CONTENTS 04_DGM 06_Trick or Treat 07_Palace 08_Twilight Force 09_Crazy Lixx 10_Circa / Q5 12_Reviews 15_Vivaldi Metal Project 16_Dare 17_Kissin’ Dynamite 18_King Kompany 20_Tesla 22_Cruzh Melodic Rock Fanzine The official Frontiers Music s.r.l. magazine Year #12 - Nr. 4 / Issue #75 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©2016 Frontiers Records. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Printed in Italy.
Band: DGM
Interview with: Simone Mularoni
Interview by: Duncan Jamieson
Question: The new record sounds immense. There’s some impressive musicianship on the record. How do you come up with the material. Do you compose first or does it evolve out of jams? Answer: Thank you for the appreciation! Speaking about the material, usually I compose most of the songs alone. Then together with Marco and the other guys in the band we search for the best melody for the tunes and possible extra-arrangements. We like this type of process because we can re-listen to all the songs in demo-mode over and over for months and in this way we can tell if a song will get boring after lots of repetitions! We believe selfcriticism is the only way to give 100% every time. So none of our song was ever born from a live jam, especially because we're living really far away from each other and it's not that easy to catch up and rehearse in the same room! By the way, not everything is coming from me alone. Marco is always bringing some ballads every time we start an album and he's top notch in this area. Being able to play both piano and guitars, it's very easy for him to communicate and to exchange with me song ideas and arrangements. For example in the last record he almost totally wrote “In Sorrow”, the acoustic one and “Disguise” together with Emanuele. I think it's great when every member of a band can give his personal “touch” to a new composition, since it's quite difficult to be completely objective when it's time to judge or finish a tune all by myself! Q: There’s a concept to the record, that’s musical rather than lyrical. Can you explain that further? A: Sure. When we started to plan this record we thought it could have been awesome to write a “classic” concept album, with a story, different characters interplay and so on. But after thinking about a few different topics we realized that this was not the right moment for us, we hadn't the right idea. We'll do that only if we'll find a truly “winning” and inspiring story! You know, the standards in this sense are very high... Think about Operation Mindcrime, Shadow Gallery's “Tyranny”, majestic albums and great lyrics! So we started to write songs in the usual way, not thinking about a main theme, but after 45 of them I realized that every time I picked up the guitar the same 9 notes were coming back over and over but in different styles, different keys, different time signatures. I realized that this was not due to lack of ideas because I could write an heavy riff, a really melodic thing, or come up with a drum pattern and every time this melody suited perfectly the arrangement and matched at least once in every song. So we tried to incorporate this melody (you can listen to it in the very beginning of the record for example) in every song! Sometimes you'll hear it clearly, sometimes they'll be hidden under guitar solos or under some vocals lines, but this gives to the
listener a sort of “musical journey” throughout the whole record. Since “The Passage” is pretty varied, having melodic mid tempos, fast songs, heavy ones, proggy tunes, we believe this main musical theme will help the listener to “feel” the atmosphere of the album. We strongly think that everyone should listen to the album from start to finish, considering it as a whole thing, instead of a bunch of different songs put together. This time we didn't try to write “hit” songs or things like that, but we just followed our inspiration and let the music flows. Q: What inspires your lyrics? A: Every time is different. Mainly we try to focus on various aspects of everyday's life and all the struggles that we've been through. So you can have love topics, you can have suffering, you can have loss, you can have fears. We've never been a “fantasy” band or trends followers so we like to speak about the things that happen for real, of course trying to avoid specific facts or people! “The Secret” (both part 1 & 2) for example is about the struggles that probably everyone had once at least in our life in relationships, “Animal” tries to examine the inner animalside that we have: sometimes even the most peaceful guy can turn to a “beast” if something trigger him in the right/wrong way! Of course we always take care about the “mood” of the song, so you won't have an happy topic in the darkest songs like for example “Fallen” or “Dogma”, since lyrics should help the listener to assimilate the music in the best way possible. Another important thing for us is to keep lyrics “abstract” without referring to the “real world” so every person who listens to our songs can imagine his own situation and adapt our words to his state of mind. Q: DGM is proper prog metal band in the sense that your band and sound are always moving forward but did you ever consider a name change when all the originals members whose initials make up the band name left? A: We thought about that right after I joined the band back in 2005, mainly because the main composer of the band (Diego Reali) left the band to do his own thing. But still, Fabio and Andrea were in the band since many years and the original members left right after the first album, so we thought that we could bring on the legacy of the band, creating a new direction with new sound/songs but keeping the sense of the band intact. We believe that DGM resurrected with this new lineup and you can see from our history that this has been the most stable ever since the beginning of the band. It was also easier for me, as a main new composer, to maintain a sort of melodic way of conceiving music with DGM, being firstly a fan of the previous albums of the band. Nowadays we mainly focus on playing new stuff during gigs since we think we have a more updated sound that
after 4 records we did with this line up has become the “DGM's sound”. As a Deep Purple fan, you could see this as the “mark II” of the band, hoping this will bring the same fame and fortune that they had in the past! In addition to this, I think that our definition of “progressive” band is different from the usual that most of the people believe. Most of the time people refers to progressive music thinking about complexity, intricate arrangements, virtuosity, not-so-melodic stuff. Our definition of progressive is wider. We surely love to play challenging parts from time to time, but mainly we like to focus on “songs”. We want people to remember every chorus we write, remember the solos for being melodic, remember the albums for being timeless. That's our main goal, and in this, old DGM and new DGM are the same. Progressive means combining different styles together while writing great songs without thinking to a “genre” limitation or label. Q: What prompted your move to Frontiers? A: We've been following Frontiers Records almost since the beginning. Everyone in the bands is completely in love with rock/hardrock especially the one from the eighties! We've been listening to Journey, Whitesnake, Toto, Extreme, Mr. Big since the beginning of our musical life and we keep listen to them in every van trip, flights, etc so we were completely blown away when Frontiers asked us to join their roster! We always tried to incorporate AOR and rock elements in our heavier stuff, because in the end, what we always cared about is melody and great vocal lines!! We were also searching for new reasons to improve our band and our status, since this business is getting harder and harder every year. We thought Frontiers could give us bigger visibility, bigger promotion and strong foundations on which we can build the new direction of the band. We felt instantly part of a big family and business-wise, Frontiers is top-notch, caring about every aspect of the release, from graphics to promotion, but most important: they love music as we do!!! We sure hope this relationship will last for many, many years and by our side, we'll put 100% heart and sould on every song, album, concert. Q: You’ve headlined in Japan and China. How was that? A: Just one word: Incredible! Honestly speaking we did not know what to expect once arrived there. We had heard so many stories from bands of friend who had already played in the East but to see those things directly with our eyes was mind-blowing. In China this kind of music is not that big so it's quite difficult to create a following over there, but that night in Beijing was magical! Japan was the opposite! It's been unbelievable to see packed clubs of loyal fans who followed the band since its beginning. Every one of the three nights was crazy! We'll come back! MRF | 5
Artist: Trick or Treat
Questions: Why did you decide to take Richards Adams Watership Down as the inspiration for the albums? Answer: Because we watched the animation movie when we were children and then read the book. It really shocked us. We found the story so epic, full of action and really similar to the world’s situation nowadays. Villains never go out of fashion! Q: Part 1 was released in 2012, so how long after the first album did you start work on the second part of the concept? A: We started to compose some of the new material 2 years ago, but some riffs or vocal melodies were written when we composed the first part of the story, (5/6 years ago) so we decided to split the story in two albums. Q: The album features Tim Ripper Owens, did you compose the songs especially for his voice, or did you approach him after the songs were written? A: I wrote “They Must Die” thinking to be sang by a guest. For me Tim was the perfect voice for that song. When we asked him to sing the tune he said “yes”, so one of my dreams came true. I’m a huge fan of Judas Priest and I always loved Tim’s work with his powerful voice, so he did exactly what 6 | MRF
Interview with: Guido Benedetti
was in my mind. For me it’s amazing. Q: Another guest vocal is Tony Kakko (Sonata Arctica), so how did he get involved with the album? A: We met Tony 2 years ago when we did an european tour with Sonata Arctica. After some gigs we became friends. He was really interested about our works, expecially “Rabbits’Hill Pt.1”, so we asked him to join the saga to bring his unique voice into the new album. He accepted and really understood the mood of the song. So proud about that! Q: We might as well ask about the female vocals on the album, Sara Squadrani is relatively unknown, how did she become involved in the album? A: She’s our long time friend. We had some gig together with her band (Ancient Bard) and we think she has an awesome voice, one of the best female singer in power metal and so kindly person too. So she joined and we are glad to have her voice on our album. I think she has a great carrer in front of her. Q: When you already have a story to follow, did this make album process easier, or did this bring its own problems? A: It depends, sometimes it’s easier, some-
Interview by: Barry McMinn
times is not. The real problem is that you have to write a song with the right atmospheres, to really enter the mood of the story, or of the chapter you are portraying. But you know, some day you can find your way easily, but sometimes it’s harder. Q: You take a different approach to the music on the ‘Rabbit Hill’ albums then what you did with ‘Tin Solders’? A: Yes we did. In “Tin Soldiers” we wrote one song at the time, not thinking to link them, so the workflow was easy. But in reality some of the songs are connected together. And that’s the main difference about the two albums. Q: The band has some festivals lined up for the summer, but are there any plans for a full Trick or Treat tour in the near future? A: Yes, I think something it’s moving right now, we are working on it, and of course we’ll let everyone know about that soon! Q: Where would you like to see Trick or Treat go from here? A: Far away! We hope people listen to our records and come to see our live shows. We love to play our music, we have fun and we hope to make many albums in the future… Why not?
Band: Palace
Question: Your debut is a terrific slice of 80s inspired AOR. What first turned you on to this kind of music? Answer: As a kid, way before I even considered playing an instrument or making music; I watched a ton of 80s action flicks like Rocky, Rambo, Beverly Hills Cop, Commando, Top Gun, Bloodsport etc.. All of those movies have really great soundtracks with plenty of AOR tracks in them and that’s how I got exposed to the genre very early on. I’m too young to have experienced the 80s music and culture first hand, but I sort of did - virtually through the video game ”Grand Theft Auto: Vice City”. Set in Miami as seen in the Al Pacino movie Scarface, the game perfectly depicts 80s culture and possesses one of the greatest soundtracks ever. From Hall & Oates to Anthrax and everything in between. Spending countless hours hi-jacking cars and taking down drug lords to the ultimate 80s soundtrack is ultimately what programmed AOR into my system. Q: What classic aor bands and modern aor bands would you cite as influences? A: Some of my favorite bands and artists are Chicago, Toto, Journey Earth Wind & Fire, Gotthard, Symphony X, FM, Kansas, Winger, Europe, Hall & Oates, Michael Jackson, Harem Scarem, Kenny Loggins, Michael Bolton, Dynazty, State Of Salazar, Styx, Whitesnake, Judas Priest, H.E.A.T, Talisman and Spandau Ballet just to name a few. I mainly listen to music for the songwriting, so the genre is completely irrelevant. If it’s a good song, it’s a good song. That is why the Swedish producer and song-
Interview with: Mike Palace
writer Max Martin is my biggest idol and I’m constantly inspired by his journey and achievements. Q: You recently worked as guitarist on the First Signal record. How was collaborating with Harry Hess and Daniel Flores? A: Working as a guitarist on the First Signal record was the first time I worked with Daniel Flores. I was a little nervous at first since Harry Hess has always been a huge idol of mine and Daniel - a producer and musician with quite an impressive discography, and I really wanted to excel and prove myself worthy of the job. The energy in the studio was great though, and after recording guitars on a couple of songs all the nervousness was gone and I was simply having fun getting to know Daniel and recording some kick ass songs. I just got my copy of the new First Signal album and still can’t comprehend that I’m a part of it, playing guitar with one of the greatest singers in rock. Q: I can imagine you working with Frontiers in a similar capacity to the way Alex Del Vecchio or Erik Mårtensson have in recent years, as a writer, musician and producer. A: My main goal as a musician is to become an accomplished songwriter and producer, much like Del Vecchio and Mårtensson but I also want to expand further into different genres and aim for the Billboard charts like my idol Max Martin. I do love performing music live though, and I will continue to do so for as long as I can. Q: You've been working with the singers
Interview by: Duncan Jamieson
Jakob Samuel of The Poodles, Toby Hitchcock of Pride Of Lions and Goran Edman recently. Can you tell us more? A: After my debut Frontiers guitar performance on the First Signal album, I got three more gigs as a guitar player. One that I am super excited for is a new album with the amazing singer Göran Edman entitled Cry Of Dawn produced by Daniel Flores. Edman has been a huge influence to my singing style and besides playing guitar on the album, I wrote six of the tracks. Also produced by Daniel Flores is an upcoming album with Toby Hitchock. Toby is one of the most amazing vocalists you’ll hear with a massive range and a really sweet tone. I got to play guitar on the album and got to hear two of my own songs sung by this amazing singer! I’m currently working on a really exciting new project called Kryptonite with Jakob Samuel, Pontus Egberg, Robban Bäck, and Alessandro Del Vecchio producing the album, yours truly on the guitar. Q: What are your plans in terms of taking your band on the road? A: We will be having our debut concert on the 26th of August at Harry B James in Stockholm. After that, we will focus on larger events and perhaps some festivals later in 2016. Either way, the fans of the album will definitely get to see us live. I like to write catchy sing-along choruses and what’s the point in doing that if you don’t get to scream them out together with a bunch of rocking fans? Rock n’ roll is meant to be experienced live, and we can’t wait to take ”Master Of The Universe” on the road. MRF | 7
Band: Twilight Force
Question: Hello guys. So, here we have another great Power Metal coming from Sweden! What do you think is the reason behind this awesome Power Metal-wave coming from Sweden? Answer: Greetings! We believe that the answer to this question is shrouded in mystery. However; one can speculate! Perhaps the potent magicka surging through the arduous mountains manifests itself more easily in the northern kingdoms than elsewhere. Or maybe the cold plains and deep forests emits and provides the creative force and sense of solitude needed to become an efficient tonal blacksmith. As of yet, there are no comprehensible answers. Alas, not even the elder scholars possess the wisdom required to provide an adequate explanation on this matter. However, we can vaguely sense that there is a new and bright dawn slowly approaching, and we do sincerely hope to take part and bask in its glory, should it come into being. Q: Talking about your band, you just signed with Nuclear Blast; how do you feel to have an huge and powerful label behind you? Did you feel any pressure writing the new album? A: We feel very much humbled to be given this opportunity by such a venerated establishment. It is truly a great honour to now stand alongside so many prominent acts. The pressure was solely the one we put on ourselves. We appreciate the creative freedom that was bestowed upon us; and working towards a defined time limit was doubtlessly a much needed requisite for us to actually complete ‘Heroes of Mighty Magic’ 8 | MRF
Interview with: Christian Eriksson
in a foreseeable timespan. We put immense pressure on ourselves to outdo everything we had hitherto created, thus, the efforts and knowledge we invested into the forging of this album is beyond even our own comprehension. Q: What can you tell us about your brand new work, “Heroes Of Mighty Magic”, which will be released on August 26? What could your fans expect? Which themes are you dealing with, lyrically? A: “Heroes of Mighty Magic” will finally unveil a world filled with mystic prophecies, heroes and legends, and much of what has until today been held in mystery will be unravelled. But, to truly gain more knowledge about the lore and stories surrounding the Twilight Kingdoms, one will alas have to listen to the album, and study the accompanying tales. They have finally been brought into light after many moons of exploration and arcane research through mystic tomes and ancient libraries. The stories will open up a new world of magic, wonder and glory. All the tales take place among the storm ridden mountains, magic forests and windy seas of the Twilight Kingdoms. It is indeed an adventure for all senses! Q: Twilight Force music is usually described as “Adventure Metal”. Are you happy with this label? Do you think that it describes your style? A: Well, to our humble and limited knowledge, we are the actual originators of that very epithet, and we ourselves chose to label our first opus “Tales of Ancient Prophecies” as “Adventure Metal”. Perhaps wiser scholars know of other such works, but as far as the
Interview by: Primo Bonali
prophecies are concerned, there heretofore existed no other such records. So the label certainly, and without a shadow of a doubt, fits Twilight Force like a magic gauntlet. So, Adventure Metal is our creation and our sigil. We wish to carry onwards the everlasting flame of power metal from decades ago; but it is now begilded and ennobled to fully represent the deeply ingrained force and wisdom that was once a part of the genre. Adventure Metal is to us the most refined and intense manifestation of power metal, and the essence and pinnacle of its evolution. Q: Which are your most important influences, musically talking? I guess I’m not the only one to compare your band to Rhapsody... A: This is indeed not the first time we have heard that comparison. And we fully understand, and even support it; based on our first opus. There is no denying our obvious influences from the early works of such groundbreaking pioneers of the genre. Pioneers of which works we have wholeheartedly enjoyed over the years. However - that, and other comparisons will hopefully be slowly washed away, following the release of ‘Heroes of Mighty Magic’. It is our intention and natural progression to take our music towards a slightly different sound than the aforementioned act, with a more intricate fusion of motion picture tonal language and adventurous soundscapes, and fewer “baroque-esque” and classical influences. It is time to embark on an journey to explore musical landscapes never before experienced.
Bruce Atkinson: The last time we spoke, it was in celebration of Crazy Lixx’s fourth record, now, it seems that we will be entering a new phase with the band… Would you like to fill us in? Danny Rexon: Well, we've had some issues with line-up changes and both the guitarists from our last album left last year, so we've kind of been busy with getting a new line-up together and of course getting this live album together. BA: …And on this brand new release, we are treated with a potent live performance, the first for the band…a fantastic way of introducing your new guitarist, Jens Lundgren! Plus possibly a difficult time with this being the last tour for Andreas…was it a difficult period, or one that is better thought of as a growing period? DR: By the time we played the show that was recorded for the live album we already knew that Andy was leaving and Edd (Liam) had already left and been temporarily replaced by Jens, who is now permanently in the band. So it didn't come as a shock that it would be Andy's last show with us. But of course, being a part of the band for so long it was hard to part ways, both with him and Edd. In the end though, I think it was inevitable and I'm glad we've put it behind us and that we've got a new line-up together, ready to get back on track. And what would be better than to kick it off with our first live album release, right? BA: I would imagine that on top of a heavy touring schedule last year…coupled with the line-up changes, that you are looking forward to going into the studio, or have already, correct? DR: We've already started recording stuff for upcoming releases and first of will be two brand new songs that will be featured in Friday the 13th - the Game, which is a horror style computer game that will be out this fall. I've always felt that our style of 80's hair metal goes really well together with movies in that setting so getting our songs into the game of that genre seems like a logical step to reach out to a new audience. BA: Again, with the dawn of a new chapter for the band, what can we look forward to in the next couple of years from “Crazy Lixx”? DR: Next couple of years? That's a long time, I'm not even sure what we'll be doing in 6 months time. But I think you can look forward to a new album some time during 2017.
comes natural, by proxy comes the Yes vibe I suppose but we certainly don't reference Yes records when we create, or any one else for that matter... We just make the kind of music we like, that becomes the Circa: sound. Q: “Valley Of the Windmill” displays your ever expanding explorations within the ‘progressive’ musical plateau. From where does these inspirations come from? A: We are not trying to make hit songs... Rather we prefer to challenge each other musically which tends to push us along the path to something unique. The inspiration comes from our love of music and the desire to get the music out there for the people who are long time fans and those who may have just discovered the band. Q: When you finally get to the recording stu-
dio, are you coming in to the process with material already prepared, or do you take advantage of being together and create these masterpieces in the studio? A: A bit of both really... Sometimes I will come to the band with song ideas and we flush it out from there. We also sometimes just start from scratch to see what happens. Personally I like when you just see what happens in the studio. I own my own studio I call it CIRCA: HQ. There are no time constraints and or pressure to watch the clock so it makes creating much easier and free feeling that said this record took about 2 years to create. We took our time and tried hard to push the creative envelope so to speak . Q: Now, going back to your very busy schedule, is there any plans for “Circa” to launch a tour? Or are looking at doing some select dates only? A: We will have to see what the calendar looks like. I promised my dear friend and old bandmate Chris Squire that I would be there for Yes as he requested before he passed away last year. Yes has me extremely busy and as I have given my commitment to carry on in Yes, it gets priority. That said we would love to play live again... Circa: is very good live and so... We shall have to sort out the when and where as we proceed forward. Q: I’ve noticed that throughout the years that “Circa” have had musical friends come in and contribute. So, is the band, how do I say this, a musical ‘workshop’, actually a better phrase would be an exploration vehicle? A: It's a band and like yes people have come and gone as we have evolved over the years that said TK and I started it and as long as tony is there I'm there. The other guys who have been in it Alan White. Jay Schellen, Jimi Haun etc... Have all contributed to the Circa: experience. At the center of it all is this idea of this band Circa.
Festival in 2014, supposedly a one off gig, did you realize that Q5 were going to rise from the ashes? A: As soon as we arrived at Sweden Rock (a wonderful festival by the way) The reaction by fans before, during and after our show was inspiring. We realized that we needed to put the band back together and start playing and recording again. Frontiers Records. made us an offer we couldn't refuse, and here we are! Q: Can you describe the writing and recording process for this record? A: There were several ways a song would pres-
ent itself. Rick and I live near each other and so it made it easy for us to get together and hash out the beginnings of a new song. Sometimes Rick might have several parts or riffs that were floating around and he would record them . We would then all get together at our rehearsal studio and these parts would be presented to the rest of the band we would begin the process of fleshing the song out. Sometimes it would take several hours and then if the semi-finished idea did not sound right we would put it aside and begin anew. There were many times that Evan or Dennis would have an idea and we would flesh out that song together. Jeffery also had several very good musical ideas. I generally wrote all lyrics and melodies. We wrote the songs musically as a band. Without ego, just to write great music as we would want to hear it and as we hoped our fans would want to hear. Q: Were all the songs new for the record or were some ideas that had been kicking around from the past? A: All the songs are brand new ideas. Q: Guitarist Floyd Rose isn’t in the present line-up. How come? A: I consider Floyd a good friend still. I talked with him while we were recording and we thought we might write some songs together but our schedules got in the way. Floyd has a successful business with his signature guitar line and the world famous tremolo system. Although we asked, he has decided not to perform live any more.
Band: Circa Interview with: B. Sherwood Interview by: B. Atkinson
Question: To begin Billy, you and Tony must be work-aholics!! With all your activities, the musical creations out of “Circa” have to be works of love! How do you separate your musical creations from the other groups and musical projects you are involved in? Answer: Tony Kayne and I love creating Circa: music.... This band is now 10 years old and we've made many CDs and a live dvd, that said the creative process is always something we are into. It comes easy for us because we are always on the same page with what we are doing. The nature of the 2 of us writing and framing the songs is very natural. It's different to everything else by virtue of the spirit of making Circa: music. People have always and will continue to feel a yes vibe in the music but for us we are just being us doing what
Band: Q5 Interview with: Jonathan K
Interview by: D. Jamieson
Question: Who would have thought we would have a brand new Q5 album in 2016, over thirty years since your last one? A: Truthfully, It doesn't feel like it has been that long. While not formally together, all of us who are Q5 have been busy doing other projects, playing and producing. We even got together a few times to do some shows, some known and some unknown. But now it's wonderful to be in the position to release to so many fans this fantastic set of songs. The album is called New World Order. Q: At what point of the Sweden Rock 10 | MRF
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DGM “The Passage” (Frontiers Music s.r.l.) The Italian prog metal band continue to stake their claim as one of the best in their field. DGM who mix the guitar work of Simone Mularoni, whose fingers whizz up and down the fretboard like an electric drill and a teeth juddering rhythm section that can be blindingly heavy as on ‘Fallen’ , ‘Portrait’ and ‘Dogma’. The heaviness is tempered by Mark Basile vocals. The ex-Mind Key singer brings melodies to the songs that some aor bands would sell their late grandmothers for. ‘Animal’ is an example of an aor song that also drips with prog class. Not a million miles away from Journey or Toto at their most adventurous. They can do a short piano ballad like ‘Disguise’ and then bring the metal that a thrash band would be proud of and the technicality that makes comparisons to Symphony X, Pagans Mind and Vanden Plas not far-fetched. There’s a depth here that will draw you back for repeated listens. A great new addition to the Frontiers roster and will prove to be one of the best melodic prog metal records of the year. DJ (95/100)
CIRCA “Valley Of The Windmill” (Frontiers Music s.r.l.) “Valley Of The Windmill” is a full exploration of everything progressive in music. From the compositions to the lyrical content. On this recording, Billy and Tony are joined by Rick Tierney on Bass and Percussionist Scott Connor. The result we hear is an immersive journey in modern “prog”… With the added dimension of the classic elements of ‘70’s progressive rock. From jazz coloured passages that intertwine with more elemental Rock progressions. Each musical work expands the horizons and pushes the borders in which these four Masters perform, create, and sing in. “Valley Of The Windmill” is presented in precise movements, however, not ever barren. Each musical journey is an unrestrained one, and all are full of emotion and surprises! An album that has interesting social commentary woven throughout. Music that elevates the spirit, and excites the mind. An album that is Masterfully and Soulfully created and performed. What with all the other creative projects each member of “Circa” are involved in, I think “Valley Of The Windmill” is a miracle of sorts! A miracle that these four were able to dedicate the time it takes to produce such a wonderful Work of music! BA (90/100)
KISSIN’ DYNAMITE “Generation Goodbye” (AFM Records) “Generation Goodbye” is the fifth studio release from Germany’s Kissin’ Dynamite and once again the quintet from Baden-Württemberg deliver the goods with an album reflects todays modern world and life taking on social changes, modern media, solidarity and endurance. The album opens up with the title track ‘Generation Goodbye’, a rip-snorting barrage of hard-edged guitars and those unmistakable powerful vocals of Hannes Braun. The album continues with the two fingered salute to today’s smartphone obsessed society with ‘Hashtag Your Life’, another all guns blazing assault on the senses as we’ve come to expect from the band over the past four albums, so why should this be any different. If works don’t try to fix it! The album continues with eight hard hitting life anthems from the blistering ‘Somebody to Hate’, the funked up metal of ‘She Came She Saw’, the ripping ‘Highlight Zone’ and ‘Under Friendly Fire’, to the old school rocker ‘Larger Than Life’ before finishing off in style with the six minute plus ‘Utopia’. This is band that goes from strength to strength, album after album and with ‘Generation Goodbye’ they’ve done it again. The album also is available as ltd. box set (500 units only!), incl. Digipak, portable Bluetooth speaker, lanyard with tour pass replica, 3-piece plec set, signed autograph card & certificate) BM (90/100)
TRICK OR TREAT “Rabbits’ Hill Pt.2” (Frontiers Music s.r.l.) Watership Down isn’t the first novel that comes to mind when putting a Power Metal album together, but Italy’s Trick or Treat did just that in 2012 with their third studio album “Rabbit Hill Pt 1”. Now in 2016 they return with the sequel ‘Rabbit Hill Pt 2’ and once again the Power Metallers take the bunnies and don them in full on Metal, with this second concept album inspired by the Richard Adams novel. With the powerhouse vocals of Alessandro Conti leading the pack, the album is power driven metal as it should be. Opening up with the “Inle” (The Black Rabbit of Death), a real heads down double kick drum spectacle, with Conti’s vocals delivering as always. The album takes more twists and turns than a rabbit warren, as the mellower “Together Again” shows, before it’s back to the full on metal assault of “Cloudrider” and “Efrafa”, before returning to mellower tones with “Never Say Goodbye”. The album continues in similar vein until the closer, mixing light and dark in true concept album style. The subject matter might be a little hard for some to get their head around, but if you’ve ever seen the film you’ll see the dark and light that lends itself nicely to this style of music and to be honest, it’s better than the usual Dragons and Wizards themes. BM (91/100)
TWILIGHT FORCE “Heroes Of Mighty Magic” (Nuclear Blast) What could we expect from a band currently labelled as “Adventure Metal” and presenting a cover-artwork featuring a dragon in an enchanted land? The answer is very simple and immediate: Power Epic-Symphonic Metal, played with high energy and great musicianship, and reminiscent of early Rhapsody, Fairyland, Freedom Call and Stratovarius. Put together in 2011, the band made its debut with “Tales Of Ancient Prophecies” in 2014. After having sealed a deal with Nuclear Blast, Twilight Force now return with “Heroes Of Mighty Magic”, an album that owns everything to let any fan of Power/Symphonic Metal happy and proud: epic and majestic arrangements (strongly influenced by Classical music), catchy (we can say also “cheesy”) vocals, fantasy lyrics (magical stories about the fight between good and evil and the adventures of the Knights Of Twilight's Might), powerful double bass passages, fast guitars, some classical acoustic instruments (such as the violin or the lute) and a singer who reaches the highest notes. Their explicit mission is to pay tribute to the old school Power Metal sound of the '90s, yet bringing a fresh and modern touch to the genre, and they're doing it in a very professional and passionate way. A magical world full of myths, adventures and heroic sagas opened up for the fans of the genre. The glorious reign of TWILIGHT FORCE has just begun... PB (88/100)
Q5 “New World Order” (Frontiers Music s.r.l.) After a couple of albums in the mid-80s, most notably the cult classic ‘Steel The Light’, the band from Seattle return unexpectedly from the dead with a slice of metal that evokes the era of their heyday. Their sound is an American bluecollar mixture of Saxon on songs like ‘One Night In Hellas’ and ‘AC/DC (Jonathan Scott K sounds like Bullet Boy’s Marq Torian doing an impersonation of Brian Johnson) on ‘We Came Here To Rock’ and ‘The Right Way’. In some quarters a few have been bemoaning that it’s not in the same league as their debut but this is thirty years later and these grizzled old pros can still crank out some classic metal, warts and all. ‘Half Way To Hell’, ‘Just One Kiss’ and the surprisingly effective instrumental ‘Mach Opus 206’ are all enjoyable romps. The twin guitars weave together well. It takes you back to the mid-eighties in the way only bands that lived it back in the day can pull off. Won’t be met with the reverence their debut has attained but this is solid rocking fun. DJ (90/100)
BLUES PILLS “Lady in Gold” (Nuclear Blast) The name, the image and artwork might make you think this another retro 70s psychedelic record and while that’s true to an extent it’s soul, blues and even gospel that really define the band’s sound. The Swedish band’s debut was critical well received and this follow up is even better; more mature with better developed song writing skills. The band’s talisman (or should that be taliswoman) is Elin Larsson. She has a mighty blues rock voice ladled with soul. The rest of the band work to tailor the songs around her. They don’t showboat, only playing in a way to add emphasis to Larsson’s voice and the result is an album that recalls classic artists like Janis Joplin and Stone the Crows but has a class that even an Adele comparison isn’t misplaced on a track like ‘Gone So Long’. She shares that ability to wring emotion from a stark arrangement, relying only on the nuances in her tone. Listen to the excellent ‘I Felt A Change’ for proof of Larsson’s ability. There’s a good mix of upbeat rockers and soulful numbers that add up to a wholly satisfying album. DJ (92/100)
TESLA “Mechanical Resonance Live” (Frontiers Music s.r.l.) Recorded during the 2015 US tour, “Mechanical Resonance LIVE!” is aimed to celebrate the multi-Platinum record’s 30th birthday in big style. Playing the full album in its entirety, the band prove once again to be one of the best live-acts around, their shows being always filled with energy and class, passion and top-level musicianship. With more than 30 years behind them, more than 25 million albums sold worldwide and thousands of sold-out gigs across the globe, TESLA is – no doubts – one of the top Hard-Rock bands in the genre. I'm sure that everybody knows very well all the songs here performed, so I'm only adding that these live-versions are killer and breathtaking, to say the less. But the real surprise arrive at the end of the Cd with the amazing studio-track, “Save That Goodness”, written and produced by Phil Collen of Def Leppard; a back-to-the-roots Classic Rock track that starts with a really warm guitartone and grows on some incredible vocalslines (courtesy of the unique Jeff Keith) and some gospel-like choirs, something not too far stylistically from Poison's “Stand” 1993 single. What a song! August 26th: save the date. PB (95/100)
PALACE “Master of the Universe” (Frontiers Music s.r.l.) This new band from Sweden is fronted by the very talented Michael Palace who sings and plays guitar (he was responsible for the guitar work on the recent First Signal album). Frontiers must be rubbing their hands together in glee as he is a precocious young talent who has 80s aor encoded in his DNA. Refreshingly, Michael Palace is not self-conscious about embracing the upbeat feel of classic aor, unburdened by the need for the dourness of much of modern rock. Fluffy keyboards, melodic guitar solos that echo the choral hooks and Palace’s strong, clear voice will find favour with anyone who is fond of the likes of Care Of Night, Wigilieus or Houston. It’s a polished record. ‘Man Behind The Gun’, ‘Cool Runnin' and ‘Matter In Hand’ are songs that have smiles full of bright white teeth. A good arrangement on ‘She Said It's Over’ shows what a fine voice Palace has and there’s funk running through the poppy ‘Stranger Eyes’. It’s their debut and you sense there’s bigger and better to come. Expect to see Michael Palace sprinkling his aor fairy dust on future Frontiers’ releases. He’s got that Alex Del Vecchio touch. DJ (92/100)
CRAZY LIXX “Sound of the LIVE Minority” (Frontiers Music s.r.l.) So what took them so long?! “Crazy Lixx” have just released their first ever live album! “Sound Of The LIVE Minority” showcases this group in their most comfortable element, and that is playing to thousands and expending all of that incredible energy! A live set, obviously, but also an historic document for the band and of the band. The group was captured during last year’s “Bang Your Head” festival in Germany, wherein they performed a full concert set of material that takes us through their entire career. (Up to this point) A concert performance that actually ends a chapter of their career, and immediately begins to write a new one! A performance that sees Andreas bidding farewell to the band and fans alike, whilst Jens Lundgren, the group’s new guitarist shouts out a huge hello! As soon as the group hit that stage, everyone was taking notice! The group got those gathered standing on their feet, fists a pumping and raising the energy levels. A loud and proud showing of this five piece Rock wonder and their combined Talents! A live record that was mixed by Chris Laney, crystal clear, and shinning. A show that was heartfelt from the band, with two-fold of that emotion coming right back from the thousands that gathered! “Sound Of The Live Minority” displays exactly why “Crazy Lixx” are on top of the rock pile!BM (90/100)
KING COMPANY “One More For the Road” (Frontiers Music s.r.l.) “One More For The Road”; the debut from ‘King Company’ is set to make a lasting impact the globe over! The majestic five piece was complete. The debut is hard hitting and yes it is softened a tad with over lying waves of melody. But every musical creation is forged by fire! Rivers of ultra-hot metal constantly course through each song which are also set to soaring with Pasi’s vocals and the rhythm sections hardened backbone! An eleven track debut, we are treated not only with an album of memorable rockers, but “King Company” touch the edges of Symphonic passages that ring loud and true. The whiskey soaked voice of Pasi Rantanen adds just the right measure of smoky blues! This group literally will rock the world! A band that is made up of extraordinary musicians that write extraordinary songs! “One More For The Road” is an early battle cry for what is about to emerge from this highly gifted group of five. Thanks to the vision of Mirka Rantanen and his band mates, hard rock’s future just got a whole lot brighter! And King Company will carry the torch front and centre! BA (90/100)
DARE “Sacred Ground” (Legend Records) Seventh studio album for the British band fronted by singer/songwriter Darren Wharton and another one to look for. With the amazing guitar-player Vinny Burns now back to the band, the guitar-parts here are a bit more solid than the previous three albums, still “Sacred Ground” keeps on the style that made this band so unique and special: high quality Melodic Rock, with Celtic elements and a soft and dark edge. Songs like the opener “Home”, with the magical and warm voice of Darren Wharton and a lot of great guitars parts, or the second track (and my fave one on the album) "I'll Hear You Pray", with this huge chorus and these passionate arrangements, are simply great Melodic Rock tracks, and not too far from the style featured on the debut, “Out Of The Silence”, still one of the AOR fans' favorite record ever. “Every Time We Say Goodbye” is an intense ballad, “You Carried Me” can recall the amazing Thin Lizzy style somehow, and “Until” brings on the Celtic heritage. All in all, here we have another jewel of soft AOR, played with class and heart. Recommended. PB (88/100)
CRUZH “Cruzh” (Frontiers Music s.r.l.) I’ve always seen the internet as double edged sword when it comes to bands and music, it has it good and bad sides and Swedish rockers Cruzh have used it to good use, as they kept the mystery behind the band when around 2013 they released the single ‘In The Blink of an Eye’ with just a silhouette of the band, with little information about themselves, just that they were Swedish and the text “Get ready for the Cruzh. In 2015 the band the band signed to Frontiers for this their debut album. With influences coming from the likes of FM, Def Leppard, Firehouse and the like, this album shows the labels commitment to the new breed of young bands out there. The album is a great listen and highlights another great band to come of Scandinavia. The mix of rockier moments like the opener ‘In and Out of Love’ and ‘First Cruzh’, with the mellower ‘Aim for the Head’ and the wonderful ballad ‘Anything for You’. If you thought this scene was all about the old guard, then you better be prepared, as the young guns are showing that this genre of music is still very much alive and that it kicks some serious ass. BM (90/100)
VIVALDI METAL PROJECT “The Four Seasons” (Pride&Joy) The mix of Classical Music and Heavy Rock\Metal isn’t a new one but this new album takes things to a whole concept to a new level. The seeds of the project were first sewn in the mind of Italian keyboard player, composer and producer MISTHERIA back in 2013, when he wanted to do something with the masterpiece that he loved and kept listening to since his childhood. Aided by over 130 metal and classical artists, the final result is something quite stunning. To take such a well-known piece of music and convert it into a Metal Opera is a work of pure genius, as MISTHERIA made the “innovative” choice - never done so far - to add lyrics and singers to ‘The Four Seasons’ which, as composed by Vivaldi, is an instrumental work. Bringing in Douglas Docker to help with the lyrical side along with Rob Rock and Lance King was inspirational, as they bring this whole piece to life. It is just wonderful. From the opener ‘Escape from Hell’ to the closer ‘Doomsday’, this is just an extraordinary album, if it was a painting it would hang in the Louvre. It’s just magical. BM (95/100)
Band: Vivaldi Metal Project
Question: Why take this particular work of Vivaldi’s? A: Antonio Vivaldi's “The Four Seasons” is a master-work that I've been listening since my childhood. I discovered it when I've entered the Conservatory of Music and kept listening to it all life long! Afterwards, I discovered and purchased a wonderful Piano reduction and have been playing it for long time until I really felt that it would have worked perfectly in a Metal version including some specific additions to the original score. After a couple years thinking about it, on December 2013 I decided to launch the project... Q: When did you decide to put lyrics to one of the world’s most recognisable instrumentals? A: Although it's an instrumental work, Vivaldi got inspiration from some poems, probably written by himself or not (still unclear). However, it's basically based on a “hidden” text. So I thought that what Vivaldi kept only as inspiration, I wanted to translate into real lyrics, actually. My very first idea was to include the Choir that, of course, should have sung on some lyrics as well. The second idea was that only the first movement of each season should be sung, but then I've considered to make a concept and, accordingly, to have all movements with lyrics. So, basically, the idea came, again, from Vivaldi himself. Q: Putting such an album together must
Interview with: Mistheria
have been some endeavour, where did you start? A: The start was very simple: I quickly recorded a short demo for me to test the idea, then released it on my social networks to share it and then started to involve some musicians. Things moved and evolved from there in such a logarithmic way, almost “out-of-control”, but then, of course, I understood that a plan was necessary since the project was getting lot of attention and great feedback, also growing up very fast... Q: Did you have any idea it would take over 130 artists and musicians to bring this whole piece to life? A: Not really! :) At the beginning, my idea was to have a project-album as I do usually for my solo albums (e.g. “Messenger of the Gods” features about 30 musicians, “Dragon Fire” a bit less) but then, as said, the project got lot of attention and interest and I've first got the offer from bassist/composer Alberto Rigoni to collaborate (later on he became the marketing manager and co-producer). Successively, I've invited some musicians I'd have loved to collaborate and then many more or less known new artists, everyone very talented. It was quite impossible to run down in the project such amazing musicians! Q: So how long have you been working on the album? A: The whole process required two years and half which, considering the size of the
Interview by: B. McMinn
project, is a very short time. This has been possible only thanks to the extreme professionalism of all participants, starting from the cast of arrangers, to all musicians and collaborators. It will not be never enough to thank them for such an awesome job! Q: Where there any particular problems along the way to put such a wonderful piece of work together? A: Not really. The only issue, sometime, has been to match the artists' schedule due to tours, other recording sessions, trips, etc. Apart of that, everything worked perfectly, as said their top professionalism made the difference both musically and in the organization. The mixing and mastering studio “Artesonika” leaded by sound engineer Ivan Moni Bidin and studio assistan Fabio D'Amore worked on the album with an unbelievable passion. Also, our label “Pride & Joy Music” and Birgitt Schwanke at “GerMusica promotion” have been a vital and precious partner to finalize the project at its best and bring it to life today! Q: The whole rock opera has so many connotations, could you see this being performed as an actual live stage show? A: We're getting several requests to perform the project live. We'd love to bring the Vivaldi Metal Project on stage without doubts! Italy, Bulgaria, Poland, Brazil are already trying to book us which is fantastic indeed. We're already working on it and I hope we can come up with some exciting news soon... MRF | 15
Band: Dare
Question: Hello Darren. So, here we are with “Sacred Ground”, the band's seventh studio album and another real jewel in your rich and successful discography. Are you satisfied with the final result and how can you introduce it to our readers? Answer: Thank you for your kind words. YES, I’m very satisfied with Sacred Ground. I am very proud of all our previous DARE albums, but as times change, and the years pass by, I feel DARE have made a natural progression- leaning towards a more harder rockier sound. This album isn’t Blood from Stone.... but for me, it feels like a sincere and great place to be musically. I’m looking forward to playing the songs live, which is always a good sign!! Q: With Vinny Burns back in the band, have something changed in the songwriting-process for this new album? I know you're the main composer but I'm wondering if Vinny's guitar-style brought you in a slightly different direction... A: It has been a real pleasure working with my close friend Vinny Burns again as the main guitarist in DARE. Yes, Vinny’s unique style has definitely enhanced and help shape the songs. Vinny is like a rock. 16 | MRF
Interview with: Darren Wharton
You know what ever melodies come, Vinny will play them perfectly with feeling and great integrity. Vinny has just got a way of making awesome guitar playing sound natural and passionate... It’s like the guitar parts were just meant to be!! That with Nigel Clutterbuck (Blood From Stone) back on bass, and Kevin Whitehead on Drums, I think DARE have never been stronger as a live band. I think this has made a real impact on the direction of the music, and bottom line we’re just all good mates and getting together is a lot of fun! Q: What about the themes you’re developing lyrically on the album? Is there any main-theme or there are different subjects? A: This album for me is about that special place, or people in our hearts that mean everything to us. Everyone has their own personal “Sacred Place”, I think that is the theme of the album. I spent a lot of time away from home touring over the last few years, and in those moments in life you realise what is importan , and a lot of the songs are about my experience being away from home. Some happy, some sad, but ultimately it’s about the journey we all must make to get where you want to be. For me it is my home in North Wales, being close to the mountains, sea, and the
Interview by: Primo Bonali
people you love. I love it hear in the mountains of Snowdonia, and have done ever since since I was a little boy. For you and your readers I’m sure it will be a place in Italy that you have an affinity with... That is your Sacred Ground! Q: You joined Thin Lizzy when you were eighteen, so you really lived the golden years of our beloved music. What do you really miss about those times and is there something you would change if you could turn back time? A: I don’t think I would change a thing! The Thin Lizzy days with Philip were fantastic of course, but since then, the whole journey with Lizzy and DARE has given me a lifetime of great memories. It hasn’t always been easy, we all know life is just not like that. Some times we struggle, sometimes we fall, but you have to get up on your feet and start again, you have to believe in yourself. That was the main theme of the album “Belief”. Q: Any plans for live-gigs in the next months? A: Yes, we have just had two great shows in Norway, and next month we are at ‘Bang Your Head’ Festival in Germany, which will be great for DARE. Also we are in Spain the month after at Leyendes Festival.
Band: Kissin’ Dynamite
Question: The new album takes a look at issues in today’s modern tech obsessed world, is this something you feel particularly strongly about? Answer: There’s so much shit going on in the world at the moment, but people who feel save just care about nonsense things, like Facebook likes and tinder matches they don’t see the “small” things, happening around them. The message we wanna spread is: reduce digital life (at least a little) and live your life in real world. It’s all about meeting awesome people, have some drinks and talk about awesome things, hear great stories etc. For me this is what is worth living. Q: This the bands 5th studio album and one you’ve had more control over than the previous four albums, has this made for a more personal album? A: Yeah you’re right. We not just did the whole songwriting but we also recorded everything on our own and Hannes actually did the mixes. I recorded the guitars in my small student flat right in the weeks of exams - yes, the guys living next to me loved me for that HAHAHA! I also think Hannes also sounds really true, I mean, you believe every word he sings. He recorded himself all alone, that’s probably why he just sang how he personally feels it in that moment and not how the producer outside of the cabin feels it. Q: What was the decision behind the band dropping its management to do it
Interview with: Jim Müller
you all yourselves? A: We split up with our manager 2 years ago because we already did most of the things on our own, so it wasn’t a big deal. In our Band everybody got his own job to do. One guy takes care of the merch, the other takes care of social media stuff etc. It feels really good actually because everybody is giving 100%. There’s no lazy ass in our band who just shows up for the shows. Q: The album is pure Kissin’ Dynamite, what I like to call no nonsense rock n’ roll, but how would you describe the album on your own words? A: Generation Goodbye is pure fun, escaping from everyday shit with a strong message. Q: How would you compare “Generation Goodbye” to the bands previous four albums? A: As we said before, it’s the most personal record we have ever done. We have done so many things on our own, it’s “Kissin’ Dynamite” in its pureness. For sure we also got better on our instruments etc, so it’s probably the best we’ve ever done. Q: When the band first started out you were all young guys, has the last ten years been what you’d thought it would be? A: Well, partly. At the beginning I couldn’t imagine being on stage with my heroes, but it was my aim to do so.
Interview by: B. McMinn
People use to say, if you wish something you can have everything you want. But fuck that, if you work hard enough you have everything you want. Still I’m really blessed about how things turned out. I’m a lucky guy. Q: The album is set to be released with a special limited additional package, whose idea was it to put this package together? A: We are all music fans and buy limited packages of other bands since ever. So it was clear for us that we wanna get our fans the possibility to get the same from us. As we are known for our live performance, we had to create a DVD with live clips (and more nice stuff btw, foe example a 20 minute tour documentary, we filmed and cut on our own). The bluetooth speaker is perfect to take your music everywhere you want because if you fill your life with music, it’s awesome! Music is food for your soul (and all others around you, forced to listen to it as well haha). Q: The next question is simple, will the band be playing any festivals or touring in 2016 to bring “Generation Goodbye” to the masses? A: Yeah absolutely. We are touring Europe in autumn 2016, playing Italy, Padova – Bullet Club on 2nd December and i’m really looking forward, as playing live is my favorite thing to do. Studio is getting boring after a couple of weeks, but gigs NEVER EVER will! MRF | 17
Band: King Company
Question: Listening to the debut, one comes away feeling that you guys have been playing together for such a long time, every song and performance is so natural… Mirka: I think reason for that is we had songs so well rehearsed before we started recordings, so playing was pretty smoothly in the studio. Also like you said, we have played together so many times before… So it must have affected for our natural sound. But big thank goes also to Janne Wirman and Kal Kaercher who were sound engineers in the studio and they really did a great job with the album. We are really satisfied of how it sounds now… M: I realise that you have done some live gigs, kind of road testing the new material… Can we expect more live performances now that the debut is set to be released? M: Yeah we did two shows last autumn. We wanted to show people that now we are a real band, not only a recordin g project, and yes, it was also kind of road test for the new material. Our bandname still was No Mans Land then, 18 | MRF
Interview with: Mirka & Pasi
but the live set included all material from out debut album. And I have to say reactions were amazing, people really loved the songs which makes this more exiting when album is out. And we are really planning to do as many shows we can get, and our Finnish booking agency have already booked some shows in Finland. But we still haven't any booking agency in Europe or rest of the world, but I think this is just a matter of time. Q: Pasi, tell us who some of your musical heroes are, and what bands have influenced you… Pasi: I have a quite few vocalist that I like... David Coverdale (WS), Eric Martin (Mr. Big), Joe Lynn Turner, a few to mention from my early days, all those classic hard rock singers! There's got to be some passion when you sing and those guys got some. Bands that I like... Whitesnake, Rainbow, Deep Purple... You get the idea! Nowadays I don’t listen "new" music very much. Q: Your vocal style has a great Rock/Blues feel to it, and of course the strength to touch upon the Metal
Interview by: B. Atkinson
leanings of the band. I wonder, which style to you feel more comfortable in singing…or does it really matter? P: Well, I like hard rock very much! But like you said, it doesn’t really matter! Q: Further to my last question, according to the Press Releases, “King Company” are being hailed as a Hard Rock/Melodic Metal group. Now, I know, labels are somewhat misleading… And what I hear is a great straight up Rock band, and one that could take us on several different musical plateaus…and not limiting yourselves. Is this part of the vision of what “King Company” is? M: I could say we are a hard rock band or just a rock band. Metal is nowadays a pretty strong word for this kind of music. But anyone can call us whatever they want, melodic metal, hard rock, heavy rock... Anything goes. The main thing is a music. We don't wanna focused for only one sector, it gives us more chances to make anything we want… Which sounds and feels good!
Band: Tesla
Interview with: Frank Hannon
Interview by: Primo Bonali
Question: Hello guys, how are you? It’s a real pleasure to have the chance to interview you about your new amazing release, “Mechanical Resonance Live”. So, first of all, I'd like to know who came out with this (great!) idea of a live recording of your classic “Mechanical Resonance" album? And how did you approach to these songs in the live-versions (since you don't play some of them during your standard live sets)? Answer: Thank you, things are great for the band. It's been 16 years since we re formed in 2000 after our breakup in '96. Dave Rude has been with us 10 years now as well. We have finally reached a level of success again that we are happy with being on tour with Def Leppard, STYX, Reo Speedwagon, and playing very large venues again after keeping ourselves working hard for 16 years. The new "Live" Album was a result of Def Leppard guitarists Phil Collen's love for TESLA. He suggested the idea because of the fact we met and toured together 30 years ago and “Mechanical Resonance” is his favorite TESLA album. Most of the songs are faithful to the original arrangements but we did an extended "jam" on a few as well. Every few nights we performed different songs on the tour last year until all of them were recorded. Q: Who has ever attended one of your live-shows can easily testify that you're one of the best Hard-Rock bands around; how do you keep yourself in such shape, musically, performing such great concerts, year after year? A: I believe we are able to keep our shows consistent by not getting drunk on the road anymore. Alcohol destroys any good teamwork or efforts we've made in the past and we finally figured that out. The band also strives to play the songs consistently and we study the tempos / keys to make sure we are solid. Q: Besides the live-rendition of the
12 tracks included in “Mechanical Resonance”, we can find an amazing new song called “Save That Goodness” (which I personally LOVE!), written and produced by Phil Collen of Def Leppard. How Phil was involved into this and how was working with him? A: Phil Collen has the same work ethic and drive that we do. Brian Wheat and myself (Frank Hannon) started this band with nothing but an old Chevy car and some drive! Like us, Phil is not lazy, and he challenged us to write and record on the road. We worked on the music in hotel rooms and backstage locker rooms until the song was finished. Phil had the idea and we ran with it. Every great football team needs a coach, and right now Phil is our coach. Q: You're touring US since last year along with Def Leppard; what can you tell us about this experience? A: These tour dates are amazing. People are filling the seats early as soon as the doors open which is un usual for an opening band. Tesla is feeling very lucky at the moment. Q: Did you already have plans for a brand new album? When could we expect a new masterpiece from you guys? A: Yes the new album is being worked on every night while we are on tour. There are 9 songs recorded and maybe 5 or 6 more to come. We hope to release it by the holidays. Q: The above-mentioned new song “Save That Goodness” sounds much more Classic Rock compared to some of your late albums (Into The Now, Forever More), which were incorporating some more modern elements. Is this the direction you'd like to follow for the new album? A: TESLA has always had a soulful classic rock sound, and yes we did experiment with "modern" stuff a bit on those other albums. I am personally more excited about a rootsy soulful sound which we are sticking with as
well as trying even more new things that we are learning from Phil. remember that Phil learned from Mutt Lange and recording those great Def Leppard albums, so he is teaching us some new things too. Q: When do you look back to your career, have you some regrets or things you would do in a different way? A: Yes there are some things I would do differently from learning about mistakes. The band should not have "broke up" way back in the 90's, instead we should have just taken a short break. But we can not have regrets or live in the past because the present and future are very bright for the band again. It has taken a LOT of work to get back here. Q: Do you remember the moment that you wanted to become a music artist? A: My earliest memories, when I was like three or four years old were being at a backyard party and I remember there was a band playing in the backyard of our house and all the grownups were having so much fun. I just remember loving that. Then as I got older, when I was ten years old my mom took me to see a movie, my mom was really cool, she still is. She’s a hippie lady from Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead era of music. She took me to see a movie that had Jimi Hendrix in it called Monterrey Pop Festival and when I saw Jimi Hendrix on the screen playing “Wild Thing” that blew my mind and made me want to be Jimi Hendrix. Q: That's it! Thanx a lot for your time and I wish you all the best for any of your future plans! And, of course, really hope to see you guys really soon ! Any last words? A: Thank you!! I would like to say to everyone that things will always change and get better if you never give up. If you have a dream, keep on pursuing it, and listen to music if you feel down. Music is the great escape! MRF | 21
Band: Cruzh
Question: So can you give us brief history of the band how did you all come together? Answer: Me and Butabi played together in a band back in 2010. We needed a studio musician for some keyboard tracks and Butabi contacted Tony who he knew somewhat well. We started to cooperate and I directly felt the magic between us. Our old band was put in the grave and Butabi and I founded Cruzh with Tony (who didn't have to many things going on at that moment I suppose) and Matt Silver in early 2012 or late 2011, I believe. Q: Did you have vision for how you wanted the band to sound from the beginning? A: Yeah totally! We love all the elements that each member brings to the entirety that is Cruzh and makes us complete. That was the thing I noticed really early in our process and that is the very foundation of this band and how we want to sound. You can say that we wanted to write, record and play the music and melodies we love. We wanted to create together and it can't sound in other way then it does right now. We’re going for the big "arena feeling,” 22 | MRF
Interview with: Anton Joensson
which is larger than life itself with both the deep beautiful tunes and party anthems. Q: This is the band’s first full length studio album, so how does the song writing process work in the band, do you all have input? A: We present demo ideas, choruses, guitar riffs and so on to each other. Then the other members refines the original ideas separately. Then we come together and work as a whole group with the song. The final step involves our producer before recording. This is a chain of work we're completely satisfied with. Q: Who are the bands that influence you to produce the music you do? A: Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Firehouse and Danger Danger, I would say. And many more of course. But basically what we do just comes from our hearts. Q: The band had an air of mystery with the first single, do you see the internet as a positive marketing tool for today’s new bands? A: Yes absolutely. You can reach people across the globe on your own if you’re good at marketing and have some luck. But
Interview by: Barry McMinn
there’s tough competition, that's for sure. Q: Where do you see yourselves fitting into in today’s music market place? A: I would like to think that we could fit in everywhere. We are a rock band, but I see a lot of people who are into other genres get into Cruzh, too. Everybody wants to rock, right? Q: With so many great bands coming out of Scandinavia at the moment, how important is it for bands to break outside of Sweden and to expand their fan base around the rest of Europe? A: It's really important. I don't think that all the great bands from Sweden who are popular outside of Scandinavia really make it big at home. Something is rotten in the Swedish music scene, ha ha Q: As a relatively new band, do you have plan on where you’d like to see band in the next four to five years? A: Yes... We're rocking the globe. Q: The question most people will be asking, when the album is release do have plans to tour to promote the new album? A: All I can say for now is that we're coming for ya. No rush, just Cruzh.