Swedish garage rock trio Liar Thief Bandit is back! Since the release of their acclaimed 2022 mini-album “Diamonds,” the band has toured extensively and has shared stages with notable Swedish rock acts like Graveyard and The Hellacopters. In the summer of 2023, they performed on Sweden’s largest music festival, Sweden Rock Festival.
Now the band is set to release their fourth studio album, “ICON” later this spring on The Sign Records. Truly living up to its name, the album is a staple and instant classic on the rock scene, blending everything you would ever wish for in a melodic rock record.
The Metal Voice recently spoke to former Kiss guitarist and solo artist Ace Frehley about his new album 10,000 Volts.
When asked if his new solo album after being released and the feedback he got did it embarrass Gene Simmon and Paul Stanley? “I think I did (laughs). Honestly I didn’t try to make a great record just to show them up. It was ironic that the album got finished mixed and mastered around the time they were retiring. Which I don’t believe is going to happen. I’m sure they’re going to reform in one way or another or with different people. I think Gene (Simmons) already put together a band and has some shows happening in South America. But be that as it may you know I wish them all the very best and any of their new Endeavors because we’re all Brothers in rock and roll and you know we created something really special. And believe it or not even though we argue and disagree you know we’re still all friends.”
When asked about touring with Rush when they opened up for Kiss in the 70’s“” I would say more times than not every night while we were on the road me and Peter and those three (Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee and Neil Peart) guys would end up hanging out and uh doing stupid stuff. Alex used to put a bag over his head (with) a joint. Peter would get up and do his routine sometimes. I’d do some kind of silly routine. In those days when I was drinking I could rattle off 50 or 75 jokes nonstop one right after the other for some reason I can’t remember them anymore. At one point in my life I wanted to be a standup comedian but it never panned out because I never had the time to do it.”
When asked if he regretted quitting in the ‘Creatures of the night’ era “I had already committed to leaving the group and I started looking for band members and stuff and jamming with other people. It was just too late I had already made the decision because you know I could never trust those guys. I don’t know what hair brain scheme they come up with. I mean if I was still in the band I would have never agreed to do these avatars. Something maybe kids would enjoy but I don’t think a long time kiss fan is going to enjoy that stuff. I wish them well like I said good luck but you know in my humble opinion I don’t think it’s going to be a successful endeavor.”
When he spoke about the songwriting on the new album between himself and Steve Brown “Me and Steve (Brown) work well together. I got aggravated the other day cuz I heard that people were saying I didn’t write any of the songs on the record and it was all Steve Brown. And then Steve he was doing (The Podcast) ‘Three Sides of the coin’ and he kind of confirmed that (by answering a question on the podcast) how much did Ace bring to the table? And he (Steve Brown) goes well, I pretty much brought about 97%. I was really shocked when he said that because that’s not the case and I called him up and he apologized to me. He’s a wonderful guy. I love him. You know he was so excited about the record and they were asking some questions that weren’t rehearsed . He had no idea, so you know everybody sometimes toots their own horn a little more than they should sometimes without thinking. He was so excited about the record you know he made that statement but he admitted to me last night you know that that wasn’t the case. We just decided no matter how much one of us brought to the table we were going to split everything in half. It’s a lot easier doing it that way than because I don’t need the money that bad and you know. I know Steve worked really hard because not only did he co-produce it but he engineered the whole record himself . And I didn’t have to pay for an engineer so that saved me thousands of dollars. Whatever one guy brought to the table or the other guy it really didn’t matter. To me, the most important thing is the end result. I sang lead on all of the songs I play guitar solos on 80% of the songs 75% a couple of solos that uh he came up with they were guide solos for me to copy and I said you know Steve those solos are so good let’s just leave them. He goes well I don’t want any credit you know, humble and I said I’m gonna give you credit because you know I like to give credit where credit is due. I don’t want to take credit for your solo if I didn’t write it so you know that’s the kind of relationship we have. It really doesn’t matter who came up with what first. I always end up ACEFYING it, that’s right putting my stamp on it. you know you can’t get away from my voice the many you hear my voice you know it say fly yeah that’s for sure yeah and well thanks for seconding setting the record straight
When asked if he believes in Aliens“ “Yeah. I’ve seen UFOs multiple times. They’ve already done polls and more than 50% of the population believes in Aliens so I don’t think it would be that big a shock. You know that whole thing about well if an alien ship landed somewhere and Aliens walked out everyone you know would throw off the idea of religion. I don’t buy that. You know God could have created aliens as well and on a different planet and they ended up making it here. It could have been the other way around. I mean for us to believe in a universe this size with billions maybe trillions of planets we’re the only one that has life on it that’s pretty ridiculous.”
When asked about him saying in the past about the rumour he was from the planet Jendell” “Oh my friend in high school came up with that and I just kind of used it once I became I used to Joke around when I was drunk. I go yeah I’m from I’m from planet Jendell.”
When asked about his feelings about Kiss Alive being touched up in the studio “A lot of it was touched up, 50% of it. At least 50% was re-sung and replayed. I mean and I remember Eddie Kramer had Loops of tape going around microphone stands, going back into these 2inch tape machines and each one had three faders and they were dedicated to crowd response. One was really crazy (crowd response) one was mid Midway and one was more subtle. I mean if you listen closer to the album you can hear that it’s faked. I didn’t fake my live guitar solo that was real. I mean sometimes you sing off key a little in those days, we didn’t have auto tune. So if Paul, Gene, Peter or myself sang something a little off, we’d re-sing it in the studio. We just wanted to put out the best product possible. Today in the studio that stuff like that is done without even a thought. So many groups today that are performing live and have backing tracks, not just Kiss, plenty of other groups and I don’t want to name them because I know them and they’re friends of mine. I rather not spill the beans I don’t want to disappoint the fans but yeah I I there’s a lot I know because I know everybody and I know engineers and guys who do sound for these bands and they tell me the real deal. It used to be like a big a big crime to do that I mean you remember when Milli Vanilli got like Boohed because they will found out they were lip synching. Things change over the years you know now it’s accept it. I don’t believe in having backup tracks because I’m too spontaneous.”
When asked what was going through his mind on his famous interview on the Tom Synder show ” I was drunk, I had done a little blow. So that kind of bounced me out. Everything I said in that show was all spontaneous nothing was planned. The plumber joke and all that stuff that just came to me at the moment. I’m a funny guy I just come up with ridiculous things sometimes. I’ll be sitting somewhere and just start laughing because I think funny things in my head. They (Gene and Paul) disappeared, they never came over and congratulated me for doing a great show and being so hysterical. The only person who was knocking on my dressing room door was Tom Snider. He had so much fun he goes I gotta meet this guy. So I took my makeup off real quick and I invited him into the dressing room and we just started laughing and he goes you know you’re a really funny guy and I said yeah I’ve been told that before. I was actually told that by John Belushi, a professional comedian. I was hanging out with John for, you know six to eight months prior to his passing. We got pretty close. We used to go on three-day Coke runs. I would always crack him up and he used to say to me Ace you one of the few people that can make me laugh you know he’s a professional comedian .He just thought I was a character. He actually said to me before he left to get on the plane in California uh he said you’re definitely going to be in my next film but that never happened but we know we all know what happened.
01 – 10,000 Volts 3:24 02 – Walkin’ on the Moon 3:44 03 – Cosmic Heart 3:54 04 – Cherry Medicine 3:40 05 – Back Into My Arms Again 3:36 06 – Fightin’ for Life 3:21 07 – Blinded 3:54 08 – Constantly Cute 3:39 09 – Life of a Stranger 3:58 10 – Up in the Sky 4:28 11 – Stratosphere 3:05
In a continued celebration of his historic performance at the iconic Hollywood Bowl, Joe Bonamassa announces the release of his latest single “The Last Matador Of Bayonne” from the acclaimed live album and film Live At The Hollywood Bowl With Orchestra, out May 17th via J&R Adventures. This emotionally charged song offers listeners a vivid narrative, blending Bonamassa’s signature guitar prowess with the grandeur of a full orchestra, encapsulating the essence of bravery and the contemplative spirit of a matador facing his fate. “The Last Matador Of Bayonne” was arranged by legendary composer David Campbell and also features a captivating trumpet solo by Rashawn Ross, longtime Dave Matthews Band member.
Pre-order Live At The Hollywood Bowl With Orchestra from the UK and EuropeHERE.
Pre-order Live At The Hollywood Bowl With Orchestra from North AmericaHERE.
The song was hand-picked from Joe’s 2011 Studio Album “Dust Bowl” to be on this orchestra set. “There’s a Bayonne in France, which is where this song got its title,” Bonamassa shares. “I was doing amphitheater dates in Europe back in 2010 with ZZ Top, and in a lot of these cities, when they say ‘Amphitheater,’ they’re not kidding. They’re talking about Roman-style bullrings. Over the years, I think they phased out the killing of the bulls. The matadors are there more for show these days. But during one of these gigs, I was standing in one of the areas where the matadors were kept, and I saw this little door. So, I opened it and I saw this little prayer booth, where I guess a matador would sit and pray before going out to face a bull. I started to think, Who was the last guy to do this? It was a great concept for a song – again, to think that you may die doing what you do for a living.”
Watch Bonamassa’s performance of “The Last Matador Of Bayonne” from Live At The Hollywood Bowl With OrchestraHERE – STREAM the new single.
Following the album’s lead single, the riveting live rendition of Bobby “Blue” Bland’s classic “Twenty-Four Hour Blues,” “The Last Matador Of Bayonne” continues to showcase Bonamassa’s ability to convey deep, resonant stories through his music. This release further emphasizes the dynamic range and emotional depth present throughout Live At The Hollywood Bowl With Orchestra, offering fans a new layer of storytelling woven with blues and rock.
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.
Available in CD/DVD, CD/BR, 2 LP Vinyl, and digital formats, the release captures the essence of Bonamassa’s career, highlighting his exceptional talent and the impactful fusion of blues, rock, and orchestral music.
Photo credit: Jenise Jensen
Following the momentum from his U.S. Spring Tour and the ninth annual voyage of his KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE AT SEA cruise, Bonamassa is set to captivate audiences across Europe with a series of performances, paving the way 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 30thand 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.
EU SPRING 2024 TOUR April 4 – London, UK – The Royal Albert Hall April 5 – London, UK – The Royal Albert Hall April 7 – Oostende, BE – Kursaal Oostende April 9 – Koln, DE – Lanxess Arena April 11 – Paris, FR – Palais Des Sport April 12 – Amsterdam, NL – AFAS Live April 13 – Muenster, DE – Messe Und Congress Center April 15 – Leipzig, DE – Arena Leipzig April 17 – Katowice, PL – Spodek April 18 – Berlin, DE – Mercedes Benz Arena April 19 – Vienna, AT – Stadthalle
U.S. SUMMER 2024 – 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
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 catalogue. 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.
et to release their debut album “Reload The Violet” on Rockshots Records this coming May 2024, Violet Eternal, a band based between Italy and Japan is unveiling their next single “Now And Forever”, a song about heartbreak and human separation.
“It’s a track that seems to be power metal, but the melody is very oriental.” adds the band.
VIOLET ETERNAL was born out of the desire of two musicians from Italy and Japan to work with each other in creating a new melodic metal band, blending power, and oriental choruses with fast-paced rhythms and interpersonal lyrics, with the ambiance of shredding guitar solos.
Band co-founder and guitarist Jien Takahashi comments:
“I wanted to create the ultimate melodic power metal duo after MAJUSTICE and other activities, I was hungry for new music. There were a lot of songs at the end of the previous activity, so I was looking for a way to shape it. In such a situation, I met Ivan Giannini online. I originally knew Ivan from his legendary work with VISION DIVINE and the album “Angel of Revenge” and his other band Derdian. I was completely fascinated by his emotional voice that seemed to burn the skies. So I was wishing I could do something with him. When I got in touch with Ivan, we immediately hit it off and we decided to make an album together.”
After connecting with vocalist Ivan Giannini, Jien made a call to a mutual friend Ollie Bernstein (Illusion Force, Magic Opera) who he had a feeling would be interested in joining the duo in creating an album together plus he was also playing bass in Derdian, which Ivan was a member of too.
Not too soon after, more pieces to the project came together when the trio recruited Andrea Cappellari (Nekomata and former guitarist for Skeletoon).
With all the members collected, and music being written, the band was ready to hit the studio and decided to team up with producer Dennis Ward (Angra, Helloween) for their first full-length album “Reload The Violet”. The album also features guests Takao (MinstreliX), Gabriel Guardian (IMMORTAL GUARDIAN), keyboardist YUHKI, drummer Ryuya Inoue, and Timo Tolkki (ex-STRATOVARIUS).
“From the time of production, Ivan and I were convinced that this album would be a game changer. I think it’s a work that people who love melodic metal will enjoy. If you listen to the music of VIOLET ETERNAL when you feel down, you will surely feel cheerful with a hot feeling. Our music will give you the courage. This album strikes hard with both powerful vocals and a perfect mix of oriental melodic metal and emotional vocals.” says Jien Takahashi.
Recommended for fans of Stratovarius, Beast In Black, and Angra, Violet Eternal‘s debut album “Reload The Violet” is due out on May 3, 2024, from Rockshots Records.
Track Listing: 1. The Titans – 1:35 2. The Echoes of Time – 4:59 3. Now and Forever – 3:53 4. Ember Flame – 4:06 5. Under the Violet Sun – 3:38 6. Land of Golden Sun – 4:13 7. Never Surrender – 3:41 8. Heartless – 3:27 9. Over the Sorrow – 4:17 10. Sonata Black – 5:17 Album Length: 39:12
Album Credits: Violet Eternal Line-up : Ivan Giannini (Vocals) Jien Takahashi (Guitarist) Sound Producer : Dennis Ward (Sound Producer) Additional Musicians : Track 02 to 10. Andrea Cappellari (NEKOMATA, ex-SKELETOON) as Guitarist Track 02 to 10. Ollie Bernstein (ILLUSION FORCE, MAGIC OPERA) as Bassist Track 09. Takao (MinstreliX) as Guitarist Track 09. Gabriel Guardian (IMMORTAL GUARDIAN) as Guitarist and Keyboardist Track 10. YUHKI as Keyboardist Track 09 to 10. Ryuya Inoue as Drummer Track 10. Timo Tolkki (ex-STRATOVARIUS) as Song writer Album Artwork: Jien Takahashi
Finnish druid metal band UNSHINE is celebrating the release of their fifth full-length “Karn of Burnings” on Rockshots Records with their new lyric video for the single “Aettarfylgja”, which can be seen and heard below.
Guitarist Harri Hautala adds about the track:
“The core idea, the copper mountain from which the world tree grows, behind ‘Karn of Burnings’ came from a Bronze Age burial ground I visited two years ago. This visit largely changed my view of the world from a historical and especially ancestral perspective. ‘Aettarfylgja’ paints a picture of the people of that era. Lots of music in a small space.”
UNSHINE‘s new album, “Karn of Burnings,” assures an enthralling voyage delving into the realms of pre-modern human existence and posthuman metaphors, characterized by their signature blend of melodic Nordic folk elements and the ethereal vocals of Susanna Vesilahti. With eight tracks, each representing a living entity from different eras, the album spans 45 minutes of melodic storytelling. UNSHINE believes that fans will be pleasantly surprised by the album’s offerings, promising a unique and unpredictable listening experience.
Fans and enthusiasts worldwide are encouraged to experience the ritualistic journey of “Karn of Burnings” now available as of March 22, 2024, from Rockshots Records. It is recommended for fans of Amorphis, The Gathering, and Skálmöld.
Isle of the Cross, the US-based progressive metal powerhouse led by the multifaceted Je Schneider, is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of their eagerly awaited second album, “Faustus The Musical”. The album is slated to hit the airwaves and digital platforms worldwide in July 2024.
This groundbreaking album is a metal opera that draws inspiration from the epic 16th-century saga, ‘Doctor Faustus’ by Christopher Marlowe. Led by the visionary Je Schneider, the compositions weave an engaging narrative, accompanied by a powerful vocal delivery from a stellar cast. Daniël de Jongh takes on the role of the lead vocalist, guiding listeners through an exhilarating journey. From symphonic heights to brutal depths, the entire album is masterfully mixed and mastered by the renowned Joost van den Broek (Epica, Ayreon, Powerwolf).
“Faustus The Musical” boasts an impressive lineup of talented contributors:
Eric Gillette: Guitar Daniël de Jongh: Lead Vocalist (Faustus) Diane Lee: Vocals (Good Angel) Charles Elliott: Vocals (Lucifer) Matthieu Romarin: Vocals (Mephistopheles) Angela Di Vincenzo: Vocals (Helen) Amrit Sandhu: Vocals (Narrator)
The captivating artwork, crafted by Theopisti Tiftikoglou, adds a visual dimension to the musical opus.
Je Schneider expresses his excitement, stating, “Faustus The Musical is one I’m very excited about. The finished product came out well-polished and solid. It was an honor to feature the wonderful vocals of the cast and have Joost at the helm of the mix. This album is the best representation of Isle of the Cross.”
Get ready to experience the world of ‘Faustus The Musical’ with the debut single, ‘Ghost At The Feast’ set to release on April 24th. Fans can pre-save the single at the following link: https://lnk.to/ISgatf
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
