The Tracii Gunns version of LA GUNS plan to release a new album next year that will include re-recorded songs and new tracks.
DURAN DURAN have confirmed that the track they recently recorded in collaboration with Justin Timberlake will be included on their forthcoming album, which also features three tracks produced by hip-hop producer Timbaland, and is expected to be released sometime next year.
NEAL MORSE releases his new solo album on 1st March and PAUL GILBERT guests.
MALICE have reunited with original members Mick Zane, Jay Reynolds, and Mark Behn recruiting singer Brian Allen (Last Empire) and drummer Pete Holmes (Black 'N Blue).
Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda says fans should expect something a bit different when the group releases its third album next year. "There is an element to the album that will be familiar to people simply because it's the same guys making the music," he tells Billboard.com. "But at the same time, these guys have grown up quite a bit, and we definitely have a different mind state about making songs.
"Most importantly, we want to make stuff that's hopefully cutting edge and different," he continues. "I feel like we did what we wanted to do with 'Hybrid Theory' and 'Meteora,' and now it's time to step outside the box and try something new."
Cherry Red Records release an unofficial BABYS album this month.
REO SPEEDWAGON plan to release some new tunes on their website plus reveal the new album’s title later this month.
KISS & DEF LEPPARD could possibly tour the US together next year.
AARMOPURED SAINT frontman John Bush has a new role. He's doing voiceovers for Burger King TV commercials in America.
PRESS RELEASES
DOMAIN news –
The band based around guitarist and producer Axel Ritt announces the exit of bassplayer Jochen Mayer and singer Carsten Schulz by their own request, shortly after the release of the new album "Stardawn" (LMP/SPV). Domain wish Jochen and Carsten all the best for their future projects.
Without hesitation, the band is raring to go for the next round. Domain proudly presents Chity Somapala (Ex-Firewind, Avalon, Faro) on vocals und Steven Wussow (Shylock) on bass-guitar as the new line-up. For the first time, the new band will perform Dec. 30th at the "End Of Dayz" - Festival in Pratteln, Switzerland. Some of the new songs of the "Stardawn" album will be played as well.
Additionally, the tour plannings for spring 2007 commenced to advance the well started sales of the new album. In the run-up, an extraordinary meeting has been arranged. Original composer Chris de Burgh and his management were that enthused about the coverversion of "Don't Pay The Ferryman" (contained at the album Stardawn) that they invited the band for a personal meeting / fotoshooting at the Festhalle Frankfurt show 24th November.
GIG NEWS
BRYAN ADAMS
JANUARY
5 - Biloxi, MS Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
6 - Tunica, MS Horseshoe Casino
7 - Florence, IN Belterra Casino
10 - New York, NY - venue to be confirmed
12 - Norwich, CT Foxwoods Casino
13 - Atlantic City, NJ Borgota Event Center
MARCH
23 - Mazdapalace - Milan
24 - Palasport - Padova
25 - Palaonda - Bolzano
27 - Palalottomatica - Rome
28 - Palarossini - Ancona
29 - Geneva, Switzerland
30 - Zurich, Switzerland
31 - Gridelwald Snowpen Air, Switzerland
MAY
4 - Dublin, The Point
5 - Belfast, The Odyssey
7 - Glasgow, SECC
8 - Manchester, MEN Arena
9 - Birmingham, NEC Arena
10 & 11 - London, Wembley Arena
12 - Sheffield, Sheffield Arena
BRYAN FERRY
MARCH
1 - Carlisle Sands Centre
3 - Dundee Caird Hall
4 - Clyde Auditorium
5 - Edinburgh Playhouse
7 - The Sage Gateshead
8 - Symphony Hall Birmingham
10 - Bridgewater Hall Manchester
11 - Sheffield City Hall
13 - Nottingham Royal Centre
14 - London Royal Albert Hall
16 - Bristol Colston Hall
19 - Ipswich Regent Theatre
20 - The Dome Theatre Brighton
22 - Harrogate International Centre
23 - Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
REVIEWS
DEPECHE MODE ‘Some Great Reward’ Sire/Rhino (2006)
Released back in 1984 this album is regarded as one of the band’s strongest releases amongst fans. This re-release is re-mastered with a DVD including the album in 5.1 surround sound – electronic music like this was made for surround sound. Plus there is live footgae from the band’s gigs in Basel and Liverpool in 1984 and if this wasn’t enough three additional tracks, including the rather good ‘In Your Memory’. The album included the hit singles ‘People Are People’ (listen to this now and you can see where the Pet Shop Boys got some their sound from!), ‘Master and Servant’ and ‘Blasphemous Rumours’. The piano led ‘Somebody’ is another highlight aside form the singles. Nicely packaged too boot, making this a ‘must have’ classic album for fans of electronic rock music and one that has stood the test of time.
****
Jason Ritchie
MEATLOAF ‘Bat Out Of Hell 3 – The Monster Is Loose’ Virgin (2006) www.meatloaf.net
He’s back with another Bat Out Of Hell release, although this time Desmond Child is in the production seat with Jim Steinman still popping-up on a few songs as lyricist. In fact Meatloaf continues to be a environmentally sound musician recycling old songs with ‘Bad For Good’ (first featured on Jim Steinman’s solo album of the same title) and the Pandora’s Box tune ‘It’s All Coming Back To Me Now’ amongst the four songs on here recorded previously by other artists. Overall it is as you would expect – big production, layers of vocals, lots of guitars and Meatloaf in fine, theatrical voice. There are some real show stoppers on here like ‘It’s All Coming Back To Me Now’, with Marion Raven on co-vocals (what a find she is!) and Brian May lends his unmistakable sound to the rocker ‘Bad For Good’. Meatloaf evens ventures into nu metal sounds on ‘The Monster Is Loose’, whilst the heart wrenching ballads are in place with ‘Cry Over Me’ and ‘If God Could Talk’. ‘Blind As A Bat’ written by Desmond Child proves there is life after Jim Steinman, possibly the best song under the Meatloaf banner for a long time.
This is theatrical rock at its best as you could easily imagine each song being performed in a stage show and Meatloaf has lost none of his vocal prowess. It’s not ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ but then again I doubt he would ever achieve that again. That said it will delight his fans and hopefully win some new ones as nearly all of the music on here could gain airplay.
****1/2
Jason Ritchie
TALLADEGA
Up From Beneath
Cinquanta / Fading Ways Music CCM001
This power pop / anthemic guitar pop album was recorded in 2004 and finally sees the light of day.
The band centres around the talents of singer/guitarist Stewart Whitehead and bassist Sean Bettam.
Opener “To The Ocean” features a pop like Iron Maiden feel, while “Oh Lord I Know” is more typical of late 80s / mid 90s indie pop, bolstered by a strumming acoustic rhythm guitar.
Touches of an MOR Simple Minds or Big Country, some pleasant tunes, more mature than most guitar pop bands around at the moment.
3/5
Joe Geesin
SENSES FAIL
Still Searching
Vagrant VRUK039COX
Take the indie pop of Green Day and U2, and give it a power metal edge. That’s Senses Fail! Yes it’s heavy, powerful, hard, crunchy, but the riffs more akin to what some guitar pop bands are producing, so on one level it works but it does a little odd with it. Some hardcore vocals work OK too. And the metal guitar solos stand out, there’s a touch of Maiden to the solo in “Sick Or Sane”.
When they rock out, it’s actually quite good (the intro to “Shark Attack”), the guitar pop mix is OK, but in places (including “Calling All Cars”) it’s just a little too cliché of the trendy approach to guitar pop.
A funny mix, but OK with it.
3/5
Joe Geesin
UNDEROATH
In Regards To Myself (single)
Virgin
The opening track to their successful Define The Great Line album, this single is a powerful almost extreme track, with forced vocals and noisy guitar in an indie-metal way. Deep bass, and a siren like lead guitar.
It’s ok, but a little disjointed, bit messy, haphazard. I guess that’s what some like in their metal these days.
2.5/5
Joe Geesin
SYSTEM SHOCK
Escape
Mausoleum 251079
Swedish death/doom metal with keyboards, adding a progressive and gothic edge to this extreme sound.
This is the band’s second album, and a concept one too. The rhythms and vocals are extreme, growling, while the guitar ranges from doom to smooth metal solos, and the keyboards nicely layered.
“Engine Failure” is a stand out, with a keyboard intro, super heavy guitars and vocals, and machine gun drums.
An interesting mix, and the booklet features a note under each track to tell out the story.
A good and well worked concept.
3.5/5
Joe Geesin
POD
Greatest Hits (The Atlantic Years)
Rhino
Payable On Death, so it says on the sleeve, this extreme urban metal album (or rap metal some might say), and yes there are similarities with a more polished Body Count, features quick fire vocals with crunchy noisy riffs, and a nod at grunge with attitude.
I’m sure tracks like “Southtown”, “Going Blind”, “Roots In Stereo” and the heavy “Alive” will please fans, and act as a good introduction, but it’s all rather samey to me.
2.5/5
Joe Geesin
The ANDERSON MILLS PROJECT
Crank It Up
Z Records
Featuring vocalist Tony Mills and multi-instrumentalist Linkan Andersson, this hard rock album features some excellent rock vocals, layered harmonies too. Interesting riff on the opening title track, and drum rhythm too, but it’s a little muddy throughout.
“Skin And Blood” continues in a similar vein, the muddled mess of the rhythm sound (is it the production?) sounding like a dent in the speaker cone. Some decent guitar work though, in a rock’n’roll fashion. Other songs add a touch of heavy U2.
Throughout the album there are some good moments, good songs, good vocals, some excellent guitar, but the muddled sound makes a lot of it sound samey and disjointed.
2.5/5
Joe Geesin
DURAN DURAN have confirmed that the track they recently recorded in collaboration with Justin Timberlake will be included on their forthcoming album, which also features three tracks produced by hip-hop producer Timbaland, and is expected to be released sometime next year.
NEAL MORSE releases his new solo album on 1st March and PAUL GILBERT guests.
MALICE have reunited with original members Mick Zane, Jay Reynolds, and Mark Behn recruiting singer Brian Allen (Last Empire) and drummer Pete Holmes (Black 'N Blue).
Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda says fans should expect something a bit different when the group releases its third album next year. "There is an element to the album that will be familiar to people simply because it's the same guys making the music," he tells Billboard.com. "But at the same time, these guys have grown up quite a bit, and we definitely have a different mind state about making songs.
"Most importantly, we want to make stuff that's hopefully cutting edge and different," he continues. "I feel like we did what we wanted to do with 'Hybrid Theory' and 'Meteora,' and now it's time to step outside the box and try something new."
Cherry Red Records release an unofficial BABYS album this month.
REO SPEEDWAGON plan to release some new tunes on their website plus reveal the new album’s title later this month.
KISS & DEF LEPPARD could possibly tour the US together next year.
AARMOPURED SAINT frontman John Bush has a new role. He's doing voiceovers for Burger King TV commercials in America.
PRESS RELEASES
DOMAIN news –
The band based around guitarist and producer Axel Ritt announces the exit of bassplayer Jochen Mayer and singer Carsten Schulz by their own request, shortly after the release of the new album "Stardawn" (LMP/SPV). Domain wish Jochen and Carsten all the best for their future projects.
Without hesitation, the band is raring to go for the next round. Domain proudly presents Chity Somapala (Ex-Firewind, Avalon, Faro) on vocals und Steven Wussow (Shylock) on bass-guitar as the new line-up. For the first time, the new band will perform Dec. 30th at the "End Of Dayz" - Festival in Pratteln, Switzerland. Some of the new songs of the "Stardawn" album will be played as well.
Additionally, the tour plannings for spring 2007 commenced to advance the well started sales of the new album. In the run-up, an extraordinary meeting has been arranged. Original composer Chris de Burgh and his management were that enthused about the coverversion of "Don't Pay The Ferryman" (contained at the album Stardawn) that they invited the band for a personal meeting / fotoshooting at the Festhalle Frankfurt show 24th November.
GIG NEWS
BRYAN ADAMS
JANUARY
5 - Biloxi, MS Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
6 - Tunica, MS Horseshoe Casino
7 - Florence, IN Belterra Casino
10 - New York, NY - venue to be confirmed
12 - Norwich, CT Foxwoods Casino
13 - Atlantic City, NJ Borgota Event Center
MARCH
23 - Mazdapalace - Milan
24 - Palasport - Padova
25 - Palaonda - Bolzano
27 - Palalottomatica - Rome
28 - Palarossini - Ancona
29 - Geneva, Switzerland
30 - Zurich, Switzerland
31 - Gridelwald Snowpen Air, Switzerland
MAY
4 - Dublin, The Point
5 - Belfast, The Odyssey
7 - Glasgow, SECC
8 - Manchester, MEN Arena
9 - Birmingham, NEC Arena
10 & 11 - London, Wembley Arena
12 - Sheffield, Sheffield Arena
BRYAN FERRY
MARCH
1 - Carlisle Sands Centre
3 - Dundee Caird Hall
4 - Clyde Auditorium
5 - Edinburgh Playhouse
7 - The Sage Gateshead
8 - Symphony Hall Birmingham
10 - Bridgewater Hall Manchester
11 - Sheffield City Hall
13 - Nottingham Royal Centre
14 - London Royal Albert Hall
16 - Bristol Colston Hall
19 - Ipswich Regent Theatre
20 - The Dome Theatre Brighton
22 - Harrogate International Centre
23 - Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
REVIEWS
DEPECHE MODE ‘Some Great Reward’ Sire/Rhino (2006)
Released back in 1984 this album is regarded as one of the band’s strongest releases amongst fans. This re-release is re-mastered with a DVD including the album in 5.1 surround sound – electronic music like this was made for surround sound. Plus there is live footgae from the band’s gigs in Basel and Liverpool in 1984 and if this wasn’t enough three additional tracks, including the rather good ‘In Your Memory’. The album included the hit singles ‘People Are People’ (listen to this now and you can see where the Pet Shop Boys got some their sound from!), ‘Master and Servant’ and ‘Blasphemous Rumours’. The piano led ‘Somebody’ is another highlight aside form the singles. Nicely packaged too boot, making this a ‘must have’ classic album for fans of electronic rock music and one that has stood the test of time.
****
Jason Ritchie
MEATLOAF ‘Bat Out Of Hell 3 – The Monster Is Loose’ Virgin (2006) www.meatloaf.net
He’s back with another Bat Out Of Hell release, although this time Desmond Child is in the production seat with Jim Steinman still popping-up on a few songs as lyricist. In fact Meatloaf continues to be a environmentally sound musician recycling old songs with ‘Bad For Good’ (first featured on Jim Steinman’s solo album of the same title) and the Pandora’s Box tune ‘It’s All Coming Back To Me Now’ amongst the four songs on here recorded previously by other artists. Overall it is as you would expect – big production, layers of vocals, lots of guitars and Meatloaf in fine, theatrical voice. There are some real show stoppers on here like ‘It’s All Coming Back To Me Now’, with Marion Raven on co-vocals (what a find she is!) and Brian May lends his unmistakable sound to the rocker ‘Bad For Good’. Meatloaf evens ventures into nu metal sounds on ‘The Monster Is Loose’, whilst the heart wrenching ballads are in place with ‘Cry Over Me’ and ‘If God Could Talk’. ‘Blind As A Bat’ written by Desmond Child proves there is life after Jim Steinman, possibly the best song under the Meatloaf banner for a long time.
This is theatrical rock at its best as you could easily imagine each song being performed in a stage show and Meatloaf has lost none of his vocal prowess. It’s not ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ but then again I doubt he would ever achieve that again. That said it will delight his fans and hopefully win some new ones as nearly all of the music on here could gain airplay.
****1/2
Jason Ritchie
TALLADEGA
Up From Beneath
Cinquanta / Fading Ways Music CCM001
This power pop / anthemic guitar pop album was recorded in 2004 and finally sees the light of day.
The band centres around the talents of singer/guitarist Stewart Whitehead and bassist Sean Bettam.
Opener “To The Ocean” features a pop like Iron Maiden feel, while “Oh Lord I Know” is more typical of late 80s / mid 90s indie pop, bolstered by a strumming acoustic rhythm guitar.
Touches of an MOR Simple Minds or Big Country, some pleasant tunes, more mature than most guitar pop bands around at the moment.
3/5
Joe Geesin
SENSES FAIL
Still Searching
Vagrant VRUK039COX
Take the indie pop of Green Day and U2, and give it a power metal edge. That’s Senses Fail! Yes it’s heavy, powerful, hard, crunchy, but the riffs more akin to what some guitar pop bands are producing, so on one level it works but it does a little odd with it. Some hardcore vocals work OK too. And the metal guitar solos stand out, there’s a touch of Maiden to the solo in “Sick Or Sane”.
When they rock out, it’s actually quite good (the intro to “Shark Attack”), the guitar pop mix is OK, but in places (including “Calling All Cars”) it’s just a little too cliché of the trendy approach to guitar pop.
A funny mix, but OK with it.
3/5
Joe Geesin
UNDEROATH
In Regards To Myself (single)
Virgin
The opening track to their successful Define The Great Line album, this single is a powerful almost extreme track, with forced vocals and noisy guitar in an indie-metal way. Deep bass, and a siren like lead guitar.
It’s ok, but a little disjointed, bit messy, haphazard. I guess that’s what some like in their metal these days.
2.5/5
Joe Geesin
SYSTEM SHOCK
Escape
Mausoleum 251079
Swedish death/doom metal with keyboards, adding a progressive and gothic edge to this extreme sound.
This is the band’s second album, and a concept one too. The rhythms and vocals are extreme, growling, while the guitar ranges from doom to smooth metal solos, and the keyboards nicely layered.
“Engine Failure” is a stand out, with a keyboard intro, super heavy guitars and vocals, and machine gun drums.
An interesting mix, and the booklet features a note under each track to tell out the story.
A good and well worked concept.
3.5/5
Joe Geesin
POD
Greatest Hits (The Atlantic Years)
Rhino
Payable On Death, so it says on the sleeve, this extreme urban metal album (or rap metal some might say), and yes there are similarities with a more polished Body Count, features quick fire vocals with crunchy noisy riffs, and a nod at grunge with attitude.
I’m sure tracks like “Southtown”, “Going Blind”, “Roots In Stereo” and the heavy “Alive” will please fans, and act as a good introduction, but it’s all rather samey to me.
2.5/5
Joe Geesin
The ANDERSON MILLS PROJECT
Crank It Up
Z Records
Featuring vocalist Tony Mills and multi-instrumentalist Linkan Andersson, this hard rock album features some excellent rock vocals, layered harmonies too. Interesting riff on the opening title track, and drum rhythm too, but it’s a little muddy throughout.
“Skin And Blood” continues in a similar vein, the muddled mess of the rhythm sound (is it the production?) sounding like a dent in the speaker cone. Some decent guitar work though, in a rock’n’roll fashion. Other songs add a touch of heavy U2.
Throughout the album there are some good moments, good songs, good vocals, some excellent guitar, but the muddled sound makes a lot of it sound samey and disjointed.
2.5/5
Joe Geesin
posted by JasonR @ 4:39 AM
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