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Saturday, June 9, 2012


Hydrogyn – Private Sessions album review
Released on: Rapid Fire Entertainment Release date: Available now



Hydrogyn have been a hard rockin’ act to say the least, for sometime often in a quite metal direction, but with this latest release, ‘Private Sessions,’ they are clearly trying to reach out to a wider acceptability.

They hit the rock scene with the extremely strong ‘Bombshell’ release, following up with ‘Deadly Passions.’
Led by the double assault team of the very attractive and extremely talented vocalist Julie Westlake and her husband on guitar, the likewise, very talented songwriter Jeff Westlake, they have to me really got something here!
Rounded off with Joe Migz (Drums) and Chris Sammons (Bass), they’ve certainly got a strong line up.


‘Private Sessions’ to me has got just the right balance of light and dark or melodic and heavy to theoretically, really make their mark.

‘Something To Say’ opens things with some heavy riffs and then eases back a little and enter Julie’s sultry vocals and it gets into a really catchy groove, without doubt. At times a little Evanescence but then almost dare I say, Journey?!
Jeff guitar solo sounds like Neal Schon stepped by to help out, a great opening track. My only peeve really is the shouted, ‘I Want You To’ in the chorus, but then again, you won’t forget it and certainly, that's the idea!


Next up is the eerie starting ‘Forbidden Kind,’ almost X-Files like intro, before getting into its rhythm. It generally retains a lot of the atmospheric sound through the verses but picks up in almost prog rock fashion in the chorus. Nice stuff.


‘Scream’ has an almost Def Leppard feel about it at times from the ‘X’ period, even a little like ‘Cry’ chorus wise, which I’m not knocking at all. I really liked a lot about the Def Leppard ‘X’ album, even if others knocked it.
Hydrogyn though are certainly a little edgier than Leppard.
 

There’s definitely an atmospheric sense about this album and no more so than on next track ‘I Don’t Know How’ and Julie’s vocal really comes across kind of a cross between Lee Aaron and Pat Benatar, yes that good!
This is again another strong track and some of the opening third of the album, reminds me of some of Steve Lukather’s solo work and then it grows and grows.


‘Heated Night’s' next is really catchy indeed, at times with an AC/DC like riff, but Julie’s vocals are killer, not just here but throughout. She’s certainly at her best on ‘Private Sessions’ and Jeff’s solo work again on guitar, classy!


With ‘Creeper’ it starts with an edgy riff and drums and bass powering the tune along and then Julie’s vocals come in strongly once again and the riff has quite a hook to it. As the title suggests it kind of chugs, ‘creepily’ along picking up in the chorus.


‘Don’t cha Walk Away’ starts with some haunting piano and vocals and then, wham! The riff kicks in and we’re off to rock’ville once more, edging along with a steady groove.


Its power ballad time with ‘Roseline’s Song’ sung in a very strong yet sultry manner, again at times very reminiscent of Pat Benatar, very strong too. It’s a nicely done number.


‘Feeling’ up next reflects light and dark, with some heavily accented guitars here and there, at times not unlike Whitesnake and then eased back through the verses. Another winner by me!

The French sungUn Monde Perdu’ – One World, One Life – is commendable but I guess why?
A quite atmospheric number and the press release for the album tells us nothing about the track, so make of it what you will?


 ‘It Doesn’t Matter’ is another number in the same vein as ‘Heated Nights.’ It rocks along nicely again with some great hooks and still stunningly strong vocals from Julie. Nice solo from Jeff once more too.
 

The final ‘bonus’ track here is ‘Alone’ and no, it’s not the Heart song, but instead another winning slice of rock, with perhaps a slight moodiness about it.

This really is a great album for old fans of the band that have for years been following the band’s development, but also for fans of well written, melodic hard rock, that’s well sung and equally well presented! Enjoy!

Rating: 4 out of 5

Website:


Thursday, June 7, 2012

Brief News Update for Thursday 7th June, 2012

Hi All, wow, yes, it's Thursday ... Where do the days go?!
Excited to have seen through the wonderful Facebook, Thin Lizzy at a recording session, inbetween their recent live UK dates with Guns 'N' Roses.
Three pretty grainy photo's from their get together, but get together nonetheless! I'll take that, can't wait! I need to get in touch with their management for a new interview with my old friend, Scott Gorham!
Here's a link to the Facebook pic's:
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/media/set/?set=a.438622272822745.103966.169214426430199&type=3

Sat through a show I never thought I would last night - Although it ended up being background ... - waiting to see Journey play on the Country Music Awards, jamming with Rascal Flatts, who actually wasn't bad as they played through a 'rushed' 'Don't Stop Believin''
Good to see them there though. Catch them this summer, out on the road in the US with Pat Benatar and Loverboy. Should be fun!
http://www.journeymusic.com/pages/tour

On with some other stuff for you though, cheers, Al


Def Leppard - Live on the Sunset Strip (Hollywood, CA)



Def Leppard are set to rock the sunset strip today (June 6th - Yesterday as this posts!) in West Hollywood, CA at 2:30 pm (PST) for this one-time rare club gig in partnership with YouTube presents..

This is a FREE show on a first-come, first-served basis! 
The performance will be followed by a Q&A of fan questions with the band. 

Watch Joe and Sav's video about this HERE:

Both the performance and Q&A will be available on YouTube HERE - www.YouTube.com - in full, at 12pm PST on June 7th.

For all the latest on Def Leppard:
http://www.defleppard.com/news/



EAGLE ROCK ENTERTAINMENT TO RELEASE FIRST-EVER STONE TEMPLE PILOTS CONCERT DVD AND BLU-RAY
ALIVE IN THE WINDY CITY LANDS JUNE 26



New York, NY (June 6, 2012) — Eagle Rock Entertainment is proud to announce the June 26 release of Alive In The Windy City, the first-ever Stone Temple Pilots concert to be authorized by the band for commercial video release. 

Filmed in state-of-the-art high-definition, recorded in DTS-HD Master Audio and LPCM Stereo, Stone Temple Pilots performed a high-octane show at the sold-out Riviera Theatre in Chicago, IL. This March 2010 concert blended new songs from their self-titled sixth album with classic hits from the inception of their career. Vocalist Scott Weiland, bassist Robert DeLeo, guitarist Dean DeLeo and drummer Eric Kretz erupted with a stop-on-a-dime tight, blistering set that included “Interstate Love Song” “Plush” “Vasoline” “Creep” “Sex Type Thing” and “Big Empty.”
The 18-song show is complemented with bonus exclusive band member interviews -- Total running time is 92 minutes.

Stone Temple Pilots were conceived in 1992 San Diego, successfully melding alternative rock, hard rock, melodic pop, and garage rock into a swirl of post-punk attitude with a hint of glam. Their first two albums — Core and Purple — immediately established them as one of the more adventurous of the American guitar bands. The raw, sonic energy of their songs and live shows propelled two decades worth of success. Amidst numerous break-ups and the four musicians coming and going in different bands, STP has never had a personnel change. Alive In The Windy City documents the strength and live prowess of this 20-year heavy-hitting rock collective.


TRACK LISTING:

1) Vasoline 
2) Crackerman 
3) Wicked Garden 
4) Hollywood Bitch 
5) Between The Lines 
6) Hickory Dichotomy 
7) Big Empty 
8) Sour Girl 
9) Creep 
10) Plush 
11) Interstate Love Song 
12) Bagman 
13) Huckleberry Crumble 
14) Sex Type Thing 
15) Dead And Bloated 
16) Lounge Fly 
17) Piece Of Pie 
18) Trippin’ On A Hole In A Paper Heart

TOUR DATES:

8/18/12 - Pontiac, MI - Pontiac Silverdome
8/22/12 - Bethel, NY - Bethel Woods Center For The Arts
8/24/12 - Atlantic City, NJ - Revel Resorts/Ovation Hall
8/25/12 - Mashantucket, CT - MGM Grand Theatre at Foxwoods
8/27/12 & 8/29/12 - Huntington, NY - The Paramount
8/31/12 - Gilford, NH - Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion
9/1/12 - Hershey, PA - Hershey Stadium
9/4/12 - Chicago, IL - Riviera Theatre
9/6/12 - Thunder Bay, ONT - Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
9/7/12 – St. Paul, MN – Myth
9/9/12 – Winnipeg, MB – Winnipeg Convention Center
9/11/12 – Calgary, AB – Big 4 Building
9/12/12 – Edmonton, AB – Shaw Convention Centre
9/20/12 - Las Vegas, NV - The Pearl at The Palms
9/22/12 - Irvine, CA - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
9/23/12 - Sacramento, CA - Discovery Park

Official band website:
http://www.stonetemplepilots.com/


Also from Eagle ...


Eagle Rock Entertainment Presents

BACHMAN & TURNER
LIVE AT THE ROSELAND BALLROOM, NYC

~DVD and Blu-ray Out June 26~



New York, NY (June 5, 2012) -- Hot on the trail of Bachman & Turner’s new live 2CD, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release the complementary DVD and Blu-ray Live At The Roseland Ballroom, NYC on June 26. 

Bachman & Turner features Randy Bachman and Fred Turner, the musicians at the heart of legendary band Bachman-Turner Overdrive. Marc LaFrance (drums, percussion, vocals), Brent Howard Knudsen (guitars, vocals), and Mick Dalla-Vee (guitars, vocals) join them on songs from their recent self-titled album along with their rock n’ roll anthems “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” “Takin’ Care Of Business” “Hey You” “Blue Collar” “Roll On Down The Highway” “Let It Ride” and “Lookin’ Out For #1.” A hit-laden throwback to Bachman’s early days with The Guess Who including their take on Johnny Kidd’s “Shakin’ All Over” and the band’s US No.1 hit “American Woman” rounds out the set.

Over the course of a four-year run, Bachman-Turner Overdrive sold in excess of 30 million records, earning a staggering 120 platinum, gold and silver discs, and notching up hits in more than 20 countries. The iconic duo shared duties on the lead vocals with Bachman contributing lead guitar and Turner the bass. Reuniting at the end of 2009 they released an eponymous album in 2010 and in November of that year they performed at the famous Roseland Ballroom in New York City as part of their North American tour.

Track Listing:

1) Let It Ride 
2) Rock Is My Life 
3) Not Fragile 
4) Hey You 
5) Hold Back The Water 
6) Waiting Game 
7) Moonlight Rider 
8) Lookin’ Out For #1 
9) Stayed Awake All Night 
10) American Woman 
11) Four Wheel Drive 
12) Slave To The Rhythm 
13) Blue Collar 
14) That’s What It Is 
15) Sledgehammer 
16) Rollin’ Along 
17) You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet 
18) Shakin’ All Over 
19) Roll On Down The Highway 
20) Takin’ Care Of Business



METAL SUPERGROUP ANIMETAL USA ANNOUNCE STATESIDE LIVE DEBUT AND RELEASE DATE FOR DEBUT ALBUM


Already a gold-certified sensation in Japan, the all-star metal group, Animetal USA is setting their sights next on America - with the impending release of their debut album and a just-announced show. Comprised of singer Mike Vescera (OBSESSION/ex-LOUDNESS) starring as METAL-RIDER, bassist Rudy Sarzo (BLUE OYSTER CULT, ex-OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT, WHITESNAKE, DIO) as STORMBRINGER, guitarist Chris Impellitteri (IMPELLITTERI) as SPEED KING, and drummer JON DETTE (ex-SLAYER, TESTAMENT) [who replaced Scott Travis (JUDAS PRIEST) due to the ongoing success of Priest's 'Epitaph Tour] as TANK, there is no arguing the stellar track record of the group's pedigree.
And on Tuesday, June 26th, Stateside metal fans will be able to hear the group's self-titled debut (already a massive hit in Japan, where it hit the #1 spot on Amazon’s Hard Rock Heavy Metal chart and #2 on Amazon’s Anime chart), as it will be issued via Century Media - with a European release date to soon follow.


The track listing of 'Animetal USA' consists of the same tracklisting that was issued in Japan, but will also include four bonus tracks - "Touch""JAM Project Medley", "Give Lee Give Lee Rock Lee (Japanese single version)" and "Give Lee Give Lee Rock Lee (English version)." "Give Lee Give Lee Rock Lee" will already be familiar to anime fans, as it is the opening song to the Naruto spin-off, Rock Lee & His Ninja Pals.
And for fans who want to experience the highly-theatrical band in the flesh (featuring their make-up and costumes), Animetal USA will be making their live U.S. debut on Friday, June 29th, at the Anime Expo, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, from 5:30-6:30pm at the Main Events/Hall G.
And before all this Stateside action for the group, Animetal USA will launch a co-headlining Japanese tour with JAM Project (dubbed the "Japan USA Anison Summit" tour), including the following dates:

•                June 12th Zepp Diver City (TOKYO)
•                June 13th Zepp Diver City (TOKYO)
•                June 15th Zepp Nagoya
•                June 16th Zepp Namba (OSAKA)

Prepare yourself for the Stateside launch of Animetal USA - a killer blend of anime and metal!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
www.anime-expo.org/anime-expo/guests/
www.animetalusa.com

Brief news notes ...

Toto have added two US dates to their current tour - Which has only been Europe until now! - but don't get to excited, both dates are on the West Coast!
They did just play Denver's 'Day of Rock' though, so you never know, maybe there will be other live US dates ...
Check out current live Toto dates here:
http://www.toto99.com/tourdates/calendar/list.php



The upheaval in the Queensryche saga continues, between frontman Geoff Tate and other band members, as the other band members share with reporters globally, that they have been shut out of logging in to both the bands Facebook page and the Queensryche website.
www.Melodicrock.com
http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/queensryche-members-locked-out-of-website/

Sadder still is the statement that the 'Shiprocked' cruise that the 'band' Queensryche was due to play originally, will now just be Geoff Tate and NOT Queensryche!
This posted at the band's Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.438622272822745.103966.169214426430199&type=3#!/Queensryche

Official Queensryche site - Now run by Geoff Tate's puppets it seems ...
http://www.queensryche.com/


 Scorpions fans in the US, check your local venue or here (Below), as the German rockers kick off thier latest leg of 'The Final Sting World Tour 2012' in North America this Friday 8th June in Reno, NV.
For details on all US live dates go to:
http://www.the-scorpions.com/english/tourdates.asp



3 Doors Down, the supercharged rock band from Escatawpa, Mississippi, was formed in 1998, and rose to international fame with their first single, "Kryptonite,".

The band released their debut album "The Better Life" in 2000, on Universal Republic Records. More recently, in 2011, the band released "Time Of My Life" with such hits as "When You're Young" and "Every TIme You Go".

DiscLive Network is super excited to be working with 3 Doors Down, recording select shows, and releasing limited edition LIVE USB Wristbands, featuring the live show + bonus content, and emblazoned with the 3 Doors Down "Kryptonite" logo. These are sure to sell out fast, so reserve your copy today by clicking the link below:
http://www.disclivenetwork.com/detail.cfm?artistid=54


Tuesday, June 5, 2012

News Update for Tuesday June 5th, 2012


Hi folks, yes, I'm back and have a slight news update for you, hope this has some interest for you folks out there! Cheers, Al


MAGNUM Completing Work on New Album



British melodic rock legends MAGNUM are about to finish their new album 'On The 13th Day' which will be released in Germany on September 21st, in Europe on September 24th and in the US/Canada on September 25th through SPV/Steamhammer.
A single named "So Let It Rain" is scheduled for an end of August release.


It will be available as a limited digipak edition with a bonus CD feat. unreleased, acoustic and live tracks from the MAGNUM vaults, as double gatefold LP version with colored vinyl, standard edition and download. \
The cover will be created once more by famous fantasy artist Rodney Matthews (Asia, Yes, Nazareth, Eloy).

Singer Bob Catley reveals some facts about the new album and more in a brand new video podcast.
You can watch the video podcast here:

 
MAGNUM will embark on a full European tour in autumn/winter 2012 with more dates to be added:

MAGNUM live 2012

04.08. CH-Sursee - Stadthalle (Magic Night Of Rock)

25.10. D-Berlin C-Club
26.10. D-Hamburg - Fabrik
27.10. D-Aschaffenburg - Colos-Saal
28.10. D-Cologne - Kantine
30.10. D-Ingolstadt - Eventhalle am Westpark
31.10. D-Mannheim - Alte Seilerei



02.11. D-Recklinghausen - Vest Arena
03.11. D-Bremen - Schuppen 2
05.11. D-Nürnberg - Hirsch
06.11. D-Augsburg - Spectrum
07.11. D-Munich - Ampere
09.11. D-Burglengenfeld - VAZ
10.11. D-Memmingen - Kaminwerk
12.11. CZ-Pilsen - KD Serikova
13.11. CZ-Zlin - Masters Of Rock Café
15.11. NL-Kerkrade - The Rock Temple
16.11. B-Vosselaar - Biebob



18.11. GB-Bristol - 02 Academy
20.11. GB-Liverpool - 02 Academy
21.11. GB-Glasgow - Garage
22.11. GB-Newcastle - 02 Academy
23.11. GB-Holmfirth - Picturedome
24.11. GB-Manchester - Ritz
25.11. GB-Nottingham - Rock City
27.11. GB-Leamington - Leamington Assembly
28.11. GB-Southampton - The Brook
29.11. GB-London - 02 Academy Islington
30.11. GB-Pontypridd - Muni Arts Centre
01.12. GB-Wolverhampton - Wulfrun Hall
02.12. GB-Norwich - Waterfront


LINE-UP:
Tony Clarkin - guitars
Bob Catley - vocals
Mark Stanway - keyboards
Al Barrow - bass
Harry James - drums




 

SEBASTIAN BACH UPDATE



To celebrate the upcoming European tour, Frontiers Records is pleased to launch “I’m Alive” the new single/video off the latest Sebastian Bach’s album "KICKING & SCREAMING".

Link here:

Link for German fans:

 
KICKING & SCREAMING was released on September 23rd, 2011 in Europe and was produced by Bob Marlette (Black Sabbath, Shinedown, Atreyu, Filter).


Sebastian Bach has sold in excess of 20 million records worldwide as lead singer with his former band, Skid Row and as a solo artist. Far from just being a multi-platinum recording artist, the singer/songwriter/actor/entertainer has expanded his career over the past decade to include episodic television with a 5-season recurring role on the CW’s hit series “Gilmore Girls”, starring roles on Broadway (“Jekyll & Hyde”, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”) and national touring companies (“Jesus Christ Superstar”), and has appeared regularly on MTV and VH1.

Sebastian Bach KICKING & SCREAMING European tour dates:

07/06/12 Sweden Rock Festival, Solvesborg, Sweden
08/06/12 Knust, Hamburg, Germany
10/06/12 Download festival, Donington, UK
12/06/12 Limelight, Belfast, UK
13/06/12 Garage, Glasgow, UK
14/06/12 Islington Academy, London, UK
16/06/12 Hellfest, Clisson, France
17/06/12 Jimmy Jazz, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
19/06/12 Caracol, Madrid, Spain
20/06/12 Bikini, Barcelona, Spain
22/06/12 Gods of Metal Festival, Milan, Italy
23/06/12 Earshakerday Festival, St. Jakobshalle, Basel, Switzerland
24/06/12 Graspop Festival, Dessel, Belgium
25/06/12 Melkweg, Amsterdan, Netherlands

Weblink:


 
STRYPER – NEW TOUR DATES ADDED


The Yellow & Black Attack is Back World-Wide For Select Intimate Shows

 
HOLLYWOOD, CA (June 4, 2012) –The Yellow and Black Attack is back - STRYPER is about to embark in a string of select dates world- wide – mark your calendars!

 
TOUR DATES – (more to come) – Bold denotes added dates:

 
6.15.12 BamJam New Brockton, AL
6.22.12 House Of Blues Hollywood, CA

7.06.12 Seaside Festival Risoya, Norway
7.07.12 Gulbranna Festival Halmstad, Sweden
7.14.12 Kavarna Rock Festival Kavarna, Bulgaria
7.25.12 House Of Blues Orlando, FL date changed
7.27.12 Wild Horse Saloon Nashville, TN
7.28.12 HalfwayJam Royalton, MN
8.11.12 Scriba Town Inn Summer Concert,  Oswego, NY

9.19.12 Indira Gandhi Stadium Kohima, India
9.22.12 DDSC Dimapur, India

11.16.12 Poliedro de Caracas Caracas, Venezuela
11.17.12 Complejo Ferial Bicentenario Barqusimeto,Venezuela

Over 25 years later the band continues to deliver an inspiring message with their electrifying stage show, performing in front of audiences worldwide. For more information go to: www.stryper.com


YES "Open Your Eyes"
To Be Released On 180 Gram Heavy-Weight Vinyl
For the First Time - July 10, 2012

 

Open Your Eyes is the seventeenth studio album by progressive rock band Yes, released in 1997. The follow-up to the twin projects Keys to Ascension and Keys to Ascension 2, Open Your Eyes marked Billy Sherwood becoming an official member of Yes, following Rick Wakeman's departure.

 
Sherwood had previously been involved with Yes as a backup keyboard player and guitarist on the Talk tour, as a potential new lead singer during Yes rehearsals circa 1990 and as engineer and producer for part of the band's Keys To Ascension project. During this period he had formed a strong working relationship with Yes bassist Chris Squire. Open Your Eyes initially began as an outside collaboration between Sherwood and Squire with its material intended for the two men's duo project The Chris Squire Experiment (Later to become Conspiracy).

Yes singer Jon Anderson was impressed by some of the early Conspiracy material and became interested in singing on it, in part because of the parent band's need for new material to sustain commercial momentum. Consequently Sherwood, Squire, Anderson and drummer Alan White began working on the songs together with the aim of transforming them into Yes songs. Guitarist Steve Howe (At the time, the band's only UK-based member) was not practically involved for most of the process and made his contributions to the album at the end of the sessions (and mainly as a player). By the end of the sessions, Sherwood was formally inducted into Yes - he would play second guitar and sing harmony vocals on tour.

Although Sherwood played the bulk of the keyboards on the album, two other keyboard players were brought in to perform the more complex parts. Steve Porcaro (Toto) played keyboards on the title track and Russian keyboard player Igor Khoroshev performed on "New State of Mind", "No Way We Can Lose" and "Fortune Seller". Khoroshev was hired as the band's keyboard player on the tour promoting Open Your Eyes (On which he also played percussion and sang backing vocals) and would be a full member by 1999's The Ladder (On which he featured far more prominently).

 
All songs written and composed by Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Billy Sherwood, Chris Squire, and Alan White.

1. "New State of Mind" 6:00
2. "Open Your Eyes" 5:14
3. "Universal Garden" 6:17
4. "No Way We Can Lose" 4:56
5. "Fortune Seller" 5:00
6. "Man in the Moon" 4:41
7. "Wonderlove" 6:06
8. "From the Balcony" 2:43
9. "Love Shine" 4:38
10. "Somehow, Someday" 4:47
11. "The Solution" 23:47

Total length: 74:12

Official band weblink:

Monday, June 4, 2012

Brief Note for Monday June 4th, 2012

Hi folks,
Sorry, not much to share with you today so apologies for lack of updates.
Focusing on getting the interviews typed up, while things are quiet news wise out there.
Hope your week has started well. I'll see what I can bring you tomorrow.
Cheers,
Al