Wanikiya Record is excited to present ALESSANDRO DE FUSCO‘s new EP, “House of Memories.”
This EP contains three tracks that represent a musical journey through some of the most important and intimate moments of the artist’s life. With this work he wanted to explore a new style, blending elements of rock and instrumental pop to create something unique and exciting. Each song stems from personal experiences and reflections, and the artist hopes to convey to you the same feelings he felt during its creation. We invite you to immerse yourself in “House of Memories” and join Alssandro, in this intimate and engaging musical journey.
Artwork by Laura D’Arezzo
Credits: • Guitar: Alessandro De Fusco • Bass, Synths Programming and Additional Guitars: Francesco Coia • Keyboards: Arcangelo Trabucco • Drums: Alessandro Cioffi
Album Produced, Engineered, and Recorded by Alessandro De Fusco and Francesco Coia Drums Recorded by Manlio Moscarino at the ZMA Studio in Fragneto L’Abbate (BN) Mixed and Mastered by Ugo Bolzoni at NevenRecords. Artwork by Laura D’Arezzo. Photo and Videos by Marco Ferraro. Music by Alessandro De Fusco
French Symphonic Metallers HARTLIGHT drop new Lyric Video ‘And Nature Unfolds Once Again’, taken from their new album “As Above, So Below”, released on March 15th.
HARTLIGHT says bout their newest lyric video: “We as an esoteric Metal band pay homage to nature, which is not just an entity outside human beings, but their very identity. More than ever, the elements of nature can help us reconnect with our inner calm and power. ‘AndNature Unfolds Once Again’ is a call to rediscover the time to marvel at beauty.”
HARTLIGHT: “This album is a concept album about Alchemy, Magic and introspection to reach a better life. The music of the album reach darker and more mystic territories than before and is a much more personal work. HARTLIGHT melts in it Heavy, Progressive, Power, Gothic and Symphonic Metal in very various ambiances. The powerful voice of Noémie expresses enigmatic lyrics with deep meanings. Heavy riffing and solemn orchestrations will make you travel into the depths of esoterism and overall, the work will offer you a journey into the mysteries of the lost art of Alchemy that fascinated many generations before us.” [ learn more here ]
“Hunter Prey,” the latest single from Philadelphian heavy hitters, Corners of Sanctuary (COS), once again showcases the band’s indomitable fighting spirit, of proclaiming their modern day approach to true traditional Heavy Metal music.
“I think the goal for any band is to write good music,” says COS founder and guitarist Mick Michaels. “And that really means being true to yourself first. We have always written the kind of music we want to hear…I feel that is the best approach to be sustainable as an artist.
“Hunter Prey” appears on the extended EP, “Metal Up,” via SODEH Records, hailing as the EP’s first single and marks Corners of Sanctuary’s 42nd release of new music over the band’s 13-plus year career. “Metal Up” includes eight tracks in total.
“Metal Up” is now available exclusively on CD, and is available to order at the band’s official website, www.cornersofsanctuary.com.
Corners of Sanctuary have rolled out a number of shows in support of the new EP including performing at SonarFest 2024 as well as with former Metal Church vocalist Ronny Munroe and Denimin and Leather, plus, dates being scheduled for Canada this summer and a possible West Coast Tour later this fall. See schedule below.
COS continues to light up the Indie Charts with several cuts including their cover versions of the Osmonds’ “Crazy Horses,” and Warrant’s “Inside Out,” as well as a surprise charting of their 2023 Holiday tune, “Get on the List.”
“Who says miracles can’t happen…,” Michaels added. “We’re just super grateful for the opportunities we have been given and do our best to make the most of each and every moment.”
The Metal Voice recently interviewed former Iron Maiden Lionheart guitarist Dennis Stratton.
Lionheart ‘The Grace of a Dragonfly’ will be released Release: 15 March 2024 via Metalville.
Lionheart ‘The Grace of a Dragonfly’ The songs on The Grace of a Dragonfly are sensational, with Lee Small’s emotional lyrics reflecting not only the pain and grief inflicted by war on ordinary, innocent people in every conflict zone, but also their strength, resilience, and determination. Supported by LIONHEART’s superb songwriting, soaring backing vocals, beautiful twin-guitar harmonies, and atmospheric keyboards, LIONHEART’s sheer power shines brightly from every one of the eleven songs, culminating in a heartfelt prayer for peace in the world.
Each new LIONHEART album has brought with it a leap in the quality of the songwriting and production, and this album is no exception. ‘The Grace of a Dragonfly’ is nothing short of epic and is, by far, LIONHEART’s finest work to date.
When asked about the lyrics themes on the new Lionheart album ‘Dragonfly’ “The lyrics sort of tended to lean towards World War II but Steve Mann and Lee Small were writing the lyrics as a thank you to all the men and women that sacrificed their lives in the second world war, so we could live a sort of Freer life. Basically it’s an anti-war thing and it was written before Ukraine and Gaza and all that. “
When asked to explain the musical difference in his time with Iron Maiden & his Current band Lionheart “ “I was in the band ‘Remus Down Boulevard’ before Iron Maiden, which was a twin Harmony Guitar band that followed Wishbone Ash all over the world and all over the country. We had harmony guitars and harmony vocals. Dave Murray and Steve Harris used to come down and watch me play at our residency in West Ham. That’s why when they signed the deal in 79 to EMI (with Iron Maiden) they offered me the job, I didn’t go down for an audition. They sent me a telegram. Basically they said here are the Soundhouse tapes, we want you to let us know what you can do and I went great. So they offered me the job straight away but my impression was to go home to listen to the Soundhouse tapes and listen to the songs that they had recorded or demoed already which were very Punky, very single guitar rhythm, single guitar solo and very raw. Basically I said to Steve listen I come from a Harmony Guitar band. I sat down with Dave and I said Dave would you be into this? And he went I’m open to any suggestions. Dave was so easy to get on with and Steve loved it. The first lot of songs we laid into I started putting the harmony guitar parts into some of the riffs which they liked. We also started doing some harmony vocals with Paul (Di’anno) in the rehearsal studio and that’s how the Harmony Guitar style got introduced to Iron Maiden. But remembering that most songs from the first two Iron Maiden albums were already written so all I had to make them bigger and make the production bigger by adding these harmony details and adding the harmony vocals. Not to change the sound of Iron Maiden but to make the songs more interesting. Songs like, Running Free, Phantom of the Opera all the harmony little Riffs that you hear were just little bits to polish the song up a bit more so it wasn’t to change the sound of Iron Maiden.”
When asked if he would tour with former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’anno “Stjepan Juras who’s basically looking after his affairs (Paul Di’annos) he contacted me about 20 times. I even met him in Milan at the Maiden gig. I had a long Chat So he contacted me in 2023 but unfortunately he asked me outright would would you ever join Paul Dianno on the stage and I said I’m never going to say never. I said but at the moment it’s just the wrong time. I said because I’m committed to a tour that I was booked in in 2020 I’m now going in 2023. I but I did say to him I’ll Never Say Never because you know many years have passed now so I don’t carry things on silly little arguments and move on there’s more things to worry about in this world than petty arguments so we move on we’ve all grown up.”
When asked what song off of Iron Maiden Killers album he should have gotten more credit for “A very important question because most of the songs on Killers were already written. We were rehearsing both albums because we needed a one and a half hour set for Metal for Muthas’ Tour 79-80. So all them songs were already written and put down as demos, I just added my Harmony Guitar bits and everything else. And then it was a case of Steve (Harris) choosing what songs are going on the first album. Then when we got halfway through the ‘Metal for Muthas’ tour doing an hour and a half we went on the Judas Priest tour where we’re going to do 45 minutes slot, so then we reverted back to first album and maybe Wrathchild or two songs from the from the Killers. We did work on Killers (the song) and Steve wasn’t a lover of that Riff. But I think everything was so rushed that everything had to be done yesterday for the record company. I didn’t like ‘Women in uniform’ I must admit I’ve told a lot of people I don’t think we should have done a cover, they had so many good songs of their own. But as I say the song I did the most work on was was Killers because we were working on that right up until I departed from the band.”
When asked about his memories opening for Kiss on Unmasked tour “I must admit Ace was very quiet. I got on really well with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley to the point where they took me and Dave Lights out in Stockholm on the ninth of October 1980 for my birthday. So they took us to a restaurant and Paul gave me a fire hat with all the signatures of a band on it. Ace was very quiet I only used to see him when he used to be walking onto the stage. I’ve got photos taken with him on my phone but I have lots of photos taking with with Ace and Eric (Carr). They (Kiss) probably forgot about me but you know it’s nice to have their memories you know and also the photographs that I’ve got.”
LINEUP Lee Small (The Sweet, ex-Shy) – lead vocals Dennis Stratton (ex-Iron Maiden) – lead guitar/backing vocals Steve Mann (MSG, ex-Liar) – lead guitar/backing vocals Rocky Newton (Grand Slam, ex-MSG) – bass guitar/backing vocals Clive Edwards (ex-Pat Travers, Uli Jon Roth & Wild Horses) – drums, percussion
MANDOKI SOULMATES – the international and inter-generational supergroup consisting of rock and fusion grandmasters surrounding founder and mastermind Leslie Mandoki – release the 2nd single The Big Quit of upcoming album, A Memory Of Our Future.
The Big Quit has it all – musically and socio-politically. The Soulmates counter the relentless, literally harsh diagnosis of the lyrics with the poetic power of the music as energetic therapy. A prog rock classic with catchy tune potential that will have you singing along long after the needle has been lifted from the vinyl.
It is an anthem against resignation and makes clear what the Mandoki Soulmates are all about: They counter the radical changes of the recent past and the emerging future, which many contemporaries see as having the destructive characteristics of a dystopia, with the creative power of music, in which the power of imagination and humanity manifest themselves as a positive utopia for a better world. The lyrics of the chorus describe the labyrinth of current crises, which seem to lead to an endless vicious circle.
Hard times creating hard people Hard people making easy times Easy times creating easy people And easy people bring us hard times again
In addition to the new single, Mandoki Soulmates announce the availability of a Dolby Atmos album mix, which will be available to stream and buy on May 10th. The mix was done by Bruce Soord, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and frontman for internationally renowned experimental rock outfit The Pineapple Thief.
Dolby Atmos is an immersive surround sound format that offers a spatial sound experience that far exceeds normal listening habits and has so far mainly been used in cinemas. It is now solely but surely finding its way into music. When done well, Dolby Atmos allows music to be reproduced with unparalleled clarity and depth.
Leslie is offering a seat just next to him, have a listen to what he hears during recordings and concerts…
The Dolby Atmos mix adds to the musical mastery and passion that is A Memory Of Our Future: The entire album was recorded and produced purely in the analog domain, from microphone to mixing and mastering, making it a manifesto of precision and passion that is hard to find in today’s music landscape. Recorded and mixed in Leslie Mandoki’s Red Rock Studios near Munich, mastered in the infamous Sterling Sound Studios in New York, and cut in the Emil Berliner Studios in Berlin, the Soulmates are also making a statement as a kind of “revenge of the analog” in times of digital deception, scam bots, and internet trolls. The analog format is also an expression of their special appreciation and bond with the band’s audience, “like a love letter handwritten with a fountain pen”.
See Leslie Mandoki explain the analog process in this short video.
A Memory Of Our Futureis now available for pre-order
Tracklist 1. Blood in the Water – 06:54 2. Enigma of Reason – 10:06 3. The Wanderer – 05:03 4. The Big Quit – 08:35 5. Devil’s Encyclopedia – 05:47 6. A Memory of My Future – 06:26 7. I Am Because You Are – 04:32 8. My Share of Your Life – 07:48 9. Age of Thought – 04:38 10. Matchbox Racing – 06:56 11. We Stay Loud – 05:25 12. Melting Pot – 05:51
Earlier this month, the supergroup released the single and video, Blood In The Water. The single has it all: a pulsating beat, a catchy hook, and that ineffable prog-rock spirit that appeals to heart and mind simultaneously. The single is ananthem for resilience in the face of a shark tank’s-worth of daunting challenges. It encourages those who dare to resist conformity and courageously to look ahead; it issues a call to be different and join a movement of resistance.
After their successful 30 Years Anniversary Tour through Europe, the Soulmates will be performing a special open-air concert in the courtyard of the Munich Residenz on August 15, 2024 and play the new album live.
Mandoki Soulmates are: Leslie Mandoki Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) Mike Stern Al di Meola Randy Brecker Till Brönner Bill Evans John Helliwell (Supertramp) Cory Henry Richard Bona Steve Bailey Simon Phillips (Toto) Tony Carey (Rainbow) Nick van Eede (Cutting Crew) Jesse Siebenberg (Supertramp) Mark Hart (Supertramp)
Prepare for OU‘s (pronunciation: “O”) epic sophomore album, 蘇醒 II: Frailty, co-produced, mixed, and featuring Devin Townsend’s magic!
Their newest offering “淨化 Purge” urges you to embrace the infinite possibilities, resonating in every corner. Surrender to the hypnotic visuals feat. mastermind Devin Townsend.
OU comments on the new single: “淨化 Purge is the second track off our second album, 蘇醒 II: Frailty, the song was written as a kind of brutal meditation, for added power we asked Devin if he would be willing to sing his first song in Chinese along with Lynn, thankfully he was down, and the result is quite astonishing.”
Devin Townsend comments: “As I age, I find myself growing easily bored with new music, which is disappointing as a music fan. Despite being very busy, mutual circumstances aligned myself and the band ‘OU’. I appreciate this connection, as their music is exceptionally well executed and interesting to me. I am pleased to have been involved with something refreshing like this.”
Hailing from the vibrant musical scene of Beijing, China, OU emerged onto the global stage with their debut album one in 2022, leaving listeners awestruck and craving more. With an unparalleled fusion of metal, electronica, ambient textures, and captivating melodies, OU defies convention, offering a sonic journey unlike any other, that invites listeners into their world.
Fast forward to 2023, and OU found themselves in esteemed company, collaborating with none other than the visionary Devin Townsend to craft their highly anticipated sophomore effort, 蘇醒II: Frailty, slated for release on April 26th, 2024. This upcoming album promises to push boundaries even further, introducing prog fans to a realm of sound that challenges the very definition of genre itself. OU invites you to join them on this exhilarating sound odyssey, where familiarity meets innovation, and every note resonates with unprecedented intensity.
OU Lineup: Lynn Wu – Vocals Anthony Vanacore – Drums Jing Zhang – Guitars Chris Cui – Bass
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s ASA unveil the long-overdue release of "Collective Failure" + first music video for title-track! Check it out and stay tuned for more news! Click image to watch the video
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
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Visionary artist KIMMO KUUSNIEMI's ANCIENT STREAMING ASSEMBLY (ASA) have released “Aurora Nuclearis”, a powerful 12-minute audiovisual experience, dedicated to the Late Keyboardist Esa Kotilainen. - Click image to watch the video
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 