CONTENTS
04 P r i m a l F e a r 06 M o l l o / M a r t i n 07 M i c h a e l T h o m p s o n B a n d 08 M a r k S p i r o 09 D r a g o n l a n d 10 C h r i s O u s e y 11 N i g h t w i s h 12 R e v i e w s 17 S o n i c S t a t i o n 19 B o y o n d T h e B r i d g e 20 S u n s t o r m 22 R e d R o s e 23 L e e S m a l l + M r. B i g Melodic Rock Fanzine
The official Frontiers Records magazine Year #8 - Nr. 1 / Issue #48 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 Facebook: facebook.com/frontiersrecordsofficial Twitter: twitter.com/frontiersrec Editor and publisher: Frontiers Records s.r.l. Copyright©2012 Frontiers Records. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Printed in Italy.
BAnd. primal fear album. unbreakable Interview with. m.sinner - R.Scheepers interviewed by:. duncan jamieson
Focus on:
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PRIMAL FEAR - Unbreakable (Frontiers Records) Like a new album from the likes of AC/DC or Motorhead, you know what to expect from Primal Fear. That’s meant as a compliment not a criticism as like those other bands this Teutonic metal band’s sound is so distinctive and done so well that you’re quite happy for them to bring out records that sound similar each time. That sound, as far as Primal Fear is concerned, is gargantuan metal riffs, duel soloing, a booming rhythm section and Ralph Scheepers’ Halford-esque helium fuelled vocals. It sounds like Judas Priest on steroids, and is as taut and muscular as Scheepers’ bulging biceps. This record is a close relation to their last album “16.6”, but with the same line-up and a couple of years of touring globally means this record is an even more rabid beast. Song titles like “Give ‘Em Hell”, “Bad Guys Wear Black” and “Metal Nation” are as metal as it gets. Although the songs are heavy, they have metal hooks that are as catchy as any pop song. It’s all killer, no filler. Even the eight minute “Where Angels Die” doesn’t outstay it’s welcome. If you’ve liked any of their previous albums, you’ll love this one. Duncan Jamieson (92/100)
Question: 16.6 was one of the top metal albums of 2009. “Unbreakable” sounds like a worthy follow up. How do you think this album differs from “16.6”? Mat Sinner: Of course, "Unbreakable" has a total different set-up and vision than 16.6 - our target was to combine the band's metal roots with our musical vision in 2012. We wanted to write new songs, based on real guitar riffs and take it from there. It was very different to the songwriting session of 16.6 - after two years touring, we had a really good vision what album our fans would love to hear from Primal Fear and for me personally, the final result of "Unbreakable" has a positive different overall vibe than 16.6. The new album is powerful, raw, ambitioned, energetic and there are enough interesting musical journeys on it. All the musical performances on the album are outstanding, like Randy Black's drumming, the dueling lead-guitars of two worldwide respected masters like Karlsson & Beyrodt and even Mr. Scheepers brings his vocal performance to a new level. You see, we are all still excited and the feedback so far from all around the world is really fantastic. Q: The last album was with a new line up. Having had a couple of years touring together as a stable unit now, how has this affected the writing and recording of “Unbreakable”? MS: We have found a very smooth working system for writing new songs and we are a very creative team. In the end we've written at least 10 more great songs and the entire recording process was very creative and peaceful. That's the way I like most. I don't want to spend my energy in arguing about stupid details. The way we've worked on writing "Unbreakable" was the right one! Q: How does one day of Primal Fear goes by, while you are in the studio or rehearsing? Ralf Scheepers: Waking up, having a good breakfast (bread, ham, cheese, fruits, coffee or muesli) Meeting up in the studio, recording the pre composed songs and having a good time again. Being focused and concentrated and having a cool time and party here and there to relax again afterwards… Q: Unbreakable is yet another solid and mind-blowing record in your impressive career. Tell us a little something about your formula for creating such a powerful music? MS: The formula is being a 4 members team in terms of writing. Mat, Magnus, Alex and me have grown together over the years and we exactly know what we want and which way we want to go
when we write our music. And it has to be songs that we like in first place, so our quality gate is having some kind of high standard. Q: If push comes to shove what tracks particularly stand out for you on “Unbreakable”? MS: Heavy question for an album, that was just finished and isn't even released... well I really like the straight in your face metal songs like "Strike" or "Give Em Hell" with a lot of detailed parts during the lead guitars, I like the extravaganza of the 8min plus song "Where Angels Die", I like the hard-rock feeling in "Metal Nation" and the great melodies and I like the harmonies, arrangement and melodies of the ballad "Born Again" - well, there are another 7 great tracks on the album! Q: You’ve toured all over the world in the last couple of years. What have been some of the highlights? MS: Too many, we have a lot of very good memories on the European part of the 16.6 tour. Our two visits in South America were unbelievable as always. The show in Sao Paulo was crazy, but the one in Buenos Aires was a real highlight of our career. The we toured two times North America with real highlights in New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Quebec, Montreal and a lot of more great memories. Another highlight was our appearance at the Wacken Open Air in summer 2011. Overall the massive touring was exhausting but worth every show we did! Q: I know the band have been involved in lots of outside projects recently such as Ralf Scheepers’ solo album and Mat Sinner and Alex Beyrodt working on the Kimball/Jamison album. How did you find the time to record and write this album? MS: Well, even two more albums were released by another record company, but we had a very nice chart success in Germany with the second album of "Voodoo Circle" and later in 2011 with the new "Sinner" album "One Bullet Left". Two albums we are very proud! Ralf's solo album was a longer writing & recording process and the Kimball / Jamison album was just an awesome project to work on, with a lot of new inspirations from the music side of things. BUT, if you are a 100% pro musician and music is your passion, then you always find the time to work on your most loved band & project. I can tell you, we worked very hard on the songwriting and recording for the new Primal Fear album and everybody was 100% focused! Q: Have you found new ideas in Magnus and Alexander com-
ing into the band? How do you think the band has changed since its beginning? MS: In the beginning, the band was just naively with no expectations and most of the guys in the band had a day job. Now we're growing to a real company with only pros in the band and a worldwide touring organisation. This is very different. Magnus is my songwriting partner since years even if he was not in Primal Fear and he is one of the most talented musicians i've ever met - I'm working with Alex in 4 projects and we're the best friends. He's just an amazing lead guitarist with a lot of potential and it's without a doubt the best combination of guitarists in the history of Primal Fear. Q: What effect do you think such outside projects have on Primal Fear? MS: You learn with every production - the entire music career is a learning process - on all various possibilities: music, social, technique, organization, contracts, humans... but we are experienced musicians and really know what we want to deliver with "Unbreakable" - there are not a lot of outside influences for me to hear on this album and this is a very good thing! Q: You are a real hard working touring band. What live gigs have you got lined up for 2012? MS: We will start touring at the end of March 2012 in Europe and the tour will be called "Metal Nation 2012" - we plan to tour South-America, North-America, Asia & Russia after Europe - of course some summer open air festivals. We have a lot of plans and we will be out there for a long time! RS: Which songs from the album you personally would like to play on your live shows? MS: Every song! It’s not possible to play everything but we will definitely fill the set list with 6-7 new songs… It’s a great challenge for us to perform those songs live… Q: The German heavy metal stage seems more productive than ever – almost all of the so called “classical” bands are still around, kickin` ass. What do you guys eat, that makes you so super productive and strong, even after so many years, ha-ha? RS: We eat drugs, steroids, junk food and drink alcohol and sugar water like coca cola etc… No!!!! It’s simply the passion for the music which keeps us strong and hungry to be productive! Of course we are trying to have a healthy life, that helps a lot to keep up the pace and to cope the load which you bear while touring or being in the studio… MRF | 5
BAnd. mollo - martin album. the third cage Interview with. dario mollo interviewed by:.duncan jamieson
Question: It’s great to have another Mollo Martin collaboration. What made you decide to get together again? Answer: It was the demand from people asking for another album, they said that the "Mollo/Martin the cage" albums were one of their favorite ones and they wanted more... Another reason is that me and Tony are musically very compatible, our songs work well easily. Q: There’s a real mix of great material on the record from hard rockers like “Wicked World”, melodic tracks like “One Of The Few” and the epic “Violet Moon”. What was your thinking behind this disc? A: My goal was to make the best possible album, built a new studio and for me this was the first experiment in a band environment and I wanted to show Focus on:
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myself to have done the right thing. Q: How do the pair of you write the songs? A: I write the music, Tony take care of the lyrics and melodies and together we rearrange the songs more the vocals parts fit. Q: How did your record this record? A: In the best possible way, regardless to the time and efforts needed to achieve the results. I've used real reverb rooms for the drums, great tube guitar amps and the most important the best possible performances. Q: Were all the songs written with this record in mind or did you have some material already written? A: “Can’t Stay Here” sounds like it could have come off the last Voodoo Hill record. you're absolutely right, all the songs are fresh and written for this album except 2 of them, one is
"Can't stay here" the other is "One Of The Few". When I wrote these songs I had in mind Tony Harnell. Both of you are criminally underrated as musicians. Why don’t we see you in demand more often? A: This is probably what I deserve, but it's not easy to control the business, in the future I'll try to change this a little, step by step. This situation has some positive aspect too, I can write the music I like in a total artistic freedom. Q: Will there be a chance to see you take this album out on tour? A: All depends in how this album will be received. Q: What’s next for the pair of you? A: I'm currently working with Graham Bonnet, there are some amazing tracks already written, we are very excited by the results so far.
M O L L O / M A R T I N - The Third Cage ( F r o n t i e r s R e c o r d s )
No strangers to collaborating together, this is the third album Italian guitarist Dario Mollo and ex-Black Sabbath singer Tony Martin have made together. Both men’s performances help lift this record to the top of the heap. Mollo’s riffs are beefier than a rump steak, and he solos inventively throughout. Martin, who was always going to have the knives out for him trying to follow the legends that are Ozzy and Ronnie James Dio in Black Sabbath, has never got the recognition he deserves but he’s a great hard rock singer; technically gifted with powerful pipes. The songwriting here is excellent too. Amidst the metal anthems of “Wicked World” and “Wardance” are a variety of heavy rock styles. There’s a heavy Zep vibe to “Oh My Soul”, a Whitesnake lustiness to “One Of The Few” “Can’t Stay Here” is decidedly funky and would have been a good fit for Mollo’s Voodoo Hill project with Glen Hughes. Add the slightly sinister sounding “Still In Love With You”, the potent melodic rock of “Don’t Know What It Is About You” and epic closer “Violet Moon” and you have a disc that’s as good as any either men have ever put their name to. Duncan Jamieson (92/100)
BAnd. Michael Thompson band album. future past Interview with. Michael Thompson interviewed by:. duncan jamieson Question: 22 years is a long time between albums! What’s taken o long? Answer: I have had a busy studio career and I've done a couple of (mostly) instrumental records of my own. I thought the time was right for a new MTB album based on the lasting quality that the original 1988 record seems to have had. Also, in Larry King I have found a singer that can truly deliver the kind of vocals that I imagined for this project. Q: It’s a brilliant slice of AOR, and does share the same spirit as the debut “How Long”. What your plan behind the direction of the record? A: My plan for the direction of the record was simple: write some great melodic rock songs that will make fans of this genre happy. I wanted to make sure that my guitar work and the vocals were Focus on:
showcased without sacrificing the integrity of the songs. Q: Although you’re still in the band (obviously!), the rest of the line-up has changed. Can you tell me how Larry King (vocals), Khari Parker (drums) and Alan Berliant (bass) all got involved? A: I had worked on Larry's projects over the years - he has a band called Soleil Moon that I had done guitar work for. I always thought that he had an amazing voice and so when I was considering singers for this new MTB album he was on the top of the list. We clicked with the writing too. We wrote "Can't Be Right" the first day and we knew that we had something good going on. Khari and Alan were new guys for me to work with. Larry, Khari and Alan all live in Chicago and have worked together for years and I
thought it would be refreshing for me to have some new guys play on our record and I think that they did a great job! Q: Larry King has a great voice, rockier than Moon Calhoun’s and this means “Future Past” probably rocks more than the debut. Do you agree? A: I do think that "Future Past" rocks a little harder than the original MTB "How Long" album. Not to take anything away from Moon Calhoun - He's one of my favorite singers ever! We were just more aware this time of keeping the rock element front and center. Q: Which tracks on the new album do you think best some up what the Michael Thompson Band is all about? A: I truly like all the songs on the Future Past record and I hope that we can continue to write and record in this direction.
MICHAEL THOMPSON BAND - Future Past (Frontiers Records)
There’s always a risk when you release an album that is a follow up to a classic record, especially when Michael Thompson has a completely different band around him, that it could tar the reputation of the original. No fear here though as this is everything you could want from The Michael Thompson Band’s sophomore release (a mere 24 years after the debut!). New vocalist Larry King, has a fantastic raspy AOR voice, and is a revelation. He has the throaty delivery of John Parr in places. Michael Thompson’s playing is a joy; emotive, rocky and smooth all within the same song. Performance means nothing if the tunes aren’t up to it but these are perfectly crafted AOR songs. Bluesier rockers like Thompson’s recent album with TRW vie for attention between melodic gems like “High Times”, “Future Past” and best of the lot “When You Love Someone”. They’ve captured elements of Toto, Mecca, Unruly Child (Phillip Bardowell era), Tall Stories, Shooting Star and late eighties 38 Special and created their own AOR niche. The extra rock quotient King brings means this even outclasses the “How Long” debut. This will be on AOR fans top ten lists come the end of 2012. Duncan Jamieson (94/100) MRF | 7
artist. mark spiro album. it’s a beautiful life Interview with. mark spiro interviewed by:.barry mcminn
Question: What inspires your writing, is it art reflecting life or life reflecting art? Anser: I’m inspired by the landscape of my life. The memories of things, and people I love. The mistakes I’ve made, the towns and cities I’ve travelled to. By things I hope for, and realities I’ll never reach. It’s Art reflecting life. Q: How does your song writing process start, is it with a lyric or a riff, or do just get tune in your head and have to write it down? A: It’s starts with what I call a ‘Holy Moment” each day in the morning, I start playing an instrument. Piano or Guitar. I sing to it. I make sure I listen closely. Usually it’s a mistake on a chord or a phrase that I end up likeing… I record say 8 bars and then start singing lyrics. The process is everything at the same time. A few phrases, a few chords, lay it down, next section. Add drums, sing some more. Re-write, speed it up. Ad harmonies, write the bridge..etc. Uncover, discover and discard… everything at once. Q: Your last solo album was Focus on:
‘Mighty Blue Ocean’ back in 2005, why so long between albums? A: Simple, I needed to take care of my family first… I had to re - adjust my life. I’ve never stopped writing but I wanted to pour myself into the people I love Rubysummer… Q: How long did it take to put the album together and when did you start writing the material for the album? A: I started writing in July and actually haven’t stopped since… everyday something brewing!! A: When writing a solo album are there songs that you think… Hey that would be good for so and so and put it to one side, or do your write specifically for the album? Truthfully I don’t think about that, I trust the process. Meaning I just go and whatever comes that’s it. If it’s right for someone else great… if not great. Q: Has there even been a time when you’ve had writers block and if so how do you get over it and put pen to paper again? A: Never… I just push through and
write something shitty. Q: With your accolades over the years are there any songs that you are particularly proud off, or are there any songs that you’ve wished you had written? Q: I’m proud of the work I’ve done and the people I’ve met… There are plenty of songs I wish I’d written, mostly for the lyric ideas… ”Heart Of The Matter” by Don Henley... or eve “Everything Must Go” Steely Dan. Q: If you could give one piece of advice to budding songwriters what would it be? A: Creatively : trust the process, the right phrase or chord is in your room floating around. Just wait for it and don’t quit. If you emotionally invest yourself into the “end game” or “success” your’e going to be f-ed and disappointed. Just do the work and let the Universe take care of the rest. Believe in yourself. Q: With a new year ahead of us what does 2012 have in store for Mark Spiro? A: You never know what the Tide will wash in… I’m gonna do “Care of My Soul” II.
M A R K S P I R O - It’s A Beautiful Life ( A O R H e a v e n )
With a career spanning over two decades, Mark Spiro has over those years become an award winning producer, recording artist and an accomplished musician, along with contributions to 45 gold and platinum albums and six solo albums. So now some six years after his last solo album ‘Might Blue Ocean’, Mark returns with another album rich with his haunting vocal melodies and strong song writing. The album is just spiritual blissful easy listening rock that crosses the commercial and underground melodic rock scene with ease. This is an album you could easily get lost in, it’s summer days, lost loves, new loves and all points in between. The excellent title track ‘It’s A Beautiful Life’ and the stunning ‘Come Back To Me’ and ‘Go Another Mile’, are just three of my favourites from what is another stunning Spiro release. Barry McMinn (90/100) 8 | MRF
artist. chris ousey album. rhyme and reason Interview with. chris ousey interviewed by:.bruce atkinson
Question: I did not realise that this is your first solo record!? Answer: Yeah, I'd had it in mind to release a solo record for some time. After the recent retrospective “Heartland” album, I thought the time was right to nail my colours to the mast, and take a few risks! i always get a buzz from writing with new people. Tommy Denander began sending over great musical ideas around the summer of 2009. though I originally intended to co-write with several different musicians, tommy and I just got on a roll from the start. Q: With “Rhyme & Reason”… You have brought friends Mike Slamer and Tommy Denander in to the project… In what manner? A: Both Mike and Tommy are just phenominal players. I wrote and recorded all the vocal tracks with Tommy in Stockholm and I was over the moon when Mike Slamer decided he wanted to get Focus on:
involved. Mike has an amazing ear for detail when it comes to production and mixing. I think their guitar styles play off each other brilliantly on this record. Q: I also find it interesting that Neil Murray, original Whitesnake bassist is also playing with you, seems you have an all star line-up! A: Had been performing with Neil in a band called “Snakecharmer” over a period of about a year. He knew I was working on a solo release, and I asked if he would like to lay down some bass tracks. In the end he played on the entire project. He did a great job, and I'm proud to have him on there. Q: At the time this interview is taking place, the record has been out for about a month and a bit… Are you happy with the initial results? A: Have been blown away by the response to “Rhyme And Reason”. You can't help but be a little more
nervous about the release of a record that has your name emblazoned across the front of it! You know the bucks gonna stop with you. Q: Would you like to do some more solo projects? A: I think this is the way forward for me at the moment. It's been great to broaden my outlook a little, and experiment with a different full on approach to the writing and recording. I feel good about all the “Heartland” records to date, but there's always the fear that you're risking repeating yourself. It was satisfying to really sing full out on the new songs. Q: Chris, are you considering taking this out on the road in 2012? A: I'm in discussions with the record company at the moment about putting this thing on the road next year. It's not going to be an easy thing to work out, but I'm really keen to play the new songs to a live audience.
CHRIS OUSEY - Rhyme & Reason (Escape Music)
On ‘Rhyme & Reason’, Chris Ousey delivers on every track! This very accomplished vocalist and song writer sounds as fresh today as he did in the 80’s!! On this excursion, Chris has surrounded himself with some very talented friends, including Tommy Denander. Actually Chris collaborated with Tommy on a number of the songs; in addition… Tommy played keyboards. Oh! Yeah!... That very tasty guitar work?...That’s the one and only Mike Slamer! Mike also produced this finely executed musical expression. I must say though… Chris seems to have put some muscle on this. “Rhyme & Reason” seems to rock harder than his other work. Chris is in very fine form on this release… Singing every song with heart. Melodic? Yes! Rocks? Yes!... It is almost like Chris has taken the gloves off and it makes every Rhyme and Reason!! Bruce Atkinson (90/100) 10 | MRF
band. nightwish album.Imaginaerum Interview with. Tuomas Holopainen interviewed by:.vitale nocerino
Question: Can you please present the new album “Imaginaerum” and compare it to the past releases? Answer: This album is much more positive than 'Dark Passion Play'. On the other hand, I dislike the word 'positive.' For me, the album is basically a celebration of life and existence, but this celebration also includes a lot of darkness, sorrow and melancholy. There is a lot more light at the end of the tunnel this time compared to the last album. It is also about fantasy, beauty and love, even though I'm not trying to be a love guru or anything. Q: How was the album songwriting process? A: Before I ever wrote the first song, I had the idea that we would make 12 music videos with one plot that would become one long story, but the original ideas was not to have any actors or dialogue, just the band and some animations. I had a real clear vision and Focus on:
story for each of these videos — one in a smoky jazz club, another with a living snow man, all these different themes. Then I introduced the idea to Stobe [Harju, director], and he agreed that it was a great idea. When I had written all the songs and played the demo, he said at once that we had to make a full-length movie. So this idea of making a dramatic Hollywood movie is all his. We have already heard some comments that this is just an egoistic story about us. This is not at all an autobiographical movie, it is just a movie about the power and strength of imagination, memories and forgiveness. Those are the basic themes, but since it is a NIGHTWISH movie, there has to be these references, and the main characters are called Tom, Anne, Markus and so on. Stobe has done a wonderful job when it comes to making coherent story that still incorporates the original themes and ideas I had. He just wrote the story around these things. On
NIGHTWISH - Imaginaerum (Nuclear Blast)
Wednesday I fly to Montreal where we shoot the movie, and I really look forward to seeing the setup, the scenes and the costumes and everything. The shooting actually starts tomorrow, and they have 18 days to do it. Q: How was the Anette Olzon contribution to the album? A: The original idea was that she would join our summer camp for both months and then go through all the arrangements, but then she got pregnant, and she stayed at home. So she didn't contribute so much of her own. Her job was the interpretation. Hopefully we can work closer together the next time. Q: Lyrically speaking, what are the differences with the past? A: It has always been about writing the diary of my life and what interests me. “Oceanborn” and “Wishmaster” were more fantasy oriented, and “Dark Passion Play” and 'Imaginaerum' are very personal, especially “Dark Passion Play”.
Everybody knows Nightwish. They used to play Symphonic Metal. They used to have behind the microphone Soprano-Queen Tarja Turunen, until when she decided to leave. They received success and international recognition and became one of the most popular Metal band of these last years. “Imaginaerum” is their seventh and new album, the second one with new singer Anette Olzon; far from the direct and powerful approach of albums like “Oceanborn” and “Wishmaster”, this new one incorporates a strong movie-soundtrack approach (in fact, a movie that will visually “tell” these songs is in the making and will be out next year), enriched by bombastic orchestrations and pompous arrangements. That said, the album features a nice variety of styles, from symphonic songs like “Storytime” and “I Want My Tears Back” (with scottish pipes) to the double-bass rhythm of “Scaretale” (very theatrical and - in the central part - a little bit too much childish, recalling, here and there, italian band Rhapsody Of Fire), passing thru’ the Jazz/Cabaret-influenced “Slow Love Slow” (with saxophone) and the pretty poor “Ghost River” (with weak vocals), arriving to the emotional ballad "Turn Loose the Mermaids" (with Folk influences). All in all, a very ambitious album and a very difficult to rate. Interesting and pretty unique. Primo Bonali (90/100) MRF | 11
MR. BIG - Live From The Living Room (Frontiers Records) Mr Big are one of only a few rock bands who have more officially released live albums than they do studio records. However, even if you’ve got their previous live albums, this live recording offers something different as it goes down the unplugged route. Recorded last year in Tokyo, the band are backed by a strings quintet. With the hard rock stripped away, this acoustic approach brings out other aspects of the band’s sound. The technical brilliance of the players is as evident as it is when they’re plugged in, but Billy Sheehan’s bass guitar becomes even more of a lead instrument here. The band’s vocal harmonies come to the fore, wrapping up choruses sweetly. Everyone knows Eric Martin can sing the pants off most vocalists and here his voice reveals the songs’ pop hooks to full effect. They cover new material such as “Undertow” from their triumphant comeback album last year as well as classics from their back catalogue. Not surprisingly for the acoustic setting, there’s an emphasis on the lighter material including the inevitable “To Be With You”. This is really for the more committed fan who will enjoy hearing these tracks reimagined. Duncan Jamieson (88/100)
BATTLE BEAST - Steel (Nuclear Blast) What could you expect from a band called Battle Beast delivering a debut-album called “Steel”, and opening it with a track called “Enter The Metal World”??? Yes, of course, you’re right, that’s pure traditional old-school Heavy Metal! This young band from Finland, led by female singer Nitte Valo (who recalls the voice of Metal Queens like Doro Pesch and Jutta Weinhold of Zed Yagofame), is clearly influenced from the songwriting of Manowar, Hammerfall and Accept, but they mix these influences with a slightly more modern approach and some symphonic elements as well (“The Band Of The Hawk”, for example). Twin guitars, screaming vocals, powerful riffs and epic choruses; everything is stuck in your head since the first listen! Nothing too much complicated or progressive, what we’re talking about here is Heavy Metal. Real Heavy Metal. And we only have to bang our heads to this music. It’s something everybody should do in these tough times… Primo Bonali (85/100) RED ROSE - Live The Life You Imagined (Bakerteam Records) The album is straight up rock, with this quartet displaying a zest for riff fuelled rock that could have easily come out of Germany or Scandinavia, with Leve Laiter delivering a powerhouse vocal that will stun many with its power and range. The album is just eight tracks long and what you don’t get in quantity, you sure get in quality, which is more than apparent from the opening barrage of ‘Turn Back Time’ and ‘Name On The Stone’. Two great tracks that really give you a feel of what Red Rose are all about. Big guitars, a massive back beat and a stunning vocal presence. There is just a ounce or two of prog metal about the band and this is brought to the forefront with great songs like ‘The Last Drop’ and the thumping ‘Gone With The Sunshine’, but it’s not all balls to the wall hard rocking, the band does have its gentler moments with excellent ‘Dreamer’ and the haunting ‘When The Sun Goes Down’. This is a band have a big future and 2012 is surely to be Red Rose’s year, definitely one to watch. Barry McMinn (90/100)
TALON - III (Escape Music) California rockers Talon return with their third studio release simply entitled ‘III’ and with this new release comes their third vocalist in as many albums. Taking up the vacant mike spot left by Chandler Mogel is Shawn Pelata. This new album sees the band return to the more edgier Hard Rock sound of their self-titled debut, whereas ‘Fallen Angels’ their second album, was more AOR orientated. This new release is the sound I expect from the bands second album but never came. The album ticks all the right boxes for me as a lover of great hard rock with big licks. A big rhythm section and a powerhouse vocal, which Pelata brings in spades, with a very Poley/Solinger style that can deliver the power and can also deliver grace when needed. Tracks of note include ‘The Last Time’, ‘Take You All The Way’, which features the mighty Jeff Scott Soto on vocals, the stunning ‘Brothers’ and the excellent cover version of ‘Jane’. All in all a great album. Barry McMinn (87/100)
ANGELINE - Disconnected (Avenue Of Allies) Although the Swedish band Angeline has been formed way back in 1987 they published their full length album only in 2010 but now they are back with the follow up titled “Disconnected”. While keeping their trademarked vocal harmonies and strong melodies Angeline’s second effort is a little heavier than its predecessor. Just listen to the title track “Disconnected” or “Falling Into” You and “Run Run Run” to get a glimpse of the new direction Angeline turned to. Much appreciated also the harder edge on the two ballads titled “Found” and “In Times Like These”. Their AOR roots are still present on the whole album though and it’s not so difficult to find some analogies and some déjà vu (or already listened) with bands like Bon Jovi and and Def Leppard. Recorded at Ray Studios and Mastered by Björn Engelmann (Stage Dolls, Wig Wam, Within Temptation, Friestedt-Williams) at Cutting Room in Stockholm “Disconnected” has been produced by the band’s guitarist Jocke Nilsson. All songs have been written by Jocke and his band mates Janne Arkegren (guitars) Uffe Nilsson (bass) and Tobbe Jonsson (drums). Fabio “Deuce” Mainardi (86/100)
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TOKYO - Tokyo (Yesterrock) Yesterrock, the label that brings back lost gems has again brought to our attention another band that might have otherwise been lost to the annals of time, this time it’s Frankfurt’s Tokyo. A band put together in the early 80’s by studio musicians and songwriters Robby Musenbichler (vocals, guitar), Ken Taylor (vocals, bass), Fritz Matzka (drums), Lothar Krell (keyboards) and Klaus Luley (vocals, guitar). Between 81 and 83 Tokyo released three albums. The first of which to be re-released is the bands self-titled debut ‘Tokyo’, an album that today would be classed as West Coast AOR, with the opening and title track ‘Tokyo’ being one of the most recognised tracks from the band, which also seems to feature on most 80’s AOR/Melodic Rock collections. As well as remastered versions of the original album, there are bonus tracks including the anthemic ‘Young Kids In Love’, that Musenbichler has re-produced over the years and re-recorded versions of classics ‘Carry on’, ’Cryin’ and ’Girl’, all of which are now reworked and hold their own against the new songs found in the genre today. And with the second and third albums, ‘Fasten Seat Belts’ and ‘San’ due for the same treatment later this year and early next year, these are a must for fans of the genre who have worn out the original vinyl’s over the years and those who may have missed them the first time around. Barry McMinn (80/100)
LILLIAN AXE - XI: The Days Before Tomorrow (AFM Records) I always had a small problem with Lousiana rockers Lillian Axe; I liked very much a couple of their albums (“Poetic Justice” and the debut) but I also disliked pretty much a few of their ones. I’ve also had some difficulties in fully understanding the band’s musical path, from the so-called commercial Hard Rock of their early days to the darker and more intricate sound of albums like “Psychoschizophrenia”, passing thru’ some Grunge-influenced records and arriving to what is Lillian Axe now: a Rock band with a strong focus on Pop melodies, recalling bands like King’s X and The Calling for the intense vocal lines. As a matter of fact, with the ecleptic voice of new singer Brian C Jones, the band delivers their 11th album “XI: The Days Before Tomorrow”, and that’s another “love it or hate it” – affair. Enriched by a first-class songwriting, de-luxe arrangements and a more contemporary approach (the mixing duties were handled by Sylvia Massey of Tool, Deftones and System Of A Down-fame), the album sounds very emotional, but probably a bit too much obscure, updated and not so immediate for the common Melodic Rock listener, albeit it could appeal to the older fans of the band. Primo Bonali (80/100) THE RITUAL - Beyond The Fragile Horizon (Bakerteam Records) Interesting… Both the name “The Ritual” and the title of their debut, “Beyond The Fragile Horizon”. Considered to be a Metal group — these Italian rockers deliver the goods. Hard Rock at its pinnacle, nicely wrapped up in a molten metal delivery. “Beyond The…” holds all! There is melody, great hooks, and of course serious veins of metal coursing through all nine tracks. The tunes displayed are both memorable and powerful which is always a winning formula. Marco Obice's clear cut vocal presence is more than welcome throughout, where he quite cleverly doesn't fall into the age old trap of trying to emulate others which gives him that air of authority with the rest of the band in full support really adding to the whole depth and dynamics. There are several standout moments including the speed Iron Maiden inflected Jason On The River, a thrash led Hysteria And Madness, the groove and infectious The Liar and the nearest thing to a power metal ballad Without. The standout moment on the album though is the closing Nothing Is The Same (Sacrifice) something that makes the participation in this album worth while. Must be the fastest/hardest forty minutes you have heard in a long long time! Bruce Atkinson (80/100)
COASTLAND RIDE – On Top Of The World (Avenue Of Allies) Almost 9 year have passed since Coastland Ride debut album was released. Now they come back with “On Top of the World“ released by Avenue of Allies. The German record company have reissued also in these days “Coastland Ride” including three bonus tracks. We are glad to say huge improvement had been reached in the Coastland Ride band. The threesome Swedish band delivers a solid AOR melodic rock album in the classic West Coast tradition. Although the band is still mixing Westcoast AOR and Pop, “On Top of the World“ results well crafted and way better and then its predecessor. Still the feeling of a “plastic“ product is in the air though with the band much more concentrated in impressing the listener instead of feeling the vibe of the music they are making. Best tracks for me “Wait“, “On Top of the World“ and “Strange Confusion“. All in all Coastland Ride give us a bunch of nice melodic tunes with good harmonies and nice melodies. A perfect example of AOR West Coast music and more important a considerable step forward from their first release, keep on doing the righ job, we might say. Fabio “Deuce” Mainardi (82/100)
IRON MASK – Black As Death (AFM Records) The province of Belgian guitar virtuoso Dushan Petrossi, IRON MASK issues its debut for AFM Records. In addition to the considerable six-string talents, ex-YNGWIE/RING OF FIRE vocalist Mark Boals can be heard helping out on ten tracks, which leaves vocalist Roma Sialetski relegated to a few aggressive voices. The vocals on the title track (some lyrics in Latin), which opens the disc after a short intro, sound like Tim “Ripper” Owens, which isn’t a bad thing. A bouncy keyboard melody kicks off ‘Broken Hero”, yet fails to maintain that good will, whereas "Feel The Fire" (or is that Feel The Fury?) feels like a vintage MALMSTEEN composition. Speaking of kings of the fret board, the Neo-Classical “Rebel Kid” recalls RAINBOW circa of “Difficult To Cure”. About 40 seconds of traditional Far Eastern rhythms open the otherwise plodding “Genghis Khan” (again cue the Owens references for the high notes).Tinges of acoustic guitar can be heard in the fantastically entitled “God Punishes, I Kill”. A speedy “Blizzard Of Doom” has nothing to do with the music genre of the same name, in fact it appears to be the fateful historical event documented in the movie ALIVE, where the Andes survivors had to eat other passengers to live. Lively Power Metal? ”. Mark Gromen - metal-temple.com (80/100)
LEE SMALL – Jamaica Inn (Escape Music) What a way to start a new year! A fantastic voyage into the blues - rock ocean with this young English pirate — Lee Small!! Dripping with emotion, “Jamaica Inn” is a blues-rock set made in Heaven! One will drift through this tasteful collection, immersed in Lee’s haunting, yet powerful soulful vocal stylings. Possibly best known for his work with “Shy”, this is Lee’s first solo outing. “Jamaica Inn” is full of driving rockers — affecting meanderings — All with a healthy dose of hard blues. Each track stands on its own, not a sleeper in sight. Lee has formed a great band for this record. Martin Kronlund on guitars and Paul Bradder on keyboards with Imre Daun driving each song on the skins. An absolute high exercise in the blues… “Jamaica Inn” — you’ll have to enter to hear what no doubt will become one of the great blues voices of the 21st century!! Bruce Atkinson (90/100)
IAIN ASHLEY HERSEY – Vintage Love (Avenue Of Allies) After three albums of decent success: “Fallen Angel” (Bareknuckle, 1999 and Frontiers Records, 2001), “The Holy Grail” (Lion Music, 2005) and “Nomad” (Perris Records, 2008). American guitarist Iain Ashley Hersey present a Best of with 15 tracks, one of which, “Red Head Rampage” (feat. Carsten Schulz on vocals, previously unreleased. Iain Ashley Hersey has in the British Heavy Rock Bands such as Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple and guitarists Beck, Blackmore, Clapton and Hendrix his mentors. Through out his career Iain has worked with numbers of singers and it’s amazing how many vocalists are present in this compilation. Here the whole list: Graham Bonnet, Dante Marchi, David “Swan” Montgomery, Carsten “Lizard” Schulz, Paul Shortino, Mike Stone, Doogie White, Randy Williams. All tracks have been all remastered by Alessandro Del Vecchio and produced by Iain Ashley Hersey, Iain played all guitars with some bass and Hammond on all cuts. If you are a fan of the Classic and Melodic Rock bands or Blues influenced Classic Rock artists such as Black Country Communion and Richie Kotzen and you missed the previous Iain Ashley Hersey albums this collection may be of your interest indeed. Fabio “Deuce” Mainardi (80/100) MRF | 13
Vitale Nocerino: Welcome back on the road! it was long time, why? Olof Morck: There were a lot of different things actually. Right after Astronomy we started to work on the next album and we had some really really cool concepts and ideas. I even think that we made an announcement back in 2007 that we were working on new songs. And so we did maybe 4 or 5 songs which were kind of in the style of Astronomy. And then we started to step back realizing that we didn’t want to release an album like Astronomy. And at that time I was involved also with NIGHTRAGE and we have started AMARANTHE, three and a half years ago which also took some time. But we were constantly working for DRAGONLAND. There was not a time or a year without working on it. So we never stops and to be honest it was a constant process but it is just that time has flown by very quickly. VN: How has been working on this new album? OM: Well it is like a very very organic thing, we just sit down, one guitar and one keyboard and we started to compose based on a specific story, based on an element of the story we're trying to tell. For example, the song called "Lady of Goldenwood" is about the elves. And so we knew what we wanted to tell and so the music speaks for itself and then we write the lyrics after. It is really really cool, it's
like shooting a movie or something like that. The recording took a very long time because we have our own studios and we only made the guitars solos and the drums in other studio everything was recorded home from the DRAGONLAND studio. The first recorded session was in fact back in summer 2009, so we were recording this album for more than two years. VN: What are the main differences with the previous work? MO: It think that the compositions themselves are much more developed and we have matured as songwriters in general. I would say that the stuff that we do harmonically and melodically, it is a lot of stuff we couldn't have done 5 years ago. There is also a technological aspect because the keyboards are much better... But I think, the real big big difference, now that I think about it, is the first time that DRAGONLAND had made an album which is a complete unity. Because Astronomy had a lot of different genres and the first albums were a little bit divided we were very
young, 18, 17 years old. But now as more grown-up musicians we can keep our focus for 5 years a make something that is unite. That's the biggest difference for me. VN: Future plans? MO: We will really try to play some shows, we are already looking at options to travel Europe but we need to find the right one. We had a lot of very very good ideas, we were very very close of being part of earlier tour but it did not happen. So we really try to be more active live as well.
BAnd. sonic station album. sonic station Interview with. Alexander Kronbrink interviewed by:. barry mcminn
Question: How did the whole Sonic Station project come together? Answer: In 2006 I was studying at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, and I played a lot of jazz at the time. But I figured I wanted to do something else – more pop/rock. On a summer vacation in my family's summer house in Italy I fooled around with my father's guitar and came up with some ideas – the first one being “I Wish I Could Lie”. I played it to Marika Willstedt who liked it and came up with ideas for the lyrics. Later the same year and in in the spring of 2007 I wrote “Love You More”, “Never Let The Sunshine Die” and “The Most Beautiful Fear” and I recorded some early demos in May. When we played the new songs at a few small gigs in Stockholm, people liked what they heard and that encouraged me to go on with the Sonic Station project. Q: How long have you been working on the songs for the album? A: The first actual recording was in November 2007 and the last notes were recorded four years later, in November 2011. I wasn't able to Focus on:
work with my own music full time due to my everyday life as a free lancing guitarist – therefore it took a few years to finish the record. The main body of work on the album was made between the summer of 2010 and this fall in 2011. Q: The album boasts not one but four vocalists, what was the thinking behind this and what does each vocalist bring to the album? A: I didn't want the album to be connected to just one voice. The melodies and the unique sound of each song is what matters the most to me. The songs all have their own sounds and spirits – so why not pick the singer best suited for each song instead of just one voice adjusting to the various styles ? Of course Marika Willstedt has her own connection to the songs she wrote the lyrics to – so some of them were just “her songs”. She has the ability to sing soft, sometimes with a touch of Swedish folk music and jazz. Magnus Bäcklund is the perfect choice for a real AOR song like “Love's gonna show the way” and a power ballad like “The most beautiful fear”. His thick tenor voice can
really kick ass! After hearing Tove Lo at a concert I realized she was the perfect choice for “You have to let me go”. She has a great, intensive rocky voice and is also a true professional in the studio. Kristoffer Fogelmark first reminded me a lot of Kenny Loggins, one of my favorite artists, so I just felt he had to be on the album. He has, in contrast to Magnus Bäcklund, a young, boyish voice which I think is just perfect for “Hold on to me” - but he can also switch to a powerful rocking voice as he clearly shows in “Never let the sunshine die” and “Love you more”. Q: If you had to pick one track off the new album to epitomize what you want to bring to the world of AOR with Sonic Station vibe, what song would it be and why? A: Oh, always hard to pick just one song. But I guess I have to say “Love's gonna show the way”. That song has a lot of the ingredients I like in a good tune: an interesting harmony with a moving melody on the verses, a powerful catchy chorus that sticks to your head, a guitar solo with stems and of course Magnus Bäcklund's great voice.
S O N I C S T A T I O N - SONIC STATION (Frontiers Records)
2011 was another great year for Melodic and Hard Rock with many new bands and projects producing some truly great albums. 2012 seems to be carrying on were 2011 left off, with another new band Sonic Station flying the flag of Westcoast AOR. The idea for the band was that of Swedish guitarist, composer and producer Alexander Kronbrink, who along with four differing vocalists and host of musicians, has taken the very best element of the genre and put them together on new album that will highlight what a wealth of talent we have in this genre, both musically and vocally. The four vocalists on the album all bring something different to an album that spans the sounds of TOTO, Chicago, Reo Speedwagon, Heart, Pat Benatar and their like, and brings it to a whole new audience. With great tracks like ‘I Wish I Could Lie’ and the rockier ‘You Have To Let Me Go’, mixing it up with the more traditional ballads like ‘The Most Beautiful Feat’ and ‘Love You More’, what more could you ask for? This album is a real triumph for Kronbrink who has brought back the Westcoast AOR sound, not only to long time fans of the genre but also to a new audience that missed it first time around. Barry McMinn (91/100) MRF | 17
BAnd. beyond the bridge album. the old mand and the spirit Interview w. Peter Degenfeld-Schonburg interviewed by:. bruce atkinson
Question: “The Old Man & The Spirit” has taken six years plus to write and record, quite a daunting feat! Please take us through the process… Answer: Our musical life started as a school band. When we finished school in 2004 and everybody moved to different cities, the old school band fallout broke apart. Dominik, Christopher and I decided to stick together as friends. It wasn´t until 2005 where I came up with the conceptual idea of “The Old Man & The Spirit”. One of the biggest motivations was that Christopher went for a life of recording music. I knew in 2005 that Christopher will become a producer someday and we will have the chance to do professional recordings. I convinced Christopher to create a concept album together. In the next five years we finished our university studies, composed the music and wrote the lyrics. I did my Diploma in Physics in Munich and Christopher became a "Tonmeister". As it turned out in 2008 my plan has worked out quite well. But it was not Christopher who produced the album as he decided to go for engineering, mixing and producing classical music. It Focus on:
was rather Simon Oberender who was and is one of Christophers best friends and colleagues. After finishing his Diploma Simon became a sound engineer and producer at the Gate Studios in Wolfsburg, Germany. We simply asked him if he would like to produce the album at the Gate Studios. This was a great choice and a big opportunity for Beyond the Bridge. Simon also brought Fabian and Herbie to the band and I met Dilenya at a concert of hers in Munich. Q: With the depth that is present with this Work, were you ever doubtful at any time about being able to release this? Did you have a signed contract prior to entering the studio? A: No, we did not have a signed contract before. That is why we were doubtful almost all the time. Of course we believe in our music and the final result is better than we have ever expected it to be. But we always knew that good music is not all that matters in the music business. That is probably one reason why it took six years to write and record “The Old Man & The Spirit”. We had to finance everything at our own risk. The timetable for compos-
ing and recording was strongly limited by the things we did in our every day life. Finally, we are really glad that we found a great support in Frontiers Records. Q: As you were developing the story, and forming the band, did you have any major change of direction from inception to completion, driven by the adding of members to the actual band? A: We wanted to do an album being one big piece of music from the beginning. In fact, one of the very first things that came to our mind were the two characters together with the basic content of the story. We wrote a brief abstract and divided the whole thing into successive statements. Basically before the notes were written, we knew what each song had to sound and feel like and what the lyrics had to say. This did not change since the very beginning in 2005. The only surprise was actually Dilenya joining the band. It was not clear to us whether "The spirit" should be performed by a male or a female singer. We were simply looking for a singer and found Dilenya. After all, it was a great choice and we are really happy to have her in the band.
B E Y O N D T H E B R I D G E - The Old Man And The Spirit (Frontiers Records)
A progressive-rock ensemble… this seven piece Rock Orchestra is on the cutting edge of ProgRock! The story has its beginnings at the turn of the century and has been developed since 2005. Authored by guitarist Peter Degenfeld-Schonburg, we are met with an Epic—from the very first tentative notes. Throughout this musical river, we will be propelled over rapid courses, pathing our way through to some very sequin inlets of thoughtfulness and tranquilness. A combination of musical voices and instrumentation, ‘Beyond The Bridge’ sound like a full scale orchestra! Close to becoming a Rock Opera, this musical adventure builds and builds. Keeping with their method of working, the actual recording of “The Old Man & The Spirit” began in 2008 and was not complete until just last year. The group is potent combo of Voice and Instrument, traditional Rock gear, guitars-bass-keys and drums, but played and sung in a very non-traditional way. ‘Beyond The Bridge’ push the envelope, resulting in a technically stunning moving Musical Work. It actually soars! There is not enough space here for me to fully describe the Talents of this group or the magnificence of their music… You will just have to go ‘Beyond The Bridge’ and experience this awesome seven piece for yourself!! Bruce Atkinson (90/100) MRF | 19
BAnd. Sunstorm album. emotional fire Interview with. joe lynn turner interviewed by:. bruce atkinson
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SUNSTORM - Emotuional Fire (Frontiers Records) It’s been three long years since the last Sunstorm album ‘House of Dreams’, but now we get 2012 off to a fantastic start with the new album ‘Emotional Fire’, from the mighty Joe Lynn Turner. Unlike the bands previous two albums this new opus takes us back to the 80’s, when Turner was adding backing vocals to some of the biggest artists of the day, including the likes of Cher and Michael Bolton, as well as tracks penned by the likes of the Martin brothers, Daniel Palmqvist, Soren Kronkvist just to name a few. This album showcases what a great voice Turner has and what great songs the eighties had to offer back then and why Melodic Rock ruled the airways at the time. There are some sublime moments on the album, with the likes of the title track ‘Emotional Fire’ and Gina’ ranking high alongside the majestic ‘Lay Down Your Arms’ and the stunning ‘You Wouldn’t Know Love’, being just a few of my favourite tracks from a stunningly rich album, that will once again put the name of Joe Lynn Turner firmly on the lips of fans of great Melodic Rock. Bruce Atkinson (95/100)
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Question: This is the third Sunstorm but differs a little from the first two can you tell us what was the idea behind ‘Emotional Fire’? Answer: I cannot take credit for the idea. Frontiers came up with the concept and I am grateful for the relationship that I have with Frontiers and the fact that many of the powers that be at the company are fans of melodic rock. In the past, the Sunstorm CDs were collections of songs that I had in my archives combined with some tracks that the excellent melodic rock "ears" at Frontiers culled out of their stash of contacts. In some cases, those songs were songs I did as demos but were never released. This third CD is different in that none of the songs came out of my archives but some came out of sessions that I had been a part of... Both writing and recording...from my past. Like the previous Sunstorm CDs, this one also contains tracks that the guys at Frontiers thought the fans of the melodic rock genre would enjoy. I do want to emphasize that I really wished that more of my songs from my archives could have been a part of this third Sunstorm but that was physically and technically impossible. I was on tour in Russia, Eastern Europe and doing business in Turkey when the song list had to be prepared so that both Dennis and I could work on it when I had a break. I had no access to my hard drive with my archive songs during this time. I was in the middle of moving residences in the USA so things were all packed in storage and then I did not carry a lot around with me on the road. Frontiers and I collaborated on the list but it was Frontiers who suggested all the song ideas to me. I just had to approve them. So, yes, there is a subtle difference in the concept for this CD than the previous two but one thing has stayed a "constant": this one, like the past two is loaded with melodic rock that Frontiers and I hope the fans of this genre will love! Q: With a wealth of tunes to pick from how hard was it to pick out the right ones for this new album? A: I did not pick out the songs... Frontiers picked them out, made suggestions and I approved them. I trusted their judgement. As I said, we have had a long and successful relationship. Q: How long have you been working on ‘Emotional Fire’? A: It was off and on for about 6 - 8 weeks. Throughout the recording / production process, I was doing many dates overseas in Russia. I would be home for a few days, work on Sunstorm then go back on the road. When people look at my website, Facebook Page or My Space pages and they see gaps of dates where there are no tour dates listed, this does not mean I am NOT involved with sessions, business, etc. Then, there is packing to prepare to travel and travelling time. I collaborate
with musicians and other people when I am out of the country also. We did have a major hurricane in the New York City area here in the USA during some of my planned Sunstorm sessions. The electrical power was out for three days and I lost some recording time. I was also ill for a few days so we had our challenges but in the end, thanks mostly to Dennis Ward, we ended up with a collection of melodic rock songs that I hope the fans enjoy. Q: Dennis Ward is seen by many as one of the best producers in the business, but what was it like working with him on the new album? A: First of all, I agree 100% about Dennis. He is amazing! He really knows how to capture the power that a lot of these songs have. The band he assembled for Sunstorm is stellar as well. I know he was also in Japan for part of the recording process so let's just say... We exchanged a lot of emails and Skypes! Q: There are numerous great melodic songs on the album but are there any that you are particularly proud of or bring back a special memory for yourself? A: It was a resurrection of sorts and brought back some great memories of writing and vocal sessions I had with Michael Bolton, Cher, Paul Carrack and more around that time period (mid to late 80s). Michael Bolton's “Gina” was a song that was originally included on "The Hunger” album, where I did some background vocals. “You Wouldn't Know Love” and “Emotional Fire” were songs that Bolton wrote for the “Heart Of Stone” album by Cher... Another album where I did the background vocals! This is all reminiscent of the old adage, “Life Comes Full Circle.” I was writing with Desmond Child and Bonjovi during those times so these songs are plucked right out of that “era.” Q: Apart from the new Sunstorm album, what has Joe Lynn Turner be up to in between this new album and the ‘House Of Dreams’ release? A: My focus has been on the places around the globe where classic and melodic rock seems to be thriving the most: Russia and Eastern Europe. I have always had a strong following in Japan, which I cherish, as well as South America, Western Europe and the USA but lately, Russia has embraced classic rock in an insatiable way. I have done some private command performances for Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's President, and his staff / cabinet. I did many corporate shows in Russia that have been very lucrative. Having said all that, I am working on collaborations more close to home (in the USA) with Joe Bonamassa, who I have worked with in the past, as well as my longtime “JLT Band” guitarist and friend Karl Cochran. I've also been in touch with Paul Rodgers about having him do some cover songs. If that is not
enough, I am working on a possible “reality TV” show here in the USA as well as a rock opera for actor Robert DeNiro's company. There is so much going on... I am never “at rest.” Q: f you could take Sunstorm on the road would you consider it? A: ABSOLUTELY!!! A DEFINITE YES!!! But, we would need to have the tour supported (financial investment by record company or corporate sponsor, etc.) in order to make it happen. I would love to share the stage with Dennis and the other Sunstorm musicians. I am a bit disappointed that there has been no offer for a Sunstorm tour. It's too bad... I think the fans would love it! It is absolutely something I want to do and would do! But... The business aspects of it would have to make (financial) sense. Q: You’ve been around in this crazy business for sometime now, what do you think have been the major changes in the Music Business over the years and what in you opinion would it take to bring Melodic Rock back in the mainstream big time? A: There have been too many technology changes to name...some for the better and some for the worse of the industry but I would rather answer this question from a more philosophical standpoint. Changes... It seems people who are in charge of signing talent to record companies or exposing talent in the media have traded REAL talent for manufactured talent or “novelty” acts. By “novelty,” I mean artists that will not stand the test of time. Many talented people sit on the sidelines because they cannot get the exposure or support they need to get to the next level. Thank God that record companies like Frontiers continue to support music that showcases authentic talent. As for the second part of the question... It would take a mass change of consciousness. People would need to switch paradigms and desires. They would need to want the “real thing” as opposed to some fake idol. It seems the record companies and the media change their “music idols” as often as they change their underwear! Q: Will we have to wait another 3 years for the next Sunstorm album or are there any projects that you’re involved with that we should look out for in 2012? A: Well... There are some fires burning! I have been working a long time with Swedish songwriter/musician Chris Antblad. Hopefully, the work we have done will be released soon but we did not want to conflict with this Sunstorm release. Plus, the music is stylistically different and the CD will come out in Sweden. I am working on reviving some songs that I either released in the past or have in the archives from the early 90s. There might be some soundtrack work on deck. I even recently did a rap-infused song with Jadakiss. Lots in the works and a lot to look forward to!
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Barry McMinn: Can you give us a brief history of the band, how did Red Rose come into being? Deion Kristen: Red Rose started in the early 2010, when four friends decided to create a new project after their former bands fell apart. Leve, Elnur, Eli and I, we had experience on stage, and some experience in songwriting. So now we wanted to create something serious and mature. Right from the start we set our aim on a debut album, and with the help of our friend, Sam Davidoff, who became our session drummer, already by the end of 2010 the album was finished and recorded at Jailhouse studios, Denmark, with the renounced producer Tommy Hansen. Having a debut in
our hands we started to look for a label company to take us under its wing and release the album. And we luckily f o u n d Bakerteam R e c o r d s , which offered us collaboration. So here we are now, looking forward for the next turn of events. BM: Did you have a vision of how the band would sound from the off, or did it just evolve into what it is today? DK: We didn’t have a vision of that, but what brought us together was our interest and love for particular streams in rock music (melodic / heavy / progressive). Add to it the influences and the backgrounds of each of us, and you’ll get the sound Red Rose has evolved into. But I believe it’s not the final point. We are young and have a long way ahead. Our sound and our music will definitely continue to evolve. BM: The band are originally from Israel which is not known for being a hot bed for rock music,
how are the band perceived in your home country and is there a thriving rock scene there? DK: I wouldn’t say thriving... but there is a rock scene here. People who love this music keep it alive. And we are part of these people. Regarding how’s the band perceived... Pretty well, as far as I can judge. We had a decent amount of people on our release show, and they were singing along and supporting, and we received very positive feedbacks. I see it as a good start for a new band. And I hope we’ll much expand our audience in the future. BM: The albums title ‘Live The Life You’ve Imagined’ seem very personal, is this a slogan that the band live by in their endeavours? DK: We try to. And this album is one good example. It seemed like an impossible dream, until we made it happen. Now our own album serves us a reminder that nothing’s impossible, and we should certainly follow this slogan. We hope this message will reach the listeners and perhaps even help some of them to follow their hearts. BM: Does the band have mission or plan for the future, are you set on world domination? DK: World domination? Sounds cool! Of course we hope we will write music that will attract masses. But we’ll move forward step by step. For now our plans are live shows, worldwide exposure, and new album as soon as possible.
Bruce Atkinson: Although this is your first solo record, you are certainly no stranger to being the ‘front man’… tell us a little of your history… Lee Small: This is actually my second solo record, the first being “Through the eyes of Robert Lees” released in 2008, I front the band “Shy” & also have sung with Tom Galley’s Phenomena . BA: On “Jamaica Inn” you have assembled a killer band as well… And have played with these guys before, so is this now officially the Lee Small Band? LS: I would love this to be the Lee Small Band, they really are all great players, musically we really all have connected, I have known Carl & Des the guitar players for a long while now, but we haven’t played live together. BA: Going into the song writing department, have you collaborated with anyone? LS: Yes, on two tracks “Shine a light” & Smugglers Blues”, I collaborated with Carl Anthony Wright. BA: From the song titles and listening to the record…there are a lot of musical journeys with a sea faring theme!...is this an area of fascination for you? LS: Yes, I love the Sea (yet I cannot swim!) but English folklore, like Smugglers, Pirates & Highwaymen have always been an interest. BA: Your voice is such a natural for the blues/rock that is so tastefully done on “Jamaica Inn”, is this style of singing the one that you are most comfortable with? LS: Thank you so much, I guess It is really, I am influenced by soulful singers like Brad Delp, Glenn Hughes, Steve Walsh, Paul Rodgers, Dan Reed etc. BA: In keeping with talking about your Talent, you are also very accomplished on bass and guitar… did you also play on this release? LS: I did, I played some guitar tracks inc the guitar break in “The Captain’s Quarters” & also played Bass on the whole album (as I started out originally as a bass player back in 1981) BA: Being your first solo outing, are you planning to tour? If so, where can we expect to see you? LS: I really would like to do some live dates either acoustic solo performances or with the band so watch this space. BA: Now, let’s go back to the record… Although mostly a Rock / Blues album, you are not afraid to bring other elements in to the songs and your singing… Is this a result of the other musical projects you have been involved in, in the past? LS: Maybe, I just write what I am feeling at the time, whether it is Soul, Rock, RnB, AOR, I just try & use all my influences to gel & create a sound where all the songs belong together. BA: One of the many things I like about your music and voice, is that you are not easily put into a specific category… Do you think this will be somewhat of a problem in the future? LS: I think it is, sometimes I think I can come over too soulful for my own good, but that is just my inner make up, I really hope people can see what I try to achieve musically, & find the happy medium & something that appeals to them.
Duncan Jamieson: Welcome back to Melodic Rock! How is life in the Mr Big camp? Pat Torpey: Life is good! We have just completed our world tour for our new cd, "What if", and we had a blast. We went from Los Angeles to Beijing to Sao Paolo to Istanbul. The crowds were great, young and old fans. Now we are at the beginning of a new year and we don't have any concrete plans as of yet, but everyone is enjoying some deserved time off. We will probably get together soon and plot our next move. DJ: Your comeback album and subsequent tours have been extremely well received by fans and critics alike. Were you surprised about just how warm the reception has been? PT: I'm always pleasantly surprised when we do anything. I knew we had some fans out there but I take nothing for granted and it is always a pleasure to play live for a crowd of enthusiastic rock and rollers. "What if", our latest cd, did well with fans and critics alike and that is always surprise. DJ: What made you decide to do and record this acoustic show? PT: The acoustic or unplugged show was originally done as a TV special for Japan. We were on a promo tour and we were asked to do a special show for TV. We decided to do something a little different. We were asked to play in a TV studio. We thought it would be a little too confined for a full electric live performance. We put our heads together and came up with the unplugged idea and from there it developed into incorporating an eight piece orchestra and Japanese Tyco drums. The show was a great success so we decided to release it. DJ: It sounds like you’re having fun. What do remember about this show? PT: I think I remember it was a bit of a whirlwind and we had limited amount of time to get ready. We had the orchestra and Tyco drummers to rehearse and we also had new songs to learn and get comfortable with. There was a big chunk of back ground vocals to work out as well. We made it happen in spite of our jet lag and I remember being grateful that I'm in a band with guys who can deliver when it's crunch time. DJ: What have been some of the highlights about getting back together? PT: There are so many "highlights" since we reunited its difficult to single one out. I think finishing a new cd after so many years was a big deal. Playing our 100th show in Japan was really cool and unbelievable. On a lighter note, playing guitar in our encore "instrument switching" on our Japan tour. We played 'Brown Sugar" and I played guitar, Paul on bass, Eric on drums and believe it or not, Billy on saxophone. That was a moment to remember because I don't get nervous when we play live but I was anxious about having to handle a six string. Brian May came out to see us in London, he was so gracious and stayed for our whole show and then hung out with us after the gig, very cool. MRF | 23