CONTENTS
04 Ty k e t t o 06 P r e t t y M a i d s 07 F u r y o n 08 Tr i x t e r 09 P h e n o m e n a 10 K i s s i n ’ D y n a m i t e 12 R e v i e w s 14 D e p a r t u r e 15 B a n g a l o r e C h o i r 17 C r a z y L i x x 19 J a c k B l a d e s 20 J e f f S c o t t S o t o 23 E p i c a
Melodic Rock Fanzine
The official Frontiers Records magazine Year #8 - Nr. 2 / Issue #49 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. tyketto album. dig in deep Interview with. michael clayton interviewed by:. barry mcminn
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TYKETTO - Dig In Deep (Frontiers Records)
It’s been eighteen years since Danny Vaughn, Brooke St James, Jimi Kennedy and Michael Clayton, got together for a new studio album, but it’s finally here, a new Tyketto album that I’m sure will be a firm fan favourite. The band have stuck to the tried and tested Tyketto formula that brought us ‘Don’t Come Easy’ and ‘Strength In Numbers’, and to be honest, this is Tyketto by numbers, with Vaughn leading from the front with St James not far behind. The album mixes the typical simpering ballads that have become the bands trademark with some more up-tempo rockers to keep those fans into the ‘Forever Young’ side of the band happy. Tracks of note ‘Love To Love’ and ‘The Fight Left In Me’ being two of those more up-tempo rockers mentioned. The edgy ‘Dig In Deep’ is one of my favourites off the album as this is one of those tracks that has a bit more of a modern edge and really kicks some ass. Definitely a fan based album and with many years between albums, I don’t think the band are really reinventing themselves, just giving the fans what they’ve wanted for so many years, another slice of pure Melodic Rock under the Tyketto moniker. Barry McMinn (92/100)
Question: “Dig In Deep” sees the band’s first studio work together for over eighteen years, what was catalyst that finally got the band back together to write the new album? Answer: For me, it was hearing some of Danny’s new ideas. I felt they were the best he had written in years, and I really wanted to play on them. As a drummer, I am only inspired if I feel the power of the lyrics and intensity of the music. Danny certainly delivered on all levels. Once some song shells were assembled, we put together an experimental session in Feb of 2010 to see if the “magic was still there. Within minutes of jamming in small studio in Vegas, we kicked in gear as if no time had passed. All three of us instantly knew we wanted to do another album together, and DIG IN DEEP was off and running. Q: With the band members now scattered to the four winds did you take full advantage of modern technology to bring ideas and yourselves together for this album? A: It was not only a welcomed format, it became our lifeline. As a band that had literally lived together for the writing and recording of both DON’T COME EASY and STRENGTH IN NUMBERS, doing everything via email was both frustrating and exciting. Like any successful franchise, we learned to adapt and work around our obstacles. Q: If it weren’t for this technology, do you think this album would have ever seen the light of day? A: Never. From September to December, the four of us were actually in the same room for about 10 days. Technology made DIG IN DEEP for sure! Q: Did you have a vision of how you wanted the album to sound from the beginning? A: The beauty of this record was that there was no predestined path. Our only goal was to make music we all would listen to if it weren’t us playing it. We knew out of the box that this record would take a while to grow on people, as we take it in many different musical directions. As a personal fan of “diverse” albums such as Led Zeppelin 3, The Rise and Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And the Spiders From Mars (Bowie) and The Game (Queen), I welcomed this diversity. It challenges the listener to take in different styles, and gives the record more lasting power. I like
it more and more with each listen. Q: Was it important to keep the whole classic Tyketto feel to the album? A: In the sense that we wanted our fans to recognize us: Yes. Did we want to repeat ourselves and make DON’T COME EASY part two? No. We figured that if it were the four of us playing on it, it would be Tyketto no matter what. There are certainly some songs the old school fans will embrace as the “classic” sound, but if we didn’t grow and change, there would be no point in making a new album. Q: How long did the whole album take to put together and were there any obstacles that you had to overcome to produce the album you wanted as a band? A: Ha! You name it, it happened. Blizzards, blackouts, studio shutdowns, injuries, mixes, remixes, and three separate photo shoots. This record is the closest thing to us knowing what childbirth feels like, and DIG IN DEEP weighed fifteen pounds on delivery (and came out sideways)! As the ends always justify the means, it was all worth it. Our label was patient, and was tolerant in the odd approach we had to take. Q: The band are returning to play this years Firefest, will you be promoting the new album or will it be a “best of” set at the show? A: We have already played out SOUND OFF and LOVE TO LOVE to great reviews, and will most certainly put in some new ones… But you will have to come to Firefest and find out what songs we choose! Q: There is a rumor of a tour to promote the album, is there any truth in this and if so are there any dates we should leave our calendars clear for? A: I am not at liberty to confirm or deny such allegations! J Stay tuned for that, as we are discussing options for 2012. Q: There have been many changes in the whole Melodic Rock genre over the years, bands have come and gone, but how do you see Tyketto and ‘Dig In Deep’ fitting back into the scene after so many years away? A: For starters, we are one of the few bands left that actually try and work with the original lineup as much as we can. There is still a great kinship, love and respect the four of us share. Also, we have always felt that
our only goal was to try and write great songs, and in that sense, we don’t feel the scene we were part of has ever gone away. Be it Whitesnake’s “Here I go again” in 1987 or Hinder’s “Lips of an Angel” in 2009, a great melodic rock song will be recognized. If a band writes great songs, they will remain relevant; be it 1997 or 2037. I think we will retain our slot as one of “melodic rock’s” survivors purely on the strength of our songs. Q: Do you think that grunge movement has interrupted something that could has been a better story? Looking back, what do you think about the early Nineties? Danny Vaughn: I think I understand this question. It's wrong to say that "grunge killed aor rock" or whatever you want to call it. Fashion and the music industry killed it. It was too popular. Every time something is successful in music, the big companies all feel that they have to sign 100 more bands just like it. Nobody has any original thoughts any more. So, not long after Guns n Roses became huge, suddenly we were flooded with bands from L.A. that looked, sounded and acted just like them. And we got bored. That's why the audience turned to grunge. They were tired of all the thousands of bands covered in hair spray and matching leather studded outfits. Fashion has no longevity. Real music does. Q: Why did you choose such a name as Tyketto? What does it means? DV: I'm amazed that there's anyone that doesn't know the answer. Brooke saw the word spray painted on a wall in Brooklyn, like some kind of gang tag. It doesn't mean anything. We just like the sound of it. Q: Will there be a follow up to ‘Dig In Deep’ in the not too distant future, or are you waiting to see how the album and tour is received before looking into album number four? A: As we near the 25 year mark together, we have learned to “NEVER SAY NEVER”!! The beauty of Tyketto 2012, is that we are all here voluntary. We all have our personal lives and businesses to tend to, and Tyketto comes back in when it feel right to do so. Should we feel so inspired, there will most certainly be new Tyketto music on the horizon.
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BAnd. Pretty maids album. it comes alive Interview with. Ronnie Atkins interviewed by:.barry mcminn
Question: Why has it taken so long for the band to capture a Pretty Maids live show in all its glory? Answer: Well, people have been asking us to do a Video/DVD for ages, but for some reason we never really got it done, obviously:) Now after the success of “Pandemonium” we finally felt that the time was right! First of all because the chemistry and overall feeling has been really good during the last years, we’re really having fun playing live again, having a hell of a party together doing what we enjoy the most! And finally this gives us a chance to show fans and supporters in areas we’ve never played or haven’t played for years an opportunity to see what the band is all about. At last this is also some kind of 30th anniversary tribute to all our die hard supporters who’s been supporting us truly and faithfully through all those years! Q: When putting a set together for something like this, was it Focus on:
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hard to pick tracks from the bands vast back catalogue? A: Well, you know it’s allways difficult to pick a set really. And the more albums you do the harder it gets! But this set is pretty much based on the songs that we played on the “Pandemonium tour” a mix of old stuff and songs from the last album! Q: Were there any tracks you wished you’d played but never did? A: Well, yeah there are song from the past that I would have loved to play which we never did! But picking a set is a democratic process in this band and if someone don’t feel comfortable wit any particular song for some reason, we don’t play it! However we allways try to make a combination of what we would like to play and what our fans would expect us to play. Some songs are obvious. Q: Did you record any other shows and what was it about the Z7 show in particular that
made that one special? A: No, we didn’t record any other shows. Just one shot in the barrel, you know! We played Z7 numerous times during the past 20 years and it was always a great gig! And good stage facilities! And that’s basically why. Q: Over the years there have been many live albums that have been a little polished, how important was it to not only record a good show, but also to capture that special live feel? A: Well, I personally hate when it’s all too polished and overdubbed. It’s a LIVE! album and it’s okay if it’s not perfect the way I see it! But if there are any major mistakes and feeds that fuck up the sound, a vocal or a guitar that’s completely out of tune, for instant! In this case we were lucky. I guess we did really good on that night and actually managed to capture the right live spirit, we didn’t change much but had to do a few repairs though, for the sake of the overall sound.
P R E T T Y M A I D S - It Comes Alive ( F r o n t i e r s R e c o r d s )
At Z7 Pretty Maids recorded their show and now that very show is released for the bands first live DVD/CD combo. The album captures the band at their live best, highlighting not only the then new album, but also the bands superb back catalogue, with tracks from the classic albums ‘Anything Worth Doing…’ ‘Jump The Gun’, ‘Red Hot And Heavy’ and more recently ‘Carpe Diem’. If you like it hard and with more melody than you can shake a stick at you’re going to love this. My personal highlights have to be the stunning ‘Pandemonium’, the fantastic dark rocker ‘Scream’, the epic ‘Walk Away’, the old school blitz rock of ‘Rock The House’, and the monstrous ‘Rock Hard And Heavy’. As live recordings go it’s not a polished sound, but that’s what live albums should be. They should capture the spirit of the night and this definitely does just that. This is 21 blistering Hard Rock anthems that will blow you away, and as it comes with the DVD and CD, as well as bonus interviews and backstage footage. What better way for the band to celebrate 30 years at the top of their game and still going strong. Barry Mc Minn (92/100)
BAnd. furyon album. gravitas Interview with. Matt Mitchell interviewed by:. fabio mainardi Question: Would you like to introduce yourself and talk about Furyon? Answer: We are a British band and are based out of Brighton in The South of England. Furyon has been alive for nearly 7 years now and we are proud to have come to this point. Alongside myself is Guitarists Chris Green and Pat Heath. Nickel Bowen on bass and Lee Farmery on the drums. We like to play Rock n F'in Roll. Q: What your thoughts about the current music industry and what are your exceptions now that “Gravitas” has been published and soon distributed all over the word? A: I wont lie about it, I do wish it was It was 20 years or so ago right now as the industry seemed a little more simple back then. But there are pros and cons to the industry now. Recently I was at Black Stone Cherry concert and singer Chris asks the crowd “Who's got the new album?” Everybody claps and chants Focus on:
“Yeah!!” Then Chris asks “Who bought it and who got it free?” and nearly half the audience chanted “Yeah!!” What I'm saying here is that it's extremely easy these days to get whatever you want “music wise” for nothing. Now... The singer also went on to say... “It's cool, as long as you're here watching the shows and buying the t-shirts.” Now I agree with that %100. We are hoping that “Gravitas” will sell well with rhe right promo pushing. I mean it's a very good sounding album and we are proud of it! Q: Can you tell us which are your main influences and your masters to follow, if any? A: Speaking for the whole band I would say a mixture of these bands and there members - Iron Maiden, Alice in Chains, Def Leppard, Free, Soundgarden, Dream Theater, Megadeth, Alter Bridge, Bon Jovi, Mastodon, Tool, Rush. A pretty mix don't you think? Q: How you succeeded to cap-
FURYON - Gravitas (Frontiers Records)
ture and canalize your live energy in the studio recordings? A: We are experienced in recording and most of us had experienced recording albums and the process it takes before. The work load is normaly high and 12 hour days in the studio can wear some people down. But... We love it! I love recording, and getting that energy across is part of it. I almost feel for a singer you have to be a bit of an actor in the studio to create that energy. Everyone has there different ways of going about it. I like to be full of energy for it! Q: What's next for Furyon? A: We are writing album 2 right now. Rehearsing the band and pushing the live thing. We are with a new tour agent “Factory Music”, and with the success of “Gravitas” we hope to head out and play to all the new and old Furyon fans. The band is in a positive place right now and firing on all cylinders.
At last they got it! I mean the album recorded, “Gravitas”. Furyon deserved it, period. Matt Mitchell vocals, Chris Green guitars, Pat Heath guitars, Alex "Nickel" Bowen bass, Lee Farmery drums have the chops, have the musicianship, they have it all. Put in a mixer Iron Maiden, Alice In Chains and Alter Bridge, shake them add some spicy taste call a producer named Rick Beato (Shinedown, Fozzy) and you'll get the bombastic Furyon sound. It's quite difficult to choose a best of among the 10 tracks from “Gravitas” being all of them really 10 rock weapons. Furyon guitars are stunning and the dynamics among them are epic. A separate mention goes to the lead singer Matt Mitchell, an outstanding singer with a huge vocal versatility capable to keep the high notes but also to be melodic and heavy at once. “Gravitas” need soon a follow up because this band have so much more still to give to all the Hard Rock lovers out there. This album should be in all serious music collections, a must. Fabio Mainardi (93/100) MRF | 7
band. trixter album. new audio machine Interview with. Steve Brown interviewed by:. bruce atkinson Question: I realise that you have been back together since 2007... Fill us in on the last four years. After all this time, it is quite the feat to have all of the original guys back in the fold... Are you feeling that same vibe? A: We are all very happy to be back together rockin' and rollin’. When we got back together our attitude was “let's see what happens” each year we would do more and more shows and I finally said to the boys it's time to make a new cd. So in late 2010 we started getting the material together. Q: Now, let’s turn our attention to the new release... ”New Audio Machine” sounds great, walk us through the writing and recording process. Who did you get to produce the album? A: I produced the cd along with some help from my band, PJ , was very involved in building up the bass and drums. Pete delivered some amazing vocals. I also brought in Chuck Alkazian to help mixing along with Pete Evick. It's Focus on:
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always an awesome feeling when you have friends that are super talented to help take a record the next level. The songs we pulled together in a number of ways. Some like DRAG ME DOWN which I co wrote w Glen Burtnik is a song from 1993. GET ON IT is brand new written as were about to finish the cd. There's a track called PHYSICAL ATTRACTION which was a leftover from the first cd. We wrote back in 1987, a good song then and we pumped it up into a monster song now. A: Let’s talk more about the Special Guests you have invited to be a part of this. What, if any, challenges did you put before you in relation to the new record? A: No challenges... Our goal always is to make the best music we can and use the best songs. One example is WALK WITH A STRANGER written by Rachel Bolan and Dave “The Snake” Sabo of SKID ROW. They gave us that song back in 1988. I didnt write it but who cares... It's a great song. I also co-
wrote the first single, “TATTOOS & MISERY” with Xandy Barry, who has written with The Backstreet Boys and Miley Cyrus. Q: Did you have a specific “feel” that you wanted to achieve? A: All we wanted to do was make a great rock record and thats what we did. The production is big and thick! Q: “New Audio Machine” comes across very strong, and everything on it will create an exciting Live show; obviously you are ready to hit the Spring/Summer concert circuits. Are you looking at headlining any dates, or do you feel more comfortable in sharing the stage with some musical friends? A: We plan on doing it all. We are gonna be doing alot of shows with WARRANT & FIREHOUSE... Celebrating the anniversary of the BLOOD SWEAT & BEERS Tour of 1991. That’s gonna be a party. We are hoping to tour Europe and Japan as well.
T R I X T E R - New Audio Machine ( F r o n t i e r s R e c o r d s )
Well!?! Do you want some good ol’ Hard Rock!? You got it with Trixter’s “New Audio Machine”. The original line-up of this New Jersey quartet have been rocking it out since their 2007 reunion — and it shows! “New Audio Machine” brings back all of those raucous sounds Trixter let loose the first time around. The years between 1983 and now seem to have evaporated — the group sounds just as energised and fresh as twenty some years ago! Opening with the rockin’ “Drag Me Down” and ending off with the high energy of “Walk With A Stranger”. “New Audio Machine” is just that: churning out a steady stream of no-nonsense, powerful rockers that will find you doing the ‘hardrock shuffle’… Feet amovin’! & fists a pumping! Full of hard hitting rock, melodic vocals and fantastic harmonies; this hook laden return shines ever so brightly. Trixter are back! And with a brand new V-12 fuel injected engine that keeps pounding out those anthemic rockers that we are in such dire need of! “New Audio Machine” — it just may save your rock n’ roll soul! Bruce Atkinson (90/100)
Vitale Nocerino: Could you take us through your new PHENOMENA album “Awakening” and some of the ideas / stories behind the songs? Tom Galley: Smash it up – represents what is happening in a large part of the world when developing countries are governed by corrupt officials. Reality – was inspired by a radio program on alzheimers. Homeland – a song written by Mel whilst on tour in America with Trapeze. Going away – relationship break up. Gotta move – this song was written in tribute to many old blues songs. How long – infidelity
and disappointment in relationships. Shake – this was inspired by 1960’s rock and roll. Fighter – Not just a boxing song but a parody of life. Dancing Days – looking back at a time before marriage Stand up for love – a relevant thought. VN: How has the reaction in terms of reviewes and fans to the album? TG: Early indications from reviewers and fans are very favourable and hopefully will continue. VN: You have a lot of special guests in your album. Can you please presents them to our readers? TG: Rob Moratti had guested on the last album “Blind Faith” and I personally think he is one of the best melodic rock singers of the present time. Ralph Scheepers who was also on “Blind Faith” bought his immeasurable talent to this album, his fellow Primal Fear band members also contributed on guitar and bass on some of the songs. I have worked with Lee Small over a number of years and watched him develop into a world class rock singer as his performances on this album and the new “Shy” album proves. Toby Hitchcock’s powerful delivery on “Reality” is a great addition to the album along with Mike Slamers contribution on Guitar. James Christian’s vocal on going away reinforces his reputation as a great
rock singer. Mike Dimeo gives a great performance on “shake” and Terry Brock is outstanding breathing life into “Fighter” giving his individual delivery alongside Steve Newman on Guitar. Coldspell do a magnificent job of “Dancing Days” and Chris Antblad delivers a superb melodic vocal on “Stand up for Love” backed by the Gothenburg Choir. VN: Where do you get your songwriting ideas from and who musically is an influence on you? TG: Most of the ideas for this album have come from real life situations. Some of the songs original forms were based in rock blues and have been re-worked into a more contemporary format. Having worked with my Brother Mel for many years on Trapeze and Whitesnake tracks that influence will always be there. VN: What are your plans for the future? TG: In every interview I have done since the “Psychofantasy” album the question always arises when am I going to do another album in the concept spirit of “Phenomena 1”? I have been working with my songwriting partner, also Tom, for the last 2 years on a new project that incorporates the related ideas we had for the first phenomena album, a storyline that could be interpreted through live song and visual performances on a large scale more news will follow.
artist. kissin dynamite album. money sex and power Interview with. jim muller interviewed by:. barry mcminn Question: The band have come a long way since your demo back in 2007, has it been a rollercoaster ride you just don’t want to get off? Answer: Definitely! It's a freakin' roller coaster ride which always got a surprise for you after the next curve and i'm addicted to it since I took a seat. Q: “Addicted To Metal” was a great album, did you feel any pressure with MS&P to produce an album that would be its equal, if not bettering it? A: Well, the situation was quite the same after 'Steel of Swabia'. We spent much blood, sweat and tears into this record and as we started to write songs for 'Addicted To Metal' we were not sure if we can ever better those songs… but hell yeah, we did it even twice and I'm pretty sure that we'll be in the same situation, writing for the fourth album. Q: How long did the album take to put together and how long after “Addicted To Metal” did you start working on it? A: I think the first songwriting session took place in June, so including Focus on:
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the production it took us 7 months. We always write songs you know. We write songs, okay, let's say “ideas” for songs, on Tour, on the toilette even when I'm sitting at the university and I got a cool hook line or a riff in my mind I write it down or record it on my iPhone. Q: The band deliver sleaze driven hard rock of the highest order, do you find it easy to produce the same energy in the studio as you have live? A: Actually, you can never have the same energy on a record than you have live. The difference isn't that big on the album 'Money, Sex & Power', but still live is live, and live is rougher and dirtier for sure. Anyways, i'm quiet exited to compare some live recorded songs to those on the album. Q: The album boasts two salutes to some of rocks greatest heroes with ‘Club 27’ and ‘Dinosaurs Are Still Alive’, but who are the band’s influences? A: Mainly the 80ies, Metal / Hard Rock / Sleaze rock bands like Guns 'n' Roses, Skid Row, Judas Priest, Mötley Crüe, Accept, Iron Maiden, etc.
Q: The band’s debut album ‘Steel Of Swabia’ was just released in a few countries, are there any plans for a re-release to the worldwide market? A: I'm pretty sure we will!! It's just a matter of time. But actually i'm more the guy looking into the future than into the past, what doesn't mean that i'm not proud on my past. Q: What does 2012 have in store for the band, any tours or festival dates we should mark in our calendars? A: A LOT! We all will get our costum built Ferraris and a new rehearsal - mansion… hahaha… I'm joking! Our Booker is just in the middle of getting all the Gigs together but what's already confirmed is for example the Masters of Rock in Zlin! Also we will have a Headliner AND a Support tour, hopefully all over Europe or even bigger… But beside the german Dates there's nothing confirmed yet. So for all the friends and fans out there, keep your eyes open for some news on www.kissindynamite.de or on our Facebook site! Have a great time!
KISSIN’ DYNAMITE - Money, Sex and Power (AFM Records)
Since their 2008 debut release ‘Steel of Swabia’ Kissin’ Dynamite have been impressing the Euro-Sleaze Metal fans and when their second album ‘Addicted To Metal’ got worldwide distribution, the world was indeed their oyster. Now in 2012 the Swabian rockers are back, bigger and better with their no holds barred sleazy driven hard rock, although the band are German there is definitely a Scandinavian/Sunset Strip vibe going on with their music. The album itself is gritty riff driven rock as it should be. A mix between Zodiac Mindwarp and The Backyard Babies, from the opening barrage of the title track and first two singles off the album ‘Money, Sex and Power’ and ‘I Will Be King’, Hannes Braun and the rest of the guys lay out their stall for all to see and hear. The anthemic rock comes hard and fast with highlights like ‘She’s A Killer, ‘Sex Is War’, the old school salutes of ‘Dinosaurs Are Still Alive’ and ‘Club 27’, the latter paying tribute to the rock gods Morrison, Hendrix, Cobain, Joplin and Moon who lived fast and died young all who never saw their 28th Birthdays. If you like you rock raw and in your face these guys are for you. They shoot from the hip and take no prisoners and deliver it with a smile and never a frown. Barry McMinn (87/100)
LULEY - Today’s Tomorrow (AOR Heaven) “Today's tomorrow” born almost two years ago when Luley meet up with guitarist and producer Michael Voss (Mad Max, Michael Schenker); soon after Matthias Rethmann (LeeZ, Silver, Michael Schenker) on bass and Chris Elbers (Gary Barden) on drums have been added to the project. Luley is a well know singer and guitarist of renewed fame, as he fronted german Hard rock bands TOKYO way back in the '80 and CRAAFT (together with Reinhold Besser and Franz Keil), touring with huge bands such as Queen, Marillion, Level 42, and Bon Jovi just to name a few. “Today's tomorrow” showcase Luley musicianship and abilities in penning classic melodic rock tunes and providing cool melodies and rocking anthems in a very '80 style. Even if some time too melodic and soft for my tastes Luley anyhow is able to deliver a convincing album where keyboards and guitars share the leads, probably a more energetic production would have given more justice to some rocking riffs. Fabio “Deuce” Mainardi (88/100)
EPICA - Requiem Of The Indifferent (Nuclear Blast) This sextet keeps scaling the Metal heights, going from strength to strength! Epica’s fifth release takes them and us, ever higher. An exquisite aural offering continuing to marry, and masterfully so, full blown Classical elements with Symphonic Metal. “Requiem Of The Indifferent” is cinemascope in extent… Majestic in its depth, driving us to engulf its fourteen forays of molten musical rivers. The album flows from one epical metal movement to another… Moving us swiftly through the swirls and vortex’s of a complete Metal symphony. From razor sharp Heavy Metal to whimsical meanderings, this recorded work takes us on a journey that will touch upon every nerve. Richly textured, and finely executed, “Requiem Of The Indifferent” will certainly move Epica upwards on the ladder of international success. Being that this is their fifth release, I’m very pleased that it sounds so fresh. The group has so much depth in their storytelling, that nothing is repeated here. Vastly talented, this six-member group have dug deep and have come up with an overwhelming story with music to match! Don’t be afraid to fully immerse yourself and I guarantee that you will no longer be indifferent! Bruce Atkinson (90/100)
PHENOMENA - Awakening (Escape Music) Tom Galley has never been one to disappoint with his Phenomena projects, through various decades and scenes of melodic rock, he has stayed on top of things with all star lineups and classy songs, representing all the great things of arena rock - the pop, the metal, the big choruses, the huge harmonies, the catchiness - it's rare that with a concept album, you can walk away with a load of tunage that you can't get out of your head, as Awakening continues the standard that Galley and his cohorts have created. Awakening again proves that a concept album does not have to be all about orchestrations, atmospheric interludes, and a story that you have to 'learn' and be 'taught' to understand, the latter is just the icing on the cake for this song collective as it mirrors Harem Scarem, FM, & Radioactive with the big sounds of Queen and Asia to fuel the enigmatic landscape that Galley has continued to create. Tommy Hash / Ytsejam.com (91/100)
TOKYO - San (Yesterrock) In the early 80s hi-tech AOR was very much de riggueur and one band who did it well was the accomplished German band Tokyo. This re-issue was their third outing and the poppiest of all their records, giving an indication of the direction JoJo (the band that rose from the ashes of Tokyo) would later take. “San” combines pop, AOR, West Coast,prog moments and smooth jazz. The synthetic percussion and keyboards that mimic a brass section means the production does make this sound very much a product of it’s time. There is however some stinging guitar interspersed between the keyboards on the infuriatingly catchy “Invisible”, “Jealousy”, “Caroline” Asia like “Summerday” and the Taxxi sounding “Liar”. This is one of four bonus tracks on this re-issue and it should really have been included on the original record. “Don’t Want Your Money” and “Don’t Run Away” suggest the band listened to a lot of Steely Dan. Elsewhere there’s a nod to 80s Yes and Saga on “Too High”. A couple of the tracks come off as so smooth that they might make hard rockers nauseous but Tokyo is a good destination if late 80s pop rock is your thing. Duncan Jamieson (78/100)
SYRON VANES - Bringer Of Evil (Steelheart Memories Records) For the first time on CD, here is, in its "loud-and-proud" glory, the debut-album, “Bringer Of Evil”, originally out during 1984, and that managed to sell more than 100.000 copies in its original vinyl format. The band’ style, described by the international press as “a cross between classic NWOBHMstyle and a more accessible American Hard Rock sound”, brought to Syron Vanes back then a nice shot of fame and fortune, with an extensive european tour reaching England, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Poland and, obviously, also Sweden. Their sound, a traditional, somehow Epic, mostly powerful Heavy Metal, can recall bands like Accept, Savage, Heavy Load, Samurai and also Saxon. The production of the original record was typical Ebony Records' one (which means low budget and a somehow confused mix); luckily the remastering (made by the band itself) helps the sound a bit, and shows the band's juvenile and rough energy. The Cd-reissue version features 2 bonus-tracks, the rare compilation-track “Violation” and the unreleased demo track “Steal And Run”. As the band says, during the opening-track: "that's the sound of Metal! Rob "Ezy" Bone (85/100)
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VAN HALEN - A Different Kind Of Truth (Interscope) What could I write about the album that 99% of the MRF readers are waiting for since many years??? What could I write about one of the most influential band ever in this genre??? They rock! They simply fu**in’ rock!!! Eddie is playing, as usual, like a God (but the liveshows will say the last word), David is the same sexiest singer in the world and the band is tight, powerful and… awesome. That’s a very good album. To say better, that’s a GREAT album! One of the best monents, in my opinion: “You And Your Blues”, “China Town”, “The Trouble With Never”, “Honeybabysweetiedol”l and “Outta Space”. Probably not up to some of their past masterpieces, but - hey, that’s 2012! - and this album is GREAT. And probably this is the useless review I’ve always written, as I’m pretty sure that all of you already bought this thing, right??? Good choice, mates! Primo Bonali (92/100)
HUMAN TEMPLE - Halfway To Heartache (Escape Music) Finland's melodic hard rockers Human Temple are back with album number 3 and pushing their music further than before. Not quite straight melodic rock, not quite progressive rock and not quite heavy enough to be called metal. Whatever you want to call it – it is classy stuff. But at the same time it has to appeal first. Fans of the band's first two albums will I think be united in praise for this opus. The stronger production and the increased urgency of the music are two traits that deserve to be recognized. The album has a moody quality to it with some progressive elements (I Will Follow, Run Away, She Talks To Angels); some more straight forward hard rock moments (Bleeding Through, Our World Our Time, Because Of You) and some commercial melodic rock (Almost There, Like A Beat Of A Heart). For the unfamiliar, Human Temple have that distinct quirky Scandinavian trait many others from the region have, but at the same time a very unique style that doesn't compare to any other band. I think it's the band's most consistent and strongest album to date and hopefully more folks into European melodic rock will take a look at this classy band. Andrew McNeice / Melodicrock.com (86/100)
MIDNIGHT BLUE - Take The Money And Run (Yesterrock) The bands only album ‘Take The Money And Run’ seen only Japanese release through Zero Records back in 1994 that is until now. Like so many gems Yesterrock have resurrected the album and with its remastering the album comes complete with new artwork and two extra tracks. So if you missed it first time round or your import album has seen better days, then this is you chance to pick up one of the highlights of the British Rock Scene of the day. With great tracks like the opener ‘Surrender’, which highlights frontman Doogie Whites vocal prowess, the melodic bliss of ‘Remember’ the keyboard infused rocker ‘Call Me’ that is very typical of the era, as is the rockin ‘Till The Morning’. As for the bonus tracks ‘Hurts When We Do It’ and ‘Only Girl’ are again great slices of Melodic Rock that really stand the test of time. This is must for fans of not only the forgotten era, but also fans of great rock, when British bands are starting to make it in roads once again in the genre these albums show where its foundations began. Barry McMinn (89/100)
OUTLOUD – More Catastrophe (AOR Heaven) “More Catastrophe”… Outloud’s latest is actually a gift and a big thank-you to their fans who helped propel this young group to the top of the heap in 2011! One could say that “More Catastrophe” is a bridge linking the group’s ‘Love Catastrophe” to the future. This EP features some re-workings and three new compositions that give us a glimpse into where Outloud are going. Here is the complete tracklisting: “Saints On Fire”, “Cross The Line”, “Mr. Long Gone”, “Last Days Of December”, “Falling Rain (Flamenco Version)” and “We Run (For Piano And Vocals)”. “More Catastrophe” displays a very muscular group-combined with the revealing of sides of the group we are not all that familiar with. This release should hold us until the group finishes their third album later this year… Plus whetting our appetite on what promises to be a great full length album. Bruce Atkinson (80/100)
RAGE – 21 (Nuclear Blast) That’s the album number 21 for the german metal legends Rage, and one can wonder how can these guys be still able to write great Metal-songs after more than 30 years (they’re active since early 1980)! Their pretty unique style, based on the typical traditional Teutonic Metal attack, catchy choruses, the rough vocals of Peavey, enriched by virtuoso guitar-parts courtesy of six-chords wizard Victor Smolski, is always there; maybe this time slightly heavier, but still very melodic. And very good. Songs like “Forever Dead”, “Feel My Pain” and “Destiny” are absolutely German Heavy Metal “winners” since the first listen, while a track like "Concrete Wall" is more into the Speed Metal style and the opener “TwentyOne” contains some (small) modern influences. The superb production helps a lot, but the songs stand definitely for themselves. That’s an album that any Metalhead can be proud to own and play again and again and again. RAGE on! Primo Bonali (87/100)
FROZEN RAIN – Ahead of Time (Avenue Of Allies) Here we are with the follow up to their debut and eponymous album dated 2008. Since the “Ahead of Time”, opening track “Believe it or not” is inevitable to get flashes of the American rockers on Frozen Rain music. It's not that bad either to be honest, as the the band leaded by Kurt Vereecke delivers a good, well rounded AOR album. And this is the good and the weak point. The band is not able to go for the extra mile, emulating their idols can be satisfying but it can hardly be a key drive to get own crowd or fans. The Belgian guys are enviable musicians, helped in this work by some friends such as Tommy Denander (Radioactive), Steve Newman (Newman) and Daniel Flores (Mind's Eye)" but they lack of originality and creative ideas, even the lyrics and songs structure seem be taken directly from a Bon Jovi album. If you are a Bon Jovi fan you'll love this album, for sure. Best tracks “Believe it or not”, “Forever” and “The last dance ain't over” a very “cinematic” song. Fabio “Deuce” Mainardi (88/100)
IAIN ASHLEY HERSEY – Vintage Love (Avenue Of Allies) Along with the reissue of the debut, here comes the re-release of Syron Vanes' 2nd album; originally out during 1986, again on Ebony Records, but this time recorded in a (better) recording-studio located in Sweden, "Revenge" features a slight change in the band’ style, going into a bit more melodic direction, still keeping the traditional NWOBHM elements into their songs. Anthemic choruses, intriguing arrangements and some killer guitar parts, the band was obviously looking to go "the american way", but due to some line-up changes and to the weak support of the label, Syron Vanes missed the chance and unfortunately that train never came back again. With a fully remastered sound, a rich booklet and 2 unreleased bonus-tracks (“Lying Again” and “Taking Over”, taken off the band’s rehearsalstapes in 1987), the album have past the test of time and still delivers some nice moments... Rob "Ezy" Bone (85/100) MRF | 13
BAnd. Departure album. metaphor Interview with. Mike Walsh interviewed by:. justine bevan Question: Congrats on your upcoming release, Hitch A Ride! I’m sure the first question on everyone’s mind is why did the fans have to wait so long for a little bit of Departure ear candy? It’s been 10 years since Corporate Wheel. Answer: Why the wait... The first couple of years with Escape Music were really busy and productive, between Departure ans Dean Fasano's Message projects, I wanted to do something different... Had just finished my new studio in my home and was anxious to produce a few singer / songwriters I had come across through my network of New Jersey artists. I was also working on my own acoustic record when Khalil Turk rang me up here in New Jersey... Q: Through the years there have been some line-up changes with vocals. Was the intention to change up the bands sound a bit with different releases or is this purely coincidental? A: Departure singers... Since Departure 1 we always used different vocalists. Kenny Michaels left the Focus on:
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band over artistic differences, Dave Baldwin moved on to do a solo record, Timmy Lewis lived all the way in Florida and had to fly up all the time... Then Khalil turned me on to Andi Kravljaca from Stockholm Sweden and I knew the first time I heard him I never wanted to use another vocalist again! Q: If there is a single released for Hitch A Ride, what will it be and why? A: What will be a single off this record and why... “Soldier of fortune” to me is a classic radio tune, wonderful music track in the undertow,very melodic layered guitar lines that almost play with the vocal. Also “You don't need to do this anymore”, very powerful lyric dedicated to the loss of our dear friend, Dean Fasano. Q: How do you feel the band has evolved musically since your debut back in 1998? A: Musical evolution... Musically the band has crossed over into a new state of cognition, a second sight so to speak.when we are in the studio (or anywhere else for that matter) we'll be doing a track and we just see
D E P A R T U R E - Hitch A Ride (Escape Music)
these little stares... It's like doing the session at the Overlook Hotel... That's what happens when you make music with great guys like that for so long. Q: If you had to write a descriptive about the sound of Hitch A Ride without the use of genres, what would you write? A: Departure sound descriptive... The sound of “Hitch A Ride”... Hitch a ride can be summed up in 3 section. First the song writing. This is the first time I have been able to write songs on my own without someone else leaning over me and telling me what to do.Moreover, I have drawn many of these song themes through my own personal experiences. Second, the awe inspiring musicians and musicianship that I witnessed during the production of this record. Dewey, Ryan, Johnny, Roy Williams and as always, Bill Miller.Third, The addition to our family of vocalist, Andi Kravljaca. I must say, I have been doing this for 20 years and never heard a kid like this! He fits right in to our musical telepathy. One of a kind and fits this music like a glove.
It’s been 10 years since Departure’s Corporate Wheel (2001), the bands third effort, was released. In the theme of getting better and better as time goes on; aging like a fine wine, Departure is about to release yet another life changing album… “Hitch A Ride”, With 11 tracks in all, there is plenty of versatility on this album for the listener to enjoy. The album opens with “No Where To Go” and a melodic dynamo it is! Andi Kravljaca on vocals, Ryan Walsh on bass, Duey Ribestello on drums and Mike Walsh on guitar and keyboards make this song come to life. This has a real eighties feel to it; reminiscent of Firehouse, very catchy lyrics on this first track. “Soldier Of Fortune” another good one that has more of a showcase for guitar work, is as impressive lyrically as “No Where To Go”. “Roses” is a song that sounds like it’s from another era; think late seventies power rock; great groove on here.”Without You” has such clear vocals, Andi could really sing here without any back up at all. Again, such a catchy lyric, and such beautiful guitar work that makes this song, and the entire album come together. This offering, Hitch A Ride, is a trip for sure! Justine Bevan (90/100)
Question: Hello David, and welcome back to our pages, I'm glad we can talk again about your amazing music. Once again, your performance is over the top for me, I left you after Cadence release and now here we go again with “Metaphor” that sounds to me even better! What your thoughts about? Answer: Well first it’s great to speak with you again!”Metaphor” to me is a strong continuation of Bangalore Choir.Writing with Andy Susemihl and Curt Mitchell I made clear from the start that this record should showcase their great guitar playing abilities and to make sure that the melodies and hooks are Bangalore Choir!So I believe this is a great record from start to finish. Q: I know I'm too much a fan of yours but I do believe all tracks are winners. Did you wrote all alone the songs or is this a team efforts? Please tell us about the writing process on “Metaphor” A: The process begins with lyric ideas, I have been co-writing with Jon Wilde over the last few years and we have developed an understanding with story lines which usually begins with a title.Then I generally send these lyrics to Andy and he begins a rough layout musically.Curt Mitchell had some songs nearly finished which we all added to for the completion of the songs,I also wrote with Rikard Quist again on ‘Silhouettes on the Shade’and Scandinavian Rose’Rikard and I have a great vibe going on he collaborated with me on the Reece Kronlund record as well. Q: Are all tracks written after the “Cadence” project or they are coming also from the past? A: Everything you are hearing was written fresh. BAnd. bangalore choir Q: What about the current band linealbum. metaphor up? Interview with. david reece A: The line up is myself,Curt Mitchell, interviewed by:. fabio mainardi Danny Greenberg, Andy Susemihl and for the U.S. Mike Johnson on drums and for touring Europe Ren’e Letters on drums. Q: While we had to wait 18 years from on Target to Cadence we have bee luckier this time as only two years have passed from it to “Metaphor”? How much part had your label AOR Heaven Records on that? A: My working relationship with Georg Siegl is very good he has had a very strong input with me delivering my records he and I will keep working together for a long time I believe. Q: I notice you put different music influences into the mix, from harder tunes such as “All the damage done” to even the country inspired tune “Never face Ole Joe alone”, why this choice? A: ‘All the damage done’ is sort of our Thin Lizzy inspired track which everyone of us are huge fans of Lizzy and with ‘Never face old joe alone?’Myself and Curt are big country and Bluegrass fans and Curt actually plays an old National dobro on that track to give it more of a natural sound and feel. Q: Since few years the '80 Metal fans are growing again, what your thoughts on the current Hard Rock music scene? A: Well here in America Van Halen has really ignited Hard rock again and people seem to be listening again to Rock and roll? So this really helps also a lot of groups have kept the flame burning by continuing to write and record and tour here and around Europe so hopefully things continue for all of us and music fans? Focus on:
B A N G A L O R E C H O I R - Metaphor (Metal Heaven)
While it took 18 years from the debut album to their second effort, Bangalore Choir give us an amazing follow up to “Cadence” just two years later. “Metaphor”, Bangalore Choir's third studio album is a step forward from “Cadence”, David Reece called in old friends Rikard Quist (co-author on "Silhouettes On The Shade" and "Scandinavian Rose") and lyricist Jon Wilde to write down a bombastic collections of tunes where crouching guitars and catchy melodies are on the lead. 11 songs, 11 winners, from the rocking opener “All the Damage done” to the bittersweet country song “Never face Ole Joe alone”, David groovy voice perfectly fit in the picture dancing on the thigh wall of sound created by band members Andy Susemihl and Curtis Mitchell on guitars, Danny Greenberg on bass and Rene Letters on drums. I may be too much into Bangalore Choir but I do believe this is a great album indeed and I would recommend it to every rock fans around. Hopefully David and his band mates will tour soon US and Europe, don't miss them. Fabio Mainardi (95/100)
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BAnd. crazy lixx album. riot avenue Interview with. Danny Rexon interviewed by:. duncan jamieson
Question: Can you please talk about this new fantastic album and present it to the readers? Why this title? A: The title is actually inspired by a scenario where the world has already collapsed and Riot Avenue is the name of the street where the character in the song was brought up. It's about a post-apocalyptic dystopy but also with an underlying "Home is where the heart is"-theme. If you ask me the world might not be close to a collapse but I do think that western civilization has reached its peak and it's downhill from here. Imagine what would happen if the civilized world would have to go back a couple of hundred years? It has happened before in history. When the oil runs out, when the ice caps melt or whatever the cause may be. The songs of this album were written over a period of over a year and it's not by any means a concept album revolving around the Riot Avenue theme but a post apocalyptic idea has been present for a long time so it has rubbed off on the song writing. Being a person who really enjoys the comforts of civilized life I'm strangely fascinated by concepts of world catastrophies, wars and post apocalyptic life. I think it can be heard in the songs in the sence that they're a bit harder and faster than before and the production Focus on:
is more dirty and gritty overall. All the songs on the album except the japan bonus 'Red Hot, Red Blooded' (which naturally isn't available on the Europe release of the album) were written for this album even if some riffs and ideas probably are from even earlier. Q: Where is the Church Of Rock? Who are their followers today? A: Church of Rock is based on the idea that in a sense all fans of hard rock and heavy metal belong to the same 'religion' with common rituals (head banging), symbolism (horns up) and idols (whatever rock idol you prefer). In a society where they might not feel a part of a community in any other situations, many young people find their 'congregation' in the ranks of metal heads. And the ultimate ceremony is of course praying to the 'altar', the stage, listening an awe to the 'prophets' of the Church of Rock. Many hard rock fans devote large parts of their lives to this and in the end that's what makes it possible for us, the bands, to do what we love. Without followers there can be no religion just as same as without the fans there can be no bands. Q: What are the differences among “Riot Avenue” and “Loud Minority” and “New Religion”? How do you feel yourself changed since your debut album?
On the first album, 'Loud Minority', we were still inexperienced song writers and instrumentalists and even if I like a lot of stuff on that album I think you can tell that it's a debut album. We do however still play some songs from that album live and the track 'Heroes are Forever' is one of the most popular Crazy Lixx songs to date. On 'New Religion' we went for a more polished sound for the production, something that worked well then but also an approach we didn't want on this album. That's why we decided to produce it ourselves instead of hiring Chris Laney who had produced the two previous albums. I think this fact gives 'Riot Avenue' a very special sound that fans of Crazy Lixx won't instantly recognize but I hope (and think) they will enjoy it as much as we do. We've always been a band that were inspired by old school hard rock and heavy metal and I think this time the production follows more along those lines too. When it comes to the song writing I think we've come a long way since the first album in 2007 and I honestly feel that 'Riot Avenue' is our strongest album so far. Not only because of the songs but also the performance, both vocally and instrumentally. Somehow I also feel 'Riot Avenue' is closer to defining a Crazy Lixx sound that the previous efforts.
C R A Z Y L I X X - Riot Avenue (Frontiers Records)
It’s album number three for the Swedish rockers, and it’s a record that sees them build on the template of their previous, well received, disc “New Generation”. The 80s hair metal of Warrant, Def Leppard and Danger Danger still looms large but with the addtion of a second guitarist Ed Liam there’s a rockier, riff driven groove that apes AC/DC added to the mix. The result is an unabashed gem of frothy feel good melodic rock. The cheekily titled “Whiskey,Tango, Foxtrot” and “Young Blood” carry a sleazy swagger that’ll transport to LA’s Sunset Strip circa 1988. You can’t help but be fired up by tracks like eh... “Fire It Up”. Best of the lot is the Slaughter-esque party tune “Downtown” where the band invite your sister to their party (It sounds like she’ll have fun there). “Heatseeker” racks up the vocal harmonies and owes a debt to Def Leppard. They’ve lost their rhythm section since making ths record, but hopefully that doesn’t thwart their ambition as this is a great rock album. Like Grunge never happened. Duncan Jamieson (92/100)
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ARTIST. jack blades album. rock n roll ride Interview with:. jack blades interviewed by:. Bruce atkinson
Question: You have been very busy what with the Night Ranger release, tour and now this… A new solo effort: “Rock N’ Roll Ride”! Where are you getting all this energy!? Answer: I love to keep busy and I love music. When you love something it never seems like work. I do take some time off, but not much... After a few days I get real antsy and it's back to the rock! Q: Have you partnered with anyone else for this release? A: Robin Zander and I wrote a great song for my record and he sings the chorus on it..."Anything for You". I co-wrote a couple of the songs with Jim Peterik... Kelly from NR drums on several songs (also Brian Tichy from Whitesnake drums) and Joel Hoekstra from NR plays most electrics and solos. Co-wrote the song Rock n roll Ride" with Will Evankovich from Shaw/Blades who also plays lots of acoustics, some guitars and sings backgrounds along with my son Colin, with whom I co-wrote "West Hollywood"... And of course the great Brad Gillis solos Focus on:
on "Say you Will" with Joel. Eric Levy from NR does keys. Q: Releasing a new solo effort came as a surprise to me, what with the new Night Ranger album and rumours of a Damn Yankees reunion… What is next for Jack Blades? A: Well like I said I like to keep busy so I'm getting my wish! Tommy and I are halfway thru a new Shaw / Blades record, NR shows and new music, my solo record... it's a Rock N Roll Ride for sure. Q: In the past you have recorded and written such inspiring songs… Where do you get your inspiration from? A: Thanks for the compliment...I just dig deep inside of myself and let it flow. Sometimes, its hard to explain, I feel like I just let go and let the higher power take over. I feel blessed. Q: A worldwide release with “Somewhere In California”, and now your new solo effort… You must be very happy with your arrangement with Frontiers Records…
A: Serafino, Mario and all at Frontiers are like family to me, we have such a great relationship... What can I say? And they LOVE the rock! Q: Please take a moment and look back over your career thus far, and let us in on some of your personal highlights… A: I think playing and recording with Ringo was one of my highlights, also singing and playing with Roger Daltrey... And writing songs with Alice Cooper and Joe and Steven from Aerosmith... Creating with my pal Neal Schon, then there's the Damn Yankkes, my NR brothers Kelly and Brad... Hard to say the favorites... I've been so lucky... Q: Thanks so much Jack for answering these few questions… ”Rock N’ Roll Ride”…a fantastic collection, and “Back In The Game”?... You certainly are!... Please leave us with some words of wisdom… A: Life is what you make it so go out there and get it done! CARPE DIEM!!!
J A C K B L A D E S - Rock N Roll Ride (Frontiers Records)
Mr. Blades must have had a jolt of lightning hit him in the writing department! Coming off a successful Night Ranger album, “Somewhere In California”… Jack hits us with his new solo effort: “Rock N’ Roll Ride”!! This time out, members of Night Ranger are among Jack’s musical friends that play and sing on this collection of up-tempo musical journeys. A collection of rockers and heart-felt ballads, and only the way Mr. Blades can deliver! An album worth its weight in platinum!! Jack stretches on this record… The result of which is nothing short of amazing! He has also collaborated with some of Rock’s elite, including Robin Zander of ‘Cheap Trick”. Jack Blades has delivered one rich, varied and exciting recorded work that shouts out that he is definitely “Back In The Game” and ready to take us all on a ‘Rock N’ Roll Ride” of a lifetime!!! Bruce Atkinson (91/100) MRF | 19
Artist. jeff scott soto album. damage control Interview with. j.s. soto interviewed by:. duncan jamieson
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JEFF SCOTT SOTO - Damage Control (Frontiers Records)
One of melodic rock’s top tier, Soto’s latest solo album is a corking set of muscular hard rockers and AOR tracks with glorious melt-in-the-mouth melodies. His last solo outing “Beautiful Mess” saw him indulge hs Prince/funk-rock side which split critics. This time, as if in response to that album, he delivers a very focussed rock-set. Songs “Give A Little More”, “Damage Control” and “Krazy World” will delight anyone who favours his heavier work with Talisman or Soul SirkUS. His voice keeps getting better as does his ear for a good melody, as evidenced on “Look Inside Your Heart”, “Bonafide” and especially the swoon-tastic “Die A Little” which are the kind of tunes that his “supergroup” W.E.T wooed the rock fratenity with a couple of years ago. Guest appearances from big hitters such as Treat’s Jamie Borger and Nalley Påhlsson, Joel Hoekstra from Nightranger and Y&T’s Dave Meniketti ensures that this is an all round classy affair that’s a safe bet for many people’s “Best of 2012 lists” come the year’s end. Duncan Jamieson (95/100)
Question: The New album “Damage Control” is a corker with a great balance of hard rockers and melodic AOR tracks. Was it a conscious decision, after the more eclectic “Beautiful Mess”, to make this one a more cohesive rocky affair? Answer: Absolutely! Most don’t realise I made BM under the pseudonym “JSS” the reason that I wanted to separate that sound from folks know me under my full name... Try to find that album on iTunes under Jeff Scott Soto, wont happen. I went for a fresh direction to open up a new fan base who knew nothing about me nor would ever buy my normal approach to my albums. But DC is a sort of montage of all my favourite moments within my career... It has elements of my 1st 2 solo albums I did for Frontiers Records as well as a little Talisman and Soul SirkUS thrown in for good measure. I certainly wanted to get rocking again! Q: You’re a busy man, you’ve always got a record or live work on the go. How did you find the time to record this album.What was the process for the writing and recording of “Damage Control”? A: Same as I always do, there are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for me to play with... Sleep is not as important as doing what I love to do so instead of planning holidays in between tours or recording, I gladly fill my days and hours with the life I am so humbly grateful to have, making music and making a living from that! The recording process was quite easy actually, I went to a short list of people I wanted to and knew would collaborate with me exactly what I was looking to do. I had too many ideas in the end that were scaled to 14 songs I was absolutely married to which all ended up on the Deluxe Edition of DC. Q: Part of being so busy means you’ve worked with some other great musicians along the way. What tricks about song writing have you picked up from the likes of Malmsteen, Axel Rudi Pell, Schon, Cain, Sall and Martensson along the way? A: I wouldn’t say I learned any tricks at all, if anything I contributed something to what they do that they wouldn’t have normally had with someone else... Most of the names you mentioned are people that created the basis of what I finished with them which means I didn’t necessarily bring things to the table 1st. With that, the only thing that comes of it is what I do to complete it rather than just doing what they might have given me as direction of what to do. Q: You’ve got some cool guests, adding a little of their own magic to the disc. How did you get Dave Meniketti (Y&T), Joel Hoekstra (Night Ranger), Casey Grillo (Kamelot) and the boys from Treat, Jamie Borger and Nalle Pahlsson involved?
A: These are all friends and colleagues of mine who I was happy to finally accept contributions from. The only 2 of those names who contributed songs in that list were Joel and Jamie, Joel came about when we basically followed on a drunken conversation of ‘we gotta do something together some day’. He called out of the blue asking if I were still interested in doing so and I told him “bring it on”. He’s a great writer as well as player, he has a long career ahead of him big time... Jamie is a given, we have so much history together through Talisman and even some songs we did together for my solo releases. Q: It’s difficult to pick out only a couple but I love “Give A Little More”, “Damage Control” and “Die a Little” (is that ad lib at the end a wink to Hall and Oates?). Which tracks do you think will find their way into your live set? A: Certainly those 3 and maybe some more uptempo ones, I have so many songs to choose from now even on a solo career standpoint but I do have a responsibility of playing some of the standards from my career so it will be tough to choose in the end. I guess its best to wait until I see how well the album is received because there is nothing worse than when a band goes on stage and plays 3/4 of their new album after it stiffed, haha! Q: You sound better than ever. How do you keep your voice in good condition? A: Ha, thanks... I just do my best to take care of my health, I work out just about every day for an hour, I could use a little more time in between to rest my voice but there is always so much going on that its difficult to actually have more than 2 weeks when I am not singing but I try. Otherwise its a very conscience decision to keep this voice working for many years to come. Q: You’ve recently been on tour with The Trans-Siberian Orchestra again. How did it go and what do you enjoy about being involved in that project? A: I’ve known the musical director, Al Pitrelli, for 20+ years, he brought up my name when the creator, Paul O’Neill, was looking to cast a spot for a lead character on the last TSO album Night Castle. It was that I fit the bill perfectly that led me to doing the past 4 Winter tours and 2 Spring tours with them. They are out currently on the 3rd Spring tour ever but I had to bow out this year as I had too much on my plate to follow up with Damage Control. At some point I had to give my own career the priority it deserves again but I am still very much a part of the TSO family. Q: Talking projects, when you got involved in the W.E.T project did you expect it to be as well received as it was? A: No one expected any more than we would sell a few thousand copies to each of the band members respective fans, it was quite surprising to say the least. It was the brain-
child of Serafino, president of Frontiers, to line the 3 of us up together for this album, he had a vision of what we could do together and he was right, it was a successful undertaking! Q: You’re following up that W.E.T record.On the debut Robert (Sall) and Eric (Martensson) wrote the material and you sang it. Will you have a bigger hand in the songwriting this time? A: I am hoping to contribute a little to it but as I am completely slammed on my own items, the writing and recording has already begun as we have a deadline to deliver the album before I get too busy. I may have a few tidbits here and there but overall the process will remain similar to the 1st album. Q: There’s certainly something special there. I saw your great set at the Firefest in 2011 and for many people W.E.T was one of the highlights of the whole weekend. What are your memories of that gig? A: We were all nervous really, but it was a positive nervousness. Having never jammed or done anything live together until 2 days before the show made it interesting but we knew all eyes and ears were pointed our way so we had to deliver. It was magical for all of us, I had a great time and I think the audience enjoyed watching the band’s historical debut. Q: There was an amusing moment during Steve Augeri’s set when you came out and handed him a guitar. Did you compare notes backstage about your time in Journey? How did you get on? A: Steve is a wonderful person and friend, I was watching his set from the side of the stage but he had no seen me there, I saw the tech was waiting for his cue to bring him the acoustic guitar so I took it from him and said “let me do it to surprise him”. We didn’t speak much backstage only at the after show hang... Regarding Journey talk, we have had more times and hangs in the past that but that subject is usually not within our conversations if you know what I mean. Q: It’s hard to believe that it’s over 5 years since you fronted Journey. With the distance of time how do you reflect on that period now? A: It is hard to believe really how much time has gone by already, I still have amazing memories of my time there but unfortunately I still have the same nightmares on how it ended. Anyway, onwards and upwards. Q: You’re always willing to turn your hand to something new. Any new projects on the horizon we should look out for? A: At the moment my hands are full between the new WET album, promoting DC, this summer tour I mentioned and TSO, I am literally booked with work until January 2013.
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Bruce Atkinson: Before we talk about the new record, let’s discuss, briefly, the history of Epica… You seem to have a great desire to create and record, to the point that the recording studio is your second home! Mark Jansen: I'm allergic to recording studio's actually ;-) But I found a way to enjoy the studio sessions. I am a kind of workaholic and in the past I thought that filling all hours of the day would make sense in the studio but nowadays I've learned to keep the balance. Sometimes work and sometimes time for a nice dinner with the guys. It's the age probably haha. But to answer your question, we love to create. Composing music is what I like most! It's a kind of magic. I don't know
how it feels to become a father of a baby. I have heard that it's pure magic, the moment that the baby comes out. Music is in a lesser extend comparable. When a beautiful melody is born it gives a magic feeling. BA: Continuing with your writing and recording, Epica are about to unleash another Master-stroke… Let’s talk about the new record: “Requiem For The Indifferent”… Did you change your routine in recording for this one? Coen Janssen: We basically had the same routine. We went to the gate studios again to work with the great team of Sascha Paeth in Wolfsburg, Germany. He is like the 7th bandmember and really knows how to lift the songs to a higher level. Also the other engineers are like brothers nowadays so it is really easy to work with them. Q: I love the title… What meaning is behind it? MJ: Requiem for the Indifferent is about the way western society has been developing. We have the impression we're the most developed with
our improvements and progress. But in fact we can all see that we have failed. We lost touch with nature and instead of a paradise we have created a dragon. We're on a dead end road. The indifferent are those who deny this. Even when things are so abvious, some keep denying the problem. Unfortunately most of them have high positions at companies or at least a lot of interest in them or in governments. So nothing (or not much will change). Eventually we need to make this change if we want or not because otherwise it's over anyway. In the western world we often look at indigenous people in a patronizing way, like they are "underdeveloped". I think we are the underdeveloped ones. In spite of all progress we booked for health care and other things we lost the most important thing. To know who we truly are. The indigenous people still remember who they are and were they come from. We must learn from them in order to make new steps forward. We all need each other now and there's no room for indifference any longer. BA: obviously you are also readying yourselves for another year of extensive touring… CJ: And it is going to be aweome! We created a whole new show with a lot of cool extra’s. We intend to make the live-experience better than ever. It already shows that people are interested since a lot of the shows are selling out at the moment.