Bass Master And Composer ALBERTO RIGONI Announces New Project + EP ‘Metal Addicted’, First Official Video for PANTERA’s “I’m Broken” Released

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 20, 2021
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Italian bass master and composer ALBERTO RIGONI (solo, BAD AS, NATURAL BORN MACHINE, Bassists Alliance Project, Vivaldi Metal Project etc.) has announced his new project and EP, entitled ‘Metal Addicted‘ which contains covers of songs by Metal Gods like Pantera, Megadeth, Slayer etc. The EP features female singer Ira Green (Winner of THE VOICE as Rock singer in 2015), legendary drummer Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats), guitarists Tommy Massara (Extrema), Loida Liuzzi (soloist) and Albert Marshall (soloist, session man).

Today is released the first taste, the official video for PANTERA‘s “I’m Broken”, watch it below.

  • via YouTube:

Pre-order the EP at: https://albertorigoni.bandcamp.com/album/metal-addicted

Metal Addicted is a studio project album by Italian Bassist and composer Alberto Rigoni (soloist, BAD As, Natural Born Machine etc.) featuring songs from Metal Gods (such as Pantera, Metallica, Anthrax, Slayer, etc). On the album joined female singer Ira Green (Winner of THE VOICE as Rock singer in 2015), legendary drummer Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats), guitarists Tommy Massara (Extrema), Loida Liuzzi (soloist), Albert Marshall (soloist, session man).

  1. Pantera “I’m Broken” cover
  2. Megadeth “Symphony of Destruction” cover
  3. Metallica “Enter Sandman” cover
  4. Anthrax “Caught in a Mosh” cover
  5. Slayer “Raining blood” cover

‘Metal Addicted’ is coming out on August 15, 2021.

Drums recorded at Lakeshore Studios (LA, USA) and mixed by Simone Mularoni at Domination Studio (Italy)
Tracks mixed and mastered by Alberto Rigoni
Tommy Massara photo by Luca Passerotti

Also check out Alberto’s Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/albertorigonibassist

More on Alberto Rigoni:

Born in 1981, Alberto Rigoni is an Italian bass player and composer, internationally known for his career as a solo artist and as a member of the metal band BAD As, The Italians, Natural Born Machines Lady & THE BASS, co-producer of the Vivaldi Metal Project and member of progressive rock band TwinSpirits (no more active).

Between 2008 and 2020 Alberto has released worldwide 9 solo album (Something Different, Rebirth, Three Wise Monkeys, Overloaded, BASSORAMA, Duality, EvoRevolution, Prog Injection, Odd Times), spanning from progressive rock metal to fusion. His albums also featured legendary musicians such as Kevin Moore (ex Dream Theater), Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree, King Crimson), Marco Minnemann (the Aristocrats), Göran Edman (ex Yngwie Malmsteen), Michael Manring and many others.
Alberto has been featured on the cover of magazines such as Bass Magazine (Japan), Bass Musician Magazine (USA), Bajos Y Bajistas (Spain), Basistas (Poland), TOP BASS (Poland). Moreover, in March 2015 the prestigious Bass Guitar Magazine (UK) released Alberto’s CD anthology called “Into THE BASS.”

Alberto has also recorded for several international artists such as Italian pop singer Alexia and he is also playing bass for Canadian rock singer and songwriter Kim Bingham (ex-Nelly Furtado) and The Italians, sharing stages with artists such as Alan Parson, Suzanne Vega, Jørn Lande, Paul Gilbert, Vinnie Moore and others.

In 2016 founded a new metal band called BADASS (now called BAD As) which released three albums (More Pain More Gain, Midnight Curse and Crucified Society.

On December 15th 2017, Rigoni together with bassist Jeff Hughell (Six Feet Under) released a new studio project called Bassists Alliance. The first album “Crush” featured top notch bassists such as Michael Manring, Adam Nitti, Steve di Giorgio, Colin Edwin, Mark Mitchell, Scott Reeder, Dmitry Lisenko, Brandino BassMaster, Ryan Martini, Leonid Maksimov, Tony Grey.

In 2019 founded a new AOR band called “Natural Born Machine” featuring famous Pink Cream 69 singer David Readman. Their debut album “Human” was released on February 19th 2021 by Pride and Joy Music.

Currently he is also collaborating with famous producer Hiro Furuya (Elton John, Eric Clapton, etc.) as session bassist.

His tenth album “For The Love of Bass” feat. all star bassists such as Nathan East, Lee Sklar, Michael Manring, Doug Wimbish and many others will be released on April 2nd 2021.

More information at:
BAND: https://www.badas.rocks | http://www.albertorigoni.net
MANAGEMENT: https://www.facebook.com/SplitScreenManagement | http://www.splitscreen-management.com/

HEARTS & HAND GRENADES Reveal ‘Bad Medicine’ Music Video, New Album Out November 19th

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 20, 2021
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

Hot off the heels of having just released their debut album Turning to Ashes in January of this year, American NWOCR band HEARTS & HAND GRENADES are back! The band have just revealed a music video for their brand new single “Bad Medicine” which is the first single from their upcoming sophomore album Between the Lines. The video was directed by Nick Sonricker at Twenty6 Productions. Watch it right now at this location.

“Bad Medicine is about being told that there’s a quick fix for all of our problems in life, which is clearly a lie,” says guitarist Mike Bress. “The miracle cure is often nothing more than someone’s opinion and that makes it some bad medicine indeed!” Lead vocalist and bassist Stephanie Wlosinski adds “while shooting the video, Kenny kept losing one of the dials on his guitar and Mike managed to lose about fourteen picks even though we never left the garage. These are prime examples of what the song is about… sometimes things just go wrong!”

Between the Lines contains ten hard-rocking earworms full of savage riffs and powerfully deep lyrics. The album was produced by Justin Rose (Goo Goo Dolls, James Taylor, Spyro Gyra) at GCR Audio, and the cover art was designed by Jeff Ballance at 119 Design. Between the Lines will be released worldwide via Eclipse Records on November 19, 2021. Standout tracks include the album’s high-energy first single “Bad Medicine” which represents the disappointment experienced when something doesn’t go as planned. “Beautiful Pain” is about the kind of pain you can learn and grow from, while owning your actions that may have brought you to that point. The title track “Between the Lines” is about the lies we are told by the media and how it negatively affects society and of particular note, “Moonlight” is the band’s modern rock version of Moonlight Sonata by one of history’s greatest composers, Ludwig Van Beethoven. This album is pure, controlled emotion… rock like you’ve never quite experienced it before, and the kind that only Hearts & Hand Grenades can deliver. Get ready to scream it out for the world to hear… Hearts & Hand Grenades are back and their latest album rocks!

Between the Lines track listing
01. Scream It Out
02. Black Sunset
03. Between The Lines
04. Secret
05. Tragedy
06. Beautiful Pain
07. Bad Medicine
08. Illogical
09. Wait
10. Moonlight

Hearts & Hand Grenades w/ Smile Empty Soul tour dates (tickets)
Aug 03   Omaha, NE @ Reverb Lounge w/ Smile Empty Soul
Aug 04   Kearney, NE @ The Otherside w/ Smile Empty Soul
Aug 05   Cheyenne, WY @ The Lincoln w/ Smile Empty Soul
Aug 06   Salt Lake City, UT @ The Royal w/ Smile Empty Soul
Aug 07   Colorado Springs, CO @ Sunshine Studios Live w/ Smile Empty Soul
Aug 08   Denver, CO @ Herman’s Hideaway w/ Smile Empty Soul
Aug 10   Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad w/ Smile Empty Soul
Aug 11   Lubbock, TX @ Jakes w/ Smile Empty Soul
Aug 13   Durant, OK @ Bubba’s Brewhouse w/ Smile Empty Soul
Aug 15   Memphis, TN @ Growlers w/ Smile Empty Soul

Jeff LaBar’s Family Releases Statement Regarding His Passing

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 20, 2021
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Jeffrey Philip La Bar of Nashville, Tennessee passed away peacefully at the age of 58 on July 14, 2021.  He was born on March 18, 1963 in Darby, Pennsylvania to June and Bob La Bar.  Jeff grew up in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania and went to Upper Darby High School.  

Inspired by his brother Jack to pick up the guitar, he joined the local rock band Cinderella, who rose to prominence in the late 1980s with a string of platinum selling albums. The group toured the world and had numerous charting songs and videos on MTV. Cinderella had an exceptionally strong fanbase in Japan, which was particularly special to Jeff as that’s where his mother June was born and raised. He would always take her and their family in Japan to the band’s shows there, a life highlight for both mother and son. As Jeff got older, a love of music shifted to a passion for the culinary arts, with his cooking inspired by June’s Japanese heritage. He would reinterpret dishes that were standards in the La Bar household and add a unique flair.

Following a move to Nashville in 2004, Jeff quickly surrounded himself with a community of dear friends who he loved to host and cook for at his home there. He never forgot his Delco roots though and stayed close with all those he grew up with in the region. While he became a bit of a fan of the Tennessee Titans when he moved to Nashville, Jeff’s number one sports franchises were in his hometown, number one being the Philadelphia Eagles, as he never missed the team’s games and would always text his dad Bob during them. He would always make time to talk to his mom for hours every Sunday on the phone, reminiscing and listening to stories about June’s days growing up in Japan. He planned on moving back to Delco as his parents got older, and his mother was excited to have him return with his cooking.

Jeff inspired many of his friends and family to get into music, notably his son and pride and joy, Sebastian. He was eternally proud of the man and musician his son became and looked forward to working on a music project with him. Sebastian visited his father in Nashville often and loved playing music with Jeff and hearing about adventures from the old days when he was on the road. An animal lover, Jeff rescued cats, spent time taking care of his fish and adored his cat Loki.

In addition to Sebastian, Jeff is survived by his wife and best friend Debinique, with whom he created an internet radio show ‘Late Night with the La Bars,’ his parents Bob and June, brothers Jack (Alice) and David (Victoria), sister Diane (Jason), sister-in-law Lisa and many nieces and nephews. Jeff was like a second father to his siblings Diane and David growing up. Although he had many admirers, Jeff was an even bigger fan of his family and friends, seeing the absolute best in everyone he met. Rarely was there a picture of Jeff without a smile on his face. Jeff was an incredibly loving human being and will be missed beyond measure. Immediate arrangements are private and a Celebration of Jeff’s Life is being planned for close friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Grammy’s Musicares Financial and Addiction Recovery Assistance Program.

International All-Stars Project ACT OF DENIAL Release New Single ‘Your Dark Desires’, Feat. + Announced by Ron Thal Bumblefoot

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 19, 2021
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

Today, July 19th, International All-Stars melodic death metal project ACT OF DENIAL premiere their 5th and last single ‘Your Dark Desires‘ before the debut album ‘Negative‘ comes out on August 13th, via Crusaders/Golden Robot records. ‘Your Dark Desires’ is featuring one of the biggest heavy and rock star Ron Thal Bumblefoot (Guns N Roses,Son of Apollo) on guitar solo.

Watch Ron Bumblefoot Thal announcing “Your Dark Desires”, here:

Stream “Your Dark Desires”, here:

Björn on ‘Your Dark Desires’:
“‘Your Dark Desires’ is about inner struggle and being able to separate inherited angst and self inflicted mental pain – once you’ve learned, you can move on and feel much stronger. The song is motivational and about acceptance.”

Luger adds:
“Finally! We can’t wait for that the album to goes out.This means so much to us. Me and Voi put all our effort into making this project like we mention all this time and again thanks to all the guys that made this happen. Hope you will enjoy this single and thanks to all the fans for support and comments. “Negative” is coming your way soon!!”

‘Your Dark Desires’ Line-up:
Björn “Speed” Strid – Vocals
Voi Cox – Rhythm & Lead guitars
Luger – Rhythm guitar
Krimh – Drums
Steve Di Giorgio – Bass
John Lönnmyr – Keys
Ron Bumblefoot Thal – Solo guitar

‘Your Dark Desires’ Credits:
Music: Vojan Koceic
Arrangement: Vojan Koceic, Nikolq Bartulic & Björn Strid
Lyrics: Björn Strid
Single Artwork: Voi Cox

Also watch the earlier singles, below.
‘Slave’ feat. ex-SOILWORK guitarist Pete Wichers – https://youtu.be/psHeD-W2IkU
‘Down That Line’ – https://youtu.be/mLwkF-3n1lE
‘Controlled’, feat. DEATH’s Bobby Koelble – https://youtu.be/FN3OaF8AlcM
“Puzzle Heart” – https://youtu.be/r9gybjyO0wc

‘Negative’ Tracklist:

“Puzzle Heart”
“Controlled”
“Down That Line”
“Negative”
“Reflection Wall”
“In The Depths Of Destruction”
“Lost Circle”
“Your Dark Desires”
“Slave”
“Clutching At Rays Of Light”

The album was mixed at Studio Fredman by legendary producer Fredrik Nordström (At The Gates, In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, Arch Enemy).
Album Cover Artwork: Carlos Del Olmo Holmberg.

🎼 ACT OF DENIAL project line-up:
Voi Cox – Lead guitar, programming
Luger – Rhythm guitar
Bjorn Speed Strid – Vocals, backing vocals
Steve Di Giorgio – Fretless bass
Krimh – Drums
John Lönnmyr – Keyboards

Also watch the earlier teasers below:
‘Down That Line’ introduced by John Lönnmyr: https://youtu.be/Vd64Yyt05KE
by vocalist Mr. Speed Strid – https://youtu.be/YIiaafOl3Lg
by great drummer Krimh – https://youtu.be/yzu9v5jv1wg
by fretless guru Steve Di Giorgio – https://youtu.be/SyTBIbzYWlE

FOLLOW ACT OF DENIAL:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ActOfDenialOfficial/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ActOfDenial/
SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/ActOfDenial
Golden Robot/Crusader Records: https://goldenrobotrecords.com/crusader-records/act-of-denial/

U.D.O. Announce New Album ‘Game Over!’, Release New Single ‘Metal Never Dies’

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 19, 2021
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , . Leave a comment

„Game Over!“ – that’s what rock icon Udo Dirkschneider (original voice of iconic band Accept) proclaims on his upcoming new U.D.O. record to be released in autumn, specifically on October 22nd 2021. The statement behind has got many different meanings. But one thing becomes clear immediately: U.D.O. is not doing things by halves and so they give everything they have. During hundreds of shows worldwide, some of them in the most remote places of Russia and South-America, the band has become one unit and a conglomerate of passionate musicians and friends. Each of them knows exactly, when and how to play his instrument to match to the sound of the band perfectly.

Songs like „Metal Never Dies“, „Kids And Guns“ or „Prophecy“ are precise, powerful, catchy and bursting of energy. And most notably they are: timeless. All the songs on this record feature a distinctive character, that convinces today as well as it will convince tomorrow.

Today he convinces with the brand-new single „Metal Never Dies“ which comes with a energetic performance clip of the legendary singer & band. “Metal Never Dies” is a teutonic Metal hymn from the reigning king of German heavy metal with those infectious and memorable melodic guitar riffs and with a brilliant chorus that metal fans will sing for years.

And why „Game Over!“? Udo Dirkschneider strikes a sour note on this opus. He is not so much into embellishment. If mankind does not rethink several aspects, it may have fatal consequences. For example „Kids And Guns“ is about the increasing number of gun possession in the USA and the associated shootings, that do not stop at nothing and do harm to schools and especially kids.

Without question – Udo Dirkschneider is a cosmopolitan and he sees the world in it’s entity. Therefore „Game Over“ has become an international production with and huge amount of greatness.

SAGA Announce Reissue Series Launching September 3rd

Posted by tarjavirmakari on July 19, 2021
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: . Leave a comment
SAGA Live in 1980

Over 40 years have passed since the Canadian prog-rock band SAGA released their self-titled debut album in 1978. Since then, they have been an exceptional musical phenomenon and toured the globe various times while selling over 10 million albums worldwide.

Their sonic trademarks — synthesizer harmonies, keyboard-guitar riffs, complex arrangements, and the charismatic vocals of frontman Michael Sadler — have made SAGA an influential prog rock band of the modern era.

In 2021, earMUSIC is celebrating the bands over four-decades long career with a carefully crafted reissue series, featuring the essential material from 1987 to 2007.

The albums will be heading back to stores on finest 180g black vinyl. All mastered for vinyl and reissued with enhanced artwork, rare fan material and press images, complemented extensive liner notes, and personal quotes by the band. Furthermore, a selection of the SAGA catalogue will also become available as digitally remastered, high quality CD Digipak Editions.

The SAGA reissue series continues on September 3rd, 2021, with the re-release of their 1987 studio album „Wildest Dreams“, which is perhaps the most accessible album of their career. After Jim Gilmour and Steve Negus had left the band a few years earlier, Michael Sadler and the two brothers Jim and Ian Crichton formed a power trio – the result of this development is closer to pop than its predecessors and knows how to convince with catchy melodies and strong elements of prog-rock. This raw diamond of 80s pop-rock will be re-released in a Deluxe CD Digipak Edition as well as on Black Heavyweight Vinyl with enhanced artwork and personal liner notes by Jim Crichton.

In addition to „Wildest Dreams“, SAGA’s 1989 album „The Beginner’s Guide To Throwing Shapes“ and their 1993 album „The Security Of Illusion“ will be re-released at the same time. Both also exquisitely mastered for vinyl in 2021.

„The Beginner’s Guide To Throwing Shapes” takes the direct route to progressive hard rock without losing the characteristic SAGA sound. It is one of only two albums SAGA produced as a trio.

Reissued as a Heavyweight Black Vinyl Gatefold Edition, this re-release features the acclaimed
1991 single „The Call“ as an exclusive vinyl bonus track as well as personal liner notes by Jim Crichton.

„The Security of Illusion” marks the return of SAGA members Jim Gilmour and Steve Negus. With multi-faceted prog rock elements and a more sharply defined sound, „The Security of Illusion” evokes memories of milestone albums such as „Worlds Apart” and „Heads Or Tales”. For the first time ever the album will become available on vinyl, featuring the acoustic version of „The Security of Illusion“ as a bonus track and personal liner notes by Ian Crichton.

„Wildest Dreams“, „The Beginner’s Guide To Throwing Shapes” & „The Security of Illusion” are available for pre-order now:

Wildest Dreams: https://Saga.lnk.to/WildestDreams
The Beginner’s Guide To Throwing Shapes: https://Saga.lnk.to/TheBeginnersGuideToThrowingShapes
The Security of Illusion: https://Saga.lnk.to/TheSecurityOfIllusion