 |
| Got news for us? Send' em to news@aor-europe.com! |
| [27 February 2002] CHAVIS RECORDS NEWS |
|
CHAVIS RECORDS WELCOMES ALEX MASI
BRAVE NEW WORLD
IN CAMP
|
| [27 February 2002] ATLANTA'S PROGPOWER USA III ANNOUNCES DATES AND LINEUP FOR 2002 FESTIVAL |
|
ATLANTA - ProgPower USA III, Atlanta's third annual progressive and power metal festival, has been announced for Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 16 at Earthlink Live. Confirmed bands include a number of artists making their first US appearances, including Germany's Blind Guardian, Brazil's Angra, Germany's Gamma Ray, and the UK's Threshold. "With great enthusiasm we are looking forward to our first US appearance ever," said Blind Guardian vocalist Hansi Kursch. "We really feel privileged and greatly honored to headline one of the finest and best US Metal Festivals. This festival will be our first opportunity to present us as one of the most intense and exciting metal bands around in these days." Added Gamma Ray's Kai Hansen: "We're absolutely looking forward to playing the US for the first time and bringing the American metalheads something different from Germany other than Schnitzel and Sauerkraut. We're expecting to have a ball with a lot of people that are ready to rock and have a good time singing, screaming, raising hands and shirts (girls only) and banging brains out." Sweden's Pain of Salvation, fresh off of an opening spot on the Dream Theater European tour, will be making their third trip to the States. Germany's Edguy will also be returning to the U.S. for the second time. America's own Reading Zero, the only independent band on the roster, has secured one of the opening slots. Three roster spots are still to be confirmed over the coming weeks. "I'm thrilled with this year's lineup, as I truly believe it is the best roster for progressive and power metal ever assembled in the U.S.," said the event's organizer, Glenn Harveston. Tickets will go on sale July 1 via all TicketMaster outlets. Only 850 two-day passes will be available to the public at a cost of $80 each. ProgPower USA, an international affiliate of ProgPower Europe located in the Netherlands, was created to attract the top names in both the progressive and power metal genres. The first event was held at a small bar in Lansing, Ill., in February 2001 and featured the first U.S. appearance of Pain of Salvation. The 350-capacity show sold out three months in advance. Due to popular demand, a second event was held in November 2001 and featured the most unique progressive and power metal roster in the States to date (Symphony X, Kamelot, ARK, Evergrey, Angel Dust, Spiral Architect, plus others). The attendance increased in size to 750 with a crowd coming from 38 states and 15 countries. ProgPower USA has various promotional opportunities for vendors, labels, and bands in the metal market. For more information and full details visit www.progpower.com. ProgPower USA III is sponsored by Guitar Center in Marietta, Ga. For more information, please contact: Michael Mazur or Debbie Sellnow/Mazur Public Relations, Inc.
|
| [27 February 2002] TAKARA NEWS |
|
Takara is currently preparing to begin performing live shows in the next few months. Takara will begin there live tour in Los Angeles where they are based with some very special shows. Takara will be teaming up with a few other bands in Los Angeles to perform live as a "Melodic Hard Rock Fest". These Fest's will play around So Calif to help promote this type of music. Takara is also currently considering offers for a promo tour of Japan, and live shows in Europe. Takara will confirm these offers when they are worked out, and announce them on the Takara website. This year Takara is planning to record some of their live shows for a possible Live CD/DVD. There will more on this later as it developes. While the band realizes that it is not very easy to hear Takara music. Takara has decided to make sound clips availible on the Takara site for the new CD "Perception of Reality" as well as the past 3 studio CD's. There are several clips taken form various songs from each of the Takara CD's. Also, Takara's european label Lion Music will be rereleasing all of the Takara past catalgue of 4 CD's. Included are... "Eternal Faith", "Taste of Heaven", "Blind in Paradise", and "Eternity" Best of. Many people have emailed the band and asked where they could could obtain these past released CD's. Now with the rerelease through Lion Music of the past CD's with all orignal artwork and music this help solve the dilema finding past Takara release's. No date for the rerelease is set. Keep tuned to the Takara website for immediate announcement of these details. The new CD "Perception of Reality" was released with 9 songs. The Japanese label released "Perception of Reality" with a bonus track called "Goodbye". "Goodbye" is an acoustic bonus track. |
| [25 February 2002] NEEDLE PARK |
|
Needle Park will release their debut CD titled "C’mon..Get Real" via FastLane Records on April 10th. Needle Park consist of ex-Joey C Jones and The Gloryhounds guitarist Craig Bradford (handling lead vocals and lead guitar) and Drummer Adam Hamilton (now playing bass in LA Guns). According to their label, "Needle Park bring back the arena rock of yesteryear. with their loud guitars, thunderous backbeat, rolled into a well crafted hard rock/power pop plethra of hand clappin’, fist pumping structered song gems including 'Don’t Like You At All', 'New Sensation', 'Shake Down The Walls' and 'Teenage Obsession' just to scratch the surface". NP will also include 2 special bonus tracks 'When It All Comes Around" and 'Take Me Back' with Enuff’Z’Nuff frontman Donnie Vie on lead vocals on both tracks. Yogi, from Buckcherry will also make a appearance. This will truly, be an all-star line-up! For more information on this and other FastLane Records releases visit www.fastlanerecords.com |
| [25 February 2002]SPOCK'S BEARD |
|
Spock's Beard are currently working on their forthcoming album due next June. |
| [22 February 2002] SOUTHERN ROCK ALLSTARS ARE BACK |
|
SOUTHERN ROCK ALLSTARS are back with a brand new album titled Danger Road. The labum will be out through Record Heaven on March 28th 2002. Featuring Dave Hlubek from Molly Hatchet & Jakson Spires from Blackfoot, the CD contains 14 new tracks. Guest artists:
|
| [22 February 2002] HOUSE OF SAKIRA |
|
Due to heavy demand from their fans, HOUSE OF SHAKIRA has decided to repress 500 copies of their very sought after CD "LIVE+". The new pressing will be available to order from March 11th 2002. The band will travel to Madrid Spain March 21-24, playing two gigs, among one will be a headlining at a AOR Festival held at "Ritmo y Compas". The second date will further to be announced. Plans for the fourth album is also taking place. The members are currently writing new songs and searching for new sources of inspiration, to develop their unique style of AOR. A possible release will be in autumn 2002. House Of Shakira
|
| [22 February 2002] 21 GUNS SET FOR DEMOLITION |
|
The release date for the bands unreleased demo's that where recorded shortly after the Salute release has been set for April 15th. The tracks where recorded by the original line up of Scott Gorham, Leif Johansen, Tommy La Verdi and Mike Sturgis, and have been brought together for this release which will be entitled Demolition.
Z Records would like to point out that contrary to rumours Tommy La Verdi is very much still alive and well ! |
| [22 February 2002] VAUGHN TAKE FEARLESS TO THE EUROPEAN FESTIVAL STAGE |
|
Vaughn have been confirmed for the LOKERSE FEESTEN 2002 which will be held in Belgium during August. Vaughn have been confirmed to appear on August 5th. For further details visit the festival web site: www.lokersefeesten.be |
| [22 February 2002] BRIGHTON ROCK LIVE |
|
The release for Brighton Rocks Live album has been set for April 15th, the album will be called "A Room of Five. Live" |
| [20 February 2002] DREAM THEATER'S DEBUT REMASTERED |
|
One Way Records will be releasing a deluxe limited edition digipak version of Dream Theater's debut album "When Dream And Day Unite" on March 12th, 2002. The album will be remastered using 32-bit technology. There will only be 5,000 copies of the limited edition available worldwide. These will be numbered in gold foil. The CD itself will be a picture disc. Once the 5,000 copies are sold, the remaster will be available in a regular jewel case (it is unclear whether the first 5,000 copies have already been sold). Pre-order the "When Dream And Day Unite" remaster NOW! |
| [19 February 2002] HOTWIRE NEWS |
|
At first the band will be on the road again. They'll play the Open Air at the FH in Deggendorf on June 13th. Also, they are to support Bonfire at their gigs at Ingolstadt (Ohrakel April 13th) and Munich (Babylon April 28th). Hotwire are in the studio right now, bass & drums for the new songs "Waterfalls" and "I know" (that is the title so far) are on tape. This two songs will be joined by Middle of nowhere's "You shook me all night long" on a demo CD that will be sent to record companies and labels. |
| [18 February 2002] Z ROCK SURPRISE?! |
|
Talks have begun re the possibility of Ronnie Le Tekro appearing at Z Rock 2002 to play 4 or 5 TNT tracks, more news will be posted shortly! |
| [18 February 2002] DAMNED NATION ADDED TO SWEDEN ROCK'S BILL |
|
Another Swedish addition to the Showcase Stage is DAMNED NATION. Since their third and latest album ”Grand Design” the band has become reinforced with singer Matti Alfonzetti (Skintrade, Jagged Edge, Alfonzetti). Damned Nation was formed under the name Easy Street and released two singles before changing it to Damned Nation and the release of the debut ”Just What The Doctor Ordered. On the album two of the songs were written by former House Of Lords-singer James Christian. In 1992 guitarist Robert Warnquist was one of the finalists of the national lead guitar competition Guitar Battle. If you’re into melodic hard rock with touches of Whitesnake as well as Van Halen, lend Damned Nation your ears! |
| [18 February 2002] BONFIRE UK TOUR REDUCED |
|
German Rockers Bonfire have been forced to cut their first live appearances in over ten years within the UK to just two dates due to other Live commitments within Europe. Tickets for the remaining shows [with Mike Tramp] have been selling at an alarming rate and look set to sell out ! See our Tour Dates section for details. |
| [18 February 2002] WESTWORLD ALBUM UNDERWAY |
|
Westworlds first studio album for Z Records is now being recorded, the confirmed title for the forthcoming album is ACT III. |
| [18 February 2002] DAMNED NATION TO PLAY IN SWEDEN |
|
Damned Nation have been added to this years line up for the Sweden rock festival which will take place on June 7th / 8th , further details re the show can be fond at www.swedenrock.com |
| [18 February 2002] KEN HENSLEY "RUNNING BLIND" |
|
The new solo album from URIAH HEEP keyboard wizard KEN HENSLEY is now out on Record Heaven Music. The CD is at this point only available in Scandinavia. The album contains 14 tracks all in the veins of the classic URIAH HEEP sound. The track Movin’ In was written and recorded for the first time in the eighties when Ken was a member in southern rock outfit BLACKFOOT. Guest appearances on a few track on this album from JOHN WETTON, ex ASIA, KING CRIMSON. KEN HENSLEY & FREE SPIRIT will start their world tour in early March, starting in Finland and a 10 dates tour in Scandinavia with special guest, FIVE FIFTEEN. Then there will be 10 dates in the U.K and hopefully a full blown European tour later this spring. |
| [15 February 2002] GONZO WILL BLAST SWEDEN ROCK |
|
The "savage from Detroit" Ted Nugent will be playing the Sweden Rock Festival which will be held in June 7-8. It will be his first Scandinavian show since 1978. |
| [15 February 2002] LAST TRIBE |
|
"Witch Dance", the second album from the Swedish neoclassic prog-metal band LAST TRIBE has finally been completed. Guitarist Magnus Karlsson and singer Rickard Bengtsson are this time working with a brand new rhythm section featuring the new bass player Dick Löwgren and the new drummer Jaime Salazar (Flower Kings). This is the final tracklisting of "Witch Dance": The Gathering (Intro); Witch ; Messenger; Bring out the Brave; Wash your sins away; Behind your Eyes; Wake up the world; Man of Peace; The eternal curse; Agadir (instrumental); Dreamer. According to N&T/Frontiers (their label): 'It's about 1 hour of incredible music, melodic metal with progressive elements! Magnus is still the main songwriter, which guarantees strong melodies and tasteful arrangements together with powerful guitars. We dare to say that this will be a strong contestant for next "album of the year" for the melodic metal fans.' The album has been scheduled for an April 22nd release together with MECCA's self titled debut album. |
| [15 February 2002] HURRICANE GET U.S. RELEASE |
|
we can announce the official US release through Deadline/Cleopatra records of the last HURRICANE "Liquifury" album. The CD had its official release date on February 5th 2002 and is distributed in the entire North America through Navarre Corp. |
| [15 February 2002] ZINNY J ZAN |
|
Zinny J. Zan will release his first solo record via FastLane Records April 1st aptly titled "City Boy Blues". As of late Zinny, will be appearing in a tv mini-series called ‘Wannabe’ which entails the life of the on/off the road adventure of a promising, upcoming rock band. Zinny, was chosen for the part of tour/road manager as well as mentor due to his 20 year experience in the rock field. Fronting, such acts as Sweden’s own legends ‘Easy Action’ and the L.A. based ‘Shotgun Messiah’. Zinny, has had numerous projects over the years but has settled into his own with his solo record which showcases his songwriting talent. City Boy Blues will house such cuts as (the first single) "Grin-n- Bare It", "Wild As A Rose", "Believe", "Love Is Like Fire" to name a few. Backed with a powerhouse band Zinny J. Zan make his triumphant return to the rock world to make his mark and recapture the essence of ‘REAL’ Rock-n-Roll sadly, lacking in todays music. |
| [12 February 2002] CULT OFF |
|
The following was sent to us: The Cult On Hold Posted Friday, 8 February, 2002 by Malcolm Dome The Cult have decided to take a break following their comeback album 'Beyond Good And Evil', and the subsequent tour. Apparently, vocalist Ian Astbury and guitarist Billy Duffy intend to pursue separate projects. How long this hiatus lasts remains to be seen. |
| [9 February 2002] PANDEMIC DEBUT CD TO BE RELEASED |
|
On their debut album, Angry Sky, New York's PANDEMIC deliver twelve songs fusing elements of modern rock, progressive metal, old school hard rock fury and thought provoking lyrics. Slated for a March 19th release through dbAggressive Records / Dreamscape Music Group. Produced by studio wizard, N.S. "Buck" Brundage (Fates Warning, Boysetsfire) The band members set about capturing the energy of their live show. "It was great to work with Buck, He knew exactly what we were about and what we needed to have a killer album" drummer, Sam Torres says. The album was mixed and mastered by Grammy award winning Phil Magnotti (Diana Ross, Fates Warning, ELO, Spyro Gyra). With the release of Angry Sky PANDEMIC pays tribute to their vast influences (including the likes of Creed, Godsmack, Saigon Kick, Dream Theatre and Alice In Chains to name but a few) as well as adding their own, unique, impressive sound to the mix. "The many different musical tastes of the band is what makes the songwriting process unique and challenging", lead vocalist, Tim Kopp points out. The band is planning to tour through the Spring in support of the album. Please visit http://www.pandemicmusic.com for show dates, soundbytes and more info. |
| [9 February 2002] PROPHET NO/HUMANIMAL YES |
|
PROPHET NOT TO APPEAR AT Z ROCK 2002: Due to some unforeseen circumstances the recording of Prophets long awaited fourth album has fallen behind schedule. The as yet untitled album will not be released until August 2002. The bands third album "Recycled" will now be reissued with bonus tracks on March 25th 2002. Due to the delayed release the band will notbe appearing at the forthcoming Z Rock 2002 show on May 5th. HUMANIMAL SET FOR Z ROCK 2002 APPEARANCE:
|
| [9 February 2002] BONFIRE JOIN Z RECORDS |
|
Prestigious German Rockers BONFIRE have signed a multi album deal for the UK , Holland and other Euro markets outside of the German territory. The bands latest album STRIKE X and a double compilation entitled 29 Golden Bullets will be released by Z Records on March 25th 2002. STRIKE X marks a return to the bands classic Fireworks sound and 29 Golden Bullets is a concise collection of the bands best material over their first 15 year history. The band will also release a new studio album via Z Records during 2003. The following tour dates have been lined up in support of the forthcoming twin album release; |
| [5 February 2002] MARTIAL SOUL |
|
CHAVIS RECORDS has just signed MARTIAN SOUL. According to the label, the Baltimore based band delivers some of the best straight ahead rock music to come about in this modern day. In the meanwhile, NAKED SON - 'Guilty As Sin' is a wrap in the studio. Layout and graphic design will begin late February early March. MYSTERY BLOOM - 'Lifetime In The Heart' has been pushed back a few weeks due to production reasons. BANGKOK BABES - 'Chronical Tragedy' has been wrapped in the studio. No release date has been set as of yet. CRY HAVOC - S/T - has also wrapped up studio work. No release date set as of yet. New pictures of the band have been added to the label's site. Several reviews on the initial project have been posted. MARTIAN SOUL - Continue to write, rehearse and gig. They will be heading to Atlanta to record material around April. |
| [5 February 2002] ADRIANGALE NEWS ! |
|
Jamie Rowe and ADRIANGALE are Back!!! The guys are 95% complete with the pre production on their next album. Vic Rivera says the new tunes slay and will be exactly what the Dr. ordered for fans of melodicrock !The band plans on going into the studio sometime this month armed with 13 brand new tunes and a surprise cover . Then they will narrow down the final. Some song titles are , DARK HORSE, RUNAWAY, GOOD ENOUGH, HEARTBREAK QUARANTEED. Vic: As of now we don't have a title for the album, we have some ideas on what we might call it,but we will wait til the album takes shape before we marry it to a name. Expect a March release at the earliest.http://www.kivelrecords.com |
| [5 February 2002] ESCAPE+RONNI LeTEKRO(ex.TNT)= PARTY |
|
Escape Music is pleased to announce the signing of Ronni Le Tekro, the well known guitar wizard from Norwegian band TNT. The debut album by TNT shot the band to fame when it hit high in the charts in their native country, it was not long before they exploded into surrounding countries and became a household name everywhere. Ronni has recorded a solo album and this will be available on the Escape Music label this year, more details to follow! You will be able to hear Ronni's guitar on the BOSTON tribute album on "More Than A Feeling" Also you will be able to hear on the BOSTON tribute album our special guest friend guitar maestro Mr. Vinny Burns ex (Ten/Dare) on "Rock & Roll Band" sang by Terry Brock , and "Peace Of Mind" sang by Peter Sundell of Grand Illusion. http://www.escape-music.com |
| [5 February 2002] LEMMY+SWEDEN ROCK FESTIVAL= PARTY |
|
Of course we wanna have MOTÖRHEAD to the festival this year, cause we all wanna be there and celebrate with Lemmy. This year it is MOTÖRHEADS 25th birthday so we hope you will all be there and celebrate with Lemmy, Mikkey & Phil on Sweden Rock festival 2002. Don't forget to bring a cake. Lemmy LOVES cake ! In good time before the show, MOTÖRHEAD will release their new album HAMMERED. The planned date for release is April 8th. We can also tell you that MOTÖRHEADS show at Sweden Rock Festival will be the only one during the spring/summer of 2002. We can´t say which day the band will play yet, but you will know pretty soon....Rock On ! http://www.swedenrock.com |
| [2 February 2002] FASTLANE RECORDS NEWS |
|
FastLane Records recording artists The Erotics will be playing the Cruefest 2002 in Hollywood, CA at the infamous whiskey June 8th. the band also, will be lending their music to some upcoming horror flicks in the spring..for more details visit http://www.fastlanerecords.com |
| [2 February 2002] JOHN WAITE 24/7 |
|
John Waite Music and Interviews 24/7!!!!!!! Each weekend there will be a special and/or rare airing of music and/or interviews! For more info check: http://www.johnwaite.com
|
| [2 February 2002] Z-RECORDS NEWS ! |
|
HUMANIMAL RELEASE SETS EUROPE ALIGHT; HUMANIMALS self titled debut has been sent to repress only one day after its release. Distributors within three European territories where forced to order more copies due to much higher than expected public demand within 24 hours of the albums release ! ARABIA STUDIO REPORT:
DANNY VAUGHN LINKS UP WITH ASIA FOR UK TOUR !
TONY MILLS;
DOGPOUND GO ALL CYBER:
|
| [2 February 2002] PERRIS RECORDS NEWS ! |
|
Check out the Autographed Guitar Giveaway by Michael Angelo & C4, & Roxx Gang is the Artist of the week at www.perrisrecords.com EVERY MOTHER'S NIGHTMARE are releasing their new CD, 'A Deeper Shade of Grey' on February 9th at Newby's in Memphis, TN. Their official web site is at http://www.emnonline.net Check out the latest FREE Perris sampler Featuring EMN, Warrant, Roxx Gang, Bruce Kulick, Pretty Boy Floyd, & more.Perris Sampler includes 19 two minute samples of Artist releases. more details at www.perrisrecords.com (or send in 3 $.34 stamps or $1 cash only-USA only) Do you love or hate Paul Di'Anno or know someone who does ? Any fans, friends (even non friends) of Paul who have an interesting story to tell about him...we need to hear from you know. Our deadline is February 8th 2002.Either good or very bad stories are all welcome and you can be included in the book, either as yourself or an assumed name if you wish to stay private.Email us soonest at killers@pauldianno.com ! |
| [2 February 2002] THE EAGLE HAS LANDED |
|
Saxon will come to Sweden Rock Festival JUNE 7-8 2002 Now it’s official! The British heavy metal heroes are coming to Sweden Rock Festival with their entire ”Eagle Has Landed” show! Now we’re talking sound, light and bombastic action! When the latest album ”Killing Ground” was released the band also included a bonus-CD where they re-recorded some of the old classics. Something the fans had wished for a long time. These songs live and a grand show that’s world class! “Killing Ground” is the band’s sixteenth studio album, the nineteenth in total – The Everlasting Wave Of British Heavy Metal! For more information check: www.swedenrock.com |
|
Archived News, January 2002
|
| Got news for us? Send' em to news@aor-europe.com! |
