Info Regarding ordering Innerwish's and Ragenheart's new CD's

Many people request info regarding two noticable releases that were announced through this blog, so here we are again to make things simpler and easier for you!


Innerwish's "No Turning Back" is available for pre-order through Ulterium Records' shop. Price is 15.00$ without shipping rates. No checkout is needed, if you have a paypal id !! All you need is to follow this link: http://ulteriumstore.bigcartel.com/product/innerwish-no-turning-back






Ragenheart's self-titled debut CD is already out. You can buy it it now via paypal.com through Metal On Metal's shop! It comes in two editions: Regular Cd case and Special Tin Case Edition. Price for regular case is 14 Euro and Special Tin Case Edition costs 18.50 Euro (all above prices include postage + shipping rates worldwide). Here's the link: http://www.metal-on-metal.com/shop.html



Support the bands by ordering their releases!

Hedda – The Calm Before… EP review

Hedda – The Calm Before… EP (Independent Release)
If you are a US-Metal addict and you’re desperately looking for your daily dose of Americal Steel, then Hedda came to cover your needs. The band from Wisconsin was formed in 2007 by Bassist Jamie Mac and guitarist Kent Herman and began to compose songs for their debut release. On July 2008, Hedda began recording four songs for their first EP "The Calm Before…" and in 2009 the EP came out revealing to the Underground scene the abilities of the band. From the opening song “Never Yield” the band sends their message: Uncompromising, Us Power Metal with triumphant vocals, solid guitar sound and catchy melodic guitar lines. Another favourite of mine was the most melodic song of the EP, titled “Gypsy’s Kiss”. I am sure that Hedda will built their reputation fast since they have the talent to compose fine songs that continue the important Metal heritage that U.S.A. has established over the years. The band is currently offering a new song for free downloading at the following address: http://www.heddatheband.com/HEDDA-media.html and is working for a full-length album that will come out during 2010. The EP costs 5$ for digital downloading and 5$+plus postage if you want it on CD format. Band’s web-site: http://www.heddatheband.com/

Dimitris Starakis

Ragenheart ready to unleash their debut through Metal On Metal Records

Ragenheart's self titled debut is coming out on April 23, 2010 !

Check out the press release info from their Italian label, metal On Metal Records:

"..and the most recent addition to our roster, Greek RAGENHEART won us over with their superbly played melodic heavy/power metal with some prog metal elements, rooted in hard rock. They had released only 1 demo (in 2006), which garnered enthusiastic reviews from all over the world. Since then they've become a much tighter band and perfected their sound, so the debut album "Ragenheart" offers versatile and passionate music with a usually dark and epic mood, remarkable melodies, fantastic singer with great emotion and range and excellent performance by every musician, topped with clean and solid production. Their music should appeal to fans of CONCEPTION, RAINBOW, MAGNITUDE 9, DIO, EVERGREY, HEIR APPARENT, MYSTIC FORCE, CRIMSON GLORY, WHITESNAKE..."

Fibonacci Sequence – We Three Kings EP review

Fibonacci Sequence – We Three Kings EP
When it comes to instrumental music, I am always fond of bands that create it with passion! And this particular trio from Wisconsin does it with style! This two-song EP came out during Christmas, in order to spread the word for the band’s forthcoming debut, “Numerology” and it showcases clearly their great talent! Even though the compositions are lengthy, the songwriting is inspirational. Melody, musical expression and improvising guitar solos with fire blazing arpeggios that take the listener by storm when the band decides to “turn the electricity on”! I also love the bass work on these two songs, while Michael J. Butzen is a virtuoso guitarist that forces the listener to pay attention to his wonderful playing. Both songs, “We Three Kings” and “Neap Tide” are constantly in my playlist over the last month and it think that they deserve a place in yours too! It is so rare for an instrumental band to compose such wonderful pieces of music without a single dull moment and they made me also to anticipate for their full-length album! If Progressive Metal/Fusion/Improvising instrumental music meets your taste, then Fibonacci Sequence has it all. If you prefer music with vocals, give them a try and will catch yourself changing your beliefs quite soon! Check out their songs at http://www.myspace.com/fibonaccisequenceband and buy their EP through CDbaby.com or download the songs via iTunes.
Dimitris Starakis


 

 

In The Machine Interview and review of the song "Running"

In The Machine - Running (demo version)

How can someone be totally objective when he receives a new recording from one of his favorite singers? Corey Brown, known from his astonishing performances in bands like the unforgettable Psyco Drama and Magnitude 9, Section 16, Metro Society etc. is back again! In The Machine from Colorado is the latest hot name in the Power/Prog scene and they just released their very first song, titled “Running”, which is already on their mySpace profile. The demo version of the song took me by storm, since it’s solid, dark, crunchy and majestic at the same time! Corey is as grandiose as expected, giving a pompous tone to the wonderful song and really makes it a memorable composition. I really cannot wait for their songs to come and of course their debut album! Check their mySpace profile http://www.myspace.com/itmband and don’t forget to express your support to their talent. Maybe this is the most anticipated album of 2010!

Dimitris Starakis

I recently contacted the band in order to ask them for an interview and drummer Doug Brown was really kind to answer the questions and let us know more about In The Machine...

Tell me how you decided to form In The Machine?

In The Machine came together last fall. We'd all played together in different bands over the years and have been in the same scene for a long time. We've all been friends for awhile and it seems the planets were aligned for us to finally work together on something! Corey had expressed interest in wanting to do something a little different, and was no longer working with Section 16. The timing seemed right so I made a few calls. Within a few weeks the five of us were playing together and wrote a couple songs on the spot!

Why you chose that particular name?

We spent a good month or so pondering different names, and everyone came to the table with some pretty cool ideas. We really liked the idea of "Machine" because playing together felt like a well oiled machine. Things just seemed to click.

Describe to me your influences.

We have a variety of different influences in this group! Some we all share are Alice in Chains, Queensryche, Faith No More, Sevendust and Kings X.

Corey Brown happens to be one of my favorite singers! How lucky can a band feel to have such a gifted vocalist in its marks?

Corey has an amazing talent and I think we're all very psyched to be working with him! Of course he is an amazing vocalist, but he's also very involved in the songwriting process.

"Running” combines might with melody and it receives already positive feedback from Power/Prog enthusiasts. Have you recorded any other tracks as well?

We're actually in the process of recording the full length album! I believe the plan is to release a couple more tracks via the internet within the next couple months to give the fans some idea of what they can expect.

Are there any offers from record companies to release your songs? Do you also plan to give it a digital release?

Currently we're self producing the album. We're in a unique situation because one of our guitarists Eric Madrid owns and operates EHarmonic studios out here in Colorado. We're very fortunate because we're not under the usual stresses of a typical recording situation. We can focus on doing things the way we feel. We are shopping

the demos around and hope to secure a distribution deal once the full length album is done. We will also release it digitally!

You recently gave your first concert. Have you had any proposals to attend any big metal events?

The first show was amazing! We are in the process of booking some pretty big shows and would love to play some of the metal festivals like Prog Power.

When shall we expect your debut release?

The plan is to have the full length album done by the end of this summer/early fall (2010)

How difficult is it for a Power/Prog band to survive in the metal scene?

I think most Power/Prog fans are some of the most loyal and devoted people I've ever met. When they find something they like they support you and make the effort to come to the shows and buy the albums even if it is something hard to find. That's what keeps it alive. In terms of current trends it can be difficult at times to get the music out there, especially in America. But I think alot of people are starting to come around and some of the newer mainstream bands have progressive elements. Musicianship is starting to be appreciated again.

Which current releases do you listen to nowadays?

I know the band has been listening to the latest Alice In Chains record "Black Gives Way to Blue" quite a bit. I've also been listening to the latest Queensryche album "American Soldier". The latest Kings X album rocks, and I'm looking forward to new Sevendust.

Add anything you may want.

For the latest news on IN THE MACHINE visit

www.myspace.com/itmband

www.itmband.com

http://signmeto.roadrunnerrecords.com/inthemachine

IN THE MACHINE:

COREY BROWN: Vocals

JSIN ELLIOTT: Guitars

ERIC MADRID: Guitars

IAN RINGLER: 12 String Bass

DOUG BROWN: Drums, Vocals

Innerwish signs with Ulterium Records

Ulterium Records are very proud to announce the signing of the Greek melodic power metal band Innerwish to the label. The bands new album "No turning back" will be released May 28th in Europe and North America. The mixing of the album was done by Fredrik Nordstrφm [In Flames, Hammerfall, Dimmu Borgir] at Studio Fredman, and mastering was handled by Mika Jussila [Nightwish, Children of Bodom, Stratovarius] at Finnvox Studios.'

"No turning back" track listing:

01. The signs of our lives

02. Chosen one

03 Burning desires

04. No turning back

05. Sirens

06. Save us

07. Last breath

08. Lawmaker

09. Welcome to my world

10 Kingdom of the prime

11. Full of lust

12. Live for my own

Head over to the bands official myspace profile to check out the entire opening-track "The signs of our lives" as well as some more samples from the album: www.myspace.com/innerwish

Innerwish are confirmed to perform at this year's edition of Brainstorm Festival http://www.brainstormfestival.com/ in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, and a tour of Greece is planned for early June.

Schubert's "Ave Maria"by Steve Shannon

Gifted guitarist Steve Shannon just uploaded on youtube.com his rendition of Franz Shubert's "Ave Maria". Check it out and support his efforts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7seCd_t2HAM
http://www.facebook.com/steveshannonnetwork
http://www.myspace.com/steveshannon

Dofka – Humanity Bleak CD review

Dofka – Humanity Bleak CD (World Nations Records)
Yes, it’s true. West Virginia-based metallers have been preparing the ground with some live shows in the area and their new album is finally out. It’s been 20 (!) years since “Toxic Wasteland” was out and in the meantime Jim offered us very few but marvellous pieces of Metal music such as the unrepeatable, extraordinary Psycho Scream project (with Tim Aymar) on vocals. Jim still is in my humble opinion one of the most innovative virtuosos of our beloved music since he always maintain his style but manages at the same time to create original music with fluent technique. I could write endless line’s on Jim’s guitar playing since he had a tremendous impact on me throughout the years. However, the new album, “Humanity Bleak” was not a pleasant surprise for me. I realised the new Dofka CD follows a current direction in their style that doesn’t appeal to me. I am reffering to the mixture of death growl vocals that are mixed in most of the songs with clean and melodic ones. Dofka’s new singer Andrew D'Cagna has a fine melodic voice, but when he starts his guttural vocals the whole image is destroyed. And it’s a pity since thankfully the CD contains some songs that doesn’t include this “mix-to-match” vocal situation like the wonderful “Tragedy Remains” a few growls doesn’t ruin this great song), the splendid "World On Fire”, "Blood Runs Black" (outstanding mid-tempo hymn!) and the self-titled song (just listen to what kind of brilliant riff Jim composed here!) . These above mentioned songs show to us that Andrew’s voice is fine and doesn’t need growl vocals to spoil the whole picture. On the other hand, a Power Metal hymn like the song “Second God” left me with mixed emotions since on the chorus, the death metal vocals didn’t really let me to enjoy to the max the outstanding guitar work that Jim did once again. Jim Dofka’s solos are truly out of this world since his musical intelligence is proved here once again! But in songs like “Immaculate Lie” the death metal vocals truly doesn’t bring out the grandiose music that Jim created. I am writing this review as a long time Dofka fan and not as a reviewer. I long for the day that Dofka follow a clean vocal direction, since that is the way that will unleash their enormous talent. Andrew has the ability to sing properly so this line up has the ability to grow the Dofka franchise. If only they put aside the death metal vocals direction…

Dimitris Starakis

Crystal Tears reveal release info concerning their new album, "Generation X"

EAN: 4260158170885

Cat. No.: 7H-033-2

Label: 7Hard

Title: Generation X

Artist: Crystal Tears

Produced by: R. D. Liapakis(MYSTIC PROPHECY, FIREWIND, ELDRITCH, CHASTAIN etc.)Recorded, mixed & mastered by: R. D. Liapakis and Christian Schmid(MYSTIC PROPHECY, FIREWIND, ELDRITCH, CHASTAIN etc.)

Genre: Melodic/Power Metal

Type: CD-Album

Release: 18th June 2010

Distribution: H'art-G.A.S./7Hard-world / Underclass-France / Soundforge-Greece / Andromeda-Italy / Cargo Records-UK & Europe

For promo requests and interviews, email: aw@7promo.de

TRACKLISTING
01. The X Generation (3:38)

02. Empty Paradise (4:25)

03. Heroes (3:37)

04. Inner Spirit (4:42)

05. Crystal Tears (4:03)

06. Nightmare Serenade (4:57)

07. Flesh ‘N’ Bone (4:48)

08. Predators (3:41)

09. Rock Until We Fall (4:29)

10. In The Beginning (4:05)

cd band Line-up/Credits

Ian Parry - vocals(HAMMERHEAD, VENGEANCE, ELEGY, ANDRE ANDERSEN, guest in AYREON)

Dimitris Goutziamanis - guitar

Stratos Dionisopoulos - bass

Chrisafis Tantanozis - drums

Produced by: R. D. Liapakis(MYSTIC PROPHECY, FIREWIND, ELDRITCH, CHASTAIN etc.)Recorded, mixed & mastered by: R. D. Liapakis and Christian Schmid(MYSTIC PROPHECY, FIREWIND, ELDRITCH, CHASTAIN etc.)Cover artwork & booklet design by: Meran "Darkmouth" Karanitant(SIX FEET UNDER, HATEBREED, LEAVE'S EYES, SODOM etc.)

Video directed & outdoor photography by: Dimitris Evgenidis.

All music by: Chrisafis Tantanozis

All lyrics by: Ian Parry apart from “Rock Until We Fall” by: Chrisafis Tantanozis

Facts:- Melodic metal of the highest class, with a monster line up- Feat. Ian Parry on vocals (HAMMERHEAD, VENGEANCE, ELEGY, ANDRE ANDERSEN, guest in AYREON)- Produced by: R. D. Liapakis (MYSTIC PROPHECY, FIREWIND, ELDRITCH, CHASTAIN etc.)- Recorded, mixed & mastered by: R. D. Liapakis and Christian Schmid (MYSTIC PROPHECY, FIREWIND, ELDRITCH, CHASTAIN etc.)- Cover artwork & booklet design by: Meran "Darkmouth" Karanitant (SIX FEET UNDER, HATEBREED, LEAVE'S EYES, SODOM)
Planning:- Heavy promotion campaign (radio, print media, online media, video and additional footage)- Rock It Magazine ¼ Anzeige + Soundcheck- Metal Hammer Heft CD + Soundcheck- Rock Hard Anzeige + Soundcheck- Interviews and features in print an online media- Club shows and festival gigs in 2010 all over Europe- Rock/metal print magazine, webzines, radios, TV worldwide- Videoclip is ready “Nightmare Serenade”- Video placing: inStore TV McDonalds, Burger King Kingchannel, Putpat TV- and much more, stay tuned!References:www.myspace.com/crystaltearsgr

http://www.7hard.com/

www.myspace.com/rdliapakis

http://www.ianparry.com/

www.myspace.com/ianparrytheartist

http://www.darkmouth.com/

www.myspace.com/karanitant

http://www.music-factory.eu/

www.myspace.com/musicfactory_studio

Highlights:
* Upcoming: Rock It Magazine ¼ Anzeige + Soundcheck * Upcoming: Metal Hammer Heft CD + Soundcheck * Upcoming: Rock Hard Anzeige + Soundcheck * Upcoming: Cover Page inHard Magazine, Interview, SC * Upcoming: Heavy Magazine Soundcheck * Ready: Full Video Clip “Nightmare Serenade” * Tour, CD release CD party / Greece / Location: t.b.a.

Promotion:Print & Online Promotion: Axel Wiesenauer, R. D. Liapakis, TSM, MelodicaRadio-Promotion: Axel Wiesenauer, R. D. Liapakis, TSM, MelodicaTV-Promotion: Axel Wiesenauer, R. D. Liapakis, TSM, Melodica

The new album:

The new CRYSTAL TEARS album is a cleverly written assortment of metal and rock classics revolving around various lyrical topics and themes, a boiling pot of ideas ranging from reality to fiction. The songs are structured around drummer and founding member Chrisafis Tantanozis; a hybrid of melodic metal music with heavy detuned guitars, speed double bass-drums and power hard rock anthems sealed together by an array of modernized melodic power vocals from a vocalist with a huge range and a strong personality differing from all power metal singers around, Ian Parry (ex-ELEGY, who also paid the guys a visit several times to shot their debut video clip, do a couple of photo sessions and other promotional activities). CRYSTAL TEARS have set their horizons towards the international stage working under the full guidance of metal producer/singer R. D. Liapakis (MYSTIC PROPHECY), who was the mastermind for delivering an album with a sound of their own.

The background: Established in late ‘90s, after three demo CDs, their first official release was unleashed through German Pure Steel records in 2006. Some of the band’s highlights are the appearances with JAG PANZER, RIOT and W.A.S.P. and their co-operations with illustrators Joe Petagno (MOTORHEAD, LED ZEPPELIN, ALICE COOPER, PINK FLOYD etc.) and Meran “Darkmouth” Karanitant (SIX FEET UNDER, HATEBREED, DIMMU BORGIR, IN FLAMES, SODOM etc.), producer R. D. Liapakis (MYSTIC PROPHECY, FIREWIND, CHASTAIN, ELDRITCH etc.) and Grammy nominated producer Chris Tsangarides (JUDAS PRIEST, THIN LIZZY, GARY MOORE, DEPECHE MODE, IAN GILLAN, OZZY OSBOURNE, BRUCE DICKINSON, HELLOWEEN, MALMSTEEN etc.). For work samplers, please, advise the links below.

The epilogue: CRYSTAL TEARS are famous for their live appearances and their dedication to music. Having being reviewed, interviewed and referred by the Greek official Press and globally quite often, the band tries hard to earn a place among the pantheon of rock world.

Contact:
Axel Wiesenauere Mail: aw@7promo.de
7Hardc/o 7us media group

GmbHMarkstr. 1271364 Winnenden

Germany
Fon: +49-7195-9078083Fax: +49-7195-9078079
Web: http://www.7hard.com/

John Lutzow from Leviathan reveals that Leviathan will stay alive afteir their brand new release!

13 years after their last studio effort, entitled “Scoring The Chapters”, one of the most charismatic US Power/Progressive Metal bands return with a live CD/DVD. Leviathan from Colorado, have just released their first live album, “Resurrected” and guitarist John Lutzow, reveals more details concerning the release but also the band’s future.

How did the Leviathan reunion come about?

The live shows were basically a natural progression for us to go back in time and attempt to begin again where we left off when we went our separate ways in 1998. The last "Braver Since Then" record we did brought Trevor Helfer back into the band with Derek Blake and I. Ron Skeen and I have remained in contact with each other after the Leviathan break up. I have asked him to come record with us or play out many times. He always turned us down until we found Jeff Ward. It was very difficult to track him down. He had moved back to Texas with his family. I found a phone number for his dad and was able to get a message to him. From that point on it wasn't about a live DVD or anything. It was mainly just to record together again for a new studio album. Live performances or rehearsals are obviously difficult when the band members live thousands of miles apart. So for a band like us just getting to play with great musicians again was the main motivation. I feel Leviathan finally had reached the pinnacle in our band chemistry and talent on our Scoring the Chapters album. I just wanted to experience what we could do now if given the chance. You don't find those connections very easily in life so it was worth twelve years of waiting to get to play as Leviathan again. So we are working on the new album and that will be a continuation of where we left off.

What does the new DVD/CD contain?

The DVD portion of the set contains the full live concert, bonus tracks and a photo collage of the history of leviathan. I wanted to add many more things to the disk but ran out of space on a single layer DVD. The budget did not allow me to do everything I wanted so I have many extras for a future release to friends that want to see more. The CD only contains the live songs. I only chose to put the CD in the package as a bonus. It is more a supplement to the DVD. Making the DVD was the most time consuming project I have ever worked on. It was a learning experience. I think once I got it done I finally was getting a grasp on how to work with editing and syncing everything together. Once again. I wish I could do it all over again. Next time, maybe?

Tell me your impressions from your live gigs? Did you have a chance to meet old friends and fans of the band?

The whole week we did the live shows seems like a blur and a dream. It all happened so fast. Jeff flew in from Texas on a Wednesday. We practiced that night with the band. That was our first full band practice since 1998. The next day we played a private show at Vikan auditorium and began recording. On Friday, we opened up the doors for a free all ages show. This was a big deal for us. I don't think Leviathan ever got to play more than a handful of All ages shows through out the years. Giving our families a chance to see us play was a major reason for doing all of this. We recorded most of the audio that went to the live set, that night. The next night was our show at the Buffalo Rose. The Saturday show is where we filmed most of the video that went into the set. Sunday morning Jeff flew back to Texas. It was a very busy week for sure.
It was great getting to see each others families. After we broke up, many of us quit playing music for a while so our families never got to see us play. All of our children got to finally see us play. They finally saw the reality of what their dads did with music. That part of it was worth the whole thing. People came out that I hadn't seen in ten to fifteen years. There was even a few people that drove in from other states to see us. It was like a family reunion or something.

Do you plan to give more concerts in the near future?

I would love to play more shows. We are playing a DVD release show locally here on April 10th. It will be a Leviathan/ Braver Since then show. Jeff can't make the show because of school so Derek and I will be singing lead on the Leviathan songs. Ron will be playing with us so that will be fun. The only problem to playing more shows as Leviathan is overcoming our geographic distance hurdle and scheduling. Jeff and I both are in school and work full time. Ron runs his anodizing shop and a motorcycle racing business. Derek and Trevor both work full time and have families. Derek and I have always talked about going to Europe and playing acoustic shows if it wasn't possible for the whole band to go. So no matter what, I will come to Europe next year after I graduate. Leviathan really wants to play some of the music festivals next summer, but the money isn't there for us to be able to pay for it. We are hoping to find a label that will believe in us enough to give us a chance to play where we sell most of our music. That is Germany, Greece and Japan.

Give us details on how can someone order your new release and also the names of some shops and distributors.

Anybody interested in purchasing the DVD set can buy it direct from the band. Contact us at inkpenexor@msn.com. The price is $15 US. Shipping is included. They can pay via PAYPAL. The distributors that have order product from me so far are Hellion Records, No Remorse, Pure Steel and Laser's Edge. The Set is also available at CDBABY.com and Digstation.com.

Many fans of yours want to know if you plan to work together for a studio album.

Yes, we are working on the new album right now. All the songs are already written. The whole Reunion thing has really been an inspiration for me. Once I had to start learning our old songs again it really put things into perspective for me as a song writer. The old songs took me back to where I was as a musician and song writer and woke me up to where I need to be. Within a few months of learning the old songs I had written three brand new songs. These songs are the heaviest and most technical songs I have ever played. So for the new album I am trying to do the recording process differently than I have in the past. All of the Braver Since Then albums I have recorded over the last decade have just been studio albums. We recorded them, then once the CD was finished we learned how to perform them for live shows. Now, we are trying to go back to the old days when we would be playing all of the songs as a band then recording them. I have done rough demos of my songs so that the rest of the band can learn what I am doing and establish their parts. Many of the songs will be sent to Jeff without the lyrics structured so that he can arrange the vocals the way he wants. This is a very big departure for me. In the past I used to do everything myself and hand everyone a finished song. A couple of Ron's songs for the new album were tunes we used to play as Leviathan in the beginning, back in the early nineties. These songs were never really recorded or released.
The new Leviathan CD will take over right where we left off after Scoring the Chapters. I promise fans it will be heavier, more technical than anything we have ever done. I will be posting updates for the new album as they happen on our web site. http://www.leviathanresurrected.com/

Dimitris, Thanks for helping us reach former Leviathan fans and hopefully some new ones.

Dimitris Starakis