AWARD-WINNING PROG ROCKERS SOUND OF CONTACT SET TO TOUR NORTH AMERICA APRIL/MAY

AWARD-WINNING PROG ROCKERS SOUND OF CONTACT

SET TO TOUR NORTH AMERICA APRIL/MAY

 SOUND OF CONTACT IS BRAINCHILD OF VOCALIST/DRUMMER/COMPOSER/PRODUCER SIMON COLLINS;

DEBUT ALBUM "DIMENSIONAUT" IN STORES NOW

(New York, NY) - Award-winning prog rockers Sound Of Contact have just confirmed North American tour dates.  The band will play full shows in select cities in the United States and Canada, as well as featured sets on the Moody Blues Cruise, the Cruise To The Edge and the RosFest festival, respectively.  In addition, the run will include numerous high-profile television appearances around both countries, respectively.  Please see below for a list of tour dates and televised promotional appearances.

Sound of Contact is the progressive rock band from vocalist/drummer/composer/producer and solo recording artist, Simon Collins (son of legendary musician Phil Collins).  With a distinguished musical familial lineage, Collins has established himself as a preeminent performer with the release of several solo albums.  Melding elegant melodies with electronica-tinged hard rock and intimate lyrics, Collins has created a distinct sound all his own.  With this new project/musical collaboration, Sound Of Contact, Collins delves further into the futuristic aspect of his songcraft, all the while incorporating elements of progressive rock that are his musical heritage.  The video for the track, "Pale Blue Dot," taken from the album, can be seen here.

Sound Of Contact's debut concept album, DIMENSIONAUT, was recently released internationally via legendary prog rock label InsideOut, alongside Simon Collins' own label Lightyears Music, resulting immediately in rave reviews from fans and critics alike.  The UK's Classic Rock declared DIMENSIONAUT to be a "unique album to repeatedly savour," while global music website Renowned For Sound dubbed it "lush and awe-inspiring".  Sound Of Contact were just voted "Best New Band" taking home the "Limelight Award" at Prog Mag's 2013 Progressive Music Awards. 

Co-produced by Collins and Sonic Reality's Dave Kerzner, DIMENSIONAUT finds Collins at home behind the drum kit as well as out front, handling lead singer duties.  He is joined on the album by Matt Dorsey (guitars and bass, backing vocals), Dave Kerzner (keyboards, backing vocals, sound design), Kelly Nordstrom (guitars and bass) with guest appearance by The Wishing Tree's Hannah Stobart (vocals) and Wells Cunningham (cello, violin).  DIMENSIONAUT was mixed by Nick Davis (Genesis, XTC), mastered by Grammy-Award-winning Gavin Lursen and features futuristic artwork designed by visionary graphic artist, Taavi Torim.  Click here to access cover art for DIMENSIONAUT.

Sound Of Contact tour dates/promotional appearances:

APRIL

  2-6     At Sea                         Moody Blues Cruise

  7-12   At Sea                         Cruise To The Edge

15        Dallas, TX                   Good Day Dallas regional television performance/interview -

                                                KDFW-TV

16        Grand Rapids, MI       FOX 17 Morning News regional television interview/Take Five And Company regional television interview - WXMI-TV/WZZM-TV

17        Detroit, MI                  The Nine regional television performance/interview - WJBK-TV

18       Chicago, IL                 WGN Morning News regional television performance/interview - WGN-TV 

21        Toronto, ON               Canada AM national television performance/interview - CTV

23        Vancouver, BC          The Rush national television performance/interview - Shaw TV

26        Los Angeles, CA        SIR Studios

29        New York, NY             Santos Party House

30        Quebec City, QC        Le Caberet Du Capitale

MAY

 1         Toronto, ON                Rock Pile East

 2         Chicago, IL                  Reggie's Rock Club

 3         Gettysburg, PA           RoSFest

ADRENALINE MOB JOIN AVENGED SEVENFOLD AND HELLYEAH FOR APRIL/MAY SHOWS

ADRENALINE MOB JOIN AVENGED SEVENFOLD AND HELLYEAH FOR APRIL/MAY SHOWS

  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

March 12, 2014

Following the release of their 2^nd album, Men of Honor, Adrenaline Mob announce today that they will be supporting Avenged Sevenfold and Hellyeah on 12 shows in the U.S and Canada in April and May. The band will be doing headline shows on off days as well as supporting Hellyeah on their headline shows during and after the dates with Avenged Sevenfold. Adrenaline Mob will be touring throughout 2014/2015.

Dates for the Avenged Sevenfold/Hellyeah/Adrenaline Mob shows are:

April 16^th- Moose Jaw, SK Mosaic Place

April 17^th- Edmonton, AB Shaw Conference Centre

April 19^th- Winnipeg, MB MTS Center

April 21^st- Minneapolis, MN Target Center

April 23^rd- Huntsville, AL Von Braun Center

April 28^th- Lafayette, LA Cajundome

April 30^th- Hollywood, FL Hard Rock Live

May 6^th- Knoxville, TN Knoxville Civic Coliseum

May 8^th- Hershey PA Giant Center

May 12^th- Quebec City, QC Colisee Pepsi Arena

May 13^th- Montreal, QC Bell Centre

May 15^th- Syracuse, NY Oncenter Complex

ADRENALINE MOB online:

www.facebook.com/adrenalinemob

GEOFF TATE: QUEENSRŸCHE 'Was A Really Smooth-Running Organization For Years And Years'

Atlantic City Insider conducted an interview with singer Geoff Tate ahead of the March 15 performance by his version of QUEENSRŸCHE at Revel Casino Hotel in Atlantic City. You can now listen to the chat in the YouTube clip below.

On where the settlement talks stand with his former bandmates over the rights to the QUEENSRŸCHE name:

Tate: "I can't talk about it much, 'cause we're kind of nearing the end of it now. But both sides have the legal use of the name for now. And so we're just continuing on until the settlement happens."

On whether the legal fight over the name been a distraction for him and the fans:

Tate: "At first, it was a complete distraction, 'cause it was a complete disruption of life as we knew it. But for the past year, year and a half, I think, it's been operating fine; both sides are using the name and both are touring. So it's been pretty normal."

On whether the fact that there are two versions of QUEENSRŸCHE touring and relreasing albums is confusing to the fans:

Tate: "I suppose it could be confusing to some people, but we live in the age of the Internet, where you can pretty much find out anything you wanna know about pretty quickly."

On whether there was a lot of tension behind the scenes prior to the split with his former bandmates:

Tate: "No, not really. It was a really smooth-running organization for years and years. And in the last couple of years, it just erupted into this unforeseeable situation that brings us to where we are now. So it was really quite surprising, actually."

Tate's QUEENSRŸCHE now features Geoff alongside guitarist Kelly Gray (QUEENSRŸCHE 1998-2001), keyboardist Randy Gane and the band's latest additions, guitarist Robert Sarzo (QUIET RIOT, HURRICANE), Rudy Sarzo (OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT, WHITESNAKE, DIO, ANIMETAL USA) and drummer Simon Wright (AC/DC, DIO, RHINO BUCKET).

"Frequency Unknown", the latest album from the Geoff Tate-fronted version of QUEENSRŸCHE, sold around 5,500 copies in its first week of release in the United States to land at position No. 82 on The Billboard 200 chart. Issued on April 23, 2013, the CD was produced by Jason Slater at a studio in Northern California.

GEOFF TATE On His 'Wigged Out' Performance: 'That's The Best RAY DAVIES That I Could Do'

David Garlow of the Syracuse Music Examiner recently conducted an interview with singer Geoff Tate (QUEENSRŸCHE). A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

Syracuse Music Examiner: That was a cool performance of "Lola" [on the March 4 edition of "New Day Northwest" on King 5 TV to promote Tate's show "Rock And Vaudeville"]; loved the wig and the dancers, very cool!

Tate: Oh, thank you! It's going to be a fun show where we try and impersonate our favorite performers. That's the best Ray Davies that I could do! [Laughs]

Syracuse Music Examiner: You will be here next week on the "25th Anniversary Of 'Operation: Mindcrime'" tour, can you talk about this tour and what we can expect at the show?

Tate: It's a real honor and a pleasure to play "Operation: Mindcrime" in its entirety. It's a fan favorite! I have some really excellent musicians playing it with me. We get to play the whole thing! "Mindcrime" is almost exactly an hour long, so we play it and hopefully the fans appreciate it and asks us out for an encore and we'll rip into some of their favorite QUEENSRŸCHE songs!

Syracuse Music Examiner: I finally got a chance to listen to "Frequency Unknown". Great album. Can you talk about it and will you be playing some of this next week?

Tate: Yeah, we'll probably play some songs off of that. It was a very fun record to make. Over the years, I've tried to make each record very different from the previous one. Tried to put the band or the people writing and playing with me in a situation where it is conducive to a creative environment. We had a lot of people joining and collaborating on this one. It was really great hearing all of these great musicians' interpretation and input on a song. I'm a firm believer in collaboration; I like other people's input and really to see where a song can go, you know? I really like the record.

Syracuse Music Examiner: You also remade four iconic QUEENSRŸCHE tunes which sound awesome. Can you tell me about the decision to do those and how did you choose from so many?

Tate: Well, that was a record company deal, really. They wanted four specific QUEENSRŸCHE tracks on the record and they wanted them made as close to the original as possible. So, there wasn't much thought process to it; it was looking back at those songs and trying to recreate them, which was difficult to do on a number of levels. Technically utilizing old recording equipment is getting harder to accomplish as it's harder to find. [Laughs] And then performance mode as well. I didn't realize how much I had changed the delivery of certain songs over the years, which you just kind of naturally do — at least I do, and I think probably most singers do. You change your phrasing around, you change your note choice here and there, and you augment the melody over time because typically when you write a song, you spend about a month total between writing and recording and you're done with it. For me, I don't typically look back too much I'm just going off memory every time I perform a song, so it just naturally starts changing and evolving. Like "Silent Lucidity", for example, I changed the phrasing on that all around live. Listening back to the original, I had to put both tracks up and work at creating the same phrasing I did for the record. Over years of performing a song live, you just do different things to it — you know, add notes here, subtract notes there. It's an interesting evolution that I had never really been cognizant of it before we did that record, and we had to go back and listen to the original tracks again.

DEEP PURPLE: 'Live In California 74' To Be Released On CD And Digital Formats

In honor of the 40th anniversary of the historic California Jam festival, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release DEEP PURPLE "Live In California 74" for the first time on CD and Digital Audio on April 1.

By the mid-Seventies, DEEP PURPLE was one of the biggest-selling rock acts in America, and "Live In California 74" demonstrates exactly why. Taking place at the end of the band's 28-date tour promoting "Burn", the CD showcases the group performing before 200,000 people as the headliner of the California Jam festival. Closing their trek with a triumphant climax, the potent lineup of Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), David Coverdale (vocals), Glenn Hughes (bass), Jon Lord (keyboards) and Ian Paice (drums) pummel through an explosive set of songs from "Burn", as well as classics like "Space Truckin'" and "Smoke On The Water".

40 years later, this set still resonates as a concert for the ages. Previously released on DVD in 2006, the "Live In California 74" album is an absolutely must-have for any DEEP PURPLE fan's collection.

"Live In California 74" track listing:

01. Burn
02. Might Just Take Your Life
03. Lay Down, Stay Down
04. Mistreated
05. Smoke On The Water
06. You Fool No One
07. Space Truckin'

Video: GEOFF TATE's QUEENSRŸCHE Performs In New York City

Fan-filmed video footage of the Geoff Tate-fronted version of QUEENSRŸCHE performing on March 11 at the Gramercy Theatre in New York City can be seen below.

Geoff Tate — who was fired from QUEENSRŸCHE in 2012 after fronting it for three decades — last week apologized to the group's fans for the "totally distasteful" war of words that played out in the press and court documents following the split, saying that there will be a "bright side" once a settlement has been reached over the rights to the QUEENSRŸCHE name.

During an appearance on the March 7 edition of "Eddie Trunk Rocks" (formerly "Friday Night Rocks") radio show on New York's Q104.3 FM, Tate addressed QUEENSRŸCHE fans directly, saying: "Thank you for all the amazing letters and support people have given me in the last couple of years. It's been inspiring.

"I feel so sorry for people that have loved this band and watched this totally distasteful situation happen in the press."

He continued: "It's so confusing for people, 'cause they can't discern what is hype and what is Internet rumor versus what is truth and what's a court case. In any other court case, there's so much untruth that gets said because people are trying to win. And the fans really get caught up in the middle of it. It's a very frustrating, confusing situation and I'm so sorry that it had to play out this way. But there will be a bright side, I promise everybody, and I'm looking forward to that as much as I'm sure they are."

Tate and his former bandmates recently requested more time to hammer out a settlement in their legal battle over the rights to the group's name.

King County Superior Court Judge Beth Andrus signed a new order continuing trial date, allowing the parties four more weeks to come to an agreement over the use of the QUEENSRŸCHE name and its associated trademarks. If they cannot reach an agreement during that period, the five-day, non-jury trial is set to begin on April 7.

Tate and his former bandmates were previously granted five additional weeks in two separate trial continuances in January and February to work on the details of their settlement agreement.

Tate and his wife, Susan, QUEENSRŸCHE's former manager, filed a lawsuit in June 2012 asking the judge to award them the rights to the band's name in exchange for Tate paying Eddie Jackson (bass), Michael Wilton (guitar) and Scott Rockenfield (drums) the fair market value for their interests in the QUEENSRŸCHE companies. Wilton, Rockenfield and Jackson filed a countersuit against the Tates in which they accused Geoff of creative obstruction and violent behavior, and Susan Tate of questionable business practices.

While ruling against Tate, the presiding judge determined that there was no legal hurdle in Tate also using the name with an all-new lineup of musicians. "I don't see any reason that Mr. Tate can't have the benefit, if he gets other members, of whatever name he uses of using the brand," Superior Court Judge Carol A. Schapira said during the July 13, 2012 court hearing. "I think [doing that would be] inherently confusing, although I'm sure the market can get these things sorted out," she added.

Tate's QUEENSRŸCHE now features Tate along with guitarist Kelly Gray (QUEENSRŸCHE 1998-2001), keyboardist Randy Gane and the band's latest additions, guitarist Robert Sarzo (QUIET RIOT, HURRICANE), Rudy Sarzo (OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT, WHITESNAKE, DIO, ANIMETAL USA) and drummer Simon Wright (AC/DC, DIO, RHINO BUCKET).

"Frequency Unknown", the latest album from the Geoff Tate-fronted version of QUEENSRŸCHE, sold around 5,500 copies in its first week of release in the United States to land at position No. 82 on The Billboard 200 chart. Issued on April 23, 2013, the CD was produced by Jason Slater at a studio in Northern California.

http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/video-geoff-tates-queensryche-performs-in-new-york-city/#51mF8G8W2tTl5YVS.99

RPWL "Wanted" Due Out On April 1st

Germany’s outstanding art rock act was recently confronted with a rather difficult question: how do you follow up a both epic as well as celebrated album as was the Nietzsche-themed Beyond Man and Time? Here’s the answer: you tackle the really, really huge topic on your new record Wanted – the ultimate liberation of the spirit.

But… How does an idea like that spring to the minds of an art rock band in the first place?

RPWL tell of the hero of two worlds, Giuseppe Garibaldi who, being a tremendous admirer of the Greek antiquity became aware of a scroll of Plato’s in which he analyzes the work of Hippocrates. It can be read in Garibaldi’s diaries that Hippocrates had in fact found the formula for a medicine that leads the spirit into a real and absolute world, free of all illusion and invisible ghost worlds. The question, however, that inevitable arises at that point is the following: is the human race ready for what Plato called the “gift of absolute freedom?”

It lies in the artistic fearlessness of RPWL that the band is not afraid of transferring that complex question to the world of today: is modern man, being the evolutionary creature that he is, ready for absolute freedom? To explore that, these Bavarians have established a back story full of fantasy. In it RPWL and their friends aim at granting the world access to the product of the secret formula – disguised as a homeopathic drug against mental fatigue that goes by the name of “Veritas Forte.” Considering the true intention of the operation the fact that the wrath of the churches of the world religions is unleashed at the band rather sooner than later is understood. And so, consequently, they are forced to go underground. That, however, is where RPWL continues to organize ultimate liberation from all oppression through the machineries of illusion run by religions and sects. RPWL are Wanted.

The action of Wanted starts several days before the great day: Plato’s Day. The enemy’s fear is ever-growing, as, after all nobody knows at what point the mirages and illusions are eradicated from people’s minds once and for all. In the course of the record RPWL shift through ten varied songs full of breathtaking soundscapes and tell a compelling story of courage, doubt, bravery, the unconditional desire to never give in and, ultimately, the belief in what is right.

By making a philosophy that is new and to a degree unique the subject of the concept of Wanted, RPWL bring the principle of the concept album to a new level. That is how this gigantic piece of art evolves into a true explosion of creativity. Furthermore the intellectual firepower of the content is in every way matched by the artistic and emotional depth of the music. More than ever a sharp artistic edge and the hunger for discovery is what drives this record forward. Despite more than fifteen years in the scene, Yogi Lang (vocals, keyboard), Kalle Wallner (guitar), Marc Turiaux (drums), Markus Jehle (keyboard, piano) and Werner Taus (bass) brilliantly avoid playing it safe.

The masterpiece that is Wanted will also be released as double vinyl as well as a limited edition in additional 5.1-surround-sound. Yes, Wanted is a gamble – and boy does that gamble pay off.

DEEP PURPLE: Extended Trailer For Deluxe Edition Of Seminal Live Album 'Made In Japan'

Universal Music has announced the deluxe release of DEEP PURPLE's seminal live album "Made In Japan" in multiple formats on May 19.

An extended trailer promoting the upcoming release can be seen below.

Together with LED ZEPPELIN and BLACK SABBATH, DEEP PURPLE has been referred to as the "unholy trinity of British hard rock and heavy metal" in the early to mid-Seventies. One of the most influential and important guitar bands in history, they have sold over 100 million albums worldwide.

"Made In Japan" was recorded live over three nights during August 15–17, 1972 at Festival Hall, Osaka and Budokan, Tokyo. Four of the tracks come from the band's 1972 "Machine Head" album. It featured what many consider the classic DEEP PURPLE lineup — Ian Gillan (vocals), Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Roger Glover (bass), Jon Lord (organ) and Ian Paice (drums). Originally recorded only for the Japanese market, the album has since become seen as one of DEEP PURPLE's seminal albums, and one of the greatest live albums of all time (A Rolling Stone magazine readers poll in 2012 voted "Made In Japan" as the sixth greatest live album of all time).

May 19, 2014 will see the album newly remastered and released in a number of special formats. The format options include previously unseen footage on DVD, bonus material and mixes, memorabilia and a hardback book.

The "Made In Japan" formats:

* Limited Edition Super Deluxe 4 CD+DVD+7" Boxed Set and Limited-Edition Super Deluxe 9LP Boxed Set
* Deluxe Edition 2CD
* 180g 2LP
* Blu-ray Pure Audio
* HD Download
* MFiT
* Standard Digital format

METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich last year told writer Peter Makowski that he is working on getting his all-time favorite band, DEEP PURPLE, a long-overdue spot in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Asked why the creators of "Smoke On The Water" were not in there yet, Ulrich said, "What you've got to understand is that a lot of the people that have run the selection process are critics, and DEEP PURPLE, as you know, were never a critic's band — especially in America, because their influence was probably felt more in Europe."

But Ulrich added, "It's only a matter of time. Rather sooner than later. We've already lost one member. The fact that LED ZEPPELIN and BLACK SABBATH are in and PURPLE is not is one of the crimes of that whole institution. We'll get them in soon enough. I'm working on it."

Founding PURPLE keyboardist Jon Lord passed away in July 2012. Ulrich, who wrote a tribute to Lord on METALLICA's web site, told Makowski, "I'm not sure that the people in today's hard rock world really truly understand how innovative this guy was . . . he really did something nobody had done before with the sound of the keyboards and I think that's probably the biggest thing to remember him for."

At their own induction in 2009, METALLICA's James Hetfield included PURPLE on a list of acts they wanted to see in the Hall. "We're somewhat of a heavy band and we have a small list that we'd like to also put some nods out and maybe plant a little seed, it's a band called DEEP PURPLE, THIN LIZZY, RUSH, KISS, TED NUGENT, IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, MOTÖRHEAD... who we would love to invite through the door now."

DEEP PURPLE was denied entry to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2013 — losing out to such artists as American pop singer-songwriter Randy Newman and R&B singer Donna Summer.

The members of PURPLE, who released a new album titled "Now What?!" on April 30, 2013 in North America via earMUSIC, say it is no big loss.

"I fought against, all my life, becoming institutionalized. So it really does not affect me," singer Ian Gillan told Noisecreep. "But on the other hand, my family and friends and everyone that has stuck with us all these years, it means something to them. They love that recognition.

"To analyze it, and I'll try not to sound cocky or anything, I will say it as respectfully as I can, it's sort of like the Oscars and Grammys and the other awards like that — in the States, just like it is in England, and other places — these awards and honors are usually not decided by the fans, but by a cartel of influential people. These are the same people that decided THE MONKEES were America's answer to THE BEATLES. [laughs]

"So I'm not too concerned about it. Maybe it will happen one day, bit if not, my diary is full and I'm very happy. It hasn't affected our career but it does concern the fans — that's who I feel for."

TODD LA TORRE: 'There Was A Breakdown In Chemistry And Communication' Between GEOFF TATE And Rest Of QUEENSRŸCHE

 

John Parks of Legendary Rock Interviews recently conducted an interview with QUEENSRŸCHE singer Todd La Torre. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

Legendary Rock Interviews: You've played plenty of gigs with the band now and had such a great response to the self-titled album. Were there times before where it seemed like there were fans who were withholding judgement until seeing you live or hearing the record?

Todd: It was a mixture, but I don't think there was too much skepticism, though. Overwhelmingly, the people who've attended shows also support this lineup. I know there are some skeptics that come to the show that are curious, although usually by one or two songs in, their guard is down and they're taking it all in. It's kinda hard to deny a good show and a fun performance. Overall, the energy is great. To be honest, the skeptics that come out we are just changing their minds one show at a time. I talk to so many people who will say, "You know, I was really skeptical," and I kinda giggle; people say things like, "You know, I didn't wanna like you but wow, this is really great, and I feel like I have my band back. Thank you so much for being a part of this band and singing songs the way that we remember hearing them." It's been overwhelmingly positive.

Legendary Rock Interviews: I definitely got a feeling watching the show that I was seeing QUEENSRŸCHE, and I honestly haven't really felt that way since the early '90s. It definitely feels like the band I loved…

Todd: These are the guys who've been in QUEENSRŸCHE since the beginning, with the exception of Parker [Lundgren, guitar], but he was in QUEENSRŸCHE before I came in and that's the band QUEENSRŸCHE that everyone knows. That's why it goes over so well; these are the guys who wrote those songs and have been performing the songs exactly like they were written. There's no other interpretation of the music; we play it the way that they wrote it and the fans love it. The band is more animated on stage now, everyone is having a good time and feeling comfortable onstage now, laughing and smiling and it's fun again for these guys. That translates into the performance and the the audience is receptive of that, and when you guys are receptive to that, you give the energy back, which makes us have a better time so there is really a symbiotic relationship between the band and the fans. It's a hard thing to deny if you've experienced it.

Legendary Rock Interviews: You know, some people would insinuate that you were really motivated to succeed due to the court case, but it sounds like you are really just in a good place creatively and in the songwriting groove.

Todd: It's evident that we're enjoying working together, just as it was evident that the band wasn't firing on all cylinders for the last many years and several albums. I think that's very evident. Our latest record sold in approximately eight weeks what the band's last record with Geoff [Tate] singing sold in the last year so that's also evidence that the fans are receptive to the new creativity that the band is putting out. Having me in the band now and Parker in the band, as songwriters contributing equally, is a lot of fun for the other bandmembers because they're getting a new perspective on song ideas and guitar and drum ideas and vocals, all because we're working as a team. According to other interviews in the past, from other guys in the band, they weren't writing together as a band. There was cherry-picking of songs and they had outside writers, and when Michael Wilton [guitar] is being asked to learn somebody else's parts for a track on a QUEENSRŸCHE record, that in of itself is evidence that something is definitely wrong. There was a breakdown in chemistry and a breakdown in communication, a breakdown in the overall direction of the band, etcetera. Well, those days are gone and now they have their band back and have creative control and equality again, which I understand was not happening for quite a while so that's invigorating to those guys. Finally, they know they are creating music that is going on their record. Think of how many years that they wrote things that didn't get to go on a record and having all these ideas in your head for all this time and now you're in this position to make them all happen. Wouldn't that seem empowering and motivating to you? It doesn't stop with just the one record with us — this is just the beginning. We have so many other songs and song ideas that we are so excited about having people hear. That's the real motivation to keep going forward.

CALIFORNIA BREED Featuring GLENN HUGHES And JASON BONHAM: Debut Album Details Revealed

 

Think of California and you think of brilliant color and bright sunlight. Think of a breed and it's all about bloodlines and brotherhood. Put the two together as CALIFORNIA BREED, and you have the most exciting new band of 2014, built around the foundation of legendary vocalist-bassist Glenn Hughes, drummer extraordinaire Jason Bonham and 23-year-old newcomer guitarist-singer-songwriter Andrew Watt. Mixing massive riffs, gutsy vocals and gale force rhythms, this powerful three-piece band will release their self-titled debut album May 20 on Frontiers Records. It was produced by Dave Cobb (JAMEY JOHNSON, RIVAL SONS, SHOOTER JENNINGS).

"California Breed" was recorded at Cobb's Nashville studio and features equal co-writing credits among the three-man lineup. "It's proper rock," Hughes told Classic Rock magazine, "but at the same time it's very now. Andrew is as influenced by Mick Ronson as he is Jimmy Page." "This kid is amazing," says Bonham. "The first time we met I thought he looked like the white Jimi Hendrix. And he plays in the studio like he's on stage!"

Glenn Hughes, 'The Voice Of Rock', is a true original, a legendary icon whose credits include DEEP PURPLE and guesting with everyone from BLACK SABBATH to EARTH, WIND & FIRE — up to his most recent collaboration in rock supergroup BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION. No other rock musician has carved such a distinctive style blending the finest elements of hard rock, soul and funk. That astonishing voice is Hughes' calling card.

The legacy of LED ZEPPELIN lives on in Jason Bonham, British drummer and son of ZEP's legendary John Bonham. He has inherited the best of his father's skills while mastering his own distinctive and dynamic technique. Jason has followed his own distinctive path over the years, fronting his own successful outfits like BONHAM, and playing with LED ZEPPELIN, FOREIGNER, HEART and, most recently, movie composer Hans Zimmer.

Andrew Watt is a soulful singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose high-energy aggressive style and creative spirit are synonymous with New York City.

Hughes says: "I live in the moment, it's all about NOW. CALIFORNIA BREED is exactly where I live, breathe and where my freak flag flies."

"California Breed" track listing:

01. The Way
02. Sweet Tea
03. Chemical Rain
04. Midnight Oil
05. All Falls Down
06. The Grey
07. Days They Come
08. Spit You Out
09. Strong
10. Invisible
11. Scars
12. Breathe
13. Solo*

* Deluxe Edition includes "Solo" bonus track and a DVD including 2 video clips ("The Way" and "Sweet Tea"), plus documentary

When BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION disbanded, Hughes and Bonham had a strong desire to keep playing together. Their only challenge was finding a new guitarist worthy of their musicality. Easier said than done for these stars who between them have worked with some of the greatest guitarists in history — including Ritchie Blackmore, Tony Iommi, Jimmy Page and Joe Bonamassa, to name just a few.

Then fate took a hand in things when Glenn's friend Julian Lennon introduced him to the astounding talents of a New York City hotshot guitarist named Andrew Watt.

"Literally, the first day me and Andrew got together we wrote two songs," recalls Glenn. "One was 'Chemical Rain' and the other was 'Solo', both of which are now on the finished album. I was so moved by the music, I said, 'We've got to record this!' That's when I called Jason."

"I was excited from the start," says Jason, "because apart from locking in as a rhythm section, Glenn and I had started writing together in BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, and we wanted to continue that."

"There was such energy in the room the first time we all played together, me and Glenn didn't even have to talk about it," says Jason. "He was so exited to be playing, though, it was infectious! He was just on stage! No going through the motions, kicking the chair over, everything! I was like, you know what, this kid is a free spirit. It was cool, we all just clicked straight away."

"Nothing though has gotten into my blood like CALIFORNIA BREED," says Glenn. "I feel the same way," says Jason. "I feel like a kid again starting out."

Recording with Dave Cobb at the producer's own studio in Nashville, added all the finishing touches, says Glenn.

"I'd gotten into Dave's work via the RIVAL SONS, who I know and really love. But Dave has done a lot of great stuff. That whole Nashville trip which Dave is a part of. Well, me and Jason don't want to sound like anyone else, we already sound like ourselves, but we felt we needed some fresh energy — and Dave absolutely brought it."

At Cobb's insistence, every vocal was recorded live as the band was playing. "Totally the reverse of what I'm used to," says Glenn. "But I went into that aggressive rock soulfulness and everything down to the whispers, it was all done live! I enjoyed myself so much, just going for it."

For what is on paper a three-piece, the sheer range of sounds and melodies you get from CALIFORNIA BREED are breathtaking.

"I'm the oddball of the group but I'm the thing that makes us different from any other classic rock band. I grew up loving grunge music," explains Andrew. "But my father always played me THE WHO and THE BEATLES and LED ZEPPELIN. I always felt like I was in the wrong generation. I used to make rock music on my own and I'd play all the instruments because I could never find anyone my age that really got it the way I heard it. Then I got to play with Jason and Glenn and I haven't picked up anything but a guitar since!"

"What we've got here is a kid who isn't a hammer-on, virtuoso," says Glenn, "but a whole new entity. This kid grew up listening to Mick Ronson on Bowie's records, as well as Jimmy Page in LED ZEPPELIN. He has a completely different take. And it's fresh and bold and so exciting. It just gets into your blood."

THOUGHT CHAMBER launch video for "Transcend"

THOUGHT CHAMBER launch video for "Transcend" Appearing at ProgPower USA XV Festival!

  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

March 6, 2014

After U.S. Progressive Metal/Rock group THOUGHT CHAMBER released their sophomore album PSYKERION worldwide via InsideOut Music last year, they are now further enhancing the acclaimed record by launching a promotional video for the epic track "Transcend."

Check out the clip on the IOM-YouTube channel here: http://youtu.be/i5VaB8HhqKM

"The making of the 'Transcend' video confirmed my belief that TC will be a musical force to be reckoned with in 2014," says THOUGHT CHAMBER co-founder, guitarist/composer Michael Harris. "It was the first time we were actually all in the same room together and it felt great. We wanted a no frills video showing us performing our 10 minute epic and finally giving our fans a true visual of the group. This video is truly all about the music. Chris Bowers did a great job capturing the vibe we wanted and editing the video."

THOUGHT CHAMBER features vocalist Ted Leonard (Spock's Beard, Enchant), drummer Mike Haid (David T. Chastain, Michael Harris, Joe Stump), keyboardist Bill Jenkins (Enchant), bassist Jeff Plant (Agrat) and guitarist Michael Harris (Darkology, Vitalij Kuprij).

In related news, THOUGHT CHAMBER will soon be debuting as a live-act by performing at the prestigious ProgPower USA Festival in Atlanta, September 10-14, 2014 alongside label mates Pain of Salvation and Leprous, Stratovarius, Jon Oliva's Pain, Pagan's Mind and a host of other international prog mega bands. ProgPower USA is already officially sold out.

THOUGHT CHAMBER are currently working on their third CD and plan to play additional shows in North America prior to their performance at ProgPower.

PSYKERION is the follow-up release to their acclaimed debut album ANGULAR PERCEPTIONS from 2007 and contains 16 tracks / 64 minutes of superb true progressive metal with a technical sci-fi twist, likely to appeal to fans of Dream Theater, Yes, Rush or Planet X. The album's cover artwork was designed by John E. Holland / MistyMountainGraphics.com. The album was recorded in various locations between 2012 and 2013 and finally mixed and mastered by Tom Size (Y&T, Aerosmith, Mr. Big, Enchant) at Tomland Studios, Pacheco, CA.

The first pressing European CD edition of PSYKERION comes with an O-Card packaging and two additional bonus tracks ("Isle of Bizen [acoustic version] and "Recoil [instrumental version]"). It can be ordered from the IOM web shop in Europe here: http://smarturl.it/thoughtchamberiom

THOUGHT CHAMBER PSYKERION audio samples:

"Psykerion: The Question": http://youtu.be/soAOinOZZEk

or https://soundcloud.com/officialinsideoutmusic/thought-chamber-psykerion-the

"Kerakryps": https://soundcloud.com/officialinsideoutmusic/thought-chamber-kerakryps "Transcend": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xS0KfCxlWg

THOUGHT CHAMBER Line-Up: 

Ted Leonard - Lead vocals
Michael Harris - Guitars, keyboards, harmony vocals
Jeff Plant - Bass
Bill Jenkins - Keyboards
Mike Haid - Drums
 

THOUGHT CHAMBER Online: 

https://www.facebook.com/ThoughtChamber