Canadian rockers SAGA have been rejoined by the band's original singer, Michael Sadler. The group is in the process of recording a new CD, to be released later this year through Edel AG.
SAGA's most recent vocalist, Rob Moratti, replaced Sadler during the years 2008 through 2010 and appeared on the band's 2009 release, "The Human Condition".
Originally known as THE POCKETS, SAGA formed in 1977 from the nucleus of popular Canadian rock band FLUDD. In June 1978, they released their self-titled debut album. A modest success in Canada, it would eventually sell over 50,000 copies in Germany as an import.
SAGA has released a total of 19 studio albums, five live albums, five compilations and one interactive CD and four live video/DVDs. They have 8 million in sales to date.
SAGA is:
Michael Sadler - Lead Vocals
Ian Crichton - Guitar
Jim Crichton - Bass , Keyboards
Jim Gilmour - Keyboards, Vocals
Brian Doerner - Drums
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
NEIL PEART's 'Far And Away' Book Due In May
RUSH drummer Neil Peart's fifth book, "Far And Away: A Prize Every Time", is scheduled to be released on May 1 via ECW Press.
The publisher's official description of the book reads as follows: "Following in the tradition of 'Ghost Rider' and 'Traveling Music', RUSH drummer Neil Peart relates nearly four years of band tours, road trips, and personal discoveries in this introspective travelogue. From the ups and downs of a professional artist to the birth of a child, this revealing narrative recounts 22 adventures from rock's foremost drummer, biker enthusiast, husband and father. Both playful and insightful, Peart's love of drumming and the open road weaves throughout the stories as Neil explores horizons that are both physical and spiritual, sharing his observations about nature, society, and the self. Full-color photos round-out this tour of the open road that will resonate with RUSH fans and motorcycle enthusiasts alike."
The publisher's official description of the book reads as follows: "Following in the tradition of 'Ghost Rider' and 'Traveling Music', RUSH drummer Neil Peart relates nearly four years of band tours, road trips, and personal discoveries in this introspective travelogue. From the ups and downs of a professional artist to the birth of a child, this revealing narrative recounts 22 adventures from rock's foremost drummer, biker enthusiast, husband and father. Both playful and insightful, Peart's love of drumming and the open road weaves throughout the stories as Neil explores horizons that are both physical and spiritual, sharing his observations about nature, society, and the self. Full-color photos round-out this tour of the open road that will resonate with RUSH fans and motorcycle enthusiasts alike."
PERIPHERY: New EP Details Revealed
Maryland-based experimental, progressive metal six-piece PERIPHERY will release a new EP, "Icarus Lives", on April 19 via Sumerian Records. This CD features a brand new unreleased track, a series of remixes and video clips.
Commented bassist Thomas Murphy: "We like to think of ['Icarus Lives'] as a supplement to our first album. It will contain a version of 'Icarus Lives' with newly recorded vocals and the fantastic music video by Ian McFarland and Mike Pecci of Killswitch Productions, alongside several remixes of the song by the band, winner of our 'Icarus' remix contest (Pete Graves from the U.K.) and a special guest to be named at a later date. We have also included a tweaked version of our song 'Jetpacks Was Yes' and the brand new music video by Eric Haviv at FUGO studios. In addition, the songs 'Captain On' and 'Eureka' (available only through digital download until now) will be made available in physical format with newly re-recorded vocals. To sweeten the deal, we have added a new song, 'Frak the Gods', to give our fans a taste of whats to come as we enter the studio later this year to record our second full-length.
"As you can tell, we tried to make this EP worth your time and money. We have put a ton of time into these songs to deliver to you an exciting and polished product."
"The Icarus Lives" EP track listing:
01. New Groove (instrumental)
02. Icarus Lives
03. Icarus Lives - Fan/Contest Winner Remix
04. Icarus Lives - Zedd Remix
05. Icarus Lives - Bulb Remix
06. Jetpacks was Yes v2.0
07. Captain On
08. Frak The Gods
09. Eureka
Videos:
* "Icarus Lives"
* "Jetpacks Was Yes v2.0"
* "Icarus Lives" behind-the-scenes footage
The "Jetpacks Was Yes" video can be viewed below. The clip was produced by Eric Haviv, Richard Webb, and Brandon Morris of FUGO Studios. The song comes off the band's self-titled debut album, which sold around 4,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 128 on the Billboard 200 chart. The CD landed at No. 2 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
In early March PERIPHERY will embark on a North American tour alongside FAIR TO MIDLAND and SCALE THE SUMMIT.
PERIPHERY is:
Spencer Sotelo - Vocals
Misha Mansoor - Guitar
Alex Bois - Guitar
Jake Bowen - Guitar
Tom Murphy - Bass
Matt Halpern - Drums
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/periphery.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
SONS OF SEASONS: New Album Details Revealed
SONS OF SEASONS — the new progressive/symphonic metal band led by keyboardist/guitarist Oliver Palotai (KAMELOT, DORO) — has set "Magnisphyricon" as the title of its second album, due on April 1 via Napalm Records.
According to a press release, SONS OF SEASONS steps into the limelight once again to deliver a second album that is even more impressive than their debut. 'Magnisphyricon' is not a mere continuation of their chosen path, but rather a bold step into unexplored musical territories. Led by mastermind Oliver Palotai, the band performs the difficult feat of balancing technical prowess with memorable melodies. Some of the best examples of this gripping mix of musical complexity and headbanging quality are 'Soul Symmetry' and 'Tales of Greed'. The new songs also provide Henning Basse (METALIUM) a forum in which to prove his vocal talents and ennoble the album with sweeping renditions. Simone Simons (EPICA) again lends her captivating voice, making the track 'Sanctuary' one of the album's undisputed highlights. The powerful and lively production completes the listening experience and gives the tracks their crystal-clear quality. 'Magnisphyricon' is a profound
and multifaceted melodic symphonic metal album that will whisk you away to a breathtaking sound universe."
"Magnisphyricon" track listing:
01. Magnisphyricon: Temperance
02. Bubonic Waltz
03. Soul Symmetry
04. Sanctuary
05. Casus Belli I: Guilt's Mirror
06. Magnisphyricon: Adjustement
07. Into the Void
08. A Nightbird's Gospel
09. Tales of Greed
10. Lilith
11. Casus Belli II: Necrologue to the Unborn
12. Magnisphyricon: The Aeon
13. 1413
14. Yesteryears
SONS OF SEASONS' debut album, "Gods Of Vermin", was released in April 2009 via Napalm Records. It was made available as a regular jewel case and a limited-edition digipack featuring a bonus track.
SONS OF SEASONS is:
Oliver Palotai (KAMELOT, DORO, BLAZE) - Keyboards, Guitar
Daniel Schild (BLAZE) - Drums
Jürgen Steinmetz - Bass
Henning Basse (METALIUM, FIREWIND) - Vocals
Pepe Pierez (ANCIENT CURSE) - Guitar
Formed in January 2007, SONS OF SEASONS was launched as a "melting point" for all of Oliver Palotai's skills, as a musicians, composer and producer.
The group's first singer, Tijs Vanneste (OCEANS OF SADNESS), proved to be a great musician, but the band's future touring plans didn't fit the tight working schedule at his job, resulting in his departure. However, some of the songs on SONS OF SEASONS' debut album are said to have been inspired by his ideas.
For more information, visit www.sonsofseasons.com.
According to a press release, SONS OF SEASONS steps into the limelight once again to deliver a second album that is even more impressive than their debut. 'Magnisphyricon' is not a mere continuation of their chosen path, but rather a bold step into unexplored musical territories. Led by mastermind Oliver Palotai, the band performs the difficult feat of balancing technical prowess with memorable melodies. Some of the best examples of this gripping mix of musical complexity and headbanging quality are 'Soul Symmetry' and 'Tales of Greed'. The new songs also provide Henning Basse (METALIUM) a forum in which to prove his vocal talents and ennoble the album with sweeping renditions. Simone Simons (EPICA) again lends her captivating voice, making the track 'Sanctuary' one of the album's undisputed highlights. The powerful and lively production completes the listening experience and gives the tracks their crystal-clear quality. 'Magnisphyricon' is a profound
and multifaceted melodic symphonic metal album that will whisk you away to a breathtaking sound universe."
"Magnisphyricon" track listing:
01. Magnisphyricon: Temperance
02. Bubonic Waltz
03. Soul Symmetry
04. Sanctuary
05. Casus Belli I: Guilt's Mirror
06. Magnisphyricon: Adjustement
07. Into the Void
08. A Nightbird's Gospel
09. Tales of Greed
10. Lilith
11. Casus Belli II: Necrologue to the Unborn
12. Magnisphyricon: The Aeon
13. 1413
14. Yesteryears
SONS OF SEASONS' debut album, "Gods Of Vermin", was released in April 2009 via Napalm Records. It was made available as a regular jewel case and a limited-edition digipack featuring a bonus track.
SONS OF SEASONS is:
Oliver Palotai (KAMELOT, DORO, BLAZE) - Keyboards, Guitar
Daniel Schild (BLAZE) - Drums
Jürgen Steinmetz - Bass
Henning Basse (METALIUM, FIREWIND) - Vocals
Pepe Pierez (ANCIENT CURSE) - Guitar
Formed in January 2007, SONS OF SEASONS was launched as a "melting point" for all of Oliver Palotai's skills, as a musicians, composer and producer.
The group's first singer, Tijs Vanneste (OCEANS OF SADNESS), proved to be a great musician, but the band's future touring plans didn't fit the tight working schedule at his job, resulting in his departure. However, some of the songs on SONS OF SEASONS' debut album are said to have been inspired by his ideas.
For more information, visit www.sonsofseasons.com.
RITCHIE BLACKMORE Awarded Commemorative Medal Of Armenian Prime Minister
Legendary DEEP PURPLE/RAINBOW guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, who was instrumental in the Rock Aid Armenia project, was awarded a commemorative medal of the Armenian Prime Minister.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the charity in which classic rock stars from all over the world gathered to contribute their talents on to DEEP PURPLE's classic anthem "Smoke On The Water".
All proceeds were donated to the Armenian earthquake victims.
Source: RNRCOLA
KAMELOT Taps AMARANTHE Singer For European, South American Tours
Swedish vocalist Elize Ryd of AMARANTHE has been selected to fill the female singer spot on KAMELOT's upcoming European and South American tours in April/May.
Elize previously performed with KAMELOT on last year's "Summer Pandemonium Tour" and the band's European trek in April/May 2010.
Commented KAMELOT guitarist Thomas Youngblood: "I am very pleased to hear that Elize will be touring with us again, she toured with us for the entire year of 2010 and was amazing at every show!"
Added Elize: "I am very excited about going on tour with KAMELOT. I had so much fun during the 2010 performances on all the great stages with this awesome band in front of all their amazing fans! It's a real honor to be able to do that once again!"
AMARANTHE will provide support for KAMELOT on the European tour, along with EVERGREY and SONS OF SEASONS.
Fan-filmed video footage of Ryd performing with KAMELOT in Trondheim, Norway in July 2010 can be viewed below.
KAMELOT was forced to cancel its fall 2010 North American tour after the band's vocalist, Roy Khan (full name: Roy Sætre Khantatat), was taken ill. However, the group still went ahead and played the ProgPower concert as a one-off performance with guest vocalist Michael Eriksen of the Norwegian metal band CIRCUS MAXIMUS.
Due to "continuing medical and personal issues," Roy Khan will not be able to finish the remaining touring in support of KAMELOT's latest album, "Poetry For The Poisoned". His temporary replacement will be Fabio Lione (RHAPSODY OF FIRE), with additional guest vocal appearances planned throughout the tour by Simone Simons (EPICA), Tommy Karevik (SEVENTH WONDER) and many more surprise guests.
Fabio Lione is eager to get on the road, stating, "I am excited and pleased to be part of the next KAMELOT tour..I always loved the sound of the band..and I think this will be a great experience for me, the band and for all the fans of great music and KAMELOT... See you soon on tour and let's rock!!!"
The 2011 European leg of "The Pandemonium Tour" will begin on April 22 at Paris' famous Elysee Montmartre venue, taking the band's spectacular show to 18 top venues and a host of new cities in Europe.
"Poetry For The Poisoned" sold around 6,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD was released in North America on September 14, 2010 via the group's own label, Kamelot Media Group (KMG Recordings), and in Europe on September 10 through earMUSIC/Edel. Marquee/Avalon Records made the CD available in Japan.
Elize previously performed with KAMELOT on last year's "Summer Pandemonium Tour" and the band's European trek in April/May 2010.
Commented KAMELOT guitarist Thomas Youngblood: "I am very pleased to hear that Elize will be touring with us again, she toured with us for the entire year of 2010 and was amazing at every show!"
Added Elize: "I am very excited about going on tour with KAMELOT. I had so much fun during the 2010 performances on all the great stages with this awesome band in front of all their amazing fans! It's a real honor to be able to do that once again!"
AMARANTHE will provide support for KAMELOT on the European tour, along with EVERGREY and SONS OF SEASONS.
Fan-filmed video footage of Ryd performing with KAMELOT in Trondheim, Norway in July 2010 can be viewed below.
KAMELOT was forced to cancel its fall 2010 North American tour after the band's vocalist, Roy Khan (full name: Roy Sætre Khantatat), was taken ill. However, the group still went ahead and played the ProgPower concert as a one-off performance with guest vocalist Michael Eriksen of the Norwegian metal band CIRCUS MAXIMUS.
Due to "continuing medical and personal issues," Roy Khan will not be able to finish the remaining touring in support of KAMELOT's latest album, "Poetry For The Poisoned". His temporary replacement will be Fabio Lione (RHAPSODY OF FIRE), with additional guest vocal appearances planned throughout the tour by Simone Simons (EPICA), Tommy Karevik (SEVENTH WONDER) and many more surprise guests.
Fabio Lione is eager to get on the road, stating, "I am excited and pleased to be part of the next KAMELOT tour..I always loved the sound of the band..and I think this will be a great experience for me, the band and for all the fans of great music and KAMELOT... See you soon on tour and let's rock!!!"
The 2011 European leg of "The Pandemonium Tour" will begin on April 22 at Paris' famous Elysee Montmartre venue, taking the band's spectacular show to 18 top venues and a host of new cities in Europe.
"Poetry For The Poisoned" sold around 6,100 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD was released in North America on September 14, 2010 via the group's own label, Kamelot Media Group (KMG Recordings), and in Europe on September 10 through earMUSIC/Edel. Marquee/Avalon Records made the CD available in Japan.
JON LORD Announces Russian Tour With Hungarian DEEP PURPLE Tribute Band CRY FREE
According to JonLord.org, former DEEP PURPLE keyboardist Jon Lord will perform four concerts in Russia in April, taking in both Moscow and St. Petersburg but also Rostov-on-Don and Krasnodar. The shows will feature Hungarian DEEP PURPLE tribute band CRY FREE, and two different orchestras (depending on the city) as well as singers to be confirmed.
The dates are as follows:
April 12 - Krasnodar, Russia - DI Primiera
April 14 - Rostov-On-Don, Russia - KSK Express
April 17 - St Petersburg, Russia - BKZ Oktyabrskiy Concert Hall
April 20 - Moscow, Russia - Crocus City Hall
Photo below courtesy of JonLord.org
The dates are as follows:
April 12 - Krasnodar, Russia - DI Primiera
April 14 - Rostov-On-Don, Russia - KSK Express
April 17 - St Petersburg, Russia - BKZ Oktyabrskiy Concert Hall
April 20 - Moscow, Russia - Crocus City Hall
Photo below courtesy of JonLord.org
Pallas To Play High Voltage Festival
PALLAS, who have just released their critically acclaimed new album XXV, are very pleased to announce that they will be appearing at this years High Voltage Festival on Sunday July 24th of July. The festival will take place at Victoria Park London on Sat 23rd and Sun 24th of July and will feature the cream of Classic and Progressive Rock.
Their appearance will come mid way through a year that will see Pallas playing a number of live gigs and festivals throughout the UK and Europe in support of XXV (dates in the USA and other countries are currently being organised).
Other than High Voltage the other confirmed shows begin with a ‘hometown’ XXV album launch night on Friday Feb 4th at The Tunnels in Aberdeen. The following night Sat 5th Feb the band will be hot footing it to London for the full media launch of XXV at The House of Progression at The Peel in Kingston upon Thames.
Pallas are also delighted to have been asked to headline the prestigious ‘Best of The Year’ Classic Rock Society Awards Show. This show takes place at Montgomery Hall in Wath on Dearne on Saturday March 5th and will be attended by the ‘who’s who’ of Progressive Rock and also feature an acoustic set from rising stars Tinyfish. Tickets available from The Classic Rock Society.
On Friday 15th of April Pallas also headline the opening night of Holland’s IO Pages Magazine 10th Anniversary Festival at The Boerderij in Zoetermeer and features the best of established and up and coming Progressive artists.
As announced previously, the band currently have 3 FREE downloads available via their new website http://www.pallasxxv.com,
The first of these is the ‘radio edit’ of Monster (a different version to the one on XXV) and a song that has seen the band picking up some long overdue daytime radio play. The second is a Pallas XXV printable calendar featuring much of the stunning artwork from the new album sleeve and storybook and the third is, the otherwise unavailable track ‘Atlantean’, this track is the orchestral link between The Sentinel and XXV and serves as a prelude to the story and music of XXV but was held back to give fans a dramatic foretaste of XXV.
A Special Edition of XXV is also available, which includes a DVD of the band’s storming showclosing Sentinel/XXV set at the 2010 ‘Night of The Prog’ festival, as well as a vinyl version in gatefold sleeve
As well as the above free downloads ‘Falling Down’ the opening track on XXV is featured on the covermount CD given away with the current issue of Classic Rock Presents Prog, which also features an interview with the band and album review.
Pallas Official Website – http://www.pallasxxv.com
Their appearance will come mid way through a year that will see Pallas playing a number of live gigs and festivals throughout the UK and Europe in support of XXV (dates in the USA and other countries are currently being organised).
Other than High Voltage the other confirmed shows begin with a ‘hometown’ XXV album launch night on Friday Feb 4th at The Tunnels in Aberdeen. The following night Sat 5th Feb the band will be hot footing it to London for the full media launch of XXV at The House of Progression at The Peel in Kingston upon Thames.
Pallas are also delighted to have been asked to headline the prestigious ‘Best of The Year’ Classic Rock Society Awards Show. This show takes place at Montgomery Hall in Wath on Dearne on Saturday March 5th and will be attended by the ‘who’s who’ of Progressive Rock and also feature an acoustic set from rising stars Tinyfish. Tickets available from The Classic Rock Society.
On Friday 15th of April Pallas also headline the opening night of Holland’s IO Pages Magazine 10th Anniversary Festival at The Boerderij in Zoetermeer and features the best of established and up and coming Progressive artists.
As announced previously, the band currently have 3 FREE downloads available via their new website http://www.pallasxxv.com,
The first of these is the ‘radio edit’ of Monster (a different version to the one on XXV) and a song that has seen the band picking up some long overdue daytime radio play. The second is a Pallas XXV printable calendar featuring much of the stunning artwork from the new album sleeve and storybook and the third is, the otherwise unavailable track ‘Atlantean’, this track is the orchestral link between The Sentinel and XXV and serves as a prelude to the story and music of XXV but was held back to give fans a dramatic foretaste of XXV.
A Special Edition of XXV is also available, which includes a DVD of the band’s storming showclosing Sentinel/XXV set at the 2010 ‘Night of The Prog’ festival, as well as a vinyl version in gatefold sleeve
As well as the above free downloads ‘Falling Down’ the opening track on XXV is featured on the covermount CD given away with the current issue of Classic Rock Presents Prog, which also features an interview with the band and album review.
Pallas Official Website – http://www.pallasxxv.com
MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, JETHRO TULL, BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION Confirmed For HIGH VOLTAGE
Following the exciting announcement that heavy metal legends JUDAS PRIEST will play their farewell festival performance as High Voltage headliners and metal heroes DREAM THEATER will be closing the weekend with their only 2011 U.K. festival performance, organizers have announced that joining them on the main stage is none other than heavy rock supergroup BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, featuring Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH) on vocals and bass, Jason Bonham (LED ZEPPELIN) on drums, Derek Sherinian (DREAM THEATER) on keyboards, and Joe Bonamassa (the blues-rock solo star) on guitar and vocals. The band released its debut album in 2010 and will not be performing at any other U.K. festival this year. They will be joined on the main stage by MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, led by the guitar hero who made his name in the 1970s with two iconic bands — Britain's UFO and Germany's SCORPIONS.
The legendary JETHRO TULL — led by charismatic singer and flute player Ian Anderson and guitarist Martin Barre — is set to headline the Prog Stage; this is a U.K. exclusive, TULL's only UK show of 2011.
Following a lengthy hiatus two cult prog bands have reformed to join the Prog Stage, SPOCK'S BEARD will perform another U.K. festival exclusive and British heroes CARAVAN add to the occasion alongside MOSTLY AUTUMN, PALLAS and THE ENID.
For more information, visit http://HighVoltageFestival.com
SOURCE: RNR
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