LEPROUS Parts Ways With Bassist, Announces Replacement

Norwegian progressive metallers LEPROUS have parted ways with bassist Rein Blomquist and have replaced him with Martin Skrebergene.

Says the band: "As some of you might have suspected, Rein and LEPROUS have chosen different paths for the future. Rein has been a part of LEPROUS in our two best years so far, and we are forever grateful for all the great music good times! He will play his last LEPROUS show on Brutal Assault this Saturday, so be there if you wanna wave him goodbye!

"Martin is a very talented bass player, the most beautiful bass sound and
technique we've heard in a while! We want you all to give him a warm
welcome, and be there when he will perform his first LEPROUS show at Le Ferrallieur in Nantes, France!"

Adds Rein: "The time has come for me to part ways with LEPROUS. I feel the need to prioritize different things in life, and as LEPROUS is a band that needs, and deserves, a high level of dedication, I decided that the best course of action was to take my leave.

"I am extremely grateful for being a part of LEPROUS for the last couple of years, for all the great memories and
experiences, the ups and downs, and for being able to share them all
with the rest of the guys in the band. I am confident that LEPROUS will continue on to accomplish great things, and I look forward to follow LEPROUS into the future. Thanks for the ride, guys!"

States Martin: "I'm really excited to be a part of this great band and inspiring group of people. I look forward to bringing my style and musical influences
into the band, and contributing with shaping an awesome future ahead
with LEPROUS."

LEPROUS' new album, "Coal", was released on May 28 in North America (May 20 in Europe) via InsideOut Music. The cover artwork for the CD was created by acclaimed American artist Jeff Jordan, who produced the artwork for the band's last album, "Bilateral", in addition to working with THE MARS VOLTA.

DREAM THEATER Singer JAMES LABRIE: 'Impermanent Resonance' First-Week Chart Positions

 

"Impermanent Resonance", the new solo album from DREAM THEATER frontman James LaBrie, has registered the following first-week chart positions:

Germany: #48
The Netherlands: #67
UK: #22 (Rock Albums chart)

"Impermanent Resonance" was released on August 6 in North America and July 29 in Europe via InsideOut Music. In addition to the standard CD and the digital download format, the
effort was made available in Europe as a limited-edition digipak
featuring alternate artwork and two bonus tracks ("Unraveling" and "Why"), as well as on limited LP version (with the full album as bonus CD).

The previous LaBrie album, "Static Impulse" from 2010, was released for the first time as LP (with the full album
as bonus CD) on the same street date as that of the new album. Both LPs
are available on 180-gram black vinyl but also on strictly limited clear vinyl (limited to only 200 copies each).

The follow-up to 2010's "Static Impulse", "Impermanent Resonance" was once again conceived with LaBrie's songwriting partner for over a dozen years, Matt Guillory. Guillory not only took the leading role in composing the material, he also handled all of the keyboards and background vocals.

The album's lineup is intact from the previous recording, featuring Marco Sfogli from Italy on guitar, Ray Riendeau (HALFORD, MACHINES OF LOVING GRACE) on bass and Swedish drummer Peter Wildoer (DARKANE, MAJESTIC), who was a finalist in the DREAM THEATER drum auditions. Additionally, former SOILWORK guitarist Peter Wichers came into the fold to contribute songwriting and studio guitars.

"To
me, this album incorporates and continues with the styles and musical
direction that we have created with the previous releases," says James LaBrie. "The difference being that the music on this disc is to me a true
telling of the songs evolving and taking on a sense of identity that is
every band's ultimate goal. It is powerful, memorable, hook-driven and
above all extremely musical. It shows how the writing and the band
itself have matured. I truly feel that this is our quintessential
album."

"Impermanent Resonance" was once again mixed and mastered at Sweden's Fascination Street recording studios (KREATOR, OPETH, PARADISE LOST, SYMPHONY X) with Jens Bogren and this time also Tony Lindgren. Visually, Canadian LaBrie hooked up with Gustavo Sazes (ARCH ENEMY, FIREWIND, KAMELOT) to capture and translate the album's atmosphere into the striking artwork.

"Impermanent Resonance" track listing:

01. Agony
02. Undertow
03. Slight Of Hand
04. Back On The Ground
05. I Got You
06. Holding On
07. Lost In The Fire
08. Letting Go
09. Destined To Burn
10. Say You're Still Mine
11. Amnesia
12. I Will Not Break

"Impermanent Resonance" recording lineup:

James LaBrie - Lead Vocals
Matt Guillory - Keyboards, Background Vocals
Marco Sfogli - Guitars
Ray Riendeau - Bass
Peter Wildoer - Drums, Screams

"Static Impulse" sold around 1,700 copies in the United States in its first week of
release. The CD landed at position No. 14 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.

"Static Impulse" was released on September 28, 2010 (one day earlier internationally) via InsideOut Music. The CD was LaBrie's first solo effort in over five years.

VOIVOD: Pro-Shot Footage Of Entire BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR Performance

 

Professionally filmed video footage of VOIVOD's entire August 9 performance at the Bloodstock Open Air festival at Catton Hall, Walton-On-Trent, West Midlands, United Kingdom can be seen below.

VOIVOD's new album, "Target Earth", sold around 1,500 copies in the United States in its first week of
release. The CD was issued on January 22 via the band's own company, Iron Gang Factory, and Century Media.

VOIVOD's previous album, "Infini", opened with around 840 units back in July 2009.

"Target Earth" was recorded in early 2012 at Pierre Rémillard's (OBLIVEON, CRYPTOPSY, KRISIUN, MISERY INDEX) Wild Studio in a small town called St-Zénon in Quebec, Canada and was mixed by Sanford Parker (PELICAN, NACHTMYSTIUM). The follow-up to 2009's "Infini" contains the band's first music to be written with guitarist Dan Mongrain (MARTYR) following the passing of original axeman Denis "Piggy" D'Amour in 2005. The original art was once again drawn by drummer Michel "Away" Langevin and features color schemes from each one of the band's previous albums.

THE WINERY DOGS: Video Footage Of Vintage Vinyl Acoustic Performance

 

THE WINERY DOGS, the power trio featuring drummer Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, ADRENALINE MOB), legendary bassist Billy Sheehan (MR. BIG, TALAS, DAVID LEE ROTH) and guitarist/vocalist Richie Kotzen (MR. BIG, POISON), played an acoustic set on August 6 at Vintage Vinyl in Fords, New Jersey to promote the release of its self-titled debut album. Video footage of the performance can be seen below.

"The Winery Dogs" sold around 10,200 copies in the United States in its first week of
release to land at position No. 27 on The Billboard 200 chart. Released
in North America on July 23 via Loud & Proud Records and in Japan on May 15 via Victor Entertainment, the CD was mixed by Jay Ruston, who has previously worked with ANTHRAX, ADRENALINE MOB, STONE SOUR and STEEL PANTHER. Sheehan previously stated about the effort: "I'm really pleased with it. Richie sang his ass off and played amazingly unique stuff, and, of course, Mike annihilated on drums. [It's a] really cool, unique record."

"In all of my years in this business, I've always been part of either a progressive band or a metal band," said Portnoy. "This is the first time I've been in an all-original band that's just a rock band in the vein of LED ZEPPELIN or VAN HALEN."

He
added: "It's so refreshing to just play straight-ahead music with lots
of twists. Obviously, the musicianship is great in this band, but it's
very song-oriented."

Regarding how THE WINERY DOGS got its name, Portnoy said: "It was Richie's name. We had a list of about 50 names. I had about 10 that I preferred over THE WINERY DOGS, but you know, when you're in a band, you have to give and take and choose your battles, and Richie really, really loved this band name. So, you know, it was, like, 'OK.' A name is a name. If you feel that strongly about it, then go for it. So
that's who we are."

THE WINERY DOGS will guest on the nationally syndicated radio show "Rockline" with host Bob Coburn on Wednesday, August 14 at 8:30 p.m. PT / 11:30 p.m. ET. Fans are encouraged to speak with THE WINERY DOGS by calling 1-800-344-ROCK (7625). The show will be streamed on the "Rockline" web site for two weeks beginning the afternoon after the live broadcast.

PROGRESSIVE NATION AT SEA POWERED BY INSIDEOUT MUSIC ANNOUNCES MORE ARTISTS

PROGRESSIVE NATION AT SEA POWERED BY INSIDEOUT MUSIC, ANNOUNCES MORE ARTISTS  [Devin Townsend, Adrian Belew Power Trio, Haken, The Safety Fire & Animals as Leaders]

PROGRESSIVE NATION AT SEA ANNOUNCES MORE ARTISTS [Devin Townsend, Adrian Belew Power Trio, Haken, The Safety Fire & Animals as Leaders] "PROGRESSIVE NATION AT SEA 2014 POWERED BY INSIDEOUT MUSIC"  MAKES ITS MAIDEN VOYAGE FEB 18TH THRU 22ND, 2014. Progressive Nation is hitting the high seas in 2014!  Join us in this inaugural sailing from February 18th - 22nd 2014 on the luxurious Norwegian Pearl heading from Miami to Great Stirrup Cay and Freeport, Bahamas.  This music festival at sea gives you an experience that a land festival just can't match. In addition to 4 days in the beautiful Caribbean and all the amenities of a cruise ship; you will enjoy music from morning 'til night with over 40 shows on multiple stages, along with activities, Q&A's, panels and workshops from your favorite artists.   The lineup includes: TRANSATLANTIC, PORTNOY SHEEHAN MACALPINE SHERINIAN, JON ANDERSON, ADRIAN BELEW'S POWER TRIO, DEVIN TOWNSEND, KING'S X, SPOCK'S BEARD, THE FLOWER KINGS, PAIN OF SALVATION, RIVERSIDE, ANIMALS AS LEADERS, THE SAFETY FIRE, TONY HARNELL & BUMBLEFOOT, BIGELF, BEARDFISH, THE DEAR HUNTER, HAKEN, JOLLY AND NEXT TO NONE PROGRESSIVE NATION founder Mike Portnoy elaborates: "In 2008 & 2009, I created a touring package called "Progressive Nation" and with Dream Theater headlining, we did three full tours (two in North America and one in Europe) that showcased a variety of bands that embraced the spirit and musicality of progressive music. Well after a 5 year hiatus, I have decided to resurrect Progressive Nation and this time we are taking it to the seas! But rather than a 4 band bill like previous Progressive Nation tours, we have expanded the bill to OVER A DOZEN of today's greatest progressive bands, musicians and artists! (and there may be one or two more still to be confirmed) Myself and my former DT bandmate Derek Sherinian have teamed up with Sixthman (who have done incredibly successful cruises with Kid Rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd and the annual Kiss Cruise to name a few) as well as our friends at InsideOut Music and look forward to a very successful inaugural launch of PROGRESSIVE NATION AT SEA Feb 18th thru 22nd 2014 We are so excited to take part in this historic maiden voyage and look forward to sharing this one of a kind event with fans from all around the world!" Visit www.progressivenationatsea.com to register for the pre-sale today! This music festival at sea gives music fans an experience that a land festival just can't match. In addition to 4 days in the beautiful Caribbean, guest will have the opportunity to see their favorite musical heroes perform numerous sets around the many stages set around Norwegian Pearl. And when guests are not attending a performance, a variety of activities hosted by the artists will fill the day.    Progressive Nation at Sea begins at $700 per person plus taxes and fees. Prices include entertainment, meals, and access to Norwegian Pearl's outstanding amenities, including outdoor pool, hot tubs, rock climbing wall, and fitness center. Fans can read more and sign up for the Progressive Nation pre-sale at  www.progressivenationatsea.com.    With 15 decks of fun, Norwegian Pearl offers guests access to 13 bars and lounges, 19 dining experiences, one outdoor pool, four hot tubs, and spa treatments to help forget about the world left behind. Onboard concerts aren't the only things that rock on Norwegian Pearl - passengers looking for more activities can visit the outdoor climbing wall, bowl a few frames at the onboard lanes, or tempt lady luck at The Pearl Club Casino. Progressive Nation cruisers will also have the opportunity to explore the sandy beaches of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, their very own private island getaway. A host of beachside activities and games, the gigantic "Hippo" water slide, and access to food and beverage service will make the stay on Great Stirrup Cay an unforgettable experience.    Forthcoming announcements are scheduled to follow detailing artist-hosted activities, theme night information, contest additions, and activities!  For full details and to sign up for the pre-sale, fans should visit  www.progressivenationatsea.com PROGRESSIVE NATION AT SEA POWERED BY INSIDEOUT MUSIC   Website: www.progressivenationatsea.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/progressivenationatsea twitter: twitter.com/prognationatsea  INSIDEOUTMUSIC online: www.insideoutmusic.com www.youtube.com/InsideOutMusicTV www.facebook.com/InsideOutMusic www.insideoutshop.de