REVIEWS Dezember 2024 -

VIOLET - Mysteria

Veröffendlichung: 13.12.2024

Achtziger? Achtziger!

Gegründet 2019 auf einer Party in der legendären Rockfabrik in Ludwigsburg, schicken sich VIOLET an, die bunten extravaganten Achtziger, ein Jahrzehnt voller großen Melodien und Hits, im hier und jetzt wiederzubeleben. Bereits mit ihrem ersten Album „Illusions“ von 2022, von Fans und Presse zur Nummer #1 Zeitmaschine zurück in die Achtziger gekürt, konnte sich die junge Formation aus der Region Stuttgart in der Szene direkt ins Rampenlicht spielen. Auch ihre Liveshows wurden schnell zu Pflichtveranstaltungen für alle AOR Fans. Und nicht nur für die. Kein Wunder, denn die leidenschaftliche Performance von Sängerin Jamie Beckham, dem virtuosen Gitarrenspiel von Gitarrist/Sänger und Songwriter Manuel Heller, den filigranen Keyboardmelodien von Filip Kuzanski sowie dem unwiderstehlichen Groove der Rhythmusfraktion mit Eric Hart am Bass und Maurice Probst am Schlagzeug lässt niemanden still stehen.

Ende 2024, zwei Jahre nach dem Debütalbum, welches auch in Japan und den USA für Furore sorgte, erscheint nun mit „Mysteria“ der sehnlichst erwartete Nachfolger. Erneut aufgenommen, produziert und gemischt von Produzent Andreas Konstandaras und gemastert von Chris Jones in den Peak-Studios, zeigt sich die Formation gereifter und noch selbstbewusster als auf dem Vorgänger. War dieser in weiten Teilen noch etwas poppiger geraten, zeigen sich die neuen Songs auch von einer neuen Seite. Denn für „Mysteria“ gab es für VIOLET keinerlei Grenzen. So brilliert auf einmal ein feines Saxofon oder überraschen plötzliche und unwiderstehliche Gang-Shouts den Hörer unerwartet. Es sind mehr Gitarren zu hören, hier und da nimmt es einen leichten progressiven Schlenker, aber alles immer im Sinne des Songs. Dazu mit einer unglaublichen Authentizität für eine Zeit, in der alle Bandmitglieder noch nicht einmal geboren waren. Mit der ersten Single „Angelina (Talk To Me)“, die mit ihrem Video innerhalb von 4 Tagen die 100.000er Marke auf YouTube geknackt hat, gibt es bereits einen ersten Vorgeschmack auf das Album.

Wer authentischen Achtziger Sound mag und Bands wie Starship, Heart, Toto oder Roxette zu seinen Lieblingen zählt, sollte sich VIOLET auf keinen Fall entgehen lassen!

Jethro Tull - The Jethro Tull Christmas Album – Fresh Snow At Christmas

Veröffendlichung: 06.12.2024

Jethro Tull announce ‘The Jethro Tull Christmas Album – Fresh Snow At Christmas’ deluxe edition, see the trailer here

Jethro Tull’s relationship with the Christmas season goes all the way back to the legendary band’s early days. Now it’s to be renewed for modern-day admirers and longtime fans alike, with the release of an expanded and remixed edition of 2003’s The Jethro Tull Christmas Album via InsideOutMusic/Sony Music on the 6^th December 2024.

Under the title ‘The Jethro Tull Christmas Album – Fresh Snow At Christmas’, the bands 21^ststudio album has been remixed from the original masters by Bruce Soord (The Pineapple Thief), as well as being given the surround sound treatment in both Dolby Atmos & 5.1. The limited deluxe 4CD + Blu-ray book-set collection features all-new artwork, as well as live material, and includes the following across its 5 discs.

CD1: Original Album Mixes
CD2: 2024 Remixes by Bruce Soord
CD3: Christmas Live At St. Bride’s 2008 (newly remixed by Bruce Soord)
CD4: The Ian Anderson Band Live At St. Bride’s 2006 (previously unreleased)
Blu-ray: Dolby Atmos, 5.1 Surround Sound & High Resolution Stereo Mixes of The Jethro Tull Christmas Album, as well as High Resolution Stereo Mixes of both live recordings

As well as this, the album will be released on vinyl for the very first time, as a Gatefold 180g 2LP featuring the 2024 remixes. Pre-orders are available now here: https://jethrotullband.lnk.to/JethroTullChristmasAlbum

The Jethro Tull Christmas Album was much praised on first release, with Rolling Stone noting admiringly: „The originals simmer with eccentric, eclectic, folky energy, rocking ditties threaded through with Celtic stylings, jazzy undercurrents, Ian Anderson’s distinctive flute and wry humour.“ Allmusic called it „perhaps the most satisfying Tull releases in 25 years.“

It included new interpretations of no fewer than seven Tull songs, including their first to be inspired by the holiday, 1968’s much-loved ‚A Christmas Song.‘ That Anderson composition, which opened with lyrics interpolated from ‚Once in Royal David’s City,‘ was the B-side of the band’s first UK chart single, ‚Love Story.‘

„Some of the tracks are not necessarily Christmas songs; they’re more seasonal so that gives a broader window,“ says Ian. „And then there are a couple of them that I quite often play in the middle of summer and say, ‚It’ll soon be Christmas – it’s in the diary. So let’s kick it off now.‘ And that’s part of what I’ve done over the years since October of 1968 when I went into record ‚A Christmas Song. ‚So, yes – it goes back a long way.“

‚A Christmas Song‘ was joined on the album by reworkings of such pieces as Tull’s 1976 festive hit ‚Ring Out Solstice Bells‘; ‚Weathercock,‘ first heard on 1978’s Heavy Horses; and ‚Another Christmas Song,‘ from 1989’s Rock Island. Also among the re-recordings was J.S. Bach’s ‚Bourrée“, another longtime live favourite, inimitably imagined by Ian.

„Part of the joy of redoing those things,“ he says, „is that you can…not necessarily recreate, but you can keep all the essential elements of the song and maybe declutter it a little bit and give it a fresh look, but essentially still staying faithful to the original arrangements.“

The Jethro Tull Christmas Album was their last studio set to feature longtime guitarist Martin Barre, who composed its pretty closing instrumental ‚A Winter Snowscape.‘ Also featured on the album were keyboard and accordion player Andrew Giddings, bassist Jonathan Noyce and drummers Doane Perry and James Duncan. Anderson compositions making their debut included the opening ‚Birthday Card At Christmas‘ and ‚First Snow On Brooklyn,‘ while traditional pieces such as ‚God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen‘ and ‚We Five Kings‘ were interpreted alongside Fauré’s ‚Pavane.‘

http://jethrotull.com/

VIRTUAL SYMMETRY - Veils Of Illumination

Veröffendlichung: 06.12.2024

Italian-Swiss progressive metal band VIRTUAL SYMMETRY has just announced the physical release of their fourth album, “Veils Of Illumination”, on December 6th, 2024. Mixed and mastered by Simone Mularoni (DGM), the eight tracks feature captivating melodies, driving rhythms, including also an epic 20-minute suite.
The album will not be available on digital platforms immediately, but a new song will be monthly released until May 2025.
Pre-order the physical copy here: www.virtualsymmetry.com

“Veils Of Illumination” track listing reads as follows:
Heart's Resonance
Canvas Of Souls
Blades Of Inner Battles
The Quest Within
Echoes Of Silence
Whispers Of The Ancients
Altar Of The Self
Eightfold Path

VIRTUAL SYMMETRY will present “Veils Of Illumination” with exclusive merch on their European tour supporting EVERGREY,
Make sure to follow their social media profiles @virtualsymmetryofficial and their website www.virtualsymmetry.com to find out more!
VIRTUAL SYMMETRY live:
02.11.24 NL - Apeldoorn / Brain Storm Festival
03.11.24 DE - Herford / Kulturwerk
05.11.24 DE - Bochum / Zeche
06.11.24 DE - Siegburg / Kubana
07.11.24 CH - Sarnen / Urrock Musik Festival
08.11.24 CH - Monthey / Pont Rouge
09.11.24 ES - Barcelona / Sala Boveda
10.11.24 ES - Madrid / Revi Live
11.11.24 PT - Lisbon / RCA Club
12.11.24 PT - Porto / Hard Club Room 2
13.11.24 ES - Mos / Sala Rebullion
14.11.24 ES - Valladolid / Porta Caeli
15.11.24 ES - Vitoria-Gasteiz / Urban Rock Concept
16.11.24 FR - Nantes / Le Ferrailleur
17.11.24 FR - Paris / Petit Bain
19.11.24 DE - Würzburg / Posthalle
20.11.24 DE - Hanover / Musikzentrum
21.11.24 DE - Leipzig / Hellraiser
22.11.24 DE - Hamburg / Bahnhof Pauli
23.11.24 DE - Weissenhaeuser Strand / Metal Hammer Paradise
24.11.24 DE - Berlin / Lido
25.11.24 PL - Poznan / 2Progi
26.11.24 PL - Krakow / Kwadrat
29.11.24 BG - Sofia / Mixtape 5
30.11.24 GR - Thessaloniki / Principal Club Theater
01.12.24 GR - Athens / Kyttaro Live

VIRTUAL SYMMETRY is an Italian-Swiss progressive metal band founded in 2009 with influences ranging from classical music to contemporary metal and a style characterized by epic suites, rich in cinematic elements and a balance between melody and technique, that lead listeners through a dynamic and emotional journey in each track.

VIRTUAL SYMMETRY are:
Marco Pastorino - Vocals
Valerio Æsir Villa - Guitars
Ruben Paganelli - Keyboards
Alessandro Poppale - Bass
Andrea Gianangeli – Drums

VIRTUAL SYMMETRY online:
www.virtualsymmetry.com
www.facebook.com/VirtualSymmetryOfficial
www.instagram.com/VirtualSymmetryOfficial
www.youtube.com/virtualsymmetry
www.twitter.com/virtualsymmetry

In We Fall - Inner Self

Veröffendlichung: 13.12.2024

In We Fall are a compelling alternative metal band from Vila Real, Portugal, and their new album Inner Self, is a combination of startling lyrical metaphors and striking rock music that challenges the heart and kick-starts the soul. This is a concept album and the songs are magnificent firework displays bursting with stories that speak to the horrors of war, the shock of betrayal, the risk of blind trust, and the tragedy of putting our fists against the world. Altogether, the band shows us how much we are one, learning together how to feel, how to fall, and how we can finally rise.

Genre: Alternative Metal, Modern Rock

https://www.facebook.com/inwefall

https://www.youtube.com/@inwefall

https://www.instagram.com/inwefall

https://inwefall.bandcamp.com/track/winter-shades

Brazen Abbot - Bad Religion (Reissue)

Veröffendlichung: 06.12.2024

Frontiers Music Srl is leased to announce the upcoming release of the reissue of Brazen Abbot’s studio album “Bad Religion”, out on December 6th, 2024.

Pre-Order “Bad Religion” HERE

Talking about “Bad Religion”, Nikolo Kotzev says: “Here’s the re-release of the third Brazen Abbot album. It saw the light of day in 1997, and now, almost 30 years later, it still shines bright as a sunny morning! As usual - brilliant singers and top notch musicians in this musical gem. Rock on!”.

Brazen Abbot was originally conceived as a studio project by Bulgarian guitarist, producer, and songwriter Nikolo Kotzev. The band has since performed live on several occasions, particularly in the early 2000’s

A unique feature of Brazen Abbot is its use of multiple singers on each album. Göran Edman and Joe Lynn Turner have contributed with vocals on most of their records. Initially, Kotzev planned to work with a single vocalist, Göran Edman (ex-Malmsteen) but, due to contractual restrictions, he could only record two songs for the debut album. The “Voice of Rock” Glenn Hughes was then lined up to sing the remaining tracks, but similar issues limited him to three songs.

To complete the album, Thomas Vikström (Talk of the Town and later on Therion) was brought in, and Kotzev was so satisfied with the outcome that he decided to continue the multi-singer approach for future albums. However, during live performances, Joe Lynn Turner (ex-Malmsteen, Rainbow, Deep Purple) usually handled all lead vocals.

Several Brazen Abbot members also participated in Kotzev’s rock opera Nostradamus (2001). During the rock opera’s development, Brazen Abbot was temporarily on hiatus. Former members of the band include Mic Michaeli, John Levén, and Ian Haugland, all of whom are also members of the legendary rock band Europe.

“Bad Religion” is Brazen Abbot’s third studio album, released in 1997 simultaneously by the Japanese label Zero/JVC and by the German label USG Records.
The record builds from where the previous album left off, offering a hard rock sound heavily influenced by Rainbow, Deep Purple, Yngwie Malmsteen, Whitesnake and of course Europe, with a slight symphonic edge which came from the mastermind’s Nikolo Kotzev classical training.

“Bad Religion” sees again three members of Europe in the lineup of musicians, while singers Joe Lynn Turner, Göran Edman and Thomas Vikström put their own stamp on some truly amazing hard rock belters!

“Bad Religion” Tracklist:

1. The Whole World's Crazy (Joe Lynn Turner, vocals)
2. Nightmares (Thomas Vikström, vocals)
3. Two Of A Kind (Göran Edman, vocals)
4. I Will Rise Again (Joe Lynn Turner, vocals)
5. Day Of The Eagle (Göran Edman, vocals)
6. We Don't Talk Anymore (Thomas Vikström, vocals)
7. Wings Of A Dream (Joe Lynn Turner, vocals)
8. Bad Religion (Göran Edman, vocals)
9. Father To Child (Thomas Vikström, vocals)
10. Love Is On Our Side (Joe Lynn Turner, vocals)
11. The Empire Of The Sun (Göran Edman, vocals)

Total Time: 0.57.45

Line Up:
Nikolo Kotzev – Guitars, keyboards, violin
Ian Haugland - Drums
John Leven – Bass
Mic Michaeli – Hammond
Joe Lynn Turner – Vocals
Thomas Vikström – Vocals
Göran Edman - Vocals

Follow Brazen Abbot:
Website

Brazen Abbot - Eye Of The Storm (Reissue)

Veröffendlichung: 06.12.2024

Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the upcoming release of the reissue of Brazen Abbot’s studio album “Eye Of The Storm”, out on December 6th, 2024.

Pre-Order “Eye Of The Storm” HERE

Talking about “Eye Of The Storm”, Nikolo Kotzev says: “Here’s the second Brazen Abbot album. As always - a labour of love with many memorable tracks. The great Joe Lynn Turner and the Europe guys gave it a special flavour. With this re-release Brazen Abbot comes to life once again! Enjoy!”

“Eye of the Storm” is the second album from Brazen Abbot. Released originally in 1996 on the Japanese label Zero/JVC and shortly after by the German label USG Records, “Eye Of The Storm” sees the addition of the awesome singer Joe Lynn Turner to the line-up.

His influence is particularly evident on songs like “Twist Of Fate”, “Line Of Fire”, and “Road To Hell”, while the Europe influence can be found in “Wake Up Everybody”, with a great vocal performance from Thomas Vikström. Göran Edman also appears on lead vocals stamping his mark especially on the power-ballad “Everything's Gonna Be Allright”.

The album cemented the reputation that Brazen Abbot managed to achieve with their first album and offers a truly solid and brilliant melodic hard rock release for all the fans of the genre.

“Eye Of The Storm” Tracklist:

1. Eye Of The Storm (Joe Lynn Turner, vocals)
2. Twist Of Fate (Joe Lynn Turner, vocals)
3. Fool In Love (Göran Edman, vocals)
4. Line Of Fire (Joe Lynn Turner, vocals)
5. Wake Up Everybody (Thomas Vikström, vocals)
6. Everything's Gonna Be Allright (Göran Edman, vocals)
7. Common People (Göran Edman, vocals)
8. The Road To Hell (Joe Lynn Turner, vocals)
9. Restless In Seattle (Göran Edman, vocals)
10. Highway Cindy (Thomas Vikström, vocals)
11. Devil's Allegro (instrumental)
12. I'll Be There For You (Göran Edman, vocals)

Total Time: 1.00.49

Follow Brazen Abbot:
Website

Powell-Payne - Voilà

Veröffendlichung: 06.12.2024

Welsh melodic rock band Powell-Payne are excited to announce the release of their debut album “Voilà”, out on December 6th, 2024, via Frontiers Music Srl.
The first single and official video, “Better Days”, are available now and offer a glimpse into the sound of this new exciting AOR project.

Watch the official video for “Better Days” HERE

Pre-Order “Voilà” HERE

Vocalist Adam Payne describes the album as “a collection of powerful tracks mixed with some good old fashioned melodic rock with a tip of the hat to 80's giants.”

Discussing the track “Better Days”, Payne adds: “With this single we tried to capture a new AOR sound whilst keeping true to our writing methods and influences.”

Formed in 2022 by Mark “Penfold” Powell (ex-drummer of Psycho Kiss) and Adam Payne (former vocalist of Airrace), Powell-Payne's journey began with a single goal - to create a heartfelt song dedicated to their lost loved ones, therefore they released the first single with Adam Davies and Steve Leyshon.

Mark and Adam then decided to bring in Aydan Watkins (Guitar) and Alex Anderson (Bass) to solidify the quartet and to be able to create the next chapter of songs. Now, with a full band in place, this gives the band the opportunity to tour the album and play in as many places as they can.

“Voilà” is a mixture of Genuine AOR, featuring some authentic emotion-woven tracks with great hooks, an album well arranged, composed and the performance of the musicians is awesome.
The production is punchy and well balanced.

“Voilà” Tracklist:

1. Better Days
2. No Escape
3. Voices
4. The Storm
5. Staring At The Sun
6. Girl Like You
7. Questions
8. Fly High
9. Taking Back Yesterday
10. Distance Between Us
11. All For Love

Total Time: 0.47.20

Line Up:
Adam Payne - Vocals
Mark Powell - Drums
Aydan Watkins - Guitar
Alex Anderson - Bass

Follow Powell-Payne:
Facebook

Tak Matsumoto Group - TMG II

Veröffendlichung: 06.12.2024

Frontiers Music Srl is thrilled to announce the signing of Tak Matsumoto Group (TMG), marking the triumphant return of the internationally acclaimed project formed by guitar virtuoso Tak Matsumoto.

The new album, “TMG II”, is available digitally today, with the physical CD release slated for December 6th, 2024. The focus track “Eternal Flames (feat. BABYMETAL)” is also out now.

After a 20-year hiatus, TMG returns with original members Tak Matsumoto (guitarist and member of the Japanese rock superstars B’z), Jack Blades (Night Ranger) and Eric Martin (Mr. Big), reigniting the powerhouse trio’s signature rock sound. Originally launched in 2004, TMG wowed fans worldwide with their unique fusion of hard-hitting rock and oriental influences. Now, after two decades, they’re set to do it all again.

Buy/Listen to “TMG II” HERE

Tak Matsumoto explains how the project came to life: “Twenty-one years ago, I met Jack and Eric at The Fillmore in San Francisco. I suggested we collaborate, and that’s how TMG was born. We came together in LA to write our first single, “OH JAPAN”, which sparked the creation of our debut album, TMG I, and an incredible tour throughout Japan, ending with a memorable performance at the Budokan. Though we’ve stayed in touch, life pulled us in different directions, and two decades slipped by. In 2022, I reached out with a proposal to reunite.”
“Now, in 2024, TMG has completed our latest album, TMG II, featuring the talented drummer Matt Sorum. We’re excited to share this album, a blend of Japanese and American musical sensibilities. We hope you enjoy it!”, adds Matsumoto.

About the new album, Jack Blades comments: “TMG ll has a fresh and alive feel born out of the friendship and camaraderie that Tak, Eric and I share with each other. Throw in a healthy dose of my good buddy Matt Sorum on drums and you have a hell of a recipe for some seriously kick ass rock n roll. The songs tell the stories, the music rocks the soul, and woven throughout the fabric is the amazing guitar playing of Tak Matsumoto---a true “Guitar Hero”. Enjoy the ride!”

“I was the singer of the Tak Matsumoto group in 2004. We had an incredible experience, writing / recording a heavy melodic hard rock state of the art sounding record that went platinum, sold out tour all over Japan, It was perfect timing and one of the biggest highlights of my life”, states Eric Martin.

“Tak Matsumoto is the guitarist, main composer, producer of B’z!, the best music selling Rock act in Japan! So here we are, 20 years later… This time we have powerhouse drummer Matt Sorum from Guns & Roses /Velvet Revolver/ The Cult and B’z support guitarist / chorus Yukihide ‘YT’ Takiyama to round out the group”, continues Martin. “TMG ll has got a Japanese / American rock feel to it and it’s badass. We are on tour right now in Japan and killing it. I am hanging with the coolest musicians on the planet… Life is good. The record… is really good!”

Tak Matsumoto originally formed TMG in 2004, bringing together rock legends Eric Martin and Jack Blades. Their debut album, TMG I, was a smash hit, topping the Oricon National Chart and spawning the single “Oh Japan – Our Time Is Now”, which became a theme song for Japanese television.

The group embarked on a sold-out tour across Japan, culminating in a legendary finale at the Nippon Budokan. TMG’s blend of Eastern and Western rock influences resonated with fans and critics alike, making them a force to be reckoned with in the world of hard rock.

This new work not only features Matsumoto's solid and delicate guitar playing, but also Eric Martin's vocals, which emotionally sing fantastic melodies, and Jack Blades bass lines, which aggressively liven up the song.

Listening the album, the fans have the impression that the past 20 years, in which each member has continued to be active, was not a hiatus for the band, but a preparation period for the unique TMG rock sound to gain even more power: a full-fledged 2nd album!

The recording line-up for this album include Matt Sorum, (Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver) on drums, and Yukihide “YT” Takiyama, who is well known for recording and live support for B'z, on guitar and arrangements.

The album opener “Crash Down Love” has an impressive and catchy melody that seems to symbolize the new TMG sound, while “Guitar Hero”, whose lyrics were written by Jack Blades with Tak in mind, may be the best example of the new sound for the international markets.

“I was able to create a truly exciting and convincing piece of work with my wonderful band members”, says Tak. The Japanese metal stars BABYMETAL, appear as special guest in a killer and groovy Dance-Metal song “Eternal Flames” and their duet with Eric Martin is really unique and pleasant.

TMG will be touring Japan starting from September 19th. The full list of tour dates can be found HERE.

“TMG II” Tracklist:

1. Crash Down Love
2. Eternal Flames (Feat. BABYMETAL)
3. The Story Of Love (Feat. LiSA)
4. Color In The World
5. Jupiter And Mars
6. My Life
7. Endless Sky
8. Dark Island Woman
9. Faithful Now
10. The Great Divide
11. Guitar Hero