quinta-feira, fevereiro 28, 2013

'Some Kind of Poetic Destruction', Factory of Dreams 4th album, has just been released.

It's a conceptual scifi album that follows the adventures of Kyra, a unique and mysterious character who holds the key to our fate. Something is closing in on the Earth. What is it? What is its purpose? What will happen to Earth? Discover the storyline, full of surprises and mysteries, as we follow Kyra on an epic journey to find her purpose, faith and destiny throughout the album.
 
12-page booklet with original artwork, 70 minutes of music with 12 brand new tracks and a Bonus track.

This new album explores even further the sound of the previous album Melotronical, pushing it beyond the boundaries of the Electronic Progressive Metal genre. Expect poignant melodies, heavy passages balanced by atmospheric parts, rhythmical changes and instrumental sections that are sure to delight all who appreciate the genre.

Track highlights are the explosive Neutron Star, the epic Join Us into Sound, the powerful Dark Season featuring Magali Luyten, the beautiful Seashore Dreams (cd includes the full version of this track ~7 min) and Angel Tears featuring great interaction and duets between Jessica and Raquel Schüler.
 
Hugo Flores also decided to remake an older song called Playing the Universe, now revamped by Jessica's vocals, that perfectly fits the storyline.
 
The brand new album features amazing guest vocalists and musicians. Check them out:

Magali Luyten (www.magali-luyten.com) of Beautiful Sin, Ayreon, Epysode – Vocals

Raquel Schüler of Hydria (www.hydria.com.br) – Vocals

Lyris Hung of HUNG (www.lyrishung.com) – Violin

Chris Brown (www.csbrownmusic.com) of Ghost Circus and Roswell Six – Guitar

Tadashi Goto (www.tadashi-goto.com) – Keyboards

Shawn Gordon of Psychic for Radio (www.therecordlabel.net) – Keyboards

Narration by Mark Ashby, Angela Merrithew & Nathan Ashby
Produced by Progrock Records & Hugo Flores, mixed and composed by Hugo Flores
Mastered by Chris Brown
 
Factory of Dreams is:
Hugo Flores – Music / Instruments/ Sounds / Production
Jessica Lehto – Lead vocals, vocal harmonies / arrangements
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UGANGA reveals title of new studio album and launches documentary about its first european tour

The brazilian thrashcore band is leaded by Sarcofago's former drummer, Manu Joker
 
Manu Joker, UGANGA's vocalist, was the guest on the brazilian TV Show "Combo Fala + Joga". During the interview for the hostess Bianca Jhordão, he revealed the title of the band's new album.
 
Opressor will the title of the fourth full lenght album by the brazilian band that have been conquering more and more fans worldwide.

The album is already being recorded at Rock Lab Studios in Goiania/Brazil with the producer by Gustavo Vazquez (Black Drawning Chalks, Macaco Bong, Krow, Attero) and will bring 10 brand new tracks besides a new recoding for a brazilian heavy metal classic to be revealed soon.

About the album title, Manu Joker reveals that, just like on previous UGANGA albuns, the idea appeared even before any song was written.

"The title is a general observation of the contemporary world", explains the vocalist with an urgent tone. "We are not dealing just about politics, wars or anything else. The approach is broad. In my point of view, the human being is degradated, becoming more futile each day. Me, you, we're all together in the same boat. The millions forms of opression, drugs, vices, ego, corruption, violence, hungry, the false truths that doesn't stop falling, all this shit inspired me. Some lyrics are about my vision and in some others I try to see with different eyes, always being carefull to not point any way out for anybody. I like to search for something positive in everything I write, even dealing with darker subjects, and for sure this album will bring heavy themes. I'm not an example of no fucking shit, just one more guy groping in the dark."
Opressor still doesn't have an official release date, but the album may hit the stores in the second half of 2013.
Among other news, UGANGA just launched on Youtute the documentary about the european tour of 2010.
 
The video covers the 18 shows of the tour that passed through seven countries - Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic and Poland - reuniting scenes of the shows and backstage, besides statements of the musicians and crew.
To watch, go to http://youtu.be/Jy4bZWF3ZY4

Lastly, will be released in March the first UGANGA live album, Eurocaos Ao Vivo.
The album was recorded live in Germany and Portugal and will bring the tracks "Kali-Yuga", "Asas Negras", "3XC", "Meus Velhos Olhos de Enxergar o Mal", "Sua Lei, Minha Lei", "Zona Árida", "Fronteiras da Tolerância", "Troops Of Doom" (Sepultura cover) and "Nightmare" of Sarcófago with Manu Joker on drums.
Eurocaos Ao Vivo will also feature unreleased recordings that will appear on two Tribute-Albuns that UGANGA is participating. The first song is a version that UGANGA did for "Desespero" from the Brazilian punk rock legend Pastel de Miolos. The second one is a recording of the classic "Nao Desista" from the legendary Brazilian metal band Stress. The song will be part of the "Tribute To Stress" that is being produced by Metal Soldiers Records from Portugal.
Eurocaos Ao Vivo will be released in Brazil by the record label Sapólio Radio and simultaneously in Europe by Metal Soldiers on March 13th.

In July, UGANGA embarks for its second European Tour in promotion of Eurocaos Ao Vivo.
For Further Information:
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New KAPPA CRUCIS album to be mixed in Florida

The Brazilian heavy rock veterans of KAPPA CRUCIS have finished the recordings of its new album.
 
Still untitled, the album will bring the tracks "Flags And Lies", "Strange Soul", "Invisible Man", "What Comes Down", "Nobody Knows", "Mecathronic", "Between Night And Day", "When The Legs Are Wheels", "The Braves And The Fools" and "School Of Life".
The album was recorded at Ger Som Studio in the city of Itapeva, Sao Paulo - same place where they did record the high acclaimed debut Jewel Box from 2009 - and now will be mixed and mastered by Joubert DePetris at the Suwanne Recording Studio in the north region of Florida state in the USA.

DePetris was an official member of KAPPA CRUCIS when the band released its first demo-tape "Algol - The Demon Star" in 1997. He was also the responsable for the mastering of Jewel Box and now once again will be involved in the production of the band's new album.

"Working with Kappa Crucis is very delightful, I feel like being a member of the band", declares DePetris. "During these six years that I was the guitarist of the band we became close friends and this feeling is still alive. So, adding to the technical knowledge that I 've adquired in these years since my departure from the band, to be part of the Kappa Crucis family will bring a special taste to the album".

The new KAPPA CRUCIS album will be released in the second half of 2013. Before, the band releases a single and a video clip.
For Further Information:
www.kappacrucisband.com
www.myspace.com/kappacrucis
www.twitter.com/kappacrucisband
www.youtube.com/kappacrucisband
www.facebook.com/kappacrucisband

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Believe unveil the artwork of their forthcoming studio album

Believe, one of the most interesting and original bands on the Polish art/prog-rock scene, return with a brand new album. Their fifth studio album entitled “The Warmest Sun in Winter" is set to be released on April, 22nd in Europe and May, 7th in USA (via MVD).
And today the band reveal the cover artwork of the album.
 
 
Karol Wróblewski comments: “We'd been looking for a symbol that would best reflect the mood of our new music and that would best represent the album's concept. After a prolonged search, we came across some photos by Hengki Koentjoro's - an Indonesian photographer who specializes in documenting the life of Indonesia. It is one of his photos that best corresponds to the title 'The Warmest Sun in Winter'. The photo was taken at a secluded convent in Bhutan. The author describes it thus: 'It has that sense of mystic, mystery and certainly fits the soul and spirit of the famous jazz pianist, Thelonious Monk'. Additional work on the artwork was done by Tomasz Płonka, the author of the cover of the latest Mr. Gil album. As a photographer, Hengki Koentjoro is respected all around the the world, so we're happy that this cooperation has come to pass and that his work can become our album's cover. It's very inspiring.”
 
The new material was recorded in Mirek Gil’s studio in the following line-up: Karol Wróblewski – vocals, Mirek Gil – guitars, Konrad Wantrych – keyboards, vocals, Przemas Zawadzki – bass guitar, Vlodi Tafel – drums, Satomi – violin. The album will include 8 brand new tracks and also "Please Go Home", a song written in memory of Robert Roszak, Polish journalist and a friend of the band. The mastering was done in Master & Servant in Germany.
The band formed in 2004 by guitarist Mirek Gil, should be known already by fans of Polish prog-rock legend Collage and Satellite. Not only was Mirek a founding member and main song writer of Collage, but he played with Satellite as well.  The band’s debut album “Hope to See Another Day” was released in 2006, six years later Believe return with their second live DVD entitled “Seeing is Believing”. Filmed in 2011 in Wyspiański Theater in Katowice (Poland), this brand new DVD documents how much the band has changed: Believe released three more excellent studio albums, letting their music grow more brilliantly intricate and sublime than ever before; Tomek Różycki was substituted by the charismatic singer Karol Wróblewski, whose deep and distinctive voice contributes much to the style and mood of Believe’s music; the new keyboard player Konrad Wantrych joined their ranks, enriching their music with his stylish and technically superb soundscapes. During this unique evening in Wyspiański Theater Believe primarily presented material from their fourth album „World Is Round” (Metal Mind Productions, 2010).  Believe’s fifth studio album entitled “The Warmest Sun In Winter” will be released by Metal Mind Productions on April, 22nd in Europe and May, 7th in USA (via MVD).
In May Believe will be a part of the famous US’ festival ROSfest 2013!
 
Believe on-line:
 
Metal Mind Productions
www.metalmind.com.pl
www.facebook.com/metalmindproductions
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J.D. Overdrive - sophomore album coming up soon!

The recordings of the J.D. Overdrive's second studio album have been officially completed. The southern metal band from Poland plan to release the album in late May. Wojtek 'Susel' Kaluza reveal: "Early this week we finished recording all the tracks for our new album and now it's time to enter the mixing stage. We're proud to inform you that the mixing and mastering duties for our sophomore release will be held by Piotr Gruenpeter who's best known for providing electronics, noise and production quality for the post-black phenomenon THAW, as well as from bands Searching For Calm and Sun For Miles. First results are simply amazing and we can't wait to show you the final album. It's gonna be heavy, raw and crushing!"
 
You can watch another video from the recording studio HERE. More info to be announced soon!
 
J.D. Overdrive - photo by Marcin Pawłowski
 
The band was formed in 2007 when guitarist Michal "Stempel" Stemplowski (along with drummer Luksus and bassist Kuba) recruited vocalist Wojciech "Susel" Kaluza for his new rock project dubbed Jack Daniels Overdrive. They self-released their debut EP called "Pure Concentrated Evil", which received a bunch of great reviews in various webzines and magazines. They played their very first show supporting Jesus Chrysler Suicide (a legendary Polish act) and the following two opening for Beatallica. In the meantime the band experienced two line-up changes, welcoming in their ranks drummer Lukasz "Jooras" Jurewicz and bassist Lukasz "Peo" Pomietło. In March 2009 they were given the honor of performing in Krakow with the living legend of stoner metal – Phil Anselmo's Down. In the following months came the inevitable – they changed their name to J. D. Overdrive to avoid legal problems with the Tennessee tycoon. And just when they thought that nothing can surprise them – on March 9th, 2011 they opened for Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society in Warsaw. After over three years of gathering experience at numerous live shows and sharpening their material, J.D. Overdrive were proud to release their debut album. The album entitled "Sex, Whiskey & Southern Blood" was released by Metal Mind Productions in June 2011. This year and the following brought more live performances and the band supported such acts as Blood Ceremony, Whitesnake and Soulfly. Now, in 2013 they are ready to return with their new album!
 
Line-up:
Wojtek „Suseł" Kałuża – vocal
Michał „Stempel" Stemplowski – guitar
Łukasz „Joorek" Jurewicz – drums
Łukasz „Peo" Pomietło – bass
 
J.D. Overdrive on-line:
http://www.jdoverdrive.pl/
www.facebook.com/jdoverdrive
 
Metal Mind Productions
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terça-feira, fevereiro 26, 2013

Metal Mind Productions celebrates 25 years on the music market

Metal Mind Productions is active on the Polish market since 1988. Our company can be found among the leaders of the independent music industry in Poland, we are also the oldest concert agency in our country. Metal Mind Productions was founded by the late Tomasz Dziubinski who turned a one-man endeavor into the successful enterprise that we are today. Metal Mind Productions' team are all music enthusiasts who love their work. Our passion combined with experience and huge commitment is what makes us an extraordinary group of people who work hard to contribute to Metal Mind's achievements.
 

 

 
During the 25 years of our activity, Metal Mind Productions organized over 1000 shows, sold over 10 million records, 1000 licenses and worked with the biggest record labels in the world. We paved the way for metal music in Poland organizing the legendary "Monsters of Rock" show and all "Metalmania" festivals. We are the publishers of the Polish edition of Metal Hammer, the oldest music magazine in Poland. For us, the last 25 years were full of wonderful memories and unforgettable experiences...
This year marks our 25th Anniversary and we are proud to present to you our company's profile along with our most prominent achievements and successes.
 
CONCERTS
Over the years Metal Mind Productions organized over 1,000 shows. We were involved in local production of many stadium shows, including Tina Turner, U2, Jose Carreras & Monserat Cabballe, Aerosmith and UB40. Solely as MMP we brought the following artists to Poland: : Jean Michel Jarre, Deep Purple, Placido Domingo, Black Sabbath, Slash, Chris Rea, Judas Priest, Faith No More, Serj Tankian, Chris De Burgh, YES, Korn, Tool, Type O Negative, Shakin Stevens, Whitesnake, Marillion, Soulfly, Gordon Haskell, Jon Anderson, Thin Lizzy, Papa Roach, Accept, Opeth, The Australian Pink Floyd Show, Disturbed, Black Label Society, Heaven and Hell and more!
 
FESTIVALS
METALMANIA
Metal Mind is known for organizing one of the biggest metal festivals in Eastern Europe – Metalmania – which had its 20th  anniversary in 2006. Over the years the festival featured top names in the metal genre, including Megadeth, Testament, Paradise Lost, Sepultura, Cradle of Filth, Soulfly, Morbid Angel, Overkill, Dillinger Escape Plan and more. 
 
MONSTERS of ROCK
We were proud to organize the memorable Monsters of Rock show in 1991 which featured AC/DC, Metallica and Queensryche, and gathered over 35 000 fans!
 
METAL HAMMER FESTIVAL
All editions of Metal Hammer Festival in Poland were also organized by MMP. The headliners since 2005 included Korn, Opeth, Tool and Judas Priest.
RECORDS
Metal Mind Productions' catalog features albums by top Polish and worldwide rock and metal artists. As an independent record label we sold over 10 million CDs and over 1000 licenses! Over the years we contributed to several successful releases.
TOP TEN POLISH ALBUM SALES
Acid Drinkers, Collage, Nalepa Tadeusz & Dzem, Perfect, SBB, Haskell Gordon, Flapjack, Perfect, Budgie, Turbo
 
TOP TEN WORLDWIDE ALBUM SALES
Tank, Pendragon, Sepultura, Deep Purple, Obituary, Michael Schenker Group, Vader, Paul D'anno, SBB, Behemoth
 
WORKING WITH TOP WORLDWIDE RECORD LABELS
Metal Mind Productions collaborated with the biggest metal record labels around the world, distributing and promoting their releases in Poland. These labels included, among others, Roadrunner Records, Century Media and Metal Blade. During the years of our partnership, several albums that were promoted by our company went gold, i.e. Nickelback, Soulfly, Slash, Machine Head, Sepultura, Korn, Megadeth, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree.
When it comes to distribution outside Poland, MMP works with the finest - MVD (USA), Soulfood – Sony (Germany), Season Of Mist (France) and Plastic Head (UK).
NEW RELEASES
In the recent years our company invested a lot in new talents and their debut albums. These include Noko (finalists of the Polish edition of "Must Be The Music"), Anti Tank Nun (a new project involving Titus of Acid Drinkers fame) or Minerals. Our label was also responsible for the tremendous success of the new Polish supergroup – Luxtorpeda.
DVD PRODUCTION
Metal Mind Productions released nearly 200 DVDs! We are currently one of the leading companies in the DVD production sector.
Our catalog includes live shows by Deep Purple, Gordon Haskell, SBB, Tiamat Michael Schenker, Pendragon, Arena, Believe, Luxtorpeda, Tank, Obituary, Moonspell, Blaze Bailey, Decapitated, Flotsam and Jetsam, Sinister, Pallas, Par Lindh Project, Caamora, Artillery, Solitude Aeturnus, Onslaught, Gorgoroth, Oliver Wakeman and many others.
Metal Mind Productions
www.metalmind.com.pl
www.facebook.com/metalmindproductions
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Kvelertak Hit The Road With Cancer Bats and Black Tusk!


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INTRONAUT Reveals First Studio Update Video



February 22, 2013 (Los Angeles, CA) - Los Angeles post metal proggers INTRONAUT have just revealed a new studio update video. The first in the series; Episode 1 turns its focus to the thunder work of drummer Danny Walker. With a touch of technicality and a bit of cabin fever style shenanigans, Walker takes fans on an intimate tour through Trench Studios in Corona, CA for a behind the scenes look at the process of recording the drums for INTRONAUT's highly anticipated album, HABITUAL LEVITATIONS.


The first studio video can be seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X59NHer0FjY


HABITUAL LEVITATIONS is set for a North American release date of March 19, 2013 via Century Media Records. Exclusive pre-orders are available via CM Distro, including a CD/t-shirt bundle which is available here. INTRONAUT has premiered two tracks from the album so far, "Milk Leg" and "The Welding" which can be heard below:


"Milk Leg" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJEW2PHyspE


"The Welding" - https://soundcloud.com/centurymedia/02-the-welding


Leading up to the release of HABITUAL LEVITATIONS, INTRONAUT is on the road with MESHUGGAH and ANIMALS AS LEADERS. A list of remaining tour dates can be seen below.


For more information on INTRONAUT, visit:

www.facebook.com/intronaut

www.centurymedia.com

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Legendary Singer/Songwriter Greg Lake To Release Highly Anticipated 'Songs Of A Lifetime' Live CD

London, UK - Hot on the heels of a successful solo tour of the US, UK and sold out tour of Italy, legendary singer/songwriter Greg Lake will be releasing a new live CD 'Songs Of A Lifetime' on Esoteric Antenna / Manticore Records on February 25, 2013. Capturing all the excitement of Greg Lake live in concert, 'Songs Of A Lifetime' documents Greg's musical history, from his beginnings with King Crimson to super-stardom with ELP to his illustrious solo career, through stories and songs. Performing all his most popular songs including "21st Century Schizoid Man", "From The Beginning", "Still....You Turn Me On", "Lend Your Love To Me Tonight", "C'est la Vie" and "Karn Evil 9", as well as homages to Elvis Presley and The Beatles and Curtis Mayfield, 'Songs Of A Lifetime' is a must have for Greg Lake fans and music fans everywhere!

Hailed as an "artistic triumph" and "the experience of a lifetime", 'Songs Of A Lifetime' gives new insight into Greg Lake and his influences, while showcasing in concert the influence his writing and voice have had not only for rock and roll, but contemporary music of all types.

As a founding member of King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Greg Lake has been a major force in music for over 40 years. In 2012 he embarked on a successful solo tour to perform 'Songs Of A Lifetime', a unique concert experience that was conceived whilst Greg was writing his autobiography. Greg explains, "From time to time during the writing of my autobiography, these songs would crop up that were in some way crucial or extremely important in the development of my career. These were not always songs that I had written myself, but sometimes songs that had been written and performed by other artists as well. I realized that what they actually represented was the journey that I had shared together with the audience over all these years. Behind these songs there were often stories to be told and it occurred to me that the same must be true for the audience as well. It was then that I thought of the idea of doing a series of very small intimate concerts where I could perform these songs and exchange stories with the audience, in a way reliving the time when the music we shared together really became part of our identity and in a way became the backdrop to our lives, a sort of tapestry I suppose."

Greg Lake has long been considered a legendary voice and musical powerhouse whose impact changed the landscape of rock and roll. Many simply refer to him as "The Voice". Visionary and creative, 'Songs Of A Lifetime' provides an evocative, emotional ride into the life and music of one of the world's most popular songwriters in a unique format which relies on audience involvement as well as the artistry of the performer. Says Greg, "This is not one of those boring shows sitting on a stool strumming folk songs, I purposely set out to make this show dynamic and entertaining with lots of drama and pathos, even some humour at times as well. Everyone feels part of the performance because we all bonded by the shared memories of our musical journeys together." The recordings on the 'Songs Of A Lifetime' CD were taken from a selection of shows performed on the 2012 tour.

The CD release coincides with the upcoming release of Greg Lake's autobiography, 'Lucky Man', and was inspired by it, but the two are not the same. The autobiography is NOT an audio recording of the show, but a narrative of Lake's experiences from childhood to the present, including never before revealed details, funny and poignant moments, and colourful facts of his amazing career as one of the world's leading and influential musicians, songwriters, vocalists and poets. The autobiography will be released both as an audio book read by the author and the complete print edition is anticipated at the end of the year. In support of the release plans for tours in Japan, Europe, South America, USA and Canada are currently in the works and will be announced shortly.

Greg Lake 'Songs Of A Lifetime' CD can be purchased at http://www.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=3999

Check out the following montage of the show:

For more information: www.greglake.com
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sexta-feira, fevereiro 22, 2013

Swiss Prog Ensemble Zenit Release Highly Anticipated Third Album 'The Chandrasekhar Limit'


Switzerland - One of the most respected progressive rock bands ever to emerge from Switzerland, Zenit, have released their third album 'The Chandrasekhar Limit' on Galileo Records on January 28, 2013. Possibly the most ambitious release of 2013, right from the beginning of Zenit's new 69-minute masterpiece, Andy Thommen (formerly Clepsydra), affixes a seal with his distinctive bass playing on the first song ("Awaken"). Later, with the start of the guitar, you will somewhat be reminded of the Clepsydra sound: awesome guitar-bass team play! Here is the beginning of what to expect from this brilliant album – quality!

Says Andy Thommen, "We've chosen 'The Chandrasekhar Limit' as the title because this mathematical threshold defines if a white dwarf star remains a star or becomes a black hole... So, as a band we feel that we are passing a crossroads without knowing where this track leads to. We do not know if we are above or below the Chandrasekhar limit."

Zenit was founded in Switzerland in 1998 by bass player Andy Thommen, Keyboardist Ivo Bernasconi and drummer Gigio Pedruzzi, based on their wealth of experience with bands like Clepsydra, Changes and Brainstorm. In 2001, now with the addition of singer Lorenzo Sonognini, Zenit released their debut CD 'Pravritti' with Italian and English lyrics, followed by various inspiring live performances in relevant prog festivals. In 2006, with the addition of Luigi Biamino on guitars, the band released the second album called 'Surrender'. With captivating, elaborate songs and music that harkens to the work of bands such as Genesis, Marillion, Supertramp, Kansas and Gentle Giant, Zenit's second album garnered praise from critics and fans alike worldwide.

Says Andy, "After 'Surrender' we did several shows, and we already had different pieces of tunes for this new album we were working on or just playing to see how it feels. On our show in Montreux, which was also filmed, we played two songs that made it onto 'The Chandrasekhar Limit': 'Awaken' and 'PiGreco'. We started writing and demoing the new album with our previous drummer Luigi Pedruzzi. For most of the songs we started on a rough idea by our keyboardist Ivo Bernasconi, then the whole band worked on it, until it was ready for a demo recording. Working on it for us means play it over and over again with absolute freedom to improvise changes, and normally when we get a few 'wow' reactions in the band we know we are close. The longest track 'The Daydream Suite' (25 minutes) was different. Ivo had just a basic idea; we started playing on it, it just came one note after the the other, one chord after the other. This was a magic band experience. When we finished recording the demos our drummer left the band. We made one single call to a friend and drummer. As he was teaching drums in Lausanne (in the French speaking part of Switzerland) we asked him if by chance he knew someone... His answer was 'Me'! Within a bit more than a half a year he was ready to record the drum tracks for 'The Chandrasekhar Limit' with a fresh breath of new energy! In sum, the essence of our way to work is: play it, play it and play it again until it sounds good, and only then you can start recording."

"The new Zenit album 'The Chandrasekhar Limit' is superb, some of the best modern prog rock I've heard for a long, long while". - Paul Baker, ARfm, UK

Zenit's musical influences are varied and diverse and include artists such as Genesis, Pink Floyd, The Flower Kings and Spock's Beard. Stand out tracks on Zenit's new album: The marvelous 17-minute song "Matrimandir" brings a breath of Asian sounds in a very subtle but delicate way without being brash, despite the Sanskrit lyrics now and then. The 25-minute opus "The Daydream Suite" brings to mind the work of Pink Floyd, including all the main elements a prog suite should have: crazy keyboard solos, melodic guitar lines, cool bass parts and complex choirs, harmoniously in action. The rocking instrumental sound of "Pulsar", the sweet and sinful ballad "Club Lady" and the screaming-jazzy "PiGreco" song, jointly make up an impressive and progressive rock album of the 21st century.

Says Andy, "There was no structured plan for this album. No plan to make it symphonic, epic, neo or retro...it just came out as it is. There are jazzy and samba rhythms, even Sanskrit lyrics bits and Indian sounds and ambiances. The only thing we wanted to create was an ensemble of very different ambiances and feelings, and transmit to the listener the fun we have playing these songs." Plans to tour in support of the release of Zenit's 'The Chandrasekhar Linit' are currently in the works.

GR035 / GLR112CD Zenit - The Chandrasekhar Limit: January 28, 2013

To purchase Zenit – The Chandrasekhar Limit CD:

For more information: http://www.fragile.net/
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Doogie White & La Paz - new details of the forthcoming album

As previously announced, British band Doogie White & La Paz will release their sophomore album in late Spring. The album entitled "The Dark and The Light" is set to be released on May, 27th in Europe and June, 4th in USA. The drums and most of the bass guitar parts were recorded in Gorbals Sound in Glasgow. The guitars, additional bass parts and keyboards were recorded at The Farm owned by Chic McSherry, while the vocals will be recorded at Kinman Studio in London. Mixing was done again by Rolf Munkes at Empire Studios in Germany.Chic McSherry and Doogie White comment the writing and recording process:
 
Chic: "After 'Granite' was finished and released I went on holiday in Mexico, near La Paz actually. I was out on the Pacific Ocean for a few days and the constant thrum of the boat engine was just morphing into all sorts of noises and beats in my head. The beer probably contributed to that as well… When I got back from the trip the earworms just wouldn't go away so I eventually called Doogie and said 'I got some ideas man, I think I will make up a couple of demos.' To my surprise he immediately said 'Yeah – why not? Send them down when you're ready and I'll take a listen.' I started to record the basic framework ideas and emailed them to Doogie as I finished them, and he kept coming back and saying "Yep – that's good, what else you got?" Over 3 weeks I wrote 11 pieces of music, 10 of which have made it onto 'The Dark And The Light'. After Doogie and I had agreed which ones we would work on further, the demos then went to the other Flying La Paz Brothers and they immediately started adding their unique and distinctive styles and ideas to them to bring the final work together.
This is the real heart of the thing for me - I have no ambition to be judged amongst the virtuoso guitar players out there, many of whom Doogie has worked with and is still working with on other projects. I have no illusions about where I stand next to those guys, many of whom are my heroes! I have just been lucky enough to write a lot of songs with Doogie, songs that we both really enjoy and are proud of, and then we get to play them with the great musicians in La Paz. I guess that if you believe that music is an art form, you could think of me as the guy who makes the canvas upon which others can create some magic! 'Granite' was a great album for us to do, but in a lot of ways we were playing music that we already knew really well. This was much more of an exploration of new territories for everyone and we all have had SUCH a blast putting it together."
 
Doogie: "Chic is very driven, creatively and emotionally, and I get bored when I am not working. It therefore makes for the most wonderful combination for us to write songs together. I personally never thought that La Paz would never record another album. I knew we had at least another one in us. It's a natural thing we have.  Chic knows, I know, and together we both know that between us we can write a song or two. Then when you add in the solid foundation of Big Al and Wee Paul it's all there. Of course 'Posh Boy' Andy has his part to play on the keyboards to make it really become La Paz. Chic's songs for this album have 'traditional' La Paz influences but we are older and more travelled and his ideas outwit the great traditions of what La Paz should sound like, shines a new light on the music we write. It was challenging for us both to write it, but we knew what we needed. For some people, a few of the songs may be challenging and unexpected, both musically and lyrically.  But that's the joy of La Paz. We came from nothing and we may return to nothing but the road we ventured on has been so satisfying and creative. We may even send each other Christmas cards this year! I think we have made ourselves proud with this record. 'Granite ' was easier as it was taking old ideas and revamping them. Then we added some twists on the new songs. 'The Dark And The Light' is different but when all 5 of us are working together like that it fair brings a smile to one's face."
 

La Paz were formed in Lanarkshire, Scotland in the summer of 1984 by Chic McSherry (guitars), Doogie White (vocals) and Alex Carmichael (bass). At the first rehearsal together they hit it off immediately on a personal level - they also liked the same music and they had the same influences and heroes (Purple, Rainbow, Journey, Gary Moore) so they started to recruit other members to try to form a band and go do some gigs. Andy Mason (keyboards) joined the trio and he fitted in from the start, even though he was still at school when he joined. Drummers were always a problem and, over the life of the band, La Paz went through almost as many as Spinal Tap. Unquestionably the loudest and the most accomplished was/is their current drummer, Paul McManus. La Paz played live regularly, sometimes playing up to a hundred gigs in a year. They played the world-famous Marquee Club in London as well as at some festivals in Milton Keynes and they were featured regularly in Kerrang! (Derek Oliver becoming a big fan of the band) and attracted interest from a number of UK and US record companies, finally agreeing terms with one of them for a three album deal. But it was not to be - for reasons which were never explained by the record label the deal fell through at the very last minute. Sadly the band didn't survive for very long after that. They did their last gig on 15th October 1988 and then Doogie moved to London to join Midnite Blue, Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, Cornerstone, Yngwie Malmsteen and now the mighty Tank. And then legendary DJ Tom Russell of 96.3 Rock Radio called Doogie and asked him if he would do some acoustic numbers at The Garage in Glasgow for Rock Radio's Birthday Bash in January 2008. Doogie agreed and asked Chic to play guitar. It was a big ask after 20 years: almost 1000 people, Doogie singing alone and Chic with one flamenco guitar! "We had such a blast though and it woke up so many great memories in both of us that we decided to give it a go with the full band for my 50th birthday" said Chic. And so the full band started to rehearse and it was clear that they could still play a bit. The band just gelled: just like old times and the gigs were a terrific success. And so the idea of re-recording some of the favourites from the set that had never had a proper production job was conceived. The final result could be heard on the album "Granite" released in early 2012. It was an album with its roots in the past but its energy in the present. And today the band return with their sophomore album entitled "The Dark and The Light".
 
Doogie White & La Paz - line-up:
Doogie White - Vocals
Chic McSherry - Guitar
Alex Carmichael - Bass
Andy Mason - Keyboards
Paul McManus - Drums
 
Doogie White & La Paz on facebook:
 
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Sander Gommans and Amanda Somerville to produce new Amazon album

The brazilian symphonic metal band embarks to Holland in April for some recordings

The symphonic metal band AMAZON was a well know name in Brazil in the begining of the year 2000. Its first album, Victoria Regia, was released by Hellion Records in 2005 and soon the band was on the pages of the main specialized magazines from that time. They also did shows together with Nightwish and Epica and it didn't take much time until the band was considered the biggest reference in this musical segment in Brazil.

Currently formed by Sabrina Todt (vocal and flute), Renato Angelo (guitar and keyboards), Newton Olivieri (bass) and Marcos Frazão (drums), AMAZON also released in 2004 the DVD Ao Vivo Em São Paulo (Via Funchal) and in 2010 the second studio album, Nature's Last Ride.

The band is now working on the new album, the third of its career, that will be produced by two very respected artists from the symphonic metal segment: Sander Gommans and Amanda Somerville. 
Former member of After Forever, Sander Gommans is currently playing on Trillium, HDK, Somerville/Kiske and also working as musical producer. On the new AMAZON album, he will be the producer for all the guitar parts.
The singer Amanda Somerville, famous for her works on Avantasia, Aina, After Forever, Epica, Kamelot, etc, also has an expressive career as producer, particularly regarding the voice. In this new AMAZON album, Amanda will be the responsable for the production of all vocal lines, besides acting as Sabrina Todt's coach, including some arrangments and lyrics.

Part of the recordings are already happening in Campinas, Brazil, but the band embarks to Holland on March, 22th where they will meet with Sander Gommans and Amanda Somerville at the The Rock Station studios to continue the work.

"It's been fantastic working with Sander and Amanda", says AMAZON's guitarist, Renato Angelo. "We had the opportunity to make a detailed pre-production to make this a referencial album in our career. Sander is a musician of the highest level and he added an unprecedented quality to the new album. We aligned some ideas and he focused the production just like the way we wanted: a heavy album, with lots of guitars, those that sends the adrenaline up there. And so Amanda came with the voices production, bringing to the music the feeling and technique that we already know from her several works, resulting on an explosive combination of agressivity and sonority".

About possible changes on the band's sonority, Renato adds. "AMAZON always had an old school characteristic on its sonority that Sander understood since the first guitar riff and worked that in the entire album. This is for sure the heavier album that we already made, but without loosing the harmony that was present on the previous recordings. We are very excited with the new production and we are living the best time for AMAZON until now, having this oportunity to make a concise and consistent work with two great musicians and exponents of the worldwide metal scene".

Still untitled, the new AMAZON album will bring 10 tracks and it's expected to reach the stores in the second half of 2013. 

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quinta-feira, fevereiro 21, 2013

STEVE WINWOOD UK TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED

Steve Winwood announced this morning the following UK headline dates:

        MONDAY, JUNE 17TH, 2013 - Cambridge Corn Exchange, Cambridge

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19TH, 2013 - Brighton Dome, Brighton

THURSDAY, JUNE 20TH, 2013 - Shepherds Bush Empire, London

SATURDAY, JUNE 22ND, 2013 - Colston Hall, Bristol

MONDAY, JUNE 24TH, 2013 - Lowry, Manchester

SUNDAY, JUNE 30TH, 2013 - Winter Gardens, Margate

Presale starts Wednesday February 20th @ 9am,

http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/promo/xctlw4

        General sale starts on February 22nd @ 9am,

www.livenation.co.uk/artist/steve-winwood-tickets
 
 http://www.stevewinwood.com

Upcoming Shows/Events:

Jun 17, 2013 - Cambridge, - Cambridge Corn Exchange - More info:
 http://fburls.com/69-hZrKPxGT
Jun 19, 2013 - Brighton, - Brighton Dome - More info:
 http://fburls.com/70-V2RBztHZ
Jun 20, 2013 - London, - O2 Shepherd Bush Empire - More info:
 http://fburls.com/64-i6Uk08Uf
Jun 22, 2013 - Bristol, - Colston Hall - More info:
 http://fburls.com/63-cnVIlzGI
Jun 24, 2013 - Manchester, - The Lowry - More info:
 http://fburls.com/73-NzTelbx9

Full show/event calendar:
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British Psychedelic Rock Pioneer Kevin Ayers Dies at 68

 

Photograph: Marc Broussely/Redferns
 
By
Angel Romero
February 20, 2013

Kevin Ayers was part of the legendary Canterbury music movement and was a founding member of the groundbreaking and influential band Soft Machine.

Ayers was born in Herne Bay, Kent, in 1944. During his early university years he took part in the thriving music scene in the Canterbury area of England. He joined a band called Wilde Flowers that included Robert Wyatt and Hugh Hopper, as well as future members of progressive rock band Caravan.

The Wilde Flowers grew into Soft Machine with the addition of keyboardist Mike Ratledge and Australian guitarist Daevid Allen. Soft Machine was initially a psychedelic rock band that evolved into one of the most notable avant-garde and jazz-rock bands in the world.

Ayers participated in the album The Soft Machine. He left after that recording and started a long solo career. Some of his essential recordings include Whatevershebringswesing, Bananamour, The Confessions of Dr. Dream and Other Stories. His last album was Unfairground, released in 2007.

In addition to his solo albums, Ayers collaborated with Brian Eno, Syd Barrett, John Cale, Elton John, Robert Wyatt, Andy Summers, Mike Oldfield, Nico and Ollie Halsall.

Kevin Ayers lived for many years in Deyá, in the Spanish island of Majorca, and also spent time in Ibiza, Madrid and northern France. He returned to the United Kingdom in the mid-1990s and later moved to the south of France.

Taken from the link:
http://progressiverockcentral.com/2013/02/20/british-psychedelic-rock-pioneer-kevin-ayers-dies-at-68/
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"He came from the sun" is a new Progressive Metal band from Antwerp, Belgium

'He came from the sun', a new Progressive Metal band from Antwerp, Belgium, has just released the video clip for its first single "Room 22".The song is mixed and mastered by the one and only Jens Bogren (Soilwork, Opeth, etc ...).

The band can be best described as Progressive Rock for the masses. Meaning that they like to write in weird fucked up time signatures but also want to grab the immediate attention of listeners. A must for people who dig: Karnivool, Tool, Pain of Salvation, Soilwork, Textures, Tesseract, Soundgarden, Devin Townsend, etc ...

Watch it here!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEupbN8BzYM

A full album, tentatively titled "ACT I", will be released end 2013.
 
"He came from the sun"
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terça-feira, fevereiro 19, 2013

The Room Release Charity Single

British crossover progressive rock band The Room release a single in aid of the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) on March 4th 2013. The track, "Screaming Through The Noise" is taken from the band's critically acclaimed debut album Open Fire, released late last year.
Vocalist Martin Wilson said "The song is about the intense emotional impact that my son's battle with retinal cancer had on our family. With the release of the single, we want to help CHECT increase awareness of this dreadful disease and of course raise money to help fund research and support other families living with retinoblastoma."
The single will be launched at a one off show in aid of the trust at Jagz Club, Ascot, in Berkshire at 8pm on Sunday 3rd March. The show will be the band's first live performance since the release of Open Fire.
"This is a really exciting time for us, and we can't wait to get out and play live", explained Wilson. "The show will be free to get in on the night but of course we will be looking for donations from as many people as possible."
Joy Felgate, chief executive of CHECT said: "We are thrilled that The Room will be supporting us through this single release and launch show. The money raised will help us make a difference by backing our vital campaigns to make sure all parents and health professionals know the signs and symptoms of retinoblastoma."
Details of how to buy the single via digital download will be announced soon with all proceeds going to CHECT.
The band will be announcing more UK dates in the very near future.
Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a rare form of cancer which affects the retina of children, predominantly under the age of five years and it represents 3% of childhood cancers in the UK. Children affected by the disease can suffer from loss of vision, removal of their affected eye(s) and, in some cases, total blindness.
The Room: www.theroom.eu
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Krzak Experience - listen to the track promoting their debut album

As previously announced Metal Mind Productions will release in March the debut album by the Polish outfit Krzak Experience. Heavy riffs, brilliant violin parts and guitar solos make their  self-titled album a must-have for all fans of music in the vein of Apocalyptica.
 
You can now listen to the first track promoting the album. "Kattowitz" is available on Metal Mind Productions' official channel on YouTube in THIS location.
 
Two musicians from the Polish band Krzak – Jan Błędowski and Leszek Winder, previously associated only with blues music – joined forces with Rafał Cioroń, Dominik Durlik and Piotr Wierzba from the metal band Sepsis and, under the name of Krzak Experience, created a new quality in music. Their self-titled debut album is heavy, intriguing and full of mutual inspirations. As Błędowski and Winder say, they are not afraid to abandon the safe musical paths they usually follow.
 
"The idea for this album had been growing in me for the last 10 years..." says Jan Błędowski. "A heavy metal section, and our violin-guitar duo - I had this vision in my head. And I actually did hear that music! I was only looking for the right band to make the album happen. Guitar, bass guitar, drums, no vocals of course. We did like Sepsis, the band suggested by Metal Mind Productions. They had this 'something' that we were looking for, and also they were open for changes. We only had to re-arrange the guitars a bit. We did like a lot of the innovations introduced by their guitarist Dominik Durlik. His arrangements brought a lot to the final result."
 
"Krzak Experience" includes 10 tracks, some of them constituting new, completely re-arranged versions of songs taken from Krzak's discography. It's an album that will appeal to fans of such bands as Fear Factory and Testament, but also to those of blues music. The album will be released by Metal Mind Productions on March, 25th in Europe and April, 9th in USA (via MVD).
 
Krzak Experience
"Krzak Experience"
Label: Metal Mind Records
Cat. No.: MMP CD 0715 DG
Barcode: 5907785037809
Format: CD DG
Genre: Metal/Hard Rock
Release date: 25.03.2013 Europe / 09.04.2013 USA
 
Tracklist:
 
1. Krzak
2. Oriental Xes
3. Blue Thunder
4. Czakus
5. Extrim
6. Existence in Possesion
7. Rumble-Tumble
8. D'Rocks
9. Kattowitz
10. Ściepka
 
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Alchemy by Clive Nolan - listen to another promo track !

As previously announced the brand new project by Clive Nolan - "Alchemy" - will be released on March, 4th in Europe and April, 9th in USA. This release, however, will be preceded by the world premiere of "Alchemy" show at the famous Wyspianski Theatre in Katowice, Poland on February 22, where it will be recorded for the purposes of a DVD to be released by Metal Mind Productions later this year. The album will be available for purchase at the Theatre prior to the official release date. 
And today you can listen to another promo track taken from the "Alchemy" album. "Anzeray Speaks" is available to stream at the official Metal Mind Productions' channel on YouTube in THIS location.
 
'Alchemy' is a Victorian adventure set in 1842, with a sense of the dark and mysterious. The libretto and the original story are both by Clive Nolan, a British musician, composer and producer who has played a prominent role in the recent development of progressive and symphonic rock.  Next to Clive Nolan himself, both the CD album as well as the DVD concert version of the musical will feature the artists well known in the world of progressive rock including Tracy Hitchings (Landmarq, Strangers on a Train), Andy Sears (Twelfth Night), Paul Manzi (Arena), Damian Wilson (Threshold), Paul Menel (ex-IQ), David Clifford (Red Jasper) as well as the leading lady of Nolan's previous musical 'SHE', Agnieszka Świta. The main cast will be expanded by the stars of the 2011 'She - the Musical' Cheltenham theatre production, Victoria Bolley, Chris Lewis and Soheila Clifford. Additionally, on 'Alchemy' album the role of Jessamine will be sung by Noel Calcaterra - a Uruguayan singer/actress and the voice of Clive Nolan South American 'Otra Vida' project from 2010. The role of Jessamine in Katowice will be performed by the youngest member of the Caamora Company, Soheila Clifford - a fifteen-year-old artist currently studying on a Full Scholarship at Barbara Speake Stage School in London. The Caamora Company musicians - Clive Nolan (keyboards), Mark Westwood (guitars), Scott Higham (drums), Claudio Momberg (keyboards) and Kylan Amos (bass) will once more take charge of the instrumental part of the project both on a CD and DVD. The core members of the company will be joined by special guests and a chorus.
 
Clive Nolan: "For me, the creation of 'Alchemy' has been a three year journey so far. I have lived with the growing story and the developing music almost on a daily basis. It has become an integral part of my life. Recording the CD, in many ways, helps to provide an official stamp on the project! It has been a very positive process, and now that the finished recordings are being mixed, I am finally hearing the songs as they were intended... this is a wonderful feeling."
 
On the official 'Alchemy' website (www.alchemythemusical.com) you can find all the news and gossips about the project. On the site you can also read the reports from the live events as well as listen to 'Alchemy' teasers and watch video footage introducing the characters from the story of 'Alchemy'. It is interesting to note that these clips have been directed, filmed and produced by Clive Nolan himself! Moreover, the original soundtrack has been composed by Clive for each of them. New clips will be added soon... so, stay tuned!
This special evening at the Theatre will be enriched by two additional concerts. One of the Artists performing that night will be Ray Wilson, who, along with his band, will perform „20 years and more" show prepared especially for this occasion. The other one is a German band RPWL and as they announce, it will be the last complete performance of "Beyond Man and Time" album in Europe.
All shows will be recorded and released on DVD by Metal Mind Productions later next year.
 
Metal Mind Productions
presents
 
An evening at the Theater
„Alchemy" by Clive Nolan
RPWL
RAY WILSON "20 Years and More"
22.02.2013 Teatr Śląski – Katowice
Doors open: 16.30 start: 17.30
For tickets go HERE. 
 
RADIO STATIONS: you can download this track at THIS location. 

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