terça-feira, maio 23, 2017

Cosmograf - The Hay-Man Dreams, New Album pre-ordering NOW.



No one is as surprised as me that I've managed to complete another album so soon after the release of The Unreasonable Silence last year, but it's here!.  

The 6th Cosmograf album  is now available for pre order on our website, and our partners at  Burning Shed and The Merch Desk, releasing on 14th July 2017. 

For the first time ever for a Cosmograf album, we also have a limited edition 180g Vinyl version on the Plane Groovy label being sold exclusively at Burning Shed.  Digital download versions are also available on the Bandcamp site and also Amazon, Apple Music and Spotify at release date.

A retrospective album in both theme and style, Robin Armstrong's 6th album harks back to the sound and feel of the classic prog era fused with the raw energy and darkness of a rock behemoth. The 6 track album is measured at a single LP length and instrumentally delivers the 
vintage sound of guitar, bass and drums with a sprinkling of classic keyboards. 
The theme presents as a mythical tale of a farm labourer meeting an early death, and leaving a loving wife and young family. His widow builds a scarecrow effigy as a shrine to her loss, and this 'Hay-Man' spends his weather beaten days in eternity, dreaming beyond his field. 

Track Listing: 
1. Tethered And Bound 
2. Trouble In The Forest 
3. The Motorway 
4. Cut The Corn 
5. Melancholy Death Of A Gamekeeper 
6. Hay-Man

releases July 14, 2017 

Robin Armstrong - Guitars, Bass, Keyboards. 
With Rachael Hawnt - Vocals, Kyle Fenton - Drums, Matt Stevens - Guitar Solo/ Ambient Effects (Track 2), Rachel Hall - Violin, David Allan - Narration. 

Mixed and Mastered by Robin Armstrong

A sampler for the album is available on our Youtube channel, and you can read more about the background to the album here.

Thanks for the all the amazing support on the Cosmograf journey so far!
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segunda-feira, maio 22, 2017

“Phaedrus” Digital Magazine & Subscription Service Issues Rare & Unreleased PROG Music!



Carlos Plaza, leader and main composer of Kotebel, is now Chief Editor of a new quarterly digital magazine and subscription service called "Phaedrus." The new magazine/service provides awareness among the progressive community and specializes in this genre and, among other content, provides a couple of features that are truly unique! Exclusive PROG music at an affordable price!

Phaedrus Music

"Phaedrus" offers original music that is not available for sale anywhere. In every issue, previously unreleased music is published and subscribers can download it in MP3 of WAV lossless. Says music artist and editor Carlos Plaza Vegas, "In this initial 'Phaedrus' phase, I'm the composer of all these pieces but as soon as 'Phaedrus' gains enough critical mass, I will be purchasing rights for original music from artists that I like. Thus, belonging to the Phaedrus Community will give you access to music that, at least for several years, will not be (legally) accessible by any other means. When the published pieces reach more than 45 minutes, a 'Phaedrus' album is manufactured and released. This album is sent to subscribers at no additional cost (not even shipping)." The digital magazine & subscription service is about to release its first album, "Triptych."

Classics Choice

In this section, selected progressive rock master works are subject to analysis. It is important to highlight that we are not talking about reviews. The objective of these analyses is to submerge the listener into the details of the work. To allow the listener to discover hidden details, to better understand how the piece has been built, the relationship with the lyrics, the integration with the conceptual framework, etc. For the past 20 years or so, Progressive Rock has found a place among scholars. More and more musicologists are choosing progressive rock pieces as basis for research, doctoral and master's thesis. Many universities now include progressive rock as a course that forms part of music graduate and undergraduate programs. These research papers are aimed at musicians and musicologists and include a lot of technical information that requires a solid music training. These works, as interesting as they are, cannot be fully understood by the average progressive music fan. Carlos explains, "So, what I do as part of these analyses, is to strip from those documents the parts that require profound music knowledge. I select fragments, 'decaffeinate' others, create a lot of new material, and build a detailed analysis that can be followed by any progressive music fan."

Phaedrus has already published analyses of: "Close to the Edge" (2 articles), "Tarkus," "Starless," "Supper's Ready" (2 articles) and "A Passion Play" (part 1). Next publications are: "A Passion Play" (part 2), "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway," "Relayer,"and "Karn Evil 9."

These analyses renew the listening enjoyment of beloved progressive rock classics but the most important benefit is this: These analyses help to develop listening skills that will enhance your enjoyment of music for the rest of your life!

Other "Phaedrus" sections include:

Kotebel Corner: with exclusive material for Kotebel fans including rare recordings, videos and music analyses. 
Articles on a wide range of subjects related to art in general and music in particular.
Album recommendations.

The first album available "Triptych":


Watch the promotional video: https://vimeo.com/216530750

"Triptych," Phaedrus Music's first album, offers a wide variety of styles, from symphonic progressive rock to chamber music. It features Carlos Plaza's facet as a multi-instrumentalist, accompanied by a host of very special guests, including some very known to Kotebel fans.

The album is named after a three-piece suite whose first movement, "Dawn", is the original piece from which the Adagio from Kotebel's "Concerto for Piano and Electric Ensemble" was based. The album also marks the beginning of a long-term project: to put music to all 22 major Tarot arcana. "Triptych" includes "The Fool", "The Magician" and "The High Priestess". The rest will gradually be presented in future Phaedrus Music albums.

Carlos Plaza explains, " 'Triptych' is an album that will appeal to a wide audience of progressive fans. From hard symphonic pieces like 'Ignition' to classical chamber music like 'The High Priestess', or even Zeuhl ('Magmatron' – my tribute to Magma), it covers a wide palette of textures and styles.

"Although the only way to get this album is by subscribing, subscription is so low that there is really very little difference compared to a standard purchase. The most economic subscription is the Semester Option, that costs 16.98 euros per semester (2.83 euros/month). Since you can cancel the subscription at anytime, you can subscribe, request the album, and for only 5 euros more (assuming the average cost of an album is 12 euros shipping included) you will have 6 months to enjoy all of Phaedrus' private contents and cancel the subscription if you are not interested. The album of course, is yours to keep. So, almost for the price of an ordinary album, you will have a collector's item."

You can get the album, and listen to excerpts of all the pieces, visiting: www.phaedrus.es/triptych
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Grand Delusion (SWE) sign to Minotauro records for a CD release of "Supreme Machine"!

Grand Delusion have been active since 2011. Magnus and Mikael started up the band together with two guitarists to play 70s inspired hard rock. Nils Eklund and Joakim Gustafsson joined later the same year. A couple of guitarists passed through before Per joined in 2013. Then the band started to gel and get a musical unity. First album "The Last Ray of the Dying Sun" was recorded with this setting. Guitarist Nils left the band in 2014 due to musical differences and Björn joined as the new guitarist. Vocalist Joakim moved to Italy at the end of 2015 and left the microphone to Björn who took over the lead vocal duties, leading Grand Delusion into a new dimension.
The new release "Supreme Machine" is a step toward a heavier and darker sound.

Band members
Per Clevfors, guitar
Mikael Olsson, bass, keys & backing vocals
Magnus Rehnman, drums
Björn Wahlberg, vocals & guitar


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terça-feira, maio 16, 2017

ORPHANED LAND Release 25th Anniversary compilation, "Orphaned Land & Friends"


To celebrate their 25th anniversary, oriental metal pioneers ORPHANED LAND have released a digital compilation of special versions of some of their most popular songs and previously unreleased material titled "Orphaned Land & Friends"!
 
Frontman Kobi Farhi comments: "We are very proud to release these amazing collaborations we did with amazing different and various musical heroes of ours such as Steven Wilson, Erkin Oray or Yehuda Poliker. Not to mention that cover we did with friends for Pearl Jam or that amazing Piano cover Moran Magal did to our ORwarriOR song "From Broken Vessels". These tracks were released only as bonus tracks on our previous albums' limited editions and some songs were never released officially. Many people were not aware of these amazing versions and we believe that Orphaned Land & Friends' is something you should all know!"
 
STREAM & DOWNLOAD  "Orphaned Land & Friends" here: http://smarturl.it/OrphanedLand_Friends

A live video for "M I ?" featuring Steven Wilson can be found here:https://youtu.be/4NenZm_m-js
 
ORPHANED LAND is: 
Kobi Farhi – Vocals
Chen Balbus – Guitars
Idan Amsalem – Guitars
Uri Zelcha – Bass
Matan Shmuely – Drums
 
ORPHANED LAND online: 
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domingo, maio 14, 2017

Clive Nolan and "KING'S RANSOM" PRE-ORDER OPEN!



"King's Ransom", the third musical by Clive Nolan, is the next adventure of Professor King and his companions. Set in the Victorian 'Alchemy' universe, the musical is a tale steeped in political intrigue, high emotion and the all-pervasive presence of the supernatural. 

Book, lyrics and music by Clive Nolan

With vocal talents of: Clive Nolan, Gemma Ashley, Guy Barnes, Verity White, Robbie Gardner, Chris Longman, Christina Booth, Alan Reed, Chris Lewis, Ross Andrews, Joy-Amy Wigman, Emily Frechter and the Caamora Chorus; and instrumentalists: Clive Nolan, Mark Westwood, Scott Higham, Kylan Amos, Penny Gee and Morten L.Clason.

Album artwork by Mark Buckingham. 

Clive: "It has been several years in the making, but here it is… 'King's Ransom' the musical. To me, this is a great testament to the wonderful singers and musicians I had the pleasure of working with, and a welcome return to the 'Alchemy' universe. With this special edition I have tried to provide added insight into the making of this musical which has been such a major part of my life for the last few years. If you like the music I make, then don't miss out on this one!" 

"King's Ransom" Special Edition includes: 

CD 1: Act 1
CD 2: Act 2
CD 3: "There's More... Demos and Extras" (featuring original demos and alternative versions of songs from 'King's Ransom')

DVD: "The Making of 'King's Ransom'" (featuring recording footage, interviews and more insights into the creation of the musical) 

This pre-order also includes an additional exclusive "King's Ransom" Karaoke CD with backing tracks to selected songs with vocals from the chosen artists – choose your solo, or sing with one of the cast members! (Available with orders made before August 1st). 

Intended release: late August 2017. 

Pre-order NOW at: shop.caamora.net

More about "King's Ransom" at: www.kingsransomthemusical.com


Watch "King's Ransom" Trailers:
 
"THE FIRE AND THE QUEST 2" - LESS THAN 30 TICKETS LEFT! 

Clive: Hi there! Preparations are well underway for the next 'Fire and the Quest' event later this year, and it would be great to see you there!

A project such as this requires many people, an immense amount of time and an endless budget! This only really becomes worthwhile when it has the lifeblood and support of an audience.

I know to many of you this means a plane, a train or an automobile trip - but look at it like this… I enjoy travelling around the world so I can play in your town or your city or your country… now; I hope you might enjoy visiting mine ;)

The new album, 'King's Ransom' is nearing completion. It will be released soon in a special limited edition 4 disk set.

Meanwhile rehearsals are ongoing for both Alchemy and the new show, King's Ransom' which will provide the backbone of this year's 'Fire and the Quest'. 

The 'Fire and the Quest 2' will take place at the Cheltenham Playhouse on the 1st and 2nd of September 2017. 

Here is the schedule...

Friday 1st September - 'Alchemy'. This will be a return to the 'Off West End' production, but with some new and exiting cast members. 

Saturday afternoon 2nd September - 'Beyond the Veil'. This is the fun and intimate acoustic show, which proved such a hit last time. We will get to see the band members involved as well as a wide variety of singers. This year, the show has a very 'international' feel. 

Saturday evening 2nd September - debut of 'King's Ransom'. This is the new show, and will be videoed and recorded for a possible DVD release in 2018. 

Check cast and names on our websites!

There are also some optional extras, including 'The Victorian Séance' which will take place later on the Friday (where the audience will be taken through some of the tricks of the trade that mediums used to use to 'perform' their communications with the spirit world). 

The Golden Ticket - £50

Includes the performances of 'Alchemy' (Friday), 'Beyond the Veil' acoustic show (Saturday), 'King's Ransom' (Saturday) along with the after-party.

You can buy your tickets at shop.caamora.net 

'The Victorian Seance' (optional) - £15

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quarta-feira, maio 10, 2017

Tuesday The Sky - Debut first song off "Drift" debut album; Artwork and track-listing revealed!



Tuesday The Sky, the new Ambient Instrumental Rock project by Fates Warning guitarist Jim Matheos, will be releasing its debut album 'Drift' worldwide on June 30th, 2017 via InsideOutMusic.
 
A first sound sample off the release is made available today, so listen to the album's opening track "Today The Sky" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XITon_EBATA 

Jim Matheos checked in with the following comment about the song:

"With "Today The Sky" you get a fair representation of the overall direction on "Drift" -  a lot of layered guitars and some inspired drumming from Lloyd Hanney (God Is An Astronaut).
This particular song, the first to be written, started off as an idea for Fates Warning's last record, "Theories of Flight". But it became apparent early on that it wouldn't quite fit without some major changes. Rather than re-shaping the song to fit the FW mold I decided to write a record to fit the song."

Tuesday The Sky and "Drift" sees Matheos expanding the boundaries of his playing and sound even further than ever before. "Drift" came together in the downtime between Fates Warning finishing "Theories Of Flight" and the beginning of the touring cycle, enabling Matheos to explore a type of atmospheric and instrumental music you might not expect of him. Taking cues from artists like Brian Eno, Boards Of Canada, Sigur Ros and Explosions In The Sky, he explores expansive textures and ambient electronica, as well as some of the most colossal riffs he has ever produced.
 
"Drift" also features the talents of God Is An Astronaut's drummer Lloyd Hanney, who provides a rhythmic backbone that is at once punchy, precise and restrained when necessary. Other guests include long-time OSI collaborator and former Dream Theater member Kevin Moore who plays keys on two songs as well as Anna-Lynne Williams (Trespassers William, Lotte Kestner), who provides ethereal vocals (of the non-verbal kind) on two other songs.
 
"Drift", whose cover artwork created by Jan Tomic can be seen above, will be released as special edition CD, black LP + CD & digital download. Here is the album's track-listing:
 
Tuesday The Sky - "Drift":
1. Today The Sky
2. Kite
3. Vortex Street
4. It Comes In Waves
5. Dyatlov Pass
6. Far And Away
7. Westerlies
8. Roger, Gordo 
9. The Rowing Endeth
10. Drift
 
More info about "Drift" and its pre-order start to follow soon... 

Tuesday The Sky & Jim Matheos online:
 
INSIDEOUTMUSIC online: 
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King Llama: Great Tour Dates

KING LLAMA: Fusion Rock Hitting Big Stages This Season

Los Angeles based Rock Fusion trio, King Llama, is hitting some big stages this year with their album, RETURN TO OX. Happening right now is a South American tour.  Look out as King Llama performs at a few notable festivals, including 2 days at Summer Camp Festival in Chillicothe IL this Memorial Day weekend, and Progtoberfest in Chicago on Saturday 10/21.

As the band is now touring in Argentina and Chile, they will also be recording a new live music video in the historical studio "Zanezi" in Mendoza.  Look out for these releases this summer!

RETURN TO OX - recorded and produced with Dave Schiffman at East West Studios in Los Angeles - is available in all mediums including a double LP (vinyl), and can easily be found through the band's website: kingllama.com.

Canada's profilprog.com says it best: "The album is a great success. Each title is deploying a multiplicity of environments covering a broad stylistic spectrum (from jazz to metal) and offers many variations of dynamic, alternating saturation and its clear epileptic breaks, harmonic progressions in black textures and air."  

Relix Magazine hits home with this: "King Llama draw from an impressive range of musical styles to forge their own brand of acid-jazz and prog-rock."  

King Llama has certainly forged their own style of fusion, and each show they perform more than demonstrates their ability to surprise the ear with fresh and clever approaches towards composition.  

KING LLAMA on the Road:
May 4    Willys Bar, Chacras, Mendoza, Argentina
May 5    Al Toque, San Martin, Mendoza, Argentina
May 6    Sala Hugo del Carril, San Luis, Argentina
May 7    N8 Studio, Mendoza, Argentina
May 11  Maal Wines, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
May 12  Centro Cultural Rojas Magallanes, Santiago, Chile
May 13  Alfonsi, San Felipe, Chile
May 14  Bar 1, Santiago, Chile
May 18  Estudio Locatel, Zona Norte, Buenos Aires
May 19  Centro Cultural Leon Leon, Buenos Aires
May 20  Detroit, Morón, Buenos Aires
May 21  Quetzal, Buenos Aires, Argentina
May 25 Summer Camp Festival, Chillicothe, IL  (Campfire Stage pre-party)
May 26 SummerCamp Festival, Chillicothe, IL
July 8 Casa, Costa Mesa, CA
September 16  Casa, Costa Mesa, CA
October 20 Sonic Voyage Fest, Wisconsin w/ Aisles, Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius
October 21 ProgtoberFest,  Chicago, IL

www.KingLlama.com
www.youtube.com/kingllamamusic
www.instagram.com/kingllamamusic
twitter.com/KingllamaMusic
www.facebook.com/KingllamaMusic
soundcloud.com/king-llama
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http://www.progressiverockbr.com
http://progrockmetal.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/carlosvaz.ferreira
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Status Quo: The Last Night of the Electrics - Exclusive album offers available

Status Quo are delighted to announce the release of 'The Last Night Of The Electrics', a sensational live set recorded at the band's emotionally charged, barnstorming set at London's O2 last year, on July 14th, 2017.
Their electrifying show will be released on a series of formats: 2CD, DVD, Blu-ray, Limited Edition 180g Black Triple Vinyl with side 6 etched (double gatefold), Limited earBOOK (2CD, DVD, Blu-ray, coffee table book including 120 pages).


In addition - and only available via this online store - fans can pre-order various shop exclusive formats such as:

Limited Triple Vinyl Edition which comes in a triple gatefold with three orange coloured vinyl discs with side 6 etched
Limited & Personalised Signed Certificate earBOOK Edition
Limited 2CD+Blu-ray Edition
Exclusive A2 Poster


This release captures Quo on incredible form, at a concert that will live long in my memory.  It was a difficult time, but we knew what we needed to do and we delivered.  This was by no means business as usual, nor should it have been, but the energy of the music, the band and the crowd coming together was palpable." – Francis Rossi 

Status Quo are one of the world's greatest rock bands.  Their path has taken many a twist and a turn along the way.  The events of last year were unparalleled in the band's history but 'The Last Night Of The Electrics' release sees them meeting difficult times head on, doing justice to their legacy and that incredible back catalogue.  It's the sound of Quo. 
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Caligula's Horse announce reissues of their first two albums & European tour dates


Caligula's Horse, one of Australia's most exciting and innovative progressive bands, are set to return to Europe in June 2017 for a string of live dates including support slots with Opeth, Anathema & Pain of Salvation, UK headline shows and festival appearances at Midsummer Prog Festival (Valkenburg, Netherlands) & Be Prog! My Friend Festival (Barcelona, Spain).To coincide with that, InsideOutMusic will reissue the band's first two albums 'Moments From Ephemeral City' & 'The Tide, the Thief & River's End' on June 16th, 2017 as CD & digital download.
 
Vocalist Jim Grey comments:
"We're thrilled that our first two albums will be far easier to get a hold of around the world now through Inside Out Music. "Moments" and "River's End" are an integral part of the Caligula's Horse journey - we learned a lot creating them and though it's been some years since their release, we're as proud of them as ever.
 
We're looking forward to sharing fan favorites from our whole back catalogue with our friends in Europe in June!"
 
You can find the full list of tour dates below:
19th June - Le Rex, Toulouse, France w/ Pain of Salvation
20th June - Les Docks, Lausanne, Switzerland w/ Opeth
21st June - Z7, Pratteln, Switzerland w/ Opeth
22nd June - Substage, Karlsruhe, Germany w/ Pain of Salvation
23rd June - Doornroosje, Nijmegen, Netherlands w/ Anathema
24th June - Midsummer Prog Festival, Valkenburg, Netherlands
25th June - The Talking Heads, Southampton, UK
28th June - The Black Heart, London, UK
30th June - Be Prog! My Friend Festival, Barcelona, Spain

      

'Moments From Ephemeral City' was released in 2011, and is the band's debut album. Originally intended as a solo album by Sam Vallen, it quickly became the start of the story for Caligula's Horse once vocalist Jim Grey became involved. Recorded entirely by the duo, it presents a vision that is colourful, eclectic and vivid. Watch the video for the track 'Vanishing Rites' here: https://youtu.be/mVSGxv0_wBE 
 
 'The Tide, the Thief & River's End' followed in 2013, and was a concept album that explored themes of oppression, exodus, and the inexorable survival of the human spirit. The album saw them perform with the likes of Protest The Hero, Mastodon & Opeth, as well as garnering the attention of current label InsideOutMusic. Watch the video for 'Dark Hair Down' here: https://youtu.be/NRzhYqvSvkw
 
The band's latest album 'Bloom' was released last year and enjoyed much praise for its multi-faceted dynamic and masterful production. It mines influences from heavy rock to jazz and beyond, making it a uniquely enticing sonic entity, and a powerful addition to the high quality canon of progressive alternative rock. It is a unique thrill to watch a band's momentum build so steadily and confidently. 
 
'Bloom' is available to order here now:

CALIGULA'S HORSE online:
 
INSIDEOUTMUSIC online: 
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Anderson / Stolt - Launch 'Invention of Knowledge' Stream



Anderson / Stolt, the duo of legendary Yes vocalist & singer/songwriter Jon Anderson, and progressive rock veteran Roine Stolt (The Flower Kings, Transatlantic), released their debut album 'Invention of Knowledge' via InsideOut Music last year, which received much acclaim internationally.

Jon Anderson was recently inducted into the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of Yes, during a ceremony in New York where they were presented the award by Geddy Lee of Rush. Other people inducted on the night included ELO, Pearl Jam, Journey and Nile Rogers.

Roine Stolt was recently awarded with the Fred Winter Stipendium, a prize given to recognise Swedish composers and artists, and has been previously given to the likes of Robyn, Björn Ulvaeus & Benny Andersson of ABBA, & Max Martin amongst others.

Stream part one of the 4-part album 'Invention of Knowledge' here:

You can watch a video for the track 'Know', created by Jon's daughter and much acclaimed photographer, Deborah Anderson, here: https://youtu.be/cudBeu1aI-w

Last year Jon Anderson picked up the Prog God award, presented to him by Rick Wakeman and Trevor Rabin of ARW at the Progressive Music Awards 2016 in London. Jon joins illustrious company, with previous winners representing some of the most legendary musicians in progressive rock, including the aforementioned Rick Wakeman, Peter Gabriel, Ian Anderson & Tony Banks. Jon continues to tour in 2017 with ARW, having just announced further US live dates.

'Invention Of Knowledge' charted in several countries upon release including USA, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy & Netherlands.

 
You can buy the album on CD, LP & digital download below:
 
Jon Anderson had this to say about the new record: ".....Music is always the driving force in my life...working with such a wonderful musician as Roine Stolt made the creation of this album very unique,we are very excited with the release of 'Invention of Knowledge'."

Roine Stolt adds: "It is not aiming at being new Yes music; just new music, modern and classical, rock and ethno, tribal and orchestrated, grooving and floating. Hopefully in the true spirit of "progressive" - leaning forward, surprising and also comforting with familiar run-arounds. 

We've been "inventing" as we go along - Jon is an endless source of new ideas. We've been bouncing ideas back and forth for months and as a result there are probably dozens of versions of these songs.  It's been a very interesting and rewarding time and the result is just insanely detailed."

InsideOut label-head Thomas Waber comments: "I have been talking to Jon for ages about making an album of 'Yes music' - as Jon calls it - and Roine seemed like the perfect guy for him to work with. I am really happy that it has finally happened and I am also thrilled with the material they have come up with. I think it will please a lot of fans!"

The idea came to life swiftly off the back of a performance from Roine's band Transatlantic, and Jon Anderson on the Progressive Nation At Sea Cruise in 2014, and was initially instigated by InsideOut Music label boss Thomas Waber.  The duo set about crafting new music in the spirit of early epic works such as 'Tales From Topographic Oceans', 'Olias Of Sunhillow' & 'Awaken', but giving it a modern twist.

Written & recorded over the course of 1 and a half years, the tracks have been in a state of constant change as Roine and Jon swapped & refined ideas by sending tracks to each other via the internet. In March 2015, an ensemble was put together by Roine to realise the music live in the studio. Joining him there was Tom Brislin (who played on the Yes Symphonic tour) &  Lalle Larsson on keys, Jonas Reingold & Michael Stolt on bass and Felix Lehrmann on drums. The sessions were also bolstered by appearances from Daniel Gildenlöw, Nad Sylvan, Anja Obermayer, Maria Rerych and Kristina Westas who all provided backing vocals.

ANDERSON / STOLT online:
 
INSIDEOUTMUSIC online: 
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Prog-Tango Metal Act BANDOLIRIUM to Launch Debut Album


Argentinian Prog-Tango Metal act Bandolirium, led by bandoneon player Amijai Shalev, are set to release their self-titled debut album this Friday, May 12.

Although there were tries in the past to blend Tango and Progressive Metal together, Bandolirium's approach to this idea goes a few steps further by including a bandoneon—a type of square concertina popular in Argentina—in their music.

About the idea to create Prog Metal music with the inclusion of the instrument, Shalev commented: "I feel it's a natural result of the music I listen to and my personal background. Great part of being a composer is finding the unique combination that we are and the way we see our environment. Living in Buenos Aires,  this combination seems obvious to me, it hasn't been done before just because people have a tendency to keep on doing the same stuff. In Prog Metal you hear very often rhythms and melodies from different cultures, so if we want to do Argentinian Prog Metal, Tango is a great inspiration, also using the bandoneon in metal parts is interesting because the sound is similar to keyboards but you can work the dynamics of an acoustic instrument, and of course for Tango audience the metal sound is something new."

Progressive Metal and Tango have a lot in common, the intensity and drama especially, but even specific rhythms that are used in metal are found in tango.

Bandolirium has previously released a cover of Metallica's classic "For Whom the Bell Tolls." Shalev said: "I think that our version of 'For whom the Bell' tolls is an example how close tango and metal (in this case thrash) can get."

About the creative process of the self-titled album, Amijai said: "I composed all the parts with scores at home, a very intimate process, for the drums I only wrote a reference and our drummer, Marcos Edwards, composed the real drums. While rehearsing we made the changes and corrections; there were many of them. It was a very interesting work, we learned a lot doing it."

Bandolirium is out on May 12th.

Bandolirium is:
Amijai Shalev - bandoneon
Marcos de Cristobal - guitars
Matias Brandauer - bass
Marcos Edwards - drums

Bandolirium online:




The best definition for Bandolirium is instrumental Prog Tango-Metal. This project aims to express a contemporary sound rooted in the city Buenos Aires, combining tango elements with metal sound and prog music. The group was founded in Argentina in 2016 by Amijai Ben Shalev who is also the composer and arranger.
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terça-feira, maio 09, 2017

RIVERSIDE - Successful comeback shows; European tour



After a longer break from any live performances due to the tragic passing of founding member and guitarist Piotr Grudzinski on February 21st, 2016, Progressive Rock masters RIVERSIDE have just successfully completed their return to stages with two very special sold-out tribute shows in their hometown of Warsaw, Poland in front of more than 4,000 people.

The band has checked in with the following comment:

"Two amazing, cathartic, unforgettable, one-of-a-kind evenings with a one-of-a-kind audience. 
Now we know. We are definitely moving on.
And our tour in April and May will also be cathartic and unforgettable - The opening of the new chapter."

Next month RIVERSIDE will embark on a European tour dubbed "Towards The Blue Horizon", consisting of the following dates:
 
RIVERSIDE - "Towards The Blue Horizon" Tour 2017:
09.05. Aschaffenburg (Germany) - Colos-Saal
10.05. Pratteln (Switzerland) - Z7
12.05. Lyon (France) - MJC Ô Totem
13.05. Barcelona (Spain) - Salamandra 1
14.05. Madrid (Spain) - Teatro Barcelo
16.05. Bordeaux (France) - Krakatoa
17.05. Paris (France) - Divan du Monde
19.05. Edinburgh (UK) - Liquid Room
20.05. Bristol (UK) - Marble Factory
21.05. Leamington Spa (UK) - Assembly
22.05. London (UK) - Islington Assembly Hall
24.05. Maastricht, (The Netherlands) - Muziekgieterij
25.05. Zoetermeer (The Netherlands) - De Boerderij
26.05. Zwolle (The Netherlands) - Hedon
27.05. Uden (The Netherlands) - De Pul
28.05. Cologne (Germany) - Die Kantine
30.05. Kraków (Poland) - Laznia

Last October RIVERSIDE released a complementary instrumental album entitled "Eye Of The Soundscape", including 13 experimental and highly atmospheric compositions, which showcase RIVERSIDE's ambient electronic side. The release entered the sales charts in various European countries as follows: Germany # 69, Switzerland # 92, The Netherlands # 60, Belgium (Flemish) # 122, Belgium (Wallonia) # 112 and Poland # 4.
 
"Eye Of The Soundscape" compiles all the special instrumental RIVERSIDE tracks previously used as bonus material for the "Shrine Of New Generation Slaves" and "Love, Fear And The Time Machine" albums, alongside rare cuts as well as 4 new songs ("Where The River Flows", "Shine", "Sleepwalkers" and "Eye Of The Soundscape") into a massive playing time of +100 minutes, available as 2CD-Mediabook, 3LP (With both CD's as bonus and an etching on Side F!) or as Digital Download.

A video clip for the track "Shine" can be seen here: 
 
The release's opening track and first single, "Where The River Flows", can be checked out here: https://youtu.be/tBTZJLXOptM 

The album's physical formats are available from the InsideOut Shop here: 

Or digitally here:
 

RIVERSIDE online:
  
INSIDEOUTMUSIC online: 
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Knifeworld to play Cruise To The Edge 2018; new live video launched

 

London-based psychedelic octet Knifeworld have confirmed their appearance on Cruise To The Edge 2018, taking place 3rd till the 8th February and sailing from Tampa to Belize and Costa Maya. They join the likes of Yes, Marillion, Gong, Anathema, Haken & more, on what will be the band's first US visit.

Kavus Torabi comments: "Ahoy there. This will be the first real opportunity for our US fans to see Knifeworld live. We will be performing two full electric sets and an acoustic one. Over the three performances we will be plunging into the deep, reedy waters of our four albums and making seaworthy a few rarely heard gems. I'll also be performing with Gong, so if the cut of my jib doesn't resonate with you in the correct fashion you will have plenty of sunbathing time.

After one of the performances at least two members of Knifeworld will be walking the plank in real life. We hope you can join us for this, at least."

The band have also launched a new live video, filmed at last year's headline show at Bush Hall in London. 

Watch the live clip for 'Me To The Future Of You' here: https://youtu.be/Fe8EUGjoe-I 

You can also watch a clip of 'I Must Set Fire To Your Portrait' here: https://youtu.be/Xpx11ujT2B4

 'Bottled Out Of Eden' received much acclaim upon release, seeing them perform live in session on Marc Riley's show on BBC 6 Music as well as nominated in two categories at the Progressive Music Awards 2016. You can find just a few of the great reviews of the album below:

"Bottled Out Of Eden is a vivid mix of soaring, curiously structured melodic songs" - Mojo

"this is what truly progressive music sounds like in 2016" - Prog

"simply gorgeous pop songs" - Louder Than War

"a big, vivid, lysergic joy." - The Guardian

Watch the promo videos for 'High / Aflame' and 'The Germ Inside' below:
'The Germ Inside': https://youtu.be/mWRig5rV274

You can order 'Bottled Out Of Eden' from the links below:

 
The follow-up to 2014's 'The Unravelling', described by The Guardian as "an ingenious, joyful exercise in exploratory zeal", BOOE is a subtler but more immediate record than any other Knifeworld release. At times beautiful and uplifting & at others melancholic, haunting and otherworldly, the album remains surprisingly accessible and frontman Kavus Torabi had this to say:

"After The Unravelling, which took over a year to complete, we deliberately wanted to change the variables. To alter the approach in order to make something different. I love The Unravelling but it was a very difficult record to make. Rather than spending so long in the studio, constructing, arranging, recording, re-recording and adding layers of additional instruments and noises, this time round we wanted something rawer, more live sounding."

Torabi continues:
"Once we had the title, 'Bottled Out Of Eden', the songs came very quickly. For me, the title has three possible interpretations and all the songs fall under at least one of them. I always like to have a definite theme, it allows you to map out the territory making it far easier to identify which songs that will or won't fit with the overarching idea giving the record a far greater cohesion."

 'Bottled Out Of Eden' fuses elements of English psychedelic pop, folk and art rock, with NY minimalist inspired horn arrangements and typically unconventional song structures that take full advantage of the bands 8-piece line-up. The tail end of last year saw that full band out on tour in the UK with their friends in Vennart where they road-tested several songs from the album. 

Kavus continues:
"One aspect of Bottled Out Of Eden is the idea of a self-made Heaven or a self-imposed Hell, that agony or ecstasy are often a choice. I look back on the twenty five years of making the kind of music I do, particularly the last six with Knifeworld and just feel so fortunate for the friendships, experiences and absolute joy it has brought. I wanted the album to be as much about that, a celebration of this all too fleeting life, as it is a reflection on death and its impact on everyone that is left behind." 

KNIFEWORLD online:
  
INSIDEOUTMUSIC online: 
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Classic Rock Icons BLUES IMAGE Featuring MIKE PINERA Prove That The Best Songs Are TIMELESS!


Los Angeles, CA - In 1970, Tampa-based rockers Blues Image took audiences on the trip of a lifetime with their smash hit single "Ride Captain Ride" - a song that continues to embed itself in pop culture consciousness, showing up as recently as 2004 in the hilarious Will Ferrell comedy Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy. Vocalist/guitarist Mike Pinera founded Blues Image in the late '60s and quickly turned the band into a powerhouse collective with a reputation for stunning musicianship and, of course, exquisite songwriting. Pinera left the group briefly to front the mighty Iron Butterfly, but he's kept the Blues Image fire burning bright for over 5 decades! Now, a remarkable new collection, Timeless, that honors the songs of the past as well as brand new material will be released on CD this March 31 courtesy of Purple Pyramid Records.

Timeless showcases both Pinera's past accomplishments with fantastic new renditions of "Ride Captain Ride" and Iron Butterfly's "In A Gadda Da Vida" as well as his present skills as a songwriter on such tunes as "Love Is The Answer," "Pay My Dues" and more! With guest appearances by blues rock legend Pat Travers and Journey's Jonathan Cain, Timeless is sure to be a hit among fans of Blues Image and classic 70s rock!

Track List:
1. Ride Captain Ride
2. In A Gadda Da Vida
3. Fantasy Of Love
4. Come Back
5. Love Is The Answer
6. Touch My Heart
7. Pay My Dues
8. In The Garden Of Eden
9. Leaving My Troubles Behind
10. Butterfly Bleu
11. Isla
12. Something To Say


CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
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NEXT STEP / NEW EP FINALLY AVAILABLE


Next Step is a rock/metal band from Madrid, Spain. They will release their new album today!

July 2016, the band released another music video for the song "Eternal", which not only showed the maturity they were achieving in their compositions, but also served as a presentation for what was to come with their first album, receiving great critics from national and international media.

Their sound resembles the character of modern American rock and metal bands such as Alter Bridge, Trivium, Black Stone Cherry or Shinedown.

"Legacy", as its own name indicates, is Next Step's particular legacy, their footprint. This work has Next Step's purest essence, both musically and lyrically. It's an album composed with great care and cooked in low fire that creates a dynamic, with this album, the band feels fresher than ever.

There's also much reference to overcoming one's self and hard situations, whether imposed personally, by others or by given circumstances. Also, the album speaks about how you must be yourself, accepting who you are and fighting to carry on without falling in false myths or mantras that may hinder us.
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Michael Schenker announces 'Michael Schenker Fest' November 2017 UK tour

EATURING THE ORIGINAL MSG VOCALISTS

GARY BARDEN, GRAHAM BONNET AND ROBIN MCAULEY

AND MSG MUSICIANS:

STEVE MANN (GUITAR, KEYS), CHRIS GLEN (BASS), TED MCKENNA (DRUMS) 

Celebrated rock guitarist Michael Schenker is proud to announce that he will be touring "Michael Schenker Fest" throughout the UK in November 2017.    

The four concerts take in London O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire (Nov 2), Sheffield O2 Academy (Nov 3), Manchester O2 Ritz (Nov 4) and Hull City Hall (Nov 5). 

Tickets for the concerts at O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire London, O2 Academy Sheffield and O2 Ritz Manchester are on  O2 Priority Pre-Sale from 12 noon on Friday 17th March, and will go on general sale from 10am on Monday 20th March from Ticketmaster and Ticketweb. 

Tickets for the Hull City Hall concert go on sale from 12 noon on Friday 17th March from the Hull City box office booking link - hullboxoffice.com. 

In recent memory, Michael Schenker's endeavor to unite rock fans together at his concerts has enraptured his audiences and so it is fitting that his most recent concept of 'Michael Schenker Fest' does not disappoint one bit. The project reunites the original Michael/McAuley Schenker Group vocalists – Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet and Robin McAuley, plus MSG musicians Steve Mann (guitar, keys), Chris Glen (bass) and Ted McKenna (drums). 

Says Schenker, "It's a miracle that after all these years, a tour like this will take place with the original band members of "M.S.G.". Being able to go back to those days and celebrate the music is an exciting experience for us, as well as for old and new fans. To being able to re-experience, and for the new audience to get a feel of what it was like, is incredibly enjoyable." 

To access the official Michael Schenker Fest Tour press release page and download hi res photos click here – http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/michaelschenker/schenkerfest-uktour.htm.  

MICHAEL SCHENKER FEST – NOVEMBER 2017 UK TOUR DATES 

O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire, London                      Thursday 2 November
O2 Academy Sheffield                                                   Friday 3 November
O2 Ritz, Manchester                                                       Saturday 4 November
Hull City Hall, Hull                                                          Sunday 5 November
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New Song and Video from Soul Enema



Progressive Metal act Soul Enema premiers a new lyric video clip for the song
Breaking the Waves. The band's upcoming album, titled "Of Clans and
Clones and Clowns", is slated for release in the near future. Featuring 70+
minutes of music with special guests like Arjen Lucassen(Ayreon) and
Yossi Sassi(ex-Orphaned Land), and mixed by Jens Bogren (Opeth, Devin Townsend,
Symphony X).

Breaking the Waves is inspired by the famous film of the same title by Lars von Trier.
"What makes the story line quite special, is the way it deals with a complicated paradox"

- comments keyboard player and songwriter Constantin Glantz - "The notion of self-sacrifice
in the name of the one you love, can be the most romantic and heroic thing ever, and
there are numerous plots that speak about that. But at the same time, this case can be the
most miserable and sickening version of self-destructive heroism in existence, it's
about paying the real price to the very end. The way the very deep, core programs of
human being - like love, faith, devotion, sexual instincts behave or misbehave in those
twisted situations, the way it makes you think about the basis of these things, is
quite stimulating in understanding the human nature. That's the intriguing
aspect of von Trier's approach in his films.
And this time we also wanted to express a bit of that cold Scottish rural highlands
atmosphere in the music and arrangements. This one is actually more chilling and edgy, 
even though it also contains some softer parts."

A link to a lyric video:

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Leon Russell's Self-titled Debut Album to be Released on 180g Blue Translucent Vinyl by Audio Fidelity!

"There may not have been a more versatile or accomplished musician in all rock'n'roll"

Camarillo, CA - Marhall Blonstein's Audio Fidelity is releasing Leon Russell's self-titled debut album on 180g Blue Translucent Vinyl with gatefold sleeve! One of the most startling original debut albums ever, "Leon Russell" was the culmination of many years apprenticeship behind-the-scenes of the music business, where he was a well-known and long-respected figure. As one of the most accomplished musicians to emerge from the '60s music scene, Leon Russell proved equally accomplished as a singer, guitarist, keyboard player, composer and producer.

Combing those skill after many years as a touring musician and in Hollywood recording studios, Russell emerged in the '70s as one of rock's true renaissance men.

On this recording, Russell was surrounded by a cast of top-level musicians including Chris Stainton and Alan Spenner, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, Klaus Voorman, Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett, Jim Gordon, Bobby Whitlock, Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, B.J. Wilson, Joe Cocker and back-up singers, Merry Clayton and Clydie King.

Among the wonderful songs included are "Delta Lady," his standard-to-be, "A Song For You," and "Hummingbird." 

Russell was inducted into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame.

SIDE: 1
1-A SONG FOR YOU
2-DIXIE LULLABY
3-I PUT A SPELL ON YOU
4-SHOOT OUT ON THE PLANTATION
5-HUMMINGBIRD

SIDE: 2
1-DELTA LADY
2-PRINCE OF PEACE
3-GIVE PEACE A CHANCE
4-HURTSOME BODY
5-PISCES APPLE LADY
6-ROLL AWAY THE STONE

Produced by Denny Cordell & Leon Russell
Mastering by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio

For more information: www.audiofidelity.net
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