Contents Issue 30 January - February 2009: 04 JSS (Jeff Scott Soto) 06 Places Of Power 07 Vision Divine 08 Bad Habit 09 Cryonic Temple 10 Doro 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 Theocracy 16 Elektradrive 17 Balance 19 Tall Stories 21 Place Vendome
Melodic Rock Fanzine The Official Frontiers Records Newsletter
January - February 2009 Issue 30
March 13th, 2009: - WETTON/DOWNES ICON “3” - GREAT WHITE “Rising”
Editor-in-chief: Primo Bonali Executive Editor: Elio Bordi Writers: Bruce E.J. Atkinson, Rob “Ezy” Bone, Fulvio Bordi, Duncan Jamieson, Barry McMinn, Marco Spaeth.
- STREET LEGAL “Bite the Bullet”
_______________
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
Copyright © 2009 by Frontiers Records. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Printed in Italy
April 10th, 2009: - HARDLINE “Leaving The End Open” - SUNSTORM “House of Dreams”
Best known as JEFF SCOTT SOT O, JSS is a multitalented ar tist and singer, one of the hardest working guys in the business. He star ted his car eer singing for Yngwie Malmsteen and been par t of gr eat Rock bans such as JOURNEY, SOUL SIRKUS and TALISMAN. His new solo album “Beautiful Mess” is a ver y personal statement, a cr ossover between his Rock-style with some amazing Soul and Funk influences and a ver y own JSS tr eatment! Firstly thanks for taking the time out to complete this interview! The new album “Beautiful Mess” marks yet another chapter in your career; it seems a more personal album taking in a lot more of your influences than the two previous solo albums... was this your intent from the beginning? Jeff Scott Soto: I started this album almost 4 years ago, I was finishing a tour promoting “Lost In The Translation” and I started reflecting on where I was wanting to go next musically. I was a huge fan of my producer’s work, Paulo Mendonça, and one night, listening to his amazing 2nd album “Different Phases”, I realized this was what I wanted to do next. Through some musical acquaintances, I contacted him and there began a musical connection like I haven’t 04 Melodic Rock Fanzine
known since working with Marcel Jacob (Talisman). Musically, it took about 3 years to complete the final lineup of the songs as I truly wanted to not only reinvent myself but make a new musical statement. When putting a solo-album together do you feel less restricted with the content that with a band-album? JSS: Yes & no, there is still a musical responsibility that must be met whether you’re a band or solo artist. It’s easy to move too far away from your core audience when you’re on your own, so I’ve always kept a group of people close to me, whether they’re in my solo-band or, in this case, if it’s my producer. At the end, the music has to represent and the fans will ultimately decide if it’s going to be accepted. Do you think a solo-album reflect the artist more that any other albums
they have worked on? JSS: Again, it’s a yes & no answer. Sometimes a solo-album is just a single postcard of an individual’s personal interest or experiment, but there are many out there who have done their most amazing work with their groups. I don’t think you could compare Freddie Mercury or Steve Perry’s solo albums to the genius they created with Queen or Journey, but you get to see the other side of what makes them tick. If you see Phil Collins’ solo albums, they probably reflect a better representation of an artist who did better being solo. Your career has seen you growing up to a kinda superstar status in the Melodic Rock genre; how do you feel about this? JSS: It’s an amazing feeling to now
be as known or popular as many of my idols! I love representing this music but also being able to get away with expanding on it, while being accepted doing things my way. I don’t like being put into ONE category, music is too vast to just fall into one sound. With such a varied career is there a point so far where you thought “hey this is it ”? JSS: Never, I don’t believe in this! I need the many facets of music, things that challenge me & keep me interested in moving forward with creating new music. It gets more & more difficult to get new music accepted but I refuse to sit back & only live off my past, as you can see in my 25 years doing this professionally, I refuse to stop now breaking new ground. The obvious talking point over the past couple of years has to be your time with Journey... despite what happened do you see this as a defining point in your career? JSS: Honestly, no. In the year I was with Journey, I sang in front of approximately one million people around the world but, because I never recorded or released anything with them, I was just a guy with a mic singing all their favourite songs. Within the industry was much of the same, no one really cared that I sang Steve Perry’s songs for a year, the only relevance came from my fellow artists & colleagues. I am no further ahead in my career now than I was before Journey but I have no problem with this, I would rather make my own mark & be known for who I am than singing someone else’s songs. If given the opportunity to sing with such a big name band again would you do anything different? JSS: No, because I did everything right the 1st time. Honestly, I have no desire to do that again anyway, the only band I would front if asked is Queen, they would be the pinnacle of why I got into music & it would have been an honour to pay homage to Freddie Mercury & his legacy. In the meantime, I have my own legacy to create! Why the title Beautiful Mess for the album? JSS: My life the past few years has been exactly that, the music, career & direction I chose on this album is that, life in general is that…one big beautiful mess! (by Barry McMinn)
“Beautiful Mess” the new album by JSS: review page 11
Power of Melody PLACES OF POWER is a brand new monicker featuring some familiar faces in the Melodic Rock scene: Philip Bardowell (MAGDALEN, UNRULY CHILD) and Bruce Turgon (FOREIGNER; LOU G R A M M BAND, WARRIOR, STEVE STEVENS). “Now Is The Hour” is the band’s debut album and the result is a jewel, a total must for all Foreigner, Shadow King and Lou Gramm fans... Hi Philip! It's a real thrill to be able to ask you a few questions about your terrific new album. How do you feel the record has turned out? Philip Bardowell: I'm very proud of the outcome. It surpassed my expectations and I think I'll actually listen to this one! There's obviously been a huge amount of care and attention given to the song writing and recording of the material. Can you tell us how you went about collaborating on the songs and how you worked together in the studio? PB: Bruce (Turgon) and I had a goal: we didn't want any album "fillers" on the record and wanted every song to be the best it could be. Bruce emailed me instrumental tracks that were very good and filled with great melodic ideas. I, in turn, wrote lyrics and melodies to the tracks. Many of the melodies were inspired by the melodies inherent in the tracks Bruce sent. It was a great collaborative effort on the songs. We only worked together in the studio 2 days to finish vocals. Other than that, this was all done over the internet and by phone! I think initially you got together thanks to a suggestion from the people at Frontiers. Could you tell us the story behind that? PB: Serafino suggested that Bruce and I do an album together and put us in touch. 06 Melodic Rock Fanzine
Once we connected, we found that we got along very well and were open to the idea. Once we started, we realized that we (and Serafino!) were right. It was a very enjoyable, creative process. There's not a duff song on the disc but I think “Wildest Dreams”, “Places of Power”, ”Hard to Love You” and “Path of Least Resistance” are new classics in the AOR-genre. Which tracks resonate most with you and why? PB: Once again, this was our goal, so thanks for the kind words. I truly like all of these songs. “Hard To Love You” was one of the first songs to be done. I would say out of the 4 you mentions, I love the power in “Places Of Power” and the melodic pop sense of “Wildest Dreams”. Do you see this as a one off project or do you envisage work together in the future? PB: We'll see! I would welcome the opportunity if it were there. Are there any chances of seeing you take this album on the road? PB: Once again, we'll have to see how the album is received. I'd welcome the idea. The pair of you have worked with some big names in Rock, in the past. Do you still keep in touch? PB: With some. With a wife and three kids, I don't really talk to anybody much anymore! However, I have fond memories
of all my collaborations and each one led me to where I am today. What are your hopes professionally this year for yourselves and this album? PB: To keep making good music and follow God's will for my life. There are many exciting things ahead. I look forward to seeing how "Places Of Power" is received. (by Duncan Jamieson)
“Now Is The Hour” the new album by Places Of Power: review page 11
VISION DIVINE is a Melodic Metal band fr om Italy which featur es the stunning vocals of Fabio Lione (RHAPSODY of FIRE) and Olaf Thorsen on guitar (ex LABYRINTH). They have r eleased alr eady 5 studio albums and 1 live DVD and have a gr eat following in Italy, South America and Japan especially. The new “9DWOTM” was pr oduced by T imo Tolkki (ex Stratovarius) and is Vision Divine’s heaviest, most melodic and catchy album ever, showing why they ar e now the num ber 1 band in the Italian Metal scene. “9DWOTM” is a fantastic journey that fans will consider as the true Vision Divine car eer defining statement! Hello Olaf! First, let’s begin with your journey so far... Vision Divine has over the years changed its line-up several times. Has this been a hindrance or do you view this as growing pains? Olaf Thorsen: A change is always painful, in music as in normal life. But, when it is needed, a change is a hope for a better future. I always try taking the best from a change, learning from what didn't work in the past and trying to build something better for my future. So it works for Vision Divine as well. Is the present line-up, in your eyes, the strongest so far? OT: I don't think it's correct to compare different line-ups. Each of those was “the best” in that moment. So, I think this lineup is the best for the moment I am living. This is the line-up that the band needed for this kind of album, 'cause each member was completely committed to Vision Divine and the music we were about to realize. Would you be so kind to take us through the recording process of your latest release, “9DWOTM”… OT: It's been a long and difficult album to realize. Many changes, and the music which became a little darker than before. It took 2 months to realize this album, 2 months in which we've been living together in different studios, sharing emotions, feelings, hopes. Now everything is into this album. For the very first time we approached the recordings in a “live” attitude, recording most of the tracks together at the same time. We chose so 'cause we wanted this album to have a different sound, but also a different feeling compared to the other releases we had in the
past, so we had drums, bass and guitars recording at the same time in different rooms, then we addes vocals, keyboards and arrangements. A new experience for a band who plays our kind of music but very exciting! Once again, you have enlisted the production talents of Timo Tolkki; was this move to kind of go back to the original vibe? OT: Timo knew the band very well already, so we thought it was the right thing to do. There were so many new things already, that it was important to keep some traces of the past in order not to lose the point, if you know what I mean. “9DWOTM” is perhaps Vision Divine’s strongest effort; did you have a particular message in mind? OT: Thanks a lot for your words! Our message is still the same, album by album: we enjoy playing music, and we enjoy having this chance of writing our moods and feelings down on a cd. You can like it or not, but for sure our albums have some meaning, where also lyrics are very important. I like to think about my albums as pictures of a particular moment of my life. This is why every album has a different “color”, a different atmosphere. “9DWOTM” is what we are nowadays. What plans do you have for touring in 2009? Are you going to continue with making inroads into the U.S.? OT: I hope so! It's a little too early to say that now, but we received some requests for playing in the USA this year, and I can promise you that if there will be a chance, we'll surely be there. This is a fantastic way to start off 2009,
with a new album and a re-energised band... please leave us with some thoughts about the new year and Vision Divine…. OT: Thanks a lot for your nice words, I am glad to hear that you liked this album. It's a very important release to me and to the other guys, and I really hope people will get the message we are trying to send. 2009 looks really great so far: many people are writing us how much they liked this new release, and also we are receiving a lot of requests for playing in places we've never been before. This shows a new and bigger interest in the band, and - of course - I cannot be anything by happy to hear. Hopefully, see you soon on tour! Stay Divine! (by Bruce A.J. Atkinson)
“9 Degrees West of The Moon” the new album by Vision Divine: review page 11
Melodic Rock Fanzine 07
The legendar y AOR band Bad Habit formed in Sweden in 1986 and that r eleased their first album “Young & Innocent” in 1987 now r eturn with a powerful new album “Above And Beyond”, which fea tur es a mor e melodic appr oach than the pr evious album and continues on wher e the classic album “Adult Orientation” left of f... Hi, nice to meet you and let’s talk about the new album, “Above And Beyond”; are you satisfied with it? Bah Habit: Yes, we are very happy with the way it turned out – exactly the way we envisioned... What are your favourite songs? BH: Well, we of course become very close to the songs and it always takes usa while after the production to “land” in listening to the finished product but now the songs we listen to the most are “I Don’t Want You”, “Just A Heartbeat Away”, “Don’t Want To Say Goodbye”, “My Confession” and “Let Me Tell You”... What are the differences with your previous albums? BH: We focused a lot on the sound and production on this album, as well as putting a lot of effort into the musical performances - striving for excellence but not trying to overdo things technically. This approach resulted in a more “organic band sound” than we've had before. So, all in all, the process has been more structured, but - at the same time - the
recording sessions and production have been more relaxed than ever before... Any tour-dates planned? BH: We would love to play key gigs around Europe, or anywhere else where there is a demand to see the band and where the album has been received well. Ideally, we prefer the festival scene or venues that are keen on AOR. We’ll see how it goes – we will follow the reception of the new album carefully… What are your favourite bands and influences? BH: In general and on a broad scale, I would have to say bands like The Beatles, ABBA, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Van Halen, Journey and U2 - have all made some pretty remarkable contributions to Rock as a concept. But, like I said, there are just so many great bands to choose from! What is your idea about the Melodic Rock in our days? BH: It seems that it’s going through a healthy growing period, which is - of course - nice. Now AOR bands just need better promo back-up in order to reach
out further, to get the airplay on the major radio stations, etc.... Thanks a lot for your time and kindness! Feel free to say “hi” to your fans! BH: See you on tour and we hope you enjoy our music! (by Fulvio Bordi)
“Above And Beyond” the new album by Bad Habit: review page 12
Cryonic Temple was founded in 1996 and has through the years performed at festivals such as “Sweden Rock Festival”, “HeadBangers Open Air”, “Gothenburg Metal Festival”, and more. After the successful and highly acclaimed 3rd studio release, “In Thy Power”, the band went through some line-up changes and now the the new album “Immortal” is here, more focused and powerful than ever! Hello guys! Here you are with a new album, 3 years after “In Thy Power”. What happened in between? Why this long wait? Magnus Thurin: Well, I joined the band in August 2006, then we did a couple of festivals and started writing the new material. But we had to search for a new drummer, and to get a drummer that can keep up the pace in our songs was easier said than done. Then one day Hans called and told us that he was interested in the position as our new drummer. Then Limb thought our new material was too aggressiv and heavy and wanted us to write songs as on the first 2 albums, so we said “thank you and goodbye!”. Metal Heaven then signed us instantly after getting the pre-production demo. But we had to wait for the studio and Pelle to be free for us, so everything took more time than planned... You had many changes in the line-up in these 3 years. How far did this influence the sound of the new album? MT: I like to think that my arrival in the band has done a lot to that; when Hans then Bjorn arrived the album was allready written. I guess this created the opportunity trying out new influences
and musical directions. How did you deal with the songwriting of “Immortal”? Was it a team-work or is somebody taking the majority of the work? MT: Well, the music for this album Leif and Esa is responsible for, Leif has this time taken a little more space than earlier, then both Esa and Leif contribute to each other’s songs with diffrent ideas and parts. The lyrics is mostley my territory, but Esa has a couple of songs where he has written the lyrics as well and one that we've done together. Would you agree in saying that the new album is cleaner and melodic than the previous ones? How would you describe it? M: Hmm, hard to say...personally I think it's much heavier and more aggressive, both in terms of songwriting and production, and maybe a bit more progressive than our earlier releases. Basically I think it's a natural development, at least for me. We didn't want to record the same album once again... with new members and new influences this album represents where we are today! The Power and Traditional Metal
scene is more and more crowded. What, in your opinion, can make you unique on the market? What are your specific trademarks? MT: I think that we managed to evolve and put things to another level without losing our old trademarks, twin guitar harmonies, great choruses and melodies, guitar solos... (courtesy of “Metal Maniac magazine”)
“Immortal” the new album by Cryonic Temple
For twenty-five years Dor o has been pr oving Metal is not only a boys-af fair. W ith Warlock, first, and with her suc cessful solo-albums then, she has kept the flame alive. And the new “Fear No Evil” follows the same path: a Classic Heavy Metal album full of Metal hymns and powerful gui tars...
Hello Doro! Nice to meet you. Can you present the album “Celebrate” (for your 25th anniversary) to our readers? Doro Pesch: For this album I wanted as much diversity as possible. When I listen to “Celebrate” it has no other message than that is pure about life and enjoying the moment. There is a beautiful duet with Tarja Turunen, “Walking With The Angels”, which has a very different meaning than “Celebrate”. I also wanted to record a song in German. “Herzblut” is especially for my fans. In addition there are enough strong songs such as “Night Of The Warlock” and “Running From The Devil”, the latter, I think, will become an anthem during live shows. I really wanted to record the pruning hard metal song “Caught In A Battle”. We had not recorded such a hard song in a long time and I think that the fans will receive it well! You have already played some songs live during the anniversary party. How it was? And how the audience received them? DP: We were pretty nervous to play the new songs along with the other songs, around 30 in total, that we had rehearsed! It remains, of course, always exciting to see how the fans react to the new songs. “Celebrate” was great to sing with all the girls. The duet with Tarja was also very good live. I am very curious how it will sound like when I sing it by my own, as Tarja has her own busy schedule and cannot come along on tour with us. All in all, have very much enjoyed the 3-hour show. It felt like the best day of my life, like a dream come true. There were so many friends and colleagues, who provided a guest appearance. It felt very special to be with my old band, Warlock, on stage again. It was a pity that Frank has given up music. Fortunately, Nick wanted to play. Those few extra songs could easily be putted on his setlist, ha, ha! First there were less songs, because Edguy and UDO had cancelled at the last minute. It was
only until 5 days in advance, when Scorpions' Klaus Meine (vocals) and Rudolf Schenker (guitar) promised to come and play along. That was great but we had to rehearse these songs as wel! You recorded over 15 albums, including your new album. Where do you get your inspiration from? DP: The fans give me inspiration: the stories they tell and the enthusiasm they give me, and what I experience when I'm on tour. For example, in the time it was still a Soviet bloc country and the Wall was still there, we toured Hungary. We were opposed by the former regime. Our album “Burning The Witches” was nowhere to be bought and performing live was not allowed everywhere. You could really see that the time had stopped and that the population was suffering from it. The contrast with the West was so big. When I returned to the States, I wrote East Meets West, which is about the contrast between East and West. Not every song has such a profound meaning but many have. They tell about, for example, political or spiritual issues. When you write songs, do you work with other writers, or do you write everything by youself? DP; Everything is different. Sometimes I get together with the guys in my band, and sometimes I work alone. Sometimes I get together with this person I really love, his name is Gary Scruggs. I make demos for myself, then I got to him in Nashville, then I present my ideas to him, and I know he can do them even better! If he likes the idea and he "feels" it, then we can come up with some great stuff together. So every song is different. But I write all of the lyrics. Of all the bands you toured with, who was the best? DP: Oh, I must say my best tour was my first world tour. Because it was my first, but also, because it was my favourite band! We got a
chance to tour with JUDAS PRIEST and that was the day when I quit my job! I got a call from my manager, and he said “Hey, Doro, are you ready to quit your job?”. And I asked: “Why?”. So he said: “Because you can get ready to tour with your favorite band!”. And I said: “What? Judas Priest? No way!”. I then went to my manager and said: “You know, I'm quitting the job, because I'm going on tour with Judas Priest!”, and he didn't even know what I was talking about! And I was like: “Oh, you don't understand!”... Where did you live then? DP: In Dusseldorf. And then everything was perfect! They treated us so nice! They were so good to us! Very gentlemenly and very supportive. In fact, this is the reason why we did “Breaking The Law” on “The Classic Diamonds” album. I just wanted to say “Thank you!” to Priest.
“Fear No Evil” the new album by Doro review page 13
JSS - “Beautiful Mess” (Frontiers Records) On the bio that came with this release came the words who is JSS and if I didn’t know that then I shouldn’t be writing reviews for Melodic Rock Fanzine because when it comes to Mr Soto the name is held is such high esteem throughout the Melodic Rock community that it is almost saintly. With some twenty years in the business JSS’s career has taken a more recent upward curve with his high profile slot as frontman with Journey and although this union was surprisingly short lived he gained a higher profile and a much wider audience. And with a new album under his belt “Beautiful Mess” will surely gain the man even more media success and send the name of Jeff Scott Soto out of the underground and into the mainstream. The album itself is pure solo Soto with the heavy soulsy feel like a modern Sam Cooke mixed with a little James Brown funk in places. The opening track cements Soto’s Hard Rock element but this album showcases the mans many styles and influences with a mix of soft rock anthems with some subtle blues and soul overtones and is to date his most diverse solo release to date. (Barry McMinn) 95
TALL STORIES - “Skyscraper” (Frontiers Records) I love this new one! As many of us already know, Tall Stories is the first main band Steve Augeri was part of before joining Tyketto and Journey. The 1991 band’s self titled release marked their debut, showing us a very talented band, so brilliant and original in songwriting, arrangements work and performance. “Tall Stories” was a great combining moment of so many musical influences between seventies and eighties elements, from a band not afraid to risk. Later on, between 1993 and 1995, Tall Stories, with the same debut’s line-up, carried on working on songs for a second studio release entitled “Skyscraper”, but unfortunately it didn’t see the light until today. Now Frontiers Records gives us the possibility to enjoy that release at last and to demonstrate how this band would have been ready to reach the sky if only its releases would have been published in the right time. Sound production is top brilliant sparkling quality, the rhythm section, guitars and vocals work in harmony as they were fused and performed all together into a whole single instrument. Great album! (Fulvio Bordi) 97
PLACES OF POWER - “Now Is The Hour” (Frontiers Records) The New Year may have just begun but I can a safely predict that this CD will be one of my favourites all year. The name may be new but the guys behind the music are responsible for some of the genres best loved music. Bruce Turgen (ex Foreigner, Lou Gramm and Shadow King) and Philip Bardowell (ex Unruly Child and Magdalen) have collaborated here on12 great tracks, bringing out the best in each other’s song writing and performance. If you are fan of AOR you would be foolish not to add songs of the calibre of the pompy “Places of Power” and the rocky, hook laden “Wildest Dreams” to your collection. “Hard to Love You” is as good as anything on the Shadow King record and “I Live for You” could be, ironically, the Johnny Edward fronted Foreigner. Best of all is “Path of Least Resistance” which rocks out like prime time Giant. For AOR to work its magic it needs a singer of Bardowell’s class who can wring emotion from every line. Now is their hour as this the first must have album of the year. (Duncan Jamieson) 96
VISION DIVINE - “9 Degrees West Of The Moon” (Frontiers Records) It seems that the stars have aligned themselves in such a way, to give rise for Olaf Thorsen to fully explore and express his musical emotions more completely. “9 Degrees West Of The Moon” is the result of an arduous journey for Vision Divine - what seems to be countless line-up changes, now solidified. This album just may mark the definitive member list of the band…it certainly is the definitive musical statement. Upon just one listen, one can see why Vision Divine is a number one Progressive Metal band! What we have here is a moving masterful musical statement. Eleven heavy slices that are full of intense, powerful and melodic musical journeys that can astound the listener in the complexity of the musical movements. All of this produced with a degree of craftsmanship seldom heard. I think, in a way, “9DWOTM” is the re-birth of Vision Divine. Olaf and Company are assuring us that they are here to stay! A very muscular musical expression…this is a fantastic way of starting off the New Year…may the Divine Vision persist…. (Bruce Atkinson) 93
PLACE VENDOME - “Streets Of Fire” (Frontiers Records) This 2009 year has been starting in music in the best way possible, with so excellent releases. This second studio Place Vendome’s chapter doesn’t absolutely make the exception. I think the band would not have been able to give us a better follow up than this “Streets Of Fire”. Just carefully listen to every note, every melody, every refrain to feel how they carve all the adrenaline into the heart. The band’s line-up has remained the same of the 2005 debut-release, with monster vocalist Michael Kiske really free to express all of his inspired melodic trails, musical passion and ideas; Dennis Ward, Kosta Zafiriou and Uwe Reitenauer from Pink Cream 69 with their full charge of busted, solid Hard and Heavy rock verve; Vanden Plas former keyboard wizard Gunther Werno giving songs an awesome arrangements work. Plus, songs’ credits see the participation of Torsti Spoof (Leverage), Ronny Milianowicz (Saint Deamon and songwriter for Primal Fear), Robert Sall (Work Of Art) as guest composers. Every song shines of its own light and will take listener breathless and nailed in front of the speakers since the opener song until the last note... (Fulvio Bordi) 96
Melodic Rock Fanzine 11
JEFF SCOTT SOTO - “Lost In Translation” (Frontiers Records) Jeff Scott Soto is going to release his so long awaited brand new solo release “Beautiful Mess” and the best way to wait for its release date is to listen Jeff’s best and last solo studio effort “Lost In Translation”, originally released in 2004 and now enriched of a digipack deluxe edition with five bonus tracks. “Lost In Translation” keeps walking on the previous “Prism” pure Melodic Rock approach, but now with a still more busted, raw, “in your face” sound and bolstered guitars, not forgetting, at the same time, softer chapters as stated by songs like the delicate “Beginning 2 End” and “If This Is The End”. No doubt this is the best solo release Soto has done until now. Songwriting is excellent, with a high quality melodic verve. Vocal performance is memorable and the band really kicks hard with a perfect dynamic rhythm section and a superb guitar work. “Turned The Page” (original Japanese bonus track), “As I Do 2 U”, “This Ain’t The Love”, “Lonely Shade Of Blue” (three excellent ballads) and the acoustic performance of “Soul Divine”, are the five excellent bonus tracks still more increasing the album’s quality and making this reissue a “must have” for everyone. (Fulvio Bordi) 93
JEFF SCOTT SOTO - “Prism” (Frontiers Records) Frontiers Records reissues for us this inestimable gem in pure Melodic Rock style, previously released in 2002, in digipack version and featuring six bonus tracks. Jeff Scott Soto is a so great singer inspired by a so wide range of artists such as Glenn Hughes, Steve Perry, Prince, Freddy Mercury, Seal, and he always has been displaying all of them in his studio releases and live shows along the years. “Prism” represents one of his most Melodic Rock oriented solo studio chapter. Just listen to rocking songs like “Eyes of Love”, “How Long”, “2 Late 4 Goodbyes” with their full charge of energy, great melodic hooks in perfect Journey tradition, choirs and heaven keyboards arrangements. “Heaven Knows”, “Holding On”, “Don’t Wanna Say Goodbye” are top notch ballads representing Jeff’s most inner and deep approach to musical inspiration. As anticipated before, the reissue includes six bonus tracks featuring the ballads “Good Love”, “2012” (original Japanese bonus track of “Essential Ballads”), Journey cover “Send Her My Love”, live versions of “Again 2 B Found”, “Stand Up” and “4 U” (featured in “Love 90 Parade”). Enjoy! (Fulvio Bordi)
BALANCE - “Equilibrium” (Frontiers Records) With every band that reforms there’s a little doubt in peoples minds as to whether the band are going to be equal to their most memorable album, and all reformations are quite harshly judged on whether the band’s going to sound dated or whether they’ve managed to evolve along with today’s more modern sounds. All these questions went through me mind when the new Balance album was sent to me but one listen and all my fears were swept aside, as Peppy Castro, Bob Kulick and Doug Katsaros revive the classic Balance sound and add their wealth of talent to make this new album sound both new, while at the same time keeping that same vibe as on the bands ‘In For The Count’ opus. The trio have brought in Bret Chassen on drums, who also co-produced the album with Kulick, thus keeping things in the family. What they have produced is a fine Melodic Rock album that will stand up against anything produced last year and will cement the bands return as one of the bands to exceed in 2009. (Barry McMinn) 92
BAD HABIT - “Above And Beyond” (AOR Heaven) Most people’s New Year resolutions involve getting rid of bad habits but AOR lovers are more than happy to embrace a new Bad Habit this month. Deciding to go for a more melodic approach than their previous outing, this becomes immediately apparent from the opener “I Don’t Want To”, pure AOR with pop sensibilities. Bax Fehling’s vocals can grate during some verses but any reservations disappear by the time songs get to the well layered choruses. Fortunately, there is not a dud chorus amongst the thirteen tracks. “Just a Heartbeat Away” has a fine melody and rocks the hardest on the album. “Don’t Want to Say Goodbye” has a pleasing, mid tempo Honeymoon Suite vibe. “A Lot to learn” has a U2 bass intro that morphs into a “These Days” era Bon Jovi chorus. Listen to the title track or “I Believe” to hear all that’s good about Bad Habit; strong arrangements, hooks that are tastier than your mother’s home cooking and guitar solos you can hum. It was the bands intention to emulate their 1998 career peak “Adult Orientation” album and this is one resolution they have safely fulfilled. (Duncan Jamieson) 87
JORN - “Live In America” DVD (Frontiers Records) Originally released on CD in 2006 this much anticipated DVD finally gets released. This is Jorn’s first performance on American soil and with nearly 30 records on his impressive CV there is no shortage of material to choose from. So, it perhaps comes as a surprise that eight of the tracks are covers albeit rather good ones. There’s a brace of Thin Lizzy tunes with “Cold Sweat” sounding particularly vibrant. Dio’s “Straight From the Heart” enlivens the set after a drum solo and the set closes with a Whitesnake medley of 4 tracks, a reminder of his days in The Snakes with Moody and Marsden. He sounds as virile on these tracks as that cheeky lothario Coverdale himself. Of Jorn’s own material the four tracks from “The Duke” album standout with the title track a particular highlight of the set. “Soulburn” from his Masterplan project also gets a welcome airing. Despite gripes about the amount of covers in the set this is a visual and aural testament to what we already know; Jorn is one helluva vocal talent. (Duncan Jamieson) 90
BURNING POINT - “Empyre” (Metal Heaven) This is the Finnish five piece’s fourth album, the second with the current line up. It’s power metal, unmistakably Scandinavian but it also owes a debt to American Metal as a cover of the Rods “Nuclear Skies”, included on the limited edition, attests. There are bountiful melodic guitar lines, duelling guitar and flavoursome keyboards throughout. Choruses, such as “Manic Merry Go Round” and “Fools Parade” are rousingly anthemic has a great guitar hook which soars off into the stratosphere. The arrangements are varied, with a range of dynamics that enhances most tracks here. “Empyre” is a brooding epic that should go down well live. They may have an ear for a melody but that’s not to say they can’t head butt you in the face with a bit of power when they want to. On tour shortly with Cryonic Temple (reviewed last issue). Cryonic temple might have a heavier sound overall, but Burning Point win out with more memorable hooks and melodies. For Nordic infused metal lovers, this will keep you good company on these long winter nights. (Duncan Jamieson) 86
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HERMAN FRANK - “Loyal To None” (Metal Heaven) Herman Frank erstwhile guitarist with Accept, Victory and Moon Doc is joined by Jiotis Parachidis former lead shouter of Victory. No surprise then that its thundering Metal sound is not too far removed from Victory. Drummer Stefan Kaufman lays waste, rather impressively to his drum kit throughout the album while Frank riffs hard and fast, shredding like a demon. Initially on “Moon II” and “7 Stars” this is a real rush, but like most things that give you a quick high the more you get, the more diminishing the returns. As a result the likes of “Father Buries Son” comes off undistinguished. What works better is when they change pace, such as on the brooding “Heal Me” and when the band grooves a little more as on the metal rock and roll raunch of “Hero” and “Bastard Legions”. Fans of the aforementioned bands will greet this CD with enthusiasm. It’s fast and furious and if not all the songs stay in your head after a few spins then the heavy poundage of the musicianship will ensure the ringing in your ears will. (Duncan Jamieson) 84
DORO - “Fear No Evil” (AFM Records) For twenty-five years Doro has been proving Metal is not just for boys. According to the atypical closing song “25” it’s been full of “Blood, rock and tears”. Seemingly untouched by changing trends this record has loads of old school charm. “Night of the Warlock” kicks proceedings off, showing that the petite German has still got the tunes, and is still being bothered by those troublesome warlocks. “Running From the Devil”, like much of the record, is tailored for the live circuit with drums that demand hand claps and a whoa, whoa chorus that crowds sing so well. This is also true of standout track “Celebrate” where Doro invites us all to join her Metal army. It’s a song that Bill and Ted would have adored. “Walking With Angels”, a good song, is the most contemporary song on offer with the Goth feel that has pushed hoards of female fronted bands to the forefront of Metal in recent years. So, after twenty five years, you can still wear your denim jacket with the Doro patch on it (if you can still squeeze into it) with pride... (Duncan Jamieson) 91
LAST AUTUMN'S DREAM - “Dreamcatcher” (Escape Music) Album number six from the band and they have again produced some fine melodic hard rock tunes, however like their past albums there are a couple of filler songs which stop the album getting top marks. 'Me & You' has a riff very similar to the Stones 'I Can't get No Satisfaction' and is not a memorable song. But that said they have added to their fine set of tunes with the truly immense 'Who Needs Love?' which keeps building and building after each chorus. Some very tasty keyboard flourishes on this song as well from vocalist Mikael Erlandsson (in fact the keys are used well throughout the album). You can't go wrong with this band (well, apart from the lacklustre second album) who keep producing high quality and very listenable melodic Hard Rock music. For those disappointed with TNT's latest album or waiting for the new Gotthard album, this will make up for it. (Jason Ritchie) 90
VOODOO CIRCLE - “Voodoo Circle” (AFM Records) Voodoo Circle is the brainchild of Silent Force and ex Sinner guitar wiz Alex Beyrodt and what an album to kick start the New Year. As Beyrodt brings his unequalled guitar wizardry to what is a fantastic Hard Rock album, but Beyrodt has gone one step further than most with this new album as he brings in a host of talent to support his own with the vocal prowess of Dave Readman of PC69, the bass pummelling of Mat Sinner the tub thumping Mel Gaynor and the keyboards of Jimmy Krestic as well as guest appearances by Doogie White, Rudi Sarzo, Nofifumu Shima and Richard Andersson. And with such a list you’d expect something special and believe me when I say that’s what you get. This is a monstrous release that brings out some of Readman’s finest hard rock vocals to date as he shows both power and grace throughout the album and with Beyrodt at his usual majestic best the pair seem to hit all the right buttons. (Barry McMinn) 93
TWISTED SISTER - “Live At The Astoria” (Global Music) When it comes to band that dominated a generation then Twisted Sister come to mind when you think about bands of the eighties. The band set a video precedence that saw repeated showing of their iconic videos on MTV and their live shows were not to be missed with the larger than life frontman Dee Snider leading his band of merry men. With the band resurgence in recent years including new releases and continued touring, the band are living out their own song ‘You Cant Stop Rock n Roll’ as the band continue to rock the masses. And on this live DVD/CD the band still show that they are ready and willing to rock till they drop in the name of ‘MOTHER F**KING ROCK N ROLL’, with classics tracks like ‘Under The Blade’, ‘Burn In Hell’, ‘You Cant Stop Rock n Roll’ and ‘I Wanna Rock’ still standing the test of time, mixed with the bands more recent material this is the band at their finest and most raw. This is a must buy release for fans of the band and is a good introduction to those who have been visiting another planet over the past twenty or so years and haven’t heard of the band and are lovers of good old fashioned high octane rock with a capital ARGGH. (Barry McMinn) 92
WEDNESDAY 13 - “F**k It, We’ll Do It Live” (DVE) Let me apologise upfront for any profanity that slips into this review. It’s not my fault. Blame Wednesday 13, the lead singer and guitarist of these American self styled horror punks. Amongst the 19 short sharp bursts of trashy, thrashy schlock emo , on this great DVD and CD twinpack, Wednesday litters songs and between song banter with more “F**ks” than a sex addicts’ group therapy session. Lyrically, tongues are firmly in their cheeks and the live vibe is wholly infectious especially on the stonking “I Want You…Dead”, the rough and ready Alice Cooper and early Kiss sounding “Not Another Teenage Anthem”, crowd pleasing “Skeletons” and “Rambo”(the old Drag Queen song) which is the sleaze rock equivalent of YMCA. Tom Petty’s “Running Down A Dream” gets a radical makeover emphasising the tunes signature riff to good effect. Closing track “I Love To Say F**k” is a bonafide teenage classic. Indeed, throughout, the music is much like adolescence itself; noisy, dumb, sometimes aggressive but loads of f**king fun. (Duncan Jamieson) 87
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FALLEN SILVER - “Blood In Blue Eyes” (Heart Of Steel Records) From “Down Under” here they come, five hard and dirty rockers named FALLEN SILVER. “Blood In Blue Eyes” is their debut-album and it’s exactly what you expect to listen from a band like this. Classic Hard-Rock full of kickarse riffs, a fat rhythm section and some dirty still very melodic vocals, not too far from the “classics” Ac/Dc, Rose Tattoo and Black Crowes, with the energy of their country-mates Airbourne, and some ‘80s Street Rock influences (Junkyard/Bang Tango/ L.A.Guns) thrown into for good measure. Opening track “East L.A.” is an hell of a kickass song, and the following “Loaded Gun” could have been easily taken off an album like “Thunderstuck” (Ac/Dc rules!). At this point another band comes to my mind: Johnny Crash /(d’you remember the great band fronted by ex Tokyo Blade Vicki James Wright?). Nice boys don’t play Rock’nRoll. Right. So if what you want is blood, sweat, cigarettes and alcohol, you can’t find any better than this! (Rob “Ezy” Bone) 92
BURNER - “Resurrection” (Heart Of Steel Records) “Resurrection” represents the debut-album for Burner. A new band, right? Completely wrong!!! As a matter of fact, the trio from Leicestershire, England, is active since the early '80's, but – what a strange thing! – they never released anything (except for two fantastic 7" singles for Zerlinda Records, in 2002 and in 2007), neither they appeared on any of these New Wave Of British Heavy Metal compilations very popular back then. So, now here it comes “Resurrection”, an album recorded between 2006 and 2008 but containing songs written in a time-period spanning from 1984 to 2007, that hopefully will give some justice to Burner. The influences of the band are clear: traditional ‘80s NWOBHM bands like Blitzkrieg, Diamond Head, early Iron Maiden and early Def Leppard. Following the vinyl-release of High Roller Records, the CD release from Heart Of Steel Records adds 5 bonus-tracks taken from the above-mentioned singles, and a full colour 16 pages booklet with a large bunch of pics, liner notes, all the lyrics and more. Taste the history! (Rob “Ezy” Bone) 88
ELEKTRADRIVE - “Living 4” (Valery Records) After about ten years absence from the musical scenes, Italian classic Hard Rock masters Elektradrive mark their come back with the fourth studio release “Living 4”. Let’s point it out by now: please do yourself a favor and don’t get lost the opportunity to listen to this masterpiece. This is music composed with intelligence and, listening to every track, you won’t find any predictable moment in it. Today we use to listen to so many artists using the same good ideas and repeating them release after release, song after song: well, believe me when I say this Elektradrive’s “Living 4” is a real gust of fresh original ideas for the Hard Rock scene. Every note, every arrangement, every moment, every melody and instrumental passage sounds so original, new and unexpected. So many influences fused into the band’s already well affirmed musical personality can be discovered, starting from King’s X, Yes, Asia, Jethro Tull, Van Halen, Queensryche. A real kaleidoscope of musical moments, melodies and particular atmospheres combined in an unique original personality. I’m really so proud an Italian band has produced a 92 release such as this one! (Fulvio Bordi)
VENGEANCE - “Soul Collector” (Metal Heaven) Legendary Dutch Hard-Rock band VENGEANCE returns with their 2nd 'comeback' album after the much praised previous return CD “Back in the ring” from 2006. “Soul collector” is the name of the record and boy does this sound huge and pure Hardrock the way it should sound, of which even AC/DC could be jealous of I think. VENGEANCE is making here another pure VENGEANCE record, with uptempo and midtempo pure HardRock pieces and of course the wonderful melodic Rock-ballads "What the hell" and "Lean on me". Maybe nothing new is brought here, but it is nevertheless a real true traditional Hard Rock album that sits nicely between EDGUY, AC/DC, KROKUS and Y&T, with superb guitar-work of son and father Somers. A “must-have”, of course, for the VENGEANCE fans! (Gabor Kleinbloesem - Strutter Zine)
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BILL CHAMPLIN - “No Place Left To Fall” (Zink Records) Ask any true WestCoast collector about their top 10 albums or artists in general, and BILL CHAMPLIN will be on the list. It's not strange at all. This legendary musician has been hired for sessions as a keyboard player, lead vocalist, background vocalist and arranger, yes even guitar player for decades by top artists and bands all over the world. So here we are with his first solo album in 13 years. Personally I think it is a true shame we had to wait this long, but on the other hand: better this album than no more releases at all. Following up the great "He started to sing" CD from 1995, this new CD takes Bill to a more straight-down-to-Earth sound and more rootsy production. This may take some time to get used to if you are more of the modern CHICAGO fan, rather than a fan of for example THE SONS OF CHAMPLIN. But you need not worry. As always BILL CHAMPLIN delivers catchy melodies, groove, awesome lead and harmony vocals and - maybe most important of all: real instruments all the way. This really feels genuine, which is something you can't say about many releases these days... (Ola Gränshagen - melodic.net) 83
IVORY - “Time For Revenge” (Heart Of Steel Records) “Time For Revenge” is the debut-album for this five-piece coming from Italy. The band, active since quite a lot of years (1996!) in the italian Metal scene, sounds fresh and very mature with a shining songwriting and clever arrangements, that might recall bands like Symphony X and Ring Of Fire, but also Toto and Sonata Arctica! In fact, their style is not the typical italian Power Metal; their sound is quite unique, combining powerful riffs and doublebass songs structures with catchy vocal harmonies (in the Melodic Rock area) and some Progressive parts. The singer’s voice is high, melodic and crystal clear, the guitar parts are influenced by the masters of the genre (Yngwie Malmsteen and Richie Blackmore above all) and the rhythm section is tight and powerful. Taking such a lot of time before releasing the debut album is not a bad thing when you realize how much experience, thru the years, this bunch of musicians gained… thumbs up! (Rob “Ezy” Bone) 86
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Theocracy is a Metal band from Athens, GA, USA, whose melodic style has more in common with their European contemporaries than with most of their U.S. counterparts. Characterized by huge choruses, epic arrangements and progressive elements, T h e o c r a c y ’s m u s i c i s b o t h immediate and deep. After a good debut, the band finally unveils the comeback album, “Mirror of Souls”, featuring an high-quality songwriting!
Hello! “Mirror Of Souls” comes 5 years after your previous album; why did it take so long to get back on the scene? Matt Smith: It’s been five years, but it’s been a busy five years! Finding other band members and starting to play shows was time-consuming. Also, the songwriting can sometimes take me awhile, because I want to make sure every part of every song is strong and that the arrangements flow nicely. I also spent a lot of time learning, practicing and working on audio engineering (both for Theocracy and for other local bands), because I wanted this album to sound great, since the production on the first album could have been better. We actually built a small studio during this period as well. Also, we all work full-time jobs in addition to Theocracy, so the actual recording took quite a long time both because of scheduling and because of the nature of our music. Finally, we had another label express interest and then string us along for months before we decided tell them we couldn’t wait any longer and sign with Ulterium, so that was a lot of wasted time. I actually wrote most of the third album during this time period as well, so hopefully we’ll be making up the time we lost by releasing that one not too long after “Mirror of Souls”. How did you deal with the songwriting of “Mirror Of Souls”? Was it more a soloeffort or some kind of a teamwork? MS: It was mostly just me, although the band did help with arrangement ideas. Jon and Shawn each have a writing credit, though; Shawn helped with the middle section on “The Writing in the Sand,” and Jon wrote the solo section in “Absolution Day”. He couldn’t come up with a solo he liked over the solo section that I had there, so he
wrote a new section that was better than what I had come up with, and a great solo over it. You're not scared of writing extra-long songs; how do you deal with these? How difficult is making a 10 minutes (or 22 minutes) song appealing? MS: I don’t find it any harder than short songs necessarily, though every song is different. The trick is to write a long song that doesn’t seem like a long song, and that takes a lot of work! You have to make it always feel like it’s moving, and not make it too repetitive, but at the same time, you have to make it feel like one song and not a bunch of disjointed parts. Like, if you listen to “Mirror of Souls” and follow along with the story, it doesn’t feel like a 23-minute song. How did you musical influences and approach evolve during these 5 years? MS: Well, I got big into Neal Morse as a songwriter, though you probably won’t hear that too much directly in the music as much as in arrangement ideas and such. Other than that, just always trying to get better as a songwriter and trying to come up with better melodies that get stuck in your head. Your lyrics spread a strong Christian message; what do you mean to reach through your words? Do you think people really care of what Metal bands sing about? MS: Good question. I think some people care, and some people don’t. Some people say they’re only interested in the music and just consider the voice to be another instrument, while some people key in on the words. I’ve found that some people tend to not care at all what a band sings about unless there’s a Christian or religious influ-
ence to the lyrics, and then it’s suddenly a huge deal…that’s pretty funny sometimes. But I think you can’t try to preach at people through lyrics, because people will always take that to mean that you think you’re somehow better than they are. So all you can really do is be honest and write about what you’re feeling from your own perspective, and that’s what I try to do. An epic and bombastic feeling comes often throughout your music. How do you manage to create it? MS: I think it mostly has to do with the melodies; I try to write melodies that give me goosebumps and get stuck in my head. Also, the way it’s arranged certainly helps, with the big choirs and kind of epic orchestration. I’m glad you get that feeling! (Courtesy of Metal Maniac magazine)
“Mirror Of Souls” the new album by Theocracy
After more than ten years from their previous successful album, “Big City”, italian classic Hard Rock m a s t e r s E l e k t r a d r i v e mark their come back with the fourth studio release “Living 4”, a perfect example of Melodic Hard Rock in 2009, influenced by the big names of the past...
Hello guys! Here we are with a new Elektradrive release after about ten years. “Living 4” is an amazing realization displaying a band in perfect shape and with a still more enriched and mature sound than the past. What did you do during the last decade and when did you decide it was the right time to bring back to life the band? Elio Maugeri: First of all I would like to thank you very much for the appreciation. All of us have been engaged with professional business and personal vicissitudes but, still, I kept on writing original music for a solo album while Simone and Alex were writing some stuff for a new Elektradrive project after I decided to leave the band. Stefano hang up his bass on the wall and carried on with his sports interests and taking care of his family. Four years ago, me and Simone decided, spontaneously, to play again together so we started to write some new songs. I remember that the first song that we wrote was the title track “Living 4”. At that point, we understood that we still had something to say. In your opinion, how do we have to considerate this new release? As a new starting point for the band, or a simple new natural step from where you left years ago? Simone Falovo: We seriously don’t know if the band would have been able to make an album like “Living 4” without such a long break. But one thing is for sure: anyone of us knew perfectly how a new Elektradrive album had to sound like, and we are very satisfied of the overall result. We liked the songs since their very first demo versions, starting from the title track “Living 4”, which is very significant to us, and after this one, all the other songs came one after the other passing through “Pain” and “Feed the ground” that Elio wrote originally for a solo album. We really think that “Living 4” is simply a new natural step for us. Now we feel more 16 Melodic Rock Fanzine
mature (not only because of our age) and think that the entire sound of the album reflects the present state of the band... After so many times I’ve been listening to “Living 4”, I can say the album doesn’t absolutely present weak or predictable moments. The best words to describe it are fresh and original. The band has kept its own particular original sound, but this time enriched with new variegated influences starting from Seventies Progressive Rock, from Pink Floyd to King’s X and a more peculiar bluesy approach. What’s your opinion about? SF: Wow! This is one of the smartest questions we could expect! First of all we are devourers of many different genres of music. Of course we are influenced by the big names of Rock such as The Beatles, The Who, Pink Floyd, Hendrix, The Police, Todd Rundgren, Edgar Winter, Tubes, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, but also by some Soul artists. Since you mentioned them, to us King’s X are absolutely the most original and talented Hard-Rock band of the last 20 years! We are very openminded listeners and perhaps great part of our influence comes from what we usually listen to. At the same time, we believe that Blues is an essential ingredient in our sound, especially for Elio's singing style: in this album you could hear it much more than in our past works. Anyway, we believe that the most important thing when you actually do create music is the song itself and when somebody feels that our songs are fresh or original, it's the best thing they can say about us! Do all the compositions come from the same writing session or period or do they belong to different moments along these ten years? EM: Except for “Pain”, “Feed the ground”
and some other songs, originally written for my solo album, everything else belongs to the same compositive period. We’ve been writing all songs over the last four years, because we wanted to give the same groove to every single track, paying particular to the song writing. We think we achieved what we were looking for: we wanted to present a common concept with the album, also for the lyrics, we've been working a lot with Simone in order to give the right words to every track and each word had to fit with the sonic mood of the song too. (by Fulvio Bordi)
“Living 4” the new album by Elektradrive: review page 14
BALANCE is the histor y of MELODIC ROCK. Formed in the early 80’s by Bob Kulick (Kiss, Alice Cooper, Meat Loaf) with Peppy Castro and Doug Katsaros (Kiss, Rod Stewar t, Cher, Bon Jovi, etc), they have released 2 gems of Melodic Rock. Now the three got once again together, and the resulting album “Equilibrium” is truly a labour of love, a true Melodic Rock masterpiece! Hello Doug! So, what made you get together for a new Balance album? Doug Katsaros: Frontiers contacted us with an offer after Bobby had spent years fanning the flames of our musical embers. How hard was it getting all the guys together long enough to put an new album together? DK: We never actually all got together! Bobby and I recorded in LA, Peppy and I recorded in New York. It took a bit longer that way than if we had all been in the same room, but the final product remains the focus of the three of us. Although all the band members have remained active since your last album, how hard was it to put together an album that was still Balance while still sounding new and now? DK: We are all constantly new and now! But the songwriting and production values that helped to define Balance remain ours. So Synth and guitar sounds were simple to replicate, and of course Peppy’s vocals are unique, and the sound that Peppy and I have together as background vocalists is part of our signature as well. Bobby oversaw the production, so really, recreating the original sound was a breeze and a pleasure. How did the songwriting for the album come about? Did you start from scratch or did each member bring something they had be working on for a while? DK: Many of the tunes were actually written for Balance back in the day, but never found their way into a studio.
Frontiers specifically asked for the songs to sound like the “old” Balance, so picking the original songs was a no brainer. Peppy had some newer material, and between Bobby and me, we performed them in the style of first two records, and what came out was this record. Are you hoping to take the band on the road, or is it just a studio project at this moment in time? DK: A tour has not been discussed – I personally am just happy just to be playing some really fun music with such awesome talents. Let’s see what the future demands… When the band got together for the first time did it click instantly or was it gently does it at first? DK: The very first time? Peppy made the call asking us to meet him to learn some tunes in a rehearsal space. We found that our individual talents were complimentary right off, and surely the name Balance derived from those early days of finding the right blend between Bobby’s and my styles. How long did the album take to put together from start to finish? DK: About 2 years from the first introductory letter to the release this February. Actual studio time was much less...sometimes life has a way of getting tangled up in projects, but eventually all worked out for this record. When you got together did you think why haven’t we done this earlier are was it just the right time for you? DK: The end of Balance was a very difficult time for all of us. We went very separate directions, and only this offer brought
us together again, so there was no “why haven’t we done this before” – we are all very successful in other musical ventures, so Balance became simply a generous part of who we all are. And certainly in the scope of time, any later and this would NOT have been the right time for us, so, yes, this is a great time to have done this. Where do you see Balance going from this point on? DK: Let’s see where the fans lead us. As individuals, I am certain we will continue to make our musical mark. As a group. It’s always difficult to tell the future. I am just grateful for the chance to have done this at all, and for the fans that have kept us alive... I love you all! (by Barry McMinn)
“Equilibrium” the new album by Balance: review page 12
SECOND TIME AROUND Hello Steve! “Skyscraper” marks in the best way possible the Tall Stories’ come back. Please, would you present this brand new release and the story behind it? How did the band decide to make a reunion and come back to make music together? Steve Augeri: When Tall Stories parted ways, I think it was just after a string of shows we had done in Paris. Almost seventeen years to the day. I knew a fine band with a rich history and a strong collection of songs was being silenced prematurely. Even back then I knew, someday, somehow this music must.. no, will see the light of day and live again. So when the time had come, after my time with Journey, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to return to the place it all began. To the very band Neal Schon and Jon Cain had heard and peaked their interests enough and hire me as their (Journeys) frontman in ’98. In your opinion, which are the steps forward this new release features relating to the band’s self titled debut? SA: The band’s progression from the debut is somewhat a departure in that it is a great deal more diversified stylewise. I believe it shows all of the bands true colors. The whole sectrum of the rainbow. Most of my favorite albums do. It is also is closer, more personal side of the band that’s nice to share and reveal that otherwise would have never been realized. Same conviction, same passion as the first record. Just a natural growth spurt or evolution that any artist or artists need to experience in order to remain relevant or a true artist. Is “Skyscraper” meant to be a new beginning point for the band, or just a way to give real justice to a very interesting band that broke up too early? SA: Well, initially the later of your question, but, after getting together with the “boys in the band”, “The Tall Boys”, and seeing how the end result of the record-
ings turned out, we felt we’d like to chance fate and see where it might take us. I personally think this release is a real crack! The band shows a real personal approach to music fusing together in a very original way both seventies and eighties influences. How did the band worked on songs? SA: Well, back during the sessions for “Skyscraper” we were in many ways at our peak as a unit. Well rehearsed, several times a week, as well as writing sessions one a week, usually either at Jack Morer’s tiny Greenwich Village apartment where we’d sit shoulder to shoulder. Or at our manager, Bud Pragers ESP offices in mid-town Manhattan. There we’d share a room with no less than Foreigner. Can you imagion? It was on there recording gear that we recorded the majority of “Skyscraper” (thanks you gentlemen!). I like to think we tapped into some magic they had left lying around the day before. There were plenty of good vibrations and energy in that place... Did you follow a particular standard for songwriting? SA: Yes, I guess you can say we did. And that was “Anything Goes”. We truly believed there were no boundries when it comes to great music. So we explored. Pop music had taken a drastic turn at the time and it seemed there was a new frontier that had just opened up. So we felt unshackled and free to experiment and we did. The bottom line was eventually the better songs would show themselves and the lesser songs would be just as valuable because its through them that you usually stumble upon the real gems. Persistence and hard work always pays off. What’s the difference between being the singer of a great band such as Journey and part of a very talented act as Tall Stories? SA: Several zeros on your weekly paycheck! Ha, ha, ha! No, but seriously,
TALL STORIES was one of the last great bands of the MELODIC ROCK wave coming out in 1991 with a stunning debut album on Epic Records. “Skyscraper” is the come back album and of fers a wide variety of style and consistent songwriting all the way through. A great release which encompass es all the great Rock music on the past 20 years! folks. It’s a hugh difference and then none at all. A hugh difference in that Journey was/is a household name and singing their wonderful/timeless songs for those many years, one stays within certain perimeters. And you try to live up to expectations, the hurdles, the challenges that a master, Steve Perry has left before you. A glorious experience that can be likened to climbing Mt. Everest or swimming the Atlantic ocean. One that I will cherish and never trade for a million years. Tall Stories on the other hand is a diamond in the rough, a champagne cork not yet popped. A chance encounter that hasn't happened, but, is just around the corner. As well as its more a form of self expression for me, certainly. Its nice to just be yourself for a change. Yeah, its a good thing. They both are. A very good thing. Ultimately, its just having the opportunity to sing that brings me most joy in life. (by Fulvio Bordi)
“Skyscraper” the new album by Tall Stories: review page 11
PLACE VENDOME marked Michael Kiske (ex HELLOWEEN singer) return to ROCK in 2005. With the help of PC 69 members Dennis Ward, Kosta Zafiriou and Uwe Reitenauer plus VANDENPLAS ivor y tinkler Guther Werno, he delivered the goods with the first eponimous album released in 2005. The ver y favorable acceptance of the first PLACE VENDOME album planted the seeds for a second recording which was produced during 2008, a record that marks Michael Kiske’s visual return on the scene after years of a self-imposed exile... Hello Michael, and my best congratulations for your brand new album, “Streets Of Fire”. I really love the melodies you’re singing on every song of the album. Every melody is well rounded and perfectly combined with the music, and all the songs look like to be the result of a work to put melody on the highest song’s moment. Do you agree? Michael Kiske: Yes, very good songwriting again; and well picked for my voice too. This Album is also even more AOR for my ears. Your performance is so fullfelt and inspired, supported by perfect instrumental performance from your band mates! I really appreciate the combination of soft, heaven keyboards arrangements with powerful guitar and rhythm section. How did you work on songs this time relating
to the 2005 band’s debut? Did you follow the same composition and recording standard? MK: Yes, it was pretty much the same procedure. Just that this time we had various songwriters. Last time it was mainly Dennis Ward, as far as I remember. Many guests gave their contribution for the songwriting sessions. Torsti Spoof (Leverage), Ronny Milianowicz (Saint Deamon and songwriter for Primal Fear), Robert Sall (Work Of Art), just to name a few. When and why did the band decide to have external collaborations to build up the songs? MK: As much as I am informed, Serafino had to go this way this time because Dennis Ward was sort of packed with work and couldn't write songs for it that much. I am also writing
for my own next Kiske-Album and don't have any songs to share either. The band’s line-up has remained the same of the debut-release. Some people think the best way a band has to develop its own personality is keeping the line-up the more stable possible; other ones, instead, think new elements can bring new ideas and energy. You have had both different situations with Helloween before, and now the opposite with Place Vendome. What’s your point of view about? MK: Never change a wining team is a good and very true idea. Only if things don't work out artistically anymore, it's time for a change. But Place Vendome was and is an easy birth. No fillers in the tracklist. I think choosing just one song to represent the entire album would be impossiMelodic Rock Fanzine 21
ble: every song shines of its own light. In your opinion, what’s the best way possible to keep the same high quality in songwriting sessions? What would you suggest to newcomers musicians about? MK: It's easy in our situation when we only have to pick songs from various songwriters. There are many out there hoping to get their songs on albums. It's much more difficult if you have a band-structured in the way that you only make money when you write songs yourself and you need have them on the album. This sometimes forces a band to put weak songs on their records. That's why you should always share the income somehow in a real band, so no one is forced to write lame songs; if he (or her) is not so good with that, you know? Is “Streets Of Fire” the best Place Vendome’s musical peak,
or the band has still more potentialities to develop its qualities? In your opinion, where this band can really arrive? MK: I think there is even more possible if everything falls together right. All it needs is good material. And Serafino doesn't seem to have a problem with good songwriters. Are you planning to take part to other musical projects at the moment? MK: At the moment the main thing for me is the next Kiske-Album; it's got to be my best and different again. And I am also having another thing in my mind that is to early to talk about yet. If you had the possibility to build up on your own an ideal band to work with, besides Place Vendome, which musicians would you choose for? MK: The band that I already have right now. I honestly thing that I am having my perfect band already
around me for a number of years now on my Kiske-Albums. Any tour dates planned for Place Vendome at the moment? MK: Nope. (by Fulvio Bordi)
“Streets Of Fire” the new album by Michael Kiske: review page 11