Seventrain

All posts tagged Seventrain

Former 24-7 SPYZ/ SEVENTRAIN Drummer Announces New Solo Project THE FREQUENCY CONSPIRACY

Posted by tarjavirmakari on August 15, 2020
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a comment

Joel Maitoza, former drummer for national recording/touring artists 24-7 Spyz, Seventrain and Shockhead has branched out to record his self-titled debut album with his new project THE FREQUENCY CONSPIRACY. The songwriting is an eclectic mix of Rock, Funk, Metal and Soul, staying true to his roots. As a contributing songwriter and producer for many of the artists he’s recorded with over the past 35 years, the time has come for Joel to record and release his own original material worldwide.

Special guest appearances on the album include:
Vocalist Andrew Freeman (Last in Line, Lynch Mob, Offspring)
Bassist Jaimie Scott (Tyketto)
Guitarist Joshua Jones (Poster Child)
Guitarist Christophe Godin (Mörglbl, Akoustik Thrill, Wax In)
Guitarist Craig Soderberg (Shockhead, -ITIS)
Guitarist Jason (JMR) Richardson (Year of the Dragon, David Pastorius, Patrick Gibson, Lights Out Project)
Bassist Rick Skatore (24-7 Spyz)…plus many more.

Joel explains, “The Frequency Conspiracy isn’t a band exactly, but collaboration between myself and other musical friends who I’ve always wanted to work with. This project gives me the opportunity to create music with artists from all over the world. For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to write, record and release an album of songs where I’m performing the majority of the instrumentation. The original material is basically a collection of riffs, ideas and songs that I’ve written over the past 20 years. When I write a song, I hear the completed version including vocal melodies in my head, so I need to record it to wipe the slate clean per se. Writing, producing and recording my own album is a major challenge and that’s exciting to me. It keeps my creative juices flowing and I can work at my own pace. I’m primarily a drummer and songwriter that can play a little guitar, bass and keyboards. I can’t sing very well or play a guitar solo to save my life, so I’ll be having some friends making cameo appearances on many of the songs. This project is very personal to me and close to my heart. It’s something I need to complete in order to move on to the next chapter of my career. If people dig it, I’ll keep writing, creating and recording music. If not, I can at least say I accomplished what I originally set out to achieve. Either way, I’m excited to finally have the opportunity to share it with all of you.”

Aside from recording 13 original songs for his debut album, Joel has also been busy recording a separate album of cover tunes he’s putting his own stamp on titled Quarantine Covers. Both albums are currently being recorded at Exum Studios by Scott Exum (Stabbing Westward, Unwritten Law), Room 9 Studios by Jerry Whiting and AJP Studios by Alex Pappas (Finch).

The first single and video, a cover of Rock Candy by the legendary band Montrose, is slated to be released worldwide on August 20th, 2020 which will be available for streaming and download on many popular digital platforms. Both albums are scheduled be released worldwide in early 2021; however, no specific release dates are available at this time.

For more information on The Frequency Conspiracy, please visit their official Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/thefrequencyconspiracy

Interview With SEVENTRAIN Drummer Joel Maitoza, Talking About New Album And Its Heavier Sound And Direction, And More

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 23, 2019
Posted in: Int. News, Interviews, News. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

seventrain-joelmaitoza

Interview by Alex Kolnirale, exclusively for Metal Shock Finland

San Diego based groove metal act SEVENTRAIN Drummer Joel Maitoza was recently interviewed by Alex Kolnirale, exclusively for Metal Shock Finland, talking about the past and their sophomore album “Back on Track”, set for released on March 5th, 2019 via So Cal Records/Alliance Entertainment.

Q: When did Seventrain form and how did you all get together?
A: We formed in late 2012, jamming together at a benefit show for a friend of ours who had passed away. Shortly after that, we got together and started recording the self-titled debut album which was released in 2014. Since the release of the first album, we have a couple of new band members. Our new vocalist, Eric Koonze replaced Jon Campos and guitarist Dave Odegaard replaced Jef Poremba.

Q: How did you go about the audition process that led to the new members joining Seventrain?
A: We auditioned about 30 vocalists before we decided Eric Koonze was the right man for the job. My first choice right out of the gate was to bring in my buddy Andrew Freeman (Last in Line/Lynch Mob), but he was tied up singing in a nightly show in Las Vegas. We were also in serious discussions with Veronica Freeman (V from Benedictum) to sing for us, but it just didn’t pan out. For the guitarist position, we narrowed it down to four players and Dave Odegaard respectively blew everyone away. We gave him 3 songs to learn for the audition and he learned the entire album, so the decision was easy.

Q: Why did you wait five years to release this new album?
A: In 2015, we started pre-production for the new CD in hopes to release it in early 2016. During the songwriting process, we all agreed it would be best to amicably split with our singer at the time. We spent about three months auditioning vocalists. After Eric Koonze came in, he had to re-write lyrics and melodies. It took about a year to track the album in the studio due to scheduling conflicts. The band spent another three months looking for a new guitarist to replace Jef Poremba. Once we got to the mixing stage, our studio engineer suffered a medical emergency and was unable to mix the album. After checking out some other studios, another engineer came highly recommended to us. We paid him in full and after six months of work we didn’t even have one song completed. After that experience, the band decided to have a friend of ours, Alex Pappas from the band Finch, mix and master the album.

seventrain-2019

Q: How would you describe your music style? What are your influences?
A: All the members have so many bands and musicians we are influenced by and admire, but as far as Seventrain’s writing style goes, we have been described as Badlands meets Alterbridge with a little Sevendust and a dash of Pantera thrown in. LOL

Q: Judging by your background, you have all been in some very unique bands in the past. 24-7 Spyz were surely ahead of their time, whereas Cage played classic heavy metal in a time when it was largely unpopular. What motivated you into the sound of Seventrain?
A: The majority of the songs on our debut album (from 2014) were written by guitarist, Eric Horton and former singer Jon Campos. As a band, we always wanted to go into a heavier direction so when our new singer Eric Koonze came to the plate we started writing more aggressive tunes for the new album and everyone contributed in the songwriting which gave the band a more cohesive sound and direction.

Q: Please tell us more about the 2014 nomination at the San Diego Music Awards.
A: The debut album was starting to pick up steam and entered into the CMJ Loud Rock Top 40 at #36 it’s first week to radio. We started opening up for national acts like Pat Travers and Puddle of Mudd. Later that year, one of our friends congratulated us on social media for being nominated for Best Hard Rock Album of the Year. We had no idea we were even considered for the award, but it was pretty cool to be recognized.

Q: How about touring? Have you toured since the formation of Seventrain or do you play mostly local SD shows?
A: Mostly gigs around Southern California; however, we are starting to branch out. Hopefully hitting some other states with the release of the new album.

Q: You have played along great ones like Pat Travers, King’s X, Michael Schenker and Skid Row (among many others). Which was your favorite show so far?
A: We had a great show with Red Dragon Cartel that was really fun and Warren DeMartini showed up. Another memorable gig was opening for Michael Schenker for our album release party.

seventrain-main-cover

Q: You already have one full-length CD out, what are your plans for the future? Releasing more music in order to start touring?
A: The first single and video for the song Now You Know was released in early January of this year. The new album titled Back on Track will be released worldwide on March 5th 2019. We’re all excited about it, so we hope everyone digs the new stuff.

Q: What’s the scene in San Diego, California nowadays?
A: It’s pretty cool at the moment. Our friends in Symbolic recently got signed to EMP and labels are starting to take notice so hopefully it keeps moving forward and expanding.

seventrain-stage

Q: Have you ever thought of touring Europe? Europeans seem to love this kind of sound!
A: We would love to, but we don’t have a European booking agent at the moment. It would be cool to go out on a package tour or play some dates around a few summer festivals. We have a lot of friends overseas so maybe we’ll get a chance to see them soon.

Q: Any final thoughts you would like to share with the readers?
A: Visit us at our official website: http://www.seventrain.net and like us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/seventrainband. We hope to see everyone soon and take care of each other! Much love!

About the writer: Alex Kolnirale is an author of two books focusing on the underground heavy metal scene (US Metal Heroes and Crossover the Edge) published by Cherry Red publications.

More information at http://www.seventrain.net

SEVENTRAIN Release Video For New Single “Now You Know”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 14, 2019
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , , . Leave a comment

seventrain

San Diego based groove metal act SEVENTRAIN featuring former members of Cage, 24-7 Spyz and Sicarus have just revealed that their sophomore album is on the way. They are offering the first taste of the disc with a music video for the new single “Now You Know” which is the second track off the new album (watch below).

Their new full-length album titled Back on Track is set for release on March 5th, 2019 via So Cal Records/Alliance Entertainment. Pre-orders for the new album are available now on the official SEVENTRAIN website at http://www.seventrain.net and the new single is available for download exclusively at http://www.reverbnation.com/seventrain

The video for their new single Now You Know, shot at Golden Track Studios in Escondido, California and produced by Brave Brands can be seen here:

 

SEVENTRAIN Announce Release Date for New Single “Now You Know”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on December 16, 2018
Posted in: Int. News, News. Tagged: , . Leave a comment

Seventrain

Hailing from Southern California, SEVENTRAIN featuring guitarist Eric Horton (CAGE), bassist Dino Andino (TOURNIQUET), drummer Joel Maitoza (24-7 SPYZ, SHOCKHEAD), vocalist Eric Koonze (SICARUS) and guitarist Dave Odegaard are pleased to announce their brand new single titled “Now You Know”, set to be released worldwide on January 9th, 2019.

Drummer Joel Maitoza states: Seventrain has been busy working in the studio putting the finishing touches on our sophomore album titled Back on Track which is currently set for release in early 2019. The band has definitely transformed since the release of the critically acclaimed, self-titled debut album back in 2014, which has taken the songwriting in a heavier direction. We want to thank all our friends and fans all over the world who have been patiently waiting for the new release and continue to support us. We can’t wait for you to hear the new material.

A promo video featuring a sample of the new single “Now You Know” is available here:

SEVENTRAIN’s self-titled debut album was released on February 14th, 2014 in the US, Europe and Japan on the bands own label imprint (So. Cal Records) distributed by Alliance Entertainment which is currently available on iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby. The album charted on the CMJ Loud Rock Top 40 at #36 it’s first week to radio and received favorable reviews by critics worldwide in print and online media. Since the albums release, Seventrain has been direct support on select dates with Pat Travers, Michael Schenker, Skid Row, Black Star Riders, Saving Abel, Red Dragon Cartel, Saliva and Puddle of Mudd. The debut video for their single ‘Bittersweet Seduction’ was released on May 15th, 2014 and their second video for their single ‘Broken’ was released on December 24th, 2014. Seventrain was also nominated for Best Hard Rock Album of the Year at the 2014 San Diego Music Awards.

Check out the official Seventrain website for more info and updates: https://www.seventrain.net

SEVENTRAIN Announce New Guitarist

Posted by tarjavirmakari on January 14, 2018
Posted in: Int. News. Tagged: . Leave a comment

SeventrainLogo

Southern California blues-based, hard rock/metal band SEVENTRAIN featuring former members of 24-7 Spyz, Cage, Sicarus and Tourniquet have announced today that they have officially parted ways with guitarist Jef Poremba, as well as announcing Dave Odegaard as their new guitarist (in the photo).

The band has released this official statement to their friends and fans:

“We are pleased to announce that Dave Odegaard has officially joined Seventrain as our new lead guitarist and permanent member. In late October of 2017, the unfortunate decision was made to start searching for another guitarist due to scheduling conflicts and prior commitments which Jef Poremba had with other projects. It was an amicable split between all parties involved and we thank him for his creative input and contributions to the band since 2013. Jef will still appear on the new Seventrain album set for release in early 2018 which we all took part in creating and writing. The band would like to wish Jef all the best with his future endeavors. Seventrain would also like to thank everyone who has supported this lineup over the past five years. We are excited for the future and starting a new chapter in 2018. We hope everyone will support our decision as we move forward with our new guitarist and welcome Dave to the Seventrain family.”

Seventrain-DaveOdegaard

Dave Odegaard is a guitarist/composer who gained notoriety from his 2004 CD release, SECOND ATTENTION. Most of his music can be heard in TV shows, movies, DVD and video games such as: Travis Pastrana’s Nitro Circus, ESPN, FX Network, AMC TV, ABC Family, Showtime ReEvolution, Fuel TV, Full Circle, Google, Red Bull and many more. Dave’s song, ANOMALY, was nominated for JPF’s Music Awards Best Instrumental Rock Song in 2006. His 2008 release, GRAVITY, consists mostly of vocal songs and marks his debut as a lead vocalist.

Born in San Diego, Dave moved to Japan at the age of 5, and migrated back to Los Angeles, where he received his music education at G.I.T. Dave continued his musical career working with many local bands and various well known artists. Extensive studio session work and touring experience has contributed to his eclectic playing style and grace. Dave Odegaard is currently endorsed by Morley, Hipshot, Graph Tech Guitar Labs and Ebtech.

If you would like to hear a sample of Dave’s playing, please visit:

Seventrain’s self-titled debut album was released on February 14th, 2014 in the US, Europe and Japan on the bands own label imprint (So. Cal Records) distributed by Alliance Entertainment which is available on iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby. The album charted on the CMJ Loud Rock Top 40 at #36 it’s first week to radio on February 25th, 2014 and received favorable reviews by critics worldwide in print and online media. Since the albums release, Seventrain has been direct support on select dates with Pat Travers, Michael Schenker, Skid Row, Black Star Riders, Saving Abel, Red Dragon Cartel, Saliva and Puddle of Mudd. The debut video for their single ‘Bittersweet Seduction’ was released on May 15th, 2014 and their second video for their single ‘Broken’ was released on December 24th, 2014. Seventrain was also nominated for Best Hard Rock Album of the Year at the 2014 San Diego Music Awards. The bands second album is scheduled for release in early 2018.

SEVENTRAIN Drummer Joel Maitoza Offers Studio Update

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 8, 2017
Posted in: Int. News. Tagged: , . Leave a comment

Seventrain-Maitoza-studio

San Diego, California based Blues-metal act SEVENTRAIN – featuring guitarist Eric Horton (Cage), drummer Joel Maitoza (24-7 Spyz, Shockhead), guitarist Jef Poremba (Wild Mick Brown’s Bourbon Ballet, Kofi Baker, Shockhead), bassist Dino Andino (Tourniquet) and vocalist Eric Koonze (Sicarus) – have been busy tracking their new album since late last year.

Drummer Joel Maitoza has released this studio update:

“Following the amicable split between Seventrain and our previous vocalist Jon Campos in 2015, we spent the remainder of that year auditioning singers before officially announcing Eric Koonze as our new frontman. After a one-off show with Geoff Tate’s: Operation Mindcrime in early 2016, the majority of the year was focused on writing new material for our sophomore release. Seventrain officially started pre-production in March of 2016 and we ended up writing 17 completed songs. Since it was difficult for the band to decide on which songs to record for the new album, we decided to track all of them and then vote which tracks will make the final cut once completed. Some of the working song titles are Drowning Me, Now You Know, Running Scared and Magnetic.

The new album was recorded at DML Studios and The Shop Recording Studio in Temecula, CA. As of today, all the music has been completed and we have started tracking vocals this week. We plan to mix this monster in early May. At this point, we are planning on releasing the new album around June/July of 2017, but no date has been officially set at this time.

I’m super excited for everyone to hear the new Seventrain material. I think it’s some of the best music to come out of the band to date. We approached this new album a little differently from the start. Everyone in the band contributed in the songwriting process this time as the bands debut album was primarily written by guitarist Eric Horton and our previous singer. Since we didn’t have a record label deadline to turn in the new album, we really wanted to take our time during the pre-production phase and recording of the tracks to let the songs reveal a life of their own and mature. Verses and choruses changed, vocal melodies and lyrics became stronger, new sections were introduced and added, arrangements were more thought out, heavy songs became heavier and the band became a tighter unit overall. Not to the point of over-analyzing everything, but just giving a bit more attention to detail during the writing and recording process which was a luxury we didn’t have with the first album. The band really wanted to make this album special and didn’t want to just blast something out to the public for the sake of putting out new product. We wanted to make an album that all of us could really be proud of and deliver what our friends and fans expect from us.

Thanks for the continued support and we’ll see you soon!”

The bands first show of 2017 will be with The Iron Maidens on May, 20th at Brick by Brick in San Diego, CA. Additional regional dates are currently being added into the summer.

SEVENTRAIN’s self-titled debut album was released on February 14th, 2014 in the US, Europe and Japan on the bands own label imprint (So. Cal Records) distributed by Alliance Entertainment which is currently available on iTunes and Amazon. The album charted on the CMJ Loud Rock Top 40 at #36 it’s first week to radio on February 25th, 2014 and received favorable reviews by critics worldwide in print and online media. Since the albums release, Seventrain has been direct support on select dates with Pat Travers, Michael Schenker, Skid Row, Black Star Riders, Saving Abel, Red Dragon Cartel, Saliva and Puddle of Mudd. The debut video for their single ‘Bittersweet Seduction’ was released in May 2014 and their second video ‘Broken’ was released in December 2014. Seventrain amicably parted ways with their former singer, Jon Campos who wanted to focus more on his acoustic solo career as the band wanted to pursue a more heavier direction for the new album. Campos was replaced by frontman Eric Koonze (SICARUS) in October of 2015.

For additional updates on the recording of the new album and future tour dates, please visit the Official Seventrain Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/seventrainband