HEAVY WATER, the lockdown project created by Saxon frontman Biff Byford and son Seb Byford, will release their latest groove-saturated, riff-mighty, hip-shaking collection of timeless rock ‘n’ roll titled Dreams of Yesterday on September 29th via Silver Lining Music.
Kicking things off is the swagger and thrust of the steamy, psychedelic-tinged single and title track ‘Dreams of Yesterday’, swirling less around the North of England than a patchouli-scented Los Angelian summer’s night, a proper rock ‘n’ roll strutter.
“We went back to a time of a great musical revolution to get inspiration for this track… 1965 West Coast America, a melting pot of Music” explain Seb and Biff.
Not only does Dreams of Yesterday enjoy the tighter, sharper cohesion of being a second project, the bloodline flows freely in its creative arc, with Biff revelling in the role of collaborator with his son and Seb clearly enjoying himself. Pulling the experience, influence and craft of Biff and fusing it with some fresh twists invoking the likes of Led Zeppelin, Soundgarden, and Alice In Chains, Seb takes to both the guitar and producer’s chair with an effusive energy that crackles from every cut. Whether it’s the bombastic, bodaciously thick melodic swamp-stomp of ‘Shadows of Life’, the spiky, punk-dipped guitar-driven ‘Another Day’, or the high-energy indie-tinged rock swirl of ‘Be My Saviour’, Dreams of Yesterday literally keeps you on your toes (air guitar in hand).
Seb Byford recorded Dreams of Yesterday at the Big Silver Barn in York, UK, with Jacky Lehmann mixing alongside Jamie Scarratt. Dreams of Yesterday is produced by Seb and Biff, with Biff taking up bass duties once more and sharing vocal duties with Seb, who throws down the big verses and plays the guitars with an effusive energy that crackles from every cut. At the same time, Tom Witts’s assured drumming provides the perfect platform for what is, essentially, a genre-less celebration of exciting, engaging yet wholly egoless music. So rejoice and bathe in this Heavy Water immediately because Dreams of Yesterday never sounded more alive, fresh, and present.
Dreams of Yesterday will be released on September 29th 2023, via Silver Lining Music. Available as a CD Digipak, digital formats and D2C bundles. For pre-orders, go to this location.
TRACK‐LISTING:
Dreams of Yesterday
Don’t Take It for Granted
How Much Can You Take
Castaway
Shadows of Life
Never Love Again
Another Day
Be My Saviour
Chain Reaction
Life to Live
Seb Byford – Guitar and Vocals Biff Byford – Bass and Vocals Tom Witts – Drums Callum Witts – Keyboards on “Life To Live”
Dreams of Yesterday Credits: Produced by Seb Byford and Biff Byford Recorded by Seb Byford at Big Silver Barn, York Mixed by Jacky Lehmann (www.audiosound.de) and Jamie Scarratt (www.raygunstudios.co.uk) Artwork by James Gaden – http://www.halo-graphic.com
RONNIE ROMERO has announced the upcoming release of his third solo album, TOO MANY LIES, TOO MANY MASTERS, on September 15, 2023. The first single and video from the album, “Castaway on the Moon,” are out today.
Watch below the official video for “Castaway on the Moon”.
TOO MANY LIES, TOO MANY MASTERS sees Romero delivering a powerful musical statement on the first solo album of his to feature all-new original material.
Written by Romero with drummer Andy C. and guitarist Jose Rubio, TOO MANY LIES, TOO MANY MASTERS marks the first time that Romero has been involved with 100% of the songwriting on an album he sings on. Romero also co-produced the album with Andy C., marking another first for Romero. While these ‘firsts” certainly add to the excitement for the album, it is the songs that truly take center stage. Romero’s voice is completely at home on this diverse, hard rockin’ set which is certainly going to please any fan of his vocal style and his work with his other bands.
Romero’s voice and prolific musical activity have brought him to the forefront of the hard rock/metal scene where he can be seen/heard with Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow, The Michael Schenker Group, Lords of Black, The Ferrymen, Sunstorm, and the recently launched Elegant Weapons with Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner. With an impressive discography already under his belt, TOO MANY LIES, TOO MANY MASTERS is arguably the crown jewel of Romero’s recorded output thus far.
TOO MANY LIES, TOO MANY MASTERS follows Romero’s first two solo albums, both covers albums. 2023’s RAISED ON HEAVY RADIO saw Romero paying tribute to legendary artists from the metal world like Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Accept, Metallica, and more. It also featured special guests like Gus G. (Firewind, Ozzy Osbourne), Chris Caffery (Savatage, Spirits of Fire), Roland Grapow (Masterplan, Helloween), and more. Romero’s first solo album, RAISED ON RADIO, featured covers of classics that meant something special to Romero over the years and helped forge this talented singer’s musical style. Songs by legendary acts like Survivor, Bad Company, Foreigner, Queen, Led Zeppelin, and more were given Romero’s talented vocal treatment.
Here’s the track listing for TOO MANY LIES, TOO MANY MASTERS:
Castaway on the Moon
Mountain of Light
I’ve Been Losing You
Too Many Lies, Too Many Masters
Girl, Don’t Listen to the Radio
Crossroad
Not Just a Nightmare
A Distant Shore
Chased By Shadows
Vengeance
Lineup: Ronnie Romero – Vocals Andy C. – Drums Jose Rubio – Guitar Francisco Gil – Keyboards Javier Garcia – Guitars
“And if all hope is lost And everything is broken Remember that the dark is a construct of hoping”
SILENT SKIES, the cinematic project of EVERGREY’s Tom S. Englund and acclaimed US-based pianist/composer Vikram Shankar (Redemption, Lux Terminus), have just released the first of many official videos, “Construct”, cut from their dream-like third studio album, Dormant, out September 1, 2023 via Napalm Records.
The album’s shimmering opening track “Construct” calls for the listener to join the two musicians on a soulful journey, characterized by expansive atmospheres, iridescent textures, and contemplative lyrical introspection. From the very first note, listeners will get caught by the distinctive voice of Tom S. Englund, glimmering in yearning nuances and emotions spanning the gamut from despair to hope. Bonded with the instrumental majesty of Vikram Shankar, this is a maelstrom in which one will relish getting lost. SILENT SKIES present “Construct” together with an artistic and stately film, directed by American director Paul Moore and filmed by Moore and Patric Ullaeus, that beautifully and sincerely portrays that which really matters – just as SILENT SKIES does with their music.
SILENT SKIES add: “We are thrilled to present ‘Construct’, the first offering from our new album Dormant. ‘Construct’ is an encapsulation of the ethos that informed the creative process for this new record. Musically it explores textures and soundscapes that are new additions to our sonic universe, but the reflective melancholy that defines what we do is still very much present. The conceptual theme for Dormant has been ‘conversations with life, about life,’ and in ‘Construct’, you will hear the first part of this conversation. We hope it provokes conversations within yourselves in turn.”
Continuing on the atmospheric path of Scandinavian melancholy charted on their previous full-lengths, Nectar (2022) and Satellites (2020), Dormant, the new brainchild of Englund and Shankar, features stunning piano melodies, atmospheric keyboards, lush and expansive soundscapes, and hauntingly beautiful and intense vocals.
SILENT SKIES’ third offering is melancholic and calming, yet effervescent and incandescent, expanding the duo’s sonic universe in every direction – it is the result of brave sonic experimentation married to the tastefully artistic aesthetic that defines the group. Throughout the varied peaks and valleys of their compositions, it is their powers of expression, and reflection on the human experience – in their own words, “conversations with life, about life” – that give their music the power to speak to a vast array of lived experiences, and reach people with diverse tastes, as long as they are interested in appreciating art as a reflection of life itself.
SILENT SKIES on Dormant: “We are thrilled to present Dormant, our third record, crafted with immense joy and offered with satisfaction and eagerness to share our heartfelt dedication over the past 18 months. With Dormant, SILENT SKIES propels itself further into more uncharted territory, embarking on a journey whose destination remains unknown even to us. Like passengers on a train, we embrace the excitement and exhilaration of the ride, relishing in the uncertainty of our future direction. The freedom of creativity is a vital source of energy for us during the composition and production journey for our music. Within Dormant, you will find a multitude of intricate details, a plethora of musical landscapes, and an abundance of concepts, all waiting for you to dive in and explore their depths. At its core, Dormant delves into the awakening of a sleeping or forgotten consciousness, urging it to be present and take action in the now.
It is an album that, from the early stages, felt like a profound conversation with life, about life. It encapsulates the ongoing dialogue and introspection with our inner selves as we seek equilibrium and harmony. Ultimately, it is a realization that what we yearn for is a stillness of the mind and soul — a sense of contentment, pride, and connection with what is our most authentic selves. We believe that you will find resonance with many of the reflections we share within Dormant, and we eagerly anticipate continuing this dialogue with all of you.
This journey has only just begun. Let’s awaken together.
The opening track on Dormant, “Construct”, calls for the listener to join the two musicians on a soulful journey, building the atmosphere to a sublime conclusion, before continuing along a darker, brooding and intense path in the yearning “New Life”. Englund’s heartfelt vocals speak directly to the soul, while balancing perfectly with Shankar’s thoughtful instrumentation, driven by tender piano and elevated by an engulfing production. The harmonious “Churches” and pop-inflected “Just Above The Clouds” – the latter featuring a compelling solo from Leprous/Musk Ox cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne – build up to a mesmerizing daydream, leaving the listener lost in the wonderful nuances that Dormant has to offer.
The calming and profoundly introspective “Reset” and “Tides” envelop the listener in seemingly endless melancholic soundscapes, whereas the poignant “The Real Me” is imbibed with electronic hues that yield a brighter, more modern atmosphere. Throughout these tracks, SILENT SKIES’ work is characterized by deep and thoughtful expansion of their signature sound, where analog synthesizers, intricate programming, meticulously constructed soundscapes, and stately piano melodies are paired with the introspective vocals of Englund, who delivers profound lyrical sentiments with thoughtfully expressive character. The deeply moving “Light Up The Dark” and the serene atmosphere of the title track “Dormant” are followed by the glimmering hues of “The Last On Earth”, the last original composition on Dormant, in which modular synth loops and moody piano reflections are paired with chiming guitars that encapsulate the duo’s commitment to the development of their sound.
Dormant tracklisting:
Construct
New Life
Churches
Just Above The Clouds
Reset
Tides
The Real Me
Light Up The Dark
Dormant
The Last On Earth
The Trooper (Bonus Track)
Dancing In The Dark (Bonus Track)
Numb (Bonus Track)
SILENT SKIES are: Tom S. Englund – Vocals, Production Vikram Shankar – Piano, Keyboards, Production
Renowned visionary metal composer MAX ENIX has once again pushed the boundaries of musical innovation with the release of his latest video clip, “City of Mortals,” a captivating track from his double album “Far From Home,” released via Wormholedeath.
In “City of Mortals,” Max Enix fearlessly tackles themes of corruption, oppression, and the relentless pursuit of power at the expense of others. The song resonates with listeners, urging them to reject exploitation, tyranny, and falsehoods that plague our world. It captures the longing for a return to values, unity, and a brighter future, inspiring rebellion against these injustices.
Watch the emotionally charged and visually stunning “City of Mortals” music video here:
Max Enix: Music, Vocals, Artistic director, Lyrics/story… Thomas Kubler: Additional arrangements, Orchestrator François Rousselot: Conductor Leo Margarit: Drums Vikram Shankar: Piano/Keyboards Jean-Jacques Moréac: Bass Xavier Boscher: Guitars Elise Wachbar: Vocals
“Far From Home” is a genre-blending masterpiece that combines progressive-symphonic-post rock/metal with film score elements, infused with world/New Age, hip hop, jazz, and avant-garde influences, resulting in a truly unique and unprecedented sound. Inspired by Max Enix’s personal voyage of self-discovery and exploration of diverse musical genres and cultures, the album showcases the Budapest Symphony Orchestra and guest musicians such as Vikram Shankar on piano/keyboards and Xavier Boscher on guitars. The expertly crafted production includes mixing by David Castillo at Studio Grondahl in Stockholm, Sweden, and mastering by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios in Orebro, Sweden. The album’s visual aesthetic is brought to life through Thomas Ewerhard’s illustrations and artwork. Max Enix’s music is an enchanting journey of self-discovery and exploration of diverse musical genres and cultures. His compositions not only captivate with their originality and innovation but also appeal to fans of various artists, including Devin Townsend, Dream Theater, and Hans Zimmer. Max Enix possesses a unique universe that transcends music and language, captivating audiences worldwide.
Jimmy Kay for Canada’s The Metal Voice recently interviewed The Dead Daisies frontman and former Motley Crue singer John Corabi on the streets of Montreal, Canada on July 3, 2023 prior to performing acoustic at The Piranha Bar. Watch the video interview below.
Corabi has asked about his portrayal in the 2019 Motley Crue movie The Dirt and if he should have been included, he told The Metal Voice, “I think they could have just shown the band split up and then show them talking to get back together again (without including him). The only thing that bugs me about that movie is that they took the unfortunate liberty to make it look like I was playing in high school gymnasiums to like eight people. I’m fine, it is what it is. It doesn’t bother me at all anymore. I’m like whatever. I thought that was a little bit overblown their perception or their view of that time. I mean it’s kind of funny if you go on to YouTube and type in John Corabi Motley Crue Live 94. it’s like yeah none of the shows were sold out but we still played to three, four, five, six thousand people, seven thousand people depending on the size of the Arena. I just thought that was a little shitty and then the other thing is if they were going to put me in the movie which they did I’m just angry that they didn’t get Morgan Freeman to play me. You know he’s always wise in every movie, he’s just cool in every movie.”
Corabi was then asked about all the Mick Mars and Motley Crue drama, he said, “I said what I had to say in the very beginning when that first press release came out that Mick wasn’t going to tour due to his health and yada yada. Somebody asked me a question, I made the statements and now I’m keeping my mouth shut but none of the drama surprises me, do you know what I mean? That’s all I gotta say.”
Following their recent signing with Massacre Records, German heavy metal act SKULL & CROSSBONES is premiering their upcoming album title track “Sungazer”! The band’s first full-length studio album will be released on September 8, 2023, and will be available as CD Digipak, Ltd. Vinyl LP and Digital formats. The pre-sale has just started at THIS LOCATION!
“Sungazer tells a fictional story – A boy hates his father, therefore can not look in the mirror, because he sees his father in there,” the band reveals. “When he became blind, the hatred in him grew, only the look to the sun and its warmth gave him strength to live on. Only after his father died, the hatred begins to fade. So an invisible force from nature gives him the courage to live.” About the musical characteristics of the first SCULL & CROSSBONES single the band says: “It’s a classic metal song; great choirs; beautiful, memorable melodies, guitar solos to die for.”
The four ex-Stormwitch members Volker Schmietow, Tobi Kipp, Jürgen “Wanschi” Wannenwetsch and Marc Oppold, completed by vocalist Tobi Hübner, pick up where they left off. SKULL & CROSSBONES have dedicated themselves to traditional heavy metal.
Sungazer was mixed and mastered by Marc Ayerle at KlangManufaktur, with a cover artwork created by Michael Vetter.
Sungazer track listing:
Midnight Fyre
Sungazer
Manhunter
The Invisible Man
Tyrant’s Rule
Nature’s Legacy
Inner Self
Live Your Dreams
The Drowned
The Traveller
SKULL & CROSSBONES Live: 09.09.2023 DE Bisingen – Umsonst & Draußen Zollernalb 16.09.2023 DE Gerstetten – Schlicker 09.12.2023 DE Horb am Neckar – Marmorwerk
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 ) 