Rickey Medlocke Band - Rise Again

 Skillet rally around ten insurgent, infectious, and inimitable anthems on their aptly titled twelfth full-length offering and first-ever independent album, Revolution. 

The band serves up their signature arena-shaking rock uplifted by soaring guitar solos, hard-hitting riffs, cinematic strings, and some of the catchiest and most confident choruses of their storied career to date.

From the tongue-in-cheek, barnstorming first single “Unpopular,” the unpredictable and undeniable dynamics of “Ash In The Wind,” and fist-pumping clarion call of “Not Afraid” to the swaggering opener “Show Time” and tender ballad “Happy Wedding Day (Alex’s Song),” this is Skillet reignited, re-energized, and ready for revolution.

Track List 

1. Showtime 

2. Unpopular 

3. All That Matters 

4. Not Afraid

5. Revolution 

6. Ash in the Wind 

7. Fire Inside of Me 

8. Defector 

9. Happy Wedding Day (Alex’s Song)

10. Death Defier

 This product is for pre-order only and is expected to ship on or about November 1, 2024. 

 Hailing from Niagara Falls, NY, HYWATER is a rock band featuring Thomas Tedesco (lead vocals, guitars), Collin Lacki (keyboards, vocals) Connor Best (bass, guitars), and Dylan Howard (drums). 

The band boasts a modern-meets-vintage rock sound that draws inspiration from bands such as Goo Goo Dolls, Gin Blossoms, and Soul Asylum.

They released their first single, “Up in the Air” worldwide to all streaming platforms on July 21, 2023. The song was on the 2024 Grammy Ballot for the category of Best Rock Performance. 

The band followed up the release of "Up in the Air" with their debut EP, "This Way Up," which was released worldwide to all major streaming platforms and CD on Dec. 22, 2023.

Their new album “Paradox” is a great place to start if you’re just getting into the band. You could argue it’s their pinnacle moment, it’s 16 epic tracks of Metal that show you the band has many different sides to them. 

While most of the album contains massive anthems, they surprise you with songs like “In The Heavens”, “Babylon America” and “Last Goodbye” that show a more melodic side of the band.

“Walking Dead” and “The Writing’s On The Wall” are the first two singles that are good representations of the album. 

Both lean into Power Metal with some modern twists. They’ve got influences from the NWOBHM, but they have a little of the “Pantera’ groove Metal in their sound as well. A couple of my personal favs are “Dying To Live” and “Killing Time”, which are also a couple of their heaviest. I think this is when they’re at their best when they to the slightly uptempo stuff, gang vocals, blistering solos and big choruses. 

You WILL however hear them branch out from their roots on several songs.

While there are many songs that stand alone on their own very well, the entire album has an overall “theme” and “concept” that makes the album worth listening from beginning to end. 

This is essentially their “Destoyer” or “Operation Mindcrime”. I also think of Lizzy Borden’s “Master Of Disguise”, not so much musically, but more in the overall feel and story-telling.

I will end with this, fans of Classic and Power Metal, this is a must-have album.  I HOPE Metal fans from all genres will check this one of, if for no other reason the writing on the album and the way it’s constructed.

 Guitarist Jason Hook is storming out of the gates with his new band FLAT BLACK. 

The former Five Finger Death Punch guitarist has recruited a trio of young and talented musicians, and the band has signed with Fearless Records for its debut album, DARK SIDE OF THE BRAIN. The album, produced by Hook, was recorded at the Hideout Studios as well as his home studio, both in Las Vegas. 

1. IT'S OK TO BE ANGRY
2. JUSTICE WILL BE DONE
3. SIDEWAYS
4. A BIT OF LIGHTNING
5. UNWANTED

1. HOME
2. HALO
3. IT'S YOUR LACK OF RESPECT
4. NOTHING TO SOME (FEAT. COREY TAYLOR)
5. DARK SIDE OF THE BRAIN

1. VILLAIN
2. YOUTH 'N EYES
3. TIDAL WAVE
4. LET IT GO

1. IT'S OK TO BE ANGRY (Live From Edmonton)
2. A BIT OF LIGHTNING (Live From Edmonton)
3. HOME (Live From Edmonton)
4. IT'S YOUR LACK OF RESPECT (Live From Edmonton)

 Holy Mother presents the follow-up to "Face This Burn" and their overall seventh studio album: "Rise"! A career that spans from the 1990's until the present day, Holy Mother has delivered some of the most blistering American, fist-pumping music of their genre and pulls no punches with it's heaviest and most powerful release to date. Anthems like "Rise", "Power", "Fire", "Rain" "Jeremiah", and "Hex" will have you banging your head and stomping your feet, and the classic "Live To Die" from the critically acclaimed "Toxic Rain" album of Holy Mother's past is brought to new life, channeling the spirit of the late, great Holy Mother co-founder Randy Coven. This album will melt your face, compel you to raise your fists and rebel and as Holy Mother intend to lead the force of Metal followers to their destiny with the driving force of the amazing Ronnie James Dio-style vocals of Mike Tirelli, the blistering shredding of the young guitar prodigy Mickey Lyxx, the pounding in-your-face drumming of powerhouse James Harris, and the blazing bass of the Brit, Wayne Banks. Don't be left in the dust! Pick up Holy Mother's "Rise" and join the rest of the Metal generation in the rise of Holy Mother!

Tracks:
1.1 Fire
1.2 The Elevator
1.3 Jeremiah
1.4 Power
1.5 Rise
1.6 Down
1.7 Interventionist
1.8 Hex
1.9 Live to Die
1.10 Rain 

Be among the first to unbury this kick ass collection of Cold Sweat music. Four UNBURIED studio tracks that have never been heard before. Six concert cuts recorded live at their triumphant 2020 reunion at the Monsters Of Rock Cruise pre-party. And a medley of classic recorded live in 1990 at the Super Rock Festival in Mannheim, Germany. Unbury THIS.

“UNBURIED ALIVE” Track Listing:

• Rain Down
• Claim To Fame
• Long Gone
• Out On My Own
• Let’s Make Love Tonight (Live 2020)
• Long Way Down (Live 2020)
• Four On The Floor (Live 2020)
• Lovestruck (Live 2020)
• Cryin’ Shame (Live 2020)
• Killing Floor (Live 2020)
• Mannheim Medley (Live 1990) – I Just Wanna Make Love To You/Cryin’ Shame/Killing Floor

Renowned for their mastery of prog-power, Lords of Black are set to captivate audiences once again with their sixth studio album, "Mechanics Of Predacity," slated for a global release by Frontiers Music on March 15th, 2024. This monumental release marks a pinnacle in the band's evolution, seamlessly fusing power, epic grandeur, and intense musicality with a profound narrative woven through evocative lyricism. Tony Hernando's exceptional musical composition, Ronnie Romero's emotive vocals, and the formidable rhythm section of bassist Dani Criado and drummer Jo Nunez converge in this release, a testament to the band's artistic prowess.

Tony Hernando shares insights into the album, describing the opening track as a "cool, fast, full-on metal song." The lyrics delve into themes of retribution, standing for truth, and resisting the onslaught of lies and intimidation. In a world tainted by power-hungry individuals, the song carries a message of hope anchored in the resilience of one true and honest soul.

"Mechanics Of Predacity" embarks on a profound exploration of humanity's primal instinct—PREDACITY. From the earliest days of humble animal and tribal existence to the complex dynamics of modern society, the album meticulously navigates the relentless nature of human predation.

The narrative unfolds as a contemplation of how individuals, tribes, nations, and entities engage in an unending cycle of predation. It fearlessly addresses the harsh reality that greed, power, and malevolence have consistently fueled conflicts throughout history.

Yet, amidst the shadows, a counterforce emerges—a struggle waged by love, kindness, and humanity. This eternal conflict between oppressors and the oppressed, predators and victims, is encapsulated in the poignant observation that "the weak ones seem to be just the meat for the strong ones to eat". "Mechanics Of Predacity" transcends being a mere album; it stands as a lyrical and musical expedition into the very essence of human existence. Here, the tension between predator and prey serves as both a lament and a call for redemption.

TRACKLIST

1. For What is Owed to Us (4:16)
2. Let the Nightmare Come (5:11)
3. I Want the Darkness to Stop (5:58)
4. Let It Burn (4:34)
5. Can We Be Heroes Again (5:44)
6. Crown Of Thorns (6:51)
7. Obsessions of the Mind (5:06)
8. Build the Silence (5:16)
9. A World That's Departed (11:08)
I. About to Reset
II. Absentia
III. A Final Sense Of Truth
10. Born Out Of Time (5:40)

LINEUP

- Ronnie Romero: Vocals
- Tony Hernando: Guitars
- Dani Criado: Bass
- Jo Nunez: Drums

The album is produced by Tony Hernando, with mixing and mastering by Roland Grapow.

Paralandra, a killer hard rock band from Missouri, have announced their new album The Body Electric, out April 4. To celebrate, the band has shared their new single “Dirty Love.”

The track is a hard-hitting rock anthem that showcases the band’s signature sound while introducing new elements that will captivate both loyal fans and those discovering Paralandra for the first time.

Track List:

1 Look at Me Now 

2 Dirty Love 

3 Better Days 

4 GIve Me a Reason 

5 Spell On Me 

6 Faith Hope Love 

7 Love of My Life 

8 Savannah 

9 The Only One 

10 Resurrexit

 The heavy/power metal institution Firewind, led by guitar virtuoso Gus G., will take off again in 2024.

Not only an extensive European tour is planned, but also the brand new studio album "Stand United" will be released.

It is the second Firewind album with former Sinbreed and Seventh Avenue singer Herbie Langhans at the mic. 

1. Salvation Day 
2. Stand United 
3. Destiny is Calling 
4. The Power Lies Within 
5. Come Undone 
6. Fallen Angel 
7. Chains 
8. Land of Chaos 
9. Talking in Your Sleep 
10. Days of Grace

 "Diamonds" is a brand new compilation featuring Rik's favourite rock tracks from his Duke Street years. 

 TRACK LISTING :
LP :
DRIVE TIME / STRAIGHT UP / BANG ON / SAVED BY LOVE / WHEN A HEART BREAKS / BIG LIE / RAINBOW MAN / MIDDLE GROUND / THE HARDEST PART

CD BONUS TRACKS :
STAND AND DELIVER / THE PENDULUM / Kiss It All Goodbye (Ipso Facto Demo) / Eliza (Absolutely Demo) 

LINEUP

Kip Winger – lead vocals, bass, acoustic guitar, keyboards, piano
Reb Beach – lead and rhythm guitar, backing vocals, harmonica, keyboards, piano
Rod Morgenstein – drums, percussion, backing vocals, piano
Paul Taylor – keyboards, rhythm and lead guitar, backing vocals, piano
John Roth – rhythm and lead guitar, backing vocals, bass, keyboards

1. Proud Desperado 

2. Heaven’s Falling 

3. Tears Of Blood 

4. Resurrect Me 

5. Voodoo Fire 

6. Broken Glass 

7. It’s Okay 

8. Stick The Knife In And Twist 

9. One Light To Burn 

10. Do Or Die 

11. Time Bomb 

12. It All Comes Back Around 

 Riley’s LA Guns, featuring long time members Steve Riley, Kelly Nickels, with Scott Griffin and Kurt Frohlich, made their debut in 2019 before releasing their album Renegades. The band is back with a taste of their second album, The Dark Horse, with their new single ‘Overdrive.’

To accompany their new single 'Overdrive,' the band are releasing a limited edition bundle series. With each single leading up to the release of their new album The Dark Horse, Riley's LA Guns are putting out a limited edition bundle, with bundle #1 out for pre-order today.

Each bundle will include a limited edition red 7" vinyl and a different coloured 12" of the upcoming album - the bundle #1 12" is orange.

"We are very excited to be releasing a 7” vinyl single. It features two songs that mean a lot to us. ‘Ballad of Jayne’ has been re-recorded the way it was initially written, acoustically," says long-time bassist Kelly Nickels.

Bundle #1 is available for pre-order now and includes:

• 12" orange The Dark Horse vinyl
• 7" red double A-side single vinyl

 The debut double full-length CD from Epic Tantrum. Disc 1 contains of new songs. Disc 2 is live recordings of some from songs from Disc 1 as well as live songs that had appeared on demos. Comes in a trifold booklet with a cover design by Ioannis at DangerousAge. 

TRACK LIST:

1. Don't Bother... 05:18

2. Unfold 03:50

3. Accessory 03:56

4. Fables Of Fortune 04:39

5. Outside The Wire 05:49

6. Into The Clutch 01:35

7. Letting Go 06:50

8. False Idols 03:55

9. A Howling 05:20

10. Abandoned 04:34

11. Bailee's Gone Again (Live) 03:56

12. Franklin Park Blues (Live) 04:33

13. Letting Go (Live) 07:15

14. Now I Know (Live) 05:39

15. Accessory (Live) 03:46

16. Fables of Fortune (Live) 05:21

17. The Artist (Live) 05:00

18. Don't Bother... (Live) 04:19

19. Drown (Live) 04:12

 Indiana blues-rock outfit The Cold Stares have announced ‘Voices,’ their new full-length album, out March 10th via Mascot Records. Recorded almost entirely over the course of just two days with producer/engineer/mixer Mark Needham (Taj Mahal, The Killers, Imagine Dragons, Walk the Moon, Fleetwood Mac), the album stands as the band’s most mature, eclectic collection yet, balancing gritty muscle and tender emotion in equal measure.  

Tracklisting:
1. Nothing But The Blues
2. Come For Me
3. The Joy
4. Lights Out
5. Got No Right
6. Sorry I Was Late
7. Voices
8. Waiting On The Rain
9. Sinnerman
10. Throw That Stone
11. It’s Heavy
12. Thinking About Leaving Again
13. The Ghost

 Romero's voice and prolific musical activity have brought him to the forefront of the hard rock/metal scene where he can be seen/heard with Lords of Black, The Ferrymen, Sunstorm, Rainbow, and the Michael Schenker Group. Through his work fronting these acts, it is no stretch to see how the artists covered on this album have influenced Romero and understand how his voice is well suited to give them a proper tribute. 

 Line-Up:
Ronnie Romero - vocals
Jose Rubio - guitars
Javi Garcia - bass
Andy C - drums
Alessandro Del Vecchio - keyboards 

 Tracklisting:
1. The Battle Rages On (Deep Purple cover)
2. Metal Daze (Manowar cover)
3. Turbo Lover (Feat. Nozomu Wakai) (Judas Priest cover)
4. Hallowed Be Thy Name (Iron Maiden cover)
5. Fast As A Shark (Accept cover)
6. No More Tears (Feat. Gus G.) (Ozzy Osbourne cover)
7. The Shining (Feat. Chris Caffery) (Black Sabbath cover)
8. A Light In The Black (Rainbow cover)
9. Kind Hearted Light (Feat. Roland Grapow) (Masterplan cover)
10. You Don’t Remember, I’ll Never Forget (Yngwie Malmsteen)
11. The Four Horsemen (Metallica)
 

Their debut album, "I Stand" sees this gathering of young performers and established skill players delivering a quintessential classic hard rock album.

Line-Up:
James Robledo - Vocals
Jimi Bell - Guitars
Francesco Savino - Guitars
Chuck Wright - Bass
Ken Mary - Drums

 Tracklisting:
1. I Stand
2. Disappear
3. Down In A Hole
4. On My Way To You
5. Where Will Our Tears Fall?
6. Book Of Love
7. Stranded In The Middle Of Nowhere
8. Follow Me
9. To The Edge Of The World
10. Search Over The Horizon
11. Only The Brave 

Formed by three rock n' roll lifers and friends, bassist/vocalist Todd Kerns, guitarist Stef Burns, and drummer Will Hunt.

LINEUP

Todd Kerns - Lead Vocals, Bass
Stef Burns - Guitar
Will Hunt - Drums

TRACKLIST

1. Locked And Loaded
2. Raw Power
3. Let's Ride It
4. Angels Never Sleep
5. I Knew You Were The Devil
6. Break Me (I'm Yours)
7. Blame
8. Don't Tell Me I'm Wrong
9. Set Me Free
10. And You'll Remain

 Robin McAuley's new solo album, "Alive" out on February 17, 2023 from Fronteris Music.  A brand new single and music video, the title track, has been released today.  

Line-Up:

Robin McAuley - vocals

Andrea Seveso - guitars

Alessandro Del Vecchio - bass, keyboards

Nicholas Papapicco - drums

Tracklisting:

1. Alive

2. Dead As A Bone

3. Bless Me Father

4. Feel Like Hell

5. Can’t Go On

6. The Endless Mile

7. Fading Away

8. My Only Son

9. When The Time Has Come

10. Stronger Than Before

11. Who I Am

The Jersey Rockers Return with No Monkey Business !

With New Lead Vocalist  Erik Gronwall, the former singer of Swedish rock band H.E.A.T. and 2009 Swedish Idol winner.

They are already back in the charts!

 Band Members:
Erik Grönwall – Lead vocals
Rachel Bolan – Bass, backing vocals
Snake Sabo – Guitar, backing vocals
Scotti Hill – Guitar, backing vocals
Rob Hammersmith – Drums

 Track List:
01. Hell Or High Water
02. The Gang’s All Here
03. Not Dead Yet
04. Time Bomb
05. Resurrected
06. Nowhere Fast
07. When The Lights Go Down
08. Tear It Down
09. October’s Song
10. World On Fire  

The Bass Master Billy Sheehan returns to his Roots with his Buffalo NY Band Talas.

These amazing Tracks with the Late Phil Naro once again delivering some amazing Vocals before his passing in 2021

 The current line-up consists of bass legend Billy Sheehan, drummer Mark Miller, singer Phil Naro and newcomer Kire Najdovski on guitar. 

Track List:

1. Inner Mounting Flame
2. I’ll Take the Night
3. Crystal Clear
4. Don’t Try to Stop Me Tonight
5. Do You Feel Any Better
6. On the Take
7. Come When You Call
8. The Power to Break Away
9. Black & Blue
10. Close to the Killer
11. 7IHd h

With elements from former Sabbath/Dio Drummer Vinny Appice

Haunting Lyrics & Vocals by Jim Crean  

Inspired Guitar Riffs from Steph Honde

this debut offering from the Trio is a must have for any Rock / Metal fan

Jim Crean on Vocals

Steph Honde on Guitar 

Vinny Appice on Drums

Track List:

1. Kill The Beautiful
2. Stone Cold
3. Eternity
4. Shattered Mirror
5. Love Takes
6. Silver Tongued Devil
7. Blindman
8. The Curse Of The Werewolf
9. Burning Flame
10. These Words You Speak
11. Frontline
12. Shine On

LINEUP:

Steve Libby - Vocals

Bryan Blumer - Guitars

Kenny Knight - Guitars

Chad Grant - Bass

Tom Gregory - Drums

Track List:

1. Broken Shadows
2. Come To Me
3. She's A Fire
4. Ashes In Rain
5. I Just Wish
6. Get Over Me
7. Scream
8. This Place Is Mad