Beyond The Rage - Burn Me Away

Beyond The Rage, the latest modern metal band we reviewed with their 2012 full length debut Burn Me Away). Labeling Beyond The Rage modern metal might be somewhat one-dimensional.

Nona - Steps of Truth

It starts with how Nona are not afraid to branch out and also embrace symphonic, epic and thrash metal while mixing in occasional progressive and neo-classical overtones. Yes, a multiform approach, but the group proves successful as a result of sidestepping style limitations to create a sound uniquely its own.

Teramaze signs with Nightmare Records

Anhedonia, new album from Australia based group, to be released on April 25, 2012:

Press Release: Teramaze might be Australia's best kept secret... but that won't last long. As this band is ready to burst out of their home country and make a well-deserved worldwide impact with their metallic alloy brand.

Jaguar Blaze, new eighties metal project from Ian Keith Hafner

Press Release: Blending hard rock with the blues, Ian's guitar playing evokes a sense of realism in a world drowned in drama. Refusing to follow the current trends, Ian chooses to write songs that hearken back to the guitar driven rock of the 80's.

News Briefs

• Update Regarding the new Driver album (from vocalist Rob Rock's Facebook page - February 17, 2012): "Final tweaks for the new Driver CD called Countdown going on this week. We also have contributions from singer Mark Boals, bassist Ray Burke, and Daniel Cordova. The CD is coming out great! Vintage style production and killer songs, and Maor Appelbaum mastering."

• R-Existence, the new album from Boarders, will be released on February 29, 2012. Look for it to be available as a free download at the group's website: www.boarders.it. R-Existence track-listing: "The Agony of Lying", "Sings of Resistance", Vengeance is Yours", "4th Reich", "Pure Gold", "Lightbringer", "Sixth Out of Five", "Cause of Life", "Meet, my Heart", "To My Father".

• David Benson will be re-issuing his 1994 debut album Holy Psychotherapy on March 30, 2012 (from the artists Facebook page - February 18, 2012): "Just thought you might like to know that the official release of Holy Psychotherapy Extended Re-Master will be March 30, 2012. This will include 3 new songs as bonus tracks! With each order of this album you will receive a free Holy Psychotherapy 11 x 17 poster! This will be a limited offer only. So be sure to get ready to pick up your copy of this re-master that started it all!" Please note that
  Premonition of Doom, the artist's third album from 1997, will be re-issued on Retroactive Records later in the year.

Amaziah - Straigth Talker

The best way to describe Amaziah would be "loud cranking hard rock with aggressive guitars coupled with power synths and organ" (as taken from Ken Scott's Archivist 4th Edition). Yes, the group brings a heavy seventies hard rock influence but also mix in some classic rock and progressive rock leanings and the occasional mellower (almost ballad-like) moment.

The Exkursions - The Exkursions

The Exkursions are the most recent group to join the Born Twice roster. A power trio that came out of Chicago in the late sixties, The Exkursions established itself as one of the first evangelistic rack bands and played a foundational role in the growing Contemporary Christian Music scene of the time.

Atkins / May Project - Serpents Kiss

A joining of original Judas Priest vocalist Al Atkins and Christian guitarist and music artist Paul May, Atkins / May Project has come up with ten NWOBHM influenced tracks that deliver every bit as much edge and bite (in terms of driving bass lines, relentless drumming and guitar pyrotechnics) as the do immediate accessibilty (from the standpoint of catchy hooks that keep things fresh with repeated listen).

Jeremy - Quo vadis, Domine?

In terms of the music, labeleing Jermey "progressive metal" might be a bit one dimensional and limiting in that there is MUCH more going on here. Yes, the band can get very prgressive, as it does on the highly complex "Jeremy VII", in which it does the Dream Theater thing as well as anyone.

Lance King - A Moment in Chiros

Musically, A Moment in Chiros pretty much follows the same pattern as many of King's previous efforts with its joining of melodic power metal and progressive metal. In terms of specifics, fans of Balance of Power, Pyramaze and Avian will be certain to embrace this, as will those into Symphony X, Dream Theater and older Queensryche (and just about all things in between, including Theocracy, Darkwater, 7 Days and 7th Reign).

Menchen - In the Light

Musically, In the Light trends towards a darker, weightier and all around heavier and more metal influenced sound than that on Red Rock. If anything, the project gives rise to a traditional and/or classic metal feel along the lines of Titanic and Redeemer but with some occasional doom-like moments thrown in.

Millennial Reign - Millennial Reign

In 2012 we find Millennial Reign independently releasing its self-titled debut full length. The group presents with a heavily eighties influenced sound that amalgamates a variety of styles, including melodic metal and hard rock, melodic rock/AOR and traditional metal to create a project characterized by its consistency, continuity and professionalism.

Redeemer - One Way

Musically, Redeemer stays true to its eighties metal roots. Now, by "eighties metal" I am not referring to the fluffy hair/glam/pop metal that was so prevalent at the time but rather a sound heavily rooted in classic and traditional metal but with some straightforward hard rock and doom metal touches.

Bill Mason Band - No Sham!

Here's some classic new wave punk influenced rock for you, courtesy of Born Twice Records, A Retroactive subdivision that is dedicated to Jesus Music artists and their releases (both past and present). Classic being the key word in that Bill Mason Band arose out of the mid-seventies UK based punk scene - alongside Sex Pistols and The Clash - and made its mark by gigging for several years, including three shows at the famous Greenbelt Festival, prior to releasing its first and only album, No Sham!, on the Kingsway label in 1979.

Michael Sweet: The latest in regards to both his solo album and Stryper

From the vocalists Facebook page (February 2, 2012):

"First of all thank you for all the amazing comments on the solo record samples! I can assure you that this record will be the best solo record to date and that you (at least most of you) won't be disappointed.

Flying Colors, new band to feature Neal Morse

Mascot label Group has announced a March 27 release date for the debut album from Flying Colors (available the day prior overseas) on their Music Theories Label. The formation of the ensemble began with a simple idea: virtuoso musicians and a pop singer joining together to make new-fashioned music the old fashioned way. Refreshing, classic, old and new, the recordings are saturated with the many styles, tones and hues of the layers who in becoming a band have delivered a unique fusion of vintage craftsmanship and contemporary music.

Kevin Windross to release new solo EP, Loud & Clear

Kevin Windross is an Australian singer, songwriter & guitar wizard who has performed on many stages around Australia & internationally including Japan, Malaysia and Singapore. The artist has performed twice at the Japan Music Week Festival in Tokyo (2009-2010). A highlight of the 2010 festival saw him invited to share the stage with Mr Tanigawa, one of Japan's most respected guitarists. Kevin returned to Japan again in April 2011 where he was offered a chance to release new material into Japan's thriving rock market. Thus began the birth of his latest musical offering, the EP Loud & Clear.

News Briefs

• Beyond Belief, a new Finnish melodic metal band featuring vocalist Christian Palin (Random Eyes) and keyboardist Mikko Harkin (Mehida), is in the studio recording its debut album. Further details and samples: www.facebook.com/beyondbelief.official.

•  Bloodgood is at work on a re-mastered version of its 1991 release All Stand Together. Oz Fox (Stryper) is reported to be adding guitar tracks to the project. The band also has plans to re-master and re-issue its 1988 release Rock In a Hard Place. Look for both to be available later in the year.

• Official word from Barren Cross regarding the reunion with vocalist Mike Lee (Facebook - February 3, 2012): "Just so everyone knows, Mike is back singing with the band. We are playing our first show in several years. We plan to continue playing and recording. Please say a prayer for Barren Cross as we continue to follow the Lords Leading."

• All vocal and keyboard tracks have been completed on the new Driver album, Driver 2. The project is currently being mixed with mastering scheduled next. Also, vocalist Rob Rock hopes to have a new solo ablum out by the end of the year.

• "Ready", a great new rocking tune from Guardian, can be heard at: http://houseofguardian.com.

• Folowing are samples of four tracks from The GX Project, the new band of vocalist Rex Scott (X-Sinner): www.facebook.com/pages/The-GX-Project.

• Sweden's Hero hopes to release its next album, Afterlife, later in the year. One new song is entitled "My eroic". More details as they become available.

• Detroit, Michigan based Medisin Wheel have returned to the studie to start work on its next CD, Echo of the Din. No word on release date.

• Guitarist Paul May reports that he is currently writing and recording for the next Atikins / May Project album. He also advises that new albums will be released this year from his other bands Temple Dogs and A.N.D. 

•  Look for a March release of the new Joshua album Resurrection. Wyn Davis handled mixing and mastering while final details of the album artwork are currntly being worked on.

• Theocracy uploaded the track "Wages of Sin", which was released digitally in October 2011, to YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTVagzCDJMw. Prior to that "Wages of Sin" was only available as a bonus track on three different editions of the groups 2008 sophomore album Mirror of Souls.

• Veni Domine has launched its own YouTube channel: www.youtube,com/user/VeniDomineTV?feature=watch. An update (Facebook - January 21, 2012) was also recently provided by the band: "Greetings all friends of Veni Domine. We're busy recording the next album and will probably take the best of 2012 to complete it. Meanwhile, we're going through the vast video material from the past and will post songs and some behind the scenes (footage) as we move along. It's not pro material but our own shoots for personal use, so bare with the qualtiy. I know there are many waiting to see stuff and this is a treat for you, hope you enjoy it."

Nona takes Steps of Truth

Slovakia based female fronted melodic power metal band Nona has released its full length debut, Steps of Truth. The group got its start in 2005 as a cover band but solidified its line-up two years later and began work on the material encompassing Steps of Truth.

News Briefs

• Upcoming releases in the next 60 days on Retroactive include Daniel Band - Rise Up, Daniel Band - Running Out of Time, Stronghold - Fortress Rock and Saint - The Revelation. Also, look for two classic Mass albums, Voices in the Night and Take You Home, to be re-issued as well.

• Original Barren Cross members Mike Lee (lead vocals), Ray Parris (guitars), Jim LaVerde (bass) and Steve Whitaker (drums) will be reuniting to headline the Elements of Rock Festival in Stadthofsaal, Uster, Switzerland held between March 16 - 18, 2012. 

• The new Driver album, Driver 2, is curently being mixed. Mastering is scheduled next with Maor Appelbaum in Los Angeles.

• The digital version of the self-titled Millenial Reign album III, can be heard at the Roxx Productions Facebook page: HERE.

 Everyone that signs up on the email list at the Roxx Productions website will receive a link to download "Falling" for free: www.roxxproductions.com.  Work has been completed on III and it is set for January 3, 2012 release.

• Eternal Power, the third The Seventh Power album from guitarist Bill Menchen, is scheduled to come out next month. It is being released in follow up to the group's self-titled debut (2006) and sophomore effort Dominion & Power (2008).

• Tempest has made available the song "God's Will Be Done" for streaming at: www.tempestonline.com. Guitarist Mick Rowe recently announced he is working on a re-mixed version of the groups 1987 debut A Coming Storm. Further details as they become available.

Track listing revealed for new The Sacrificed album III

Roxx Production are exited to announce that III, the new album from The Sacrificed, will be released on January 31, 2012. For the first time here is the entire track listing for III

News Briefs

• Firestream Music Vault to return on Jabuary 16, 2012 (as announced by XNilo Records): The wait is over, January 16, 2012 the Music Vault returns to the public! Please remember, there's still a lot of work to be done. Tons of album/artist-pictures will need added again and some of the missing data will also need updated. Nevertheless, the site is functional and still rich with contentm naking it a great resource that can be used while work is being done. Therefore, we do not want to keep the site from the public any longer because we feel that they have waited long enough for its return.

On our behalf and on behalf of all those who wanted the return of the vault, we cannot thank you the original Vault creator (aka Solid) enough for his help and hard work! Now, it's time for the team of Vault Managers to roll up our sleeves and bring the Vault the rest of the way home. Official: www.firestreamvault.com.

• Guitarist Mick Rowe is at work on a re-mixed version of A Coming Storm, the 1987 debut album from Tempest. No news on a release date but three new tracks will be included. Further reading and samples: www.facebook.com/mickrowe & www.facebook.com/tempestrocks.

Ken Pike opens Kickstarter account to fund debut Absolon album, Darkness Rising: The Tales of Derek Blackheart

The latest in regards to the project from the former Malachia vocalist:

"Well all the songs and musical pieces are written and pre-production is complete. It has really come together and, I think, has the potential to make a noise in the White Metal market. It's by far the most ambitious project I have ever been involved in!

XNilo Records acquires Firestream Music Vault and Untombed Network/Webzine

Press Release: Today, we at XNilo Records are excited to announce its acquisition of both the Firestream Music Vault, the largest database of Christian Rock and Metal albums on the Internet, and the Untombed Network/Webzine, an online resource for Christian Hard Rock and Metal news, interviews, reviews and online radio.

Debut album released from Atkins / May Project, Seprents Kiss

Original Judas Priest vocalist Al Atkins and Christian guitarist Paul May join forces for new metal/hard rock project

Theocracy on the Billboard Heatseeker chart

As announced by the Athens, Georgia based group in its Facebook page (December 1,  2011):

We're very excited and proud to announce that we've just received word from our record label, Ulterium Records, that As The World Bleeds has charted at #40 on the Billboard Heatseeker Chart in its first week of US release.

News Briefs

• Salem, Oregon based Saint is scheduled to soon start work on its next album, Desperate Night. The group plans to begin laying rhythm and bass guitar tracks the second week of January and then move on to vocals the third week. This will be followed by guitar leads from Jerry Johnson. Jerd Knowland is handling production duties and Dakin Costello cover artwork.

• Bill Menchen will be releasing a reworked version of the 2006 self-titled debut of his band The Seventh Power. From the artists Facebook page (December 31, 2011):"The bass and the vocals (will remain) unchanged. The existing drums have been worked over to give them a more raw organic sound than the 80's reverb type of sound they had on the original release. There were some drum edits on the original version that I did not use on this version. It's all original, all raw. The guitar had a lot of mid scooped out on my amp when I did that recording that I wasn't able to get back with EQ adjustments to my satisfaction so all of the rhythm guitar has been re-recorded from the ground up. I made a few adjustments on some of the parts while I was at it."
  
  The revised version will feature the new title The Power and be released on Wrenchen Menchen Wrecords.