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03/10/08
--
Orphan Project release of our EP "OP2"
--
Wow, after
a long, long, long wait...finally...
Orphan Project are pround to announce the release of our EP "OP2"...the
follow-up cd to our critically acclaimed debut "Orphan Found"! The cd is
out now and you can purchase the actual cd, or you can download the
songs to your IPod/MP3 player from our MySpace page...www.myspace.com/orphanproject.
You will notice there is a SnoCap store, but we're in the process of
deleting that since we are offering our downloads from DigStation.com
(there is a button for them on our page as well). We are no longer using
our www.orphanfound.com
site, as it is too hard for us "computer idiots" to maintain.
Here's a little "brief" update on the track listing:
Angels Desire - a heavy, driving song of salvation and "breaking of
bondage" with a huge, anthemic chorus.
My Goodness - a driving, heavy gothic song that speaks of man's
brokeness and depravity...knowing that our only good works are done in
Christ. Note the violin solo in this tune.
Another Brick In The Wall pt. 2 - our heavy, proggish take on a popular
song that it seems everyone in the world has covered before. A "live"
set favorite of many fans.
Empty Me - again, as the other 2 originals...a heavy, soaring, anthemic,
catchy, driving song where the listener finds out Who "heals the
brokenhearted".
Also, if you like OP2 and you've always wanted to get a copy of Orphan
Found, but haven't done so, do it now...I have a few copies left of our
debut!
--
Pär Lindh Project in Concert – Live in
Poland DVD
--
Get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience: an exquisite
blend of structural intricacy, fantasy and madness, an intriguing
mixture of classical music and progressive rock presented by the
Swedish Pär Lindh Project on their first DVD
release!
“Pär Lindh Project in Concert – Live in Poland” DVD will be
released by Metal Mind Productions on 21st April 2008 in
Europe and 13th May 2008 in USA (via MVD).
The DVD presents the footage from the band’s outstanding performance
at Wyspiański Theater in Poland, which proves the band’s virtuosity
as well as cleverness in devising remarkably intelligent
compositions. Apart from the show the DVD also includes an interview
with Pär Lindh, photo gallery, biography, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
Sound and more!
“Pär Lindh Project in Concert – Live in
Poland” DVD will also be available in a special DVD+CD limited swing
case edition with a CD with audio
material recorded at the show!
DVD:
1. Night on Bare Mountain (incl. The Black
Stone)
2. Baroque Impression
3. Mundus / Veni Vidi Vici Medley
4. Suite in Progress
5. Montagues & Capulet
6. Bill’s Solo
7. Gradus ad Parnassum
CD (only available with a limited
DVD+CD edition):
1. Night on Bare Mountain (incl. The Black Stone)
2. Baroque Impression
3. Mundus / Veni Vidi Vici Medley
4. Suite in Progress
5. Montagues & Capulet
6. Bill’s Solo
7. Gradus ad Parnassum
Band info
Pär Lindh Project is a brain child of the
multi talented musician from Sweden - Pär Lindh. Has toured as
classical musician in Europe and the Americas. He has given over two
hundred concerts as harpsichordist, pianist and organist. On many
occasions he has toured Mexico, South and North America as soloist
as well as the leader of his music ensemble The Pär Lindh Project.
Pär also wrote a concerto in Baroque style as well as other pieces.
As a pianist Pär has given recitals in Scandinavia, France, Italy,
England and USA. Pianosolos has also been incorporated frequently in
PLP concerts including both classical pieces as well as Pärs own
compositions. Pär studied piano for Mrs. Ani Gazarian who was a
pupil of the great Alfred CORTOT. Pär started his career as
professional organist at the early age of 15 playing in churches
around Enköping Sweden. He studied the instrument for several
teachers in both Sweden and France including such prestigious names
as Marie Claire Alain. Although the harpsichord was predominant
during Pärs classical career he gave several organ concerts in USA,
Italy, France and Sweden. Incorporating the sonorities of the church
organ has become an important part of PLPs unique sound both on
record and at live concerts. Pär is a composer of classical music
with regards to the glorious music of the great European classical
tradition. He is also a composer of avant-garde progressive rock and
alternative music.
(Pontiac, Illinois) March 10, 2008 Legendary Beau Brummels vocalist Sal
Valentino will release his new album, entitled
DREAMIN’ MAN, through Central-Illinois-based independent record label,
o.i.e.Records,Ltd. on March 15, 2008. o.i.e. president John McGlasson
said; “When I founded this label in 2003, I never dreamed that I’d be
releasing an album from a guy who challenged the Beatles for chart
space! This is a beautiful album, and we’re proud to have Sal on board!”
DREAMIN’ MAN will be available via all online download sites with online
distribution by ReapAndSow Distribution from San Francisco, CA, at
Amazon.com, or at the label’s site at
www.oierecords.com
02/06/08
--
MAGENTA RELEASE METAMORPHOSIS ON APRIL 21ST
--
Tigermoth
Records
are proud to announce the release of Metamorphosis, the fourth
studio album from Magenta on April 21st.
Without abandoning the sense of melody and dynamics that remain the
Magenta trademark, Metamorphosis sees the band taking a darker,
more intense path with powerful, sometimes disturbing subject matter.
“I think this album is going to surprise a lot of people, “says Rob Reed
“It will challenge many people’s preconceptions of what Magenta are, and
what we are capable of musically. Most of it was written on guitar, so
some of the material is heavier than before, whilst retaining most of
the elements of the Magenta sound.”
The album also marks the band’s return to long-form pieces of music,
with two 20 minute-plus songs, namely Metamorphosis, the title
track, a disturbing tale of a serial killer with a split personality,
and the album opener The Ballad of Samuel Layne, which follows
the thoughts of a soldier in the World War One trenches as he prepares
to go into battle.
Rob also comments that with guitars and real strings dominating the
arrangements there are fewer keyboards than previous albums: “Watch out
for some brilliant performances on the record.” He says. “Christina’s
vocals are just astonishing, Tim Robinson delivers a virtuoso
performance on drums and Chris Fry has pushed the bar even higher
than usual with some amazing lead guitar. I have no doubt that this is,
by far, our finest album to date.”
The album was recorded at Big Studios in South Wales, and mixed
by Rob Reed and Tim Lewis at the legendary Rockfield Studios near
Monmouth in Wales. Rob has written all the music with lyrics by Steve
Reed and the stunning artwork is by Killustrations.
The album will be released on April 21st, but will be
available from March 22nd from the Magenta shop via
www.magenta-web.com . Watch out for an
exclusive special pre-order offer to be announced shortly. Regular
video updates and sound clips to follow on the website over the next few
weeks.
Again, a great
band is added to the ranks of Rusty Cage Records. This time we have
signed Dutch thrashers Izegrim. Their upcoming cd Tribute To
Totalitarianism will be released (as an exclusive digi-pack) on
February 29th.
Expect an Izegrim-style Thrash/Death Metal hybrid with quite a few
Stoner influences and faint Gothenburg-style melody, accompanied with
some ferocious polemics that will not leave much to the imagination
regarding the current state of world affairs.
Tribute to
Totalitarianism is an album that firmly kicks one right in the balls.
With its exceptionally savage yet groovy brand of thrash-metal, IZEGRIM
is a band unlike any other. Although their personalities are modest,
their ambitions are not: IZEGRIM is determined to conquer the stages of
Western Europe and abroad.
All recordings are mixed and mastered by Jochem Jacobs (Split Second
Sound), who has worked for bands such as Textures, Autumn, The Lucifer
Principle and many others (including Cypher, Magnacult and Obsidian!).
Izegrim will join Non-Divine at the European Tour of Flotsam & Jetsam,
where they also play the Metal Mania Festival in Poland (Megadeth, The
Dillinger Escape Plan, Satyricon, Overkill and many others). Check out
the tourdates at the
GIGS section of the RCR site or check out the
Izegrim website.
Non-Divine
news
European
tour as support of Flotsam & Jetsam
Non-Divine announces their European tour as a support of U.S. metallers
Flotsam and Jetsam. Labelmates Izegrim will also joins the tour. Check
out the tourdates at the GIGS section of the RCR site.
"Footprints"
videoclip online
MTV take note! Obsidian decided to take advantage of their stunning
looks. Together with Dennis Lubbers, a very talented filmmaker of the
filmcademy in Amsterdam, Obsidian shot their first videoclip
"Footprints" of their album Emerging.
Check it out!
--
Threshold are confirmed to headline ProgPower
Europe--
We are proud to confirm
THRESHOLD as one of the 3 headliners for PROGPOWER EUROPE 2008. The band
already headlined ProgPower Europe back in 1999 (the first ProgPower
event ever), so it is very special to us to have them back on stage this
year as we celebrate our 10th anniversary. THRESHOLD will headline the
event on Sunday 5 October with a full 2 hour show.
Other
bands that are confirmed so far are PAGAN’S MIND, DIVISION BY ZERO,
SUSPYRE and GHOST BRIGADE, the next couple of weeks we will confirm more
bands.
We have started already advance sales of weekend tickets and package
deals right now, check out the website for all the details,
http://www.progpower.eu/ We
hope to see you all in October as we celebrate our 10th anniversary.
--
DARK SUNS new album "Grave Human Genuine" out in February
--
Following
two highly successful tours with established Progressive metalists Pain
Of Salvation and two years of exacting work, DARK SUNS have finished
their third album "Grave Human Genuine".
"Grave Human Genuine" - this unconventional title was chosen with care
and purpose, as it represents the three characteristic elements of this
work: 'Grave' signifies darkness, the sinister force, and the inevitable
fate. 'Human' is synonymous with the music's inherent soul-depth, while
'Genuine' means 'real' or 'authentic' and hence refers to DARK SUNS'
uncompromising approach to music.
But what about the music? DARK SUNS don't merely pick up where the
successful predecessor "Existence" (2005) left off, they present
themselves as many-facetted as never before. A clear nod to Doom,
complex polyrhythms, unusual and diverse instruments and, last but not
least, drummer Niko Knappe's characteristic yearning vocals comprise the
album's cornerstones. The variety of sounds stretches from angular Metal
riff attacks via atmospheric ambient soundscapes and Techno
reminiscences to Avant-garde influences - despite this complexity, an
accomplished musical mosaic of enormous expressiveness.
Exciting nuances are created by the incomparable bass of Pain Of
Salvation's long-time member Kristoffer Gildenlöw, a friendly turn that
resulted from the tours mentioned above, and Disillusion's Schmidt's
guest vocals in "Flies In Amber".
With "Grave Human Genuine" DARK SUNS have created a haunting album full
of autonomy and instrumental class, self-consciously charting new
musical territory. In this, the band from Leipzig embodies the essence
of every true progressive band: compositional genius coupled with
advancement.The dark suns radiate: gloomy, human and egregiously
genuine.
The album will be released as limited edition Digipak CD with bonustrack
and normal Jewelcase edition on 25.02.2008.
--
Eirikur
Hauksson new lead vocalist
for Magic Pie
--
Eirikur
is replacing Allan Olsen in the new Magic Pie stable, and his powerful
voice will become another important element in the pie’s vocal staff.
Eirikur Hauksson
He is ranged as one of the best hard rock vocalists in Europe, and along
with Gilbert and Eirik we are looking forward to bring the “Magic Pie”
song arrangements up to the next level.
"I am very excited about joining in as a member of the Pie-Family. This
will be something totally different from what I have done before, but
musically I feel very much at home in Magic Pie. I am a fan of bands
like Kansas and early Alan Parson´s Project and I look forward to work
with Kim (and the others) on some song-writing. Kim´s songwriting is the
heart of Magic-Pie and I hope I can tribute to his work – time will
tell! As for my other projects, I will still be a member of Ken
Hensley´s Live-Fire and I am starting a band with Trond Holter from Wig-Wam
as well. Looks like 2008 is going to be a busy year...well as I often
say – busy while still breathing, rest when you´re dead."
More info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eirikur_Hauksson
http://www.eirikur.info/
01/03/08
--
CAGE Confirmed For Florida's NIGHTMARE FEST
--
San
Diego heavy metallers CAGE are the first confirmed band for the
Nightmare Fest, a brand new festival set to take place March 21-22 at
Bourbon Street in New Port Richey, Florida.
The event is the brainchild of Lance King — owner of Nightmare Records
and former frontman of BALANCE OF POWER and PYRAMAZE.
Commented King: "Why Florida? Because Minnesota is still cold and
unfriendly in March, and usually deep in snow, and by that time I've had
enough of all that! Plus it's spring break and everyone is on their way
to Florida anyway....so that just seemed a no-brainer!"
According to Lance, "Friday will be a shorter night of 4-5 bands (not
all confirmed yet) and Saturday will be an all-day metal extravaganza. A
few local headliners and a lot of Nightmare's finest bands will be here
to perform....This is just the beginning of things to come!
--
EPICA: 'Classical Conspiracy Show' To Take Place In June --
Dutch
symphonic metal band EPICA has issued the following update:
"The Miskolc International Opera Festival proudly announces that EPICA
will be performing a classical show with symphonic orchestra and choir.
The Epica: The Classical Conspiracy Show is going to be a very unique
event, because the Dutch symphonic metal band will play a very specific
musical programme. They will perform classical pieces from Mozart,
Dvorak, Verdi, Orff, Prokofiev, Grieg, Vivaldi in EPICA's style and of
course symphonic versions of EPICA songs. Some EPICA songs will be
rewritten — to make it more bombastic — only for this event. Moreover
there will be other surprises as well.
"The EPICA classical show is going to start on Saturday, June 14 at 21h
in the Miskolc Ice Hall. The fans all around the world can get tickets
from the EPICA webshop as soon as possible. The ticket price is 40
euros."
For more information, visit the official web site of the Miskolc
International Festival. http://www.operafesztival.hu/
01/03/08
--STREAM OF PASSION Keyboardist Working On New Songs; Video Available --
A video clip
of STREAM OF PASSION keyboardist Jeffrey Revet working at his studio on
some of the songs for the band's upcoming sophomore album can be viewed
below.
STREAM OF PASSION members Johan van Stratum (bass), Davy Mickers (drums)
and Marcela Bovio (vocals, lyrics, violin) last year announced the
addition of Stephan Schultz (guitar), Jeffrey Revet (keyboards) and Eric
Hazebroek (guitar) to the group's ranks.
STREAM OF PASSION parted ways with founding members Arjen Lucassen
(guitar), Lori Linstruth (guitar) and Alejandro Millán (piano), back in
March 2007.
STREAM OF PASSION's debut album, "Embrace the Storm", was released in
Holland in October 2005 via Sony/BMG Benelux. The CD was issued in the
rest of Europe and the U.S./Canada via InsideOut Music.
01/03/08
--
THE TANGENT: Teaser Trailer Online --
A
teaser trailer of the forthcoming new THE TANGENT album "Not As Good As
The Book" is available at YouTube. (or see below) The new album by THE
TANGENT is scheduled for release early March 2008 via InsideOut Music.
Recorded between 2006 and 2007 in France, Sweden and England the album
is the band's first double studio CD, and the special edition of the
package includes an illustrated short NOVEL written by Andy Tillison and
illustrated by young french artist Antoine Ettori.
"It's a book based on the album" says Andy, "Not the other way around.
The album was made quite independently like most albums, with its own
themes and concepts. At the same time I was writing this story, and
writing about the same things in a different way. Some of the lyrics in
the music are retold in the prose of the book" Read Andy's thoughts on
the new album here.
The album itself features the work of guitarist Jakko M Jakszyk,
erstwhile guitarist of The 21st Century Schizoid Band, Level 42 and Dave
Stewart/Barbara Gaskin. It's also the first TANGENT album without
founder member Sam Baine who has been present in all Andy Tillison's
recordings since Po90 kicked off in 1996.
The lineup of the band for this album is as follows:
Andy Tillison - keyboards/vocals
Guy Manning - acoustic instruments/vocals
Jonas Reingold - bass guitar
Jaime Salazar - drums
Jakko M Jakszyk - electric guitar/vocals
Theo Travis - sax/flute
--
BUSHWHACK BALANCES PROG WITH MELODIC ROCK ON SELF-TITLED DEBUT --
It’s
uncommon that an all-instrumental rock band can keep the attention span
of non-musicians. But due to their penchant for crafting memorable
non-vocal melodies along with their impressive, expert chops, Bushwhack
is one such band that manages to successfully walk that fine line – as
evidenced by their recently issued self-titled debut (available online
and through iTunes).
Comprised of guitarist Jamie Van Dyck, bassist Brandon Green,
keyboardist/samplist Frank Sacramone, and drummer Ben Shanbrom, the New
Haven, CT-based quartet has created an undeniable buzz on the strength
of their debut, which features design by renowned artist Ioannis, as
well as photographs by another renowned name in the rock world – Mark
Weiss.
Upon inspection of Bushwhack’s thirteen track debut – produced by Jeff
Cannata – it quickly becomes apparent that the band posses a sound that
brings to mind such acts (and chief Bushwhack influences) as Dream
Theater and Porcupine Tree.
However, like all rock
bands that manage to stand out from the pack, Bushwhack transcend
their influences, creating their own unique sound/style in the
process – something that is becoming increasingly uncommon in rock’s
current climate.
But according to Sacramone, their non-vocal approach isn’t something
they deliberately set out to do. But rather, it happened naturally,
and at this point, is a crucial ingredient to the Bushwhack sound.
“We haven’t really found a singer that has meshed with the band yet.
Our band is comprised of four very close friends, and we need
someone with a voice that would actually improve the melodic and
tonal quality of the music.” Van Dyck adds, “The idea of a vocalist,
we figured would fall into our laps. Now, here we are three years
later. We are kind of reaching a fork in the road – we can continue
as an instrumental unit, or we add a vocalist. Until we find the
right vocalist, we’re probably not going to go down the vocalist
path.”
Which is just as well – judging from the strength of such tracks as
“The Greatest Wall,” “Sea of Tranquility,” and “Introspection,” the
compositions easily stand on their own. “
The album has a
collection of songs from about a span of two/two and a half years,”
explains Sacramone. “It’s pretty diverse. Our consistency and our
ability to write throughout those two years – we have been able to
pursue the sound we wanted and not change due to trends or anyone’s
wishing – accept our own.“
And when it comes to the Bushwhack live experience, the band holds
their own – even with the absence of a bonafide frontman, points out
Sacramone. “Don’t take us for not being able to put on a live show.
A big part of our success is our live performance. You will never
expect an instrumental band to act like a hardcore metal band
jumping around the stage, with such sophisticated music. But that’s
exactly what we do. Ben destroys the drum set, I have a Keytar and
run around – I even jump into the crowd, do 360’s off stage! It’s
got a balance of fun and intensity at the same time.”
Another factor has recently come into play for the band, as well.
“We have to face the fact that we’re college students,” adds Van
Dyck. “We have the decision to make – do we finish college, or is
something big enough going to happen in the coming months that is
going to cause us to take a year off – or even drop out?” Judging
from the promise and strength of ‘Bushwhack,’ the prog metal world
will benefit greatly if the members choose the latter
We are
committed to bringing you the best in reviews and interviews but at this
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and we intend on staying that way but we need writers. We are
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forward an email to. grlr@comcast.net
Tigermoth
Records
Track
listing:
European
tour as support of Flotsam & Jetsam
"Footprints"
videoclip online
Following
two highly successful tours with established Progressive metalists Pain
Of Salvation and two years of exacting work, DARK SUNS have finished
their third album "Grave Human Genuine".
Eirikur
is replacing Allan Olsen in the new Magic Pie stable, and his powerful
voice will become another important element in the pie’s vocal staff.
San
Diego heavy metallers CAGE are the first confirmed band for the
Nightmare Fest, a brand new festival set to take place March 21-22 at
Bourbon Street in New Port Richey, Florida. 
It’s
uncommon that an all-instrumental rock band can keep the attention span
of non-musicians. But due to their penchant for crafting memorable
non-vocal melodies along with their impressive, expert chops, Bushwhack
is one such band that manages to successfully walk that fine line – as
evidenced by their recently issued self-titled debut (available online
and through iTunes).