product: Dan Lucas - The Long Road

release date: 22.10.2021

territory: world

format: CD

DAN LUCAS first came to fame in the German Democratic Republic during the early 80’s as the front man of different successful German Rock groups. After his escape from the GDR, he moved to West Berlin where he soon became the singer of classic German Hard Rock group KARO who released the album “Heavy Birthday” (Frontrow/ Warner) in 1988 and went on tour with MEAT LOAF. After the split of KARO in 1989, LUCAS moved to Munich in 1990.

During the following years, he put out two solo albums under the name of DAN LUCAS on the Canadian label Marloboro Music, i.e. “Canada” in 1992 and “2000!” in 1995. The hit single “Heart Of America” from the “Canada” album, which was recorded in Vancouver, Canada with musicians from LOVERBOY and Manny Charlton (NAZARETH) participating, was used for a McDonald’s commercial later on. In 1993, LUCAS won a song contest in Istanbul, Turkey with the track “Canadian Dream”.

Numerous guests including Robin Beck, Lisa Dalbello, John Pierce, Kane Roberts, Michael Landau & Reb Beach appeared on the “2000!” release. This record was recorded in Burbank, California and includes the track “Close Your Eyes And Say Goodbye” which LUCAS wrote together with Desmond Child. In 1996, the singer changed to the Arcade label which put out the album “News” in the same year.

In 2018/2019, DAN LUCAS won the casting show “Voice Of Germany Senior” which brought him massive attention both from fans and media alike. In the following time, he joined the Rock Meets Classic 2019 tour and released a cover version of JOURNEY’s smash hit “Don’t Stop Believin’” via Universal Music Germany.

“The Long Road” now is his very personal, brand new solo album which shows the singer from a more intimate side.

product: InterCore - Dreams For Sale

release date: 17.09.2021

territory: world

format: CD

Guitarist, songwriter and producer Raimo Rommedahl (ex COUSIN BILL) and singer/guitarist Jesper Max (ex FRAISE) were touring musicians who met in early 2014. They shared a deep desire for making their own music, and a dream of building their own professional studio. The result was the opening of premium Rockstone studio in 2016.

While studying sound engineering they started to record what would become INTERCORE’s first album. In order to complete it they brought in session drummer Thomas “Shuffle” Persson (ex  HIGHLANDER) to lay down the basics and who laster agreed to become a steady member of the band. After a series of testing bass players they fell in love for Robert Fallqvist's impressive skills and the group’s line-up was completed!

Raimo Rommedahl wrote most of the tunes and Jesper completed the lyrics and melodies to suit his voice. The album was recorded over a span of 4 years as the songs grew into something ever greater.

INTERCORE’s mission is to spread the great heavy metal music of the 80’s and 90’s. Bands like Scorpions, Thin Lizzy and Europe are major influences.

The band members all grew up on the west coast of Sweden close to Gothenburg which is widely known for its metal scene. With strong melodies, pounding drums and screaming guitars, INTERCORE hope to remind you of the golden age of metal music, where the inner core was made of great songs and melodies.

The album “Dreams For Sale” was recorded, mixed and produced by Raimo Rommedahl and Jesper Max in Rockstone studios in the Gothenburg-area and mastered by Henrik Heinrich at Nevo Mastering in Sweden. Band logo by Merja Niklasson, album cover designed by artist Elsa Eliasson Hallström.

product: Tales Of The Old - The Book Of Chaos

release date: 17.09.2021

territory: world

formats: CD

TALES OF THE OLD is a Symphonic Dark Ambient Power Metal band from Athens, Greece. The band was founded in 2010 by keyboard player Mike Tzanakis who is also the main composer and arranger of their music

His love for Symphonic Metal acts like Rhapsody, Nightwish, Therion, Haggard and such, led him to form a band and contribute to this genre with a more Dark version of his favorite music. The classical orchestrations are entwined with lyrics inspired by the Medieval Era, making the music of TALES OF THE OLD sound like a perfect soundtrack of the Dark Ages and the eternal battle of Good & Evil.

After releasing their first self-produced demo “Beware” in 2010, Tzanakis decided to make the next step and work with producer Bob Katsionis (ex - Firewind) who, in collaboration with Mike formed the sound of the band as it can be heard in their Ep '' The Passageway From Hell To Earth '' in 2012, their last act before even they start...

After eight hard struggling years, of unspeakable difficulties and obstacles (a period where actually TALES OF THE OLD did not exist), Tzanakis decided to reform the whole band and give birth to his dream. New members, new reality, a total new vision.

The band's first album “The Book Of Chaos” became reality during the past years! A project which would never take flesh and bones without the contribution and the hard work of the only possible co-producer for TALES OF THE OLD, the mastermind of Power Metal in Greece, Bob Katsionis!

product: Mentalist - A Journey Into The Unknown

release date: 20.08.2021

territory: world

formats: CD & digital

MENTALIST is a Melodic Metal band from Saarbrücken, Germany that was founded in 2018. The group consists of Peter Moog (guitars), Thomen Stauch (drums, ex BLIND GUARDIAN), Kai Stringer (guitars, ex STARCHILD) and Swedish singer extraordinaire Rob Lundgren on vocals.

After the highly successful debut release “Freedom Of Speech” in 2020, the group now returns with its sophomore release “A Journey Into The Unknown”. Just like the predecessor, this new opus puts a strong focus onto huge guitar melodies and vocals lines amongst others. MENTALIST’s influences from the genre’s greats such as Iron Maiden, Helloween and Blind Guardian still shine through – but they formed their own identity.

Oliver Palotai (Kamelot; keyboards on all tracks) and Mike LePond (Symphony X, bass on all tracks) together with singer Henning Basse (Metalium, Firewind; backing vocals on most tracks, plus a duet on "Live Forever") all appear as guests on this record.

“A Journey Into The Unknown” again also showcases an incredible artwork designed by Andreas Marschall (Blind Guardian, Running Wild) – starring the band’s mascot, the Mentalist. The Mentalist continues his journey as recurring element in the group’s artwork and during their live shows with visual effects.

Mix & mastering this time was handled by Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Amaranthe, Pretty Maids etc.).

product: Legions Of The Night - Sorrow Is The Cure

release date: 20.08.2021

territory: world

formats: CD & digital

LEGIONS OF THE NIGHT were founded by Jens Faber (Dawn of Destiny, MalefistuM, ExoS) in the year 2020 during the Covid19 pandemic. Soon, DOD drummer Philipp Bock and exceptional singer Henning Basse (Metalium, ex- Firewind, Mayan) completed the group.

The band’s main influence comes from the early works of US Power Metal veterans SAVATAGE as well as from their early 2000’s releases. As a natural result, the album “Sorrow Is The Cure” with the cover of the classic tune “Sirens” includes an homage to SAVATAGE.

Nevertheless LEGIONS OF THE NIGHT managed to create their own identity with massive grooves, lots of soul and remarkable melodies. LEGIONS OF THE NIGHTS convince with Jens Faber’s song-writing and the incredible, versatile voice of Henning Basse.

“Sorrow Is The Cure” was mixed by Dennis Köhne (Orden Ogan, Sodom, Lacuna Coil) who enriched the music with an impressive sound production.

product: Saeko - Holy Are We Alone

release date: 20.08.2021

territory: world -Asia

formats: CD & digital

SAEKO was originally formed in 2003 in Germany by a Japanese singer, Saeko Kitamae, who flew to Germany to find a heavy metal band to join, with the help of well-known German musicians, such as Lars Ratz and Michael Ehré (both Metalium), Sven Lüdke (Mob Rules) etc. 

After the debut album (2004), which was well affirmed by the international media, SAEKO went on tour with DORO (2004), and performed at festivals such as Wacken Open Air (2005) as the first Asian female singer, leaving the capacity audience to insist strongly on encores. It was the only power metal act by a Japanese singer whose interviews and articles were positively covered by many magazines around the world (to name a few, 
Break Out Germany, Metal Hammer Italy, La Heavy Spain and Rock Hard Brazil).


However, it was a time when no Japanese heavy metal bands had succeeded in the international music scene for years, since Loudness and Bow Wow in the 80's. Saeko Kitamae's reckless attempt, too ahead of the times, faced many troubles between two different cultures, which eventually forced her to fly back to Japan. That's how SAEKO’s activity was suspended only after two albums, to the disappointment of many: “Above Heaven Below Heaven” (2004) and “Life” (2006).

The Japanese singer has never compromised at all in bringing her vision alive. Again relocating from Japan to Germany only for her music, she chose the finest members from Italy and Germany this time. The very first step, the crowdfunding campaign launched in 2020, was already a great success, quickly surpassing ¥2,000,000 (about €15,400).

SAEKO’s music, affirmed by the international media as having its "own musical identity with an exotic touch” in 2004, is the unique result created by fusion of Japanese and European elements. This individual identity is even more developed and expanded on the new album: An epic with a concept story of a spirit reincarnating through different areas of the world to find his/her answer--a sequel to the 1st and 2nd albums. The blend of classic/folkloristic elements of each area and the metal approach resulted in music no one has heard of.

All lyrics were written by Saeko Kitamae, while all music composed by Saeko Kitamae and Guido Benedetti. The perfect combination of her vocals and his guitars is supported by outstanding plays of Alessandro Sala (Bass) and Michael Ehré (Drums). 

Guest musicians include Derek Sherinian (Sons of Apollo, Planet X, ex. Dream Theater) and Lars Ratz (ex. Metalium, † 2021).

Produced by Saeko Kitamae, Guido Benedetti and V. Santura, the engineer well-known for his elaborate work for the artists such as Triptykon, Obscura, Secrets of the Moon, also known as the guitarist of Triptykon, Dark Fortress etc. Co-produced by Eddy Cavazza. Mixed and mastered also by V. Santura at his Woodshed Studio in Landshut, Germany.

It is an unforgettable experience made by Saeko Kitamae’s non-compromising attitude combined with the top-class Italian/German collaboration. Sometimes quiet and reflective, sometimes powerful, intense and resonating, with lyrics in English, Japanese, German, even Hawaiian and Sanskrit, concluding with a citation from Plato. It will surely inspire both intellectual and emotional minds of yours.