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Section 16/Magnitude 9 singer w/ Balance of Power?

The news is out! It appears that Corey Brown (Magnitude 9/Section16) is going across the Atlantic with his vocal skills and is currently in negotiations with London based progressive rock group, Balance of Power.

Corey voiced his thoughts on Balance of Power, Section 16, and the future of Magnitude 9 -

Recently, Corey flew to the U.K. to meet up with the band members of Balance of Power and audition for the group. There are plans for a concert with the band at this year's Fire Fest Rock Festival in Nottingham, England in November as well as a new album in spring of 2006. There are also negotiations on the table for multiple tour dates in Europe during summer 2006.

In the meantime, Corey returns to lead Section 16 back into the studio in August to wrap up new tracks for Section 16's second anticipated release (no title as of press release). Corey stated in a recent interview, "Section 16 is my band at home in the U.S. We have a sound that is very different from that of Balance Of Power, and the fact that I have Section 16 and Balance of Power allows me to explore various styles of vocal techniques and delivery. I get to have multiple channels of creative output and work with some killer musicians at home and abroad, Section 16 is my primary focus, but the chance to play in Europe with a band as established and talented as Balance of Power was too hard to pass up!"

When asked about his involvement with Magnitude 9's next album, Brown said, "I am not sure that Rob (guitarist for Magnitude 9 ) is really interested in working on another album at this point. Rob has other projects that he wants to focus his energy on, and he is trying to pursue other avenues musically, such as instructional guitar videos and the like. The last time that I spoke with Rob about doing another Magnitude 9 album, Rob said, 'I am not sure if I personally want to do another Magnitude 9 CD. I want to go in a heavier direction. I no longer want to do a CHAOS TO CONTROL or REALITY IN FOCUS type CD with long drawn out 7 minute songs. I've been there, done that...' "

Corey concludes by stating, "The future of Magnitude 9 is unknown at this time. I told Rob that I am interested in putting out another album with Magnitude 9, but I am not sure about the direction that Rob wants to go, how it might affect the overall sound of the band, or if it would appeal to the musical tastes of Mag 9's fan base. I guess the proverbial ball is in Rob's court!"

Read more ››

Source: sectionxvi.com
Posted: 28.07.2005 by rubyeye | Comments (0)


Nocturnal Rites - New Album Complete

Melodic metallers Nocturnal Rites have completed work on the follow up to their last album, New World Messiah (2004). Entitled "Grand Illusion", the band's seventh album was recorded and mixed at Toontrack Studio in Umea, Sweden.

The ten track album features guest appearances from Stefan Elmgren (Hammerfall), Jens Johansson (Stratovarius), Henrik Danhage (Evergrey), Kristoffer W. Olivius (Naglfar) and Swedish world champion of cross-country skiing (three times world cup gold), Per Elofsson.

Century Media will release the album on September 19th. The release will include a bonus DVD featuring three videos from New World Messiah, the brand-new 'Fools Never Die' video, a "Making Of Grand Illusion" segment and extra footage from the Demons Of The Opera show.

Grand Illusion will include the following tracklisting: 'Fools Never Die', 'Never Trust', 'Still Alive', 'Something Undefined', 'Our Wasted Days', 'Cuts Like A Knife', 'End Of Our Rope', 'Never Ending', 'One By One', 'Deliverance'.

Source: bravewords.com
Band profile: Nocturnal Rites
Posted: 22.07.2005 by rubyeye | Comments (0)


Epica - The Score: An Epic Journey

Epica have been working on a soundtrack inspired by a Dutch movie entitled "Joyride." The soundtrack will be released by Transmission Records on September 8th, under the title, The Score: An Epic Journey.

According to guitarist Mark Jansen, The Score is "Typically Epica, Only without the singing, without the guitars, no bass and no drums..." Mark Jansen, together with Yves Huts and Coen Jansen are responsible for the greater part of the music. The Score is much more than simply Epica without the Gothic rock. The remaining orchestrations have been worked out into the most minute details with strong arrangements. As a result, The Score has become an extremely attractive album which will appeal to a far larger audience than just the rock aficionados. An album that might be regarded as detached from all the earlier Epica work, but also as the next logical step.

"Of course The Score sounds different from the earlier albums, on the other hand it is at the same time unequivocally Epica. For this reason we're obviously releasing it under our own name. We are enormously proud of this album and we do not feel we have to confine ourselves to a certain genre."

"Collaboration is something Epica feels very strongly about. It is just like a colouring picture that you keep on making more beautiful with the whole group. Yves also contributes a lot of music, Coen takes care of the arrangements, subsequently I have some ideas and in this way, a project continues to grow. Into everything we do, we put our hearts and souls. The guitars, singing, bass and drums may be lacking, but with regards to work, this album took nearly as much time as a regular Epica CD."

The influence of composers Danny Elfman and Hans Zimmer is very clearly present. The music of this duo ranks as the crème de la crème of what is being composed in the field of incidental music in Hollywood at this moment. Mark Jansen looks upon the duo as a shining example:

"To me, personally, it is an aspiration to reach that same level at some point in the future. They are the absolute top in their discipline and each and every member of Epica thinks of them as shining examples. Our dream therefore is composing the music for a Hollywood film at some point in time. Films such as Gladiator, Braveheart or The Last Samurai are projects to which I would have gladly contributed. Films such as these pre-eminently suitable for our music."

"I would like to write more scores, preferably intertwined with what we are doing with Epica. With The Score, we want to make a name for ourselves. This is who we are and this is what we have to offer. Nothing is impossible and that is why we pattern ourselves on the best composers and strive for the best. In the arrangements on our album Consign to Oblivion you can easily detect to what an extent Epica has been influenced by cinematic orchestrations and soundtrack elements. On The Score we explore these influences."

Source: Dutch Progressive Rock Page
Band profile: Epica
Posted: 21.07.2005 by rubyeye | Comments (0)


Yargos - Prog-rock project w/ Threshold vocalist

YARGOS - is the name of the latest project from Threshold front man Andrew "MAC" McDermott.

Mastermind, composer and musician Wieland "Wielo" Hofmeister (guit / keys), Producer Osssy Pfeiffer (piano / keys / drums) and Anca Graterol (voc) did not need much time to convince Mac that the powerful Prog-Rock-Project YARGOS was not something to be turned down lightly. Featuring Andreas "Andy" Kienitz (solo guitar - HYDROTOXIN, HUMAN FORTRESS) and Peter Pichl (bass - RUNNING WILD).

The album TO BE OR NOT TO BE is "in the bag" and is only waiting for a suitable label-partner. Release should be in autumn parallel to the single WHY?

* Samples available online : http://www.yargos.de/

Source: yargos.de
Posted: 18.07.2005 by rubyeye | Comments (0)


F5 - Debut Album Samples Now Online

F5, the band featuring former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, are releasing their debut album, A Drug For All Seasons, on August 15th through Mascot Records.

F5 is rounded out by Dale Steele (vocals), Steve Conley (lead, rhythm and acoustic guitars), David Small (drums) and John Davis (lead and rhythm guitars).

A Drug For All Seasons will feature the following tracklisting:
Faded
Dissidence
Fall To Me
A Drug For All Season
Bleeding
What I Am (cover version of EDIE BRICKELL AND THE NEW BOHEMIANS' first hit)
Dying On The Vine
Hold Me Down
Defacing
X'd Out
Look You In The Eyes
Forte Sonata

Samples from the album are currently available online at the band's website, http://www.f5theband.com .

Source: BraveWords.com
Posted: 14.07.2005 by rubyeye | Comments (0)


Place Vendome - Complete Album Details

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce all details surrounding the release of the highly anticipated PLACE VENDOME album.

The album features the long awaited return to rock for former Helloween singer Michael Kiske. This time in a more melodic rock and AOR oriented mood.

The lineup on the release is completed by famed musicians of the German rock scene such as Dennis Ward (producer, main writer and bass player of PINK CREAM 69), Kosta Zafiriou (on drums from PINK CREAM 69), Uwe Reitenauer (guitars from PINK CREAM 69) and Gunther Werno (keyboards from Vanden Plas).

The album will be released worldwide on Frontiers Records on October 10th with domestic releases in Japan (Marquee/Avalon), Brazil (Hellion), Korea (Melodicpia), Taiwan (Rock Empire) and Russia (IronD).

The final tracklisting shall include the following tracks:
Cross The Line (mp3 sample)
I Will Be Waiting (mp3 sample)
Too Late
I Will be Gone (mp3 sample)
The Setting Sun
Place Vendome
Heaven's Door
Right Here (mp3 sample)
Magic Carpet
Sign of Times

The Frontiers Records website / newsletter subscribers will also be able to receive on July the 21st an email with the link to download the FULL SONG "Cross the Line".

*** To view the COVER ART and hear MP3 SAMPLES ***
http://www.frontiers.it/default.aspx'sabid=49&cond3=where%20Netlab_FrontiersNews.NewsID=36

Source: Frontiers Records
Posted: 14.07.2005 by rubyeye | Comments (0)


Allen/Lande - The Battle

"The Battle" is the highly anticipated album featuring star vocalists Jorn Lande (of Masterplan), Russell Allen (of Symphony X) and guitarist Magnus Karlsson (of Starbreaker, Last Tribe). For the first time, the details behind who takes the mike on individual tracks. The details are:

1. Another Battle (Jorn & Russell)
2. Hunters Night (Russell)
3. Wish For A Miracle (Jorn & Russell)
4. Reach A Little Longer (Jorn)
5. Come Alive (Jorn & Russell)
6. Truth Of Our Time (Jorn & Russell)
7. My Own Way (Jorn)
8. Ask You Anyway (Russell)
9. Silent Rage (Jorn & Russell)
10. Where Have The Angels Gone (Jorn)
11. Universe Of Light (Russell)
12. The Forgotten Ones (Jorn & Russell)

Cover artwork was specifically designed for this project by none other than Rodney Matthews, the legendary painter who created Magnum's "On A Storyteller's Night", Diamond Head's "Borrowed Time", Asia's "Aqua" and "Arena", Praying Mantis' "Time Tells No Lies" and many others.

The album shall be released in Europe on September 19th on Frontiers Records with Japanese release to be settled soon.

** You can view the cover art work and hear samples of the songs: The Battle, Come Alive, Hunter's Night & Wish For A Miracle at http://www.magnus-karlsson.com/ **

Source: magnus-karlsson.com
Posted: 11.07.2005 by rubyeye | Comments (0)


Place Vendome - New Album Project

All recording of the brand new project album PLACE VENDOME featuring former Helloween singer Michael Kiske together with Pink Cream 69 members Dennis Ward, Uwe Reitenauer, Kosta Zafiriou and Vanden Plas ivory tinkler Gunther Werno have been finally completed!

The songs recorded include (in no particular order):
Right Here
Heaven's Door
I Will Be Gone
I Will Be Waiting
Magic Carpet Ride
The Setting Sun
Place Vendome
Too Late
Sign of the Times
Cross the Line

The release date in Europe has been set already on October 10th with Japanese release to be handled via Marquee / Avalon.

A 90 second sample of the song "Cross the Line" can be found here:
http://www.frontiers.it/default.aspx'sabid=49&cond3=where%20Netlab_FrontiersNews.NewsID=26

Source: Frontiers Records
Posted: 11.07.2005 by rubyeye | Comments (0)