Reviews JUNI 26 -

The 69 Eyes – I Survive

Veröffendlichung: 05.06.2026

Finnish rock band The 69 Eyes is thrilled to announce the release of the new EP “I Survive”, out on June 5, 2026, via BLKIIBLK.

Pre-Order “I Survive” HERE

Once you’ve survived the 80’s rock scene, you become unstoppable – and The 69 Eyes are living proof. Formed in Helsinki in 1989 and still going strong with the same line-up some four decades later, the Helsinki Vampires have earned their legendary status.

In a world with fewer and fewer true believers in leather jackets, midnight sunglasses and low-slung guitars, The 69 Eyes keep the Johnny Thunders’ flame burning like an endless sleazy club night back in the days.

Their biggest hit, “Lost Boys”, from 2005, was made into an iconic music video by MTV’s Jackass star and skater Bam Margera and the song still remains on annual Halloween rock playlists.

One foot on glam, another one on goth, The 69 Eyes have released thirteen albums, reaching gold and platinum and a mainstream status in their native Finland, where they are signed to Gabi Hakanen’s Vallila Music House. Their previous studio album “Death Of Darkness” was released in 2023, and they have been touring without any notable breaks all over the world the last twenty years.

Vocals, a lead and a rhythm guitar, a bass and drums are the classic rock band line-up. The 69 Eyes have that magic on stage that is needed for these elements to carry on beyond the rock’n’roll dreams, theirs and their cult following.

“I Survive” EP Tracklist:

1. I Survive (ft. Steve Stevens)
2. Cold Sweat
3. In The Misery
4. Devil’s Rose (ft. Ed Mundell)

THE 69 EYES are:
Jyrki 69 – vocals
Bazie – guitar, backing vocals
Timo-Timo – guitar
Archzie – bass, backing vocals
Jussi 69 – drums

Follow THE 69 EYES:
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MEINUNG:

Die EP enthält vier Songs mit gerade einmal vierzehn Minuten Spielzeit…

Drei Jahre nach ihrem letzten Longplayer „Death Of Darkness“ gibt es nun eine EP und sogar Gitarrist Steve Stevens ist vertreten…Die EP startet mit dem Titel „I Survive“,der auch denn mal auch gleich ins Ohr geht und gute Laune verbreitet-incl.Steve Stevens-Part!Diese Nummer gefällt mir und macht neugierig auf mehr…Es folgt „Cold Sweat“- ein Thin Lizzy-Cover.Auch dieser Song macht Lust auf mehr…Die Cover-Nummer wurde insich gut umgesetzt!Wobei ich einmal GRUNDSÄTZLICH sagen muss,das ich immer so hin- und hergerissen bin von den Vocals von Jyrki 69…Mag ich diese GRUNDSÄTZLICH oder nicht?Ich war bei den Vocals immer so dazwischen,denn die Stimme passt zu der Band.Punkt!

Die Restlichen 2 Songs „In The Misery“ und „Devil’s Rose“ sind so Songs die anders klingen und mehr nach THE 69 EYES,wie ich sie dann wirklich mag.Gothic-Rock…etwas kantig!

In der Gesamtheit machen diese 4 Songs HUNGER…HUNGER auf mehr…HUNGER auf ein Album,mit (natürlich) mehr Songs!Warten wir alle einfach mal ab,was da noch kommt.Wir dürfen gespannt sein.Aber ich denke,dass das Material wieder solide sein wird.So,wie es immer war!

8 von 10 Punkte

JARED JAMES NICHOLS – Louder Than Fate

Veröffendlichung: 05.06.2026

Frontiers Music Srl is proud to announce the upcoming release of JARED JAMES NICHOLS‘ fourth studio album, ‚Louder Than Fate.‘ Due out on June 5, 2026, this new album is easily the guitarist, singer, and songwriter’s most powerful and fully realized statement to date.

Raw, unapologetic, and deeply rooted in the lineage of blues-driven hard rock, the album captures an artist at the peak of his creative confidence, channeling grit, groove, and soul with relentless intensity.

NICHOLS had this to say about ‚Louder Than Fate‘:

“I’m beyond excited for this record. I’ve been counting down the days until its release like it’s a personal holiday. If the singles are any hint for you, there are plenty of riffs ripping through the speakers like a buzz saw. But going deeper into the record, there are tons of different emotions and sounds that I have yet to explore as a singer/songwriter. I am personally thrilled to share different shades of myself on this record, giving so much more depth and insight to the listener. Get ready for ‘Louder than Fate’. „

Produced and mixed by Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Stone Sour, Amon Amarth, Skindred, and Steel Panther) with additional production by Roger Alan Nichols (Larkin Poe, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown and Hayley Williams of Paramore), ‚Louder Than Fate‘ balances muscle and melody, combining thunderous riffs, searing solos, and emotionally charged vocals with a modern, punchy production. The songs move effortlessly between hard-hitting rock anthems and more reflective, dynamic moments, showcasing NICHOLS’ ability to fuse classic influences with a contemporary edge. Tracks like “Bending or Breaking” and “Killing Time” expand the sonic palette with subtle keyboards and cinematic string arrangements, adding depth without ever sacrificing power.

Since his breakout debut, JARED JAMES NICHOLS has built a reputation as one of the most electrifying guitarists and performers of his generation. Known for his unmistakable tone, fearless playing style, and commanding stage presence, he has toured extensively across the US and Europe, sharing stages with some of the biggest names in rock and earning praise from fans and critics alike.

‚Louder Than Fate‘ is not just an album — it’s a declaration. A record that speaks to resilience, conviction, and the unstoppable force of an artist who plays every note as if it truly matters. Loud, honest, and deeply human, this is JARED JAMES NICHOLS at his absolute best.

‚Louder Than Fate‘ Track List:
1. Let’s Go
2. Ghost
3. Way Back
4. Bending Or Breaking
5. Killing Time *
6. Dust N’ Bones
7. Show Me *
8. Looks Like That Felt Good *
9. Runnin’ Hot
10. Pretend

Killing Time (acoustic version) Bonus Track Japan
The Death Of Love (bonus track Digital)

Produced & Mixed by Jay Ruston
Except * Produced & Mixed by Roger Alan Nichols

FOLLOW JARED JAMES NICHOLS:
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Vanden Plas – AcCult II

Veröffendlichung: 12.06.2026

German progressive metal pioneers Vanden Plas are back with “AcCult II”, a new acoustic album set for release on June 12, 2026, via Frontiers Music Srl.

Pre-Order “AcCult II” HERE

“AcCult II” is the highly anticipated acoustic sequel to Vanden Plas’ 1996 landmark album “AcCult”.

Stephan Lill explained how the album came to life: “When we released our first acoustic CD, “AcCult”, in 1996, it was special to us in many ways. For this release, we arranged songs from our debut album, “Colour Temple”, into new acoustic versions. And we did the same with songs by other artists or bands that didn’t necessarily fit our usual musical style. Ever since that release, we’d always had it in the back of our minds to produce another acoustic CD at some point. But then came tours, more regular CDs, many theatre productions we were involved in, and time flew by…”

“When Frontiers approached us with the idea of another acoustic CD, we knew that we had the time needed for it, and with the right songs, it could work. And we can now say, it worked out. We sticked with the concept of the first “AcCult” CD, and so “AcCult II” once again features acoustic versions of Vanden Plas songs, as well as two cover songs: “Nothing Else Matters” (Metallica) and “Boat on the River” (Styx)”, he continued. “We are more than happy that, exactly 30 years later, we can write the next “AcCult” chapter. And all Vanden Plas fans can look forward to a truly extraordinary release.”

Building on the innovative concept that first reimagined tracks from their debut “Colour Temple” in a stripped-down, unplugged setting, this new release revisits select songs from their extensive catalog with fresh acoustic arrangements, offering fans a completely new perspective on the band’s music.

In addition to reworked originals like “Far Off Grace”, “Holes In The Sky”, “The Ghost Xperiment”, and “You Fly”, “AcCult II” features inspired interpretations of classic songs by other artists, including Styx’s “Boat On The River” and Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters”, blending reverence for the originals with Vanden Plas’ signature emotional depth and musical sophistication.

Notably, John Helliwell of Supertramp makes a guest appearance on saxophone on the album’s closing track, “You Fly”, adding a unique, melodic touch to the album’s finale.

The album showcases the band’s current lineup – Andy Kuntz (vocals), Stephan Lill (guitars), Andreas Lill (drums), Thorsten Reichert (bass), and Alessandro Del Vecchio (keyboards) – whose synergy brings a nuanced warmth to each track.

With “AcCult II”, Vanden Plas demonstrates that their progressive sensibilities translate seamlessly into intimate, acoustic settings, creating a compelling experience that resonates both with longtime fans and newcomers alike.

“AcCult II” Tracklist:

1. Far Off Grace
2. Holes In The Sky
3. The Ghost Experiment
4. Boat On The River
5. Healing Tree
6. Postcard To God
7. Nothing Else Matters
8. You Fly (Ft. John Helliwell)

Line Up:
Andy Kuntz -vocals
Stephan Lill – guitars
Andreas Lill – drums
Torsten Reichert – bass
Alessandro Del Vecchio – keyboards

Follow VANDEN PLAS:
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Bolan – Gargoyle of the Garden State

Veröffendlichung: 12.06.2026

Skid Rows Rachel Bolan kündigt sein allererstes Soloalbum „Gargoyle of the Garden State“ an – die Debütsingle „At War With Myself“ inklusive Video ist jetzt erhältlich!

BOLAN – „At War With Myself“ feat. Danko Jones
https://youtu.be/XUr4Fl9Dv58

Nach vier Jahrzehnten als treibende Kraft bei Skid Row tritt Bassist und Songwriter Rachel Bolan erstmals mit einem Soloalbum unter dem Namen BOLAN auf. „Gargoyle of the Garden State“ ist ein kraftvolles, zutiefst persönliches Debüt, geprägt vom rauen Charme, der Attitüde und der erzählerischen Tiefe seiner New-Jersey-Wurzeln.

Die erste Single „At War With Myself” feat. Danko Jones

Produziert von dem Grammy-Gewinner Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Skid Row, Rush, Evanescence, Alice In Chains). Was als einfaches Gespräch unter Freunden begann, entwickelte sich schnell zu einem Werk, das Bolans Stimme als Songwriter und Musiker maßgeblich definiert.

„Gargoyle of the Garden State“ ist kein Projekt, es ist ein Teil von mir“, sagt Bolan. „Genau wie ich, weiß es, wann es ernst sein muss und wo die Party stattfindet.“

Musikalisch bietet das Album eingängige, hymnische Songs, in denen Bolan die rohe Energie des Punk Rock mit starken Melodien verbindet. Ein besonderes Highlight ist das Cover von Oasis’ „Rock And Roll Star“, das er in seinem unverwechselbaren Stil neu interpretiert.

Über seine Rolle als Bassist hinaus spielt Bolan den Großteil der Instrumente selbst und formt das Album von Grund auf. Geprägt von Einflüssen aus Britpop und Glam bis hin zu Punk Rock und New Wave, spiegelt die Platte seine gesamte musikalische Laufbahn wider.

Mit dabei ist eine ganze Reihe enger Freunde und Weggefährten: seine Skid-Row-Bandkollegen Dave „Snake“ Sabo, Scotti Hill und Rob Hammersmith ebenso wie Corey Taylor, Danko Jones, Nuno Bettencourt, Damon Johnson und Steve Conte.

„Es war toll, mit so vielen talentierten Freunden zu arbeiten“, sagt Bolan. „Eine Erfahrung, die ich Jedem zumindest einmal im Leben wünschen würde.“

Im Kern zeigt „Gargoyle of the Garden State“ Bolan so ehrlich, wie nie zuvor. Ein Album voller Charakter, Melodie und Persönlichkeit, geprägt von jahrzehntelangen Einflüssen und zugleich so Bolan wie noch nie.

Formate:
CD Digipak
1LP Gatefold (black, 180g)

Track listing CD/LP:
total running time: 36:17 min
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