The official Frontiers Music s.r.l. magazine Editor-in-chief: Elio Bordi Concept, Graphics & Design: Elio Bordi Writers: Bruce E.J. Atkinson, Duncan Jamieson, Barry McMinn, Vitale Nocerino, Rob “Ezy” Bone, Primo Bonali. 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/frontiersmusicsrl Twitter: twitter.com/FrontiersMusic1 Editor and publisher: Frontiers Records s.r.l. Copyright©2015 Frontiers Records. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Printed in Italy.
April 11th 3,00pm 35 min. Quando l'AOR si fa donna. Progetto creato dalla singer svedese Angelica Rylin (TheMurder Of My Sweet) in collaborazione con il batterista/produttore Daniel Flores, ANGELICA ha all'attivo un esplosivo debut-album, “Thrive”, uscito sul finire del 2013. Aiutata da alcuni tra i più prestigiosi songwriter della scena Melodic Rock internazionale, tra cui Harry Hess (Harem Scarem), Alessandro Del Vecchio ed Anders Wigelius (Wigelius), ed influenzata da singer come Robin Beck, Ann Wilson (Heart) e Leigh Matty (Romeo's Daughter), Angelica Rylin ha scritto ed interpretato 12 brani che sono già entrati di diritto nella storia del genere.Il “Frontiers Rock Festival” sarà un'occasione unica per apprezzarla al suo debutto live da solista! When AOR goes female. The exciting solo project created by Swedish singer Angelica Rylin (The Murder Of My Sweet) in collaboration with her bandmate and partner in crime, Daniel Flores, ANGELICA released an explosive debut-album, entitled “Thrive”, at the end of 2013. With the help of some Melodic Rock songwriting luminaries, such as Harry Hess (Harem Scarem), Alessandro Del Vecchio and Anders Wigelius (Wigelius), and influenced from her childhood heroes like Robin Beck, Ann Wilson of Heart and Leigh Matty of Romeo's Daughter, Angelica wrote and sang 12 incredible tracks on her debut album and part of those will be presented live for the very first time at “Frontiers Rock Festival”.
April 11th 3,50pm 45 min. Band fondata nel lontano 1977 dai fratelli Tino and Chris Troy, ed autentica icona della NWOBHM, i Praying Mantis hanno incrociato più volte la propria strada con i connazionali Iron Maiden, dividendo spesso stage e tour ed ospitando nelle proprie file dapprima il drummer Clive Burr, per un breve periodo, e successivamente anche il singer Paul Di Anno ed il guitarist Dennis Stratton. Tra alti e bassi, scioglimenti e ricomposizioni, la band inglese si è sempre distinta sui palchi d'Europa per la propria classe, i famosi incroci di chitarre e tastiere nonché le brillanti melodie. Con un nuovo album in uscita nel 2015, i Praying Mantis sono già “armed and ready” per uno show che presenterà alcune nuove composizioni alternate ai classici “cavalli di battaglia”.
Praying Mantis was founded back in 1977 by Spanish-Greek brothers Tino and Chris Troy and they're still considered as one of the best expressions of the “New Wave Of British Heavy Metal” phenomenon, even though they did not have much commercial fortune. They've been crossing their path, very often, with worldwide Heavy Metal stars Iron Maiden, sharing stages, tours and featuring in their line-up drummer Clive Burr, singer Paul Di'Anno and guitarist Dennis Stratton. The band had its highs and lows, through the years,withline-upchangesandlive-activitesbreaksuntilthesummerof2007 when a new incarnation of the band appeared at the “Bang Your Head” festival and later (summer 2008) at the "Headbanger's Open Air Festival“ and at the ”Bloodstock Festival" in UK. And now – with a new studio album soon available on the market – Praying Mantis are armed and ready to bring their British Melodic Metal to the masses. A truly welcomed return!
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April 11th 4,50pm 50 min.
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Unica tra le bands presenti alla prima edizione del “Frontiers
After having played the first edition of “Frontiers Rock
Rock Festival” a calcare nuovamente lo stage del “Live Club” di
Festival” and having received recognition and success by the
Trezzo, la band svedese è un concentrato di energia, melodia e
crowd there, Eclipse accepted our invitation for a second
classe, come il pubblico italiano ha già potuto ampiamente
time around, being actually the only band to play both edi-
constatare ed apprezzare.
tions.The Swedish band this time will present the songs from
Entusiasta di natura, disponibilissimo per carattere, ed un aut-
their brand new album “Armaggedonize”, which will be
entico genio nello studio di registrazione: Erik Mårtensson è
released in February 2015. This is really going to be a great
uno degli artisti più apprezzati dell'intero panorama Melodic
opportunity to dig in the new songs and enjoy another
Rock.
killer performance from the Swedish combo, which will also
Dopo lo show esplosivo del Maggio scorso, non potevamo
perform an exclusive acoustic set the night before the festi-
davvero esimerci dall'invitare lui e la sua band a regalare al
val for the VIP Ticket purchasers.
pubblico italiano un altro saggio del proprio credo musicale,
Once again it was a real pleasure to invite Erik Martensson
questa volta con qualche novità, vista l'imminente uscita del
and his great band to give the audience a truly deserved dose
loro nuovo albumche sarà disponibile a partire da Febbraio.
of powerful Hard Rock!
April 11th 6,00pm 60 min. Doug Aldrich non è stato solo Whitesnake o Dio.
Doug Aldrich does not just mean Whitesnake and Dio.
Parallelamente alla sua intensa attività con il “Serpente
This guitar-wizard extraordinaire formed Burning Rain in
Bianco”, il chitarrista ha, infatti, portato avanti negli anni,
1998, after meeting up with singer Keith St John (Montrose),
anche la sua band, i BURNING RAIN, fondata nel 1998 assieme al
and the pair – although extremely busy through the years
singer Keith St. John (Montrose). Con tre album all'attivo
with their main bands – found the time to record three superb
(l'omonimo debutto del 1999, “Pleasure To Burn” del 2000 ed il
albums: the self-titled debut in 1999, “Pleasure To Burn” in 2000
più recente "Epic Obsession”), ed un sound che rievoca il
and the latest "Epic Obsession”. Their sound recalls the big
grande Hard Rock degli '80s, con un accento Blues, grandi
Hard-Rock of the 80’s, powered by big hooks, a blistering gui-
guitar-riffs ed intensi cori, la band americana trova "on
tar-work (that has become a signature of Aldrich) and that
stage" la propria dimensione ideale; abituati alle grandi pla-
typical “Bluesy” groove. The boys have learnt a trick or two
tee mondiali con le proprie “main band”, Aldrich e St. John
from the various bands that they have been involved with,
hanno, infatti, imparato “sul campo” (attraverso centinaia di
and their real home is the stage, as you can experience by
live-shows) l'arte dell'entertainment e sanno come mettere
yourself catching them live at the "Frontiers Rock Festival".
in piedi un solido spettacolo.Visti molto raramente sui palchi
This will be the real first time for Burning Rain in Italy, so be
europei, i BURNING RAIN aggiungono al già ricco bill del
there and enjoy your well deserved dose of Classic Hard
Festival una imperdibile “prima volta” per l'Italia! BE THERE!!!
Rock!
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April 11th 7,20pm 60 min.
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Recentemente entrati a far parte del roster Frontiers, gli FM
With a new worldwide record deal signed with Frontiers
non potevano certo mancare all'appuntamento live con il
Records, FM could not miss the “Frontiers Rock Festival” event,
pubblico italiano, considerato il fatto che la band inglese
as this will be their first time ever in Italy!
non si è mai esibita finora nel nostro Paese.
Formed during 1984 in London, FM is still considered as one of
Attivi dal 1984 e principali alfieri del Melodic Rock di scuola
the best examples of British Melodic Rock/AOR; they have
britannica, gli FM hanno all'attivo alcuni tra i più importan-
released eight studio albums to date, with some of those (espe-
ti ed apprezzati album del genere, quali (tanto per per citare i
cially “Indiscreet” and “Tough It Out” but also the more bluesy-
due più famosi) “Indiscreet” e “Tough It Out”, oltre ad una rep-
oriented “Takin’ It To The Streets” and “Aphrodisiac”) who
utazione live costruita in quasi trent'anni di militanza sui
gained the reputation of true masterpieces of the genre. The
palchi europei.
live-reputation of the band is really high as well, as they
La loro raffinata miscela di melodie trascinanti, arrangia-
toured constantly for years and shared the stage with the
menti sopraffini e songwriting di gran classe non mancherà
big names of the Melodic Rock scene.
di coinvolgere il pubblico del “Frontiers Rock Festival”, in
Currently in the studio recording their next album planned
trepidante attesa di accordare il giusto tributo ai principali
for a May release, FM will bring their mix of class and melody
hits della band inglese, che verranno alternati a brani trat-
on the stage of “Live Club” and their catchy radio-friendly
ti dal nuovo album in uscita in primavera.
hits will take more than a fan “Closer to Heaven”!
April 11th 8,40pm 75 min.
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Certamente la migliore Melodic Rock band canadese uscita
Arguably Canadian finest Melodic Rock band to come out in
dall’alba degli anni 90 ad ora, gli HAREM SCAREM di Toronto
the early 90’s, Toronto based HAREM SCAREM are truly a legend
sono davvero una band che ha raggiunto lo status di
among the rockers, thanks to such releases as the Self-titled
leggenda tra gli appassionati grazie a dischi come l’omonimo
debut, “Mood Swings”, “Believe”,
debutto, “Mood Swings”, “Believe”,
“Weight of the World” and the very last “Thirteen”! Built
“Weight of the World” e l’ultimissimo “Thirteen”! Costruiti
around the talents of singer and songwriter Harry Hess and
intorno ai talenti del cantante ed autore Harry Hess e del
guitarist Pete Lesperance,
chitarrista Pete Lesperance, gli HAREM SCAREM sono recente-
HAREM SCAREM recently came back from a self-imposed 5 years
mente ritornati sulle scene dopo una pausa di 5 anni e sono
hiatus but they are stronger than ever. The line-up which will
più in forma che mai!
perform
La line-up che apparirà nel prossimo festival include anche il
drummer/singer Darren Smith who appeared in 2014 as singer
batterista/cantante Darren Smith che ha suonato con i RED
with RED DRAGON CARTEL.
DRAGON CARTEL nella edizione del 2014. Questa sarà una per-
This is going to be a storming performance – better you don’t
formance travolgente – farete meglio a non perderla!
miss it !
at
the
forthcoming
Festival
also
includes
eviews
R
TOTO “Toto XIV” (Frontiers Music s.r.l.) After a gap of nearly a decade, their album return is a triumph. The musicianship is stellar, the songs maddeningly catchy and varied plus there’s a maturity that makes this a glowing example of what aor is all about. There’s an old school side one and side two feel to the songs here. The first half is rockier (“Burn” aside). “Running Out Of Time”, “Holy War”, “Orphan” and ‘Unknown Soldier’, have Steve Lukather’s unmistakable, classy guitar tone but crucially also possess top drawer choruses. Joseph Williams is back in on vocals, lending the record obvious comparisons to the last Toto album he sang on “The Seventh One” back in 1988. Lukather, an on form David Paich and Steve Porcaro also have a shot at the microphone. The latter songs play to their lighter west coast strengths. “The Little Things” is softer than a puppy with a chorus that will get into your head, take out a mortgage and settle there. “Chinatown” is a jazzy number Paich unearthed from 1978 and given a makeover while “All The Tears That Shine” is an affecting heartbreak song. The final song “Great Expectations” is a prog rock masterclass. Expectations exceeded. (DJ 98/100)
KISKE / SOMERVILLE “City of Hope” (Frontiers Music s.r.l.) This, their second collaboration: “City Of Heroes” just cements the extraordinary vocal talents of Michael Kiske and Amanda Somerville. Enlisting the power-house musician / producer Mat Sinner just adds that little “extra” factor on this superb effort! No only do Kiske / Somerville team with Mat, but Mat and fellow band-mate, from Primal Fear, Magnus Karlsson offer up their collective song writing talents! “City Of Heroes” bring metallic rock and symphonic rivers together to create an immense and deep ocean of rolling and rollicking music & verse to distinctive music lovers the world over! Exploding with the title track, there is no “let-up”. We are surrounded by sonic peaks and rushing currents, wave after wave of aural delights! The siren like qualities of Amanda’s voice intertwine seamlessly with the more haunting style of Michael’s, the two are a perfect match. Both can climb to the higher registers, up lifting each musical creation. The guitars and keyboards are left to the magnificence of Magnus Karlsson, with Mat nailing down each number with his commanding bass work. And what is this!? Precise and powerful drums lay down the rock solid foundation courtesy of Veronika Lukesona. Although each and every song works well, such tracks as “Ocean Of Tears”, “Salvation”, and “Last Goodbye” hit upon that “special” something. Heart-pounding? Exciting? Amazing? Yes! “City Of Heroes” has it all and then some! (BA 94/100)
BLUES PILLS “Live” (Nuclear Blast)
“Live With the Curse”
Exploding straight out of the late 60’s-early 70’s, it seems these four young musicians were frozen in time! A fusion of rock-hard blues and soul, with a healthy dose of ‘grooved-out’ rhythms, Blues Pills take us on a heavy spaced musical trip like no other! This release captures the group in their most natural environment, live from the stage! A multi-national quartet, made up of FrenchAmerican and Swedish musicians, Blues Pills carry the torch of genuine Blues-rock with conviction. Comparisons have been made to Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin and the blues-master of the 1960’s. Fronted by the power of lead vocalist Elin Larsson-the group leads us down a musical soundscape that totally absorbs our musical souls! Joining Elin on this trek: Cory Berry, Zack Anderson and Dorian Sorriaux ensure that the heavy grooves, soaring guitars are ever present and pushing Elin’s lyrics and vocals to places seldom heard now-a-days! Blues Pills create music that transcend categories. Yes it is rooted in Blues and Rock, however the sound they create flows well beyond those borders. Their live performances are an experience, one that has the rare ability to let you forget about everything else going on, and just being enveloped by the sound pulsating from that stage. Unbelievable vocal performances, extraordinary guitar work, driving and grooved rhythms, Blues Pills are the real deal! And absolutely amazing on these fronts as well as their age, for such young people to be this advanced in the Rock & Blues sound is utterly mind-boggling! BA (90/100)
PETERIK / SCHERER “Risk Everything” (Frontiers Music s.r.l.) In the world of Melodic Rock the name of Jim Peterik is known to one and all, but a less familiar name is Marc Scherer. The whole Peterik – Scherer thing started when Scherer was laying down the vocals for his band Arc of Ages at the Burr Ridge studios in Chicago. Peterik was so impressed with what he heard, that he chose Marc to demo the tunes he wrote, which ended up on the last Pride of Lions album “Immortal”. Now the pair united for what is undoubtedly to be a firm favourite with fans of the genre the world over. From the opener and title track “Risk Everything”, it has Peterik written all over it. The soaring guitars and keys, a massive rhythm section, with the icing on the cake being the superb vocals of Scherer. The album is full of melodic masterpieces that will just ignite the senses as the 11 tracks of pure ear-candy continue with the wonderful “Chance Of A Lifetime”, the 80’s rock vibe of the storming “Cold Blooded” and the superb Styx influenced “Thee Crescendo”. If you’re into your ballads then check out “How Long Is A Moment”, which reminds me of Journey’s “Open Arms”. As each track unfolds, you are carried on a melodic magic carpet ride you just won’t want to get off. (BM 90/100)
(AFM Records)
AMERICAN MAFIA “Rock'n'Roll Hit Machine” (Grooveyard Records)
GRAFFITI “Obsession” (Steelheart Memories)
One of the live highlights of 2014 for me was Eden’s Curse’s show at Glasgow’s Classic Grand, which was recorded to be released as the band’s very first live album. The Curse army came from far and wide, with fans travelling from the four corners of the world to witness the band at their very best, as they took the night by the scruff of the neck and squeezed every bit of Rock out of it. Hitting upon the band’s four studio albums, all the fans favourites where delivered that night, with Mijic the driving force at the front, showing what a great frontman he is. He made the older songs his own and this can be heard with the likes of “Masquerade Ball”, “Just Like Judas” and “Trinity”. His interaction with the crowd really brought them into the mix and this is highlighted on the album with the inter-songs chats. The album is mixed and mastered by Dennis Ward who has done a sterling job in recreating the atmosphere of that night, as everyone at the show will no doubt agree when they get to listen to album. This two disc release is just jammed packed with 20 tracks and over 100 minutes of pure Eden’s Curse bliss. From the opener to the closer, the band were unstoppable and the album captures that fact. Definitely one of the best live albums I’ve heard in years. BM (96/100)
I'm pretty sure that someone over there remembers the US band Holy Water. With an album under their belt (“Collected Sessions”) and a new one in the working-stage, unfortunately lead singer David Knight suddenly committed suicide, basically writing the end of the band as we know it. Luckily for all of us melodic rockers, guitarist Tom Jude and bass player Freddy Villano decided to re-group and release an album under a different monicker. And here we are: American Mafia and its debut album "Rock'n'Roll Hit Machine". More “bluesy” and “traditional” Hard Rock than the AOR-ish material of Holy Water, this album is a great collection of songs played with passion, heart and a great musicianship. Besides the above-mentioned Jude and Villano, the Cd features Bobby Marks on drums and a long, impressive list of premiere Hard Rock singers, such as John West (Artension, Royal Hunt), Mike DiMeo (Riot, Masterplan), Ed Terry (Rondinelli), Jimmy Kunes, Don Chaffin and, of course, David Knight. Solid, groovy and catchy, these 12 songs are juicy candies for all the Bad Company, Foreigner and classicWhitesnake fans. PB (88/100)
Chapter number 10 in the “Lost UK Jewels” Series, and here we have a band that we've already met on the Volume 4 ("Rock The World!), the fantastic melodic rockers GRAFFITI. “Obsession” is the only full-length album that the band recorded during its almost 10 years-long career, it was released back in 1996 and it became now a rarity with very few copies surfacing sometimes on the net and being sold at insanely high prices. This longdue reissue includes a completely re-mastered sound from the original master-tapes, a nice unreleased bonus-track and the usual good artwork and package (16 pages booklet, featuring a brand new cover design). Talking about the musical content, this is great melodic Hard Rock, with a “feels-good” vibe always present on the 11 songs. The album starts with a pretty “strange” tune, the Led Zeppelin-inspired (“Kashmir”) title-track (great arrangements, anyway), while the 2nd track, “Body Language”, brings us to paths closer to the classic '80s US Hard Rock. “Good Old Bad Old Days” is 100% British Rock, and songs like “Automatic”, “Writing On The Wall” and “Love Nor Money” clearly show GRAFFITI'S love for their country-mates Little Angels. Ex Mama's Boys singer Rick Chase (also with Alibi, Double Cross and King's Call) is the star here, yet the whole band sounds tight, loud and proud. Don't miss it. BM (85/100)
EDEN’S CURSE
TORCH: The Music Remembers J. Jamison and F. Frederiksen (Frontiers Music s.r.l.) A very special and so touching tribute-album put together by Rock-legend, Jim Peterik (Survivor, Pride Of Lions, Ides Of March), “TORCH” has been conceived to pay a deserved homage to the memory of two authentic heroes of the Melodic Rock world: Dennis “Fergie” Frederiksen (Le Roux, Angel, Toto, Frederiksen/Phillips, Mecca and Frederiksen/Denander) and Jimi Jamison (Target, Cobra and Survivor), who tragically passed away last year. Released in a strictly Limited Edition of 500 copies, the album features 17 tracks for 75+ minutes of amazing, heartfelt music, and an impressive list of guest-musicians, such as Kelly Keagy (Night Ranger), Bill Champlin and Bruce Gaitsch (Chicago), Mike Reno (Loverboy), Bobby Kimball (Toto), Ricky Phillips (Styx) , David Pack (Ambrosia), as well as Tommy Denander, Alessandro Del Vecchio and the stunning, 5-octave tenor singer Marc Scherer. To be sold exclusively at the “Frontiers Rock Festival II”, “TORCH” contains 4 brand new songs, 6 rare, alternate or previously unreleased versions of existing songs (some never before heard in Europe), along with six classics distilled from Jimi and Fergie's most recent releases on the Frontiers label. Passionate and intensely personal, this CD collection speaks to the heart of anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one. Yet, “TORCH” resists the temptation to wallow in sadness, choosing instead to joyously celebrate two beautiful souls who made the world a better place through the transcendent, healing power of their heavenly music.(PB)
IMPELLITTERI “Venom” (Frontiers Music s.r.l.) So, does Gothic-Speed metal and Hard Rock combined, work? Well, with this grouping of musicians, Yes! Led by Chris Impellitteri on lead guitar-the band sets itself apart by having a unique but familiar sound, a task that is seldom fulfilled, but it is with “Venom”! “Impellitteri”-the band, is populated by the aforementioned Chris on lead guitar, the mad pounding of drummer Jon Dette, Rob Rock on vocals and James Pulli on bass. Together these dedicated citizens of “Impellitteri” rock hard and etch in some melodic currents to boot! Hair-raising ROCK! That is what “Venom” is, and when Rob breaks open that harmonious tone on the choruses, well, these gems just shine! Not only does Rob Rock possess a wide spectrum vocal wise, his other mates are equally blessed in their craft and skill. Together, the four create a collection of no nonsense razored Rock sensations. At times, “Impellitteri” re-write the book on Power Metal! From the opening track, each number is a self-contained potent rocker, yet when combined-the energy expelled is off the scale. Blistering guitar meets manic percussion and that rock hard rhythm keeps pushing outward. Good examples of-are: “Domino Theory”, and “Jehova”. “Venom” hits all the points-speed; metal; high energy and high scale musicianship, and all wrapped up in a hard rocking harmonious sound that is blazingly fast. (BA 92/100)
FM “Heroes and Villains” (Frontiers Music s.r.l.) The late spurt of creative energy that started with the band’s 2010 return “Metropolis” shows no signs of abating as one of Britain’s premier aor outfits deliver yet another awesome slab of timeless melodic rock. The overarching vibe of the record, despite a couple of social commentary lyrics on “Diggin' Up The Dirt” and “Big Brother”, is pure feel good music. ‘Life Is A Highway’ has the same exuberance that their debut from back in the day. This isn’t doing anything FM haven’t done before, but they do what they do with such élan, it’s impossible to resist. Songs like “The Shape I'm In”, “You’re The Best thing About Me” and “Some Days I Only Want To Rock &Roll” are so upbeat they draw you up from your seat and make you strut round the room, peacock chested. Jim Kirkpatrick’s fabulous guitar playing adds some blues rock fire while the rest of the band bring their A-game too. It’s all wrapped up in a huge production sound and you've got FM demonstrating despite their recent prolific streak there’s no drop in quality. Cohesive, pleasingly chock full of rockers rather than ballad heavy and with no duds in sight. (DJ 96/100)
DIRTY TRYX “Rough Ride” (Steelheart Memories)
WOLFPAKK “The Rise Of The Animal” (AFM Records)
THE 69 EYES “Best of Helsinki Vampires” (Nuclear Blast)
Yes, it has really been a rough ride for this band, coming out of Bolton, and put together back in 1986. After a successful demo (“Titz Mega” of 1988), DIRTY TRYX arrived to their debut, the double A-sided single, “Rough Ride / Waitin”, in late 1989, fully financed by a local records-shop, X-Records. Their mix of Classic Bluesy Hard Rock with catchy vocals and a dirty'n'sweaty attitude brought the band playing live thru the country and getting some good coverage from the UK press (“Raw Magazine”, “Metal Force” and “Kerrang” were often featuring the band in their column). Described as “exciting and energetic live” (“Metal Force” mag – Nov. 1989), DIRTY TRYX were able to play hard also in studio, as the following “Substitute For You” EP proves. With a style close to UFO and THUNDER, the band never achieved the deserved recognition and popularity and – after another demo – they decided to give up. Luckily this Cd shows the band at its top shape and brings back memories of those vibrant, glorious years... REB (90/100)
Michael Voss(Casanova and Mad Max) and Mark Sweeney (Crystal Ball) return with their third album of melodic metal, supported by a who's who of hard rock and metal. It's testament to this project that Don Dokken, Michael Kiske, Joe Lynn Turner, Doug Aldridge, Bernie Torme, Ted Poley, Axel Rudi Pell and many more agreed to add their talents. Voss and Sweeney are a good song writing pair and despite more people being involved than a small country it retains a singular band sound. It's well produced, the heavy guitars have bite and the rhythm section that packs some serious punch. It has, not surprisingly, a distinctly Germanic metal feel. They don't tamper too much with the formula that gave the first two albums their appeal. They do however throw in some different approaches within the genre confines to keep interest levels up. “Highlander” is a good case in point; it includes bagpipes and then a full instrumental jig! Elsewhere 'Sock It To Me', 'Rider Of The Storm' the title track and the catchy “Running Out Of Time” are the pack leaders with only the slightly silly 'Grizzly Man' and “Beyond Somewhere” being the runts of litter. Solid release. DJ (86/100)
The 69 Eyes are the multi-platinum Finns who originated as a Glam Rock band influenced by the likes of Motley Crue and Hanoi Rocks, but the band developed a more Gothic sound very reminiscent of The Mission and Sisters Of Mercy, with touches of Dark Rock and in the process, this is what has made the band stand out from the crowd. The band have come a long way since their inception back in 1989, with 10 studio albums under their belts the Nuclear Blast label is set to re-release 3 special edition albums “Paris Kills”, ‘Devils’ and ‘Angels on the 10th April, the label is also re-releasing the bands best of album “Best Of Helsinki Vampires”. This is 2 CD’s full of the bands radio hits that 28 tracks of pure Dark guitar fuelled Gothic Rock at is very best. If you missed it first time round and you don’t know what this band is all about, then this album is a must. The album covers the bands 25+ years with tracks like “Rosary Blue” featuring Kat Von D, the excellent “Lost Without Love”, the rocking “Dead Girls Are Easy”, the full on ripsnorting ‘Rocker’ and my personal favourite “Kiss Me Undead”. These are just a select few of bands finest tracks. If you fancy taking a step over to the Darkside, then what better way to get your teeth into the scene than with the “Best of Helsinki Vampires”. BM (86/100)
MAGIC KINGDOM “Savage Requiem” (AFM Records) Fourth album for the Power/Symphonic Speed Metal band MAGIC KINGDOM and another one definitely to-have for all the fans of the genre. Belgian extraordinaire guitarist Dushan Petrossi (also main composer for IRON MASK) is the mastermind behind this band, and his style (a la Yngwie Malmsteen / Michael Romeo) gives any song here this typical neo-classical and majestic feel, combined with the huge power of a solid drumming and the melodic yet “ballsy” vocals, courtesy of new singer Christian Palin (ex- Adagio), who replaced Olaf Hayer (Symphonity, Dionysus, Luca Turilli). Epic and powerful, heavy and catchy, “Savage Requiem” offers a nice variety in the songwriting department, going from double-bass fast tracks like the Helloween-influenced “Guardian Angels” or my personal fave “Ship Of Ghosts” to songs like “Full Moon Sacrifice” (with awesome orchestral arrangements) or the epic title-track, passing thru the heavy assault of “Rivals Forever” and the 7-minutes long “Four Demon Kings Of Shadowland” (who reminds me early Rhapsody). A very good effort for a band that already entered the Power Metal olympus. PB (87/100)
April 11th 10,20pm 90 min. Con una carriera di oltre 30 anni alle spalle e più di 60
Joe Lynn Turner’s career (more than 60 album released in
album pubblicati, Joe Lynn Turner è una delle più incredi-
30 years) had an huge number of highlights. From his
bili, emozionanti e singolari voci dell'Hard Rock. Le sue
early days with Fandango to the Rainbow success (with
collaborazioni più note rimangono quelle con i Rainbow
hits like “Stone Cold”, "I Surrender,“ ”Spotlight Kid", “Stone
(con cui arrivò ai vertici delle classifiche internazionali,
Cold” and "Can't Happen Here") and later on with Yngwie
ed il successo di hits come “Stone Cold”, "I Surrender,“ e
Malmsteen (“Odyssey” era – circa 1988), Deep Purple (“Slaves
”Can't Happen Here" ne è ancora oggi la prova più lampante)
and Masters” of 1990) and his solo career, the New Jersey-
, Yngwie Malmsteen (nel 1988) e successivamente, con i Deep
born singer has covered a wide number of musical styles
Purple (“Slaves and Masters”, del 1990). Terminate queste
with his inimitable voice. Certainly he left an indelible
esaltanti esperienze, JLT si è reso protagonista di una sen-
mark in the hearts and minds of Melodic Rock fans when,
sazionale carriera solista, che lo ha portato a realizzare
in 1985, after the break-up of Rainbow, Turner released his
album a suo nome nonché a collaborare con molti grandi
first solo album entitled “Rescue You”. Same story, years
nomi della scena mondiale, come Billy Joel, Cher, Michael
later, when he decided to start the Sunstorm project,
Bolton, Mick Jones (Foreigner) e John Waite (The Babys, Bad
with the idea of digging some old gems and to create an
English), ed a suonare concerti e Festival in ogni parte del
ultimate Joe Lynn Turner Melodic Rock/AOR album, that
mondo. Dopo il successo dello studio-project SUNSTORM,
brought to the release of three real masterpieces.
Joe è tornato con la sua nuova band, chiamata RATED X
Turner’s latest musical project is called Rated X: a con-
(insieme al drummer Carmine Appice, al bassista Tony
temporary Hard Rock band of highest-caliber musicians
Franklin, al chitarrista Karl Cochran, con la produzione
comprising of drummer Carmine Appice, bassist Tony
di Alessandro Del Vecchio) che lo vede ricalcare le clas-
Franklin and guitarist Karl Cochran, with production
siche sonorità Hard-Rock degli esordi, con un esplosivo
under the expert hands of Alessandro Del Vecchio. This
debut-album. Concerto imperdibile e di certo ricco di
will be a show destined to make any Melodic Rock fan
richiami alla storia dell'Hard Rock.
proud and happy!
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April 12th 3,00pm 35 min. Nigel Bailey ha già avuto il piacere di conoscere il pubblico del "Frontiers Rock Festival", avendo deliziato la platea del "Live Club" con i suoi THREE LIONS ed il suo Hard-Rock di tipica scuola britannica. Impegnato ora con il debutto del suo progetto solista "Long Way Down", Bailey presenterà dal vivo molti tra i brani presenti sull'album (oltre a qualche sorpresa), supportato on stage da una line-up rigorosamente
anglosassone.
Qui non ci si può sbagliare, il classico British Hard-Rock sound ha trovato un nuovo cantore, per la gioia dei tanti appassionati del genere. Il modo migliore per cominciare una lunga giornata di
BAILEY is the new solo project masterminded by THREE LIONS frontman Nigel Bailey, who already appeared in front of the “Frontiers Rock Festival” crowd, during the first edition. With some similarities to THREE LIONS in terms of influences, BAILEY is slightly heavier and more varied in its musical approach, whilst still maintaining the edge and the trademark melodies of Classic British Hard-Rock tradition. Bailey will perform songs off his debut album “Long Way Down” plus some surprises. The best way to start an incredible day full of great ROCK MUSIC!
April 12th 3,50pm 45 min. Inghilterra sugli scudi anche per quanto attiene alla sec-
Second band on the bill of “day 2” and it's England
onda band del "day 2". I VEGA sono, infatti, tra i principali
again! Just back with their third studio album “Stereo
protagonisti della nuova UK Melodic Rock wave, ed il loro
Messiah", VEGA are proud to be recognized among the
terzo album, l’entusiasmante "Stereo Messiah", ne è una
main artists of the new British Melodic Rock wave. Their
prova evidente. Aiutati niente meno che da Joe Elliott (frontman dei DEF LEPPARD, per chi avesse vissuto sulla Luna fino ad oggi), che ha regalato alla band inglese una song (“10 X Bigger than Love”) tratta dal repertorio del "Leopardo Sordo", nonché ha duettato sulla stessa con il
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new record features 12 brilliant songs and it includes also Def Leppard singer Joe Elliott, who gave the band a song (entitled “10 X Bigger than Love”) off the Lep's archives. Joe also appears dueting with singer Nick
singer Nick Workman, i VEGA sono pronti a coinvolgere il
Workman on the song itself.VEGA will be playing in
pubblico del "Frontiers Rock Festival" con i loro hook vin-
Italy for the first time and they can't wait to let the
centi ed i molti anthem da cantare in coro.
fans sing their anthems.
April 12th 4,50pm 50 min. I DANGER DANGER sono stati indubbiamente tra i protagonisti
No doubts, DANGER DANGER really stormed “Live
della prima edizione del "Frontiers Rock Festival", grazie ad
Club” down during the first edition of “Frontiers
uno show adrenalinico, potente e di grande impatto, che ha letteralmente travolto il folto pubblico accorso presso il "Live
Club".
Rock Festival”, with an awesome live-show that left the crowd begging for more.
Autrice di hits che hanno scritto la storia del Melodic Rock a
And more And more Definitely one of the most
stelle e strisce, la band del New Jersey ha sempre avuto nel pro-
charismatic and brilliant singers of the whole US
prio singer, l'esuberante Ted Poley, un perfetto entertainer
Melodic Rock scene, Ted Poley puts his trademark
nonché la voce ideale per esaltarne le preziose melodie ed i
on any Danger Danger song.
sapienti arrangiamenti. Autore di una brillante carriera solista, parallela alla main
With a new solo-album planned for release in the Spring/Summer 2015, POLEY will return to Italy to
band, e con un solo-album in uscita nel 2015, Ted Poley si presen-
entertain once again all his numerous fans and to
terà nuovamente al cospetto del pubblico italiano in una
remind anybody how BIG Danger Danger hits still
nuova veste, ma con la stessa carica ed entusiasmo della prima
sound nowadays. Let's join the party!
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April 12th 6,00pm 60 min. Autentiche icone dell'Hard Rock made in Germany, i PINK
Prime movers of the German Hard-Rock scene (the band
CREAM 69 non hanno probabilmente ottenuto il successo
was founded in 1987), Pink Cream 69 probably never got
che avrebbero di fatto meritato, sia per i numerosi cambi di
the attention they deserved, due to some line-up
line-up, sia per l'incostante attività live che, se da un lato,
changes (singer Andi Deris left the band, in 1994, to join
li ha visti attivi protagonisti, sul finire degli anni '80 ed
Helloween and to pursue a solo career) and an irregu-
inizio '90 al fianco di band come Europe, White Lion e
lar live-activity. In fact, while the band shared the
Bonfire, dall'altro li ha visti poco presenti negli ultimi
stage – during late 80s/early 90s – with big names such
tempi sui palchi europei.
as Europe, White Lion and Bonfire, lately they are
Il "Frontiers Rock Festival" li riporterà nuovamente all'at-
missed a bit from the European live scene. “Frontiers
tenzione dei fans e sarà un'occasione da non perdere per
Rock Festival” will bring PC69 back to the Italian
godere lo spettacolo di una band di grande esperienza.
stages to delight their fans and to entertain whoever
Con un potente CD come il recente "Ceremonial" all'attivo,
doesn't yet know their music. With a strong release like
senza dimenticare i precedenti dieci studio-album, i PINK
the critically praised “Ceremonial” and 10 more studio-
CREAM 69 hanno un validissimo ed ampio archivio da cui
albums below their belt, Pink Cream 69 are ready to
attingere per dare vita ad un concerto memorabile.
rock Italy!
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April 12th 7,20pm 60 min. Gli americani House of Lords debuttarono nel 1989 con la release dell'omonimo album, un disco che ancora oggi è considerato come una delle migliori release di Arena-Rock degli anni ’80. Grazie ad un suono fieramente magniloquente, alla spettacolare voce di James Christian ed alle indubbie capacità strumentali della band (che includeva l’ex tastierista degli Angel, Gregg Giuffria, insieme ad autentici funamboli dello strumento, come Lanny Cordola, Chuck Wright e Ken Mary) il gruppo è stato, fin dal principio, accostato ai maestri del genere, come Whitesnake, Deep Purple e Van Halen. Dopo due dischi di buon successo (“Sahara” e “Demon’s Down”), la band optò per un abbandono temporaneo delle scene, fino al 2000, quando gli House of Lords tornarono sul mercato in line-up originale con il controverso “The Power & The Myth”, un disco che mostrava sonorità più progressive e vicine al sound anni ‘70. James Christian decise, a quel punto, di tornare alle classiche sonorità Arena-Rock degli esordi, mettendo insieme una nuova line-up, con la benedizione del fondatore Gregg Giuffria. I nuovi membri (Jimi Bell alla chitarra, B.J. Zampa alla batteria e Chris McCarville al basso) hanno contribuito in maniera determinante al successo del quinto album “World Upside Down”, che – grazie ad un suono più potente per quanto sempre iper-melodico, ha riscosso successo ed entusiasmo tra gli appassionati delle più classiche sonorità Hard Rock e Melodic Rock. A seguire altri tre validissimi lavori quai “Come to My Kingdom” del 2008, “Cartesian Dreams” del 2009 e “Big Money” del 2011, nonché vari tour in Europa e negli USA, che hanno portato gli House Of Lords a suonare centinaia di concerti e ad incontrare i propri fans, sparsi nel mondo. L’ultimo album, il recentissimo “Precious Metal”, ha cementato nuovamente le sorprendenti capacità di questa band dal talento non comune. Considerato il particolare legame che lega la band al pubblico italiano, aspettiamoci un set esplosivo, tra classici dei primi album e hits più recenti. Sicuri che gli House of Lords non tradiranno le attese.
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House of Lords debuted in 1989 with the release of their self-titled album, a record which is still regarded as one of the best Arena Rock releases of the 80’s. The colossal sound, the soaring vocals of James Christian and instrumental capabilities of the band (which featured ex-Angel and Giuffria keyboardist, Gregg Giuffria, along with luminaries Lanny Cordola, Chuck Wright and Ken Mary), were reminiscent of such frontrunners as Whitesnake, Deep Purple and Van Halen. Two more successful albums followed up (“Sahara” and “Demon’s Down”) before the band went into hibernation until the original lineup came back together in 2000, releasing the controversial “Power and the Myth”, an album which featured a sound leaning more towards Progressive Hard Rock with 70’s rock influences. James Christian however decided he wanted to go back to the trademark Arena Rock sound of House Of Lords, putting together a new line-up with the blessing of founding member Gregg Giuffria. New members Jimi Bell on guitars, B.J. Zampa on drums and Chris McCarville on bass supplied a true powerhouse sound to the fifth studio album “World Upside Down”, a record which caused a real stir in the Hard Rock and Melodic Rock scene and was followed up by the equally impressive “Come to My Kingdom” in 2008, "Cartesian Dreams" in 2009 and "Big Money" in 2011. The band also toured relentlessly in Europe and the States in support of their releases and have now become a true staple of the Hard Rock crowd among the two continents ! Their latest album “Precious Metal” cemented once again the amazing abilities of this super talented band. Look out for a set which will include a combination of the classic tracks from the early albums and the newer songs from the most recent incarnation. .
April 12th 8,45pm 75 min. I LYNCH MOB sono la band fondata, dopo lo scioglimento dei Dokken nel 1989, dal chitarrista George Lynch, uno tra i più dotati axemen della scena Heavy Metal/Hard Rock di Los Angeles. Il debut-album, “Wicked Sensation” pubblicato nell'ottobre 1990, riuscì a vendere oltre mezzo milione di copie e fu bissato dal successivo album omonimo del 1992. L'esplosione del fenomeno Grunge relegò le Metal-bands di Los Angeles in un angolo e Lynch ritornò prima nei Dokken per poi dedicarsi a diversi altri progetti musicali, fino alla reunion dei LYNCH MOB del 2009 che si è concretizzata nell'album "Smoke & Mirrors" e che ha visto anche il ritorno del singer originale, Oni Logan. Quella di Lynch & Co. sarà una tra le performance più attese, considerato il grande seguito che Lynch si è costruito negli anni nel nostro paese e nel mondo; e non mancheranno di certo i grandi “classici” del repertorio LYNCH MOB e Dokken!
With a career that spans over 30 years, George Lynch is one of the most influential guitarists in Rock music. In the 1980's, Lynch's guitar playing and songwriting catapulted the band Dokken into a highly successful, muti-platinum act. His work with Dokken solidified Lynch as a full-blown guitar hero, earning a Grammy nomination in 1989 for best instrumental. After recording and touring relentlessly through much of the decade, Lynch left Dokken in 1989 to form Lynch Mob. Their incredible debut-album, “Wicked Sensation” (released in October 1990) sold more than half million copies and the follow-up (of 1992) went gold as well. With the surfacing of the Grunge wave, things suddenly changed and Lynch Mob split up. After seventeen long years Oni Logan and George Lynch got back together and they found again an incredible chemistry that brought them to write some killer new songs, as their last opus, "Smoke & Mirrors", fully proves. George Lynch's virtuoso guitar playing will shine as always on the “Frontiers Rock Festival” stage. And a whole generation of guitarists and fans will be left with their mouths open.
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April 12th 10,30pm 90 min. Non tragga in inganno il nome: fondati nel 2003, gli americani PRIDE OF LIONS raccolgono a piene mani l'eredità di una band storica del Rock USA: i Survivor. Dietro questo monicker si cela infatti Jim Peterik, co-autore dei brani e vera anima del gruppo di “Eye Of The Tiger” (Rocky III) e “Burning Heart” (Rocky IV), il quale – abbandonata la band che lo ha portato al successo planetario – ha messo in piedi questa nuova creatura musicale, con l'intento di perpetuare la classica tradizione Melodic Rock a stelle e strisce. I 4 album che la band ha realizzato in questi anni hanno confermato l'identità ed il valore della proposta. Con un cantante incredibilmente dotato, Toby Hitchcock, a dare voce al proprio songwriting ed una line-up composta da musicisti di valore, i PRIDE OF LIONS propongono dal vivo un repertorio davvero eccitante, proponendo in sequenza hits dei Survivor alternati a travolgenti brani nuovi. Lo show al prossimo Frontiers Rock Festival si preannuncia emozionante ed unico, visto che sarà dedicato ai recentemente scomparsi Jimi Jamison (singer dei Survivor) e Fergie Fredriksen (singer dei Toto e grande amico e collaboratore di Peterik), che verranno di certo tributati nella maniera più consona con una selezione di brani davvero speciale.
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Jim Peterik has been one of the key-figures on the Rock scene in the 70s and 80s, forming The Ides Of March, and then one of the most influential bands in Rock, Survivor. He co-wrote such hits as “I Can’t Hold Back, “The Search Is Over”, “Burning Heart, and of course the multi-platinum, Grammy-winning theme from Rocky III, “Eye Of The Tiger”, before leaving the band in the early 90's. Pride Of Lions is Peterik's vision of the best elements of the great Melodic Rock era of the 80’s, updated with some more modern elements. And the four studio-albums he released with Pride Of Lions are exactly what all Melodic Rock fans were expecting from this genius. With a powerful vocalist as Toby Hitchcock and some amazing musicians backing-up, Pride Of Lions on stage are epic, majestic and exciting. The show that the band will play at the “Frontiers Rock Festival” will be VERY SPECIAL. To say it better, it will be an UNIQUE SHOW dedicated to the memory of Jim's beloved friends and timeless voices of Rock: Jimi Jamison of Survivor and Fergie Fredriksen (of Toto/Le Roux), both recently passed away and deeply missed. It will definitely be a night to remember with several surprises !