London, UK - The rock world is buzzing with the revelation that good and evil can continue to work together in the form of former Judas Priest vocal legend and heavy metal frontman Al Atkins and Christian guitarist and music artist Paul May. Together these extreme opposites have come together once again to create a powerful new CD called 'Valley Of Shadows', now available on Gonzo Multimedia. Here once again, the men from the "Black Country" have produced an album of outstanding quality straight from the "Home of Metal"! This excellent collection of songs sees Atkins deliver some stand out vocal performances and May shred the axe like the old guitar masters,
'Valley Of Shadows' offers 10 "killer" tracks that burst with melody and metal mayhem. You'll take a journey through what seems to be an "evolution" of rock. With all the elements of "classic" hard rock and metal, yet retaining an underlying progressive core, 'Valley Of Shadows' will not disappoint fans of the genre who decide to take the ride!
Says Al Atkins, "We have kept the same format for 'Valley Of Shadows' since it worked really well for our debut album 'Serpent's Kiss', so we thought why change a winning formula." Paul May adds, "I think the new album definitely leans more towards that 'classic rock' feel, with some modern twists thrown in for good measure, retaining its metal edge."
Al Atkins: Noted for forming UK's Judas Priest and fronting them for four years and laying down the foundations which would see them eventually selling 40 million albums worldwide. He also wrote songs for them which went gold like "Dreamer Deceiver", "Never Satisfied", "Winter", "Caviar and Meths" and Priest's all time classic "Victim of Changes". Al's unique powerful vocal style sites influences by noted rock singers Roger Daltrey, Paul Rodgers and longtime friend Robert Plant. Al has done countless radio and TV interviews worldwide and recently featured in the BBC TV 'British Heritage'. He has even written a book on his musical life about growing up in Birmingham, UK alongside Robert Plant and Black Sabbath called 'Dawn of the Metal Gods'. Al has released 6 solo albums to date, and teamed up with brilliant Christian writer/guitarist Paul May to record their critically acclaimed debut album 'Serpent's Kiss'.
Paul May: Some people learn to play guitar, Paul was born (again) to play guitar! Paul has become respected for his passionate, soulful guitar work and noted for his explosive and exciting solos. As a world class professional guitarist and songwriter, Paul has played and recorded sessions across the globe, touring and playing throughout the UK, Europe, USA and the Eastern block. Paul appears on around 50 albums to date, featured in both the secular and Christian arenas. Paul is also a record producer and has covered the entire spectrum of musical tastes in production.
Now with the release of the new Atkins May Project CD, the dichotomous duo are ready once again to bring their special brand of rock and metal to the masses. Although the CD has no definite concept there are certain underlying themes that run throughout the songs. "The album is mainly about facing trials of life and the 'demons' you encounter on the way," Paul explains. "It's about standing up and being counted when you understand who you are. The title 'Valley Of Shadows' relates to many things...that dark night of the soul that finds us all..."
In closing Al has this to impart to the band's fans, "We would like to say a big thanks to all our fans and friends that we have amassed over the long years and would just like to say..'KEEP IT METAL.'"
Atkins May Project – 'Valley Of Shadows' is available through Gonzo MultiMedia and can be purchased at: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/15515
For more information: www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk
Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine
