Melodic Rock Fanzine #47

CONTENTS

04 Tr i l l i u m 06 B e g g a r s & T h i e v e s 07 A l f o n z e t t i 09 A n d r o m e d a 11 P r i m a l F e a r U p c o m i n g 12 R e v i e w s 14 C h r i s t m a s S a l e !

15 Fa t e 17 M e c c a 19 T h e M a g n i f i c e n t 20 R o y a l H u n t 22 T h e o c r a c y

Melodic Rock Fanzine

The official Frontiers Records magazine Year #7 - Nr. 6 / Issue #47 Editor-in-chief: Elio Bordi Graphic & Design: Elio Bordi Writers: Bruce E.J. Atkinson, Duncan Jamieson, Barry McMinn, Vitale Nocerino, Rob “Ezy” Bone, Fabio Mainardi, Tommy Hash, Primo Bonali, Justine Bevan.

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 s.r.l.

Copyright©2011 Frontiers Records. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Printed in Italy.

BAnd. trillium album. alloy Interview with. Amanda Somerville interviewed by:. duncan jamieson

Focus on:

4 | MRF

TRILLIUM - Alloy (Frontiers Records) Amanda Somerville is no stranger to these pages, having graced albums with EPICA and Somerville/Kiske with her wonderful ethereal vocals. Trillium is a new project that brings together Sander Gommans (ex AFTER FOREVER) and Sascha Paeth (KAMELOT, AVANTASIA, etc.) and Somerville. The album’s title “Alloy” is very apt, as it means a mix of metals and that’s what exactly what you get here. Heavy down-tuned guitars, modern keyboard swirls and beeps create a mood that’s part metal, part symphonic, part Goth and some of the twisted guitar chords even conjure up the soundtracks of old horror B-movies.

On top of this fairly dark music, Somerville’s voice is the sweet counterpoint. She’s like a siren calling the ships with her beautiful voice to their doom against the rocks. Complex melodies unveil themselves with each listen. The quality remains high throughout with special mention to the accusatory “Coward” the compelling “Purge” and the sweeping pop metal of “Dissonance”. Jorn’s gargantuan voice makes a guest appearance on the appropriately entitled duet “Scream It”, which after gentle orchestration becomes the heaviest song on the disc. Trillium have balanced their members different influences well in a mix of light and dark to produce something very worthwhile. Duncan Jamieson (92/100)

Question: It’s a powerful new record. It sounds like you’re having fun.

Answer: Thank you! Yes, I am definitely having a great time and you can certainly see that in my video blogs, the TRILLIUM "Making-of" series on my YouTube channel. I have the best job in the world and am SO thrilled with how Alloy turned out. I can't think of anything more fulfilling!

Q: You’ve recently been on a number of releases and they are progressively getting darker and heavier. What’s going on in you r life Amanda!?

A: So perceptive! :-) Yes, I guess I'm caught in this spiral and racing ever faster into the dark side... and I like it. There's actually a lot going on and also running parallel to TRILLIUM, but that's nothing new for me. I typically have a lot of fingers in various pies and, though it can get a bit stressful at times, I'm never bored!

Even so, TRILLIUM is my main priority and has taken center stage in my life, so I'm doing all kinds of things planning for the release. I'm getting live shows organized, doing lots of interviews, organizing a new website overhaul for amandasomerville.com to incorporate TRILLIUM, putting lots of video material together for new blogs of behind-the-scenes happenings surrounding the Alloy release... and the list goes on & on!

Q: Tell me about Trillium came about?

A: Since I worked with Sander Gommans on his project HDK several years ago, I really got a taste for writing and performing metal music that I simply hadn't had before. After that, the songs I was writing were getting much darker and more heavy and I was planning of my next solo album to simply be more in that direction.

Then I was approached by a record company asking if I would like to do a solo metal project, but I initially turned it down. After stewing over that for a while, however, I thought maybe it wasn't such a bad idea after all and started warming up to the idea of releasing a line of purely metal songs and keeping that separate from my solo music that I release under my own name. I already had sooooo much material built up that would fill several albums in the genre, yet still have lots of material in other music styles that would be a shame to completely leave out. That way, I wouldn't be confusing my metal fans and yet I can still be musically all-over-theplace diverse on my own solo albums and not feel the need to explain or apologize to anyone about it! After working with Frontiers on KiskeSomerville and being impressed with the way they treated their artists and really stood behind the project with heart, soul and promo, plus having heard good things about the experiences of several of my friends who

are under the label, I decided to contact them to ask if they were interested. Fortunately, Serafino was and everyone jumped on board and here we are today! It's a very happy place I'm in. :-) Q: How important were Sascha Paeth and Miro to to the overall sound and what was it like working with them?

A: I've been working with these guys for so long now and we know each other so well, both professionally and personally, that our work flow is always pretty smooth. Sascha's the "Big Boss" and so we all (everyone ever involved with the Gate Studio) owe everything to him. He's absolutely brilliant and one of the hardest working guys I've ever known and I love, appreciate and respect him dearly. Being the producer, he was definitely the key player in the album's end result. Miro also contributed to the soundscape with his arrangements, orchestrations and keys. He can seriously work magic and I've never heard anyone else be able to make a song sound as lush and cinematically-epic without a huge orchestra and multimillion dollar budget as Miro can.

Q: “Alloy” is a really apt name for the record as it has different styles of music from some pretty full on metal to some beautiful vocals from you. It’s like the siren calling the ships onto the rocks. Was it always your intention with this record to meld different styles together?

A: Oooo, I like that metaphor! For me, this is as straight-arrow in one category, stylistically-speaking, as it gets! I guess being that I'm so diverse in my musical tastes and the songs that I write (sometimes I refer to myself as being musically schizophrenic ;-), it's inevitable that an album I come out with will reflect that, even when I'm trying to stay within one genre. I like the metaphor that, "You can take the wolf out of the wild, but you can't take the wild out of the wolf." I was born an eclectic singer-songwriter and I guess that element will always be in whatever I do.

Q: You duet on the appropriately titled “Scream It” with Jorn Lande. How did he get involved?

A: Jorn and I became acquainted and then very good friends when we began working together on Avantasia in 2008. Our friendship has grown since then and throughout the further work we've done together with Avantasia, touring and such.

I admire him as a musician and as a person and think he's got one of the most fantastic voices in the world today. Fortunately, his involvement went as easily as me asking if he would do it and him saying, "Of course, Amanda!"

Q: Can you tell us about some of your favourite songs from the record?

A: I'm really bad with "favorite"

questions because my songs are like my children and it just doesn't seem fair to call one out over the others.

That being said, it's also difficult for me because each is special in its unique way and I'm constantly changing my moods. So one day, I'll be like, "Man, 'Coward' is seriously SUCH a GREAT song!! I think that might be my favorite yet," because it's so decadent and the line, "Justice comes to dance upon the graves of cowards" so aptly sums up my belief in karma. Then the next day, it'll be "Justifiable Casualty" because it's so emotional and makes me cry every time I hear it, especially the line, "She said there's no one who can declare a war on warfare." I don't know why - it gets me EVERY time!!!

Then another day it'll be "Scream It" because Jorn really nailed the metal "Romeo & Juliet" tragic love story vibe I was going for and it turned out so perfectly. Then the next day, it'll be "Machine Gun" for its powerful imagery and empowering anger it encompasses Then the next day... do you see a pattern here? ;-) Anyway, I love and treasure each song in a different way for a different reason.

Q: If you were to make a solo album now, how would it differ from this Trillium record?

A: It wouldn't be as streamlined in one musical style. Not that it wouldn't have any metal on it at all, but it would be much more eclectic and all over the board in terms of genres.

I've got a rather folky pop song called "Foreigner" I wrote quite a while ago when I was homesick that I'd put on it. And there's another dark, bluesy kind of Southern Rock song called "Sugar Shock" that was inspired by the book / HBO series "Sookie Stackhouse" / "True Blood."

There's also a punk rock song that was featured in a movie called "Bad Girl" I might put on it. But as I mentioned before, I had so many metal songs and this is what I wanted to do, that it's what took precedence over everything else for the time being. It's not that I won't continue to release my solo albums, but TRILLIUM has front and center stage right now!

Q: You’ve worked with a whole host of great artists recently (e.g. Michael Kiske and Mat Sinner). Anyone you’d really like to work with next?

A: I'm too busy with everything else that's going on to have that kind of a wish list! I guess I'm just taking whatever comes one day at a time.

Though I'm going to continue working with other bands and projects, I'm focusing on doing my own thing and that's what's priority for me now.

Q: Will Trillium have the chance to perform live?

A: YES! As a matter of fact, I'm working on finalizing some touring right now and will be announcing dates shortly.

MRF | 5

BAnd. beggars and thieves album. we are the brokenhearted Interview with. ronnie mancuso interviewed by:. barry mcminn

Question: The new album still has that unmistakable B&T vibe to it, even though you’ve moved to Las Vegas, how important was it for the album to stick to the bands New York roots and vibe?

Answer: Well we did use the quintessential New York drummer, Thommy Price. There is just a groove, a raw aggression and punky energy that defines NY rock drummers and bands in general. No matter what, we will always be a NY band. We we just don't have that laid-back west coast thing in us. The East Village is in our blood. The urgency, the energy that just doesn't go away. It's all that mixed with the arty intellectual NY style that's just a huge part of who we are. In some ways Vegas is like NY in that It’s fast paced and full of hustlers and those waiting to be hustled. We certainly could never be accused of being a Jersey band. No Johnny or Gina, No Glory in Suicide Machines.

In fact we hate cars, were subway and train boys. Even in Vegas we are probably the only 2 guys who take the monorail. We park at the Focus on:

end and wonder about the strip.

Q: How long have you been working on the album?

A: Well it took a couple of years but that was because of a myriad of circumstances. When we started, Kevin Churko was working in LA on what would become the Ozzy Osborne “Scream” album. Kevin wasn’t using his studio so he lent us all his good mics and preamps. He set us up and got this great drum sound, so we could record, drums, guitar, bass, and a scratch vocal live at the same time. We spent about 14 days cutting about 16 basic tracks. Then Louie and I did the overdubs at our own pace under no pressure whatsoever, which was great because it gave a chance to really flesh out the songs and try all sorts of things that we wouldn’t have been able to do if we were under any sort of time restraint.

Then we had to wait for Kevin to get a good chunk of free time available to properly mix the album. In the meantime he kept getting more popular, finished the Ozzy album, did “In This Moment”, “Hinder” and some of the new Five Finger Death

Punch album. We finally corralled him to where he was able to completely devote the couple of weeks it takes to mix and master a great album.

Q: The album itself is just a joy to listen to, it’s easy going rock at its best, but are there any tracks in particular your really proud of and why?

A: What we are the most proud of is the fact that it really works as an album (an art form that may be over) we purposely left off some of what could have been the strongest songs in favor of having an album you could listen to all the way thru and not want to advance to the next song. As far as individual songs we are proud of all of them. All killer no filler! I’m extra fond of the production and Pink Floyd vibe of Oil & Water, the chorus lyrics of “We are the Brokenhearted” Also, Seven Seconds and Midnight Blue for the fact that they are nasty and sound current without any clichés like detuned guitars or guttural vocals.

We both think that as a whole, this is by far the best album we have ever made.

B E G G A R S & T H I E V E S - We Are The Brokenhearted ( F r o n t i e r s R e c o r d s )

Back in 1989 out of mean streets of New York City came Beggars & Thieves, who delivered a real East Coast melodic rock sound that was enough for the band to get signed after just half a dozen shows. But like so many bands of the genre, they fell prey to the influx of Seattle’s Grunge scene, although this didn’t stop the band releasing three albums from in 90, 97 and 99, and in more recent years the EP ‘Stone Cold’ in 2010. Now in 2011 the band return with the barnstorming new album ‘Wiser Time’. The album sees the band return with their familiar New York grooved sound that is as rich and as varied as the metropolis itself, with Louie Merlino delivering that trademark smooth velvet vocal, while stalwart guitarist Ronnie Mancuso delivers some of the warmest guitars sounds you’ll here this side of Christmas. This is the band back to their very best. With tracks like ‘Beautiful Loser’, ‘Never Gonna See You Again’ and for the rockier moments, we have the opener ‘We Come Undone’, ‘Stranded’ and ‘Midnight Blue’, all worth a mention. This is a great return from the band that New York City on the Melodic Rock map. Barry McMinn (90/100)

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BAnd. alfonZetti album. here comes the night Interview with. matt alfonsetti interviewed by:. barry mcminn

Quesition: How long have you been working on the follow up the critically acclaimed ‘Ready’?

Answer: As I´ve been working as a songwriter for the last decade I put aside the songs that I figured would end up on my solo album and I guess some of them I wrote nearly ten years ago.

Q: How are you finding working the new solo album in tandem with your work with ‘Red, White And Blues’?

A: I see them as very separate things and RWB is a project that I believe strongly in.Musically they are different as well because RWB is all about the bluesier, rootsier style of hard rock and not so much epic melodic rock.With RWB it´s about the band and playing live. Alfonzetti is strictly an album project where I get to indulge in my faiblesse for the 80´style of rock!

Q: It has been quite a career so far, did you ever see yourself working with so many great bands when you first took up the mic?

A: Not really... I´ve been extremely Focus on:

lucky to have met and played with so many great people over the years. For instance, back in the late 80´s, when Scott Gorham called me up in my flat in Stockolm and asked me to join his band it was quite a shock!!!

Q: You’ve never been one to stick to one style of music, is it important to you, to reinvent yourself every now and then?

A: Totally. I am firstly a fan of music and I do love so many diffent types of music that it would be impossible for me to only do one style of rock. It is what drives me, basically.

Q: How would you describe the new album and how does it fit in with Matti Alfonzetti musical journey that has become your life?

A: It is a continuation of the album Ready and I hope I´ve succeeded in delivering that to those who love that album. Over the years I´ve had so many requests for another album like that and now I think I can say I´ve done it...

Q: Now over to ‘Here Comes The Night’, what was it like working

with Daniel Flores? Is he a hard task master and would you work with him again?

A: Daniel? Not at all... He´a very humble and cool guy. It was really effortless work for us. I just sent files with my guitars,bass and vocals and he would record drums and keyboards and send it back to me within the same day. His studio is actually just across the street from mine,so that was really easy...

We co-wrote one song on the album as well and that just happened when we were recording something else. I am pritty sure I will do some work with him sometime again.

Q: Finally where does Matti Alfonzetti go from here, are there any things you’re involved with that we should keep an eye out for in 2012?

A: Right now it´s mixing and completing the Red, White & Blues album and touring with that. I ´ve been told that Universal are interested in releasing a compilation of the two Skintrade albums so fans of Skintrade should look out for that!

ALFONZETTI - Here Comes The Night (AOR Heaven)

Having cut his teeth with the Melodic Rock crowd fronting Jagged Edge, Matti Alfonzetti became synonymous as a great vocalist and front man. But it was his debut solo album ‘Ready’ that saw him unite with the cream of Swedish Rock with the likes of Goran Elmqvist, Stefan Bergstrom, Jamie Borger and Bjorn Nale Pahlsson, as well Mats Leven on backing vocals. It’s been a long time coming but the second Alfonzetti album is finally here and once again we welcome Matti into the Melodic Rock fold with open arms. This new opus takes off where ‘Ready’ left off, with some great melodic hard rocking tunes and some great slices of pure Melodic Rock, with gems like ‘I Wait For You’ and the rockin ’Losing You’.

‘Don’t Listen To Your Heart’ and my personal fave ‘Rock n’ Roll Heart’, all ranking high on the list of the many highlights on this superb return for Alfonzetti.

Barry McMinn (95/100)

MRF | 7

BAnd. andromeda album. Manifest Tyranny Interview with. Martin Hedin interviewed by:. bruce atkinson Question: Beginning with a little history of the group… ’Andromeda’ began at the turn of the century…at the time did you have a specific vision as to the group and the music you create?

A: Not really. When we started recording “Extension of the Wish” we didn’t even have a vocalist. I think the vision formed after that, when we were writing the material that was to become “II=I”. But with each album we’ve wanted to do something new, so I guess the “vision” changes all the time. Johan Reinholdz (guitar) and myself (Martin Hedin, keyboards) do most of the writing, individually or together. Both Johan and I listen to a very broad variety of music, but he is definitely more “metal” than me. My main influences are artists like: Marillion, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Queen, Peter Gabriel, Magnum, Tori Amos, Björk… I’ve also listened a lot to classical music growing up. So the result when working with Johan is often surFocus on:

prising and always interesting.

Q: Did the group start as a recording project and grow into a full fledged distinct band or have you always been a full-on group?

A: First album was definately a recording project. After that we’ve been working much more as a group.

We recently got a new bass-player – Linus Abrahamson. With our new line-up and our new label we feel stronger than ever!

Q: You have enjoyed world-wide release of your Work… obviously opening up more opportunities for the group… let’s talk about some of those…

A: Well, we’ve been playing live in very different corners of the world, but it’s mostly been occasional, one off gigs. We’ve always wanted to tour more. Next year we plan on doing just that!

Q: Will we see Andromeda expanding their touring schedule? Are you planning to brave

new roads?

A: There are not many dates set yet, but the plan is doing as many shows as possible next year. All I know right now is that we’ll be at PPM Fest – Belgium in April, and Fused Festival – UK in May. We love playing live and meeting our fans, so expect that list to grow!

Q: We have come through a very chaotic year, how do you feel 2012 will shape up to be?

A: Well, I’m not a very optimistic guy.

I’d like to be, but facts tell me different. I think the world economy will be very unstable, we’ll see more crimes against humanity like the ”operation” in Libya, Obama will probably be reelected – because, let’s face it, he’s one of the best at what he does (telling lies with a straight face)…

There is some hope though, people have started to wake up and protest Wall Street, a very good place to start when trying to change the world for the better!

ANDROMEDA - Manifest Tyranny (Ulterium Records)

This is the fifth release from this Swedish metal giant. The quintet continues to explore a form of gothic-power metal in “Manifest Tyranny”… which some may feel is their darkest album… however I would respectfully disagree. Yes, the album has a ominous ‘air’ about it... but the songs here are more ‘tough’ / ‘hard’ than ‘dark’. With strength; each expression is delivered with force and intelligent writing. Arrangements that are rich with atmosphere, ‘Manifest Tyranny’ does not ‘bog’ down. It’s melodic as well as heavy... giving us glimpses of light throughout the intense story. An album full of musical rivers that will flow nicely from the stage. Andromeda has created a fine and unique album in ‘Manifest Tyranny’ — an album worthy of your ears!

Bruce Atkinson (92/100)

MRF | 9

YES - In The Present. Live From Lyon (Frontiers Records) In The Present-Live From Lyon is sure to be the topper on the list to Santa for YES fans everywhere.

The 2CD set is a live effort from their Lyon, France show on December 1’st 2009. The set also includes a DVD that has various materials on it such as interviews and behind the scenes footage, along with live footage from shows. The package seems like an informal celebration of their four decades in music because it touches on all the music that is quintessential YES. Jon Anderson’s replacement Benoit David does a decent enough job of keeping that YES classic sound they are so known for; that “progressive rock” thing, but sentimental YES fans might be inclined to not feel quite the same regarding the line-up. The music itself is straight on good stuff. They manage to sneak in all that they are known for, “Roundabout” “Owner of A Lonely Heart” and “I’ve Seen All Good People”.

Honestly, if one didn’t know that Jon took his departure, the listener might be fooled into thinking that it is YES as it always was. Howe, the other Wakeman, (Oliver), Rick’s son, along with Chris Squire and Alan White are at their musical best for this performance. A nice gift for under the tree, menorah, or whatever you like. In The Present-Live From Lyon; buy it. Justine Bevan (90/100)

ROYAL HUNT - Future's Coming From The Past (Frontiers Records) Royal Hunt, to celebrate the come back of DC Cooper in the band, is releasing this special double DVD package. The first disc is “Live In Japan 1996”, the complete concert taken from the Moving Target tour; this concert was realeased in VHS in Japan only and now it is availbe in DVD worlwide. An amazing performace of the band during of of the best tour they have ever done. Songs like “Makin' a Mess”, “Last Goodbye”, “Far Away” and “Time” are the best moment of the concert and it is always a emotional to watch it, it was 15 years ago!!

The second disc is “Paradox - Closing the Chapter - Live in Japan 1998”, the complete live performance of the successfull concept album “Paradox” with DC Cooper on vocals. This video live performace was never released, only the audio version in 1998. Disc 2 is another amazing journey that complete this fantastic package that, combined with the new fantastic album “Show Me How To Live”, is the perfect Christmas present for all of you!

Vitale Nocerino (90/100)

LANCE KING - A Monent In Chiros (Ulterium Records) Lance King may be known to many for PYRAMAZE, Balance Of Power, but recently dipped a toe into the ‘solo artist’ arena resulting in A Moment In Chiros. Although the album is Lance, he has many artists performing with him on this effort to make it as grand as it is. Artists like Jacob Hanson and Kim Oleson, (Kim also produces here), from Anubis Gate, Morten Gade Sorenson, (Pyramaze) and Bruce Dickinson are all featured on A Moment In Chiros. This is not really a concept album per say… Well yes it is, or appears that way initially because it is based on time as the album cover indicates. “A Sense Of Urgency” and speaks of an individual, the course of his life, and the “numerical prompts” that are influential in it. Lance is vocal magic immediately here. “Awakening”, the second track, is lyrically clever and the music here is tops. The drums so precise; instinctually there when they need to be, sounds easy; most definitely not. The album continues on with more of the same goodness. “A Given Choice”, a high point along with “A Moment In Chiros” which opens with dialog. The album closes with “Transformation” and Lance’s voice really transforms here as well. A Moment In Chiros is quite the melodic, progressive, metal effort with a plethora of talents. What more could a music fan want? If you’re a metal fan buy A Moment In Chiros or you’re a fool. Justine Bevan (88/100)

JOJO - Jojo (Yesterrock) I remember buying this German release on vinyl when it came out in 1986. It’s been a while since I’ve played it but this CD re-release reaffirms my impression of the record when it first came out; it’s a great, very polished mix of Toto-esque West Coast pop/AOR with a very (then) state of the art Rick Springfield production sound and strong vocals. “Extacy”, “Woman’s Touch” and “Diana” are ultra-catchy upbeat tunes, indicative of their time before people de-tuned their guitars, gazed at their shoes and whinged. The bouncy keyboard and its faux horn section sounds quite dated now and the cheeriness of upfront keyboard on a couple songs skates perilously close to Stock, Aitken and Waterman who were a constant feature at the top of the charts at that time. Overall though, there’s enough class to overcome the production and with half a dozen extra tracks that show the band experimenting with styles (rockier tracks, a sophisticated duet and even a stab (illjudged though it is) at rap, this is a good value package and for fans of 80s hi-tech West Coast AOR this cult classic is definitely worth investing in.

Duncan Jamieson (88/100)

SONATA ARCTICA - Live in Finland (Nuclear Blast) I don’t have many infos on this product (no product-sheets or something like that, delivered by the label), so I can only guess that this new album of the world-famous finnish Power Metal band will be released as double Cd. Recorded in their home-country, the album contains 21 songs (+ intro) spanning thrugh the band’s career, the recording sounds very clear and without any audible faults or instrumental errors, a thing which - in albums like these – can sound a bit “suspicious” to someone’s ears, even if Sonata Arctica is a great live-band. The songs featured here are, obviously, among the best in the genre, and the singer’s performance is always top-notch; the only thing is that there’s not too much feedback from the audience, which makes the whole thing a little bit “cold”. That said, this is a sort of “best of” played live from one of the best Power Metal bands. Not for casual listeners, but the fans of the band will surely appreciate it.

Primo Bonali (85/100)

BONFIRE - Fireworks – Still Alive (LZ) In the early 80’s out of the Bavarian hills they came, axes flaying, basses pounding and leading the pack, the mighty vocals of Claus Lessmann, I’m talking about one band and that band is the mighty Bonfire! In 1987 the band released their critically acclaimed second album ‘Fireworks’ and to celebrate the albums release, the band have been performing tracks from the album, (some which they haven’t played live in over 20 years), during concerts throughout Europe. Now we too can experience one of the finest live acts around performing the entire album, plus a few bonus tracks, on their ‘Firework – Still Alive’ opus. Having seen the band on numerous occasions over the years, they still have a fire in their bellies, (pun intended), to deliver great Melodic/Hard Rock as only they can, with Lessmann at the helm, along with stalwart guitarist Hans Ziller bringing the heat. The album boasts a very special bonus track in ‘I’m On My Way’, a tribute to the late Steve Lee. A moving tribute to the Gotthard frontman, who lost his life so tragically while vacationing in the US. A great album for all fans of the band that just keep burning up stages, one of the genres great survivors.

Barry McMinn (85/100)

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HEARTLAND - Heartland (Yesterrock) Yes, this is a re-issue of the debut from “Heartland”, featuring Chris Ousey — who, incidentally, is still performing with the band. Originally released through A&M Records at the beginning of the ‘90’s… This debut caused ripples through the AOR world with an emotive delivery. Now, 2011, those emotional stirrings are just as fresh! Heartland was formed around Mr. Ousey and he still takes the group out from time to time, when his busy schedule allows. Known as one of the finest vocalist from the UK, and Heartland being one of the classiest groups… It is great to hear this powerful collection of songs once again. Song like “Teach You to Dream”, “Don't Cast Your Shadow”, “Real World”, “Fight Fire With Fire” and “Walking on Ice” are gems that will always fresh and amazing and every music lover should have this Heartland album in their collections. Simply a classic hard rock / aor album. Enjoy!

Bruce Atkinson (91/100) DRAGONLAND - Under The Grey Banner (AFM Records) Get set for another fantastical journey through the mystic lands of Dragonland!! Although it has been five years since we have heard anything from this group, we are about to be hurtled through a new chapter and adventure. “Under the Grey Banner” propels us through a musical mystical epic! Piloted by six of Sweden’s finest metal-sicans. Dragonland are now loudly and clearly back! Cinematic in scope — huge musically, this auditory chapter will keep you on the edge. Mystical—at times, even stark… ’Under The Grey Banner’ is a Master’s stroke in Symphonic Metal. Close your eyes and you will see the images leap to reality — forever unfolding by the majestic music that propels it. A concept album? Yes, the world of ‘Dragonland’ is laid bare…and we are invited to voyage with our six pilots, exploring and experiencing epic after epic…always safely under the grey banner. The musicianship from this group is beyond measure and the story told here is a breathless quest. I’m hoping Dragonland, the group, will take their musical journeys to a visual level… but until then, all I need to do is play the album and close my eyes… something I hope you do too!

Bruce Atkinson (89/100)

SHY – Shy (Escape Music) This is a considerably more rocked up album from the British melodic rockers. This album is perhaps the heaviest of their career and I'm loving the choice of direction. Lee Small has a voice not too far off that of Glenn Hughes/Goran Edman – melodic, yet authorative and powerful. His deeper tone suits the heavier edge that this album carries. There is a lot going on here. The album is most obviously guitar driven, but keyboards play a big part also, swirling away in the background, while a power packed rhythm section keeps songs pumping. The trio of songs that lead the album barely stop to take a breath. It's a truly energetic start. The memorable rock ballad Breathe only slows things down temporarily, while Blood On The Line lifts the tempo back with a dose of Europe style melodic rock. Great stuff! This might just be my favourite Shy album of all now. It's the best produced and the songs have a cracking energy to them. I prefer this direction over the more AOR of previous records and really think the guitar work on here from Steve Harris is mesmerizing. It is he and vocalist Lee Small that make this album what it is. Awesome.

Andrew McNeice - Melodicrock.com (92/100)

IRON SAVIOR – The Landing (AFM Records) To say the truth, I’ve never been a big fan of this band, and I always considered the Iron Savior discography not really essential in the genre. Four years after their last album “Megatropolis”, here is their brand new album called “The Landing”, 10 songs (+ intro) of the usual “classic” Melodic German Power Metal, that will especially please any fan of Gamma Ray, early Helloween and Freedom Call; listen to a track like “Starlight”, a perfect example of Speed Metal enriched by nice melodies, or the hymn “Heavy Metal Never Dies”, a mid-tempo a la Accept that will take the crowd by storm when it will be played live, and you’ll immediately have the picture of an album that, although not innovative, is fresh, powerful and quite easy to listen to. Maybe it’s just a matter of personal tastes, but I’m not that crazy for the rough vocals of Piet Sielck; that said, the songs are very well written and played, so if you like their style, you’d better give “The Landing” a try, as you could discover a pleasant album to spend hours with…

Primo Bonali (80/100)

THEOCRACY – As The World Bleeds (Ulterium Records) Masterminded by Matt Smith this is the third coming for Theocracy. Originally recording alone, Theocracy has grown into a competent five piece, giving a broader dimension to their music. This is Power Metal in the vein of Edguy and Helloween mixed with Prog Metal but with a strong Christian message. It’s grandiose with vocals that are stacked up to sound like choirs of celestial angels, ripping neo-classical guitar passages that are driven by a rhythm section that’s faster than Usain Bolt. There are gentle whimsical parts and invigorating heavy guitar riffs. Despite its heaviness it never loses sight of melody.

Smith’s songs are burning with invention, progressive in their scope and this is his best record yet. It’s refreshing to hear his American vocals on a genre that is normally so associated with Europe. Highlights include the eclectic opener “I Am”, the hammering “Nailed” and the hummable “The Gift Of Music” where Smith sings of his belief that, “Music is the glorious crown jewel of creation” and on the evidence of this record he’s not far wrong. This is good enough to transcend a Christian market and should appeal to melodic rockers, neo-classical metal fanatics and even prog metal fans. Duncan Jamieson (90/100)

PARADISE INC. – Time (Avenue Of Allies) Paradise Inc is a Brazilian Hard rock band Rick A. (Bass), Allan Juliano (Drums), Marcos Peres (Guitar) and De Grigo (Guitar) with a German singer, Carsten Schulz (Evidence One, Midnite Club, ex-Domain) surranded by a whole lot of great collaborators as their debut album sees on keyboards Alessandro Del Vecchio (Glenn Hughes, Edge Of Forever Eden’s Curse, Time Machine), Doogie White (Rainbow, Cornerstone, Yngwie Malmsteen) guest starring on "Not In Paradise", while mixing and mastering has been set by Paul Logue (Eden’s Curse, David Readman) and Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69, House Of Lords, Khymera). I must say the album is a good and technically well performed 80's Rock album, but with lack in originality and a huge hit on board. All songs equally shares their part without any real high point. Best of are to me the title track “Time”, “Wait and see” and the anthemic “Set me free”. Paradise Inc.'s Time is a more then decent debut album although I wait them to a second and hopefully more convincing effort. Their musicianship is huge but they need to forget bands like like Europe, Bon Jovi and Danger Danger and play their own music. Fabio “Deuce” Mainardi (75/100)

MRF | 13

CHRISTMAS SEASON SALE !

- Valid until December 22nd 2011 -

First come / First served – Minimum order 3 cds/boxes/Lps or DVDs Send your orders to: info@frontiers.it Handling and shipping costs: From 1 to 3 pcs: 5,60 EURO From 4 to 6 pcs: 8,50 EURO From 7 pcs onwards: shipping cost will be communicated separately in the email confirming the order. In this case, do not forget to include your full shipping address with the order.

Handling and shipping costs for orders including Boxsets and LPs will be communicated in the email which will confirm back your order.

The payment must be sent via paypal to the info@frontiers.it email address within 24 hours from the confirmation of the order. If the payment will not reach us within this time frame the order will be automatically cancelled.

For everyone unfamiliar with Euro currency you will be able to use this website: www.xe.com for conversions in your national currency.

Happy shopping and MERRY CHRISTMAS !

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BAnd. fate album. Ghosts from the Past Interview with. Jens B interviewed by:. duncan jamieson Question: This is another new chapter in Fate’s career. You must be happy with The results.

Answer: Yes we are very happy with the new album: ) My name is Jens Berglid (drummer) and I will answer your interview, if you should have any follow up question just mail me and I will do my best to answer.

Q: With only one member left from the eighties line-up, can you tell us about the band as it stands to day , and tell us a little bit about them.

A: I would have to say that we won’t compare this line-up with the old ones as times was different back then, but it is probably one of the strongest ones ever! We are all working for the same goal and the feeling in the band is just excellent these days! Dagfinn Joensen vocal: Dagfinn is from the Faroe Island, We contacted him up after seeing him perform live with another band in Copenhagen in 2010! ) Dagfinn have been active in: Eager To Please from the Faroe Island.

Focus on:

Mikkel Henderson keyboard: Mikkel joined the band in 2008 for the live shows planned but it work out so good that it was decided that he should be in the band as a permanent member. Mikkel has played in: Circus Mind, Evil Masquerade and Expedition Delta Torben Enevoldsen guitar: A true guitar hero that has bands like Section A, Fatal Force and of course his own solo albums on his resume. Torben came to the rescue when Søren Hoff left the band! We are truly happy to have this man in the band! Jens Berglid drums: Jens joined the band in 2008 and is the one pushing things forward at all times. Jens have played in bands like: Iron Fire, Star Rats, Evil Masquerade, Black Succubi and Sons Of Tomorrow. Peter Steincke bas: Peter is the only original member left and has been more or less working on Fate the whole time, he has played with many musicians over the years but nothing really came out. Peter is the rock in the band never loosing his ability to

FATE - Ghosts from the Past (Aor Heaven)

write new Fate songs.

Q: Which songs on “Ghosts From The Past” best sum up who Fate are in 2011 and why?

A: Children of the night and Daddy's girl, both are very melodic and still Hard-hitting.

Q: How did you go about the songwriting for this record?

A: Most songs came to life from ideas by Peter and Mikkel. But every member has been involved from start to finish.

Q: It’s hard to believe but Fate are over a quarter of a century old. What do think have been some of the high points?

A: It has been many over the years, but the more resent ones would have to be when we played Madrid Spain in 2010! Also our visits to Sweden and Norway have been great.

Q: Are there plans for you tour to promote this album?

A: Yes but none are confirmed as for now but our booking company MBM are working very hard as we speak!

These Danes have undergone a number of line-up changes over the years and with only Peter Steiner remaining from their original 80s incarnation it’s no surprise their sound is has changed considerably. It’s more like a very melodic Leverage now than the Europe or Bon Jovi clones of old. They haven’t completely thrown the bath water out with the baby though because they’ve held onto their signature big keyboard sound that competes for the limelight with the melodic guitar. A couple of tracks “At The End Of The Day” and “Follow Your Heart” do hark back to the old sound, proving they can still do it when they want to. New singer Dagfinn Joensen does a good job with these songs and the heavier tracks that make up the bulk of the record. “Children Of The Night”, “I Believe In Rock ‘N’ Roll” and “Daddy’s Girl” are the pick of the bunch. The band have grown up and there are fewer songs about partying and more about society’s shortcomings. 13 songs full of good ideas and regardless of whether they should call themselves Fate or not, this is a classy melodic metal record, worth checking out.

Duncan Jamieson (88/100)

MRF | 15

BAnd. mecca album. undeniable Interview with. Joe vana interviewed by:. duncan jamieson

Question: I remember buying your debut. I can’t believe that was nine years ago! What’s taken you so long to release this record?

A: We had a series of issues including the death of my then co-producer and friend. I decided after he passed to re-record the whole album and start over. I was committed to making the album as close to as I heard it in my head as possible. I wanted Bryan to be proud of what we did even if he was gone.

Q: I believe you recorded the tracks three times! The length of time this record has taken suggests you’re a bit of a perfectionist. Is this true?

A: See above hahahaha... Yes I am.

I believe if people are going to spend their hard earned money on something I work on, I better give them 110% of what I have!!! I did not skip one step, I did not leave any stone unturned... this album is a 1,000 percent effort!!

Q: Tommy Denander is a great musician. I’ve just seen him at Focus on:

Firefest backing Jimi Jamison and Jeff Paris. You’ve struck up a great working partnership with him and Christian Wolff.

Can you tell me what it’s like working with them and how they helped shape the sound of the record?

A: Tommy has been a dream!! We have already begun working on Mecca III, and Tommy and I are committed to making this album a 100 Percent effort again. There is no reason why with hard work and dedication, and a little luck, we can surpass Mecca I and Mecca II...

Q: There’s no denying you must have been taking notes when recorded the debut with Jim Peterik because there’s a touch of his style in your songwriting now. What lessons did you learn from Peterik about songwriting?

A: I learned almost everything I know from Him and Frankie Sullivan. I have written almost exclusively and extensively with them... and now with Tommy D as well... JP taught me the importance

M E C C A - Undeniable (Frontiers Records)

of melody, FS the importance of lyrical content and structure and TD has taught me about the marriage of melodies and music... How's that for an education!!!!

Q: There are some great songs; AOR, Westcoast and even prog moments. I particularly like the Toto-like “Closing Time”, the very melodic “Did It For Love” and the hard rocking “W2W”.

What songs would you highlight and why?

A: Thanks again!! For me they all have special meaning... I mean that... all 12 mean something about my life the past 8 years... I should have included Serafino!!! But, I would say my personal favorite ins the song "Undeniable"... it marries all I have learned about songwriting, amazing 6 string work by Tommy Denander, the groove laid down by drummer Rick Vitek, The rock solid bass of Wally Hustin, lush keys by Eric Ragno, and even an ending solo and rhythm guitars by my son Joey...A TRUE MECCA EFFORT!!! and the TRUE MECCA SOUND!!

It’s been nine years since the first Mecca album was released and where the debut had a large contribution from Jim Peterik in the song writing department, this sophomore effort relies on the band’s lynchpin Joe Vana for the bulk of the material. Musically, like the debut, there are comparisons to be made with Toto, Spin Gallery, Williams/Friestedt and a Westcoast vibe that breezes through the record. Vana is abetted by AOR demi-god Tommy Denander who adds his song writing and guitar skills as does Christian Wolff which helps give the record a consistent band sound, despite a who’s who of session musicians also being involved. Vana has a strong voice perfectly suited to this Westcoast AOR sound; smooth but with enough range to wring out the melodies and tug on the heartstrings. “Perfect World”, “I Know” and the title track are confident, musically adept songs that will get fans of the debut biting their pillows. The very Toto sounding “Closing Time” and “Did it For Love” are perhaps the best tracks with clever, varied arrangements and sugary hooks. For Westcoast AOR fans a pilgrimage to Mecca is still very much in order. Duncan Jamison (95/100)

MRF | 17

BAnd. the magnificent album. the magnificent Interview with. torsti spoof interviewed by:. barry mcminn

Question: Secondly how did ning till the end. It`s not like some you decide to do a Melodic Rock The Magnificent come togeth- pop albums where you have one album? er? killer single and then the rest of A: A lot of our musical influences Answer: Serafino Perugino the album is crap. come from 80`s heavy rock. This (Frontiers records) introduced us. Q: With a wealth of guest writ- kind of album has been dream of He had an idea that we should ers listed on the album credits, the both of us for a long time. write music together and make an was it hard to pick the tracks Q: Some say the band name album. It felt right from the very for the album and were there The Magnificent might be a big beginning. We have a very similar any left over that could make it pretentious, who came up with taste in music... and same sort of on to the second album? the name and what was the sick sense of humor! Whohahaha!

A: Not at all. It was all very easy. idea behind it?

Q: With a new band coming out The material came together with- A: I think the name idea came of Scandinavia almost every out any complications. No left from Serafino in the first place if i month, what makes The overs. If we start working on the remember correctly. It`s a good Magnificent stand out from the next one it has to be written from name for this kind of thing. More is crowd? the scratch. I don`t like to look more, The bigger the better. There A: Well we don`t really fall into back and use left over ideas in can never be too much reverb on this scandinavian standard heavy general. Usually there is a reason the snare drum and so on... metal category for sure. Nothing why a left over track didn`t make Q: Where do you see The wrong with the Scandinavial metal it to the album at the first place.

Magnificent going from here, scene at all. This is something a lit- Q: Have you had a chance to do have your heart set on tle bit different from that. More consider whether there is world domination?

AOR and hard rock. going to be a second album A: A world domination? What a Q: The album boasts some yet? magnificent idea!

Hahahah! wonderful slices of Melodic A: There are no plans made for the Seriously, i usually live day by day.

Hard Rock, but what tracks are future yet. Let`s see how the It goes how it`s ment to be. I realyou particulary proud of and album goes and how peole react to ly don`t take any pressure in makwhy? it. ing music. I am happier this way.

A: I like all the songs. I think the Q: You guys have a background In 6 months or so we have a better album works well from the begin- in Prog Metal so what made idea where this is leading us.

F o c u s o n : T H E M A G N I F I C E N T - The Magnificent (Frontiers Records) There is no defying that 2011 have been an exceptional year for Melodic/Hard Rock, with some simply stunning releases ticking all the right boxes for fans of the genre.

But another noticeable thing has been the number of outstanding release from the Scandinavian territories, so it comes as no surprise that despite it coming close of the year, here we have another band leaving their mark on 2011 and that band is The Magnificent. The band was put together by Circus Maximus singer extraordinaire Michael Eriksen from Norway and Finnish producer/guitarist Torsti Spoof (of Leverage fame), joined by a whole host of guest artists, both musically and on the song-writing front. The result is a stunning album that just oozes class with more than its fair share of sublime Melodic Rock, with notable highlights being the opener ‘Holding On To Your Love’, ‘Cheated by Love’, the rocking ‘Satin & Lace’ and the excellent ‘Bullets, Smoke & Fire’. All great tracks, but this album has so much more to give and is well worth checking out, because this is one of the new generation of bands who are driving the genre we love so much ever forward.

Barry McMinn (96/100)

MRF | 19

BAnd. Royal hunt album. show me how to live Interview with. andre andersen interviewed by:. bruce atkinson

Focus on:

ROYAL HUNT - Show Me How To Live (Frontiers Records) It’s another Masterpiece! “Show Me How To Live” is the latest from musical genius Andre Andersen and Royal Hunt. Magical and Regal, this release brings back lead vocalist DC Cooper…a mission royally accomplished. Seven brand new epic creations; ‘Show Me How To Live’ is layered with melodious, commanding rivers of music that flow with such strength — that each song will drain you! Surrounded by awe-inspiring players… Andre performs very confidently and allowing each member to shine brightly, as well. A very tough, yet complex rhythm is laid out each and every time by drummer: Allan Sorensen, and Andreas Passmark, laying down those massive bass lines. As we ascend through each masterful track, be prepared to rise to new heights with string bender, Jonas Larsen and the distinctive layers of keyboardist extraordinaire; Andre Andersen! DC Cooper consistently delivers the chops! Rich, powerful…it is like this singer never left. “Show Me How To Live” — Epical, full of majesty and magic. The hunt is on! Long live Royal Hunt!!

Bruce Atkinson (95/100)

20 | MRF

Question: Andre, the last time we chatted, was in 2006 with the release of “Royal Hunt 2006”… and that seemed to be a closing of a chapter regarding the band… are we seeing a new chapter beginning now?

A: I guess so… every line-up change´s affecting the overall sound of the band slightly and – although it might be in a subtle way – changes the path of the bands evolution. I´m very confident about this new album and expecting us to reach a new level of quality entertainment which we´d like to offer to our fans.

Q: You have a new album coming´s out, and a new DVD package… both celebrating the return of DC Cooper in the vocal chair… tell us how this came about…

A: It all started very prosaically without any “master plan” in mind: DC and I started talking on Skype and such and after a few chats decided to “test the waters” – so to speak – and do a little tour, just to make sure if we could still recreate the vibe we used to have… and it worked out beautifully. So – obviously – the next step was to try and record an album and I´m happy to inform you that the whole process went down smooth and easy… so what else could we do?

Well, one of the things our fans were talking about for years was “1996” and “Closing the Chapter” videos which previously were released only on VHS and even in that form in very limited quantities and throughout very few territories… so we hired a company to digitalize those master tapes, improved both audio and visual parts and – on top of that – put a 50 minutes documentary (filmed in 96/98) in there to complete the package.

Q: “Show Me How To Live” is a very interesting title, especially for an album… is this new Work a concept piece?

A: No there´s no concept behind this album… at least not lyrically.

If I may guess what might go as a silver lining throughout the whole thing, I’d say it’s a musical/production form of this album: a vast amount of neoclassical themes, some moderation of the progressive edge, an extended role of the backing vocals and full, heavily orchestrated arrangements.

With the return of DC Cooper, has his vocal style inspired you onto a different plane?

How can I say… in writing the new record, is it different

than what you originally envisioned it to be?

A: Some songs were written before the decision of working with DC again was made, some – later… but obviously every single one was trimmed to accommodate his voice and singing style in the best possible way.

Q: Royal Hunt is such a fearsome band, creating great epics that are musically way ahead of our time… do you ever feel limited in what you can do?

A: No, I have no concerns about going in whatever direction I might feel is right for us. Every artist should (in my opinion) follow his ambitions and musical goals as he pleased regardless… otherwise you´ll stagnate.

Granted, I have my musical niche within which I operate, but – in this particular case – the niche is pretty sizable, so I don´t really feel restrained at any time.

Q: You have always been the leading man in the band, the sound of the new album is unmistakably yours again.

Did the other members have any influence in the writing process?

A: Sure, I wrote all the songs, but when time comes for recording/arranging, everything goes.

All guys have they own, unique musical personality and we all working hard to make it come through, even if we have to change some arrangements in the last minute. I do write the stuff, but Royal Hunt is very much a band. Everybody can have their input and it’s always appreciated.

Q: Do you have a vision for the band and which way it should be headed and has that vision changed over time?

A:We do have a plan, in a way.

When we started the band, ten or maybe only eight years ago the whole idea was to do something a little bit different. You always have AOR bands and you have your progressive bands like DREAM THEATER and stuff and I grew up on YES and GENESIS and KANSAS and STYX and stuff like that so we tried to do something that is a little bit more complicated and progressive but at the same time, wrap it in something a little bit more accessible to the public. The big sport for us is that every time we have a beat which is like some irregular time signature or something like that, we color it with some simple singing line or

something like that so that it won't be like we are standing in the middle of the stage saying "Mom, look what I can do!" It gives a little bit of color. Like other bands we want to be big and sell a lot of records and play big places and we are working at it. We are getting better every year and that is basically the plan, to get better. And then to introduce people to some kind of music that we feel is interesting.

Q: A lot of those bands that you have mentioned are still floating around and, I think, that they have passed their productive stages for the most part and are now just living off of past glories.

Should the time ever come that you feel like ROYAL HUNT isn't being artistically productive will you put it out to pasture?

A: We are trying really hard not to do that and it isn't really hard for us anyway because from day one everybody is very involved in the band, like we don't have anybody who is just "in the band." We are all the time working on new ideas, musical ideas and lyrical ideas and stuff like that and I don't think that will ever be a danger. We are just focused on trying to do an album that is better than the previous one. For as long as we have the spirit, we will be fine.

Q: Putting this music on to a stage must also be a great challenge… but you pull it off time and time again… it is a lot of hard work…

A: It is, but it also a lot of fun. I feel extremely fortunate and privileged to be working with such great musicians as Jonas, Andreas, Allan and DC… And our beautiful and talented backing vocalists… and the best crew in the world. Anything´s possible, when you’re surrounded by this group of great professionals.

Q: I would say that having a label such as Frontiers must be uplifting, knowing that they are supporting you to the hilt!

A: Absolutely: half of your success is the people behind it – the label, the management. You can go far with a great band and great material, but to make the project a success you need a solid team behind it.

Q: Touring plans, how are they coming along, for 2012?

A: I´d guess on March/April 2012, but it´s a bit too early to make any plans… let´s wait and see how the album will be received.

MRF | 21

Duncan Jamieson: Like something out of the movie The Magnificent Seven, Theocracy started out with only you but has grown in members. You recorded everything onthe debut by yourself. Then you enlisted a couple of recruits for “Mirror Of Souls” and now on “As The World Bleeds” you’re up to five. How has this changed the way you write the music and record it?

Matt Smith: It’s only helped. Even in the early days, I always wanted a full band—I just couldn’t find any local musicians who even knew about this kind of music, much less wanted to play it. I think you can really hear the added personality that the full band has given the music this time around.

Just as the addition of Shawn made such a difference on

Mirror of Souls compared to the drum machine on the first album, I think having a genuine “guitar hero” in Val has really opened up the sound of the band and added another dimension.

As for the writing, the new blood was also really helpful—Val brought in some great ideas that fit perfectly with what I was working on.

DJ: Can you see the band continue to grow? I can see you with a full choir and orchestra backing you!

MS: Haha!

Something like that would be cool to do one day as a special event. Our music definitely lends itself to that epic approach.

However, we also enjoy the rawer aspect of just five guys playing music live, and I think the new album especially works well in that setting.

Good, catchy, standalone songs. But

as far as I’m concerned, this is the perfect and ultimate Theocracy lineup.

DJ: Lyrically, your Christian beliefs are obviously very important to you. What do want to try to communicate with your lyrics?

MS: Well, a lot of Christian music strikes me as sort of vapid, repetitive and simplistic. We try to offer something a little deeper than that. We’re not reinventing the wheel or breaking new ground necessarily, but we at least like to examine various topics from a Christian perspective that you may not see every day, and hopefully make people think.

DJ: Apart from your Christian beliefs, musically where do draw your inspirations and influences from?

MS: For me, the influences were pretty typical: Queensryche, Maiden, Metallica, Dream Theater, etc. I’m a fan of song-first writers who can write big melodies: Tobias Sammet, Tony Kakko, Neal Morse and Tuomas Holopainen are a few of my favorites.

DJ: Do you notice a difference between the States and Europe in attitudes towards metal music these days?

MS: Well, it depends on the kind of Metal, I think. There’s definitely a difference for the kind of stuff we play; the fans are intense and dedicated in Europe, whereas here at home no one really seems to care.

The people who do show up here are good, don’t get me wrong, there just aren’t many of them, haha.

Hopefully that will change!