Big melodicrock update!
https://www.melodicrock.com/COMING UP - MORE GREAT MELODIC MUSIC:
2012 has been another solid year for music, but by far it seems the last few months of the year are set to be the hottest of all. There are some truly amazing released lined up for melodic rock fans and I'm excited to be able to start talking about some of them. I've spent the last week with some really outstanding melodic rock music - the quality of which makes me very happy for this scene. I think there's going to be a lot of empty wallets out there.
Let's start with the great Jimi Jamison. Jimi's new album is Never Too Late and is written, produced, performed (with band) and mixed by the man of the moment Erik Martensson (Eclipse, WET, Toby Hitchcock). And what a result! High expectations as I have for everything Erik related, but this is another ridiculously great sounding album. I love Crossroads Moment, but this is a little different again is one of the best albums I have heard with Jimi's name on it since the 80s.
This is a little different for both Jimi and Erik. For Jimi it really sounds like an album written for him. It's a naturally 80s style melodic rock record, but with a great up to date production and the feel of a record that you've heard before...while being totally new and fresh. Jimi's vocals are simply amazing and it is a 100% straight ahead melodic record with a huge Survivor influence.
And Erik - he has written specifically for Jimi and the album is pure melodic rock - not as intense as the Toby Hitchcock album and more 80s than the WET record.
And the album is stacked with anthems - keep an ear out for the opening track Everybody's Got A Broken Heart plus other instant classics like Never Too Late, The Air I Breathe, Not Tonight and Heaven Call Your Name. This is one really special record.
The album is released in Europe November 2 and USA November 6 via Frontiers.
Are you ready for a preview of another wonderful melodic rock album? Pride Of Lions (Jim Peterik & Toby Hitchcock) have gone back to the solid melodic base of their acclaimed debut album for another amazing collection of songs featuring the Song Of The Year nominees-to-be Immortal, Tie Down The Wind, Shine On, If It Doesn't Kill Me and Vital Signs.
And there's one more song - the lead single Delusional, which was my instant pick as an album highlight. Pride Of Lions Immortal is released in Europe September 21 and USA on the 25th.
You can download a special extended sample of the song right now - Pride Of Lions - Delusional.
If you want to hear the whole song, it's streaming in full from the Paradise Artists page for POL - paradiseartists.com/artists/pride_of_lions/index.html.
I know I don't have to preface any talk of a new Rick Springfield release with how much I personally anticipate each one. The last two albums were very different (brilliant) beasts, and both made powerful statements, so I'm going completely mad waiting for a taste of the album - Songs For The End Of The World. Hopefully soon. I am told "it smokes" and Rick himself alluded to it being a little more "technical" and a mix of Shock Denial Anger Acceptance and Venus In Overdrive and management told me it was "a kickass album".
The US release is out October 9 and I can today confirm that Frontiers Records will release the album November 2 with one exclusive bonus track!
Night Ranger are back in action October 19 with a CD/DVD release of their 30th Anniversary celebratory performance in California - unplugged and live. The album - 24 Strings And A Drummer - is a greatest hits live package, but with a difference. This has to be the best acoustic album I have heard since Tesla's Five Man Acoustical Jam. It just oozes energy and atmosphere, with a small crowd of friends and fans gathered.
Here's the track list - This Boy Needs To Rock, When You Close Your Eyes, Sing Me Away, Growing Up In California, The Secret Of My Success, Sentimental Street, Four In The Morning, Let Him Run - Goodbye, Forever All Over Again, Don't Tell Me You Love Me, Sister Christian, (You Can Still) Rock In America and Boys Of Summer (bonus track)(Don Henley cover - CD only).
As you can see, it's the bands current set list more or less, but there's still a few surprises within the songs - different arrangements and some absolutely smoking acoustic solos. Astounding even! I think all Night Ranger fans are going to love this release.
The hype has been building surrounding the sophomore Vega release, following their acclaimed debut Kiss Of Life. Universal Music will be releasing the new album What The Hell in the next few months. But I've just had a chance to hear the whole thing and am completely blown away. It has exceeded all expectations I had and to be honest, it is such a momentous leap from the debut that I had to wonder if it was the same band I was listening to. Of course it was, but I'm so impressed by what the guys have done. It's a bold album - a little heavier, a lot more 'produced', with effects and beats and it is a lot more contemporary also. There are songs within that sound like the debut on steroids and others that sound like they could (and should) be on Top 40 radio right now. All wrapped up in a heavier and more intense package. It has a really slick groove and the production is simply amazing.
And speaking of bands that have stepped it up beyond expectations - stand by for the utterly brilliant new Degreed album! Again, massive expectations and again...exceeded in every aspect. The new Degreed album is bigger, heavier, better than their awesome debut. Like Vega, the guys have upped their game to major league and with this album will firmly place themselves amongst the best melodic rock bands in Europe right now. And also like Vega, the guys have updated their sound for an even more contemporary feel, while retaining all the melodic brilliance that was found on their debut.
A release is currently being planned. I'll be proud and honoured to be part of the guys plans in any way I can, after releasing their debut, but this is such an astoundingly good record...the guys really deserve a much bigger label than the small indie that is MelodicRock Records.
Just wait until you hear such songs as Access Denied, Black Cat, Blind Hearted and Just Another Heartache! World class and for those with the debut - you'll be equally amazed as I am.
Stay tuned!
Ten are back on October 19 with Heresy And Creed - an album that isn't perfect and could use a better track running order, but has some definite highlights that Ten fans are going to love. First of all, I think it's the best produced Ten album in recent years and best of all, I think the guitar work is the best since Vinny Burns was in the band - a lot of big riffs and some blinding solos. And I think this is perhaps the heaviest Ten album to date - it really packs a punch in places. And Gary sounds as good as ever. There's a lot to like. There is only a couple of ballads in there and the rest is pretty hard rocking.
As with all of the above albums - stay tuned right here for exclusive previews and more details to follow. Not to mention talk of a few more releases scheduled like Jorn's next release Symphony and Issa's anticipated obscure AOR covers album Can't Stop.