Classic hard rock act VOODOO CIRCLE will release their new album ‘Locked & Loaded’ on January 15th via AFM Records.
The tracklisting reads the following:
Watch the first single and lyric video ‘Devil With An Angel Smile’ from the album:
Symphonic power metal band WINTERAGE have released a lyric video for the song ‘Of Heroes And Wanders’, taken from their new album ‘The Inheritance Of Beauty’.
Having previously released the critically acclaimed debut album ‘The Harmonic Passage’ (2015) and shared the stage with renowned bands such as Angra, Moonspell, Elvenking, Dark Moor and many others, Winterage are now ready to unleash their full potential and reach a broader audience with their new, ambitious effort, a powerful Symphonic metal album with strong influences coming from Irish folk, classical and medieval music. Alongside the typical rock instruments the band is known for the presence of a violin in the line-up and the use of a full orchestra and a choir during the recording process. Over 50 musicians and other professionals took part in the production of ‘The Inheritance Of Beauty’, including Tommy Talamanca (Sadist), Roberto Tiranti (Labyrinth) and Vito Lo Re (Rhapsody Of Fire). Simone Coen (Chocolate Studio, Apple) mixed the album and Jacob Hansen (Amaranthe, Epica, Fleshgod Apocalypse) took care of the mastering duties. The beautiful and evocative artwork was made by Peter Sàllai (Sabaton, Hammerfall, Amon Amarth).
‘The Inheritance Of Beauty’ will be released on January 15th, 2021 via Scarlet Records.
Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the release of Danish vocalist RONNIE ATKINS‘ new solo album, “One Shot”. The acclaimed Pretty Maids and Nordic Union vocalist will release his new solo album on March 12, 2021. Fans can get their first taste of music with today’s release of the track ‘Real’.
Pre-order/save “One Shot”, including limited edition color vinyl, HERE: https://orcd.co/oneshot
“To be honest, I initially had no intention to do a solo album to begin with, but for various reasons and in particularly my own personal health situation I finally decided to have a crack at it,” says Atkins.
“Around Easter 2020 and only some six weeks after I was told that everything seemingly looked very positive for my health, I was unfortunately diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and told it was incurable, which was devastating news for me. Needless to say, that was a total game changer and I went into kind of a panic situation for a while! But when the dust had settled. I realised there were two ways to approach the situation. I could sit down, accept the facts, and feel pity for myself or I could pull myself up, set some goals, pursue my dreams, and carry on living! And with fantastic back up from my family and true friends, I went for the latter!” continues Atkins.
With the global pandemic shutting down touring for the foreseeable future, Atkins knew a tour promoting the latest Pretty Maids album, “Undress Your Madness” (2019) was not going to be in the cards anytime soon. Suddenly, the timing for working on a new solo album seemed to have presented itself.
“Well, I couldn’t change the facts by any means. The whole world was on a lockdown and the future prospects of concerts were very uncertain and still is to this day! Basically, that meant that if I was gonna carry out the idea of a solo album, it had to be now since I don’t necessarily have all the time in the world. I had all these ideas recorded on my iPhone that I felt were too good to never see the light of day and I was writing a lot at the time to help ease my frustrations,” tells Atkins.
Ronnie’s next step was to connect with producer (and Pretty Maids bandmate) Chris Laney to begin the work of putting these ideas together into songs. Chris is overseeing production, Jacob Hansen will mix, and musicians appearing on the album include, in addition to Laney, Allan Sørensen, Morten Sandager, Pontus Egberg, Anders Ringman, Pontus Norgren, Kee Marcello, Olliver Hartmann, John Berg, Linnea Vikström Egg, and Björn Strid.
“Not being able to handle the recordings myself since I’m old school and a complete idiot when it comes to IT, Pro Tools, etc. I hooked up with my PM friend and firesoul Chris Laney, who literally cheered me up and convinced me to go ahead with it. So, I decided to get moving and literally recorded my ideas on either piano or guitar and with a mellotron click to keep the beat and the accompanying vocal. Then I would send these along to Chris, who did the instrumentation in Stockholm and would then send back demos to me. Then, I recorded the vocals first, which is totally the opposite of what you’d normally do, but based on the uncertainty of my health situation, I wanted to get them down. After that we did the basic tracks, drums, guitars, keys, backing vocals, etc. Odd way of doing it, for me at least, but it worked. And so, this procedure slowly moved on during the summer and finally turned into an album of 12 new songs,” explains Atkins
“I wouldn’t have been able to carry out this project without the enthusiasm of Chris, who has been my constant partner in this project from day one. On top of that, I had the pleasure of working with a variety of great musicians/singers such as Pontus Norgren, Kee Marcello, Olliver Hartmann, Pontus Egberg, Linnea Vickström Egg, Björn Strid, and at last, but not at least, my PM relatives Allan Sørensen and Morten Sandager,” continues Atkins.
“Musically and lyrically this album has been a different process for me, considering everything going on. Musically, it could have gone in various directions. It’s always a question of what you want it to be. A good song is a good song, so it’s really a matter of how it is packaged. But I decided to make it appeal to the fans, the supporters who’ve been following me for almost 40 years, so this is basically a melodic rock album with a heavy twist. Lyrically, it also has a different approach. I found it hard to write about sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll, etc. due to the situation I’m wrapped up in, so I guess it turned out a bit more personal and maybe melancholic at times. But it reflects my thoughts at the given time these lyrics were written,” concludes Atkins.
While the creation of “One Shot” is bittersweet for a variety of reasons, it’s nonetheless another thoroughly wonderful melodic hard rock offering from one of the masters of the genre. Look for it in March 2021!
Tracklist:
Line-up:
Ronnie Atkins: Lead and backing vocals
Chris Laney: Rhythm guitars, keyboards and backing vocals
Allan Sørensen: Drums
Morten Sandager: Keyboards
Pontus Egberg: Bass
Acoustic guitars: Anders Ringman
Lead guitars/solos: Pontus Norgren, Kee Marcello, Olliver Hartmann, John Berg, Chris Laney
Additional backing vocals: Chris Laney, Linnea Vikström Egg, Olliver Hartmann, Bjørn Strid
Produced by: Chris Laney
Mixed by Jacob Hansen
TRANSATLANTIC – the Prog Supergroup of Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Roine Stolt & Pete Trewavas – are pleased to announce their fifth studio album ‘The Absolute Universe’, set for release on the 5th February 2021. Representing the band’s first new music since 2014’s ‘Kaleidoscope’, with ‘The Absolute Universe’ the band have done something unique and created two versions of the record: ‘The Absolute Universe: The Breath Of Life (Abridged Version)’ & ‘The Absolute Universe: Forevermore (Extended Version)’.
Today they have launched the video for ‘The World We Used To Know’, taken from ‘The Absolute Universe: Forevermore (Extended Version)’. Watch it now here:
Mike Portnoy comments:
“The 2nd release from the upcoming Transatlantic album ‘The Absolute Universe’ features our Swedish Genie Mr Roine Stolt on lead vocals (in contrast to the 1st release which featured Neal, Pete & I sharing the lead vocals).
This piece also opens with another extended instrumental intro where I get to utilize my best Keith Moon acrobatics and leads to Roine’s beautiful, melodic vocals on the verses and choruses in the body of the song and climaxes with a majestic section with Neal Morse taking the lead vocal and one of the album’s main musical reoccurring themes. This portion of the album closes out Disc 1 of the 2 CD version of the album ‘Forevermore’.”
Watch the previously released video for ‘Overture/Reaching For The Sky’ here: https://youtu.be/SP5HwWbCQvg
Each album will be available on CD, LP & Digitally. But there will also be what has been called ‘The Absolute Universe: The Ultimate Edition’, which collects both versions together in one lavish package that includes 5LP’s, 3CD’s & a Blu-ray that includes a special mix that combines both versions into a third unique version in 5.1 surround sound with visuals and a behind the scenes documentary. All editions have artwork created by Thomas Ewerhard featuring the airship by Pavel Zhovba.
As Mike Portnoy explains: “We’ve got two versions of this album. There is a two CD presentation, which is 90 minutes long, and a single one – that’s 60 minutes. However, the single CD is NOT merely an edited version of the double CD. They each contain alternate versions and even in some cases, new recordings. We wrote fresh lyrics and have different people singing on the single CD version tracks as compared to those on the double CD. Some of the song titles have also been changed, while others might remain the same, but compositionally what you’ll hear has been altered. You must appreciate that what we have done is unique. We revamped the songs to make the two versions different.” Pete Trewavas adds: “We did write some new music for the single CD, what’s more, there are also differences in the instruments used on some of the tracks across the two records.”
Pre-order the album in various formats now here: https://transatlantic.lnk.to/TheAbsoluteUniverse
Initial tracking began in September 2019 when the band met up in Sweden to write and arrange the new material. As Portnoy explains: “Over a period of 10-14 days, we mapped out the songs. Then we all went back to our home studios and did the recording. That’s the way we always do it. At one point, though, it was suggested that instead of doing what was by that time going to be a double album, we should just be content to do a single CD.”
“What happened was that everything kept expanding and expanding,” recalls Stolt. “Therefore we decided it made sense to make it a double album. It was Pete and Neal who then came out and said they felt this would be too long, and we should reduce it to one…But we were already recording, and it didn’t seem feasible to cut it back. There were so many pieces that each of us loved in what we were planning and didn’t want to lose. That’s when we ended up in discussions over the best way forward.”
This album also marks a return to the concept album for Transatlantic. “Well, the idea of Transatlantic deciding to do a concept record this time around won’t shock anyone, right?” laughs Portnoy. “What we have is essentially one giant composition, split into chapters. The storyline is about the struggles facing everyone in society today.” “We didn’t start out with the idea of this being conceptual,” admits Stolt. “The way things work with us is that we have a load of ideas, and these are developed spontaneously when we meet up. Everything happens in the moment.”
So, how does this new ground-breaking album compare to Transatlantic’s previous four albums?
“I always try not to compare albums as much as possible,” insists Morse. “It’s very difficult when you’re trying to be creative, because your natural instinct is to constantly compare. But in order to create you have to kind of step away from that. Having said that, I would say this would have more in common with ‘The Whirlwind’ album (the band’s third, from 2009) than others that we’ve created.”
For Trewavas, ‘The Absolute Universe’ is a momentous project.“I think it is right up there with the very finest albums we’ve done. As the others have said, it compares very well to ‘The Whirlwind’, which I believe represents Transatlantic at our best. As on that album, we took our time to write and arrange everything, and that shines through. I am very excited for people to hear it.”
Transatlantic were originally formed in 1999, releasing their debut album ‘SMTPe’ the following year as well as its follow-up ‘Bridge Across Forever’ in 2001. Following a 7-year hiatus, the band reconvened to record and release the much-acclaimed epic 77-minute, single-track album ‘The Whirlwind’ followed by a world tour in 2010 which included an appearance at High Voltage Festival in London where they were joined by legendary Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett. The band’s fourth album ‘Kaleidoscope’ arrived in 2014, going on to win ‘Album Of The Year’ at the Progressive Music Awards.
Hailing from Failsworth/Tameside in Manchester UK, CALLOW YOUTH epitomize everything that is great about Brit-rock. Callow Youth are arguably the hottest young band to come out of Manchester in the last few years. Recently signed to Golden Robot Records, Callow Youth have now released their new single Over Your Head.
Big on melody and soaked in jangly riffs, they deliver a fiery brand of hook ridden indie rock. Over Your Head is bound to make a hell of a noise on the scene.
Over Your Head is about the common man’s daily life in Britain and the effects of social deprivation and manipulation of these people by those who seem to be on their side, but actually just using them to further their own agendas.
Stream/buy Over Your Head HERE
ABOUT CALLOW YOUTH
We all know there’s something magical in the ‘musical waters’ of Manchester as it’s helped create so many excellent bands that have helped shape the UK’s musical heritage. There are also many bands who have been hyped up as the next big thing, but who have come and gone with barely a whimper.
However, North Manchester based Callow Youth are genuinely laying down a strong claim to write their own chapter in this proud musical heritage.
Starting out in late 2017 after leaving school, releasing their first demo EP (Vibe) in 2018, their 3 ‘proper’ single releases to date perfectly highlight a growth in maturity, both in terms of song writing and mastering their craft as musicians, that belies their tender age. Steve Lamacq has featured the bands last single, Red Leather, on his BBC6 music show and the track reached number 3 in the UK vinyl singles charts on release
A host of acclaimed live shows across the country have also helped to cement their claim to be considered genuine contenders, a claim their loyal fanbase wholeheartedly testify to and indeed display when watching their new heroes. The band have had numerous Radio plays all over the world and their combined singles streams has surpassed 300k on Spotify alone. The bands biggest Manchester headline show to date came in March at the Deaf Institute, which continued in their proud tradition of selling out headline gigs months in advance.
With new tracks already in the can and ready to release very soon, these guys are the real deal!
Extreme Metal band ABORTED have announced the Hell Over Europe Tour for 2021. Taking label mates Hideous Divinity as well as The Acacia Strain, Benighted, Fleddy Melculy and Cult of Lilith with them.
Check out the full tour dates below:
Hell Over Europe 4 with ABORTED, The Acacia Strain, Benighted and Fleddy Melculy.
24/09/2021 Dynamo – Eindhoven. NL
25/09/2021 De Kreun – Kortrijk BE
26/09/2021 MS Connexion Complex – Mannheim DE
28/09/2021 TivoliVredenburg – Utrecht, NL
29/09/2021 The Dome – London, UK
30/09/2021 Trabendo – Paris FR
01/10/2021 Musadeath Festival Vallet – Nantes, FR
02/10/2021 John Lennon – Limoges, FR
03/10/2021 Le Rex – Toulouse, FR
05/10/2021 Totem – Pamplona, SP
06/10/2021 Hard Club – Porto, PT
07/10/2021 RCA Club – Lisbon, PT
08/10/2021 Shoko – Madrid, SP
09/10/2021 Salamandra – Barcelona, SP
10/10/2021 CCO Villeurbanne – Lyon, FR
11/10/2021 Kiff – Aarau, CH
12/10/2021 Slaughter Club – Milano, IT
13/10/2021 Orto Bar – Ljubljana, SL
14/10/2021 Barba Negra – Budapest, HU
15/10/2021 Szene – Vienna, AT
16/10/2021 Feierwerk – Munich, DE
17/10/2021 Meet factory – Prague, CZ
18/10/2021 Randal club – Bratislava, SK
20/10/2021 Zbau – Nuremberg, DE
21/10/2021 Kulttempel – Oberhausen, DE
Hell Over Europe 4 with ABORTED, The Acacia Strain, Hideous Divinity and Cult of Lilith
23/10/2021 Train – Aarhus, DK
24/10/2021 Slaktkyrkan – Stockholm, SE
25/10/2021 Valand – Gothenburg, SE
26/10/2021 Bla – Oslo, NO
27/10/2021 Amager Bio – Copenhagen, DK
28/10/2021 Gruenspan – Hamburg, DE
29/10/2021 Werk2 - Leipzig, DE
30/10/2021 Columbia – Theater Berlin, DE
31/10/2021 Metropool – Hengelo, NL
Get ready for the blastbeat party! Tickets on sale through www.goremageddon.be
Get Aborted’s latest album “Terrorvision” here: https://abortedband.lnk.to/TerrorVision
Get Hideous Divinity’s latest album “Simulacrum” here: https://hideousdivinity.lnk.to/SimulacrumID
Click image to watch the video
Metal Shock Finland (World Assault ) 