CONTENTS 04 06 08 09 10 12 15 17 19 20 22
Whitesnake King Kobra Eden’s Course Enbound M.ill.ion Reviews The Poodles China Voodoo Circle Uriah Heep Lost In Thought
Melodic Rock Fanzine
The official Frontiers Records magazine Year #7 - Nr. 2 / Issue #43 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: WHITESNAKE ALBUM: FOREVERMORE INTERVIEW WITH: DAVID COVERDALE INTERVIEWED BY: WWW.WHITESNAKE.COM Focus on:
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WHITESNAKE - Forevermore (Frontiers Records)
Alright! it’s called “Forevermore”, it’s their 11th studio album… it’s rich, it’s powerful, it’s the latest from the iconic Whitesnake & David Coverdale!! Get set for the biggest Rock ride you’ve had since… oh!... 1987! Mr. Coverdale has reassembled Whitesnake with Doug Aldrich, Reb Beach and newcomers Brian Tichy on drums and Michael Devin on bass. Hard and Heavy. Whitesnake have been delivering for thirty plus years, ”Forevermore” is no exception! Revisiting familiar themes, this, the groups 11th effort comes out of the gate strong and beautiful, like a long blonde animal! The two opening tracks tell us that David and Company haven’t lost a thing. As one journeys through this grand slice of aural delights — you will discover the old Whitesnake’s heart beating proudly and pumping out new blood! The musicianship is of the highest degree, with the band boldly exploring new paths of musical expression. Immersed in the Rock/Blues traditions, David himself is also in exceptional form. His vocal delivery filled with emotion, power and true to the mark. He can still turn on a dime and go from “a whisper to a scream”, as one famous journalist put it! All in all, what we have in “Forevermore” is a bold, gracious and potent musical statement from a band that, even after thirty plus years, has a few new tricks up their collective sleeve! Whitesnake…”Forevermore”, absolutely!! Bruce Atkinson (99/100)
Question: Best wishes on the forthcoming release of Whitesnake's Eleventh Studio Album, “FOREVERMORE”. What was the inspiration behind the title? Answer: Thank you... yes... the eleventh... Amazing journey... 'Forevermore' is about Eternity... A love that lasts forever & destined to be relived & rekindled many life times over... Q: So, what can we expect from FOREVERMORE? Talk us through the album, a little, please... A: It has most, if not all the musical elements Whitesnake has come to represent... rock, soul... blues... ballads... a twinkle in the eye & a nudge in the ribs... a punch on the nose... & humour, of course... mustn't forget having fun... It's quite the buffet... a little taste of before, during & now... Coupled with some new, inspiring new blood... Mr Tichy & Mr Devin... a pair of snake charmers for sure... Very nice & very, very talented... They have most certainly added welcome layers. It's interesting that, as in nature, the Snake has to shed its skin every so often to start a new chapter of its life & shine perhaps a little brighter than before. Q: Was the success of the highly acclaimed "Good To Be Bad" the key driver behind the decision to return to the studio to record FOREVERMORE? A: No, actually... I was planning to take a year off to take care of what we called 'back burner' projects while I still had time... It was the inspiration of several interested companies approaching us, rather than us knocking on doors... The most compelling & passionate, by far, was the Italian company, Frontiers... They were ready to go the extra mile... They have been an exemplary company to work with so far... Their seemingly boundless energy & enthusiasm has been a delight... They showed us the respect of letting us get on with it...& as you can hear... we did deliver... When Doug & I first sat down to see what we each had to put in the pot, it was obvious that it was absolutely appropriate for all the right reasons to make another Snake album... We both had exciting, juicy, potent & inspirational ideas from the first moment... The Whitesnake Muse was upon us & stayed with us throughout... Q: Following the release of the first single, 'LOVE WILL SET YOU FREE', there have been countless comments regarding the fact that your voice sounds better than ever. A sign of your contentment with life? A: Yes... & how nice of you to notice... It really is the support of our fans... their belief in me & the band... The influence of my writing partner Doug... my incredibly talented colleagues, my Missus, of course... & my Spirit for Whitesnake remains
focused, motivated & powerful... For whatever reason I continue to be driven to go for it on every level... I just cannot vocally, or creatively 'cruise'... Onwards & Forwards is one of my personal mottos... I truly appreciate I can still 'do it'... & I thank God on a daily basis for this blessing... Q: Were the majority of songs featured on FOREVERMORE well "progressed", prior to entering the studio...or did things evolve / were new songs born, during the recording process? A: Doug, Mikey & I work somewhat differently from the way it used to be in them there olde fashioned far off days... Doug & I get together & play each other ideas & if anything catches fire we immediately start structuring the songs using the ProTools digital platform & we start layering... It's always an exciting time... Our demos are actually very complete... We should put them out there one of these days... People would be surprised... Throughout the project we are always open to change, or anything we feel can improve & we are in absolute agreement that until we sign off at the end of the mix NOTHING is final! We feel it necessary to remain faithful to the ever widening musical identity of the band as we see it at this time in its life... If we have an idea that doesn't 'feel' Snake-like it usually goes out the window... but, to be honest, we are so 'telepathic' now in our shared vision, it is unusual for that to happen... Q: You posted regular updates on Whitesnake.com, throughout the recording of FOREVERMORE and your enthusiasm was truly inspiring. How important was the decision to record at “Grumblenott”, to the development of FOREVERMORE? A: Both 'The Reptile House' & 'Grumblenott' are houses I rented close to my home at Lake Tahoe...They are not actual 'studios' in the traditional sense... I do like residential studios... Similar to the Sixties when bands like Traffic would all move into a cottage & stick some studio equipment in the barn, or wherever... It works for us... We did that in Purple at times & early Snake albums... It's less stressful & much more economic... It is a sensible approach, me thinks... The only time we went into an actual recording studio was to record Briian's drums... That is the only aspect of domestic recording I am not confident with... Everything else is a breeze to deal with... Q: FOREVERMORE features a new "Rhythm Section". A BIG welcome to Briian Tiiiiichy and Michael Devin. Has their creative input proved inspiring for the rest of the 'Snakes? A: Without a doubt... They are 'The Wrecking Crew'... I'm surprised Briian's drums survive the onslaught
he puts them thro'... He truly is Thor's Hammer! Michael is a doll... he's a lovely & articulate man in his philosophy & as a musician... I can't wait to take the stage with them... Q: The "Twin pronged" Guitar offer of "Aldrich & Beach" has worked VERY successfully for EIGHT years now. A key ingredient on FOREVERMORE? A: Yes, absolutely... they are guitar slingers to die for... Better & better all the time... I love that neither of them rests on their laurels... They are always in pursuit of excellence... It contributes significantly to the fact we still work together... They keep their eye on the ball & their huge talent on display... They are most welcome in my life... Q: FOREVERMORE was produced by "Los Bros Brutalos", (Messers Coverdale, Aldrich and McIntyre). The mix seems to have captured, successfully, the "full on" intensity of a Whitesnake LIVE show. Was this a key aim for this release? A: Yes... & I feel the same, too... It was always difficult for me to capture the energy, the essence throughout the different chapters of the band live when recording... I feel we have achieved that relatively recently...& I delight in it... These guys are dangerous! Q: Talking of Whitesnake 'Live', the release of FOREVERMORE will be supported by a World Tour. Did you always have "One eye on the stage", when composing the songs? A: Without question... it is always so... The difficulty, but, a nice problem to have, is what the hell do we leave out?... We are blessed with an amazing arsenal of music drawing from over 30 years of the band's history... There are times I feel that if this was a 'new' band, I would truly enjoy playing all songs from both 'Good To Be Bad' & 'Forevermore' albums in their entirety... Q: For the UK Market, there is a special release of FOREVERMORE, via "Classic Rock" magazine, with bonus material. In view of the sad demise of "High Street" music stores...do you see a healthy future for "Physical" release, via sort of "Joint Venture"...or is this purely an experiment? A: I feel hard rock fans, more than any other, favor having the actual, physical record in their hands... we shall see... I love Classic Rock & the people who work there & those who read it... They have been immensely supportive to the reincarnated Snake... I hold the awards we've received from them in pride of place in my home... A: Good luck from ALL at Whitesnake.com for a fantastic 2011 and best wishes for the Global success of FOREVERMORE. A: Very much appreciated... Thank you... see you All soon...
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BAND: KING KOBRA ALBUM: KING KOBRA INTERVIEW WITH: CARMINE APPICE INTERVIEWED BY: BRUCE ATKINSON Q: Could you please introduce the new album to our readers? A: Well, if this album was our second KK album our fans would have loved it. It has a lot of energy, great Rock playing. Guitar playing, Drums and bass vocals... songs every aspect of the album is strong Everyone who has heard this cd love it all I do as well. It sounds like the original sound of King Kobra and it sounds fresh !! Q: How did you get in touch with the Italian label Frontiers Records? A: Our manager was the one who put the deal together as Frontiers is the king of the 80’s band's record deals. They have that end of the recording market sewed up. They have most of the albums of all 80’s groups in the record business. Q: What about the name of the band? Why did you decide to give this name to the band? A: When I started the band I wanted a name that was a strong name and a visual name. I like the idea of the King Cobra snake. Then I thought if I spelled it different it Focus on:
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would be cool so I came up with the Kobra with the “K” which enabled me to come up with the KK logo we have on the cover of the new album. Q: How did you get in touch with Paul Shortino for replacing Mark Free? Did you try to get in touch with Mark Free before calling Paul Shortino? What happened? A: I had talked to Mark/Marcie free a couple of months before about maybe doing a few KK gigs. There was no interest there the music Mark/Marcie wanted to play was still a lot lighter than KK. And she/he didn't want to be on stage as a freak... I understood that. When we saw Pat Regan mixing he told me that Paul was on the Keel album doing background vocals. I mentioned to Dave if we did a new KK cd Paul would be great singer for us. I had worked with Paul and I knew he was a great singer. But I didn't know that he was also a great Lyric and melody song writer,and also that he is a great studio engineer that helped a lot in making the
cd Q: How do you think the new album compares with your previous works? A: I think this is the best King Kobra album to date. I like it better than ready to Strike...this cd sounds gret and has great songs and performances. Our other records were control by our then producer Spencer Proffer and restricted us as musicans and writers. This cd was pure King Kobra with no one telling us what to do. Oh yes Frontiers did want something ...they wanted it to have the sound we had in the 80s. they did get that !! Q: Do you usually feel nostalgia of the past? A: For some things classic cars , classic recordings..songs..there are not many songs from today that will be around in 20 years. That is the true test of time. I love all the things you can do with computer recording but I try to do the best of both worlds. The fact that without the invention of computers of today our KK album could not have been done.
KING KOBRA - King Kobra (Frontiers Records)
In the mid-eighties the veteran drummer Carmine Appice formed a quintet that introduced the music world to four excellent and talented musicians. King Kobra toured extensively with several major groups and released two sought after albums. The band was also behind the performance of the #1 theme song from the movie “Iron Eagle”. Seeking different musical pastures—1988 saw the Kobras’ go their separate ways, until just last year. Carmine reunited with original members Mick Sweda, David MichaelPhillips & Johnny Rod…with veteran vocalist Paul Shortino, (ex-Quiet Riot). The newly restructured King Kobra entered the studio, laying down some very tasty new straight ahead Rock tunes. Filled with a funky grove and loads of melody, this new effort keeps everything tight and hard. Paul Shortino’s whiskey soaked voice is just what these guys needed. The songs contained within range from no-holds barred Hard Rockers to anthem-ic blues drenched sojourns. King Kobra…a true delight for those of us who want ‘just the rock thank-you’…and no compromise! Bruce Atkinson (90/100)
How to order the official Frontiers Records T-Shirts: 1) Paypal -Go on www.paypal.com -Make the payment to the account: info@frontiers.it writing what are you ordering and the shipment address. 2) Bank trasfer Send us an email to info@frontiers.it and ask for the bank coordinates to make the payment.
BAND: EDEN’S COURSE ALBUM: TRINITY INTERVIEW WITH: PAUL LOGUE INTERVIEWED BY: PRIMO BONALI Question: Hello guys! First of all Dream Theater, Malmsteen, Deep let me give you my congratula- Purple, Rainbow, Dio, Pretty Maids, tions for this great album and, in Edguy, Firewind, TNT, Evidence One general, for your awesome - these guys have all contributed to music. I also liked your previous making us "think" about what we two albums, still I think that this write and sound like. new album is maybe more Q: Which are the themes you're “mature”. Do you agree with dealing with, lyrically talking, in me? Which are your sensations this album? A: We deal with a few social comabout “Trinity”? Answer: Thank you Primo, that's mentary themes - e.g. the state of very kind of you! I also love our first the world and society today. We also two albums, but I would definitely deal with love, heartbreaking loss agree that "Trinity" is a much more and tragedy, faith, courage and mature record. I guess this is the anger. We try to make people think result of being together as a band with everything we write lyrically. now for five years and the bond Messages are important in our music between each band member is very as well as our album covers, and strong - like five brothers! More there are more messages and symimportantly we are extremely com- bols than Robert Langdon can imagfortable with how we sound and ine ;-) what we want an Eden's Curse Q: “Trinity” features - as very album to sound like. We've created a special guests – two of the most sound of our own, I believe, and that popular singers in the Hard Rock is something we will never take for – Metal area, James LaBrie of granted, nor want to mess with. Dream Theater and Andi Deris of "Trinity" therefore is an extension of Helloween. How did you get in what we have created on "Eden's touch with them? And how did Curse" and "The Second Coming" you deal the recording-sessions yet without standing still. We've with them? taken forward steps again and taken A: Tracking James down was the a few chances. There is, after all, no hardest, or so we thought, and within three hours of first discussing the compensation in playing it safe. Q: How could you label your idea I received an email from him on music? Do you think that my Blackberry. That was freaky!! "Melodic Metal" could explain James was and is an absolute genyour sound? And which are your tleman. We hit it off from the word most important influences, go, and he absolutely adores the music. It was simply a case of alignmusically talking? A: I never really care much about ing our schedules and working out a labels to be honest. As Tesla once deal with him. He was brilliant to sung "Call it what you want, it's all work with - the consummate profesmusic to me". We've always worn sional - and continues to keep in our influences proudly on our touch with us on a fortnightly basis sleeves; some artists run from in fact we are launching our Promo theirs, but not us! Queensryche, Video for "No Holy Man" this week, Pink Cream 69, Dokken, Scorpions, which is an awesome animation all Focus on: EDEN’S COURSE - Trinity (AFM Records)
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about an evil TV Evangelist. Andi couldn't have been more different. I had done some work for Kosta Zafiriou, drummer of Pink Cream 69, and Helloween Tour Manager, and he said "If you ever need any help ...". So I asked could he hook it up. He did, and I never spoke to Andi once. I just got his vocals in one day and I was like "WOW"! That was a real special moment for me. Anyone who knows me, knows I adore Pink Cream 69's music since I've been listening to them since the late 80's. I love his voice! It's cool now we have had both PC69 singers on our albums Q: Dennis Ward did an incredible work as sound engineer – as always! How was working with him? Has he also added something to your songwriting? A: Dennis is the easiest guy in the world to work with. Extremely knowledgeable and always in our corner without fail. He just knows what an Eden's Curse record should sound like! He did bring some advice on the first two records, in regards to structure and arrangements, those have stuck with me ever since. Q: Are you planning some liveshows or maybe a full european tour? A: We are always planning, but whether we can turn it into reality is another matter. Touring has never been more expensive, and with this bands travel expenses it's quite difficult. We have a lot of interest in the UK, but I'd love to play somewhere in Europe and especially Japan in 2011. Watch this space as we are working on many different angles.
After having released no less than two albums in a short two years time (the debut in 2007 and “The Second Coming” in 2008), the band around singer Michael Eden took much more time to release this follow-up; and – listening to the new “Trinity” album – I can really understand the reason: this album really rocks! First of all, the production – courtesy of sound wizard Dennis Ward –really shines and fully shows any detail of the band’s Work. The style of Eden’s Curse obviously has not changed and what we have here is first-class Melodic Metal; probably the overall sound became more powerful and slightly more “updated”, still the strong ‘80s-roots are there. “Trinity” also features - as very special guests – two of the most popular singers in the melodic Metal area, like James LaBrie of Dream Theater and Andi Deris of Helloween, which is another point of interest for the Cd. Don’t take me wrong: the songs are strong and the album is really worth by itself, so if you like catchy melodies, powerful riffs and powerful arrangements, don’t miss Eden’s Curse new opus! Primo Bonali (88/100)
BAND: ENBOUND ALBUM: AND SHE SAYS GOLD INTERVIEW WITH: MIKE CAMERON FORCE INTERVIEWED BY: FABIO MAINARDI
Question: Hi guys! What about talking a bit about your band and how you got along? Aanswer: Hell (o)! Mike Cameron Force here, we started the band in 2006, The first direction we had on what we wanted to play and sound similar to, was the style of the german band "RAGE". I met Swede one night out, we have a common friend so we had met before, but this evening I saw a tattoo on his arm. It was a 5 stringed bass so I asked him if he really played...I didn't know? He had played funkbass for a few years and liked Dream Theater so he was quite skilled:) He plays fingerstyle and it gives a raw sound to Enbound. I have always known Marvin (guitars) from our neighborhood, he was 17 when he joined the band. He was the right choice for Enbound! Even though he has not so much life experience, he compensates that with what he can do on the guitar, Focus on:
haha! Lee was found on myspace when we were hunting for a new singer. We listend to his music and realized that he would be an awsome hardrock singer. And he is! Q: What are your main musical influences? A: From the beginning Rage as said but we all have diffirent influences, Marvin likes jazz music and death metal, Swede is a big fan of prog-rock/metal and other typical "technically skilled" music. Lee likes Queen, and a lot of arrangement music. I am a big fan of Metallica and melodic music. Q: After you self financed your promo EP you finally signed with Inner Wound Recordings, are you planning to stick with them for other releases? A: As long as we share the same goal, we plan to work together. We felt it was the right choice for us, for our music and theme. Q: You come from a very rock
oriented country, how you see the whole European rock scene nowadays? A: It is a lot of good bands out there... a lot :) and the fear is to be become one of 1000 bands who wants to shine but never will. Q: Are you going to tour in support of the album this summer? Do you prefer Rock festival to play in or smaller venues? A: We have not scheduled any shows yet. Our fate lays in the hand of the audience, and if they are ready so are we. Q: Have you plans to record a follow up to "And She Says Gold" soon? A: Yes we have. We already have songs ready for a new album, but since we do not live in the same city we have to use the internet to send files back and forth. It takes lot of time but it´s the only way to go for Enbound, and it works nicely!
ENBOUND - And She Says Gold (Ulterium Records)
The swedish melodic metal band Enbound finally got to sign a record deal and after the self financed 4 tracks promo CD released in April 2008. Enbound features vocalist Lee Hunter, also known for his performances in musicals such as Jesus Christ Superstar, in the TV program "Singing Bee" on Swedish television and band mates Swede, Marvin Flowberg and Mike Cameron Force. Their debut album "And She Says Gold" was mastered by Björn Engelmann [Rammstein, Primal Fear, Sonata Arctica] at Cutting Room and is a well crafted 13 tracks melodic power metal compilation, plus a metal rendition of Michael Jackson’s Beat it. If I some cases they remembers me their label companions Soulspell’s “The Labyrinth of Truths” I must admit Enbound is a solid quartet able to deliver strong melodies and blistering guitar riffs, notable the vocal performances of singer Lee Hunter. Most probably "And She Says Gold" is a little far from being “one of the best debut albums to come out during the last ten years in the scene” as their press release recites but undoubtedly lots of melodic metal fans will for sure love their sound and their technical abilities. Fabio “Deuce” Mainardi (87/100)
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BAND: M.ILL.ION ALBUM: SANE AND INSANITY INTERVIEW WITH: B.J LANEBY INTERVIEWED BY: JUSTINE BEVAN Question: Sane & Insanity is your seventh album. How does this effort differ from the last? Can your fans expect the same great classic sound with some possible new surprises? Answer: I think we have developed! Two new great members on guitar and keyboards, we all brought something to the table and it´s much more of a bandfeeling on this one. Great songs and production if You ask me;-) Q: M.ILL.ION has two new members now, Andreas Grövle on guitar and Angelo Modafferi on keyboards. How did Andreas and Angelo come about? Tell me a little bit about them. A: Andreas is a youngster living in the area of our singer Ulrich Carlsson. I found out through him that he was a M.ILL.ION fan. And when I checked the internet I ran into some clips of him playing really great guitar. I talked to Ulrich about it and although he thought maybe he was a bit too young and unexperinced he phoned him up to ask Focus on:
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him if he wanted to audition for us. Let´s say he wanted...;-) We had a bunch of recommended guitarists to audition, but Andreas stood out. We tested him on tour first. Our friends in Magnum asked us to be special guests to them on their last tour in Sweden so we did those dates with Andreas. He stepped right into the fire and stood the test very well. Fucking great guitarist with influences from blues to classic rock to metal. Great tone and melody, which is very important. Listen to guys like Michael Schenker and Gary Moore (R.I.P) for instance. That´s the way to do it in my book and Andreas has a feeling that all the downtuned-to-hell-metal-guitarists around the world could just dream of. Great humour as well, very fundamental in this gang, and he could wipe his precious parts with his long blond hair :) Angelo Modafferi answered an add in a music paper. He´s got Italian and Australian background. Me and him got along great already on the phone and he sent me some cool
stuff to listen to. Then I met him for coffea (or was it beer?) and talked for hours still getting along great. He then auditioned and we all liked the wibe and he got the job pretty straight away. Experienced musician, great humour and a very sociable guy. And... he could almost wipe his precious parts with his long black hair. Q: M.ILL.ION has toured extensively in the past and somewhat recently has done The Stockholm Rock out Festival, (September 2010). What are your plans for touring to support Sane & Insanity? A: We have just signed to a new Swedish booking agency called Rambo Live and they will book gigs/collaborate with the whole of Europe. Our agent there is the guy behind the Stockholm Rock Out Festival, Chris LeMon, and he also books bands like Cinderella, WASP and Udo so we are in good hands. We have requests from Italy so we really hope to come down again later this year.
M.ILL.ION - Sane And Insanity (Metal Heaven)
Produced in Sweden in 2010 by Martin Kronlund, (Joe Lynn Turner and Paul Young fame), and B J Laneby, bassist and founder of M.ILL.ION, Sane and Insanity is right on par with its predecessors, No.1, We Ourselves & Us, Electric, Detonator, Kingsize, and Thrill of the Chase, which were all well received by the masses. The intro to Sane and Sanity, “Sea of Fate” makes one believe that they will be listening to something serene and then, boom, right into “Cry to Heaven” the listener is thrown, and quite pleasantly the toss is! Rhythmic and strong “Cry to Heaven” was a good choice for placement right after “Sea of Fate”. “Everyday Hero” the third track, is also a sweet number that showcases the new talents in the band of Andreas Grovle on guitar and Angelo Modafferi on keyboards. This song is also the bonus video that is included on the limited edition of Sane and Insanity. The title track, “Sane and Insanity” manages to feature all of the band’s assets equally and in majestic fashion. Other songs included on this recording are “Hell’s Gate”, and “Drama Queens”, which are both heavy hitters. “Fuel to My Heart” might be considered to be the “softer side”, to M.ILL.ION. “Under Your Wings” is predicted to be the fan favorite. Sane and Insanity is one for any Hard Rock/Heavy Metal fan’s collection. Justine Bevan (88/100)
AFTERHOURS - Against The Grain (Metal Heaven) After Hours were just victims of a record industry bent on squeezing as much of the all mighty dollar out of bands for very little in return, taking bands and trying to mould them into something they wanted and not what the bands envisioned for themselves, thus the inevitable destruction of said bands. But bands like After Hours always have the last laugh as the major labels struggle to keep up with what the true music fans want. The smaller independent labels are now picking up these gems and turning the bands fortunes around. After once such encounter back in 2008 the band decided to give it one more chance and record one last song for old times sake. That one song ignited something within the band members and the embers took hold and the flames started burning once more and After Hours took to the studio once more and in full control this time they’ve released the album the band wanted too do. The album is straight up AOR with a dash of Hard Rock thrown in from time to time, with great slabs of melody rich rock like the opener ‘Stand Up’, the excellent title track ‘Against The Grain’ and equally good ‘When You’re Around’, plus of course my personal favourite ‘Let It Go’. Not many bands get a second throw of the dice but when it does happen you have to embrace it and it think After Hours have done just that. Barry McMinn (83/100)
PAUL YOUNG - Chronicles (Escape Music) Best known as the lead vocalist of ‘Mike & the Mechanics’, and before that: ‘Sad Café’ – Paul Young was a shinning talent from humble British origins. An excellent singer, with a graceful style, he was also an influential songwriter. “Chronicles” is an assemblage of songs; lost treasures, that have been discovered and complete by some of Paul’s friends…including Graham Gouldman and Eric Stewart of 10cc, and of course Mike Rutherford. A showcase of the exceptional singing talent and writing of a man that left us way too early – “Chronicles” offers up music that Paul worked on during the last few years of his life. These newly recorded creations find Paul in exceptional voice…with a songwriting craft that is second to none. Deep, and emotional, each musical creation reminds us of the vast multi-talent that was Paul Young. Songs such as “Frozen Heart”, “Grace Of God” and others…show the sensitive soul that we all came to know. Paul Young will live on in the hearts of music lovers the world over, “Chronicles” will help fill that void we all feel, made by the untimely passing of this bright star – Paul Young “Chronicles” – Elegant – nothing more needs to be said. Bruce Atkinson (90/100)
KINGDOM COME - Rendered Waters (SPV/Steamhammer) I can’t deny I’ve always considered Lenny Wolf as one of my favourite singers ever, and Kingdom Come first two albums (the self-titled debut and “In Your Face”) are in my “must-have list”. Unfortunately the band, or - to say better - what is around Lenny Wolf, was not able anymore to give us masterpieces like they delivered in their early days, still they always rocked like hell (especially live – I caught them last year here in Milano, Italy). This new Work, called “Rendered Waters”, represents – as the singer himself clearly states – his vision of how Kingdome Come should sound now, and it contains 8 newly-recorded version of old tunes + 3 brand new songs. The sound is definitely more modern and updated (and somehow heavier) without losing “the character and central theme of the original versions”, so that you can still feel the original vibe of the songs. I really liked also the inclusion of a new version of “Break Down The Walls”, taken off the Stone Fury (Lenny Wolf’s awesome band prior to Kingdom Come) catalogue! The 3 new songs add a modern touch to Lenny’s traditional songwriting, and they completely fit on this CD. Now you have the picture. Up to you if consider this as an essential item… Primo Bonali (78/100)
BLOODBOUND - Unholy Cross (AFM Records) Let’s be honest: if you would have to judge the album by the Cd cover artwork, you could easily think to Bloodbound as a sort of second-rate Power/Thrash Metal band. And how wrong you would be! Bloodbound from Sweden delivers, instead, a great Power Metal album, which recalls Hammerfall (“Moria”, “Together We Fight”), Helloween (“Drop The Bomb”, “Reflection Of Evil”), and – why not? – the typical Iron Maiden vocals and “guitar duels” (“The Ones We Left Behind”, “In For The Kill”). Everything mixed up and “treated” with a personal touch. As a matter of fact, this new “Unholy Cross” can be considered as a return to the Bloodbound early sound, after the previous quite modern and not focused “Tabula Rasa” (2009). The real surprise here is the band’s new singer, Patrick Johansson, who offers some awesome, strong, sometimes high-pitched but always melodic, vocals that completely fit with Bloodbound style, and that – quite a lot of times during the playing of the album - made me think to the mighty Bruce Dickinson! We’re talking about Heavy Metal here, so if you want to get the right vibe and energy to start a stressful day-job, put this into your car-cd player (as I already did a few times!) and crank it up!!! Primo Bonali (85/100)
LOST IN THOUGHT - Opus Arise (Ulterium Records) Lost In Thought is a rather young UK band formed almost four years ago and after going through some line-up changes they got to record the self-titled EP in 2008 without huge response but afterwards after new singer Nate Loosemore joined the band they started recording their homonymous debut album signing in with Intromental Worldwide. Going through the 8 tracks is pretty much clear these five guys from Wales, David Grey (guitars), Greg Baker (keyboards), Rhys Anslow (bass) and Chris Billingham (drums) along with vocalist Nate Loosemore have picked up ideas and sounds from a wide sort of musical styles. We may go from progressive to melodic metal passing through symphonic metal. They try to create their own unique sound and in some episodes they are well in place to get it, although I must say on some tracks it’s evident they are too much into their idols to sound different. Lost In Thought will embark soon in a huge European tour beginning in Manchester, UK on April 29th, so that listen to their music first and then enjoy them live, it must be cool!! Fabio “Deuce” Mainardi (86/100)
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EVERGREY - Glorious Collision (SPV/Steamhammer) During a past interview, frontman Tom S. Englund made it clear that Evergrey is a rock band, not necessarily set out on being typecast as simply a metal band or progressive metal band; and that attitude is what it's all about when it comes the creating of excellent tunage, putting the songs ahead of the pack and cranking up everything while adding technical flair .Glorious Collision doesn't waste time in getting to the point, the immediate brooding vibe of darkened overtones hits you with the sinister riffage. The overall tunage possesses the staccato rhythms against an aggressive rhythmic backbone, with "Frozen," "You," "To Fit the Mold," & "It Comes from Within" invoking the brooding atmosphere with the thick metallic crunch, as well as tracks such as "The Disease," "Free" & "Wrong" further prevailing with the hallowed sorrowful vibe. It's darkened metal at it's finest finesse, as the melodies, the musicianship, and the songs are bolstered by the vengeful attitude that heightens the epic stance that engulfs the album, yet nothing gets out of hand. Still, Glorious Collision is a masterful set of Evergrey's tunes, where the band continues to deliver for the fans and metal masses. Tommy Hash - Ytsejam.com (90/100)
MALISON ROGUE - Malison Rogue (Ulterium Records) Malison Rouge is a relatively young swedish power metal band, but their self-titled debut album prove they are talented and very professionals musicians. The album has a wide production thanks to Mats Levén (Yngwie Malmsteen, Therion, Treat). The energy of a strong live act as Malison Rouge (ex Ashes) has been rightly directed in this studio effort. Although is rather clear they picked up some tricks from the old master such as Iron Maiden and Queensryche they sound fresh and powerful. I loved so much the up-tempo track “The Griever” and the epical “Scars”. Malison Rouge (Sebastian Jansson vocals, Jonatan Björkborg guitars, Pete Fury bass Guitar, Jens Vestergren, drums) represents together with bands like Enforcer and Steelwing, Malison a new wave of Swedish heavy metal, we all are waiting them for the next step and we hope they will be able to grow strong and deliver again the goods as they have successfully done with the Malison Rouge album. Fabio “Deuce” Mainardi (86/100)
BRIAN ROBERTSON - Diamonds and Dirt (SPV/Steamhammer) With the crunch laden riffs and the steadfast grooves driving the tunage forward, Roberson's songwriting skills shine as his own penmanship prevails with the free flowing turned funkified track "Passion," the heavy blues of "That's All," the dark melodies of "Texas Wind," and the sinister grooves of the title track; he even delves into Thin Lizzy material such as the Phil Lynoot copenned "Blues Boy," which is given a Memphis sound makeover considering the tune was only recoded by Lizzy as a demo and rarely heard in live sets, whereas the same can be said about his cover of Frankie Miller's "Ain't Got No Money," where again, the 'delta vibe' is present. Diverse without going all over the place, Diamonds and Dirt lets the guitars do the talking backed up with strong songs/songwriting - being an album that brings hard rock back to basics, without being overloaded with the keyboards or aggressive overtones; being a straightforward approach from a familiar face in the world of hard rock. Tommy Hash - Ytsejam.com (90/100)
BIG LIFE – Big Life (Metal Heaven) The name of Steve Newman is held in the highest regard amongst the fans and artists in both the Melodic Rock and AOR scenes with his work as musician, producer and engineer. His name has become synonymous with many of the best Melodic and AOR albums over recent years. The name of Mark Thompson-Smith is linked with NWOBHM band Praying Mantis as well as the bands Idol Rich, Flight 19 and Touche, together with guesting on the Newman albums, so it only seems right that the pair unite along with Rob McEwen for a new band entitled Big Life and this the bands self titled debut ‘Big Life’.The album is nothing else but good honest Melodic Rock with a modern feel to it. From the off you know what you’re in for with the likes of ’Dying Day’, ‘Close To You’ and the excellent ‘Calling’ to name just a few. There is something unmistakably British about this album and that’s a good thing from a British Melodic Rock perspective. There aren’t that many bands in the genre coming out of the UK and it’s great to hear past masters bringing it kicking and screaming in the now. Barry McMinn (88/100)
JAG PANZER – The Scourge Of The Light (SPV/Steamhammer) In 2004 Jag Panzer unleashed their ‘Casting The Stones’ album to mixed reviews. The album saw the band change direction to a harsher more intense Metal sound which didn’t go down to well with the bands fan base, especially amongst those European fans. But that was then and this is now and Conklin, Briody Tetley and Stjernquist are back, and since Chris Broderick’s departure to join Megadeth, we see the welcome return to the fold of Chris Laseque, who together with Briody have returned the band to their Power Metal roots with there latest album ‘The Scourge Of The Light’. The album is a return to the sound of old with Briody and Laseque bringing the band full circle with great slices of Melodic Power Metal like ‘The Setting Of The Sun’ and ‘Overlord’, mixed with the heavier but still equally melodic ‘Condemned to Fight’, the blistering ‘Call To Arms’ and even the slightly progressive edge of ‘Cycles’. All stunning songs that will once again that Jag Panzer are a force to be reckoned with in Power Metal circles. Barry McMinn (92/100)
BORGOGNA – Something To Lean On (Steelheart Records) This is the debut full length album for the italian melodic Rock band BORGOGNA (named by the lead vocalist, Tomas Borgogna) and another hidden gem, shelved for years and that luckily now Steelheart Records brings to the light of the day! “Something To Lean On” was recorded in Italy but mixed and mastered at the world famous “Sterling Sound Studios” in New York City. We can say that Borgogna’ sound is a classic '80s Melodic Hard Rock, influenced by the US bands in the genre; think to Firehouse meets Mr.Big meets Danger Danger (which – by the way - are their favorite bands). The band is tight and powerful, and – above all – we can appreciate the explosive and shining guitar-work of Pierpaolo Buzzi, an extremely talented professional guitarist, and the melodic, sometimes high-pitched, vocals of Tomas Borgogna. The opening-track “Dirty Roses” reminds very close the sound of the first Firehouse album, while songs like “Too Much Love” and “Power” show the technical ability of the band, still sounding very melodic (who said “Mr. Big”?). There are also a couple of nice ballads here (“Too Times Is Tough” and “Angel”) and a potential Radio-hit like “Sweet Regina”. Recommended for any fan of the above mentioned bands. Rob “Ezy” Bone (85/100)
SHADOWMAN – Watching Over You (Escape Music) It has been seven years since the debut album “Land of the Living” by Shadowman was released. The album was warmly received by all who had a penchant for good old British melodic hard rock. After the other 2 albums “Different Angles” and “Ghost in the Mirror”, they have confirmed thier quality and amazing productions focused on amazing songs, catchy melodies and brillant riffs. Shadowman are a band that is all about great rock music influenced by FM and Heartland (of course) and this is what make the band a success. “Watching Over You” in the new album title and it is, for the moment, the best work they have ever done. These boys just mature nicely as time passes and new songs like “Renegades”, “Waiting for a miracle” and “Are you Ready” are just exemples of how a great and amazing rock song should be these days. Once again Tommy Hansen is at the mixing desk, his capabilities need no introduction. This new release is set to be a top ten contender for 2011! Vitale Nocerino (92/100) MRF | 13
BAND: THE POODLES ALBUM: PERFORMOCRACY INTERVIEW WITH: PONTUS EGBERG INTERVIEWED BY: DUNCAN JAMIESON Question: There’s a maturing of your sound on this record, slightly darker and more epic in places. What brought this change about? Answer: Yeah you might be right, there might be some darker alleys on this one, still I think we had that on the previous albums as well but this is very hard for me to judge since I've been so involved in the work on the album for such a long time. To me it's a wide prospective of songs both in moods and tempos which I find very important to have on an album. Most of my favorite albums are very varied. We write around 40 songs for each album and then pic 12-14 songs, so it's a choosing process that is heartbreaking every time… killing your darlings, you know, but the result is great albums, and that's the most important thing for us. Q: Lyrically too there’s a maturity to the songs, and some songs appear to touch on very personal issues such as “Father To A Son” and “Time Is Passing”. Who are these songs about? Focus on:
A: Yes these two songs is about my relation to my father who passed away 2005, a had a very complicated relationship with him and when he passed away it really got me struggling with a lot of the main issues in life. I believe in using difficulties in life to inspire me in my writing and I never seem to liberate myself from this topics, for good and bad. I mainly write from my personal experiences, things that I read or hear even though I of course twist it around sometimes. But what interest me most is human relations. I believe this is an interest that we share in the band. Q: Also, lyrically there are some big themes sung throughout the record. Was this discussed before the making of the CD or did the themes just happen as the songs were written? A: Well I'm a lyrics fanatic and really love to take the chance to communicate topics of importance when the opportunity appears. We all go around thinking of the meaning of our life's from time to time, why we live and act like we do. This doesn't
mean every song has to be a philosophy thesis or a poem, sometimes a song appeal to more of a "tits and as" attitude, which is cool to me when it's required. It's just that we are naturally have a more epic basis. Q: It’s a big sounding album, with obviously a lot of care and attention given to the song writing and finding the big melodic hooks you’re well known for. Every song is reaching for the stars with no fillers. You seem like a band intent on world domination. Is this the plan? A: Definitely, make no mistake, we want to be bigger than The Beatles! Masters of the Universe, Kings of the Hill! On top of the heat. The Champions! or die trying! What can I say… we've got high ambitions. Q: Do you have a message for your fans on the release of this record? A: Buy it, learn it and love it! When we come on tour we will not disappoint you, we'll kick as and give it all for you to have the night of your life!
THE POODLES - Performocracy (Frontiers Records)
The fourth studio album from preening Swedish rockers The Poodles sees their sound maturing. They’ve maintained their huge perfectly coiffured melodies and singer Jacob Sammuel is on fine form; part metal, part Eurovision on the likes of “I Want It All” and “Cuts like A Knife”. Mats Valentin’s production, sonically, reminds me of The Pretty Maids’ great “Pandemonium” album of last year as it takes the best of traditional melodic rock melodies, adds some modern darker riffs and keyboard textures that make it sound fresh and current. Those darker sounds can be heard on “Until Our Kingdom” and “I Believe In You” but fear not they still sound like The Poodles and not The Rottweilers. Lyrically there’s more depth on the personal, affecting “Father To A Son” and the terrifically arranged “As Time Passes By”. This should please the Poodle faithful and bring the band new admirers too as they prove they’re still top dog. Duncan Jamieson (92/100) MRF | 15
BAND: CHINA ALBUM: LIGHT UP IN THE DARK INTERVIEW WITH: ERIC ST. MICHAELS INTERVIEWED BY: DUNCAN JAMIESON Question: Welcome back! This is Chris & Mike were there to balance your first full album since “Natural everything out. So that's the short of Groove” sixteen years ago. it... they brought a balance between Where have you been and how did the band, the music and the reality of you get things rolling again? the past records looming over our Answer: We were all playing in sepa- heads every step of the way. rate bands for a while and occasional- Q: You’ve got a number of differly playing together for special events. ent rock styles on the album from The chance to play with Black Sabbath some of the melodic rock your and Motörhead at the Spirit Of Rock known for to a sleazier sound and festival brought the band China back even a touch of country. Was this together in 2007. diversity premeditated or was Q: You brought in Chris Johnson that just the way the songs hapand Michael Parnin for production pened? duties. What was it like working A: Good question! We couldn't do with them and what do you think China circa 1986 without showing who they brought to the sound? we are now. So we tried to keep true A: With Chris it's all about starting to the old fans the best we could while from the beginning with the design of we stepped out of the box a bit to the soundscape or sonic template and show some other skills we've picked bringing all guns to bear on that con- up. And as far as getting Sleazier... cept. Mike is more of a band guy when We would have to say "thanks for the he's working and concentrates on compliment". We like to see rock keeping everything authentic and well babes and dudes done up and looking recorded while holding back a little on punky out in the audience. A lot of studio tricks. In other words if you them need a groove they can move to don't see it on stage, don't record it. so we try to provide a little rump The band had a lot of freedom to shakin' hard rock for them. The counexpress our own input and thankfully try touch came from the unplugged F o c u s o n : CHINA - Light Up In The Dark (Metal Heaven)
days and Marc Storace had sang "On My Way" a few times with us before so it was a natural choice for a duet. Q: What has the inclusion of Mack Schildknecht meant to your sound? A: Mack's impact is tightness and punch. His playing on the record brings a technical edge from the heart. He kills live and tempts the next generation of rockers to jump up and scream. Q: How different is your approach to the band now in 2011 than it was when you started? A: Extremely different! There are no deadlines or demands set by outsiders. We can feel good about ourselves and those we work with and not have the pressure on us to compete against the trend of the day. Back when China was hot in pop media and the money was poring in from the record company the demand for a return on investment was terrifying. Nowadays instead of giving in to pressure from the outside we approach everything in more of a tribal manner and try to stay who we are.
This record is an unexpected treat from Swiss rockers, who despite three new tracks on a greatest hits compilation in 2008, haven’t released an album for sixteen years. Only Claudio Matteo remains from the band that started out in 1985 and there’s a sleazier, heavier feel to a lot of the material here than of old; possibly abetted by the production of Chris Johnson (Buckcherry) and Michael Parnin (Kings X). Eric St. Michaels is a damn fine singer and the band cover a wide range of rock styles with class and aplomb. The libidinous “She’s So Hot” and “Girl On My Screen” have beefy, heavy breathing riffs and mix blues, melodic rock and sleaze brilliantly. “Lonely Rider” is a top drawer mix of Bon Jovi and Danger Danger and the closest to their “Sign In The Sky” heyday. The slightly countrified “On My Way” cheekily lifts from Cheap Trick’s “I Want you To Want Me”, while “Deadly Sweet” and “Trapped In The City” are raw rockers similar in spirit to recent Nightranger. Guaranteed to return to my CD player a lot this year, the sheer quality here may take people by surprise. Duncan Jamieson (92/100)
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BAND: VOODOO CIRCLE ALBUM: BROKEN HEART SYNDROME INTERVIEW WITH: ALEX BEYRODT INTERVIEWED BY: PRIMO BONALI Question: Hi guys! How are you? Wow, your brand new album “Broken Heart Syndrome” is a MONSTER!!! Also if that’s a new record, it recalls a familiar and always much appreciated sound, the one that made bands like Whitesnake (in primis), Deep Purple and Rainbow so unforgettable! Do you agree? How do you feel about that? Answer: Well, thanks for the compliment. It is our attention that you can hear our roots, the more the better. With Voodoo Circle we want to keep the good old times alive, were bands could really play and jam, without the power of a computer, software and internet skills. The music of the 70ties and early 80ties had a lots of feeling, vibes, mojo and songwriting skills... and that is were we start! Q: Have these three bands (that I mentioned above) been your real influence on this album? Would you name more? A: Yes, I also love Hendrix and Power Blues... btw Blackmore was a huge Hendrix fan... listen to his riffing in "Catch the Rainbow"... that's Little Wing all over the place... :-) Q: How did you come up with the name for the band? A: The circle part stands for circle of friends, as said I know Matt already for many years and also David and me go back more than ten years already. Mel just moved to my area, he lives about twenty minutes away from me and we regularly have coffee and cake together. It’s important that people know that the band consists of friends. The voodoo part has to do with all the mysterious things that happen on stage, so the combination of the two led to Voodoo Circle.
Q: You were part of two very recognized German band being Silent Force and Primal Fear, but still you felt the urge to start something new. What’s the reason for this? A: Well, let me first point out that I’m not a full-time member of Primal Fear, but that I’m just helping them out whenever they need me. I’ve been good friends with the band already for a very long time, especially with Matt Sinner, which I’ve known for more than twenty years now. Voodoo Circle was more or less started a couple of years back when I decided to go back to my roots and started to listen to the music again which I really loved and had missed for a very long time: bands like Deep Purple and Rainbow, the seventies stuff. When listening to those great albums, I also started to write songs in that direction, which were not really suited for Silent Force, but were very special. At that time I also did a session tour with a couple of musicians in Germany, where we played shows of about two hours length with a lot of improvisation. The people in that band were besides myself David (Readman – vocalist of Pink Cream 69), Mel (Gaynor – drums) and a local bass player. After the second show we were amazed about the quality of the shows and I asked them if they wanted to start a new band with me and David and Mel immediately said “yes, of course”. Matt Sinner was a logical choice for the bass player spot and that’s how Voodoo Circle was born. Q: Obviously the two stars here are David Readman (a singer that I always personally loved!) and the awesome Alex Beyrodt on guitar, yet all the band
(including world famous Mat Sinner) plays really tight, powerful and passionate! How do you feel as a band? Any words on both David and Alex? A: Since it is me, Alex Beyrodt, doing the interview I can't say anything about myself, About David... hell... he is one of the best singers , period. His voice, feeling, lyrics and skills give the songs what they need to become alive. I am very happy to have him and the whole Voodoo gang on board, matured and experienced players! Without them this would'nt be possible. Q: How has been the songwriting process? Who has been in charge of the music and lyrics (I guess Alex did it, right)? A: Basically I write the music, record it in my studio, then work on the melodies with David and Mat... done. David is responsible for the lyrics... I would never tell a english man what he has to sing ;-) Q: How did you get in touch with AFM Records? A: By phone... Q: How do you feel about the power of Internet, and the effects (both, positive and negative) it is having on bands and the music-industry in general? A: The marketing effect is good, when it comes to sales and downloads it is a nightmare.....and.... I have to say that there are to many self proclaimed music journalists out there who doesn't have a clue about music... but they run Homepages and get promo cd's for free... some of them embarrese me. Q: Have you any touring-plans? A: Yes, but to early to tell Q: That's it! Thanx a lot for your time. Any last words? A: Rock'n Roll isn't a rockin' chair!!
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BAND: URIAH HEEP ALBUM: INTO THE WILD INTERVIEW WITH: MICK BOX INTERVIEWED BY: JUSTINE BEVAN Focus on:
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URIAH HEEP - Into The Wild (Frontiers Records)
Uriah Heep’s newest release Into The Wild promises to be all that their previous 40 years worth of recordings were; fantastic! The trademark sound that is Uriah Heep, that classic seventies feel, rock vibe, is still ever present throughout Into The Wild. “Nail On The Head” opens the musical montage that fast becomes like candy to the ears. This is a song that takes one back to easier times in music when a band went into a studio and simply recorded and then cleaned up, not like now when things are massively over produced The inspiration for the title of the record and the third track on the album written by Phil Lanzon and Mick Box comes from a movie that tells of a long journey that has come to an end, and the feeling of both fear and excitement in beginning a new journey. “Money Talks” is a down and dirty song with grit, while the song “Believe”, if one didn’t know that it was Uriah, one might have to listen a few times to decide if it were not Journey, another outstanding artist on the Frontiers label. “Hard Way To Learn” is the absolute tops on the album, but there are many that are the tops, this one just so happens to have amazing guitar work on it that grips you right in the beginning. “Trail Of Diamonds” is a bit of a sleeper in comparison, but is a welcomed siesta. Justine Bevan (95/100)
Question: Congratulations on over 40 years in music and your new album. Is this album a commemorative to celebrate the band’s great success? Answer: Thank you very much and we feel that 40 years is a wonderful achievement. We had a CD on our previous label called “Celebration,” and this was really the CD to commemorate our 40 years. We rerecorded some of the classic Heep tracks, and added two new songs, to show that we are very proud of our history, but we are still moving forward. The new CD called “Into the Wild,” on our new label Frontiers, we see very much as a new beginning, and we hope that this partnership will be successful for the label, the band, and the fans. Q: The band is still live active, but the distance between new studio albums takes more and more time. Why it is so? A: This is nothing to do with us, but the state of the recording industry. With the advent of the internet, Record Companies attacked companies like Napster and taking them to court, and found that they could not police Napster or anyone else for that matter it. At which point the internet exploded and Record Companies imploded, disappeared or amalgamated. At this time we did not have a label and could not find one, because the Record Industry was in free fall. So we did what we do best and toured in the 53 countries that we have fans and released live CD’s and DVD’s. This period of settling down took the best part of 10 years. Then we were offered by Universal to do a new CD, for which we recorded “Wake the Sleeper.” Then we celebrated with a CD called “Celebration,” to commemorate our 40th Anniversary which was released on Edel, and we have just finished recording a new CD called “Into the Wild,” for Frontiers our new label. Apart from this we have release 3 Official Bootlegs on Edel, “Live in Sweden,” “Live in Budapest,” and “Live in Japan.” So you can see once we found a home, we began to release material on a more regular basis. Q: Why is the album called Into the Wild? A: That is the title of the 3rd track on the CD, and was written by our keyboard player Phil Lanzon and myself. This was an idea Phil bought forward in the lyrical department. It is a song that was inspired by a film, and
a book of the same name. In the storyline it reaches a spiritually transcendent pinnacle, being the idea of ending one long strange trip, and plummeting into an even-greater unknown with both fear and elation. This is our adaption on this, with someone being chased through the wild. When you release a new CD, you also have a fear of the unknown that is coupled with elation. The elation comes of course if the fans and the media like it. Q: How does this album’s sound differ from your first release? How has the band evolved? A: I think there are differences and similarities. We have used the same musical trademarks that Heep have always had, and that is the Hammond Organ, my Wah Wah Guitar, and the fact that we have five vocalists in the band, so our harmonies are all important to our overall sound. So this template is applied to new songs each time we record a new CD, and then it becomes 100% Heep. The recording techniques are obviously different from 1970 to now, but we try to record in the old traditional way, and that is with the whole band in the studio at the same time. Q: “Nail on the Head” and “Believe” along with others manage to have a classic rock sound, reminiscent of the seventies, but also have a modern polished feel. What is your recording process like that you are able to achieve this and maintain that great Uriah Heep sound and keep it updated? A: We find it important to play in the studio as a band, and that way you get the band on one pulse, rather than the piecemeal approach. We tend to try and use analogue as much as we can, and it is all important to try and record the band in full flight. We usually rehearse a track up until we are happy with it, and then press the record button, and it is usually in the bag in 1-3 takes. This makes the tracks sound fresh, and exciting. Q: The recording process was fairly quick, right? A: Yes, as by recording it this way, you reduce the amount of overdubs you need to do, and you manage to get a lot of the basic tracks in one hit. It is also a lot more enjoyable, especially when you hear it back in the control room. Q: Uriah Heep is noted for having a cult-like following. How do you think your fans
will receive this album? Can you anticipate a fan favorite? A: That is quite a cult following we have, as we play concerts in over 53 countries, and have sold in excess of 30 million albums, but I do see what you mean. I am hoping they embrace this CD in much the same way as our last studio CD “Wake the Sleeper,” which had critical acclaims from both fans and media alike. We have our fingers crossed! What are your plans for touring? A: We have an extensive touring plan being put in place now which encompasses thus far, Greece, Australia, Indonesia, Holland, Germany, Poland, Austria, Czech Republic, and the USA. It is going to be a busy year but I always say “A working band is a happy band!” Q: Is there one place that you like to go to more than another? A: I personally find all touring exciting, even if I have been to places before. I would like to see the bands presence more in Italy. The last shows we played there were tremendous and the Italian fans are a passionate about the rock music as we are about playing it. It would be especially nice, seeing as our record label Frontiers, are based there. Q: You also recently released, (November 2010), The Official Bootleg Vol IILive in Budapest a two disc set which features songs you still play live from the 70’s. along with pretty current songs as well. With such a library at hand, how do you decide what to bring into the set list? A: I think as far as our live set goes there are always be songs that we have to play like, “July Morning,” “Easy Livin’,” etc, but it is always nice to put new songs alongside these favorites, which gives everything a lift. Occasionally we look back at our back catalogue and pick out an old song and play it, and this can be fun too. Q: What can we expect next from Uriah Heep? Is there anything that Uriah Heep hasn’t done yet that is maybe still in the thinking or dreaming up stages? A: We have not tried the full orchestra treatment on either live or on recordings. Some of our songs would be beautiful with full orchestration. But for now we are happy to release the new CD, and travel the world playing it to fans old and new. MRF | 21
Fabio Mainardi: Hi guys! And welcome, you previously recorded two EP's, are you satisfied with the recording of your first album now? David Grey: Thank you for having us. Definitely! To have Jacob Hansen master the album was an absolute honour, not only was he the vocalist for one of our favourite bands Anubis Gate, but he did such an amazing job with the album. The EP's were rough demo recordings put together very quickly so people had something to listen too and we had something to send out to various people in the industry. Also, Nate our singer was brand new to the band at the time so it was a great way of getting him into the swing of things in the Lost In Thought world. FM: What's your writing and recording process normally? Do you write together or what? DG: Normally the writing process consists of us all sitting down together in the rehearsal room bouncing ideas and back and forth and then those ideas start to form with various members input and then we'll usually build on those ideas and start building up a structure and more form, which will eventually build into a song. Sometimes a member can come in with an idea that sounds great from the get go and everyone else will build parts around this which can also shape the idea into something else and take it into a new direction. The only song on the album which wasn't written with this process was Seek To Find which was actually a instrumental track I wrote before we decided to re-form Lost In Thought. FM: You as a band went through some line-up changes, would you like to introduce your band members to us? DG: Myself who is David Grey - Guitar & Backing Vocals and the other members who are Nate Loosemore - Vocals, Greg Baker - Keyboards, Simon Pike - Bass and Chris Billingham Drums. FM: What are your main musical influences? DG: Our individual influences are quite varied and can range from Elton John to Killswitch Engage, but as a band our main influences would have to be Dream Theater, Circus Maximus, Anubis Gate, Symphony X, Soilwork etc. FM: Are you going to tour all over Europe soon. Have you planned to record some live gigs for a possible live album? Or are going to release a new studio album? DG: Yes, we are going to tour all around Europe supporting Delain with Serenity. We are actually planning on recording each show but this was for us to listen back to the shows to review our performance and other aspects, but I suppose it gives us the possible option of releasing a live album but we'll have to see about that one haha. With regards to releasing a new studio album our debut album Opus Arise will be released through Inner Wound Recordings on the 29th April which is also the starting date of the tour. The plan will be to play and promote Opus Arise but when things quieten down the next objective will definitely be to write new material for a new studio album. FM: What's your favourite moment during a live concert and what's your favourite moment while in studio? DG: We have actually only played 3 small shows with small sets since we re-formed which were local and were played before we signed to Intromental but the favourite moment during a live show would have to be hearing the response from the crowd after you've finished the song. Our favourite moment in the studio is when an idea suddenly pops into your head and parts of a song can be changed there and then into something you would have never thought of before and turn out to be awesome. 22 | MRF