CONTENTS 04 06 07 08 09 11 12 14 15 17 19 20 22
Mr. Big Whitesnake: Upcoming Ten Benedictum Scheepers Moritz + Danger Zone Reviews TNT Shakra Bad Habit + Oliver Weers Miss Behaviour John Waite Hurtsmile
Melodic Rock Fanzine
The official Frontiers Records magazine Year #7 - Nr. 1 / Issue #42 Editor-in-chief: Elio Bordi Graphic & Design: Elio Bordi Writers: Bruce E.J. Atkinson, Fulvio Bordi, Duncan Jamieson, Barry McMinn, Vitale Nocerino, Rob “Ezy” Bone, Fabio Mainardi, Tommy Hash. Headquarters and general contacts: Frontiers Records - Via Gonzaga 18 80125, Napoli - Italy Tel: +39.081.2399340/7753 Fax: +39.081.2399794 E-mail: elio@frontiers.it Website: www.frontiers.it Myspace: www.myspace.com/frontiersrecords Editor and publisher: Frontiers Records US Headquarters: usa.frontiers.it Copyright©2011 Frontiers Records. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Printed in Italy.
BAND: MR. BIG ALBUM: WHAT IF... INTERVIEW WITH: E.MARTIN/B.SHEEHAN/P.GILBERT INTERVIEWED BY: VITALE NOCERINO Focus on:
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MR. BIG - What If... (Frontiers Records)
Regardless of the ever shifting music trends, one band that has shown solidarity with the hard rock/metal realm is Mr. Big. They never released a Belly to Belly or a Shadowlife, they just kept banging out great records, flying the flag for the more technical approach to hard rock/metal. What If... is no exception, you have the interplay between Gilbert & Sheehan, with Torpey holding out the rhythmic backbone, all fronted by Martin's voice, which the latter is one of the most recognizable and distinguishable in rock. The record possesses the big classy musicianship factor with strong songwriting filled with plenty of hooks and catchiness that keeps everything on the intrigue, nothing less than we would expect from this quartet still being the band that plays to their own unique mantra on their terms. Never clichĂŠ, What If... is another example of how heard rock has prevailed without any mainstream or overtly commercial connotations, as Mr. Big are one of many testaments of how timeless true rock and roll is. Solid album as nothing has changed and there is nothing wrong with that... What If... will not disappoint; you put it in the player and you know what you are going to hear...and then some. Tommy Hash / Ytsejam.com (97/100)
Question: First of all congratulation! “What If...” is really an superb album! Can you please describe the differences, for the band and for you, between today and the past? Paul Gilbert: In general, I think we're all easier to get along with. In the old days, we put all of our time and energy into the band, which is a good thing. But it got to the point where we needed some rest, sleep and time for ourselves. Maybe I should only speak for myself - that's what I needed. Anyway, there is no manic drive to make the band the biggest thing in the world now. We're truly fortunate to have some hits and have an audience that will still come to see us play. And we're just enjoying that. As a player, I think I've grown a lot, mainly in my ability to improvise with a blues-rock style. It's taken me about 30 years to recover from hearing Eruption, but I'm finally getting back to where I was going before Eddie Van Halen came along and made everyone want to follow him. Q: Let’s star with the album title, is there a particulr meaning? Billy Sheehan: Yes. One of unlimited possibilities. What If we could all own a computer in our house? You know it's about all the wonderful new ideas that come into our lives via the 'What If...' Q: The albums has been produced by Kevin Shirley... Can you tell me something about it? Eric Martin: Yeah, and he's done a fantastic job on a whole bunch of other records too, from Iron Maiden and Black Country Communion, and the Black Crowes 'By Your Side' was a great record he did as well. Talking of that Black Country album, god is Glenn Hughes a great singer. Anyway, Kevin did the same type of thing with us as he did with Black Country Communion where he just put us in a room and after hearing stories about us for years and our influences like Humble Pie and Spooky Tooth and Free all these British Blues Rock bands. He goes "Put your money where your mouth is guys... Do It!" So we went to the Village Recording Studio, and without trying to make this sound all Hollywood, he did basically lock the door on us. And he told us "No second chances, no overdubs, just do what you do." Q: What was the writing and demoing process for this album? PG: I have a studio with Pro Tools, some little amps and an electronic drum kit. Every drummer who comes in hates the electronic drums; I, on the other hand, love them. I can get good sounds without having to deal with soundproofing and volume issues. But I can understand how a real instrument must be more satisfying to play.
Billy, Pat and I wrote a lot of riffs together. Eric lives up in San Francisco, so he brought some tunes down. By the end, we had an insane amount of riffs - over a hundred, I think. We managed to squeeze the best ones into about 20 songs, and then picked our favorites from there. Q: 'What If...' is a classic Mr. Big album with the classic sound and some todays influences. It is like the perfect following from the first two albums... BS: See we never now how people are going to react when we think we are doing our best. We do have our friends and fans in mind when we're making records because we want them to enjoy it but without pandering to them, but always having our own thing in mind. So we're always pleased to hear when people enjoy it. EM: You know we worked hard on the songs this time, but like I said there wasn't a lot of pre production because we went in there and cut it and it sort of sounds like I'm putting it down to just me being told to "Shut up and sing!" but that is what it was. Just went in there like Billy said, you know this time around it's the first time I've ever kept a guide vocal on a track. You know the singer he goes in and tells the rest of the band "This is where the verse is" and then sings a bit, "This is where the chorus is " and sings a bit more. Then it's like yeah we got it Eric you go and read the paper or something. But this time I was in there singing with the big boys. That's why for me on some of the tracks you have that little edge to it but by the end of the record you have this blood curdling sound, but that is how it was recorded. I didn't go back and fix. I wanted to trust me. It was like out of the normal way we record, but that is a good thing when everyday you end up listening to the same things over and over trying to get it just right. Q: So when you did the original reunion shows across Europe and Japan was it simply going to be a one off or did you have your sights set on another studio album etc etc? BS: We didn't have a new album in mind at all, we just knew we wanted to play, so let's just go out and see how it rolls you know, and we did and obviously it was really cool. So we were like thinking we'll probably play some more but we weren't thinking of an album until we got finished completely had a little time off, then a conference call and it was like "Hey you know what wouldn't it be cool to do a record now?" And one of the guidelines for the new record or 'What if...' as it turned into was lets make it like we used to make records, where we are together,
come up with songs and work with each other like we used to do, and so I'm really pleased we took that course of action and with the way it was produced by Kevin in the studio added to that. It was like an evolutionary moment if you will without losing the heritage of what Mr Big is about. Q: When you first got back together what sort of tracks were you banging out to get the feel back? BS: We just went right into playing our stuff, because we were just excited about playing our stuff together again as this band you know. So we just went right at it because there's a lot of songs we have that we've never performed live or that we don't normally play live. So we were into playing the more obscure Mr Big things. EM: One thing that was cool though was Kevin Shirley was asking about our harmonies and if I did all the harmonies. I don't think he knew that aspect of Mr Big existed, and I was like "Check this out" and we just did a straight acapella version of 'Green Tinted Sixties Mind' and midway through I'm starting to worry this could go fucking haywire. But it was on the money and Kevin was like "Well that's that then you guys can do your own harmonies. Q: About the recording process of the album, can you please let me know what kind of guitar set-up did you use? PG: I really love my Fireman. The neck on it is quite thick. It takes a little getting used to at first, but the tone and sustain are so good that I think I've become addicted to it. It made me realize that the B string is my favorite string. On the Fireman, the B string resonates so well. I used that guitar a lot. I also brought my Pat Metheny guitar to the studio. It's a big hollowbody, so I thought it would be fun to try through a cranked-up Marshall. I used my Custom Shop PGM 12string on All The Way Up. And I used my vintage Ibanez Artist semi-hollowbody on some overdubs. I bought that guitar on eBay. It's got a pretty thick neck too, and just awesome tone. Q: what are the Mr Big plans for 2011? EM: Well once the album comes out in January we have a few gigs lined up and one of those is a blow the cobwebs off type of show at the House Of Blues, its not like a secret show because everyone knows about it now and then we have something going on in Asia and lets not forget the fact that it would be a complete waste if we didn't come back to England. It kind of bums me out that around the corner the Astoria is torn down, it doesn't take a lot lets get a carpenter we'll make a stage and get some curtains and who knows?
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BAND: TEN ALBUM: STORMWARNING INTERVIEW WITH: GARY HUGHES INTERVIEWED BY: VITALE NOCERINO Question: Could you tell me about "Stormwarning"? What represent for you an album as this one? Answer: This new album represents a new chapter beginning in the bands history.The line-up is better than ever and more hungry to raise the bands profile. Some members had lost the hunger and desire to compete on a world level.Therefore rather like a car going in for a service, Ten had the tires changed and some engine parts replaced and we’re back stronger than ever. The new hunger and desire is there and that’s the most important thing. It’s the same in a football team. The saying goes if you’re not proud to wear the shirt you don’t belong on the pitch! Hence the new members of Ten replaced the old. Q: What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned through out the writing, recording and releasing of Stormwarning? A: I’ve learnt to believe in my song writing more. I had begun to listen to too many of the doubters, especially Focus on:
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here in the UK. Some British fans will never admit liking British bands. To these people if its not American or European is no good.This is unfortunately the British mentality.You’d never catch an American fan disrespecting an American band. However this is not the case in the UK.Therefore I learnt once again so say fuck them. I believe in what I do whatever anyone else thinks. Q: How would you describe the material on the new album? A: To me it sounds essentially like a British Classic Rock album. Each Ten album is different with no two really the same. For this album though we examined what we felt had been the strengths of Ten over the years. We also gave a respectful nod back to the first 2 Ten albums and also Spellbound. I think this album contains all the essences of Ten in a 2011 format. Q: Could you tell me about the great artwork of the album? A: Yes. It is a piece by Luis Royo once
TEN - Stormwarning (Frontiers Records)
again. Following in the Ten traditions of Spellbound and Babylon. He is a fantastic artist. Paralleled only by one or two artists in the entire world of fantasy art. We are very honoured and privileged to be able to use his work. Q: How's working with Mark Zonder? A: Working with Mark was great. He is a remarkable musician. We didn’t have a permanent drummer in Ten. We had a live drummer session member only. Dennis Ward suggested Mark Zonder as a drummer he had worked with in the past and he recommended him initially to Frontiers. When we first approached Mark he wasn’t familiar with Ten’s music. He did amazingly well. In fact by the time the drums were finished he phoned me to tell me he was very sad that there were no more tracks to record. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Mark again for the next album in the event that Ten just use session drummers for live.
With Stormwarning frontman Gary Hughes is still at the helm, lineup changes have never weakened things - Dennis Ward is on hand producing the record as drummer Mark Zonder is featured as a guest. "Invisible," "Center of My Universe," "The Hourglass and the Landslide," and the ballads "The Wave" & "Love Song" (which the latter invokes the spirit of "Send Her My Love") show the pop laden AOR sweet tooth that Ten has always possessed; yet they up the ante of musical nuances with the epical "Endless Symphony," the anthemic "Destiny," and hard edged title track bringing out the best in all the musicianship involved. Stormwarning plays out with true spirit of melodic rock, and is a testament to how timeless AOR is and how it is moving forward. Ten again brings more skills to their tunes, but not burdening anything with eccentric nuances which could go straight into either thrash or prog, per say, Hughes and company expand upon the verse/chorus/verse, keeping the Ten faithfuls happy and the melodic rock scene strong. Tommy Hash / Ytsejam.com (90/100)
BAND: BENEDICTUM ALBUM: DOMINION INTERVIEW WITH: V.FREEMAN/P.WELLS INTERVIEWED BY: BRUCE ATKINSON Question: I would like to begin with a sincere congratulations on the third album, “Dominion”!... another strong effort, let’s talk about the recording process... VF: Thanks for the kind words about “Dominion”. Pete is here to add his thoughts and feelings as well. Wouldn’t be doing this without him. This time around it was a little bit different and a bit of a challenge for me. The process itself took longer since we had not written together with this particular line up and also we were working with a new producer Ryan Greene so we had to find our stride with the whole thing. We had a LONG time between when we started the process and then had to pick up the pace again due to a lot of different circumstances but we did it, learned a LOT from it, and we are quite happy with it. Q: “Seasons Of Tragedy”… your second effort, now seems to be prophetic… as you have had a major upheaval in the band, now, not to dwell on this… however take us through what happened… PW: Well, life happens. There was no fighting or internal problems or anyFocus on:
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thing like that. Paul (our drummer) got married and moved to Las Vegas and the constant commuting was difficult for him so he reluctantly left the band. Jesse (our bass player) had a serious illness in the family and needed to take care of family members so he left the band. We are still very good friends with all of our past members Q: Continuing with “Benedictum” now, you have a new record label and it seems another strong ally… so is 2011 going to be approached any differently by the band? VF: A new label a new beginning! I can’t thank the hard working people at Frontiers enough. They waited quite a while for this album and I hope they are happy with the result as well. We have been through a lot over the years and it is good to have people that are credible and truly behind you. Q: The energy levels seem to be at an all time high with the new record… is this because of the events that befell the group in the last two years? PW: I think its culmination of a lot of things and for each member of the
band a different reason. Our eyes were opened up to the business side of things which I believe is what drove Veronica lyrically and opened her up to some different things. Chris, Mikey and Tony all come from hi powered musical backgrounds and for myself personally, I would say the biggest thing was the support I got at home from my wife Alissa! She gave me the freedom and space to create. As well as helping me to stay focused and on task. Q: The energy levels seem to be at an all time high with the new record… is this because of the events that befell the group in the last two years? VF: In truth I did have a lot of anger and disappointment but with the help of friends like Pete and the members of this band and indeed someone pushing me forward (and bailing me out... Thanks Irfan) I was able to channel that into some of the lyrics. I didn’t even really realize it until I took a step back and realized what was coming forth. It is good to have good people backing you up, Chris , Tony, Pete and Mikey, Irfan, Lissa and Anita... you are good people!!
BENEDICTUM - Dominion (Frontiers Records)
A new label — three new members… Benedictum’s third release “Dominion” pulsates with renewed energy. The group holds true to their ‘take no prisoners’ attitude and delivers each and every piece with a ‘no-holds barred’ intensity! Ms. Freeman must have the deepest/strongest set of pipes in all of Metaldom!! When she sings, you pay attention! The group’s line-up now consists of Chris Shrum on Bass, Mikey Pannone Drums and Keyboardist Tony Diaz. These three are faultless additions to the powerhouse duo of Veronica and Pete Wells. What’s different with “Dominion”? I’m glad you asked!! Overall this album is darker than ‘Seasons Of Tragedy” and if at all possible, meatier! Classified as Heavy Metal— ‘Benedictum’ has always struck me as a Progressive Metal outfit… and this effort further cements that notion. “Dominion” continues to electrify… with a total of thirteen tracks, this release solidifies ‘Benedictum’’s strength and brilliant musicianship. Be prepared for this quintet to hold Dominion over you for a long time! Bruce Atkinson (92/100)
BAND: SCHEEPERS ALBUM: SCHEEPERS INTERVIEW WITH: RALF SCHEEPERS INTERVIEWED BY: DUNCAN JAMIESON
Question: What’s it like to have your first solo record out? A: First of all it took so long because we didn't have any pressure and we are and were all were busy with our main jobs! I have expected a lot but this final result is definitely killer! Starting from the performances by my guests, continuing with the sounds and the recordings and ending with the sound! I am very proud and also very grateful!!! The whole team has done a great job! COOL!! Q: There had been rumors of you as a solo artist heading for a "softer" approach, which is not really the case. Once again, it's classic metal at its best, maybe with some "wider" influences. How do you see it? A: I see it exactly this way, yes! It was not only me composing the songs on my album, we are a writing team. Mat Sinner, Sander Gommans, Magnus Karlsson and Alex Beyrodt helped me with all this and I'm very happy about it! Sometimes it's really good, I have received two playbacks from Sander Focus on:
for instance, with completely composed arrangements, there were just melody lines and lyrics missing. It's so easy to find good melodies on a good track, that's why I had the entire melody and lyrics in about 30 minutes for two tracks! But of course I also have those tracks where I only worked on my own and they took me very long to work on....sometimes good things go fast and sometimes they need a little time...:-) Q: How did you work on the songs? Who helped you (if any) musically? A: As I have said above already, Mat Sinner, Magnus Karlsson, Sander Gommans, Alex Beyrodt and Stefan Leibing were helping me with the songwriting. Guest appearances (in terms of playing an instrument or singing) are: Mat Sinner (bass), Snowy Shaw (drums), Magnus Karlsson (guitars), Sander Gommans (guitars), Alex Beyrodt (guitars), Tim Ripper Owens (vocals on Remission of Sin (duet), Mike Chlasciak (guitars), Kai Hansen (guitars), Victor Smolski (guitars). Q: I see you had a lot of guests in
studio. how did you pick'em up? what did they bring to the overal feeling of the album? is there anyone that you tried to get, without success? A: Over the years you get to know a lot of good musicians and friends in the business... I have thought about people who I had worked with in the past and of people who I just met and got good friends to me... The great advantage of all this is that they are all such great musicians! The overall feeling of the album is the summary of my/our song ideas, combined with all these great talents as an icing of the cake... I'm happy and proud of the result! There are some people who I would have loved to work with. But the schedules of these fellows were tight and they had no chance to help me out... but there will always be a next time! :-) Q: I read you played some instrumental parts as well. which are the instruments you're best at? A: Just acoustic guitar picking actually...
SCHEEPERS - Scheepers (Frontiers Records)
Solo albums from lead singers of famous bands often see the artist attempting something radically different from their day job, often with mixed results. Fortunately, Ralf Scheepers of Primal Fear fame hasn’t done that. Only the closing acoustic number “Compassion” complete with accordion might leave PF fans cold. Otherwise on a record that sees his fellow band mates Matt Sinner, Magnus Karlsson and Alex Beyrodt each lend a hand at some point what you get is the great, walloping sound of Primal Fear. Scheepers is an imposing, muscle-bound figure and his booming voice is as powerful as his flexed biceps. Metal Mick of Halford delivers a fantastic face melting solo on “Locked in the Dungeon” and Ripper Owens adds his vocals to the addictive chant of “Remission Of Sin”. There’s an element of the theatre villain to Scheepers’ delivery which makes you totally believe he is the “Cyberfreak” in the song of the same name; a trick he pulls off again on the schlock “Dynasty”. “The Pain Of The Accused” sees his old band mate from Gamma Ray Kai Hansen supply a terrific solo. This is a great power metal album under any name. Duncan Jamieson (92/100)
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Bruce Atkinson: Let’s begin with what might be an obvious question. Moritz began in the mid-eighties, and disbanded… so why the reformation now? Greg Heart: Well, it all started off with a fantastic guy called Rob Evans who contacted me about the old Moritz back catalogue, and we decided to finally release the old stuff on a limited edition CD via my own record label ‘Harmony Factory’. It’s a small label i co-run with my partner Marty Wells, who also plays guitar in our ‘side’ project band ‘Hartless’. Before we knew it, we sold out the first run of what became the “City Streets” CD, in 2 weeks, had a second run pressed, and then we started seeing lots of ‘you tube’ clips getting a lot of ‘hits’, and it just snowballed! The reviews were amazing- for a product that was recorded in 1987 and barely made a dent in the UK when it was released, we were stunned. So i jokingly said to Rob “at this point i may have to get the band back together!” Little did i know that a string of coincidences and phone numbers exchanging hands, that the original band were just weeks from agreeing to meet up and chat about..um lets say, “unfinished business”! I am not a ‘starsign’ sort of person, but someone was definitely steering the 6 of us to get back in touch. The internet helped us enormously too! BA: “Undivided”, your new album… recorded in the last year, does it contain material written in the eighties, or is it brand new compositions? GH: Two compositions were from the ‘live set’ of 87-88, namely ‘Lonely without you’ & ‘Never Together’. ‘Who Do you run to’ originally appeared on the ‘Hartless’ album, with me singing - It was this tune that Pete Scallan heard on ‘myspace’ and got back in touch saying “i wanna sing that!” I think the song gave Pete a rebirth of his love for recording his amazing voice again. Thank god for myspace!! The rest is all new material I had written before with a view to do ‘something AOR’ with them at some point. The song ‘Undivided’ musically, was a tune me and Marty wrote way back in 1981 when we were 16! I re-wrote the lyrics for the album, and i think it sounds great. Hence the slight ‘vintage AOR sound’ we achieved. BA: What are your hopes for the album and the band from here on out? GH: Speaking on behalf of the boys, we all are just so happy to be healthy, friends again and to have made the album we always knew we had in us. That in itself is far more than we could have imagined. The fact the album has been receiving so many amazing reviews all over the world is simply , I dunno, crazy i guess. At times it is actually overwhelming, we are always emailing each other or calling each other up quoting the latest review to come in! Pete has had amazing comparisons to Lou Gramm and Paul Rodgers etc. I know for a fact he is totally blown away - But like i said, Pete’s vocals on the “Undivided” album are as good as any rock performance I have heard in years. He deserves every piece of credit he gets, as do all the boys. If the album goes on to sell like the reviews suggest it could, then we will consider it a job well done, and the years spent apart will sort of make it worthwhile. ‘Moritz’ was formed as friends, and we were the best of friends that sadly fell apart. So right now we are back! BA: Are you taking Moritz on the road? GH: We would love to! Realistically we would be able to play on a ‘larger bill’ so we can play to a decent audience with maybe a big headline act. We can do a very strong hour set at present. We are trying to find a promoter to take on a ‘three band UK AOR’ bill, and do a handful of decent theatres in the UK. But Europe? That would be amazing, ‘cos we know just how well our music is respected there. It would make great sense to try to come and play for the great people supporting our band. Its been so long!
Fabio Mainardi: Hi guys and welcome back! It's kinda sort of a back to the future thing, this one. You recorded all tracks for the album back in 1989, right? Danger Zone: Well, thanks and yes, “Line Of Fire” was recorded and mixed way back in 1989 between Venice and New York by Jody Gray and Mark Cobrin for T.E. Savage and Francesco Sanavio, but now thanks also to Greg Klee from Avenue Of Allies we finally got to have it published. A long wait indeed, but we are so happy now to let all of you listen to our music. FM: Your were a huge live band at the times, I heard that you recently reformed, can you tell us something about? DZ: Yes, after getting the green light for the production team to use the original masters and having them remastered and ready to be published I decided it was the right time to have Danger Zone back together again, so I got in touch with Paolo [drummer], who was lately come back in our home town Bologna and to our frontman and lead singer Giacomo to test the water and see if it could be possible to reform the band again. Needless to say they both jump up on the idea. So after stretching out muscles in the studio and playing again together we realised the old chemistry was still there and here we are with a new bass player and a rhythm guitarist in the folds and ready to hit the road again soon. FM: So if I got it right what's “Line OF Fire” today is exactly the album ready to be published on the US market in 1990. DZ: Exactly. The album was pretty all done then. I just did a new mastering at my Pristudio in Bologna and then it was over and ready to go to the pressing plant. Due to the historical value of this album and the “cult” status it gained through all these years, the label decided to have it packaged as a Special Limited Edition in a jewel case with an individually numbered slipcase to reward all our fans out there, and also ourselves to tell you the truth! FM: Most of the tracks were written by Danger Zone except three of them that were covers. Were you short of materials at those times or was an on purpose decision. DZ: The cover of “Children Of The Revolution” was already part of our 1989 demo but since the “Line Of Fire” project we set to brake the band onto the US market, the publishing company decided to have two more songs, that already had an airplay, reworked by us in order to get the band more bullets to shoot. By the way, we had some other songs written by us demoed and almost ready to be included but they did not make it. We are actually working on them and probably they will wind up on our next album. FM: So basically the release of “Line Of Fire” is just a first step in a bigger picture. DZ: That's right, we are currently busy rehearsing in the studio to get ready to perform live “Line Of Fire” as we are planning a whole come back with some live gigs already being booked to promote the album and at the same time we are writing and demoing new materials to be included in the next Danger Zone album that's in planned for release tentatively middle of 2012. We are really focused on the band and we can't wait to step again in “The Line Of Fire” soon!!
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HARDCORE SUPERSTAR - Split Your Lip (Nuclear Blast) This is now album number eight for the Swedish sleaze-meisters and the second with ex Crazy Lixx guitarist Vic Zino. Their easily identifiable brand of hyper-active rock ‘n’ roll remains intact and indeed is much better than their patchy last effort “Beg for It”. It’s looser and more organic, with thick greasy riffs and addictive bubblegum choruses which suits their Motley Crue, Guns ‘n’ Roses and Hanoi Rocks hybrid sound. “Sadistic Girl”, “Last Call For Alcohol”, “Split Your Lip”, “Bully” and “Envy” best capture the band’s vibe; like drunks at a party who are changing from being affable to argumentative and you know shortly a fight’s going to kick off. The bluesy “Moonshine” bends their template sound interestingly and “Here Comes That Bitch” is a well performed acoustic track but the disc could’ve done without closing ballad “Run to Your Mama” where you wish Jockim Berg had had a good gargle before singing that one. Otherwise, this is a great grab bag of cocksure sleaze and a true return to form for the band. Duncan Jamieson (86/100)
FAIR WARNING - Talking Ain’t Enough (SPV) The behemoth of a melodic metal band has unleashed a behemoth of a live set. With both a three CD set and a two DVD set taken from performances at Tokyo and Loud Park (also in Tokyo) shows, Fair Warning heralds that hard rock is still in full form well into new millennium's second decade. Having been a stronghold in Japan over many years, even scoring a record deal with Warner in that country, sounds and footage from the sold out tour that saw Tommy Heart, Helge Engelke, Ule W. Ritgen, and C.C. Behrens playing their souls out to the ecstatic audience is now being brought to all of us. Tunes performed include career-spanning faves "Don't Keep Me Waiting," "Angels of Heaven," "Burning Heart," "Longing for Love," "Save Me," "Don't Give Up," and "Still I Believe" among many others. Spread out, you have the big Tokyo show from earlier this year on discs one and two (first DVD disc) and the shorter Loud Park set from 2009 (DVD number two, which also includes bonus footage). Tommy Hash - Ytsejam.com (90/100) MORITZ - Undivided (Avenue Of Allies) Undivided” can be regarded as ‘Moritz’ ‘s debut full length album, but with a twenty plus year history! Formed in 1986, this group unfortunately had too short of a run. Although the members of Moritz kept involved in the music business; as a group, they didn’t exist until just recently. “Undivided” is a set of classic mid-tempo Rockers, exploring lost loves, missed opportunities and sheer determinations. Pete Scallan’s vocals sound like those of a twenty-odd year old! The grit and authenticity evident in his delivery is as unsullied today as it was in 1986. The rest of the group? Greg Hart; guitars & keys, Mike Nolan; guitars… and Keyboardist Andy Stewart hail from the original line-up, just like Bassist Ian Edwards. The only ‘new kid’ is Drummer Mick Neaves. They all show their vast talent and refined craftsmanship, and all are still hungry, after all these years. “Undivided” is a most solid set of excellent Rock tunes. ’Moritz’ was our loss in the mid-eighties, but now they are every Rock lovers’ gain in the 21st century! Let’s stay ‘Undivided’ and not lose this great band again! Bruce Atkinson (90/100)
MAGNUM - The Visitation (SPV) Since their inception back in the early seventies the UK based rock Band Magnum released almost 30 albums so far; they went through line up changes and internal turmoil that drove to a split in 1995 and then a glorious come back in 2002. With the ten track “The Visitation” Magnum explores all sort of symphonic yet epic prog rock of their past with a renewed fierce and glory that will impress both the first time listeners and the long time fans. Atop this latest collections of tunes stand up the title track “The Visitation”, “Doors to nowhere” and “Midnight Knights” where the romantic feel of the melodies is well accompanied by rough guitar riffs and solid drum&bass patterns. Other tracks, on the contrary go from some sort of over produced arrangements in an old school rock prog fashion to some how weak song structure that give a sense of not fully achieved result. All in all “The Visitation” is an honest a well crafted rock album performed by consumed musicians. Currently Magnum line up sees the founder members Tony Clarkin and Bob Catley share the sptlights with long time partner Mark Stanway on keyboards and recently joined members Al Barrow on bass together with Harry James on drums. Fabio Mainardi (87/100)
PUSSY SISSTER - Pussy Sisster (Black Bards) Glam rock is dead? Most probably not yet, but it won’t be not resurrected by Pussy Sisster either. The sef titled album by the German band is a sterile exercise of copy paste from the old school party rock band form L.A. back in the eighties. They lack of any kind of originality and although we are not talking about the most complex music to play they even go for an easy as it seems way of proposing it. I assume they would give their best in a live setting where their party animal attitude might shine, but forget the music. Why listen to Pussy Sisster while we have still Mötley Crüe or Twisted Sister or KISS around? Out of the 9 tracks I must say probably the homonymous song and a few other must be just up to par. Again if you thing music it’s just a background while you drink and shout, Pussy Sisster would fit your tastes, I don’t see any other reason to listen them, what I liked the most in the cover art though. Fabio Mainardi (75/100)
DANGER ZONE - Line Of Fire (Avenue Of Allies) Danger Zone, the italian hard rock band formed back in the '80 by guitarist Roberto Priori has finally got the chance to have their long awaited album released. Ironically enough I must say the weakest tune of all is one of the two brought in to the band by the publishing company, the cover to "That’s Why I Fell In Love With You" by Country singer Eddie Rabbitt, while the band offers their best in its own compositions where they shine with their talent to lay down catchy hard rock melodies well painted by the raspy voice of frontman Giacomo Gigantelli mixed in with the blistering and bombastic guitars riffs&solos lead by Roberto Priori and the pumping drumming by Paolo Palmieri. Listen some tunes like the title track “Line Of Fire”, “State Of The Heart” and “Love Dies Hard” and you will keep on dancing and shouting them out loud. With the new mastering done by Roberto Priori at Pristudio in October 2010, “Line of Fire” is here to blow your mind away and bring you back in the magic of the classic eighties rock. Fabio Mainardi (90/100)
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BAD HABIT - Atmsphere (AOR Heaven) Formed in 1987 in Sweden, Bad Habit represent a diverse combination of musical talent and vast experience... that stretches the boundaries and conventions of the rock genre... Something that their fans have come to love and appreciate over the years. Now, is a good way to start a new year and a new decade… keeping a Bad Habit!! “Atmosphere” is this veteran group from Sweden’s tenth album. Flawlessly performed… a first - rate production — this effort from Bad Habit flows effortlessly from one melodic peak to another. Thirteen slices of finely honed musical creations that are bright… touching upon new ground in some instances… a result of some special songwriting teams. All the hallmarks of Bad Habit are here…great up-tempo forays, as well as some delightful vocal highlights on such songs as “I Wanna Be The One” and “I’ll Die For You”. Journey through a piece of Melodic heaven with “Atmosphere”… a good ‘Bad Habit’ for all in 2011!! Bruce Atkinson (88/100) VOODOO CIRCLE - Broken Heart Syndrome (AFM Records) Voodoo Circle is the band of the German guitar player Alex Beyrodt (Silent Force and The Sygnet...) and they play heavy metal influenced by bands like Rainbow, Malmsteen and Black Sabbath with a little bit of the Beyrodt previous band Silent Force. The Band is an all star band where we can find the incredible David Readman (Pink Cream 69) on voice, the metal - man Mat Sinner (Primal Fear) on bass, the extraordinaire Mel Gaynor (Simple Minds, Gary Moore...) on drums and Jimmy Kresic (Jordan Rudess, Steve Lukather) on keyboards. This is the second album and the vibe is a little bit more into the ‘70 music than the previous work. The album was mixed and mastered by Dennis Ward and the final result is nothing else that a clear and heavy sound. What you will hear in this album are powerfull riffs, anthemic choruses, speedy and neoclassical solos that will remind you Malmesteen... “This Could Be Paradise”, “I’m In Heaven” and the title track are perfect examples of good quality. Vitale Nocerino (80/100)
THE CLAYMORE – Damnation Reigns (Black Bards) Although this release is far from the classic metal of the eighties they are capable to resurrect that feeling with a real powerful release. We may call The Claymore's music heavy meet power metal with a modern & catchy style on it. Best tracks, "Behind Enemy Lines" (guest starring Tim "The Reaper" Owens), "Return To Zero" and "Children Of The Nile" but we can’t also forget the bonus filler, a stellar redemption of a W.A.S.P’s classic, "Chainsaw Charlie". The German quintet, Andreas Grundmann (Vocals), Sebastian Busacker (Guitar), Kai Schwittek (Guitar) Christian Köhle (Bass), Hardy Kölzer (Drums), will never be a huge band but their music is an honest and true picture, thanks also at the good production. The Claymore, as many bands, live on the past although they try to make some good attempts to the next level, a note to the talented guys behind the guitars, Sebastian Busacker and Kai Schwittek, capable of blistering solos and battling duets of Maiden’s memory and the cool presence of Victor Smolski from Rage on (E)scapegoat. Fabio Mainardi (86/100)
OLIVER WEERS – Evils Back (Metal Heaven) With big choruses and crunch laden guitars providing the backbone, Evils Back expands upon musical variations keeping the melodic approach in full form being fronted by Weers' baritone voice running through darkened groove metal on "Without You," melodic moodiness with "Fighting the Mountains," prog-metal on the title track, the execution of epical anthems with "Devils Chain" & "Need It Bad" (the latter being the album's stand out track), and balladry on "Beautiful Rain" - where the album comes full circle as a powerhouse without any redundancy, avoiding monotony as your full attention is given into to the intrigue of Weers' way of attacking different styles going from song to song. You can compare Evils Back to early Queensryche & mid-period Fates Warning on a collision course with Jaded Heart & Eclipse - given both the musicianship and heaviness that sets in. It is an album where Weers and company add the flair to heighten up the intense passionate edge, really bringing out the best when it comes to the riffs & hooks, and them some. It's technical melodic metal mastery it's finest. Tommy Hash - Ytsejam.com (85/100)
STRATOVARIUS – Elysium (EarMusic/Edel) As album number thirteen possesses all the best elements of Stratovarius' past - it also brings them into the future with a melodic foundation prevailing with the technical strengths that have given this band their patented sound - the fast double bass, the shred axe attack, the harpsichord synth, you know the rest of the story. Elysium mixes up catchy arena sing along minded tracks on "Infernal Maze," "Darkest Hours," & "Event Horizon," which have the same anthemic vibe as classics "Hunting High and Low" & "Save Our Soul;" there is a more epical approach in the offering with "The Game Never Ends," the dark "Fairness Justified" a more prog-minded tinge with the eighteen minute multi faceted title track, and balladry being in full form on "Move the Mountain," coming full circle as a solid record, being nothing less than we would expect from this Finnish powerhouse. Kotipelto's voice holds up perfectly, guitarist Kupiainen's and keyboardist Johansson provide the intricate interplay with multiple solos and leads, while Jörg Michael & Lauri Porra hold down the intense backbone. Another record that was somewhat predictable, yet when the word predictable is applied to this band, you know that it's going to be an astounding musical set. Well done again! Tommy Hash - Ytsejam.com (89/100)
HELL IN THE CLUB – Let The Games Begin (Avenue Of Allies) Coming out of Italy like a bat out of hell are Hell In The Club, a band that have more elements than the Periodic Table mixing the heady Sunset Strip hard rock of the eighties with the Scandinavian swagger of the likes of the Backyard Babies with the Glam of The Poodles, in an album that will rock your very foundations. The band is the brainchild of Andrea Buratto of Italian metallers Secret Sphere, who along with guitarist Andrea Piccardi, drummer Fredrick Pennazzato and vocalist Davide Morea, are about to Let The Games Begin. The album is a real kick ass album to get the New Year underway with ballsy chunky riffs, sing-a-long chorus lines with more than its fair share high octane ear candy, that is a band that wears there influences on their sleeves and aren’t afraid to let you know it. A few of the many highlights have to be ‘Rock Down This Place’, the Skid Rowesque ‘Forbidden Fruit’, the ballad ‘Star’ and the funk inspired ‘Daydream Boulevard’, but these are just a few of many great tracks from a band who are going to take 2011 by the throat and shake every ounce of rock out of it. Barry McMinn (89/100) MRF | 13
BAND: TNT ALBUM: A FAREWELL TO ARMS INTERVIEW WITH: TONY MILLS INTERVIEWED BY: VITALE NOCERINO Question: The new album sounds Someone Else or Dont Misunderstand Me. astonishingly heavy and powerful, Q: Would you say that with Tony and somehow back to your metal roots. Victor the band has started a new how come this evolution? Would you phase? What kind of elements have agree that this album looks back to the two "new ones" brought to the band in its entity? Especially the the early works of the band? Answer: Yes, very much so. It think it vocals, i thing Tony has stepped pergoes back to both Ronni Le Tekro's and fectly in Tony H's shoes, but always my roots considerably. We've both been adding a personal touch... through evolution in our music, but this is A: Victor became a bedrock in TNT in definitely a concerted effort to strip it back 2005 and has been here ever since. In many ways the band was always going to and build it up again. Q: How were the songs conceived change with new members joining and and developed? How long did the replacing old. That's the way of the world. Tony was chosen because of range and songwriting process take? A: Ronni wrote the music in Oslo and familiarity with the styls of music and it Spain, and I flew to Oslo to complete the has always worked well. writing and recording of all the vocals. It Q: Judging from the titles, some of the songs seem to handle of "seriall took about eight months. Q: This is the 3rd album you publish ous" themes - 'Refugee', 'A Farewell with the current line-up. how far is To Arms',.. is it true? what do the this continuity reflected in the musi- new lyrics deal with? any common background? cal evolution? A: Actually, this is the best of the three A: A Farewell to Arms was considered to albums, retaining all the power and be the final track on what may well have melody that we wanted. The previous been the final album after Mill's heart albums were continually over exerting art attack in August. Refugee deals with the for art's sake, but in artistic relationships young and homeless. that grow, there has to room for flexibili- Q: Production is clean and powerful. you (Ronny) handled it yourself. ty. Q: The new album is also very varied. what was your goal in terms of is there any song that could be picked sound, and how did you work to up to represent it at best? The typical achieve it? A: This is Tony, but Ronny works with two first song to listen to? A: Well, I would choose Refugee, because specific engineers; Erland Hvalby and that has a bit of everything in there, but Zjartan Hestehaugen. together with the opinions differ and many people have SSL system and Logic Audio, he achieves said they would jump straight to great sound on many products. Although F o c u s o n : TNT - A Farewell To Arms (Metal Heaven)
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it is important to get fresh ears when mixing after doing all the recording. For this we used Tommy Hansen at Jailhouse studios in Debmark. We found it all a good combimation. Q: 'A Signature..." - bizarre title for this short instrumental intro. Can you explain? A: Only Ronni can really answer that, although it seems a capable title for the music. Q: I presume that 'God Natt' means 'Good Night' in Norwegian. Why such a title? Is this song dedicated to someone specific? A: Yes it does. I wrote the song for a long term fan in Norway called Marie. She has followed us all her life. Q: 'Engine' as opening track, 'Harley Davidson' as closing track, a kind of a "motor cycle". Is it just chance? A: Well, you could look at it like that !! But it is all about the Engine of TNT and how it motors along anyway. Q: After finishing the album, Tony had serious health problems. Are they solved now? Can he afford to go on tour? A: Yes, I have spent four months recovering and I am cleared to play later in this month. Q: Is there any live activity already planned? Will you embark on a proper tour? A: At the moment we have shows in Norway, Sweden and Greece, but we plan to move to mainland Europe this year.
TNT are back with this brand new album "A Farewell To Arms", their third album with the same line-up of the previous album “Atlantis. TNT returns to what they have been in past, an hard rock band. The music is more hard edged than on the last couple albums with an heavier sound and a more melodic edge. The combination of Ronni's powerful riffs and great melodies “A Farewell To Arms” will, for sure, please you and the first thing and sensation will be the surprise to find again the band playing the music we love! Catchy piece like "Don't Misunderstand Me", the groovy "Engine", the more heavy songs like "A Farewell To Arms" and "Take It Like A Man - Woman!", or the ballad like "God Natt, Marie" are the most emotional and amazing chapter of the album and if you want to be sure if this is the album for you, give a try to it listening to them. The album is produced by Ronnie LeTekro at his Studio Studio, and the songs are mainly written by R. LeTekro and Tony Mills and the final result is what it is. Recomended album, a pleasant return! Vitale Nocerino (90/100)
BAND: SHAKRA ALBUM: BACK ON TRACK INTERVIEW WITH: THOMAS MUSTER INTERVIEWED BY: VITALE NOCERINO Question: You split with your last singer Mark Fox. How come? Answer: The differences became insurmountable. We tried to fix it for years but this man just had a totally different perception and view on what was going on. In the end the discussions have just been completely senseless so we decided to finish it at that point. But he scooped our decision by quitting himself. So we could officially look for a replacement. Q: How did you find your new singer John Prakesh? A: We contacted lots of singers we knew and even more came back to us. But unfortunately the right one was not one of them. So we started to become despaired but then we got an e-mail by John. We didn’t know him before and we could not believe that there was such a fantastic voice in Switzerland. We thought the god of rock’n’roll had mercy and sent us John! His voice is much more variable than Fox’s. We are just so happy with John! We can try much more concerning the song writing. Just listen to “Yesterday’s Gone” – Focus on:
that would not have been possible before. And what’s best: John sings live even more brilliant. Q: Was John already involved into the song writing process? A: No, Thom and me brought the rough ideas for the new songs, as always. After that we finished the vocal lines together with John. I had lots of ideas already as John joined us. But as we started to elaborate the material I started to realize what a great stuff John is able sing. That inspired me a lot and so I wrote even more songs which fit perfectly to John. That’s why songs like “Back On Track” or “Stronger Than Ever” have been finished rather late but just in time for the album. John wrote the lyrics for eight of the tracks. That’s important to be more authentic. Q: Did John leave his other band? A: He put it on the hold for now. Maybe he will release something with that band sometime but SHAKRA has first priority. His work on SHAKRA is really intensive but we have a lot of fun together. The time in the studio was just awesome. Q: Why did you chose “Back On
SHAKRA - Back On Track (AFM Records)
Track” as the title for the album? A: John suggested it as the title for the album and everybody really loved the idea. First he applied it to himself because he thought he is back on track now that he joined SHAKRA. But then we thought it fits even better for SHAKRA after all that problems with Fox. I mean our last album “Everest” was very successful, especially in Switzerland where it opened 4th in the album charts. But behind the scenes there was seething unrest already. So “Back On Track” fits just perfect. We are back on track with John. We can plan things now. We have fun doing music together again. And I think you can really hear this on the new record. Q: “Back On Track“ sounds a little bit more modern. Did you abandon your riff-rock roots on the new album? A: No, the titletrack as well as “Brand New Day” really sound like the old SHAKRA, whereas “Yesterday’s Gone” or “Stronger Than Ever” are more modern with a slightly American touch. But it still is 100% and unmistakably SHAKRA.
After the amazing and succesfully album “Everest”, the swiss band Shakra is finally back, “Back On Track”! Always with AFM Records, the band shows again what they are and how the melodic rock is still alive and kickin’. “Back On Track”, the title album, is an album that really makes you happy and proud of the music we love. Fresh songwriting, powerfull and clear production is what make this album one of the highlights of the news year (and we are still at the beginning of the 2011!). Just listen to the opener “B True B You”, an amazing and blasting song that will please you with a powerlfull and melodic chorus. “I’ll Be”, “Crazy” and the title track “Back On Track” are pefect examples of combination of great riffs and melodic melodies. The first single “When I See You” starts with acoustic guitars and will bring you to deep atmospheres, great ballad and one of the best moments of the album. Songs like “Yesterday’s Gone”, “Unspoken Truth” and “Brand New Day” will follow and are nothing then other gems that compliti this amazing album. Vitale Nocerino (92/100) MRF | 15
Tommy Hash: "Evils Back" runs through a lot of different styles of hard rock, from AOR, to prog-metal, to melodic metal, really keeping the album diverse - what were the musical influences for this record? Oliver Weers: We were 4 people writing the Album and we all have different backgrounds. There's the 2 young guys from Denmark, me being half german/british and the greek guy. We were not concentrating on moving into one specific direction but rather trying to be loyal to the classic rock world giving it a slightly modern touch. And I really love strong melodies and words. Diversity is also an important factor for me when writing songs and this time it's a little bit like telling a story. Sound wise we were a little inspired by Ozzy Osbourne's latest Album "Scream" and Avenged Sevenfold's "Avenged Sevenfold". TH: Working with bassist producer Anders Borre, what was it that you se out to do musically on this record as opposed to 2008's "Get Ready" OW: I was aiming on a strong writing Team. The guys behind Evil's Back are a very colorful bunch of musicians. I like calling it a "Multi National & Multi Generation Project". It's good to have the warm hearted southern Europe influence with greek Laki Ragazas but at the same time merge this with the vikings from Denmark plus the world conquering german/british input. Also merging the different musical upbringing between us is strongly noticeable. The modern touch from the under 25 year old Danes and Laki and myself who grew up with Hard Rock from the 70's/80's. TH: How did the band lineup of Morten Hellborn, Laki Ragazas, Anders Bo, & Anders Borre come together? OW: Morten, Anders Bo and Anders Borre have been in my Live setup and it was natural to include them. Laki was introduced to me by a Dutch Journalist (Hans van Pruissen) who wrote a review of my previous release, "Get Ready". He got in touch wishing to one day listen to us two together. Laki sent me some ideas he had where one of them was "All My Life". I could identify myself straight away and melodies and lyrics came to me immediately. We met up a couple of times to see if we could work together and then hit the studio with the other guys. The Team was born! TH: The lyrics of the album also have a lot of depth, particularly the title track and "Need it Bad" what inspired the lyrics on this album? OW: I feel that we are filling our Planet with too much negativeness the past years. I don't believe in god nor the devil but in the capability of us humans. The bad news around us seems to be spreading globally. It's a chain reaction of worries that lead to a global depression. When this happens I choose to call it "Evil's Back". The lyrics are reflections of this. It's important for me to keep lyrics open to the listener so every individual can make their own pictures. It's a little bit like a painter that paints a painting and the viewer has his own experience with it. TH: Besides this album's release, what are some of your plans for 2011 as far as hitting the road for a tour or festivals? OW: Well first of all we have a big release party and concert in Copenhagen Feb 18th where everybody is invited. Then I really hope to get a Tour together for Europe but it's not very easy taking the current "global" situation in consideration. But I believe in it! TH: You also toured with Whitesnake & Motley Crue and have had Tommy Aldridge & Marco Mendoza guest on your last album - tell us about all of that. OW: It's a boys dream isn't it? It's lots of fun meeting people and working with them after being a fan for so many years. Tommy and Marco are really joyful people and being in the studio together was quite a laugh. Two people that have two very different approaches when working in the studio. Tommy working organized and Marco very spiritual and spontaneous. Lovely combination.
Bruce Atkinson: First, “Bad Habit” is celebrating their tenth release… And over twenty years as a group… What keeps you going? Hal Marabel: We take our time with each album... We don't force creativity... But always wait for the right mood to set in, which makes for a better end result... Also, we are all in quite a harmonious state nowadays... Taking things as they come but being very professional about it... BA: You began in one of the Rock World’s hottest musical areas, Sweden… Has this fact impacted upon the group’s outlook? HM: Well, we had a very different mindset back in the 80's... I'm happy to say that we have developed over the years... Both as a band and as individuals... We're a lot more relaxed with what we do nowadays... And don't have any 'ego issues' going on... BA: We are into a new decade, and significantly you are releasing your tenth album… Is “Atmosphere” a statement to that effect? HM: Yeah, we've been going at it for quite a while now... But we are still having fun with what we do... And this recording process has been a real treat... Fun and creative session indeed... BA: The new record also sees some new alliances… How did this work out? Are you happy with the results? HM: Yes, most definately... These are people I write with for other purposes... And that are well in tune with the Bad Habit style, so it seemed logical to involve them in the project this time... We're very happy with the result... ; ) BA: Bad Habit are no strangers to stretching the borders, musically speaking, and “Atmosphere” sounds quite inspiring… How to do keep everything “fresh”? HM: This is actually a very exciting challenge for each album... To see how we can improve on our previous creation... Bigger, better, faster, stronger - than before... We put a lot of effort into discussing and deciding what exacty we want to achieve with each album... And it always seems to end up with a combination of our core musical style and a contemporary approach to it... BA: Take us through your plans for 2011… More recording, touring… Are you thinking of exploring new avenues? HM: The plan is to play some gigs... No full tour, but key gigs here and there... Starting in Malmö Sweden on March 11, with our official release party... We''ll also try to shoot one or two videos to support the new album... BA: In closing. As is my tradition, please leave us with some words of wisdom…. HM: Hey, it's all about digging deep within yourself... to bring out your very best in everything you do... ultimately, only you can do it... You are who you are become your best... ; ) BA: Thanks again gents, I trust this interview finds you healthy and up for an adventuresome new decade in the progress of ‘Bad Habit”… HM: Many thanx Bruce... it was very nice talking to you... Have a great 2011... ; ) MRF | 17
BAND: MISS BEHAVIOUR ALBUM: LAST WOMAN STANDING INTERVIEW WITH: H.SPROGE/E.HEIKNE INTERVIEWED BY: DUNCAN JAMIESON Question: There’s been some big line up changes since the debut. Why the changes? EH: Simply because we needed to make those changes to be able to make such a great record as we wanted to do. Everybody in this band has to give 100% and we did not feel that the past members did. Now we have a strong team, stronger than ever. Q: Can you tell us about the new members Sebastian Roos and Anders Berlin and what they’ve brought to the band? HS: They’ve added lots of professionalism to the band for sure, because they are both very experienced musicians. Anders has been playing with both Eclipse and Narnia and Sebastian is touring regularly with a very well known Beatles tribute band called Liverpool. Together they formed the band Shineth, which released two albums in 2006 and 2008. Both Anders and Sebastian are great guys to hang out with so we’ve had a lot of fun during the making of this album. Q: This record is stronger than your debut and is a great AOR record to start the year off with. What sound were you looking for Focus on:
and which bands do you think have influenced the sound of the album? EH: Thank you so much, we're glad that you think so, that means our plan worked out! We wanted to keep the edge, but write more catchy songs, with a definite AOR-feeling added to it. We are big fans of bands like Magnum, Journey and Foreigner and looked for a fresh sound, but with a connection to these kind of bands. We hope that people can relate to 80s melodic rock bands but we also hope that we can add something fresh, defying the Miss Behaviour sound. Q: How did Roland Grapow (he adds guitar to “Perfect War”) get involved in the album? EH: We were huge fans of Helloween when we were younger and later also Masterplan, which is still a favorite band when it comes to heavier music. I have always liked his style of guitar playing and admire Roland as a songwriter to. We simply got in touch with him and asked if he would like to contribute with a guitar solo. We're really glad he liked the song and he did an amazing performance. Q: Many of the tracks are very atmospheric and draw in, giving
you your own distinctive sound such as “Last Woman Standing” and “Til We Meet Again”. These tracks and “Emergency” and “Taking Hostage” are my favourites. Which tracks are you happiest with and think best represent you? EH: That is really a hard question to answer and ultimately a question for our fans. It differs from time to time but "Till we meet again", which we also did a music video for is a favourite. This song means a lot, we wrote it in the loving memory of a dear friend of us, who tragically ended his life some time ago. Watching the video may make people believe it's a love story, but it's much more than that. This is our way of saying goodbye to him. “Last woman standing” is a great definition of our sound and quite heavy to. The song “11th Hour” is really a hymn to Michael Jackson, who was a big idol for us when we where younger. It may sound like a cliché, but we really like all songs on "Last Woman Standing". We wrote the album over a long period of time and went through a lot of things, so each song has it's very own story.
MISS BEHAVIOUR - Last Woman Standing (Avenue Of Allies)
If you’ve been seduced by recent albums from HEAT, Houston or White Widdow then this, the second album from the Swedish melodic rockers, should be right up your street (or should that be boulevard?). The band has replaced the more metal sounding Mattias Wetterhall for Sebastian Roos whose voice, while hardly going to give Steve Perry sleepless nights, is more suited to the emotive AOR on offer here. When he sings “We are defenders of the dream/ we break the silence and go back in time” on the opener “1988”, their agenda is clear; to re-create the sounds of the 80s with bold, prominent keyboards, soaring vocals and Erik Heikne’s lovely understated guitar that supplies tasty licks and radio friendly solos. The chorus’ are augmented by female backing that adds further to the rich textured sound. Many of the tracks build slowly relying on creating atmosphere such as the great seven minute title track “Last Woman Standing”, “Perfect War” and the swoon inducing ballad “Til We Meet Again”. Add the catchy “Emergency”, “Cynthia” and rocking “Taking Hostage” and you’ve got another excellent modern AOR record which gets better with each listen. Duncan Jamieson (88/100)
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ARTIST: JOHN WAITE ALBUM: RAUGH & TUMBLE INTERVIEW WITH: JOHN WAITE INTERVIEWED BY: FABIO MAINARDI Focus on:
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JOHN WAITE - Raugh & Tumble (Frontiers Records)
Here we are with John Waite’s latest studio work “Rough & Tumble”, and what a great job he has done! Recorded together with his live band mates, John presents a 12 tracks collection of classic highway rock. The songs come out from various times and moments in John’s life, but most of them are a teamed production with Matchbox Twenty lead guitarist/songwriter Kyle Cook. “Rough & Tumble” is two souls album wrapped in a single body, you get the rocking spirit of Johan in tunes like the opening track “Rough & Tumble” and “Sweet Rhode Island Red” together with his melodic heart well painted in songs like “If You Ever Get Lonely” and “Skyward”. You will get to listen John and Kyle first written tunes together, “Better Off Gone”, an ode to these great American highway songs, a track that will travel with you in your own journeys together with many other bluesy tunes all amazingly wrapped around John’s unique and unmistakable voice. Listen to “Shadows of Love”, it will surely become an hit, that song deserves it! A further addition, if needed, to this album is given by the freshness and rough edge that comes out of it having been played in the studio with his live band players, they definitely rock! Fabio Mainardi (92/100)
Question: Hi John, congratulations for your amazing new album. We talked last time while discussing “In Real Time” back this spring. Can you tell us which have been the drivers for the recording of “Rough & Tumble”? Answer: The new record started out as an E.P. I cut 5 songs in Nashville with Kyle Cook and thought we had it done. The record company suddenly wanted a full record. In my mind I was done and was already thinking about doing something else. My band was itching to play and the whole thing gathered momentum as it went along. We cut 7 songs in three days. I lost my voice so I took a couple of days off then went back to finish up. There was a sense of freedom and focus. I was kind of happy to be making all the choices. I made it up as I went along. Not bad! Q: This album comes after a 4 year studio break. Why such a long wait? What did it happen in between? A: I was thinking about touring Europe. I made Downtown because I couldn't find any John Waite records in my home town of Lancaster. It was an album made to jolt Europe. Nothing happened so I thought "fuck it!." The band was playing really well so I turned all my attention to playing live in America. The live album In Real Time was a natural extention of that. I was happy to go out live and just enjoy that. I wrote some songs with Kyle Cook and it simply turned into a record. It wasn't really planned. It just happened. Q: What amazed me the most is the freshness and that kind of “played live in the studio” feel of your album, Would you like to tell us more about the writing and recording process of “Rough & Tumble? A: The band is like a 70's rock band. Three piece with a singer. Right there is the whole thing. I don't have any interest in the arena rock stuff. It's overblown and false. It isn't even close to being Rock and Roll! Less is more as they say! Q: What about the music players you play live on tour? A: Luis first came into my life about four years ago, and we played several gigs together before he went off to form his own band. Me and Luis share the same musical tastes (Free, Humble Pie and black music). He brings a lot to the picture, and is very spontaneous. He's the only guy I can imagine playing in this band. I just think he's great. Tim has been playing with me for a couple of years now, and like Luis, he shares my taste in music. He's a very strong player,
and plays a Gibson Thunderbird bass, which brings real low end into the rhythm section. He's pretty rock and roll. Actually, he's very rock and roll. Billy plays drums for us, and he's, as I said before, the engine of the band. If you listen to the live record, you can hear him really coming into his own. He's very powerful, and a great guy. In fact, the guys in the band are my friends as well as people who I play with. We always seem to have such a great time on stage. I value that. Q: Are you 'rough and tumble'? The meaning of the title is referred to your ego...? A: Everyone thinks I'm a hooligan, but I'm not. “Rough and Tumble” is about love and loyalty. It's said in a different way. Life is hard. You gotta hang tough. Q: In this album you go from straight rock to melodic ballads to blues, in which kind of them you feel more comfortable with? A: I live the song when I sing. I'm caught in a moment. The songs are like my journals. Q: Maybe 'Evil', my favourite one of 'R&T', is the great tune that miss in the last Foreigner album... How did you compose it? A: "Evil" is the demo. It was recorded in Kyle's spare room. We saw it come to life out of thin air. We couldn't improve on it in the studio so we put it on the record like it is. It's the most unusual sexy little song. It's really something because it goes beyond being a great first take, it's the inception that you hear... the moment it was created. Pretty cool. Q: The new songs sound very live. Is that something that you had in mind when recording the album? A: I wanted something truthful. Live is a way to go. It's a balance in the studio. I was very confident in myself and in the band. Q: What about your life as artist? can you tell m e your best moments? A: Singing with Alison Krauss was a major moment for me. We played together at the Opry in Nashville with Vince Gill on guitar and my band backing us up, and for me, that was like getting an Oscar. I've always adored country and blues music. It's the mother and father of rock and roll. And even though I'm a rock and roll singer, I admire Ralph Stanley, Larry Sparks, Del McCoury, and of course, Alison Krauss as much as I admire Steve Marriott, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, and any of the other great singers out there. And that's not even mentioning the blues. There's such a lot of
real talent out there. I'm still a fan. Always will be. Q: Are you happy or there is something you would change in your life as an artist? A: Yeah, I'm very happy with it! I was just thinking last night in the bath tub that someone once asked me what I wanted and I said, 'I want to be, kind of, off to one side and be able to do what I wanted to do without having the pressure of having to be number one every week.' And if you look at my career, that's just about how it's gone. There've been these tremendous 'highs' and that would sustain me through the next five records of me doing what I wanted to do but then I'd have to make another number one record or go away. But with radio like it is now, the older stuff is in regular rotation so my name's still out there and it's the best of every possible world! Q: What are your main music influences? A: There are just so many. You could mention just about any performer from the 50's or 60's. People in country music from when I was like five years old through FREE with Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke to Hank Williams to Merle Haggard to Alison Krauss to Robert Plant! I'm just such a huge fan of music and people who make music. You recognize it when it's really good and it's like delving into Russian literature or something& you're that involved in it. It's like its own universe! You're always thinking about it and constantly inspired by it. So it could never be just one person... Q: What is the hardest lesson you've ever hard to learn? A: Human nature can sometimes be a negative thing in business when it comes to money. People can and WILL show you sides of themselves that you never thought possible. Money changes people immediately. It's a very bitter reality of life, but it's how life is. You don't have to live your life like that, but you have to be aware that there is an edge to life that's pretty dark& but that's what makes the bright side even brighter! There are people who live their lives purely based on art, being compassionate or being really involved in the world with no care for possessions& and they're very successful. They make great livings or just work in like Africa or something. So for everything that's dark& there's light! Everything is in balance so it's just as it's meant to be. Q: Any possibile Euopean live dates? A: We come back to Europe in the spring. Everyone is very much looking forward to it. Rough and Tumble!
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ARTIST: HURTSMILE ALBUM: HURTSMILE INTERVIEW WITH: GARY CHERONE INTERVIEWED BY: BARRY MCMINN Question: Firstly congrats on the ed... we both were digging the rawnew album Hurtsmile, why ness of the songs. haven’t we seen you and Markus Q: How did the songs structures together before now? come about for the album, who Answer: Good question, the simple wrote the lyrics and who wrote answer is we've been in different the music, or was it combined bands until now... so i guess it's a effort? long time coming, I always wanted A: Mark wrote the music, and I wrote to write a record with Mark. the lyrics... it usually started off with Q: How did the album and the a guitar riff, and i would mess band come together in first around with some melodies, lyrics place? came last. A: Hurtsmile started back in 2007. Q: Everyone who hears the We released a few tracks on the album is going to compare to the internet but it was put on the shelf Extreme sound of Pornograffitti when Extreme reunited for a record (myself included), does this and tour... then Nuno had an oppor- bother you because this is a very tunity to tour with Rihanna... so I different band? decided to pick up where i left off, A: Not at all. There will always be and finish a whole record with the some similarities, the obvious one band. being my voice and the fact that it's Q: Did you and Markus gel a 3 piece rock band, but i think the together from the off and did you other guys bring something new to both have a vision on how you the band... influences, attitudes, wanted the whole Hurtsmile that's what makes it different. thing sound? Q: How did you get involved with A: We both went into the project Frontiers Records for this album? really not knowing where it would A: They signed Extreme back in go. It all happened pretty quick 2008, and were interested in what i though. After writing a few songs, was doing... i'm happy Frontiers put we knew exactly where it was head- out the record... keep it in the famiFocus on: HURTSMILE - Hurtsmile (Frontiers Records)
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ly, good people. Q: So do you have any plans to take Hurtsmile out on the road in 2011 or it too early to say? A: Yes, we're talking right now. Would love to bring it to Europe, and Japan, but the easiest place to start will be the States. Q: More importantly will there be a second album? A: Yes, we've already started writing material in rehearsals, and plan on releasing more music over the internet in the coming months. Q: Apart from Hurtsmile what does 2011 have in store for Gary Cherone? A: Even though Nuno has been on tour, we are both writing and plan to get together to record new music, and if the right tour opportunity came up, we would be open to that as well. Q: Finally any words you’d like to say to the army of Cherone fans out there? A: Thank you for all the support, and loyalty over the years, it was great seeing all the old, and new Extreme fans last tour, it really inspired the band, thank you!
Cherone is about to embark on a new venture with brother Markus for 2011 with the band Hurtsmile, who come out of the traps running with their self titled debut album.Gary Cherone goes back to his roots with this release and as I said brings back the funky hard rock that make him a household name with Extreme, from the superb opener ‘Just War Theory’ to the excellent ‘The Murder of Daniel Faulkner’, this album is pure gold and highlights the brothers talents, both from Gary’s vocals and Markus’s guitar playing, but most of all the chemistry between them both on the song writing front. The hard rock songs like the opener and the political intense ‘Kaffur (Infidel)’ and the modern rock vibe of ‘Tolerance Song’ are blended beautifully with the ballad of ‘Painter Paint’ and unplugged feel of ‘Jesus Would You Meet Me’, all great songs but where the album really makes it mark is on the sublime ‘The Murder of Daniel Faulkner (4699)’ is where Cherone takes on Bob Dylan with the modern folk rocker that rounds off an album that sets the bar high for the rest to follow in 2011. Barry McMinn (90/100)