. On drums, long-time friend Andy Jakeman provides thunderous, driving energy. with the crown jewel of fanboy dreams coming when Didge Digital, legendary keyboardist of British AOR giants FM, joined the band—adding his trademark melodic textures and deepening the band’s sonic identity. After receiving international airplay and glowing praise for their 2023 Gravity mini-album—including a Classic Rock Magazine review (a rare feat for an unsigned band), a 90% score from melodicrock.com, and Album of the Month in AOR Underground—First Light knew they had to raise the bar. Produced by Pete Newdeck (Vega) and mastered by Harry Hess (Harem Scarem), Elemental is a powerful, emotionally charged collection of 11 brand new songs—each one crafted with precision, passion, and purpose. Created virtually, yet bursting with chemistry, the album captures the clarity, depth, and organic spirit that inspired its title. Elemental is not just an album—it’s a statement. Track list:1. Closer2. Damned if you do3. Forever young4. Mayday5. Leave a light on6. Mesmerising7. Run8. Caught up in you9. Shooting for the stars10. Untouchable11. The Prize https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066826565739
Heathen’s Eye – Port Inspiro
product: Heathen’s Eye – Port Inspirorelease date: 27.06.2025format: CD & digitalterritory: world HEATHEN’S EYE is a new Swedish Melodic Metal band which incorporates many different influences from the fields of AOR, melodic rock and progressive into its sound. Most band members live in the beautiful north, the land of snow, aurora borealis, months of eternal darkness in the winter, and warm days when the sun never sets in the summer. These contrasts are also reflected in the music of HEATHEN’S EYE which spans over heavy rock, airy ballads and progressive metal. The band features five experienced musicians with a background in several genres. It consists of Göran Hamrin (song writer and guitar), Jonas Jönsson (drums), Mikael Andersson (keys), Ola Hellström, (bass) and Robb Lindh (vocals). In HEATHEN’S EYE their wide experience is fused together into a unique sound that expands the borders of Hard Rock. Many of the Scandinavians‘ influences come from the 80s and 90s and from bands like like Queensrÿche, Accept and Lynch Mob, but at the same time it pushes the boundaries of progressive rock further into the future. The name of the album, Port Inspiro, “Inspired by the past” in Esperanto, is a tribute to the bands that led HEATHEN’S EYE onto the path they are on today. “Port Inspiro” will be released via Pride & Joy Music on CD and digital on June 27th, 2025. Line-up: Göran Hamrin – guitars, Jonas Jönsson – drums, Mikael Andersson – keyboards, Ola Hellström – bass, Robb Lindh – vocals Track list:1. One Black Lie2. Mirrorman3. Ghosts Of Yesterday4. Still Water Runs Deep5. Firepriest6. Is It Over Now7. Endless Lies8. Lost In The Wind9. Shine10. Monsters11. Blind12. Time To Deliver https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082695914047
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