CONTENTS 04_TNT 05_Praying Mantis 07_Refuge 0 8 _ Ve g a 1 0 _ A m a n d a S o m e r v i l l e ’s Tr i l l i u m 11 _ D o o m s d a y O u t l a w 12_Reviews 15_Jizzy Pearl of Love / Hate 23_Lords of Black Melodic Rock Fanzine The official Frontiers Music s.r.l. magazine Year #14 - Nr. 3 / Issue #86 Editor-in-chief: Elio Bordi Concept, Graphics & Design: Elio Bordi Writers: Bruce E.J. Atkinson, Duncan Jamieson, Barry McMinn, Rob “Ezy” Bone, Primo Bonali, Fabiana Spinelli.
MR.BIG “Live From Milan” (CD+BRay / Vinyl)
CLIF MAGNESS “Lucky Dog” (CD)
GIOELI CASTRONOVO G.BONNET BAND “Meanwhile “Set the World on Fire” Back in the Garage” (CD / Vinyl) (CD + DVD / Vinyl)
DESTINIA “Metal Souls” (CD)
TWO OF A KIND “Rise” (CD)
ENUFF Z’NUFF “Diamond Boy” (CD / Vinyl)
KING COMPANY “Queen of Hearts” (CD)
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PRIMAL FEAR “Apocalypse” (CD / CD+DVD / BOX / Vinyl)
3.2 “The Times Have Changed” (CD)
AIRRACE “Untold Stories” (CD / Vinyl)
Vitale Nocerino: Welcome back with your new album intitle “XIII”. Can you please tell us something about what happened with Tony Harnell, if you can? Are you still in contact with him? Ronni Le Tekro: What happened was complex and we do not share internal affairs. I speak to Tony almost weekly, we have a catalogue and a legacy that we cooperate on carrying on.In other words, there are no bad feelings. VN: How do you feel about the the Harnell split just before the brand new studio album? RLT: I’m not concerned by the reactions of the fans,TNT strongly believes that we’re releasing an exciting, melodic and original album that shows our willingness to still be creators after 36 years of staying on the ship. Also There are 6 songs written by Harnell / Tekro collabrating with Tim Scott O’Connell (a.k.a Ledfoot). VN: How did you meet Baol Bardot Bulsara? He has and amazing voice and is the perfect singer for TNT. How did you find him and who was the first to approach him? RLT: We received about 35 demoes from all over the world. We invited him to audition based on his version of “Tonight I’m Falling” which was a replica. After that we went straight into the studio and worked and rehearsed for 3 months. VN: Baol's debut took place at the end of November last year, in front of 8,000 people, when TNT opened for Scorpions in Oslo. It must have been quite an experience not just for him for the whole band... How was the show? RLT: Baol Bardot Bulsara’s first show with TNT was that night. It must have been a scary experience for him,b eing thrown
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straight into the arena. I think he did a very good job, now he knows the classics even better and had found his place in the band. After the show we had a quiet Night due to travelling the next day. That following night we smashed a couple of hotel rooms in good old TNT style. VN:What’s the story behind the title album? Taking a look to the artwork as well it seems like going back to your and TNT roots... RLT: We went for a minimalistic title and coverdesign strongly influenced by the likes of Queen etc. The first TNT album (83) was black with logo, this is white and symbolizes a circle. This may very well be the last TNT album. VN: Thirteen is not a very lucky number... Is it? Do you possibly believe in bad luck? RLT: Thirteen is risky buisness but let it be our lucky number. I don’t believe in bad luck, I believe in Mickey Mouse and John Lennon. VN: I really like the album as songwriting and also I think it shows a great sound and production. Difficoult think to have today with the digital way of producing albums. RLT: Thank you for your kind words.We really love the sound of the album as well.In order to try to create originality, we had to go outside the box to make this album. We discovered that we had to be ‘outside the box’ in order to think ‘outside the box’ which led us into unknown land productionwise. It was produced by producer Kjartan Hesthagen (1349 / Mayhem / TNT etc) and me and mixed by Tommy. It was a long road since there are no musical references in this material .We all loved the trip we had to take to ‘get there’. I believe that the content of the music is more important than the hi-fi aspect of it, but I believe we did something great sounding and
different this time. Good, analogue stuff. VN: Do you use Spotify yourself? If so, what is in your most favourite playlist? RLT: I don’t use Spotify.It tends to be having too much high end in my taste. VN: Let's go back to the 80s Ronni... What do you miss the most of those years, considered the golden era of Rock ‘n’ Roll? RLT: What I miss from the 80’s is some kind of ‘innocence’ that was there. Before the fucking internet and the cellphone. We were all more free to live our real lives, no need to report anything to anyone. Look at Trump and his behaviour in the media. It’s like handing a machinegun over to a monkey. In the 80’s monkeys didn’t send out letters to the World twice a day. Also I miss the possission melodic rock had in the market in the 80’s. Personally I think the Golden Era was from 74 - 79 with more hardrock crossover bands like City Boy. VN: How difficult has been for TNT to remain on the scene despite time passing by? RLT: It’s always hard to keep a band going for 36 years. I’ve been keeping the bands legacy going for 36 years. TNT has worked hard for the genre all these years. I hope our fans respect that and that they will give XIII a chance. We do for sure respect and love them. We are an international cult family. VN: What is the oldest song from your repertoire that you never get tired of playing live? RLT: I would say Severn Seas. VN: And what is, among the new ones, that you really look forward to play in front of your fans? RLT: We really look forward to play “We’re Gonna Make It”, “Not Feeling Anything”, “Fair Warning”, “Sunshine”.
Duncan Jamieson: Your previous album ‘Legacy’received some of the most positive reviews of your career. How would you say ‘Gravity’ compares? Chris Troy: Yes Legacy did get some amazing reviews, and fortunately Gravity has received an equal number of amazing reviews. Gravity does have variations when compared to legacy however for this album it was great to have a writing contribution from everyone in the band. That does provide for variation of the song content which is so important for an album to have to stop it becoming a tedious listen which I think can be the case for so many albums where there is just one or two writers. Tino Troy: Agreed, It was always a worry taking on the Legacy of Legacy but I feel we achieved that and the great thing is, Gravity came so quickly after Legacy. DJ: How important has it been keeping the same line up as ‘Legacy’ ? CT: Very important. In order to build on what we achieved with the album Legacy, it was important for us to keep that consistency in line up such that it provided a strong platform to build upon. That isn’t just the case for recording, as for the live shows the band really is a strong unit and we seem to go down so well at our own shows plus any festivals we do. TT: Always important to keep a stable line up, our history shows different picture and is the main reason this band is not riding high with the likes of Maiden. DJ: What do you feel vocalist John Cuijpers and drummer Hans in 't Zandt bring to the band? CT: One of the major elements is confidence. We have had certain members in the past where we just didn’t have confidence in their ability to emulate on stage what they had put down in the recording studio. That makes it so difficult to enjoy and show as one would always be worrying whether they will hit the right note, play the right rhythm ,etc.! Both JC and Hans are professionals and bring a great dimension to the band in terms of performance and charisma too! TT: Indeed… a step in the right direction. Onwards
and upwards now. DJ: How does the way you make records now differ from the when you started out, in particular this record? CT: Wow, massively! In the early days it was 2 inch tape that we used to record on. If you wanted to cut out a section in a particular song because it was too long , an engineer would need to be very competent , knowing exactly where to physically cut the tape in order to get the edit to sound right! Often the case they got it wrong, and we would have to then re-record a section! Nowadays it is all electronic and all the waveform can be seen visually on a screen. There is no doubt that it makes the whole recording process so much quicker and easier. However on the other hand there is a lot to be said about the old way… It did provide a certain warmth and authenticity about a recording . Something that could not be easily repeated and made it more genuine. TT: Hahaha! Leave the tech side to me bro. Yep I worked on 2 inch tape too and was also entrusted with the odd edit. You’d have to put the machine into cue mode and manhandle the reels until you heard the low speed thunk of a bass drum beat. If the edit was slightly wrong then the cut would be repaired with splicing tape and recut. If we had to re-record the section again, there would be many dead engineers and I would be behind bars. More often than not the edit was spot on. I’ve always loved the tech side of stuff and loved producing our own stuff. I always loved learning new tricks from the pros and working with Tom Friese Greene and Mike Shipley on Time Tells No Lies was a real buzz for me. Later, in the 90’s when we were with Pony Canyon in Japan, large recording advances in those days enabled us to build a studio which I did at my home and we purchased early digital equipment that offered us the chance to record at our leisure. The only problem is, I found myself looking into the elements of each note and phrase played and with that, you tend to lose your creative touch. With GRAVITY and Andy’s help on the tech side it has freed me up to get that musical mojo working for me again. These days I record many ideas for riffs and melodies on my iPhone memos app. Whether I play them on guitar or I'm walking
down the street to the rhythm of my footsteps and sing an idea for something. I decided last year to enter all these ideas into my DAW, Logic Studio Pro and was surprised to have around 5 hours worth of ideas so Mantis is not short of material for forthcoming albums! Four of these ideas found themselves on GRAVITY and I pretty much had those songs finished in my home studio. We only replaced the programmed Drums, Bass with the real thing and added the vocals other that that the songs were complete and arranged with my guitars recorded using plug-ins. Production is something I love though and would like to get involved in projects outside of the Mantis mould. The trouble with working on your own material is alienating yourself from your own songs where you and be a bit more objective and not so personally involved. Working alongside the great musos in this band is always a bonus and most of our ideas are discussed democratically and maturely as we all want what’s best for the band. Working with the engineer Jean Pierre Kerkhofs on this latest album was a breeze. DJ: There’s a real variety of music on the new album. What songs are your particularly proud of? CT: The good thing is that all reviews are picking out different songs which is great. I have certain favourites and then it moves onto another song which reflects the real variety of the album. Presently, for the song and the way JC sings it, one of my favourites is Foreign Affair. TT: Really proud of the whole album and as Chris says, preferences change from day to day depending on ones mood. I am particularly happy because I have been more creative musically on Gravity than I have for a long time. DJ: This is now your third album with Frontiers. What’s your relationship with the label like? CT :They are amazing people, almost like a family who just love melodic rock music …they have so many really great bands on their label and have grown to be a very well respected label in the industry. TT: Ditto, we get on great with the guys and we have learnt to understand each other over the years.
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Fabiana Spinelli: Hi Peavy and welcome to MRF. It’s such an honor for me to get a chance to have this little chat with you, especially on an occasion like this: you’re back with Manni and Christos as Refuge. Can we start from that legendary show in Herne, as “Tres Hombres”? Peavy Wagner: Yes, this little gig, only planned to do it for our local friends as a one time thing, set up a development, that lead us to form this little Refuge band, play numerous festivals and single shows all over the globe and brought us finally to record this brandnew Album... FS: What did set off the sparkle, again? PW: When I turned 50 in 2014 I wanted to get rid off all the negatives that gathered up in my life from the previous years. One bad thing was my lost friendship with Chris, dating back to the very bad split from Rage in 1999. I haven´t spoken to him since that time and I found it a pity that we lost our old friendship that lasted back to elementary school days. I knew he felt the same so I gave him a call, we met, talked it all over and buried the hatchet finally. As I had good contact with Manni since years already, the idea to meet with the old boys was very near. This lead to this curious “Tres hombres” gig and all that happened... FS: “Solitary Men” is the first album from classic Rage line-up in 25 years and it sounds absolutely powerful and genuine, how did you recreate the magic? PW: This happened all naturally, the old
spirit was right there as we met in the rehearsal room to work on song ideas. First we just jammed on old ideas from back then when we were together in Rage, ideas we didn´t use back then and from there we developed plenty of new songs, after a while we were sure that we had good stuff to record for an album. We wouldn´t have done it if we were not sure about the songs but it felt great and we´re really proud of the results... FS: In what way your past influenced this work? Besides your history with Rage, I’m thinking about the different musical paths of Manni with Grave Digger and Christos off to Tri State Corner. What emerged from all these intense experiences? PW: Of course all these years of different experiences came together and i think we sound more mature, more relaxed in a good way. We come easy to the point of the songs still you hear that its us, we still sound like what we developed back then without just copying our old albums. FS: Songs like “From The Ashes” and “Living On The Edge Of Time” are already classic, they are exactly what fans have been waiting for. Do you think this new chapter is approaching the band to the fans more than ever? PW: We really don´t know whats gonna happen with this album and this was not our intention to do it, just to have commercial success. Its great when the fans like it but
first of all it was a heart thing for us to do it, its like a manifestation of our old friendship, you know, we don´t do Refuge for only commercial reasons, we all have our lifes where we live from, I with Rage, Manni & Chris have their jobs and families, so Refuge was always just our little Fun Band, for our personal pleasure, no business pressure or that. So let’s see what happens... FS: Some record labels would have wanted a deal with Refuge, so why did you choose Frontiers Records? PW: Like I said, we never really planned to let it go that far, we never really planned to record a new album. When the first requests came in we drew it all down but frontiers were very stubborn and after we were sure that it would make sense to record our new ideas they gave us all freedom with it, we had no time pressure and we could have also stepped back from the project if we would have felt it would go wrong, so now as it turned out well we gave it to their hands to marked it... FS: Can I ask you something about future plans? Refuge is a band with a lot more to say, as it seems, or is it a glorious comeback, destined to remain unique? PW: For now we will play several festivals over this year but we do not make too big plans for Refuge as it shall stay our pleasure side band , we just do what feels good ! We hope to see lots of our fans this summer, until then, stay Metal!!!
Fabiana Spinelli: Let’s start talking about Vega’s fifth studio album, “Only Human”. First of all, can you tell me something more about this amazing production team with Harry Hess (Harem Scarem), going on from 2015? Nick Workman: Thanks a lot. Well, we started work on this album in May 2017.We had just parted ways with our drummer and didn’t have a replacement at the time. So, I started programming some drum tracks so that we could get to work on the recording. After 4 albums we thought it was time to lose the safety net and do this ourselves. In all honesty, the songs don’t really change from the final demo to the album version so really we just had to make sure we got good performances out off each other. Not taking anything away from the work that our producers have done in the past, but the songs were always in the bag before we hit the studio. We always like to have another set of ears on the songs and some different ideas thrown in there. This time, as a band we were all involved in the recording so we all put in different ideas. We did the recording back to front with Hutch doing the drums at the end. It was the cherry on top! FS: As usual, elegance is the trait I loved the most in your record. How can you perfectly mix power and refinement, without losing your efficacy, your catchiness? NW: That’s hard to answer because what we do comes natural to us. We aren’t trying to be anything other ourselves. Our influences are so varied, from Leppard to Maiden and then from Oasis to Mansun. We are all ways looking for the highs and lows in a song. Not in terms of range but how the song is constructed. We look for the most important part of a song in the arrangement and make sure it isn't fighting with something else. For example, on Gravity Marcus had a great part for the middle section of the song but it took away from the string arrangement that Jim had. The strings had been there from the demo and we really didn't want to lose them so the guitar part went. Melody is the most important part for sure. Not just vocals but keys and guitars as well. We spend as much time getting those right as we do the vocals. They all have to work together. But 5
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albums in and 100’s of songs written together means that we can get this stuff nailed pretty much at demo stage. We are a well oiled machine now haha. FS: We can find in “Only Human” a funny lightness and yet, also a deeper soul in songs like “Last Man Standing”, “Only Human” and “Fade Away”. Can you please tell us something more about lyrics? NW: Where do i begin? Every song has to tell a story for me. It needs to make sense in my head to work. They are almost mini movies in my mind. Last Man Standing is a song i have wanted to write for a while. Back in my teens i was part of a group of friends who hung out together every Friday and Saturday night. We would be at the Green Dragon pub in Stratford Upon Avon rocking out with the rock DJ every weekend. Some go the best nights of my life were had there. So this was more a tribute to the friendship rather than a “piss up” song haha. Come Back Again is kind of going against what people say when they say “you only get one shot”. I don’t believe that. So its about giving your everything, taking the hits and earning your scars and being ready for the next round. Don’t fuck it up by clinging on to it too tight because you think it might be your one and only chance! It won’t be if you don’t give up! “Only human” is about everyone. We all make mistakes and none of us are perfect. Its also along the lines of Come back again in that its saying its only over if you give up. “what you lose in the fire you find in the ashes”. It would be easy to give up if your dream goes up in flames, but what if failing the first time was so that next time around you do an even better job and exceed your own expectations? It’s also or go to excuse when we mess up “sorry, I’m only human”. haha. Turning pages is a song about looking back at what you have done and rather than regretting mistakes, celebrate them. It’s been 12 months of change in this band from losing a drummer to some serious personal shit that a few of us went through. BUT you either get beaten by it OR you accept it, move on and enjoy the change in direction. Worth dying for is about the fight back when you may feel a little beaten. But it’s also about picking the right fight.
Some things are a waste of time and energy and this is about fighting for the things that matter to you. You are going to fight harder, stronger and longer if its your fight rather than someone else’s. FS: After five albums, can you draw a line that crosses all your career, from Kick to Vega? Is there something that hasn’t changed and something else instead completely different from the past? NW: I don’t know. I think KICK was my education in the business. A lot happened in those years and i was around some of the biggest people in the business. Being around the likes of Rod Smallwood and other people in the Maiden set up was amazing. I just soaked it all up. In the KICK days i was very much along for the ride, where as with VEGA i am more in the driving seat. I must admit I would prefer not to be but the other guys are lazy fuckers so I have to step up haha. The one thing that hasn’t changed is me and my lifestyle. I love singing and there is nothing worse when I get a cold or sought that stops me from singing. I hate not being able to do what I do. So, the last thing I am going to do is self inflict damage through drinking etc. The rest of the band enjoy a night out where I will normally be Billy no mates back at the hotel. But, I am more than happy watching a movie and chilling out if it means i can sing the next night. If we don't have a gig the next night I might join them for one haha! FS: Would you like to share with our readers something more about Vega and “Only Human”? NW: This album really does span the whole of the Vega life span so far. “Worth dying for” is based on a song we demoed called “We come in pieces” just after Kiss of Life came out. Gravity was written for What the Hell and and Mess you made was the first song we wrote for Stereo Messiah. There are songs that we wrote for this album that I know we will use again. In fact a song we wrote for Kiss of Life nearly made this album. We don’t forget good songs or ideas, we just wait for the inspiration to get them where there need to be to make an album.
Barry McMinn: Congratulations to both yourself and Sanders on the birth of your twins Anya and Juliet. Amanda Somerville: Yes, thank you. It’s been an incredible time, both miraculous and very stressful, but wonderful. And how special it is to have healthy, happy identical twins! BM: With so much happening in your life, when did you find time to work on the new album? AS: Thinking back, I have no idea! Haha! Well, it’s good to have goals and deadlines because new things are (very fortunately) always knocking on my door, so I simply have to make time. Babysitters and family are priceless! Being that I’m not the greatest in time management, I really have to discipline myself and be strict with working times. BM: Did you approach this Trillium album differently to ‘Alloy’, I ask because I thought ‘Alloy’ was a darker album than’ Tectonic’. AS: Yes, absolutely. Everything was different. To begin with, Sander and I decided to do pretty much everything ourselves when it comes to songwriting and production and we managed to do that. We had some great help from some amazing musicians, which adds so much to the songs and to our hearts, because they’re also very dear friends of ours. We set out to make an album that sounded heavy but had a positive spirit because there was a clear departure of the darkness in my life that could be found in Alloy. I’m really happy that we were able to realize all of our goals and I couldn’t be more proud!
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BM: We see Andre Borgman taking up the drum stool on the album, what does Andre bring to Trillium and the new album and how did he become involved with the band? AS: Yes, Andre is awesome! He is not only a fabulous drummer, but he’s a fantastic musician in general and a long-time friend and former bandmate of Sander’s from his After Forever days. It was really a pleasure having him drum on the album. Sander just called him up, asked if he’d do it and he said, “Heck yes!” BM: You are involved with a lot of projects and bands, but does Trillium hold a special place in your heart? Do see this more of a solo project? AS: Absolutely. It’s wonderful to be involved with so many great projects and I’ve gained so much working with some incredible musicians, but there’s nothing like doing your own thing. Being able to practice my art is very gratifying and scratches many itches that simply being a voice does not. Most people know me as a singer, but I am just as much a songwriter and I’m happiest when I can combine the two. BM: Having listened to the album it’s hard to pick a favourite track because they are all splendid, but do you have one track that you feel is particularly special to you? AS: Thank you, that’s wonderful to hear! No, I can honestly say that I love all of the songs; it’s always hard to choose favorites because they’re like children to me and each is uniquely special to me. I can tell you about a few, though: “Time To Shine” - I chose this to be the opener
because I think it epitomizes what I set out Tectonic to be: heavy sounding with a positive and uplifting spirit. It’s about keeping on working to fulfill your dreams, staying true to yourself in the process and not letting anyone stand in the way. “Fatal Mistake” - This is probably the saddest and heaviest song on Tectonic and I will probably NEVER play it live because it was so difficult to even record for me, but I still love it. My music is like therapy to me and my songs are like a journal in many ways, this being no exception. I wrote it after my friend and bandmate Simon Oberender committed suicide just before we were going on tour with Trillium in 2012. Tectonic is dedicated to him. “Stand Up” - This is a message that I wish I’d had the chance to convey to Simon, had I known what he was going through. It’s also what I would say to any of my loved ones who are having a rough time in their lives. Everyone needs someone to pick them up and tell them it’s going to be ok. “Full Speed Ahead”- A song with a lot of race car metaphors in it, but it’s basically about me waking up one morning and realizing, “Whoa. I need to get back to myself as a songwriter and serious musician!” BM: With the arrival of the twins will you be slowing things down, or have you been working hard on new material before the birth that we can look forward to hearing more in future? AS: I’m not sure I’m capable of slowing down! I still plan on moving “full speed ahead,” so you can go ahead and look forward to hearing more!
Bruce Atkinson: If we can talk a little about the history of the group…Indy, ou joined up in 2015 and then Doomsday Outlaw released their first album a year later…is this correct? Indy Chanda: In a way, yes. It was actually the first album with me in the band. The boys had released a couple of things before I become involved, but after coming on board the direction and feel of the band and our writing changed and opened up more. We started recording very soon after I joined as we were really keen to get this new material out there. BA: Being that “Suffer More” was self released, did you also produce this album yourselves? IC: We did a lot of that ourselves, but also had help from Rich Collins at Snug Recording Company, in Derby (UK). He's someone we trust, so we went back there to record Hard Times. BA: Could you tell us how you got together with Frontiers? IC: Frontiers contacted us after seeing a review for Suffer More in Powerplay magazine. The reviews across the board were very positive so that grabbed their attention and led them to give our music a listen. BA: Now, let’s look at “Hard Times”, your new album. I would imagine that the recording process was slightly different due to the fact that a major label was partnering with you. IC: It was slightly different but not much. It's a testament to Frontiers management that the process felt largely the same as before - very natural. Of course, we were given advice and guidance where needed, but the great thing
about being with Frontiers is that we were given time - time to make it right. There was no point rushing and producing an album that wasn't as good as it could be. Would it be right in saying that a little less pressure and more freedom was felt during the sessions? IC: Frontiers absolutely gave us the freedom to produce the music we wanted, and although we didn't feel pressure from them, I think we maybe put a little in ourselves. We were determined to top the last album. BA: Did you produce this album again, or did you collaborate? IC: Again, we went to Snug, where we recorded Suffer More. We're comfortable there and that's important. BA: …And what about the songs, does the whole group contribute, or is there certain members that are the main writers and arrangers? IC: Everyone contributes, but myself and Steve are the primary song writers on this album. BA: As you continue to grow your style of hard rock and blues, we hear many influences…I won’t say what I hear, however ask you directly—who are your influences, and how do you guys keep everything so fresh! IC: I think one of the biggest strengths of the album is the diversity in sound. We have such a wide range of musical influences from metal, rock, punk and blues - to my love of soul and Motown. That mix can make for some interesting ideas. BA: Do you find that we are seeing a revitalisation of Hardened Rock n’ Blues? By
what I have seen, with the growing audiences attending your shows, that the answer may be yes? IC: There is definitely something happening right now in rock and blues. Frontiers are at the forefront of that, supporting bands like ourselves, Dirty Thrills and City of Thieves to name a few. They give us that access to worldwide audiences like Japan, the US and throughout Europe. It's on the rise. There is a hunger out there from the audiences to watch great live music, and it's just very exciting to be involved with giving that to the people. That's what it's all about. BA: Kinda of keeping with this thought, Phil, you are about to enjoy a worldwide release!... and it is only your second effort… when you think about this, does it ever pressure you and the rest of the band, or are you taking it in stride and just preparing to hit the road harder than you have in the past? IC: We thrive on it. This is what we've always wanted. Now that the album's out, we're just really excited to keep moving forward and seeing what the future brings. BA: As I wrap up this brief interview…would you reveal some of your touring plans with us? IC: We've just come off a UK tour with Jizzy Pearl, and we're looking forward to playing Bloodstock, Camden Rocks and SOS festival. And we’re also touring with Graham Bonnet in August. After that, we'll be looking to tour again – perhaps some more headline shows, and hopefully some European shows too. It's just about getting out there as much as we can. It's what we love.
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New releases available on www.frontiers.shop - The official Frontiers Music s.r.l. shop! CD dig .: LP LP: € €13.9 (ora 19. 99 9 n g fr o ntie e): €2 rs.s 1.99 hop
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REFUGE “Solitary Men” (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)
Peavy Wagner, Manni Schmidt and Christos reunited under the Efthimiadis, name Refuge after that long metal ride called Rage, are coming back to shoot straight with this “Solitary Men”. First of all, it sounds absolutely powerful: everything in its right place, heavy and strong without compromise, for a rock solid album. Songs like “From The Ashes” and “Living On The Edge Of Time” are already classic, they are exactly what all the old fans have been waiting for, but an impressive groove and attitude will catch everyone for sure. The fascination with this record starts from the first notes of “Summer's Winter” and a wave of genuine emotion, to continue with a solitary anthem, beautiful and moving “The Man In The Ivory Tower”. No fillers, no commercial ploys, all in this work seems so bloody intense and genuine, it’s a little like time has stopped. If you are a Rage fan, then you’ll really feel moved by this record, but if you are a new, young listener, you’ll be wiped out from a storm of pure heavy metal. They’re back and we hope Refuge is here to stay, so raise your glasses! Fabiana Spinelli (98/100)
Amanda Somerville’s TRILLIUM “Tectonic” (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)
‘Tectonic’ is the long awaited follow up to the debut ‘Alloy’ and once again this second album from the Somerville led Trillium is just a pure symphonic metal joy. From the opener and single ‘Time to Shine’, you feel Amanda has found the sound to carry Trillium on. This song is all about the underdog lying in the shadows, just waiting for their moment and I think ‘Tectonic’ is the album to show what Amanda is all about. The album continues with the massive ‘Stand Up’, another great slice of Symphonica, which carries on where the opener left off. The album continues it impressive path with the wonderful ‘Hit Me’ and the riff filled wonderment that is ‘Fighting Fate’, as the album brings back a heavier bass driven edge. Somerville is the full vocal package and she delivers one of her best and most powerful vocals on the stunning ‘Fatal Mistake’. ‘Shards’ sees the tempo pick up once more, before one of my favorite tracks off the album ‘Cliché Freak Show’, a powerful tour-de-force that ebbs and flows in a wonderful rollercoaster of melody and force. Personally the more complete Somerville experience, ‘Alloy’ was the foundation, ‘Tectonic’ is the skyscraper built up those foundations. Barry McMinn (96/100)
CD 2L : €13 fro P: €2 .99 ntie 2 rs.s .99 hop
DOOMSDAY OUTLAW “Hard Times” (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)
A hard rocking blues group that sound like they rock out of the southern States and not from the heart of Derbyshire, “Doomsday Outlaw” deliver riff filled, chunky Hard Rock and with more than a tad of blues infused soul! Twin guitars thanks to Gavin Mills and Steve Broughton are married to the excellent beats of John Willis and punchy rhythms of bassist Indy Chanda. Topping off this musical outfit is the throaty, soulful blues soaked vocalist: Phil Poole. Opening with the title cut, “Doomsday Outlaw” set the mood straight away! Riff heavy and groove hardened. Effortlessly flowing from one song to another. And then, all of a sudden; all that drive is wrapped up and delivered in a soaring, emotive “Into The Light”, a breathless performance, which will soften the hardest of hearts! And bang! off we go again, rocking hard and fast! “Hard Times” will take you on a roller coaster-fast and furious, heartfelt and warm…all the while giving you goose bumps on each and every performance. Every nuance of every song, whether it is the amazing lead breaks, the up-tempo and varied rhythms or that smokey voice, “Doomsday Outlaw” absolutely cook on this album! “Hard Times” ain’t so hard after all… thanks to these five from Derbyshire!! Bruce Atkinson (90/100)
C 2CD D: €1 3. d 2LP ig. € 99 15 2LP : (silv €22.9 .99 9 fr o e ntie r): €2 rs.s 4.99 hop
LORDS OF BLACK “Icons of the New World” (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)
“Icon Of The New Days” marks “Lords Of Black” returning for their third effort, and their second for Frontiers. A Progressive Metal group that bears witness to serious music for serious music lovers worldwide. This third effort is a collection of heavy molten rock, opening up vast new fields of creativity!“Lords Of Black” never wavered on their mission. A critic’s and fan delight, “Icon Of The New Days” displays the vast talents of each member, and the seriousness that each possess in their respective performances. “World Gone Mad”, the opening salvo, lays open that Talent, the exquisite performances of each, and the high energy of delivery. “Icons…” is both powerful, yet delicate! Although heavy, this Work does not ‘bog down’, on the contrary, “Icons…” propels us to new highs and takes us on exciting sound journeys that escalate and will also lift up our musical soul. Although epic in nature, songs like “When A Hero Takes A Fall”, “King’s Reborn”, and “The Edge Of Darkness” are immediately understood and continue to soar our emotions and stimulate our intellect! Few bands can do both at the same time! “Icons Of The New Days” simply reveals that “Lords Of Black” are indeed the icons of today! Bruce Atkinson (94/100) CD dig .: L LP P: € €13.9 (gre 19.9 9 e 9 fr o ntie n): €2 rs.s 1.99 hop
CD : LP €13 fro : €19 .99 ntie . rs.s 99 hop
JIZZY PEARL of Love / Hate “All You Need Is Soul” (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)
Back in the day, yes I am that old, the Glam and Hair Metal scene were at their height with many bands coming out of L.A. being pigeon holed into those two categories by labels and critics alike. But many of those bands were just delivering great Hard Rock and one of those bands was Love / Hate, led by enigmatic frontman Jizzy Pearl. ‘All You Need is Soul’ is what Pearl fans have been waiting for since ‘Wasted in America’. The man along with Darren Housholder (guitars), Mark Dutton (bass) and Dave Moreno (drums), have put together a great Hard Rock album that shows Pearl hasn’t lost any of that edge over the years. The album gets underway with ‘You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone’, an all guns blazing rock anthem that kicks the album into top gear from the off. The album continues to impress with the the raw energy of ‘Comin Home to the Bone’ and the sleazy title track ‘All You Need Is Soul’, a song that takes me back to the ‘Black Out in the Red Room’ days. The album rocks out with the angsty vibes of ‘Little Treasures’ and the allout heads down rocker ‘Mr Jimmer’, both of which round off what has to be the best Pearl album in years. Barry McMinn (89/100)
PRAYING MANTIS “Gravity” (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)
The British rockers are back with the same line up that delivered their return to form ‘Legacy’ three years ago. Again, they fashion an album that taps into their NWOBH roots and adds some aor gloss. It kicks off well with the close harmonies and tough riff on ‘Keep it Alive’. There’s 70s prog on ‘Mantis Anthem’ which comes across like Argent while the aor is provided by ‘Time Can Heal’ and the cheekily titled ‘A Foreign Affair’, that borrows the keyboard motif from Foreigner’s ‘Waiting For A Girl like You’. The slightly quirky title track is a decent addition to the band’s catalogue. John Cuijpers has a good voice that can be theatrical in places and as a result it works better on the more metal material like ‘39 Years’ than it does the ballads which would have benefitted from a more soulful approach. The slower numbers mid album means the record sags a bit but it picks up again with the rockers ‘Shadows Of Love’ and the keyboard assisted ’Final Destination’ that end the album. Not as consistent, top to bottom, as ‘Legacy’ but these old stalwarts still deliver dependably solid , authentic hard rock. Duncan Jamieson (91/100)
New releases available on www.frontiers.shop - The official Frontiers Music s.r.l. shop!
CD :€ L 1 LP P: €1 3.99 (wh 9.9 i 9 t e fr o ntie ): €21 .99 rs.s hop
TNT “XIII” (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)
There certainly are reasons for a band to be blessed with longevity…not the least is their combined talent that borders on immense! And this can be found in the grooves of this, the thirteenth release of “TNT”! Opening with a beautiful love song, “We’re Gonna Make It”, ‘TNT’ show us why they have been producing memorable music for such a lengthy time. “XIII” also marks the debut of the group’s new lead vocalist; Baol Bardot Bulsara, yeah! I know, not a Norwegian, but a hot blooded Spanish vocalist that can melt one’s heart and then turn around and rock out and have you raise your fist in the air! In this, the thirteenth release from these four…we are hit with an expansive array of musical journeys. The group eases effortlessly from beautiful ballads to soaring rock flourishes to meaty ‘R n’ B’! And they pull it all off in the most polished of ways! TNT’ is as fresh today as they were when they first hit the scene! ‘XIII’ is an absolute beauty of an album! Diverse, melodic and with more than a few surprise…thirteen may just become their lucky number! Bruce Atkinson (92/100)
CD :€ L 1 LP P: €1 3.99 (silv 9 er): .99 fr o €2 ntie rs.s 1.99 hop
SUNSTORM “The Road To Hell” (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)
This captures Joe Lynn Turner rocking out on the fifth instalment of his melodic rock vehicle Sunstorm, recorded before his recent heart attack. After the more aor direction of the earlier discs this carries on very much in the same vein as the previous heavier Sunstorm album ‘Edge Of Tomorrow’. This is due, in no small part, to the fact that drummer aside; it’s the same line up as that record. Alex Del Vecchio produces and handles the keyboards while Simone Mulanori of prog metal band DGM is on guitar duties. On the better tracks it’s great; opener ‘Only The Good Will Survive’ has some of the classic JLT swagger and the title track is a brooding rocker with Turner on defiant form. A number of the tracks such as ‘Resurrection’, ‘State Of The Heart’ and ‘Still Fighting’ take on a new dimension in light of Turner’s recent health scare. It’s a pity there’s not more of the energetic prog invention Mulanori brings to DGM here as there are some pedestrian moments at times, but if you liked the direction of the last Sunstorm album then you’ll enjoy this one too, perhaps even a little more. Get well soon Joe! Duncan Jamieson (90/100)
CD : LP €13 fro : €19 .99 ntie . rs.s 99 hop
VEGA “Only Human” (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)
Let’s take a bag full of love for AOR and melodic rock from the Eighties, add a bit of nostalgia but also a great sense of modernity. Don’t forget attention for details and a set of unforgettable melodies, all mixed up with high-end musicians, delightful arrangements and production by Harry Hess (Harem Scarem). What is the outcome? “Only Human” is as sweet as a summer night full of stars, where shines the brightest one: Vega! This english band made-up one of the best melodic rock release of the year, where their natural grace meets influences from Def Leppard, Boston, Bon Jovi, as you can hear in “Let’s Have Fun Tonight”. You can find all this elegance and lightness in songs like “Last Man Standing”, a delicate ‘All Over Now’ and ‘Standing Still’, maybe the highlight of this work. Vega’s fifth album is more mature, personal and deep than ever, with an extraordinary songwriting by Nick Workman. How really is listening to this record? Think about a room full of beautiful women, where the head turns between the scent of their hair and the sound of heels, until it makes its appearance one girl that moves that illuminates the room with a smile, making all the others disappear. 'Only Human' is like her, the right one. Fabiana Spinelli (95/100)
Barry McMinn: So how long have you been working on ‘All You Need Is Soul’? Jizzy Pearl: The writing for the record was a few months—another month to record the record and another month to mix it. BM: The opening track ‘You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone’ has a certain irony, when many of the bands who came out of 80’s have come and gone. What was the thinking behind that track? JP: I think a lot of people can identify with that chorus, whether it be a relationship gone wrong, or a band breaking up, stuff like that. That was the idea anyway. BM: Personally I think this is one of your best albums to date, but where do you put this amongst the albums you’ve worked on? JP: It’s definitely the best solo record I’ve ever done. I have compared it to my first Love/Hate record Blackout in the Red Room. In my opinion this record is the closest I’ve come to recreating that first record I made 28 years ago. BM: You’ve put together a great line-up of musicians for the album, so how did Darren, Mark and Dave get involved in the album? JP: Darren I’ve known for 25 years; he was the guitar player on my third Love/Hate record “Let’s Rumble” and I always knew he was an amazing player. Dave and Mark have worked on 2 of my previous solo releases and I can always count on them to deliver what I need. BM: You’ve been around for a few years
now and have always brought fresh music in whatever you’ve done. What do you think of bands who live off their glory years and no longer produce new music? JP: I think they just need to get over the fact that the Internet exists and the big royalty checks we all used to get are a thing of the past. Making new music is always rewarding when its done because it makes you feel young again. BM: What about that Hollywood sign in the bottom right corner? Do you think artists and musicians' attitude towards Hollywood has changed over the last 30 years? JP: Yes people don’t flock to Hollywood to ‘make it’ in music anymore—the Sunset Strip as it was doesn’t really exist anymore. So now people move to Las Vegas. BM: you have had an important role in American Hard Rock. Are you satisfied by what you have achieved so far? I mean do you feel to have reached your top goals or are you still trying to improve yourself? If so, how? JP: My definition of success has changed— success is doing what you love and keeping the roof over your head doing it. When I was young I had unrealistic notions of what Fame was, just like millions of young kids. The music business changed that. BM: Could you please tell me a special memory or an anecdote from the 90s back in the days of your great gigs with "Love/Hate"? Do you miss those times? Were they really "Wasted Years" or not?
JP: I miss some of those times but I’ve played consistently since then in so many bands so not really. I’ve played arenas and stadiums with AC/DC, Skid Row, Dio, Ozzy Osbourne— those are good memories. BM: Will these guys be part of the live lineup when it comes to promoting the album, or do you have a different touring line-up? JP: I have a UK line-up Stevie Pierce, Christian Kimmet and Mickey Richards and we tour constantly. Dave Moreno is a full member of Puddle of Mudd and Mark works in Los Angeles. Darren runs his own business but will tour with me occasionally. BM: You’ve seen some ups and downs in this crazy music world, if you could go back in time and meet your younger self, is there any advice you would give yourself? JP: SAVE YOUR MONEY!! BM: You’ve been touring as part of the Sticks and Stones tour, did you have a chance to play any of the tracks from the new album? JP: Yes I have played several new tracks and they have gotten an amazing response. My fans appreciate the new music as much as I do! BM: Where does Jizzy Pearl go from here? You’ve almost done it all. Do you have one bucket list thing you’d still like to do before you hang up the microphone for good? JP: I just feel blessed that my voice is stronger than ever and I can still bring an audience to live shows. Thats all I need.
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REFUGE “Solitary Men” Exclusive Orange Vinyl €21.99
TNT “XIII” Exclusive White Vinyl €21.99
PRIMA FEAR “Apocalypse” Exclusive Blue Vinyl €21.99
SUNSTORM “The Road to Hell” Exclusive Silver Vinyl €21.99
SEVENTH WONDER “Tiara” Exclusive CD+T-shirt Bundle €25.00
CORELEONI “The Greatest Hits Pt.1” Exclusive Gold Vinyl €21.99
LORDS OF BLACK “Icons of the New Days” Exclusive Silver Vinyl (2LP) €24.99
SEVENTH WONDER “Tiara” Exclusive Chrystal Vinyl (2LP) €24.99
BULLETBOYS “From out of the Skies” Exclusive Clear Vinyl €21.99
PRAYING MANTIS “Gravity” Exclusive Green Vinyl €21.99
LIONE / CONTI Exclusive CD+T-shirt Bundle €21.99
G. BONNET BAND “Meanwhile Back in the Garage” Exclusive Silver Vinyl (2LP) €24.99
GIOELI / CASTRONOVO “Set the World on Fire” CD: €13.99 Vinyl: €19.99
DESTINIA “Metal Souls” CD: €13.99
3.2 “The Rules Have Changed” CD: €13.99
ENUFF Z’ NUFF “Diamond Boy” CD : €13.99 Vinyl: €19.99
G.BONNET BAND “Meanwhile Back in the Garage” CD+DVD: €14.99 Vinyl (2LP): €22.99 Silver Vynil (2LP): €24.99
KING COMPANY “Queen of Hearts” CD: €13.99
CLIF MAGNESS “Lucky Dog” CD: €13.99
AIRRACE “Untold Stories” CD: €13.99 Vinyl: €19.99
TWO OF A KIND “Rise” CD: €13.99
Bruce Atkinson: Can you please tell us the story behind the band Lords of Black? Tony Hernando: I guess the seed was planted when Ronnie and I first met in 2013, when I organised a big tribute show to Ronnie James Dio putting together a kind of “all star band” with some of the best musicians of the scene here, with 5 or 6 of the best singers. I was the musical director of the whole thing and we played around 22 or 25 songs out of the whole Dio catalogue...everything went great, everybody did a great job but when I was playng with Ronnie it was just...electrifying, you know...you could feel the vibe, the chemistry between us, it was undeniable. But nothing about doing something together was even discussed back then, we were engaged with ther projects and we went our ways, but in the back f ur minds we knew that somehow, sooner or later we were gonna be doing something together...and at the end of that same year our projects came to an end and we put Lords Of Black together...writing, rehearsing and recording the debut álbum almost in full secrecy... we just wanted to present the whole thing when it was done and complete, avoiding any interferences and speculations, you know. BA: How did you have the deal with Frontiers?
TH: We almost had finish the “II” production, having most of the songs mixed and mastered, so we were shopping record labels with this new stuff that we knew it was great, also having already a debut álbum that was already a kind of “cult” álbum in the underground and word of mouth spreading quite fast about us as a great live band as well were helping, sure...but even most of the record labels were very interested, things were a bit...slow...let’s say the offers were good but not really great...and we decided to wait a little bit more for the announcement of Ronnie becoming the new Rainbow singer...and then it was when better offers started to come in and we went for Frontiers Records. BA: Can you tell us how did you write the songs of the album? TH: As it’s always, a rocky road! It’s a lot of work, writing, demoing, go back and forth on every detail... Till we’re always pleased with it and decide which songs to produce and record for the álbum. Then again, many of the arrangements and final twists may come during the recording and mixing process and then again, as we like to give always na extra, we record bónus stuff such as alternative versions or some covers... so you come up with an album that is over 70 minutes long
and a bonus disc with even more stuff...we know we want to get to those fans who appreciate that. BA: What’s your expectations? TH: I really believe is a great strong record, just like the first two albums were, but it’s like I feel a diferente vibe around this one...like not only our fans, but press and general public are now in a better position to understand us and like us...we know we are not the typical metal band of the present time and we make music that requieres a bit more of attention out of the listener, but I do believe “Icons Of The New Days” have a great collction of songs with lyrics and concepts that make the álbum truly a great statement for the current times. BA: Any future project? TH: We are currently rehearsing for some upcoming summer festivals, we are opening for Ozzy in Prague and opening for Priest in Bilbao first. Hope we can confirm a proper Album Tour for Autumn. BA: What about your solo carreer? Any info you can share? TH: I’m constantly writing and recording, and at the moment I’m doing something way different from Lords Of Black or my instrumental solo stuff. You’ll hear about it when it’s done!
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