Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of “The Crucible” the debut album from HARPAZO, a super-group formed by guitarist Marc Centanni and producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Gary Wehrkamp (Shadow Gallery, Ayreon). Set for release on June 28th in Europe and on July 5th in the USA, this progressive metal rock opera is a thrilling journey through a dystopian future, merging elements of progressive and power metal with symphonic and Celtic influences. The single “I Am God” encapsulates the essence of Harpazo, presenting a dynamic, messianic, and powerful metal anthem filled with intense energy and compelling melodic sections. It takes listeners on a cinematic and haunting journey through a dystopian world, perfectly reflecting our metal opera vision. The bridge hooks you with its irresistible catchiness, smoothly transitioning into a robust and infectious chorus. The addition of chilling violins and Gary Wehrkamp’s operatic vocals effectively enhances the gothic and dystopian atmosphere the band aimed to create. Niklas Kahl (Lord of the Lost) delivers outstanding, punishing drumming utilizing double bass pedals to great effect. The guitars drive the song with brutal precision keeping listeners on the edge of their seats throughout. “Jude Solomon,” a multi-trillionaire tech savior, is introduced in this track, along with his ambitious plans to revolutionize the world by dismantling traditional values and ushering in a new era. The song paints a vivid picture of a future where AI and technology offer near-immortality. “I Am God” serves as the pulsating heart of the album and provides an excellent introduction to Harpazo.
HARPAZO’s “The Crucible” will be available on all major streaming platforms and through Rockshots Records on June 28th in Europe and July 5th in the USA. Be sure to check out the album and follow HARPAZO for more updates and news on their journey through the world of progressive metal.
Track Listing: 1. Ichor 2. Legion Program 3. I Am God 4. Golden Crown 5. The Crucible 6. Two Witnesses 7. Change of Heart Pt. 1 8. Ultimatum 9. We Are Weak 10. Small Price to Pay 11. Change of Heart Pt. 2 12. The Book of Life
Jimmy Kay from Canada’s The Metal Voice sat down and spoke with Quiet Riot’s Rudy Sarzo (Bassist) and Alex Grossi (guitarist) at this years M3 Rock Festival on May 4, 2024.
Watch below the Full interview.
When asked about the current Line-up “We started in clubs in the ’70s with Randy Rhoads, so traditionally, no matter how many people are in the audience, as a band we have fun. I’ve found that the combination with Alex, Jizzy (Pearl / vocals) and Johnny (Kelly / drums) to be a true representation of the spirit of Quiet Riot. We have a line-up that’s actually been picked by those who are no longer with us. Alex was picked by Kevin and groomed on everything Quiet Riot by Kevin; the consciousness, the belief system of what it means to be in Quiet Riot. Jizzy was picked by Frankie – Alex brought Jizzy to Frankie’s attention – and Kevin was a fan of (Jizzy’s band) Love/Hate.There is a very close connection with the new members and the old members in the band. I happen to be the new old guy. ” Rudy Sarzo
When asked about writing new Quiet Riot music with the current Line-up ” We have been. When we really came back in 2022 we didn’t realize how busy we would be. We’ve got a couple songs done and we’re just trying to figure out when and how to release it. I mean whether we go to the label or whether we do it ourselves we don’t know yet but it’s definitely on the table. I think this version of the band needs to be documented doing its own thing. Alex Grossi
When asked about the Legacy of Ozzy’s Live ‘Speak of the Devil’ album that Rudy Sarzo played on “This is before Pro Tools and it was actually live you know, when you hear at least the band playing. I don’t know what happened as far as the vocals go. I gave notice that I was leaving Ozzy immediately after I recorded that. It’s the authenticity which you really don’t hear that much in modern music nowadays. Where there’s no click track, there’s no triggers, there’s no overdubs there’s no AI. It’s just four guys on stage playing, that’s it .There was a race between Ozzy and Black Sabbath to release the record one before the other. These are the songs that we were given to play and it was my job to do the best job that I could within the time frame that we had to learn those songs. “
When asked about he learnt from Randy Rhoads the original guitarist in Quiet Riot “I’m actually the only musician who played with Randy Rhoads in Quiet Riot and Ozzy. Everything I learned about musical integrity and dedication was from Randy. Randy was a teacher before he became a rock star and he taught me how to teach. When I actually first heard him play classical music was at Musonia because he would not play it in Quiet Riot. He never brought an acoustic guitar to a Quiet Riot rehearsal. But at Musona he would pick up the the classical guitar and play it in between lessons.”
Blues-rock virtuoso Joe Bonamassa announces the release of his latest single, “If Heartaches Were Nickels,” recorded live at the legendary Hollywood Bowl. This poignant rendition, featured on Bonamassa’s upcoming album and film release Live at the Hollywood Bowl with Orchestra, breathes new life into one of his earlier classics from his 2000 debut album A New Day Yesterday. The performance, enhanced by a 40-piece orchestra, captures the grandeur of Bonamassa’s live show and elevates the song, highlighting his unique ability to blend deep blues influences with rock vigour.
Bonamassa’s rendition of “If Heartaches Were Nickels” received critical acclaim and helped establish his reputation as a formidable talent in the blues genre. Originally written by Warren Haynes and covered by Kenny Neal, the song remains a standout track in Bonamassa’s discography, often praised for its emotional depth and technical brilliance. This single follows the release of the album’s most recent single “Ball Peen Hammer,” continuing to showcase Bonamassa’s musical journey and his contributions to the blues-rock genre. Out June 21st in CD/DVD, CD/BR, 2 LP special colour vinyl (180-gram), and digital formats, Live at the Hollywood Bowl With Orchestra continues the celebration of Bonamassa’s musical journey and his contributions to the blues-rock genre.
Live At The Hollywood Bowl With Orchestra showcases Bonamassa’s virtuosic blend of blues and rock but also elevates fan-favourite tracks with grandiose orchestral arrangements by some of Hollywood’s finest – David Campbell, Trevor Rabin, and Jeff Bova. “Very few gigs represent my journey in music more than the Hollywood Bowl. I moved to Los Angeles in 2003 in search of opportunity and cheaper rent than New York City. My first gig at The Mint was attended by 5 of my friends and that’s all. We have played The Greek Theatre many times since, but the Bowl has always been a dream. The orchestra and the sheer scale of the event and venue is something I will never forget. I am so grateful that we filmed this special event in my life,” reminisces Bonamassa.
Following the momentum from his standout performance supporting The Rolling Stones at Lumen Field in Seattle this week, Bonamassa is gearing up for his eagerly awaited “Blues Deluxe Tour” in the U.S. this summer. Beginning August 2nd in Selbyville, DE, and culminating in an unforgettable two-night performance in Hampton Beach, NH, on August 30th and 31st, the tour celebrates Bonamassa’s seminal albums Blues Deluxe and its chart-topping successor, Blues Deluxe Vol. 2. This 21-city tour will showcase an electrifying mix of Bonamassa’s classics and deep tracks live for the first time, alongside a band of world-class musicians. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.jbonamassa.com.
Bonamassa’s impact on the blues-rock genre is immeasurable. Guitar World has hailed him as “the world’s biggest blues guitarist,” a testament to his skill, influence, and role in bringing blues-rock to the forefront of the music scene. With a career spanning over three decades, Bonamassa has consistently captivated audiences around the globe with his dynamic live performances and musical ingenuity.
In addition to his musical releases and touring, Bonamassa remains dedicated to his philanthropic efforts through the Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation (KTBA). The foundation recently launched an initiative offering fans a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see Bonamassa live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. This sweepstakes directly supports KTBA’s mission to promote music education and aid musicians in need. With the success of KTBA’s numerous programs, including the Fueling Musicians Program and virtual blues education initiatives, the foundation has raised over 2 million in fundraising and continues to grow. To date, the foundation has impacted over 100,000 students across the United States and provided essential support to hundreds of musicians.
SUMMER TOUR June 14 – Kent, UK – Black Deer Festival June 15 – Basingstoke, UK – The Anvil June 20 – Rio De Janeiro, BR – Best of Blues & Rock Fest – Vivo Rio June 22 – Sao Paulo, BR – Best of Blues & Rock Fest – Ibirapuera Parque June 24 – Curita, BR – Best of Blues & Rock Fest – Live Curitiba
U.S. SUMMER – BLUES DELUXE TOUR July 17 – Selbyville, DE – Freeman Arts Pavilion * July 18 – Patchogue, NY – Great South Bay Music Festival * July 19 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater * August 2 – Albuquerque, NM – Sandia Resort & Casino August 4 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre August 6 – Omaha, NE – Orpheum Theater August 8 – Topeka, KS – Topeka Performing Arts Center August 9 – Durant, OK – Choctaw Grand Theater August 10 – Jackson, MS – Thalia Mara Hall August 12 – Birmingham, AL – BJCC Concert Hall August 14 – Charleston, SC – North Charleston Performing Arts Center August 16 – Evansville, IN – Old National Events Plaza August 17 – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre at Old National Centre August 18 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium August 20 – Kettering, OH – Fraze Pavilion August 21 – Hershey, PA – Hershey Theatre August 23 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre August 24 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre August 25 – Rochester, NY – West Herr Auditorium Theatre August 27 – Albany, NY – Palace Theatre August 29 – Hyannis, MA – Cape Cod Melody Tent August 30 – Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom August 31 – Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom September 15 – Telluride, CO – Telluride Blues & Brew Festival *
*Not part of the Blues Deluxe Tour
U.S. FALL TOUR October 28 – Santa Barbara, CA -The Granada Theatre October 30 – Rancho Mirage, CA – The Show at Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage November 1 – Tucson, AZ – The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall November 2 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre November 3 – Long Beach, CA – Terrace Theater November 5 – San Diego, CA – San Diego Civic Theatre November 7 – San Jose, CA – San Jose Civic November 8 – Sacramento, CA – SAFE Credit Union Convention Center November 9 – Reno, NV – Grand Theatre November 12 – Portland, OR – Keller Auditorium November 13 – Boise, ID – Morrison Center November 16 – Salt Lake City, UT – Eccles Theater November 17 -Cheyenne, WY – Cheyenne Civic Center November 19 – Park City, KS – Hartman Arena November 20 – Springfield, MO – Juanita K. Hammons Hall November 22 – Minneapolis, MN – State Theatre November 23 – Minneapolis, MN – State Theatre November 26 – Springfield, IL – UIS Performing Arts Center November 27- Appleton, WI -Fox Cities Performing Arts Center November 29 – Davenport, IA – Adler Theatre November 30 – Des Moines, IA – Des Moines Civic Center
ABOUT JOE BONAMASSA Blues-rock superstar Joe Bonamassa is one of the most celebrated performing musicians of today. As a three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist and 15x Blues Music Award Nominee (4-time winner), he achieved his 27th No. 1 album on the Billboard Blues Chart with his most recent studio album, Blues Deluxe Vol. 2. Only in his mid-40s, Bonamassa has become a living legend with an astounding multi-genre catalog. He has released more than 40 albums, including studio and live recordings, as well as collaborative albums with his adventurous side projects: Black Country Communion and Rock Candy Funk Party.
A prolific writer who is always on the hunt to expand his eclectic musical horizons, Bonamassa has a limitless work ethic whether it’s in a studio, on the road, or working with other artists to spur new music. In recent years, he has produced an immense number of albums including Joanne Shaw Taylor, Marc Broussard, Larry McCray, Jimmy Hall and others for his independent label KTBA Records, and has also recently launched Journeyman LLC, a full-service artist management, record label, concert promotion, and marketing company that builds awareness for independent artists worldwide.
Bonamassa has been featured in several publications from Esquire, WSJ, and Parade to Rolling Stone and American Songwriter, as well as on the covers of Guitar World, Guitar Player, Vintage Guitar, Guitarist, and Classic Rock Magazine. His non-profit Keeping The Blues Alive provides funds and resources to schools and artists in need and has positively impacted more than 100,000 students to date while raising over 2.2 million in donations.
Rising American roots rock band Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast are pleased to announce the release of their brand-new single “Piece Of You” on Friday 17th May. The single is available to stream HERE. Watch the official video of “Piece Of You” on YouTube HERE.
“Piece Of You” is taken from the band’s upcoming Blueprints EP released Friday 16th August. The EP is available to pre-save HERE.
The single follows the recent announcement of the band’s first-ever UK Headline Tour that runs from September 25th until October 4th.
Their forthcoming 2024 headline UK tour follows Krisko’s inaugural 2023 UK tour in support of burgeoning California rockers Robert Jon & The Wreck.
Krisko says “There is a vibrancy and enthusiasm to UK audiences that is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced on tour. The fans there have completely stolen my heart, and I am genuinely overflowing with gratitude for the dream opportunity to return this fall for our album release tour!”
After the unexpected death of her mother in 2023, Blueprints is an introspective reflection on the waves of emotion that follow such a loss. Caitlin Krisko delivers soaring melodies while simultaneously pouring her soul into the center spotlight of the album. Gut wrenching ballads like “Haunted By You” performed to near perfection, sit comfortably next to groove heavy rock anthems like “Piece of You”.
Blueprints puts the listener in the front seat for the Krisko experience as she turns to the music to capture her grief in songs like “Have To Say Goodbye” and “Blue Monday”. Uplifting the listener with songs like “Devil On Your Side” and “Operator”, her songs are celebrations with storytelling lyrics that take you for a full spectrum ride. Powerful drums, driving bass, and raw blues and rock guitar are hand squeezed into every nook and cranny of the album, delivering a saturated roots rocks experience done with a masterful and heartfelt touch.
Born in Detroit, raised in New York City and currently living in Asheville, North Carolina, Caitlin Krisko has been influenced by the sounds of East Coast rock and roll, Motown, and roots music. Krisko has been stunning audiences across America and Europe touring relentlessly with her own brand of roots-rock filled with soaring vocals, powerful grooves, emotional lyrics, and undeniable songwriting.
The band consists of Caitlin Krisko (lead vocals), Aaron Austin (guitar, background vocals), Michael W. Davis (drums), and William Seymour (bass, background vocals).
Caitlin Krisko and The Broadcast have shared the bill with artists such as Mavis Staples, Marcus King, Blackberry Smoke, Margo Price, The Avett Brothers, Greta Van Fleet, and Robert Jon & The Wreck.
Last fall, the band released “Haunted by You” which was placed at the top of Spotify’s “Blues Ballads” playlist, garnering critical acclaim for its soulful blues and Krisko’s captivating performance.
The band has worked with producers such as Eric Sarafin (Ben Harper, Foreigner, Barenaked Ladies), and Jim Scott (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Johnny Cash, Grace Potter) while also releasing 2020’s album “Lost My Sight” working hand in hand with legendary session giant; previous member of Tedeschi Trucks Band, and David Bowie’s Blackstar “Tim Lefebvre” and current TTB drummer Tyler “Falcon” Greenwell.
Caitlin Krisko & The Broadcast tour the USA, Europe, and UK throughout 2024.
“Generation Now” is the first single from NIGHTHAWK‘s new album “Vampire Blues”, set to be released on August 30th via Pride & Joy Music.
Nighthawk was formed during the pandemic by bass player Robert Majd (Metalite, Captain Black Beard) as a project where he got to play some guitar and work with different musicians.
2024’s “Vampire Blues” is the third album and features Linnea Vikström (Thundermother) on vocals, Robban Eriksson (The Hellacopters) & Peter Hermansson (220 Volt) on drums, Nalle Påhlsson (Treat) on bass and Richard Hamilton (Houston) on keyboards.
It’s a compilation of fast paced, spontanious, action rock n roll songs with two covers; Aerosmith’s S.O.S. (Too Bad) and Sam & Dave’s Hold It Baby (featuring Danny Hynes from Weapon).
Nighthawk’s second album was called “Prowler” and was recorded at the world famous Abbey Road Studios. It was hailed in the press and featured Björn Strid (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra) on vocals.
A fourth album was recorded together with Björn at the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales, late 2023, and will be ready for release soon…
ENUFF Z’NUFF, the revered melodic rock band hailing from the heart of Chicago, is set to unveil a treasure trove of their musical origins with the release of a captivating collection of demo recordings. These recordings, crafted prior to the band’s iconic self-titled debut album, offer a raw and impassioned glimpse into the genesis of Enuff Z’nuff’s illustrious career.
The forthcoming collection, entitled The 1987 Demos, showcases the band’s classic lineup of Chip Z’nuff, Donnie Vie, Derek Frigo, and Vikki Foxx, exuding a fervor and authenticity that transcends even their acclaimed major label releases. Fans worldwide have long revered these early compositions, recognizing the embryonic stages of Enuff Z’nuff’s signature sound. Now they get to experience these songs as never before!
Among the gems featured in this collection are early renditions of beloved classics such as the chart-topping single “Fly High Michelle,” alongside anthems like “New Thing” and “I Could Never Be Without You.” These early versions offer a unique perspective, capturing the essence of the band’s evolution and the raw talent that propelled them to international acclaim. Check out the demo version of “New Thing,” which has been released as a single to all music platforms today!
“Before we got our first record deal,” explains EZ’s founding lead vocalist Donnie Vie, “Chip and I had written and demoed at least 50 pretty good songs. It was hard to choose which ones to shop. We basically put together what we felt would be a great record and shopped it as that. Needless to say, the label loved it, so we went to work re-recording it on a grander scale (and waste $200K. Haha). I personally think we could’ve just had this mixed, because most of it was recorded and produced exactly the same way. The songs stand on their own, and this was the way it was done – on our own.”
Chip, who oversaw this project and composed liner notes for the album, declares “ Here are the warts, scars, and tattoos of our labor, when it all started over 3 decades ago!”
The 1987 Demos will be available on both CD and vinyl starting on May 31! The CD version includes two bonus tracks not available anywhere else – a cover of Hendrix’s “Manic Depression” and an original song “Runaway!”
Also be sure to catch the band performing live at select venues across the US! May 18 – Teaneck, NY – Debonair Music Hall May 19 – Reading, PA – Reverb May 22 – St. Louis, MO – The Golden Record May 23 – Beaver Dam, WI – Stormy’s May 24 – Minneapolis, MN – Cabooze May 25 – Webster, WI – St. Croix Casino Hertel May 28 – Parker, CO – Wild Goose Saloon May 30 – Grapevine, TX – Glass Cactus May 31 – San Antonio, TX – Fitzgerald’s Bar & Live Music June 1 – Eagle Pass, TX – Cooter’s Pub June 2 – Houston, TX – Warehouse Live Midtown June 4 – Sarasota, FL – Big Top Brewing Company June 12 – St. Charles, IL – Arcada Theatre July 3 – Duluth, MN – Bayfront Festival Park
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
