Apocalypse Orchestra - A Plague upon Thee
Veröffendlichung: 14.02.2025
Apocalypse Orchestra is a Swedish metal band that masterfully blends medieval melodies with the crushing power of doom metal, creating an epic and atmospheric soundscape that transports listeners to a distant past.
APOCALYPSE ORCHESTRA - "Virago"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl9vg0W8PQg
APOCALYPSE ORCHESTRA - "Glass and Sun"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgVtAlPZnKY
Their new album "A Plague upon Thee" will be released February 14th 2025, via Despotz Records.
Track listing:
1. Virago
2. Tempest
3. Glass And Sun
4. Anchorhold
5. Sacrament of Avarice
6. From the Athanor
7. To Arrive
8. Saint Yersinia
Andy Susemihl - Mihlstones
Veröffendlichung: 07.02.2025
Andy Susemihl releases new Album “Mihlstones”
Andy Susemihl has shared the stage with such rock icons as Ozzy Osbourne, Guns’n’Roses, Deep Purple and Lita Ford, produced and recorded over 20 albums and sold over 500.000 units to date. His songs and guitar work have been showcased alongside the work of such noted guitarists as Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and Steve Stevens. Since the release of his 10th solo album “Rapture”, the name Andy Susemihl has been a synonym for sophisticated and authentic musical composition without being tied to a certain genre. He is definitely staying on this path with his new album “Mihlstones” scheduled for release on February 7th, 2025.
Venturing out on his own
After multiple albums with guest musicians such as Peter Baltes (Accept), Francesco Jovino (Jorn, UDO) and Dennis Ward (Magnum), Andy Susemihl this time decided to go solo all the way and so he recorded, programmed, produced and mixed the new album all by himself – no other musicians involved. The Master was provided by Chris Marr who, working with artists such as Simon Phillips and Marco Minnemann also delivered the high-class drums sounds.
Sophisticated Global Rock
The genre of the new album doesn't fit into only one musical stereotype. Andy Susemihl succeeded in re-defining himself into what can best be described as „Sophisticated Global Rock“. Mihlstones is a combination of catchy rock songs, unique compositions and lyrics with heart and life experience. Andy Susemihl has again managed to funnel his life experiences and today’s craziness into his latest album.
The album will be available exclusively through the online shop @
MEINUNG:
Wer oben das Info gelesen hat,weiß,das der gute Andy schon viel erlebt hat in seinem Musikerleben,aber irgendwann - und das meine ich nicht böse - unter dem Radar durchflog,weil er einfach sein eigenes Ding gemacht.Und das war/ist auch gut so.
Das Album hier ist jetzt nicht DAS "Jahrhundert-Album"!Aber es birgt schon einige musikalische Perlen.Das ganze Album ist eine musikalische Perle für mich!Und da sollte man mal das ein oder andere Ohr riskieren.Denn das Material klingt 1. sehr Bodenständig und 2. verdammt gut!Andy muss niemand musikalisch noch irgendwas beweisen.Er ist ein etablierter Musiker.Fertig!Aus!Der Mann schreibt einfach gute Songs,die nicht unbedingt nach dem Ersten Hördurchgang zünden.Das kam z.b beim ZWEITEN Durchgang bei mir.Da hab ich erstmal begriffen,was Andy Suhsemihl musikalisch ist: Nämlich ein verdammt guter Musiker und Songwriter.
Andy hat anscheinend keinen Bock auf Songs,die mit Hooks gepflastert sind.Auch dieses wirklichen Ohrwürmer findet man während eines Ersten hörens nicht unbedingt sofort.Da muss man schon RICHTIG hinhören - Und,wie bereits erwähnt,den wahren Andy Suhsemihl raushören!
Andy ist auch nicht unbedingt DER ÜBER-Sänger.TROTZDEM merkt man schon,das er die Songs clever arrangiert hat,sodass die Vocal-Lines sehr gut zu IHM passen!Er hat sich ein verdammt gutes Album Album "gezimmert"Ich find´s Klasse und werde es sicherlich auch immer mal wieder hören.Denn dazu ist es da.Dazu hat der Herr Suhsemihl dieses Album,das in seiner Gesamtheit sehr angenehm ist,auf die Beine gestellt!
7,5 von 10 Punkte
Heaven’s Reign are a powerhouse of classic rock energy, hailing from the UK and deeply inspired by the golden era of rock and roll.
The band features three founding members of Rollin Thunder (Rik Cayton, Ian Lynan, Ste Birch), Faster than Bulls (Ricky Moss) & Sketcher/Deep Cellar (Gaz Birch)
Collectively the band shared stages with legends like Bryan Adams, Blue Öyster Cult & UFO. Cementing their reputation for high-energy, electrifying shows. They’ve also been featured on major radio stations like BBC Radio One and highlighted in renowned publications such as Total & Classic Rock magazine.
Their upcoming album, Northern Lights, captures the band’s raw energy, featuring songs like "City Sights" and "Listen to Your Heart." With powerful riffs, infectious rhythms, and lyrics that celebrate freedom, live music, and the thrill of the weekend, the album promises to be a rock anthem for the ages.
The title track and “Here We Go Again” will be released as singles in advance.
Recorded at RT Studios & Inspire studios. UK.
Mixing, mastering, and programming by Dražen Kecman from Cirith Ungol Studio Bosnia And Herzegovina.
MEINUNG:
...schnörkelloser Hard Rock der knackigen Sorte!
Als Erstes möchte ich den Sänger erwähnen,der dieses gewisse ETWAS hat...Der nicht nur singen kann,sondern auch die Energie auf den Hören übergehen läßt!Ich hab von Anfang das Gefühl,da ist ein Sänger,der SINGT "nur" für mich!Das macht mich schon sehr an.Und dann dieser KLEINE...aber FEINE "Rotz" in der Stimme...KLASSE!So mag ich eine Stimme.,..SO mag ich einen Sänger gern hören!
Die Mucke?Nunja...DAS ganze geht ab und zu auch mal Richtung Mainstream!ABER...mir egal.Denn die Songs hauen mir "musikalisch auf die Ohren" und das ist ebenfalls agut umgesetzt worden.In Ganzem gehört,klingt diese Band gut und irgendwie anders.DAS gefällt mir außerordendlich gut.Inklusive des Sounds,der im Sudio "gedreht" wurde.Auch hier hat man SUPER gearbeitet.
Das Material ist abwechslungsreich gestaltet...Das Songwriting lässt zu keiner Sekunde Langeweile aufkommen und trifft meinen musikalischen Geschmack zu 100%!Die Songs,die ich höre "fliegen"...
Das ganze "Thema" hier klingt frisch und macht mir sehr viel SPASS!Ich kann EUCH diese Band sehr empfehlen.Ich vergeben GERNE folgende Punktzahl für diese tolle musikalische Arbeit...
10 von 10 Punkte
Focus Tracks: “The Outlaw”, “What Is Real?”, “So Below”
FCC Advisory: All songs are FCC friendly
Music Videos: The Outlaw (watch), What Is Real? (watch), So Below (soon)
Pre-save / Pre-order: https://ffm.to/shdasbMore Info: https://www.eclipserecords.com/band/shadow-of-the-talisman/
Days Of Jupiter ist eine Band, die sich in den letzten 14 Jahren zu einer festen Größe in der Hardrock/Metal-Szene entwickelt hat. Mit bisher 4 von der Kritik gelobten Alben konnte die Band über 20 Millionen Streams auf Spotify erlangen. Diese Erfolge schickten Days Of Jupiter auf Tour durch Deutschland, Holland, Belgien, Spanien, Finnland und Estland. Doch treu dem Credo ihres neuen Albums, "The World Was Never Enough" war ihnen das längst nicht genug! Begierig darauf, den nächsten Schritt in Richtung eines weltweiten Metal/Hardrock-Acts zu machen, entfesseln die 5 Schweden Anfang 2025 ihren neuesten Brecher; "The World Was Never Enough"!
Die Band wurde Anfang 2010 in Örnsköldsvik, Schweden, gegründet. Von Anfang an war die Band für einen modernen Metal-Ansatz mit beeindruckenden Melodien und bewegenden Texten bekannt. 2012 wurde ihr Debütalbum von einem kleinen schwedischen Label veröffentlicht. Es erhielt sehr lobende Kritiken und verkaufte sich trotz des Mangels an Promotion seitens des Labels sehr gut. Um die Erfolge des Albums zu feiern, hatte die Band einen spektakulären Auftritt auf dem Sweden Rock Festival.
Mit dem zweiten Album „Only Ashes Remain“, 2015 veröffentlicht wurde, tourte die Band durch Schweden und spielte auf mehreren namhaften Festivals.
2017 veröffentlichten sie ein Album namens „New Awakening“ über ihr neues Label Metalville. Das Album erreichte großartige Kritiken und einen ersten Metal-Charteinstieg in den USA. Die Band tourte mit dem Album durch Deutschland, Belgien und die Niederlande und wurde vom Publikum hervorragend aufgenommen.
Ende 2018 erschien ihr neuestes Album „Panoptical“ (Metalville) und wieder einmal überzeugte die Band die Zuhörer mit ihrer einzigartigen Herangehensweise an Metal, perfekt geformt von Einflüssen jenseits des großen Teichs (USA) kombiniert mit dem traditionellen Hardrock Spirit aus Europa. Die Erfolge hörten nicht auf, nach mehreren erfolgreichen Shows und Touren endete der Albumzyklus von "Panoptical" mit einer Show in Estland, wo die Band vor 10.000 Besuchern spielte als Vorgruppe von Disturbed.
Um die Essenz von Days Of Jupiter in ein Album zu konzentrieren verbachte die Band viel Zeit im Studio. Heraus kam „The World Was Never Enough“, ein mutiger Schritt zurück in das Rampenlicht nach 6 Jahren Funkstille. Um sicherzustellen, dass das Album den Vertrieb, die Promotion und die Hingabe bekommt, die es verdient, hat die Band hat einen weltweiten Vertrag mit Reigning Phoenix Music unterzeichnet.
MEINUNG:
Kennt jemand Örnsköldsvik?DAS ist ein Stadt in Schweden!Und daher kommt diese Band...
Und...irgendwie erinnert mich das gehörte an DISTURBED...Zumindest im Ansatz.Somit ist es auch KEINE Kopie genannter Band.Das möchte ich schon mal gleich am Anfang klarstellen!Was mir aber auffällt:4 Alben innerhalb von 14 Jahren...Hmmm...Klar ist aber,das man zwischen den einzelnen Alben jede Menge Material sammeln kann für weitere Alben...Das hat dann schon gewisse Vorteile...
Was gleich auffällt ist die Stimme von Frontmann Janne Hilli,die schon an den Frontmann der angesprochenen Band (s.o.) ERINNERT.Diese Vocals ist ebenfalls verdammt gut und sehr einprägend!DAS versteht jemand seinen Job mit den Stimmbändern!Das ganze klingt sehr charismatisch!
Und nochmal zurück zum "Vergleich" mit DISTURBED...DISTURBED klingen dann auch etwas härter bbei manchen Songs.Days Of Jupiter sind natürlich auch KEINE "weichgespülte Band"-klingen aber schon anders.Das hört man z.b bei "Ignite",das knallt und jeder PowerMetal -Band in NICHTS nachsteht!UND mit „Desolation“ gibt es sogar eine Ballade,die sehr schön arrangiert ist und verdammt gut vorgetragen wird.Und DAS auch NICHT NUR stimmlich!
Für ALLE,die GUT gemachte Musik und interessante Arrangements mögen,ist DAS HIER genau DAS Album!Und wer einer,wie bereits angesprochen,tollen Stimme lauschen möchte,ebenfalls!
8 von 10 Punkte
Crazy Lixx - Thrill Of The Bite
Veröffendlichung: 14.02.2025
Swedish hard rockers Crazy Lixx are thrilled to release their new studio album, titled “Thrill Of The Bite”, available now via Frontiers Music Srl.
The focus track “Who Said RNR Is Dead” is also out now, along with an unofficial soundtrack music video, made with clips from the cult classic 1992 comedy film “Wayne's World” starring Mike Meyers, Tia Carrere and Dana Carvey (and featuring a cameo by rock legend Alice Cooper).
Watch the unofficial soundtrack video for “Who Said RNR Is Dead” HERE
Buy/Listen to “Thrill Of The Bite” HERE
Vocalist Danny Rexon expresses his enthusiasm for the new album, by saying:
“So stoked to finally reveal the news of our upcoming album, set to be released in February 2025. Even though we did release some new songs on the compilation album earlier this year, it has been quite a while since the fans got a proper full length studio album with all originals, but now we can finally announce that that time is soon upon us. And dare I say that this album is one really worth waiting for? Personally, I'm really proud and happy with how it came out and I think that the response to the two singles we've put out so far (“Call Of The Wild” and “Little Miss Dangerous”) gives us a clear indication that our fans seem to agree.”
Talking about the new track, he adds: “I'm so excited to finally have the album out and this track right here is one I've been dying for you guys to hear. It was close to being a single but in the end we decided to make it the album release day focus track instead. You know, a certain legendary bass player from a certain world-famous rock band recently said that 'rock n' roll is dead' but I'm not sure I agree. Why don't we just let you guys listen and decide for yourselves - Is rock n' roll really dead or is it still in fact alive and kicking?”
Since the latest studio album release with Street Lethal back in the winter of 2021, fans have been eager to hear new Crazy Lixx material, and even though the compilation album “Two Shots At Glory” (2024) gave the listeners some covers, fresh takes on old songs and a couple of new tracks, this next studio album is what they have all been dying to hear.
“Thrill Of The Bite” promises to elevate Crazy Lixx’s rock music to new heights. Following the success of their previous album “Street Lethal” (2021), this new record is packed with powerful anthems, memorable riffs and melodies, electrifying guitar solos, and the larger-than-life sing-along energy that fans have come to expect from the band, delivering what is already shaping up to be one of the bands strongest works in their 20+ year career.
The album features tracks that highlight the band’s ability to balance their nostalgic, sleaze-metal roots with their love for the 80s and early 90s, drawing inspiration from the flamboyant heavy metal and movies of that era alike. Crazy Lixx have teased a few tracks, suggesting a turn to a heavier, riff-driven style while maintaining their signature melodic choruses and glam-influenced attitude.
With “Thrill Of The Bite”, Crazy Lixx are poised to continue their reign as one of Sweden’s premier retro hard rock bands, solidifying their legacy in the global scene while pushing their creative boundaries even further.
Crazy Lixx are a Swedish heavy metal / hair metal / hard rock band hailing from Malmö, Sweden formed in 2002. Known for their energetic performances, catchy hooks, and an unapologetic revival of the glam metal sound from the late 80s, Crazy Lixx has become a flagship of the New Wave of Swedish Sleaze Metal. The band draws inspiration from acts like Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, Alice Cooper, RATT, Skid Row and Guns N’ Roses, creating a perfect blend of melodic hard rock with modern production values and a keen eye (and ear) for 80s and 90s nostalgia.
Crazy Lixx first gained global recognition with their breakthrough albums “Loud Minority” (2007), “New Religion” (2010) and “Crazy Lixx” (2014), including hits like “Blame It On Love”, “21 'Til I Die”, “Hell Raising Women” and “Girls Of The 80s”, who have all become favourites among the fans and classics in the modern hair metal community.
The band’s lineup has evolved over the years, but it is led by founder and frontman Danny Rexon, whose vocals, songwriting and music production skills are the driving force behind the group. Alongside him, the band currently consists of bassist and creative sidekick Jens Anderson, guitarists Jens Lundgren and Chrisse Olsson, and the newest addition in the form of drummer Robin Nilsson.
“Thrill Of The Bite” Tracklist:
1. Highway Hurricane
2. Who Said Rock N' Roll Is Dead
3. Little Miss Dangerous
4. Call Of The Wild
5. Recipe For Revolution
6. Run Run Wild
7. Midnight Rebels
8. Hunt For Danger
9. Final Warning
10. Stick It Out
Line Up:
Danny Rexon - Vocals
Jens Lundgren - Guitar
Chrisse Olsson - Guitar
Jens Andersson – Bass
Robin Nilsson - Drums
Follow CRAZY LIXX:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
MEINUNG:
Knappe 25 Jahre Bandgeschichte...DAS schafft nicht jede Band!Respekt!
Und wenn ich bedenke,was da immer wieder an Musik aus Skandinavien nachkommt...Wir müssen uns da keine Sorgen machen um GUTE MUSIK aus Schweden,Dänemark etc...Denn irgendwie klingen skandinavische Bands anders...GRÖßTENTEIL einfach besser!Ausnahmen gibt es da nur wenige!Vielleicht liegt es an der GUTEN LUFT in den nördlichen Bereichen...?Keine Ahnung!
Man mag jetzt das,was die Crazy Lixx seit ca. 25 Jahren musikalisch abliefern gern GLAM ROCK nennen...Das ist mir egaLFür mich ist das einfach nur immer wieder gut gemachte,frische und...ja...ERFRISCHENDES Songmaterial,welches auch noch RICHTIG GUT produziert wurde.Da kommt KEINE langeweile auf....ich schlafe dabei nicht ein!
Ca. 25 Jahre hat die Band ihr musikalisches Ding gnadenlos durchgezogen!Immer GERADEAUS...immer STRAIGHT...musikalisch "frech".Und von mir aus kann das noch weitere 25 Jahre so weitergehen!
Und gerade in dieser Zeit,wo Bands den 80er-Sound wieder für sich entdecken,haben die Crazy Lixx den NERV mal wieder getroffen!Weiter so.dann hören wir von den Herrschaften auch noch in 25 Jahren was!
Was fällt mir sonst noch so auf?Hmmm...Gitarrensounds a´la L.A GUNS und GUNS 'N ROSES hör ich da raus...Und das passt auch,denn das erinnert noch mehr an die 80er!
9 von 10 Punkte
Ray Of Light - A New Melodic Rock Force - Releases Debut Album "Salute." The band features members of (Frontline) Stephan Bayerlein – Drums, (Evidence One, Mad Max) Thomas "Hutch" Bauer – Bass, (Evidence One) Joerg Wartmann – Guitar and Vocalist Extraordinaire Gregg Cromack.
RAY OF LIGHT is a fresh line-up that should make some long-standing heavy rockers and Hard Rock fans prick up their ears, as the promising name includes members of a gang that has already released several official records under the Frontline banner – eight to be precise – and has been on the verge of an international breakthrough several times.
All ten tracks on the album share one thing for sure: They radiate a refreshing positivity that breaks through in a drive as exuberant as it is powerful – Salute extends way past the friendly greeting that gives the album its name. It is a glimmer of hope, a soundtrack to a new beginning, which was fueled not least by the arrival of the incredibly talented British rock voice Gregg Cromack as lead singer.
And yet there is so much more to the creation of this piece: a new foundation full of verve on the one hand, but also a heavy blow of fate and loss for the band on the other, when co-founder, guitarist, songwriter and long-time friend Robby Boebel fell seriously ill in the middle of the album preparations in 2022 and died far too soon afterwards.
It would take until the fall of 2023 for RAY OF LIGHT to begin working with exceptional guitarist and producer Jörg “Warthy” Wartmann and complete the work in memory of the late friend. The collaboration between drummer/founder Stephan Bayerlein, bassist Thomas Hutch, singer Gregg and the highly versatile guitarist proved to be so beneficial and at the same time so creatively fruitful that the newly added “Warthy” also took over the mixing of the album, joining the band right away as a permanent member.
Frontline and now also RAY OF LIGHT founder Stephan Bayerlein looks back on the moving times the band has gone through since the end of the pandemic:
“It's been a rollercoaster! First, the start of a new musical adventure, the kick that Gregg gave us with the unrestrained energy of his 10,000-volt voice, then the heartbreaking, far too abrupt farewell to Robby and the question of what comes next. How do you carry on when you've lost someone who is simply irreplaceable? In the end, it was both the memory of Robby that gave us the strength to carry on, and the idea that these great songs would otherwise remain in the drawer forever. Robby is around us all the time actually, in so many thoughts and in the ever-recurring question: What would Robby do now?”
A question that became Stephan Bayerlein's leitmotif on his road to the perfect hard rock record, as he took on the role of producer during the creative phase with a growing amount of respect:
“It was a heartfelt matter to me personally – but increasingly so for each individual in the band, too – to grow with the overwhelming task at hand and ensure that the songs on the album could shine in the perfect light.”
As such, Salute is both a salutation to a shared past and a welcome to a future with great new members in the band. A Ray of Light that invites you to linger and follow.
View The Ray Of Light Videos from "Salute:"
City of Angels: https://youtu.be/fZF8yZvPinU
Falling to Pieces: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxqQUTaZu6Y
Stand Up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxqQUTaZu6Y
Tracklist for Salute:
Falling to Pieces
Ray of Light
Alive
City of Angels
Stand Up
Best of Me
Fallin' from Grace
Frontline
Last Day
How Long
The New Album "Salute" can be ordered here:
https://www.baysis.de/product_info.php?products_id=1
The first 500 copies sold will be signed by the band.
Gregg Cromack – Vocals
Stephan Bayerlein – Drums
Joerg Wartmann – Guitar
Thomas Bauer – BassVisit RAY OF LIGHT:
https://linktr.ee/rayoflightband
http://www.ray-of-light.de/
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063932030151
http://www.instagram.com/ray.of.light.band/
https://www.youtube.com/@rayoflight230
Playhouse, Canada's Masters Of Melodic Rock, release the brand new album "Broken And The Damned" plus New Single/Video For "Promises"
The highly anticipated follow-up to 2022's "Dancing At Funerals," the album (EP) picks up where "Dancing" left off; more of the smooth hooks and melodies, but a deeper and tighter flow. The second single, "Promises," brings a more subtle and deeper edge. The song offers the textbook, Playhouse sound, but adds more of the melodic rock side. The video is directed once again by Jared Pollack and captures the band in rehearsal, performing "Promises," interwoven with a collection of vintage photos from the band's early days —some of which have never been seen before. For dedicated fans, the video offers an opportunity to see the band from another aspect while transcending the timeline. The clip offers a glimpse into Playhouse's early days showing that time may change, but the young heart of the music will always move and live on. The album, "Broken And The Damned," delivers 5 of the the bands best tracks to date and proves that Playhouse, even after 37 years together, still has as much punch and melody as when they first started.
“Broken And The Damned” was once again produced by the legendary Canadian producer, Kevin Jardine (Faith No More, Mastodon, Run DMC, Cypress Hill, Anthrax, Korn, Sepultura, Beastie Boys, 3rd Bass, Men Without Hats). This new material will appeal to the bands core fans, but will also be expressive and inviting to new listeners as well.
Formed in 1987, five high school friends set out to be the biggest rock band to ever come out of Canada. With a reputation for their high energy shows and big anthems, they quickly began filling every club & theater that they played. The band was destined for global success, selling thousands of copies of their two EP’s; 1988’s ‘Little Monster‘ and 1990’s ‘Tongue, Tied & Twisted‘. Just like so many bands in the early 90’s, the success that seemed to be theirs for the taking never fully manifested and after almost a decade of decadence and steady touring in support of such bands as Extreme, Killer Dwarfs, Lee Aaron and Harem Scarem, the band decided to call it quits. It was an end of an era………but some things never fully come to an end.
Fast forward to 2016 – the band reunites and enters the studio with veteran producer and guitarist of Slaves on Dope; Kevin Jardine, to record new songs. In 2017, for the 1st time in 25 years, Playhouse returned to the stage with a sold out comeback show in Montreal, Canada. Many high profile shows followed, including opening slots for The Dead Daisies, L.A. Guns, Buckcherry, Dizzy Reed’s Hookers & Blow, Helix, and Warrior Soul. The band also releases their first album ‘The Rock N’ Roll Circus‘ to critical acclaim in 2018 and followed that up with a single and video, ‘Revolution Tonight‘, in 2020..
The new album "Broken And The Damned" is available now:
https://snd.click/qh0v
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DTW778LR
Playhouse Is:
Vocals: Peter Cat
Bass: Danny Williams
Guitar: KK
Guitar: Eric “Freak” Westergard
Drums: Sam Harrison
Official Website - https://www.rflmusicentertainment.com/playhouse
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/playhouserock
