A brand new Roger Dean art exhibition has opened at the popular Trading Boundaries venue in Fletching in East Sussex.
Horizon Line runs until December 31, and the all-new exhibition offers fans a rare glimpse into Dean’s creative genius, and features rare and seldom-seen pieces from his illustrious career working with the likes of Yes, Asia and more.
Visitors will have the chance to immerse themselves in the intricate landscapes, fantastical designs, and otherworldly visions that have made Dean a household name.
“This is an extraordinary chance to experience Roger Dean’s work up close, including pieces that have rarely, if ever, been seen by the public,” the organisers say. “Whether you are an art enthusiast, a long-time admirer, or new to Dean’s visionary worlds, Horizon Line promises an unforgettable encounter with one of the most celebrated artists of our time.”
The exhibition will be on display at Trading Boundaries and is open to the public during shop hours, Wednesday to Sunday, 10am – 5pm.
Admission is free.
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Swedish prog outfit Karmakanic have announced that they will release their brand new album, through Jonas Reingold’s own label, Reingold Records Transmutation, on March 7.
It’s the band’s first new studio album since the release of Dot in 2016.
“Its been a fantastic period creating this beast of an album, being able to collaborate with such fine musicians in state-of-the-art environments such as The Ocean Way in Nashville to CLA studio in LA,” Reingold enthuses. “I’m truly grateful for what everyone contributed on Transmutation.
“Transmutation, that means something transforms into a new state of being, the universe is in a constant flux so that goes for my music too. Bringing a seed that turns into a bright flower, hopefully not dying too quickly!”
The album features an array of stellar guests. Prog has previously reported that former The Who and Toto drummer Simon Phillips features on the album, along with fellow Steve Hackett band member Craig Blundell.
“I have to pinch my arm thinking who’s actually on the album,” Reingold enthuses. “All heroes of mine and I’m truly humble and thankful that they have given me a part of their talent to shape this album. It’s truly a joint venture. I sometimes joke that Karmakanic is the equivalent to prog what Barcelona FC is to football. Only the best players onboard.”
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Fans have the opportunity to have their own name placed alongside that of Reingold, Hackett, Phillips et al. 200 places have been made available to those who purchase a special VIP pre-order of the CD format. Their name will then be printed within the album artwork, acknowledging their support of independent music.
The album artwork, which you can see below, has been designed by Hajo Müller, most recently known for his work with Steven Wilson.
VIP pre-order opens today, Friday November 29 at 5pm GMT.6pm CET.
Karmakanic: Transmutation 1. Brace For Impact 2. End Of The Road 3. Cosmic Love 4. All That Glitters Is Not Gold 5. We Got The World 6. Falling 7. Gotta Lose This Ball And Chain 8. Transmutation
Earlier this month, Finland’s gothic / melancholy metal outfit To/Die/For parted ways with their vocalist Jape Perätalo.
The remaining band members issued the following statement this past Tuesday, November 26th.
“Greetings from the To/Die/For camp!
As most of you already know, our dear friend and frontman Jape Perätalo decided to take a step back from the spotlight and retire from active duty in the group. We are of course sad and a bit awestruck since the band has always been his main outlet for his creativity, but everyone must follow their hearts and do what feels right at the moment.
We know that many old fans will not like the situation but it’s only life and life must go on. We have a good enough reason in our music to carry on, which is still great and fun to play. Jape gave his blessing to the rest of the band to keep T/D/F alive and that’s what we are planning to do. We are definitely not looking for a ‘New Jape’ to fill his shoes since his voice is so unique and recognizable. What we look for in our new frontman is a great voice, charisma, and a certain capability to do honor to the songs which some of the remaining members have already been playing for 25 years. We haven’t got a new singer in the band yet, but we are currently auditioning for Jape’s successor.
What the future will hold for this reincarnation of To/Die/For, we’ll have to wait and see. There’s already been a great demand for more live shows all over the world. It’s not always a bad thing when a band replaces their frontman or any other member for that matter. There’s been numerous occasions throughout time when such occurrence has brought the band to a whole new level.
We have had a conversation with Jape and he is still willing to continue collaboration with the band. His role will be mostly helping with the songwriting, especially vocal melodies which have always been his strong suit.
Thanks to our loyal fans. You’re the best!”
Jape’s original statement, dated November 15th, reads:
“To/Die/For has been my whole life for many, many years. The band has broken up several times, but always with strong will and perseverance it has been kept alive. In April 2024, we did a tour in Mexico, and it felt good to notice that the fans had not forgotten us. However, during the entire tour, black clouds followed us because I was in pain for almost the entire tour. I forced myself to sing and perform even if it wasn’t always worth it and it really took it’s toll after coming back to Finland. I had to cancel all the scheduled acoustic gigs that I do from time to time. I’ve never had the right technique for singing anyway and now it backfired in a serious way. The remaining original T/D/F members are willing to continue making music under the name of To/Die/For, and they have my blessing to do so. They are my friends. I’m still making songs by myself at home with no plans for the future, and IF I ever get my throat / singing in shape, then in that case I might return to a more active role in music. Until then, I’ll heal my mental hangover alone by sailing and figuring out the winds of my life. Love to all.”
(Photo courtesy of the official To/Die/For Facebook page)
Graveworm drummer Moe Harringer recently announced a career change via social media. His statement reads as follows:
“Dear fans, followers, and supporters,
After 25 incredible years of drumming and eight years in Graveworm filled with music, passion, and unforgettable memories, I want to share a personal decision: I am stepping away from the band and I will put drumming behind me entirely.
This decision has not been easy, but over the past months, I’ve realized that playing the drums—something that has brought me immense joy for so long—no longer fulfills me the way it once did.
At the same time, my priorities have shifted. Alongside music, I’ve been deeply involved in several businesses, and I’ve come to recognize that my heart now lies in management and entrepreneurship rather than performing on stage. I no longer see myself as an artist, but as a manager and entrepreneur working behind the scenes.
I want to take this moment to express my deepest gratitude to my bandmates. You have been more than just musical companions—you’ve been my family and you will always be.
You stood by me during the hardest times of my life, and without this band, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
The journey we’ve shared has shaped me, strengthened me, and given me so much to be thankful for.
To our incredible fans: your unwavering support, energy, and loyalty mean everything to me. Thank you for being with us every step of the way. I leave the stage with immense respect and gratitude for all we’ve accomplished together.
It has been the honor of a lifetime to be part of something so extraordinary, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for all of us.
Nikki Stringfield (The Iron Maidens) and Patrick Kennison (Lita Ford), who play together in Heaven Below, have announced details of their upcoming acoustic EP. According to the husband and wife duo:
“The new music keeps on coming.
Our acoustic EP, Ghost Notes, will be released January 24th in celebration of the Live Drama Tour kicking off.
We’ll be playing most of this album live on the tour, and the first single will be released on January 7th – ‘Where The Demons Lie (Acoustic Apparition Version)’.”
Tracklisting:
“Where The Demons Lie (Acoustic Apparition Version)” “See Me Die Again (Reigns Of Fire Version)” “Lunacy (Artemis Acoustic Version)” “Suffer The Masses (Uncivil War Version)” “Numbered” “Sweet Insanity (Orchestral Version)”
Catch Nikki Stringfield and Patrick Kennison opening for Marty Friedman on the Live Drama 2025 Tour, confirmed dates are listed below.
When asked about the tour, Nikki replied: “We are thrilled to be warming up the stage for the incomparable Marty Friedman on his upcoming tour with our acoustic duo! We’ll be rocking a variety of originals with a splash of some of your favorite metal songs in a way you’ve never heard before… see you on the road!”
January 25 – Las Vegas, NV – Count’s Vamp’d 27 – Denver, CO – HQ Live 29 – St. Louis, MO – Off Broadway 30 – St. Charles, IL – Arcada Theater 31 – Westland, MI – Token Lounge
February 1 – Columbus, OH – The King of Clubs 2 – Cleveland, OH – The Winchester 4 – New York, NY – The Loft at City Winery 5 – Boston, MA – City Winery 6 – Derry, NH – Tupelo Music Hall 7 – Annapolis, MD – Ram’s Head on Stage 8 – Pawling, NY – Daryl’s House 10 – Philadelphia, PA – City Winery 11 – Leesburg, VA – Tally Ho Theater 13 – Greenville, SC – Radio Room 14 – Nashville, TN – The Basement 16 – Houston, TX – Bronze Peacock at House of Blues 17 – Austin, TX – Antone’s 18 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater 20 – Albuquerque, NM – Launch Pad 21 – Phoenix, AZ – Rhythm Room 22 – Los Angeles, CA – The Whisky
Original Scandinavian death metal masters Konkhra and Hammerheart Records proudly present the music video for the title track from the new Konkhra album, Sad Plight Of Lucifer.
The killer artwork adorning Sad Plight Of Lucifer, pictured below, was created by Alvaro Valverde. The album was produced and recorded by Konkhra at Starstruck Studio, and mixed by none other than Tue Madsen (The Haunted, Gorefest, Kataklysm).
Sad Plight Of Lucifer is set for release on November 29, 2024 via Hammerheart Records on CD, LP and digital formats. Order your copy now at this location.
Tracklisting:
“Sad Plight Of Lucifer” “Revolution” “Seven Plagues” “Nothing Can Save You” “The Lesser Key Of Solomon” “August 6 1945” “Artificial Sun” “Magick” “Resurrection Machine” “Gates Of Paradise” “Tentacles Of Madness”
“Revolution”:
“Seven Plagues”:
Check out the Sad Plight Of Lucifer unboxing video:
This past Monday, November 25, Kittie frontwoman Morgan Lander married her fiancee, Benjamin Bridge.
Morgan publicly announced her nuptials via the following photo on Facebook:
No further details about the wedding are presently known. All of us at BraveWords wish Morgan and Benjamin a lifetime of love and happiness.
In live news, Ukrainian metal juggernauts, Jinjer, have announced tour dates for Asia, Australia and New Zealand in 2025, with Canadian bashers Kittie as support. The complete schedule is available below.
February 6 – P7 Arena – Dubaie, UAE 10 – The Street Hall – Bangkok, Thailand 12 – Reny Alpha – Tokyo, Japan 13 – Meta Valley – Osaka, Japan 14 – Reny Limited – Aichi, Japan 15 – Musina Garage, Seoul, Korea 16 – Legacy – Taipei, Taiwan 18 – SM Sky Dome – Manila, Philippines 21 – The Fortitude Music Hall – Brisbane, Australia 23 – Hordern Pavilion – Moore Park, Australia 25 – Festival Hall Melbourne – West Melbourne, Australia 26 – Hindley Street Music Hall – Adelaide, Australia 28 – Metropolis – Fremantle, Australia
March 2 – San Fran – Wellington, New Zealand 3 – Powerstation – Auckland, New Zealand
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Recorded in 2020, as a tour-toughened Sweet lineup (then comprising recently added bassist Lee Small and lead vocalist Paul Manzi, alongside long-standing drummer Bruce Bisland, who replaced Mick Tucker in ’92, and 54-year-veteran guitarist Andy Scott) faced career-halting global lockdown, Isolation Boulevard captures a dozen re-recorded versions of the band’s greatest hits.
Projects like this often seem somewhat surplus to requirements, but considering the Sweet captured here are five decades removed from the Sweet that first banged out the majority of Isolation Boulevard’s material and that 75 per cent of the Popswop-bothering glamsters of yore are no longer with us, this particular revamp makes more sense than most.
The first thing that strikes the listener (especially the listener of a certain age) is just how well the Sweet’s era-defining hits (usually supplied by their songwriting/management team of Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman) stand up to 21st-century scrutiny. The titles speak for themselves: Blockbuster, Hellraiser, Teenage Rampage, Ballroom Blitz, Action, all spark with an intrinsic excitement entirely emblematic of their times, every hook-laden riff-storm is a twisted punk firestarter, and now, solidly revamped with contemporary rock productions, five decades of Andy Scott honing and still pitch-perfect proto-Queen harmonies, they all just sound brilliant.
Manzi beefs up Brian Connolly’s teenybop-friendly vocals for a metal-weaned constituency, but cannot possibly replicate the evergreen charm of Steve Priest’s inimitably camp asides. Ultimately, though, this is a record dripping with irresistible charm. And The Six Teens? Still the greatest No.1 single they never had.
Classic Rock’s Reviews Editor for the last 20 years, Ian stapled his first fanzine in 1977. Since misspending his youth by way of ‘research’ his work has also appeared in such publications as Metal Hammer, Prog, NME, Uncut, Kerrang!, VOX, The Face, The Guardian, Total Guitar, Guitarist, Electronic Sound, Record Collector and across the internet. Permanently buried under mountains of recorded media, ears ringing from a lifetime of gigs, he enjoys nothing more than recreationally throttling a guitar and following a baptism of punk fire has played in bands for 45 years, releasing recordings via Esoteric Antenna and Cleopatra Records.
Eric Clapton‘s Crossroads Festival was expanded to a two-day event at LA’s Crypto.com Arena last year, now condensed(!) to a 4-CD (or 6LP) set, providing limitless pleasures for any guitar-minded person on their next lengthy journey.
There’s a bluegrass flavour early on with Del McCoury, Jerry Douglas, Bradley Walker and Sierra Hull before Eric Gales, Samantha Fish and Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram introduce the blues with a rocked-up Smokestack Lightning.
Eric Clapton – Makes No Difference (Live) [Crossroads 2023] – YouTube
From there it branches every which way, mixing in less familiar names – Citizen Cope, Molly Tuttle, Marcus King, H.E.R. and Brazilian duo Daniel Santiago and Pedro Martins – alongside old friends like Gary Clark Jr, Jimmie Vaughan, Joe Bonamassa, Taj Mahal, Roger McGuinn, Carlos Santana and John McLaughlin.
Clapton makes intermittent appearances throughout and closes the show with Stevie Wonder.
Crippled Black Phoenix have spent the last two decades wilfully lurking on music’s darker fringes, the missing link between Paradise Lost and Pink Floyd. Comfortably glum, basically.
Released on their 20th anniversary, The Wolf Changes Its Fur But Not Its Nature features seven re-recorded tracks from the early part of their career. While it’s hardly busting out the birthday streamers, it’s a terrific primer for anyone unfamiliar with their crepuscular catalogue.
Crippled Black Phoenix – “444” (Official Audio) – YouTube
444 and Goodnight Europe Pt 2 are tweaked rather than overhauled by core duo Justin Greaves (various instruments) and Belinda Kordic (vocals) plus a rotating cast of backing musicians, adding both a rawer edge and an extra shot of grandeur.
The highlight is Song For The Unloved, a 14-minute blowout that rips off at least four Pink Floyd songs and gets away with it. It comes with a companion covers album, Horrific Honorifics Number Two, featuring morose makeovers of songs by New Model Army, Deep Purple and 80s singer Laura Branigan among others. Cute, but not a patch on their own songs.
![Eric Clapton - Makes No Difference (Live) [Crossroads 2023] - YouTube](https://img.youtube.com/vi/LPOeZnbEcBU/maxresdefault.jpg)
