Contents Issue 28 September - October 2008: 04 Bob Catley 06 Honeymoon Suite 07 Joe Lynn Turner 08 Eclipse 09 Silent Call 11 Reviews
- The most important releases of Hard Rock and AOR music that you will find in your favourite music stores during the next months.
15 Shadowman 16 Driver 17 Night Ranger 19 Ramos / Hugo 21 Crown Of Thorns
Melodic Rock Fanzine The Official Frontiers Records Newsletter
September - October 2008 Issue 28
November 7, 2008: - THUNDER: “Bang” - JIMI JAMISON:
Editor-in-chief: Primo Bonali Executive Editor: Elio Bordi Writers: Bruce E.J. Atkinson, Rob “Ezy” Bone, Primo Bonali, Duncan Jamieson, Barry McMinn, Marco Spaeth.
“Crossroads Moment - TESLA: “Forever More”
_______________
Main Office: Frontiers Records - Via Gonzaga 18 - 80125 Napoli - Italy Tel: +39.081.2399340/7753 - Fax: +39.081.2399794 email: info@frontiers.it
_______________ Chief Editorial Office: email: info@metal-force.com
_______________ Editor and Publisher: Frontiers Records
December 5, 2008: - WHITE LION: “Live at the Bang Your Head Festival” DVD - CHINE B L U E : “Twilight Of Destiny” - ROBERT BERRY: “Divided Line”
Copyright © 2008 by Frontiers Records. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Printed in Italy
- TERRANOVA: “Come Alive”
Best known as the singer of British Rock legends MAGNUM, Bob Catley started his solo-career in 1998 with the release of the highly acclaimed album “The Tower” written and produced by TEN leader Gary Hughes, who also wrote and produced the two following records “Legends” and “Middle Earth”. He then released another 2 successful solo-albums: “When Empires Burn” (with songs written by the other TEN member Paul Hodson) and “Spirit of Man” (with songs contributed by longtime Bob Catley band guitarist Vince O`Regan and another two British songwriters Dave Thompson and Paul Uttley). For his brand new studio album Bob has again moved on and selected songs written on purpose by the Swedish axeman Magnus Karlsson (Primal fear, Allen / Lande, Starbreaker), with the album production and recording happened in Karlsruhe, Germany under the supervision of Pink Cream 69’s Dennis Ward. The resulting album “Immortal” is the heaviest, most epic and still melodic Bob Catley release ever!
Hello Bob! For your brand new album “Immortal” you have changed songwriter... so I’m curious, have you personally chosen Magnus Karlsson or someone suggested him to you? Did you hear any of his previous works? Bob Catley: Magnus Karlson was introduced to me by Frontiers as a possible songwriter for my new album and I knew of Magnus’ work on the album “The Battle” by Russell!Allen and Jorn Lande and I was happy to agree to the idea. I would’ve liked to have heard a wider selection of songs, but having said that, I’m quite pleased with the way the album’s turned out - cheers Magnus! 04 Melodic Rock Fanzine
Were there something wrong with Dave Thompson and Paul Uttley of Lost Weekend, who wrote the last “Spirit Of Man”? BC: Frontiers were very keen for me to use Magnus so I didn’t approach Dave Thompson or Paul Uttley this time round, although I think they did a splendid job on “Spirit Of Man”. So I guess it’s just a question of moving on... I think this new album reflects better the spirit of Magnum and of your first solo albums like “The Tower” and “Legends”. Do you agree? BC: To a certain extent, yes, some of the songs, and some of the ballads... so I
agree. As for my earlier albums, that was a time when Magnum were not around, and I craved for a Magnumtype album at that time, so I guess there’s a lot of truth in what you say, yes... Magnus plays only keyboards on the album and just one solo, while all the guitar-parts are played by Uwe Reitenauer, which made a great melodic job... BC: Oh yes, fine guitar playing from Uwe. His style reminds me of my longstanding guitarist Vince O’Reagan. Dennis Ward did an equally great job on guitar and bass,
and we worked together as a team and got on really good and had a cool time in Germany, whilst recording my vocal parts. The last Magnum album, “Princess Alice And The Broken Arrow” is one of the best Magnum albums ever, in my opinion. What do you think of it? BC: I agree totally, Tony Clarkin is a wonderful songwriter and I think Magnum fans have been waiting for an album of “Princess Alice”s quality for some time now, and I will always be proud and privileged to work alongside Tony Clarkin as we have worked together most of our lives and hope to continue to do so for many years to come. With Magnum you made tours dedicated to some albums in particular,
for example “Wings Of Heaven”. Do you think you'll do something like that with your solo-albums in the future? BC: I don’t think it’s relevant at all, it’s a Magnum thing really, because Magnum’s been going that long, we can do for example, 20th Anniversary tours but I don’t think that’s going to be happening with my solo stuff. But you never know, ha, ha! This new album was produced by Dennis Ward: are you satisfied of the sound? How would you define it, if compared to your past works? Would you compare it to some in particular? BC: I heard Dennis’ work on one of the Pink Cream 69 albums and I was very
impressed. I think his work is world class and what you’d expect from a producer of that calibre. I’d put it on a par with Paul Hodson’s production of “When Empires Burn”, which I was equally pleased with. You keep on releasing your solo album for Frontiers Records: it seems you have found a “second home” with the Italian label... BC: Yes, I think Frontiers always do a great job of promotion for their artists and I’ve been happy with them so far. I should be doing another album with them but it’s up for negotiation, so the deal’s not finalised yet for artistic reasons. Now that the CD market is having a big crisis, are you still satisfied with your sales? BC: Nobody’s happy with the sales because of the Internet taking over and record-shops are losing customers, but that’s the name of the game these days and there’s nothing we can about it. The market’s going down, it’s affecting everybody, so, no, I’m not happy about it, but it is what it is. Hopefully it will improve for all of us in the near future when the market picks up again. Are you still in contact with Gary Hughes. Do you think you're doing some other stuff with him in the future? BC: I’ve kind of lost touch with Gary over the years, but I thank him for my first three albums and we shall see. If fate decrees we work together in the future, so be it! (Alessandro Ariatti courtesy of Rock Hard Italy)
“Immortal” the new album by Bob Catley: review page 11
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We feel it again! HONEYMOON SUITE is one of the most successful Canadian Rock acts ever on the international markets, with over 1 million of records sold! Reunited in early 2007 in the original lineup, guitarist Derry Grehan and singer Johnnie Dee started working on a album of brand new material which would bring back the band to the classic sound of their early days. The result is “Clifton Hill”, the band’s most inspired musical creation of the past 20 years! Hi guys, it's fantastic to get to speak to one of Melodic Rock's greatest bands. How are you? “Clifton Hill” is a great Honeymoon Suite album. It's as good and consistent as anything you've done in the past. To these ears it sounds like a mix of “Racing after Midnight” and “Dreamland”. You're rocking again! Why do think it has turned out so well? Derry Grehan: Thanks for your kind words! We are also quite excited about “Clifton Hill” and how well it turned out. I think the Cd turned out so well because the timing was just right in a lot of ways. I was in a very creative mode when I was writing a lot of the songs with Johnnie (Dee - lead vocalist), and there was a surplus of great material. I wanted a record that rocked, and I just kind of put myself back into that “80's” frame of mind. Back to the time when I would just pick up the guitar and start playing and let the idea's and riffs just come out without thinking about it too much. Those are usually the best songs. I think I wrote “New Girl Now” in about 20 minutes way back then! “Clifton Hill” refers to the place where you formed 25 years ago. Do you feel you’ve returned to your roots again as a band and on this record? DG: Yes, I feel we've come full circle, so to speak, in a lot of ways. I think the songs have that classic “80's” vibe that defined our sound. We have re-united the original line-up, and our manager, Tom Treumuth, who produced our very first 06 Melodic Rock Fanzine
album, is also the producer of “Clifton Hill”. How has your approach to the songwriting changed over the years? DG: I haven’t really changed my approach to writing that much over the years. It's something out of my control. It just happens when you pick up the guitar. I get an idea, I go to my studio, and I demo it as quickly as I can, so as not to lose the initial excitement. If I come back the next day and it still sounds cool, then I know I've got something.....hopefully! “I Feel it Again” and “Looking Out for Number One” are two of the catchiest AOR numbers of all time as far as I'm concerned. I still find myself humming them now and again after all these years. Which songs are you particularly proud of? DG: I would have to say “New Girl Now”, of course, for obvious reasons. I always thought “What Does It Take” was a good song for its time; and I'm pretty happy with the first single from “Clifton Hill”, which is a track called “Tired o Waitin”. You sound rejuvenated and you're in illustrious company this year with terrific albums from other bands that rocked us in the 80s such as Whitesnake, Loverboy and Journey, to name a few. Why do think there's an upturn in this kind of music now? DG: I think people want to hear melody again. I think people want to hear music that is fun, and makes them feel good. The 90's, to me, were such a dark period
musically, with so much angst and anger in a lot of the music. The "80's" was a blast for me, and I think people miss that vibe. You're back to the original line up. How did that come about? DG: I was feeling after so many years of touring with different players in the band, that I missed that chemistry that the 5 of us had way back when. You can't duplicate that, even when you have other players! I made some calls, put it out there, and everyone came back with a “yes, let’s do it. What took ya so long?”. Luckily for us, we've all remained friends over the years, so that made it much easier. (by Duncan Jamieson)
“Clifton Hill” the new album by Honeymoon Suite: review page 11
“Live in Germany” is Joe Lynn Turner ’s first ever live-album as a solo ar tist. Recorded in 2007 at the third edi tion of the “UNITED FORCES OF ROCK F E S T I V A L ” , Ludwigsburg, that he headlined September 30th 2007, “Live in Germany” includes some of JLT’s car eer highlights such as Rainbow and Deep Purple hits... Hello Joe, it is great to be able to talk with you once again! I would like to begin by talking about your very first Live solo album… how did this come about? Joe Lynn Turner: First of all, thank you for the kind words and well wishes. I am feeling great and getting ready to head to Iraq with Big Noize to entertain our Multi-National forces there. I am very excited about this. As for the Live-CD it all came about by accident! We were playing the “United Forces of Rock”, headlining in Germany and had finished a set and walked off. We did not know it was being recorded. Frontiers thought it sounded good and approached me about putting it out. Let’s talk about your bandmates…who is in the band? JLT: Karl Cochran on guitar (Ace Frehley, Eric Singer, Bob Daisley, etc.), Greg Smith on bass (Dokken, Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper, Rainbow, etc.), Carmine Giglio on keys (Trans Siberian Orchestra, etc.) and Mike Sorrentino on drums (Rainbow, Billy Joel, etc.). They are all incredible pros… a musically smokin’ group and pleasure to work with! Joe, you are no stranger to the concert stage, and you are one of the hardest working musicians I know…what keeps you going, where do you get this energy? JLT: The constant demand for me to keep making records and doing projects from the fans keeps me going. I live a
very healthy and balanced lifestyle even when on the road... Continuing discussing hard work, you have another project coming up, Sunstorm; please bring us up-to-date with this venture… JLT: The fans liked the first record so much (and thanks to Frontiers for encouraging me to put it out) that we decided to dig up some more gems from the past and do some new songs for a second “Sunstorm” CD. I have been listening to songs and preparing a lot this past summer and this winter we plan to record the next “Sunstorm” album. I believe Dennis and the whole lineup is back for the next record and I am really looking forward to it. Right now we are focusing on promoting the Live CD but soon enough we will begin to record “Sunstorm.” Will you be performing live with Sunstorm, or continue with the solo outings? JLT: I know there is a lot of interest out there about me doing some more solo shows in Europe…maybe even a whole tour. It’s all in the talking stages and as I have always said, things have to be right to make it happen…the right musicians available, the right places to play, there is a lot of logistics involved. As for any live Sunstorm shows, I would not rule that out if it could be worked out to be a good situation, artistically and business-wise for all involved. Well, we look forward to the next Sunstorm album, and of course, your
next solo effort…care to give us an insight? JLT: With regard to the second “Sunstorm,” some songs chosen go way back and some were discovered by Frontiers. It’s a work in progress so I cannot say too much now... Mr. Turner, thanks ever so much for chatting with me, and again, as is my tradition, please leave us with some parting thoughts…. JLT: I want to sincerely thank all my friends at Frontiers for keeping this genre of music alive and having the vision to know there are plenty of fans out there who support it. (by Bruce A.J. Atkinson)
“Live in Germany” the new album by Joe Lynn Turner: review page 12
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After two albums (“The Truth and a Little Mor e” and “Second to None”), the new ECLIPSE work, “Ar e You Ready to Rock”, marks a substantial change in the sound, fr om the AOR of the first album down to a straightfor ward Melodic Hard Rock sound, full of infectious guitar rif fs and riveting hooklines... First of all, my best congratulations for this new forthcoming release featuring another display of intense, fresh and brilliant melodic Hard Rock! The previous “Second To None” saw the light in 2004, four years ago, after signing for Frontiers Records. Why did we have to wait for so long for this third one? Magnus Henriksson: Hello & thanks a lot! Intense, fresh & brilliant? We couldn’t agree more, ha ha! There are many reasons why this one took so long but mainly it’s because that, after we released the last one in 2004, the band chemistry got increasingly bad. It became hard to write new music and have fun in that environment. We weren’t happy in the band and it resulted in a period of a creative vacuum! Well... we came up with a few ideas here and there but we felt like everything was uphill. As a result of that, we started experimenting in the wrong direction musically and it eventually led to departure of 2 band-members. After that, we had to start all over again finding new band members. But I´d like to add that, for now, it has never been more fun and inspiring to be in this band like it is now. The chemistry is sparkling, we are more focused and I promise you, it´ll never take us 4 years again! How about the tracks? Have they been composed along these four years? MH: No. I think maybe 2 or 3 tracks are a bit older than the rest. The rest of the tracks were written in one week actually! Once we had decided to move on with 08 Melodic Rock Fanzine
this band and when the direction was pointed out, everything just came to us naturally. We just knew what we wanted it to sound like. On the two previous albums, we hadn’t really decided which way to go. But I guess that’s a part of the developing process. You have to take some odd excursions to know where you don’t wanna go. What about Frontiers Records? Did the label give the best support you needed for this release along the working progress? MH: Yes, sure! They had complete confidence in what we were doing and just supported us along the way. They didn’t try to control our music in any direction and we appreciate them not doing that. They knew they were gonna get high quality stuff! The songs seem to have a still more heavy sound today, but, at the same time, your songwriting has got more smart in melody. So many refrains take their place in listeners’ mind since the first shots. Would you agree? In your opinion, which are the main differences between “Are You Ready To Rock” and the previous ones? MH: They sure have gone heavier! But the melody have always been our main ingredient and will always come first and foremost, and I think that the melodies are the stuff people gonna remember in the end anyway regardless of the riffs and arrangements. Arrangements mostly tend to tie the song to a certain time period, but the melodies are timeless. We wanna try
to keep the melody simple and strong. That´s the best offensive if you wanna get straight to the listeners heart... The Cd-cover, combined to the title, seems to be a sort of tribute to your Japan fans. Please, tell us about... MH: It’s actually the Japanese naval flag used by the marine when they are going out to war. For us it’s more a tribute to the 80s. It was a common symbol in the Hard Rock & Metal movement back then and it just looks cool. It can also be interpreted as a symbol for Eclipse´s revenge. We were angry and frustrated in many ways and wanted to come back in full force. Hence the title “Are you ready to rock”! Let´s get ready to rumble! Ha, ha! (by Fulvio Bordi)
“Are You Ready To Rock” the new album by Eclipse: review page 11
Silent Call's debut album, entitled “Creations From A Chosen Path”, was recorded in Stockholm and features 13 tracks of powerful Melodic Metal, with some spectacular guest appearances by the likes of Göran Edman (Yngwie Malmsteen, Brazen Abbot, Vindictiv) on vocals and Daniel Flores (Mind's Eye) on drums. If you have a penchant for melodic and progressive Metal, then this is just up your alley! Welcome to “Melodic Rock Zine”! How does it feel to finally have your debut album out released? Silent Call: Fantastic, a dream come true for me, for all of us. We've all worked really hard for this to happen... still I can't believe that it went so fast, getting signed and getting the album out. In a way it's all really strange, since when you think about it, two years ago none of it existed at all - it's cool to hold something in your hand and know that you've created it, literally out of nothing. You only found your singer Andi Kravljaca in 2006. how did you know he had the lungs you wanted? SC: Micke had worked with Andi before, so he sort of knew that this was the guy we were looking for. He had been looking for a singer for his old band Elsesphere, and after a long search he got a reply from Andi. After listening to a few of the songs he did with Seventh Wonder, he got the job. He had some songs to record, and it sounded simply fantastic. Ever since Elsesphere disbanded, Andi's been in the back of our mind all the time, and we really wanted to work with him. He has the same idea as the rest of us about how a band should work, and how to get ahead by working hard. The album is a mature slab of melodic metal with nice prog elements. What kind of sound did you set out to achieve? SC: I don't think we'd really decided on any specific sound, it just came naturally. The five of us create this sound when we play together, it comes straight from the heart and every person makes their own part unique. We wanted to have this kind of “light” Prog Metal-sound which I think we have really managed to get... we believe in strong melodies! Goran Edman (ex Malmsteen) and Daniel Flores (Mind's Eye) played on your record, and Martin Kronlund (Hammerfall, Alliance, Heartland) mixed
and mastered it. How did you find working with those guys and what do you think of their contributions to the final disc? SC: The idea with guest musicians came up during the final recording phase. And it was a great idea. Göran Edman has been our absolute singing idol as far back as we can remember, so we took a wild chance and emailed the guy, on the off chance that he actually opens spam e-mails, and never really expected a reply. I fell off my seat a few days later when he agreed and asked for the material - it's an absolutely crazy feeling for me listening to that song even today. Daniel Flores was the engineer and coproducer for the first Seventh Wonder album, and we absolutely loved working with him. I couldn't wait to find a space for him to fit in, so when the chance appeared I wasted no time. Their appearance was the cherry on the cake for us. It’s really nice to have had the opportunity to work with such brilliant musicians, they've really done a teriffic job and we are very grateful for that. We would definitely want to work with them again! You come from Stockholm. Sweden has produced so many great heavy rock bands in recent years. Why do you think this is? SC: This is a difficult question. One thing might be that the Swedish mentality is well suited for Heavy rock in a way. Swedes aren’t that famous for being open and outgoing I guess, and some of us maybe find a way to communicate and express ourselves trough the music, at least to let off some steam. Also, we have our youth centers that all have some sort of music instruments, we have music in our schools, public schools for music so it is very easy to get in contact with music at an early age... that could be a reason. You've set up a good website. I could only see one forthcoming gig on it though. Any plans to do something more wide scale?
SC: Thanks to Patrik for his wonderful work with our homepage! We are actually preparing for playing more widescale, but the CD needed to be released, and we also needed a booking-manager that can do the booking for us before anything else could happen. Now that we have done both we are looking for bigger gigs and festivals, so we hope we are interesting for you out there and can fill the gig calendar soon! We’re basically hoping that the release of our album is going to help us to get out there and play live as much as possible, within Sweden and abroad as well. It would be really cool to tour Germany, England, you name it, as headliner or support act, it doesn’t really matter, we just want to play live and meet our fans! (by Duncan Jamieson)
“Creations From A Chosen...” the new album by Silent Call: review page 13
BOB CATLEY - “Immortal” (Frontiers Records) Bob’s back with his sixth release and it has all hallmarks that you would expect from pomp rock royalty. This time round Magnus Karlson (Starbreaker) has written tracks for Bob that suit him as well as his mullet. Magnus also supplies keyboards adding the atmospheric, epic quality Bob’s Gary Hughes produced albums had. Production duties here belong to Dennis Ward, a hero of mine after his great performance on Khymera’s last effort. He turns up the pomp to the max bettering Bob’s previous outing ‘Spirit Of Man’. Dennis also handles most guitar parts, rocking as hard as Catley’s ‘When Empires Burn’ album did. The first two songs out of the speakers would work brilliantly live. You can imagine Catley’s fan base singing along to the appropriate ‘Dreamers Unite’ while ‘I Am Immortal’ possesses a riff that would get the whole place bouncing. Bob throws himself into every line like he believes them all. The closer ‘Heat of Passion’ offers a welcome change of pace after some latter songs start to sound a little similiar one another. If Catley continues to release albums of this high quality then we should hope he really is immortal! (Duncan Jamieson) 90
CROWN OF THORNS - “Faith” (Frontiers Records) Well, I haven’t used the term Epic for some time in my reviews…now is the time! The comeback album of Jean Beauvoir’s Crown Of Thorns is an Epic reward for those that kept the faith! Complete with an infusion of new blood, “Faith” represents all that one knows of ‘COT’ and much more! Tommy Lafferty and Hank Lopez excel throughout, and with Jean’s collaboration with Bob Clearmoutain, and Bowie veteran, Mark Plati – “Faith” resonates with a profound sound and crystal clear production. Jean’s vocals are always ‘top drawer’, and the rich and ever so deep bottom end created by Michael Paige ensures a decidedly energised level of performance from everyone! Upon first hearing one can certainly understand why this was a highly anticipated Recorded Work. Prepare yourself to be swept up in this totally Epic sonic voyage, from one of the top Melodic Rock craftsmen! (Bruce Atkinson) 93
HONEYMOON SUITE- “Clifton Hill” (Frontiers Records) This is all you could possibly want from Honeymoon Suite! They’ve gone back to their roots remembering what made them special in the first place and found a fresh hunger that translates into an album that’s possibly their best ever; 11 crackers and no duds. Throughout, the amps are turned up as loud as the ‘Racing After Midnight’ album and riffs and hooks are fashioned into top draw tunes guaranteed to have you humming more than a bumblebee. Twenty-five years since their inception, the original line-up has reformed and reminisces about their early days as an aspiring band on Clifton Hill on the song ‘The House’. ‘Tired O Waitin’ On You’ captures their unpretentious blue collar charm. The power pop punch of ‘That’s All I Got’ and ‘Down 2 Business’ is as satisfying as those fellow Canadians Loverboy’s terrific recent release. ‘Separate lives’ nods to the bluesy ‘Monsters Under the Bed’ era. The ballads ‘Ordinary’ and ‘Restless’ avoid cloying sentimentally and help the flow of the album. Previous albums ‘Dreamland’ and ‘Lemon Tongue’ didn’t convince me but for Honeymoon Suite and AOR fans in general this album is a must have. (Duncan Jamieson) 95
RAMOS - HUGO - “The Dream” (Frontiers Records) Well what can I say? Josh Ramos has really pulled one out of the bag with his new album as he enlists the mighty Hugo Valenti for the new album “The Dream”. So highly is Hugo regarded as one of the best AOR vocalists around that he even has equal billing on the album and rightly so. Though some might say he is far too near Steve Perry to be regarded as anything but a sound-a-like, however on this album he shows what a great vocal talent he really is and Ramos certainly brings out the best in him. And with John Macaluso and Eric Ragno joining the pair the word supergroup comes to mind as each musician brings his best to the album resulting in one of the best Melodic Rock albums you’ll hear this year and with Fabrizio Grossi handling production and Dennis Ward doing the mixing, this further adds to the quality of the album. With great tracks like the opener ‘Your Not Alone’, the superb title track ‘The Dream’ and the eight minute masterpiece ‘I Can Take You’, these are just a few my favourites although this album has so much more than just these three superb tracks. Come be a part of The Dream! (Barry McMinn) 95
ECLIPSE - “Are You Ready To Rock” (Frontiers Records) Four years have been already passing by since their last “Second To None”, an album full of energy, good performed and displaying a landscape of such very brilliant melodic ideas with their peculiar combination of Talisman, Europe, Rainbow, Deep Purple and MSG elements. This brand new “Are You Ready To Rock” marks the Eclipse come back at last, with a new renewed line-up, showing us how the band comes even stronger and talented than before. Since the opener “Breaking My Heart Again” we can clear out how Eclipse go down hard to surprise listener with a more straight, pushing and heavy sound, but at the same time, even more melodic in vocal lines than before, with sparkling, winning refrains. Just listen to “Unbreakable” to have an idea and make your body thrill. Sound helps the final result to come out great from the speakers, with a rushing guitar performance well combined with melodies, a well rounded powerful rhythm section and refined keyboard arrangements. Sure this is the Eclipse’s best release so far. Monster release! (Fulvio Bordi) 95
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NIGHT RANGER - “Rockin’ Shibuya 2007” (Frontiers Records) When it comes to the great bands of the eighties still riding high, the name of Night Ranger is sure to be there. The band may have taken a seven-year hiatus but their return in 1996 and with the Japanese tour that followed, the legend continues. In 2007 the band returned to Japan, more exactly Shibuya, Tokyo, as part of their “Hole In The Sun” tour to promote said album and recorded the show for prosperity and here it is in all its glory on CD format. As soon as you hear the music on this live double album you can understand why the band have stood the test of time, not only with the bands hits but also with tracks taken from the ‘Hole In The Sun’ album and my personal favourite off the album ‘Tell Your Vision”. Although it’s the hits that we really want to hear from a live show and they’re here in abundance with the likes of ‘Secret Of My Success’, ‘When You Close Your Eyes’ and the song that defined a generation ‘Sister Christian’. Yes they’re all hear on this truly top quality live album which captures the bands live sound so well. Let’s hope that someone videoed the show for DVD release because unless some promoter will take on the band for a European tour, we will have to travel to the US to capture them live. (Barry McMinn) 92
JOE LYNN TURNER - “Live In Germany” (Frontiers Records) What a fantastic way to celebrate Rocktober! Live performances from one of Hard Rock’s most talented singer/songwriters! “Live In Germany” is Mr. Turner’s first ever Live solo recording, and what a recording it is! Capturing hot performances from Joe from his 2007 tour of Germany, this document finds JLT in top form. Plus, he has a killer band behind him too! Perhaps, the hardest working singer in Rockdom, Joe underlines here, why he is so sought after. His bluesy, rock solid voice soars from strength to strength on this collection. His renditions of “Street Of Dreams” “Burn” and “Stone Cold” will find you on your feet, yelling for more, before you realise that you are in your music room listening to a live recording! Joe has paced this concert performance so stylishly, opening with “Death Alley Driver” and “I Surrender”, aptly setting the pace of the rest of the concert. “Live In Germany” is a living testament to the multi-faceted Talent, this man is. A grand effort, bringing one right into the concert hall, the production is splendid, and of course the singing is hot. Being released in October, this is a ‘must have’ for any self-respecting Hard Rock/Blues connoisseur! (Bruce Atkinson) 92
DRIVER - “Sons Of Thunder” (Metal Heaven) This month sees another classic Rock/Metal album rescued like a phoenix from the fire; this time it’s Driver’s “Sons Of Thunder” album with Rob Rock and Roy Z recapturing their past with an album featuring both new and old material. The older material being the tracks from the bands demo which was highly regarded in the late 80’s and marked the band as one of the most underrated of the era and eight brand new songs. But the record is about to be set straight with the release of “Sons Of Thunder”, a great Melodic Metal release that will have you rocking right from track one all the way to the last. A great Rock song will always stand the test of time and the five tracks from the band’s demo certainly do just that. The rest of the album isn’t to shabby either with great rockers like ‘Hearts On Fire’, the Maidenesque ‘Sons Of Thunder’ and the excellent ‘Only Love Can Save Me Now’, with Rock showing he can be a Melodic as the next man while still keeping it heavy in places with the likes of ‘Dark World’. So you better get out you umbrella’s a storm is coming your way! (Barry McMinn) 90
SISTER SIN - “Switchblade Serenades” (Metal Heaven) I first got to know about Sweden’s Sister Sin on their tour with W.A.S.P. last April and I was greatly impressed with their live set. Now it’s 2008 and the band return with a new album ‘Switchblade Serenade’. The band have taken the Metal and Hard Rock genres to new heights with their own spin on these genres as they bring you Street Metal, not too polished, rough around the edges and as hard and dirty as they come. The album is raw and high-energy rock and with Liv at the helm coming out fighting like a Swedish Doro Pesch, you know what to expect, raw highenergy rock n’ roll with more bite than a bucket of Piranhas. With monster tracks like the kick ass opener ‘Beat The Streets’, the down and dirty ‘One Out Of Ten’ and the old school metal of ‘On Parole’. You’re going to either love or hate this band, personally I love them, they are going to turn a few heads and will be surely feature on the bill of a few European festivals next year. (Barry McMinn) 80
SHADOWMAN - “Ghost In The Mirror” (Escape Music) Shadowman is a brainchild project from classic legendary FM vocalist Steve Overland and now, at the third studio release, it looks like to be a real stable band more than a simple side project. Since the debut-album, the band displayed all the potentialities a real all-star band (FM, Heartland, Thunder..) like this is able to express and now this third one “Ghost In The Mirror” puts Shadowman to still an higher quality level. Now compositions present a more raw and direct sound than the past just looking like eighties Deep Purple meets the unmistakable FM melodic attitude. Songs like “Road To Nowhere”, “No Man’s Land”, “Colour Of Your Love”, “I’ve Been Wrong Before” and so on, show us the peak of a top class songwriting trademark and are performed with passion, by musicians still even more got on well together than before. Top quality hard rock release with absolutely no fillers. 88 Guaranteed! (Fulvio Bordi)
BONFIRE - “The Rauber” DVD (Transistor/LZ Records) Now, before we get into this, let me make clear that I do not speak or understand the German language. This DVD is the complete documentation of Bonfire’s most ambitious foray in music. “The Rauber” is a Rock Opera of the first degree, brilliantly produced, full of high drama and top notch music! Although I enlisted the services of my wife, in translating, as so I could critique this tale purely on Musical and Acting qualities. “The Rauber” is a complex work, with high drama and spotless performances from both the acting crew and Bonfire themselves. Even without understanding the dialogue, one is drawn into this opera, and I could get the ‘jist’ of what was being told…this being testament of the high calibre of the actors and actresses and their ability. The production is flawless. The overall concert performance finely paced, with great interaction between Bonfire and the Thespian crew. This, double DVD, with tons of bonus material, is a historical documentation of the cutting edge project undertaken by one of Germany’s leading musical groups. Bonfire should receive high praise for such an ambitious move! (Bruce Atkinson) 88
12 Melodic Rock Fanzine
SILENT CALL - “Creations From A Chosen Path” (Escape Music) This is another new Melodic Metal album from Scandinavia. Sweden’s Silent Call gives us their debut album which sits at the lighter end of the Melodic Metal spectrum. All four tracks from their demo appear and all benefit from the polished production of seasoned producer Martin Kronlund (Hammerfall,Alliance). As you would expect from this genre there are heavy riffs, atmospheric and bombastic keyboards. Andi Kravljaca’s vocals operate at the high end of the scale but he can really sing and avoids grating histrionics. Best tune goes to ‘Hold On’ (despite a dodgy Vincent Price style voiceover midway). It has the muscle and melody to make people sit up and take notice of this band. ‘Outcast’, the breathless ‘Can’t Breathe’ and biting ‘Long Comes the Night’ also show some nous. Final song ‘The Chosen Path’ needs more oomph. The band’s sound is heavier than AOR but not as heavy as Power Metal. As a result finding their niche might be difficult. However, if they can pull this material off live it should help elevate them above the majority of the Melodic Metal crowd. (Duncan Jamieson) 82
LANFEAR - “X To The Power Of Ten” (Locomotive Music) After reviewing this CD I look and feel a little like the guy on the sleeve. It might be Lanfear’s fifth album but it’s not business as usual. They’ve changed record labels and vocalist Tobias Althammer has been replaced by Nuno Fernandes (ex Anguish). Akin to Fates Warning these Germans blast out Power Metal with a serious progressive edge. It’s a complex, heavy affair with a variety of styles within songs. There are heavy thrash guitars (My Will Be Done), subtle guitar passages (Just Another Broken Heart), angular keyboards and electronica type buzzes (Decryption). New boy Nuno equips himself well enough, less power than Tobias but more range. He runs through a whole gamut of styles from straight metal vocals to banshee screams (The Question Keeper) and even deathvox (A Twin Phenomenon). It’s a challenging listen and requires repeated spins, but when it works it’s a compelling record. There’s even a hint of early Fish era Marillion in some instrumental parts. However, choruses need more memorable hooks and erratic drum patterns don’t always drive the song as they should. Overall though, there’s much to recommend this album to Prog/Power Metal fans. (Duncan Jamieson) 78
SIGNUM REGIS - “Signum Regis” (Locomotive Music) This self-titled debut may sound a bit familiar to some, due to the fact that Signum Regis was formed by veteran bassist Ronnie Konig of Vindex. However, that is also where the similarities end. Ronnie gathered more veteran and highly talented musicians in Filip Kolus & Ado Kalaber-both guitarists, Ludek Struhar on drums and keyboardist Jan Tupy….along with that famous Swedish voice, Goran Edman! Now, with everyone banded together, Signum Regis breathed their collective first breath. The task at hand, learning and recording Ronnie’s original compositions resulted in a tightly knit group whose input resulted in this very muscular and varied Neo-classical musical statement. Co-produced by Tommy Hansen, Signum Regis is the perfect vehicle for Ronnie’s expanded musical explorations. Each track is full, rhythmic and more than a touch of hardened metal. Rousing and passionate, this self-titled debut promises to bring greater things to Signum Regis and Metal fans worldwide. (Bruce Atkinson) 83
THE PROMISE - “The Promise” (Nl Distribution) That's the long awaited The Promise's self titled debut reissue. I still remember when I bought it in 1996. Those were the years when Dream Theater were the main name, making platoons of fans all around the globe and becoming the "main fashion" on the line; so, anytime most people heard of keyboards, they used to call it "progressive"(!). The Scottish band, previously named Tour De Force, had just been changing the moniker before releasing this CD because of the homonymous USA band, and I was just told by a friend they were a brilliant class "hard melodic progressive" band, mixed by Pallas' guitarist Niall Mathewson. Well, imagine my surprise for listening to it in my stereo just back home from the shop after having bought it with both eyes closed. Anyway, just few seconds after, my surprise fully turned into pleasure: the band was technically good, got on well together, so melodically smart, giving life to a brilliant Pomp Melodic Rock debut. Tracks such as “End Of The Game”, “Silver Lights”, “You Are The One”, “Holdin’ Up…”, “Holding On” can’t fail since the first shot. Be ready to get 87 up for grabs and make it yours. (Fulvio Bordi)
ATLANTIC - “Power” (Escape Music) This is a reissue any Melodic Rock lover can’t absolutely miss. “Power” is the one and only release made by Atlantic in 1994, released by Music For Nations and now again available (with the bonus track “Heart’s On Fire”) from Escape Music . The band was formed by the ex Wish and Stranger axeman Simon Harrison, featuring vocalist Phill Bates (ex Trickster and Quill) and guest performance from Tony Mills (Siam, Shy). Every featured song shows us how Melodic Hard Rock should ever be composed and performed: great supermelodic hooks (sometimes recalling that particular westcoast trademark), aggressive guitars, perfect keyboard arrangements and a solid rhythm section. Tracks flow on and on and no bad moments are left, as listener never gets tired, being ready to push play and to start listening to it once again. This is the time to give the right attention the release really deserved in 1994. Check it out! (Fulvio Bordi) 90
DOMINOE - “The Story Is Far From Told” (NL Distribution) You would be correct if you stated that this all started back in 1988... when the first chapter of “The Story Is Far From Told” was written. “Here I Am”, sparked the love of song writing and performing of two very talented German artists, Robert Papst & Jorg Sieber. Still possessing that incredible passion, some twenty years on, both musical artists have continued their voyage with Dominoe, and this year have released 15 tracks that could start the chart journey once again! “The Story Is Far From Told” is a straight forward Rock album muscled by a sassy horn section, classic guitar riffs and rich clear vocals. Tough, in places, rich and strong, Robert and Jorg have shaped a masterful collection of what could easily become an international hit record! Each track stands alone and they are so “radio friendly” that any one of these striking creations could sit at the top of many radio charts! So, go ahead and reach out for Dominoe…start the story, which is far from being finished. (Bruce Atkinson) 85
Melodic Rock Fanzine 13
LYIN RAMPANT - “Up And Cumin” (Heart Of Steel Records) Two of my favourite melodic Rock bands of the ‘80s are Def Leppard and Heavy Pettin, the last group having so much in common with the first, soundwise. And Lyin Rampant follows exactly the same path of the Pettins, playing a style not very far from the Leps (“Pyromania”-era) with catchy guitar-riffs, melodic and elegant song-structures & arrangements, and beautiful vocals. Beside that, you have to take notice that both, Lyin Rampant and Heavy Pettin come from Scotland, and finally the guitar player of the Rampants played for some time with Heavy Pettin. Now you have the picture, right? “Up And Cumin” is their magnificent debut (and only - unfortunately) album, originally released in 1987, and now available for the first time on Cd in a fully remastered version. Songs like opener “Crazy”, “Breakdown” or “Fantasy Girl” shows that the band really knew how to Rock, and magazines such as “Kerrang” was talking “big” about the band, back then (as featured in the rich 16 pages booklet). A great reissue, and essential if you love Def Leppard and/or Heavy Pettin! (Rob “Ezy” Bone) 93
SERENA ROCK BAND - “Rolling On The Road” (Heart Of Steel Records) I guess everyone into melodic Rock knows the name of Alex DeRosso, the extraordinaire guitarist who played for a while with Dokken, and who released 3 appreciated solo-albums and the studio-project Headrush. Before joining Don Dokken and his group, DeRosso played with two of the most important Hard Rock bands in Italy, Dark Lord (their only full-length album “It’s Nigh Time” has been re-released on Cd just before the summer) and Serena Rock Band. “Rolling On The Road” is the only and - up to now - unreleased testimony of this collaboration, an album full of incredible guitar-parts (one of the best Alex’s works, in my opinion), a clever songwriting and the unique vocals of Franco Serena, an experienced musician active since the early 70s. The album, recorded in 1991, will definitely please all the Dokken-fans (the style of DeRosso was back then clearly influenced by George Lynch) as well as everybody into the “bluesy” side of Hard Rock, the songs recalling both, the Class Metal of the ‘80s (again Dokken, and David Lee Roth, just to name a couple) and the soulful sound of the ‘70s (Bad Company). An hidden treasure now finally discovered! (Rob “Ezy” Bone) 92
JEFF PARIS - “Lucky This Time” (NL Distribution) Everybody knows Jeff Paris: before being a so good musician and performer, is a great, awesome songwriter making the fortunes of so much melodic rock artists and bands with memorable hit-songs. His 1993 CD “Lucky This Time” is now reissued and features mainly a demo versions collection of most of his hits previously done to be performed from other artists. “Wrong Side Of Love”, “House on Fire” and “Lucky This Time” were written for Mr.Big; “Never Stop Falling”, “Lifeline” and “Jump The Gun” were cowritten with Moon Calhoun, Michael Thompson and Kiss frontman Paul Stanley; “Baby Break Mine” with Skin guitar Myke Gray; “After The Tears Are Gone” with Brett Walker. All the recordings, even if mostly demo versions, sound very good and they are all performed from Jeff. It is very interesting listening to them in their very first dress, before going to be reinterpreted to be part of other releases and become hits. Perfect for all the Jeff fans! (Fulvio Bordi) 85
SHOTGUN SYMPHONY - “Shotgun Symphony” (NL Distribution) Here's the chance to listen again to this great Pomp Hard Rock/AOR debut released in 1994. This is a real opportunity we have now to give justice to a great work, made in a so hard period for melodic rock releases to break up. Shotgun Symphony was a New Jersey based band moving their steps in following lessons of masters like Prophet, Styx and House Of Lords, but now with a still more epical verve in atmospheres and melodies. No doubt this self titled debut is still today the best inspired work they've ever done, deserving just more attention than it gained more than fourteen years ago. "Highway To Tomorrow", "What Happens To Love" and "Way Back Home" open the tracklist with their perfect combination of a great guitar work, huge keyboards, brilliant use of melodies and show us how the scene of melodic rock was still alive and burning under the reigning Grunge scene. “Broken Promises” is a soft chapter, with great keys arrangements and that could easily fit into a Prophet cd and all the following compositions hold on to an absolute high quality songwriting until the end of the cd. (Fulvio Bordi) 88
HAREM SCAREM - “Raw and Live” DVD (Cinelogic) Sadly, this is Harem Scarem’s final live performance as the group have decided to disband. Filmed at last year’s Firefest in Nottingham their set confirms why they’re so revered by the melodic Rock fraternity. There’s powerful rocking on the brace of songs from the ‘Voice of Reason’ album with guitarist Lesperence, looking like a muscled up leprechaun, pumping out the riffs. The more recent ‘Human Nature’ album’s tracks show their flair for a winning chorus and ballad ‘If There Was a Time’ shows off their fabulous harmonies. If you didn’t know better, vocalist Hess’s laidback stage presence could mistakenly be seen as apathy. During the song ‘Killing Time’ one punter jumps up and punches the air with delight. I wasn’t at the Firefest but if I had been, that would have been me! Unfortunately, with only 11 songs not everyone’s favourite gets an airing. Also included on the DVD is grainy and raw (hence DVD title) footage from 1994’s Mood Swings tour (Blimey, they were hirsute!) and from their 1997 tour. This DVD package shows a band that grew up and matured into a class act. Harem Scarem will be sorely missed. (Duncan Jamieson) 92
VALENTINE - “Live at Firefest IV” (Cinelogic) I can’t believe the band Valentine is back right now and ready to put on track a brand new release scheduled for the months to come. Every diehard AOR lover knows about this very talented cult band, who made the self titled debut in 1990 and featuring Hugo on vocals. After that release, the band changed the name in Open Skyz, releasing another album before finally splitting up. Now, in the wait for the new release, Valentine gives us the opportunity to listen and see one of the recent gigs made during the last Firefest date in Nottingham with this DVD concert package, plus featuring bonus material such as interviews, the 1994 Open Skyz Live in Minneapolis and a bonus audio CD with their same entire Firefest concert recording. The traklist traces back the band’s trail since the 1990 year, featuring undisputed gems from the Valentine album, the Open Skyz one and the solo Hugo effort released eight years ago. This is a real must for every melodic rock lover and collector. (Fulvio Bordi) 92
14 Melodic Rock Fanzine
Shadowman is a band that is all about gr eat Melodic Rock music that will win you over with charm. Quality r ock music is so hard to find these days and it is r eassuring to know that it hasn’t lost its way. Pr obably their finest r elease to date, the new Work entitled “Ghost in the Mirr or” is a possible contender for the best Melodic Rock r elease of 2008. Hello! Would you like to introduce this new release “Ghost In The Mirror” to our readers? Steve Morris: “Ghost in the Mirror” is Shadowman’s 3rd release. It sees the band in a very Blues-Rock mood, one which is well suited to my guitar-playing and Steve Overlands' voice. We recorded the album in my studio (“Oceanreach”) and “Parr St. studios” in Liverpool, and it was mixed at “Jailhouse Studios”, in Denmark, by Tommy Hansen. I think the band made a great step forward and it is for sure the best Shadowman release! In your opinion, which are the main differences between this last one and the previous “Different Angels”? SM: Our last record, “Different Angles” ,was a more diverse collection of songs, whereas this one has a very bluesy theme running through all the material. The drums and bass have a better definition, as we went to “Parr St.” which has a lovely room and a great Neve recording console.The engineer, Andrea Wright, really knows her stuff, as regards mike placement. Once Steve and I decided to revert to our “roots” to write the songs, it became quite easy to finish the initial writing process. We both were brought up on Free, Bad Company, Peter Greens, Fleetwood Mac, Purple, Zepplin, and all those 70's Rock bands... so you can hear the influences on each song! A so intense title, as “Ghost In The Mirror” suggests, it could have to be considered a sort of concept album. Isn’t it? And, more in general, what is
the the meaning you wanted to get behind it? SM: The title was the last thing to be done, so there is no hidden meaning or concept. It's just a cool title and cover. And we have our mysterious man holding his frame in the background. I wonder if he'll ever find a picture to put in it? The band, since the debut, has been featuring a real superstar line-up, with musicians from FM, Heartland, Thunder... please, tell us about the actual line-up. SM: The band comprises Steve Morris on guitar and occaisional keyboards, Steve Overland on vocals, Harry James on drums and Chris Child on bass. The latter two are members of Thunder. We also used Steve Millington on Hammond organ. He is a friend of mine and one of the finest players around, as you can hear on the album. We work well together and we hope to play some gigs later in the year, depending on the availability of everyone. We're all so busy with our individual things... Do you think the music done for “Ghost in The Mirror” fully displays all the influences from the musicians who take part at the project, or overall there is a main songwriter among the band? SM: The songs are written by me and Steve. I'll come up with the music and Steve will write the lyrics around it. I record everything for the basics, and Harry and Chris and Steve Millington replace my drums, bass and keyboards. But knowing who is going to play on the record is a real bonus, as I can tailor my
programming to suit their playing. It doesn't influence the writing but makes the first recordinge easier to get going. How did you work on compositions this time? Did you follow a particular based work standard for both writing and recording sessions? SM: How the ideas evolve in the first place can vary. It may be a guitar lick (“Keeper of my Heart”), it may be a drum feel (“Blues City”), it may be a guitar. I bought a resonator slide guitar and wrote “Outlaws” the same day. It may be the memory of a great song, and I keep the feel and compose a new idea (“Road to Nowhere”). It may be the memory of a great band like Free (“Bad for You”)... (by Fulvio Bordi)
“Ghost In The Mirror” the new album by Shadowman: review page 12
DRIVER issued a widely cir culated five-song cassette EP demo in 1990 that garner ed the band a dedicated worldwide following as well as attained cult-status as one of the most underrated Hard Rock acts of its time. 2008 saw the r eunion of the band which r esulted in the r ecording of the incr edible “Sons Of Thunder” CD! Hi Rob! So, at what point did you decide it was finally time to release this album? Rob Rock: I suppose that was when Georg from Metal Heaven contacted me with his idea of releasing a new Driver album. I’ve always wanted Driver to put out a CD since 1989, so when Georg asked me about it in 2007, and then Roy was on board, it was a go from then on. The albums has that late 80’s feel but still sounds fresh; was this the intent from the beginning to relive the past but not to sound dated? RR: Definitely! We worked very hard to write great songs that would have a classic sound with a modern production. We wanted the older songs to blend well with the new songs, but still sound fresh, so it took a lot of attention to detail in the recording and performances. How long did the album take to put together? RR: It took about a year from when we started, but we didn’t work on it for a year. We started and stopped, and started again, and then did vocals later on. We were doing other work in between sessions so when we came back to Driver we had the chance to see that it stands up very well to other new and modern recordings, and the songs on the Driver album are killer! Are there any songs that you didn’t include on this album that might appear on other albums, but not necessarily a Driver album? RR: No, I think now we have all the best songs recorded and we will probably write fresh for the next album. There were other songs from 1989/1990 that Roy and I rewrote over the years, and they ended up on my Rob Rock solo-albums as well as other projects Roy has worked. I’m talking about
riffs and vocal melodies that were picked from old demos and re-written over the years. Roy and I have written many songs since then too. Who wrote the eight new tracks on the album? Was it a joint effort or was it down to one individual writer? RR: All the new songs were written by Roy and me, and pretty much most of the older songs too. We have a pretty good writing chemistry going on, so it was easy to once again write songs together for the new Driver album. One of my favourite tracks off the album has to be “Hearts On Fire”; there are elements of Dio’s and Tony Martins Sabbath years in there. Do you have any personal favourites off the album and for what reason? RR: Yeah, I like that one too! It’s a strong vocal performance on there. I also like “Change of Heart” and the vocal and guitar performances, “Never Give Up” I like the vocal and lyric and the bass and guitar lines, “Only Love” I like the vibe, and “Dark World” I like the modern feel to it. I really love them all. I’m high on the new songs right now but I know the old songs have stood the test of time because I still like them too. Will we be seeing another Driver album in the not too distant future (not in 20 years I hope though!)? RR: I hope so! I hope the fans demand it! It’s really up to the fans to make the album a success so we can do it again next year. If this album was release 20 years ago I think Driver would have been a worldwide phenomena; do you regret not giving it an airing all those years ago? RR: We tried our best to give it an airing
back then but we were a little late to the party I think. Atlantic Records was very interested in signing us but they finally gave in to the new grunge scene and we were denied our shot. I’ve always believed if we had a decent shot back then, then it would have been huge! Will there be any live shows to promote the new album or are you busy with other projects at the moment? RR: We are all ready and willing to do shows, so we hope the fans demand it. We want this album to do well, so we can tour and do festivals and another album as soon as possible. (by Barry McMinn)
“Sons Of Thunder” the new album by Driver: review page 12
In 2007 Night Ranger released the successful new studio album, “Hole In The Sun”. The band then embarked on a Japan tour with Reb Beach filling in for long-time member Jeff Watson on guitar. The result is this exciting brand new Live album release recorded June 2007 at the Shibuya, Tokyo, on two CDs. Hello Kelly! Did you record any of the other shows on the 2007 tour? If so, why did you go with the Shibuya show? What was it about that night that made is special? Kelly Keagy: We Had Reb Beach with us, and having that line up was amazing. The songs we recorded that night were the best performances! The album is a two CD album and charts the bands hits and new material off the “Hole In The Sun” album; was there any tracks which you would have liked to put into the live show that you didn’t? KK: No, those were the songs that we rehearsed. How did Reb Beach get involved with the Japanese leg of the tour? KK: Reb got in because I worked with Reb on “The Mob” CD and hit it off with him. Reb is a great guy and a great guitar-player and I thought he fit very well. Why do you think Night Ranger have stood the test of time when others in the same genre have been left by the wayside? KK: Night Ranger has always been about songs. We have done the same good work for the last 25 years. We work really well together. We always do what’s best for the song. 1st thing is the song has to be good! Have you started working on the follow up to “Hole In The Sun” album yet? KK: We are always writing…all of us, all the time.
Was the show videoed for a future DVD release? KK: No, we did not video the show. With such a long career what keeps the band motivated to keep on touring and recording KK: This is our life, we don’t know how to do anything else but music…this is what we do. We are very proud of what we do. If you could go back in time and speak to yourself what advice would you give yourself if any? KK: Relax, take easy, don’t go too fast my boy…slow down. When the band are about to go on stage do you still get that buzz or are you all calm and collective when it comes to live shows? KK: I still get a little nervous. It’s only because I want to do the best I can and I think every one is the same way. Do any of the band still have strange pre-show rituals that have been carried on throughout their career over the years? KK: We all have our different things, I’m warming up the voice, push-ups, running in place, that kind of stuff. We are all still in good shape and we keep it that way. How much feedback do the band get from the fans as regards albums and live shows and do you find yourself acting on this? KK: I think it’s a good thing to hear your fans and know that they are the reason that you are here and all. But for us to be here 25 years later we have to follow our
hearts and believe in ourselves as a band. If we don’t grow we don’t live. When the band started out did you even envisage you would still be going in 2008 and beyond? KK: We thought that if we could just make that one record…then they we let us make another one. We never thought that we would be here. Thank God! What does the future hold for Night Ranger and the individual band members? KK: Night Ranger will be number 1 worldwide in 2009! (by Brian McMinn)
“Rockin’ Shibuya 2007” the new album by Night Ranger: review page 12
RAMOS/HUGO is one of the most exciting new par tnership in the Melodic Rock World. Josh RAMOS is the former axeman of THE ST ORM, TWO FIRES and curr ently HARD LINE member. HUGO Valenti is instead a true AOR legend hav ing been fr ontman for VALENTINE and OPEN SKYZ and with 3 solo albums r eleased. RAMOS and HUGO have cr eated together a perfect Melodic Rock album in the classic Journey-style!
Hi Josh! Many Melodic Rock fans will see this new album with its line-up as a super-group album; what makes it a Josh Ramos’s album? Josh Ramos: Me playing and be part of the team in every aspect like songwriter, player... so amazing! There's so many great ideas coming from the people around you that are working with you, from song writing to production etc. I think you should have a clear plan of what you want, but yet be flexible with your understanding and understanding of other people's ideas, to listen and be aware of everything around you. How did you approach Hugo to sing the vocals on this album? JR: It was my label that propose me to work with Hugo. He is such a talent and he is what I was looking for! Again how did you manage to tie down Eric Ragno for the albums keyboards and John Macaluso for the drums? JR: They are amazing and superb artists and friends of mine. It was great to work with them and cooperate on this album. The writing on the album was covered by yourself and Hugo; did this expand the scope for the songs on the album? JR: Sure! You know, as I told you before, there's so many great ideas coming, and I love be part of a team. Hugo is renowned for his Perry style but this album shows another side of his vocals; was this important to him and yourself that this didn’t sound
like a Journey tribute album? JR: Every band member loves Journey but they are not the only band we listen to. So there are so different influences that we have, and it is so clear listening to the album... When you started work on the album did you have the line-up all sorted or did you write and fill in the blanks later as regarding a vocalist? JR: I already know what was the line up and all were aware of working together. If you had to pick out one track off the album your particulary proud of which would it be and why? JR: Mmm... you know it is difficult, but I think “The dream”... I love to play this song and I love the lyrics. Now for the question on everyone’s lips: will this be a touring-band or just a studio-project? JR: Difficult to say now. We are working on it and I hope one day to tour with this band, they are all great artists and great friends. We will let ya know! Can we expect more from Ramos/Hugo partnership in the future? JR: Sure! I hope to work on new songs and have a lot of albums coming! Is there any news on the Hardline front you’d like to share? JR: No comments about this... ah, ah! I can tell you we are workin’ hard and some news will be delivered so soon! The whole Melodic Rock scene is growing year after year and the qual-
ity of albums is growing too; do you feel that people are getting sick of one hit wonders and TV made bands and are returning to real music and real musicians? JR: I hope so... but in US for example is still hard and it is always the same way. Let’s keep fingers crossed! You’ve worked with some great musicians over the years; what has been the highlight of your career so far and do you have any dreams left to fill? JR: I’m really happpy of my career and I love everything I have done and I’m doing. Should be great to be rich with music! Ah, ah! (by Barry McMinn)
“The Dream” the new album by Ramos/Hugo: review page 11
Formed at the dawn of the 90’s by Jean Beauvoir, former Plasmatics and songwriter for KISS, Ramones, L.Ritchie, John Waite and many others, CROWN OF THORNS remain one of the leading bands of the Melodic Hard Rock genre. Their new Work called “Faith” might be the best sounding C.O.T. album ever! So check it out!!!
Hello and greetings to you, Mr. Beauvoir, this is Bruce Atkinson from “Melodic Rock”. I thank you in advance, for taking the time to answer my questions. So, let’s begin! Jean, first of all, congratulations on the new release “Faith”. What I have heard so far from this album is absolutely brilliant! Obviously, a lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into the making of this recorded Work… Jean Beauvoir: Thanks so much! That’s a great compliment. If we shift, for a moment, to the past, your musical path has been difficult at times, with many highs and lows; how do you “keep the faith”? JB: The fans, record companies and the press with comments such as yours above that makes me going. Making people feel something from something you create is a very special thing and very hard to replace. I love making music, it’s what I was born to do and though it definitely has its high’s and low’s, you try to live off the high. Now, coming back to the present,
a new contract, a new album, and obviously you hit platinum with your association with Bob Clearmountain... tell us a little about the experience working with such a Producer… JB: Bob is fantastic! I’ve worked with him on different levels in the past but for this record, we needed his drum expertise. He had told me about a new drum-room he had built when I was mixing a solo track with him for the Jamie Lee Curtis, Tim Allen film “Christmas with the Kranks”. We spent a few days with him tracking all the drums. Hawk was in heaven! How long have you been developing “Faith”, and how long in recording? JB: It took about a year, being that I’m involved in some other things, mainly running Steven Van Zandt’s company Renegade Nation, I couldn’t lock myself away for 3 months doing nothing but this record. In a way, maybe that was a good thing. It gave me a chance to step away and get perspective. Obviously, you are happy with the
line-up of Crown Of Thorns are things settled now? Will this be the line-up we see in concert? JB: Yes, unless somebody decides to take off!!!! No, we all get along great and have been friends for a long time, we would add a keyboard player for the tour but I’m happy with the line-up. Jean, you have worked with so many notable musicians, please talk about some of your experiences, and with whom? JB: They are all so different but that’s what I enjoy, crazy different personalities that make Rock Stars, Paul Stanley and I would write songs in his apartment with a 4 track while were eating Chinese dumplings in Sesame sauce, Steven Van Zandt and I have worked together in every different way possible, The Ramones were recorded in New York for the most part but I still can’t believe I talked them into coming Sweden where I was using my favourite Abba Studio for years, that was quite an experience! Writing songs with Jim Vallance in Vancouver for the Melodic Rock Fanzine 21
first record was a blast, haven’t spoken to him in a long time! Touring with Bon Jovi and Van Halen was a definite highlight; what made it even better is that we already knew each other for a long time so it was fun. Ironically, though Sammy Hagar was the singer on this tour, David Lee Roth came to meet me with the band at one of the Plasmatic shows in LA. He was the one who told me I should leave the band and start my own thing. Let’s go back to the new album… “Faith” is such a strong record, it seems that you are making strong statements from every composition! Is “Faith” the shouting out that I am here and I am staying? JB: You know, sometimes you subconsciously write songs and
it takes a moment to see with what strength your thoughts are revealed on a record. I believe you’re right. This is what I was meant to do. This album creates its own excitement, and promises to be the centre piece of an equally exciting concert performance…when can we look forward to the next tour? JB: We are actually in discussions and working on this now. We’re setting up meetings with agents, etc. The whole band is aching to get back on the road so hopefully it won’t be too long! From the Plasmatics to Crown Of Thorns, you have endured a musical journey that would exhaust most others! I thank-you for all of your Musical Works and “sticking to your guns”….please you can end our conversation with some thoughts to our readers...
JB: Hey all, It’s definitely been a long road but I live off your support and your love for my music. Thanks for the support, thanks for believing and liking good music whether from Crown of Thorns or other bands that give you what you need. We hope to see you soon face to face!!! (by Bruce E.J. Atkinson)
“Faith” the new album by Crown Of Thorns: review page 11