Author: fgt

Los Angeles melodic metal outfit, Ninth Circle, have announced the digital rerelease of two albums; 2012’s Legions Of The Brave and 2020’s Echo Black.

“We are proud to announce that two of more most acclaimed and best-selling records, Legions Of The Brave and Echo Black, have come back home under our own label, Ninthcircleworld Records”, explains bassist, Frank Forray.

“For the last 10 years we have had a fantastic relationship with Germany’s Pure Steel Records”, explains Frank. “They did a great job promoting our records and the band all over the world. Now that our agreement has expired, we are pleased to bring these two records home into the fold on our own label, Ninthcircleworld Records. They are now home along with our debut record, the self-titled Ninth Circle and the record that gave us world-wide exposure, 2009’s The Power Of One.”

“Legions Of The Brave and Echo Black”, Frank goes on to say, “are now available on your favorite streaming and digital platforms. I encourage our fans around the world to search for these records as they have become available again for you to enjoy wherever you are and wherever you go!” 

“We’ve had fans in the past tell us that they discovered us through digital platforms”, Dennis adds. “It’s a necessary tool, especially right now. I myself have discovered new music this way and we look forward to increasing our fan base with each of our releases!”

“As a great added bonus”, Frank discusses with enthusiasm, “you can now enjoy the cover of the Riot song, Warrior, as it was not available digitally previously. This will be a treat for fans of both Ninth Circle and Riot as we were able to partner with guitarist Mike Flyntz and vocalist Todd Michael Hall, they both contributed to the recording of the song.”

“Dennis had the pleasure of singing duet with Todd and playing dueling guitar solos with Mike. Both, Todd and Mike, were generous with their time to contribute to this recording and I believe the song, Warrior, turned out great and should be a treat for fans!” says Frank.

“Being able to re-release these two records digitally on our label is really about fans and giving them what they want: the ability to hear Ninth Circle music on their favorite streaming and digital services! And hopefully in not too long, we should be adding a new record for fans to enjoy.”

Wicked Love’s new single “Light It Up” is now available on digital platforms.

Austin Livingston, the band’s lead guitarist comments, “I blast this song when I’m making love, the bpms are perfect for nominal thrust advantage.”

Brendan Ferriera, vocals adds, “It’s easy to write a depressing song nowadays, its hard to put out something happy and positive. We try to make it a point to show people that its okay to be happy and it’s okay to have fun. This song is simple party perfection!”

Straight out of Charleston, SC, Wicked Love brings a fresh, hard-hitting sound with a classic twist. Their music is a dynamic fusion of pop, metal, and rock ‘n’ roll, sure to captivate audiences. Having shared stages with the likes of Five Finger Death Punch, Seether, and Hellyeah, Wicked Love is a force to be reckoned with in the rock scene.

Wicked Love is:
Brendan Ferriera – Lead Vox
Austin Livingston – Lead Guitar
Trevor Van Ettan – Drums
Tracy Allen – Bass
Brad Krug – Rhythm Guitar

Jim Peterik & World Stage have released their new album, Roots & Shoots Vol.2, via Frontiers Music Srl. The album follows up the release of Roots & Shoots Vol.1, released earlier this year.

Volume 2 presents Jim’s collaborations with Mike Reno, Jason Scheff, Toby Hitchcock, The Ides of March, Cathy Richardson (Jefferson Starship), and Neil Donnell (of Chicago). Among the “Shoots,” Sophia Sheth and Kevin Farris appear along with Marc Scherer, who recorded a great album with Peterik in 2015 entitled Risk Everything.

About the new album, Jim comments: “As I review this list of songs and incredible artists who participated in Roots & Shoots Vol. 2, I feel such gratitude. The combination of established classic rock stars and brilliant rising stars is beyond my wildest dreams. I wrote or co-wrote all these songs inspired by the unique musical gifts of each and every attempt. Along with the World Stage band my co-producer and engineer Larry Millas it is the Team Of Destiny. Hope this album gets your fist pumping and your juices flowing! Rock on!”

To celebrate the release, the band shares a fresh single, “Rise Again”, featuring the melodic powerhouse voice of Kevin Farris – check out the visualizer below:

World Stage, a concept rooted in musical and spiritual collaborations among artists and friends, is the best representation of Jim Peterik’s truly outstanding musical legacy and a testament to his songwriting abilities as one of the true wizards of melodic rock.

The Jim Peterik & World Stage concept arose from the idea that the musical and spiritual collaboration of great artists and friends could be truly special.

This idea created a string of records that followed the now close-to-legendary debut album released in the year 2000, where Peterik managed to present his collaboration with such rock luminaries as Dennis DeYoung (ex-Styx), Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon), Johnny Van Zant (Lynyrd Skynyrd), Don Barnes (.38 Special), Tom Kiefer (Cinderella) and many more.

That concept resurfaced in 2019 on the Winds of Change album when Peterik was joined by giants of American rock such as Dennis DeYoung again, Kevin Chalfant (ex-The Storm), Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, Kelly Keagy (Night Ranger), Mike Reno (Loverboy), Jason Scheff (ex-Chicago) and more.

Later on, Peterik decided to dedicate an entire album to the ‘Women who Rock the World’ giving birth to the awesome album Tigress which showed his collaboration with such outstanding singers and musicians like Jennifer Batten, Chloe Lowery, Rosa Laricchiuta, Chez Kane and so many more.

All those albums spotlight the many talents of Jim Peterik, enhanced and embellished by a cast of noted singers and musicians.

Order the new album here.

Roots & Shoots Vol.2 tracklisting:

“American Dreamer” (feat. Dave Mikulskis)
“Your Own Hero” (feat. Mike Reno with Jim Peterik)
“Stronger Than You Know” (feat. Jim Peterik and Dave Mikulskis)
“All That’s Mine To Give” (feat. Toby Hitchcock)
“Been To The Mountain” (feat. Jason Scheff)
“Forever Endeavor” (feat. Jim Peterik with Toby Hitchcock)
“Rise Again” (feat. Kevin Farris)
“We Can Fly” (feat. The Ides Of March with Jim Peterik)
“Love Lives” (feat. Jim Peterik with Cathy Richardson )
“Until” (feat. Neil Donnell)
“Hit Of Freedom” (feat. Sophia Sheth)
“The Road To Forever” (feat. Jim Peterik)

“Your Own Hero” video:

American Dreamer” visualizer:

Jim Peterik, through the years, has written or co-written some of rock’s most memorable songs: “Vehicle” by The Ides Of March (on which he was lead vocalist), “Eye Of The Tiger,” “The Search Is Over,” “High On You,” and “I Can’t Hold Back”. He penned hits for .38 Special such as “Hold On Loosely,” “Caught Up In You,” “Fantasy Girl,” and “Rockin’ Into The Night” as well as “Heavy Metal” with Sammy Hagar, and many, many more.

Peterik, now a part of Pride Of Lions with vocalist Toby Hitchcock, is one of the most esteemed and loved recording artists and songwriters on the Frontiers Music label and in the larger melodic rock community.

(Photo – Kristie Schram)

Canadian prog-rock band, Saga, have released the following official statement:

“Dear Saga Family, Friends, and Guests,

“We regret to inform you that our legendary mate, Ian Crichton, has unfortunately broken his foot/leg and went in for treatment last Friday. We’ve been informed that it will take around 6-8 weeks for lan to recover, and we’ll provide a further update around that time. Please join us in wishing lan plenty of rest and a swift recovery.

“Meanwhile, we’re acutely aware of the significant efforts our fans and partners have put into these shows, and we’re determined not to let any of you down. We’re on our toes, excited for the challenge, and eager to see how it all unfolds.

“As you can imagine, the past few days have been challenging as we explored our options. In a surprise twist, our very own bass boss, Dusty Chesterfield, has graciously offered to stand in for lan – just as he did for lan’s brother, our co-founder and bassist Jim Crichton, back in August, 2018. How cool is that?

“In turn, Dusty has invited his friend and long-time collaborator, Michael “Mike” Borkosky, to join us for these upcoming shows. Not only is Mike a prog fan, but he’s also a multi-talented pro who has toured with Alannah Myles, Sass Jordan, Melanie Doane, and currently with Rough Trade/ Carole Pope and JD Fortune Rocks INXS.

“We’re incredibly proud of Dusty and Mike for stepping up on such short notice – please give them both a round of encouragement!”

A bust of late Motorhead frontman Lemmy containing some of his ashes was unveiled on stage at Bloodstock Open Air Festival in England today.

Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell was joined by festival staff on the Main Stage to reveal the unique tribute as part of a ceremony called Lemmy Forever.

After the unveiling, the bust was moved to the festival’s Rock & Metal Gallery – which includes Lemmy’s dressing room. The dressing room includes a selection of Lemmy’s personal items such as his iconic hat, boots, bass guitar and hand-drawn pictures.

Also on display are handwritten lyrics, dressing room paraphernalia, and previously unseen personal photos.

Once the festival wraps up, the bust will be housed at the Rock City venue in nearby Nottingham.

Footage of the tribute and of the dressing room exhibits can be viewed below.

Explaining the Lemmy Forever idea, Motorhead manager Todd Singerman said: “Bloodstock has always been a special place for Motorhead and for Lemmy. The people and the energy matched Lemmy’s values perfectly.

“This is definitely a fitting honour in the continuing series of enshrinements of Lemmy’s ashes in his most loved places.”

Lemmy’s ashes have also been scattered at the German metal festival Wacken Open Air. Motorhead tour manager Eddie Rocha and production assistant Emma Cederblad both have tattoos that contain some of the ashes, and more of his ashes were sent to friends in bullets with Lemmy’s name on them.

Earlier this year, plans to erect a giant statue of Lemmy in the Staffordshire town where he was born were approved.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council gave the green light for the 2.2metre statue to be erected in Burslem’s Market Place.

Lemmy died on December 28, 2015, four days after his 70th birthday and two after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The Doors guitarist Robby Krieger and drummer Stewart Copeland of The Police are among the stars confirmed for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp’s The Masters of Rock: 2025.

Taking place in Los Angeles from February 20-23, the event also features Skunk Baxter of The Doobie Brothers and session bass hero Leland Sklar.

Attendees get the unique opportunity to learn from these music legends through masterclasses, jam sessions, and Q&A panels.

Campers will also join bands led by stars including Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent), Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Dio), Mike Kroeger (Nickelback), Monte Pittman (Madonna, Ministry), Janet Robin (Lindsey Buckingham), and more.

Organisers have confirmed the camp’s jamming songbook includes The Police’s Message in a Bottle and Roxanne, The Doors’ LA Woman and Light My Fire, and The Doobie Brothers’ Listen to the Music and Long Train Runnin’.

They say: “Immerse yourself in an unforgettable weekend that promises to ignite your passion for music and elevate your skills to new heights. Set against the backdrop of vibrant energy and timeless music, this exclusive camp offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to jam with these masters who are some of the greatest names in rock history.

“Beyond the masterclasses, Q&A with the rockstars, band rehearsals and jam sessions over four days, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp offers a holistic experience designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and camaraderie.”

To wrap up the four-day experience, attendees get the rare chance to perform on the Sunset Strip at the iconic Viper Room and Whisky A Go Go.

The camp is open to guitarists of all levels, with additional tiers customized for beginners as well as 11 to 16-year-olds.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp has been running for over 25 years. It’s also been the subject of the documentary Rock Camp The Movie and has been featured in The Simpsons.

Spots are limited and people interested in taking part are encouraged to book early. See RockCamp.com for more details.

With the release date of his fourth studio album Charisma now arrived, Knoxville guitar maestro Andy Wood is releasing another song from the record. Andy’s blistering instrumental cover of the Alice In Chains classic “Rooster” is now available via all digital service providers. A music video featuring Andy performing in front of some of the most iconic moments in history was just released today. The idea was a concept that Andy came up with and was executed with help of executive producer Andy Jeffers and director/editor Barry Rice.

Andy Wood is backed by a collection of some of Music City’s finest musicians on drums, bass, organ, keys, strings and even traditional Asian instruments are utilized to bring Charisma to life. From the hypnotic opening of “Shoot The Sun Down” to the emotive outro of “Believe,” Andy Wood expresses his emotions through his fingers and playing. 

Performances on “Storm The Sparrows,”  “Cherry Blossoms” and “Hylia” showcase the talent that makes Andy Wood one of the most sought-after and respected guitar players around. The 11-track collection of instrumental compositions helped Wood land his own monthly column in the famed instrument magazine, Guitar World. Joe Bonamassa lends his talents to the track “Moaning Lisa” and the first single “Free Range Chicken” features another Nashville legend, Brent Mason. 

The album is available in numerous physical configurations as well as available via all digital service providers here.

Andy Wood will be touring throughout 2024 and beyond in support of Charisma with a handful of recently announced dates and more dates to be announced in the future. Andy also hosts a sleepaway guitar camp – The Woodshed Guitar Experience – that will be returning this September and registration is currently open at woodshedguitarexperience.com. Aside from that, he also spends time as the band leader for the famed band The Stowaways on annual sold-out cruise, Shiprocked.

Dates:

August
17 – Knoxville, TN – Scruffy City Hall

September
21 – Knoxville, TN – Scruffy City Hall

October
12 – Knoxville, TN – Scruffy City Hall

November
16 – Knoxville, TN – Scruffy City Hall

December
7 – Knoxville, TN – Scruffy City Hall

(Photo – Todd Etheridge)

A new force is awakening, stretching the boundaries of consciousness, and devouring everything in its path. In Aphelion is now ushering in their sophomore album, Reaperdawn, which is out today, August 9, 2024, via Century Media Records. The black metal brainchild of guitarist/vocalist Sebastian Ramstedt (best known as guitarist and songwriter with Necrophobic) is now unleashing the final single from the offering, “Fields of Nadir,” along with a grim music video. The clip was directed and filmed by Ramstedt himself.

Ramstedt explains, “It takes the viewer away from the comforting light. In order to put the viewer in the same state as me when I wrote the song it was necessary to break some rules. In nadir everything that is beautiful turns ugly. The warmer skin tone during the performance parts symbolizes this side of death. The cold colour of the outside is purgatory. The out of focus singing with the candles symbolizes death and the other side. The video is chaotically blending visions of the past the present and the future. It’s cut with a dreamlike logic in mind.”

Darker, stranger, more epic and progressive than admirers of his work were expecting, this new outlet for enigmatic and artistic expression emerged firmly tethered to the white-knuckle viciousness of benchmark, Northern European black metal, while also exhibiting a profound affiliation with both classic, traditional heavy metal and the black magic of psychedelic repetition. Based around a core line-up of Ramstedt (guitar/vocals), drummer Marco Prij (also Cryptosis), rhythm guitarist Johan Bergebäck (Necrophobic) and bassist Tobias Cristiansson (Necrophobic, ex-Grave), In Aphelion have taken the uncompromising DIY route to their current status as new Century Media signees.

The atmosphere of Reaperdawn is a swirling maelstrom of obsidian sparkle and iridescent grime.

Reaperdawn is now available in standard CD jewelcase, gatefold black LP, and a limited Gatefold bloodred LP (red Vinyl), 300x via cmdistro.de and other retailers. Orders can be found here.

Tracklisting:

“The Fields in Nadir”
“A Winter Moon’s Gleam”
“When All Stellar Light Is Lost”
“The Darkening”
“They Fell under Blackened Skies”
“Further from the Sun”
“Reaperdawn”
“Aghori”

“A Winter Moon’s Gleam” video:

“When All Stellar Light Is Lost” video:

Lineup:

Johan Bergebäck – guitars
Tobias Cristiansson – bass
Marco Prij – drums
Sebastian Ramstedt – vocals, guitars

(Photo – Leo Bergebaeck)

Taken off their much-awaited, new studio album Circle Of Life, slated for a release on September 13, 2024 via AFM Records, iconic hard rock act Victory has unleashed a brand new single entitled “Virtual Sin”. Pre-order here.

Their forthcoming studio offering sees the five-piece surrounding founder and iconic guitarist Herman Frank not only effortlessly build on earlier feats, but also sounds stronger than ever. Frank recently described the release with its first-rate production as “even more grown-up and mature than its predecessor, we’ve taken the new songs to a whole new level in every respect.”

He knows what this optimized performance is due to: “The group operates as a tight unit, based on the experience of the many live shows we’ve played together. Circle Of Life brings together what has grown together and belongs together.” ‘

Following a series of previously-released songs, today, Victory strike back with their latest single, the album closing track “Virtual Sin”! Herman Frank says, this song is “pure rock ‘n’ roll. Nothing more and nothing less!”

Naturally, the excellent reputation of a successful hard rock act such as Victory is based – among other things – on the superb achievements of their long-standing career. The early days of the Hanover-based group date back to the 1980s and include immortal album classics and successful tours around the globe. However, none of this would account for much or would indeed be classed as anything but nostalgia if their present accomplishments weren’t on a par with the band’s impressive past.

All of the ten new tracks were recorded by Herman Frank together with vocalist Gianni Pontillo, rhythm guitarist Mike Pesin, bassist Malte Frederik Burkert and drummer Michael Stein at Hanover’s famous Horus Sound Studios, featuring a mix courtesy of sound engineer Arne Neurand.

The album title and matching cover artwork, into which graphic designer Oleg (Voodoo) Shcherbakov has incorporated a philosophical “maths problem” by German artist Rune Mields, also deserve an explanation: They’re about the cycle of life mentioned in the moniker and what people leave behind at the end of their earthly existence.

As far as Herman Frank is concerned, it’s pretty obvious that Circle Of Life will be Victory’s powerful statement for posterity which their fans will continue to enjoy. He says: “For us, this recording is also the perfect ticket for even more and even more passionate Victory concerts.”

Circle Of Life tracklisting:

“Tonight We Rock”
“American Girl”
“Count On Me”
“Surrender My Heart”
“Unbelievable World”
“Moonlit Sky”
“Falling”
“Money”
“Reason To Love”
“Virtual Sin”

“Virtual Sin”:

“Count On Me” video:

(Photo – Guido Thomasi)

In this dynamic episode of The Madhouse Chronicles, Billy Morrison and Ozzy Osbourne dive into thrilling stories of high-speed car adventures and the addictive rush of speed. They reminisce about their fastest rides, discuss their favorite cars and movie vehicles, and explore the cultural phenomenon of street racing and concept cars. 

With anecdotes ranging from nearly catastrophic blowouts to the latest in automotive technology, this episode is a must-watch for car enthusiasts and fans of adrenaline-pumping tales. 

Early in the episode, Ozzy tells a story driving his Jaguar in England in the ‘70s going 130 miles per hour.

The new episode of The Osbournes Podcast is available for streaming below.

Description: “A compilation mash up series of iconic Ozzy Osbourne moments on our most beloved Osbourne’s Podcast. We take a look back at all of Ozzy’s shocking stories, candid conversations, and hilarious family moments. From Ozzy’s controversial past to personal anecdotes about acid trips, cats, and confrontations, this episode covers it all including Ozzy’s time with Black Sabbath, his new song ‘Crack Cocaine’ with Billy Morrison, his solo career as Ozzy Osbourne and his festival – Ozzfest. Plus, hear about Jack’s experiences with biocellular therapy, the Osbournes’ take on viral internet trends, and their sincere apology to Britney Spears. Don’t miss this raw and entertaining look into the lives of the Osbournes and our fearless leader, rock icon – Ozzy Osbourne.”