Edmonton's Boneyard have released a music video for "Oathbreaker", the title track of their debut album, released back in October. Watch the clip below.
Boneyard is a hard rock/ metal band from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The band features lead vocalist/ guitarist Pamtera. Rounding out the rhythm section, is bassist Dennis Cooke and drummer Jefftimus. The band also enjoys injecting some classic metal cuts into the setlist. Its members bring a wealth of experience from previous projects that include: Tyrant, Powerslave and Septimus.
Oathbreaker is now available on red colored vinyl, limited to 100 copies. Purchase here.
Members of VIO-LENCE, TYKETTO, U.D.O. and BONFIRE recently teamed up to record a quarantine cover version of the SCORPIONS classic "Blackout". You can watch the video below.
Recording lineup:
Vocals - Danny Vaughn (TYKETTO)
Guitar - Phil Demmel (ex-MACHINE HEAD/VIO-LENCE)
Guitar - Dee Dammers (U.D.O.)
Bass - Michael "Mülli" Müller (JADED HEART)
Drums - André Hilgers (BONFIRE)
Backing Vocals - Peter Östros (JADED HEART)
Demmel announced his exit from MACHINE HEAD in October 2018, explaining at the time that he wanted "to step away and do something else musically."
Two years ago, Demmel told the "In The Pitts Of Metal And Motor Chaos" podcast that MACHINE HEAD ended up becoming a Robb Flynn solo project toward the end of his time with the group. Demmel also said that the musical side of MACHINE HEAD took a sharp turn for the worse during the writing stage for "Catharsis", an album that he said he hated.
Last month, VIO-LENCE entered Trident Studios in Pacheco, California to begin recording its new EP, tentatively due in late summer via Metal Blade Records. Helming the sessions is producer Juan Urteaga, who has previously worked with TESTAMENT, MACHINE HEAD and EXODUS, among many others.
Vaughn's first solo album in eleven years, "Myths, Legends & Lies", came out in June 2019. Danny described the effort as "the music I make when left to my own devices."
TYKETTO's debut album, "Don't Come Easy", is considered a landmark release amongst melodic hard rock albums of the late '80s/early '90s. While the band has continuously put out quality recordings over the years, fans and critics alike hold the debut album in especially high regard.
The official music video for "The Vertical Labyrinth" from DARK SKY BURIAL, the new musical venture from NAPALM DEATH bassist Shane Embury, can be seen below. The song is taken from DARK SKY BURIAL's second album, "Quod Me Nutrit Me Destruit", which came out on Friday, February 5.
"The new album title roughly translates into 'what nourishes me will destroy me'," Embury explains. "A year into this pandemic, I have channelled myself into making as much music as I can. A needed distraction but at the same time and now there's lately an oppressive feeling that this pandemic may go on much longer than people envision. Within the hypnotic loops and fractured harmonies that reside on the new album especially with tracks like 'The Vertical Labyrinth'.
"I am sensing salvation but it was always there with my family. To balance the light with the darkness is always the struggle but worth it."
While it's largely true that creativity is not a tap that can be turned on and off, some musicians simply can't stop generating brilliant new ideas. Best known as a member of grindcore gods NAPALM DEATH, Embury has been one of the underground rock and metal scenes' most prolific and inventive figures over the last 30-plus years, with countless intriguing (and generally deafening) bands and projects to his name. But a new decade brings a new perspective and a brand new musical venture that takes the revered noisemonger into uncharted territory.
DARK SKY BURIAL marks the moment in Embury's artistic life where all restrictions and boundaries are obliterated forever. It is described in a press release as "a vivid and immersive trek through dark ambient soundscapes, unsettling industrial noise textures and wild, disorientating electronics."
"Even though my roots were rock and metal based, I've always consciously been on the lookout for new sounds and bands," said Shane. "As a very young kid, I was obsessed with recording TV themes on my tape recorder, which always baffled my friends. Since the early '90s, I've wanted to get into making loop-based stuff — soundtrack-inspired music, I guess."
DARK SKY BURIAL's debut album, last year's "De Omnibus Dubitandum Es", was pieced together steadily over the last 20 years. It was described as "a deep, dark and diverse beast that flows beautifully from spine-tingling start to emotionally devastating finish, via some of the most curiously evocative sounds, noises and — perhaps most surprisingly — melodies that Shane has ever conjured."
Saille have released a video for "Empty Expanse", a track from their upcoming fifth album, V, out April 9 on CD/digital formats via Black Lion Records. Watch the video below.
Playing blackened death metal, Saille built a firm reputation for their impressive live performances on festivals all over Europe in the past years. Saille is a five-piece, with members residing in The Netherlands, Spain and Belgium.
The fifth full-length album from Saille, entitled V, is another landmark in the band’s existence. After a rough period of time, Saille felt the need for a dramatic make-over, seeking a deeper darkness, both live and in the studio. Visually and sound wise Saille improved immensely and a new frontman from the Netherlands was announced. Jesse Peetoom is two metres of charisma, musical talent and vocal power.
The artwork for V, which can be seen below, was drawn by French artist Vincent Fouquet of Above Chaos (Inquisition, Tsjuder, Kataklysm).
Lyrically, Saille deals with "The fearful, the uncanny and the weird. Therefore, the album contains eight creepy tales, sarcastic stories with somewhat funny twists. It will make the listener quiver and shiver, with a grin on their face."
Italian ex-parody metal outfit Nanowar Of SteelL, formerly known for viral hits such as “Valhallelujah” and “Uranus”, has recently announced its retirement from their multi-faceted, comedic power metal sound, to pursue its newly found love for emotional pop music. Today, they reveal a first taste of what they have been cooking up.
Nanowar Of Steel don’t shy away from reinventing themselves on this stripped down, slow-tempo ballad: With stirring piano chords and tender female guest vocals, “Formia” will get you teared up. Watch the official music video below.
Singer/Bassist Gatto Panceri 666 says about “Formia”: "Just like life itself, emerged from the sea and gradually moved to the earth, we are symbolically from the shores of Formia to the dry land on the Italian peninsula with new life and new music. We are the amphibious species of music: we are metal but pop at the same time. So, unless you are a creationist, join us and enjoy the evolution of Nanowar Of Steel."
Nanowar Of Steel are:
Gatto Panceri 666 - Bass
Potowotominimak - Vocals
Mr. Baffo - Vocals
Abdul - Guitar
Uinona Raider - Drums
Classical guitar virtuoso, Thomas Zwijsen, has released the new video below, performing an acoustic cover of Helloween's "If I Could Fly" on violin and classical fingerstyle guitar:
Watch Zwijsen cover the Helloween songs "Eagle Fly Free" and "Power" below:
Fierce Heart have premiered the music video for "Lost Inside Your Love". The clip was filmed in "Painted Canyon" Mecca California and was shot and directed by Stefano Milla who directed films for Sony and Lionsgate including: Richard The Lionheart.
"Lost Inside Your Love" is a return to the 80's ballads and has been set to be released right before Valentines Day. The song has also been released as a second single to radio, following the first single "Out For Blood", which made the Top 200 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Indicator Charts.
"This beautiful song tells a timeless story of love from the point of view of a rock musician on tour. For all the romantics out there like myself, we are pleased to bring you this brand new video from Fierce Heart. 'Lost Inside Your Love' is a song that’s written for lovers everywhere - so turn down the lights, turn up the music, and have a happy, romantic Valentine’s day! - Rex Carroll
Fierce Heart's "War For The World" album is available here.
Tracklisting:
"Into The Sun"
"Built For Speed"
"Out For Blood"
"Just Got Lucky"
"Lost Inside Your Love"
"Power To Rock"
"Bad Child"
"Rest My Bones"
"Long Time"
"War For The World"
"Road To Nowhere"
"Out For Blood" video:
"Built For Speed":
Fierce Heart is:
Robert Reynolds
Rex Carroll
Antonio Acevedo
Nick Forchione
Summoning The Lich have released a new single, "Cult Of the Ophidian", taken from their upcoming debut album, United In Chaos. Accompanying the single, Summoning The Lich have also shared a suitably macabre music video for the track. Directed by Danny Tilson, the clip alternates between the band adorned in occult robed attire and performing together.
United In Chaos will be released via Prosthetic Records on February 26. Pre-orders are currently being accepted here.
Taking inspiration from the best elements of Lord Of The Rings, Magic The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, and Adventure Time, and wrapping it up in a fantastical death metal parcel, Summoning The Lich has an attention to detail and commitment to storytelling that is second to none. United In Chaos tells the tale of the rise of the Lich and fall of the Kingdom Rodor - and the spread of his wicked influence across the land as his power grows.
Speaking on the release of "Cult Of The Ophidian", the band comment: "'Cult Of The Ophidian' follows 'The Nightmare Begins' and takes you to the Veiled Island where Rodorian mages live shielded from the outside world. The Watchers (a line of mages blessed with foresight) are tasked with warning the island of any impending danger, and this song follows his story as he tries to warn of the deep seeds of betrayal unraveling before his third eye."
Of the music video, the band add: "We once again worked with the incredible Danny Tilson, who produced this insane video along with additional videography by Sam Beck, and we couldn't be happier with the outcome!"
The album follows a well-received, self-titled demo and live dates alongside heavy-hitters such as Origin, Beneath The Massacre, and several stops on the Summer Slaughter tour. Having honed their craft, they entered Sicktones Studios studio with producer Jack Daniels in Cape Girardeau, Missouri in 2019. With mastering completed by John Douglass, the result is a technical, abrasive journey through fantasy-driven, modern death metal.
On United In Chaos, Summoning The Lich haven’t just championed a fantasy world, they’ve created one in their own vision; this release marking merely the first chapter in a trilogy of albums that explores the outer limits of their imaginations. By inserting their storytelling chops into songs crammed with memorable hooks and meaty riffs, Summoning The Lich have invited listeners to roll the dice and join the adventure.
Tracklisting:
"The Nightmare Begins"
"Cult Of The Ophidian"
"The Gatekeeper"
"Demon Of The Snow"
"Predatory Reflection"
"Acid Reign"
"United In Chaos"
"Descend"
"Hymns (Of The Witches Of The West)"
"Death Crystal"
"Temple Of The Bone"
"The Lure Of The Necromancer"
"The Nightmare Begins":
"Descend":
For further details,visit Summoning The Lich on Facebook.
"Another video from the Wacken World Wide live stream is 'Bismarck'. A song we really enjoy playing live," says Sweden's Sabaton.
In 2019, Sabaton released a video for the song "Bismarck", along with the message below.
"The most requested topic for a Sabaton song ever!"
"The fate of the ship Bismarck is a fascinating story we wanted to write about for a long time, but could not fit into any album. So we decided to make it as a single release, and as a gift from us to you for being fantastic fans for the past 20 years."
"Thanks to our friends at Wargaming and World Of Warships we can also present it with a truly impressive video, well worthy of this song. The talented team at Wargaming could ensure the historical accuracy of the scenes thanks to the models from their award winning game World Of Warships, and the director Matthias Hoene, who won a Golden Lion at Cannes, were able to bring the band and story together."
"Bismarck was a German Battleship and one of the biggest ever built in Europe. Commissioned in August 1940 and sunk in May 1941 after an intense hunt in the North Atlantic. Though he now rests beneath the waves, players of World Of Warships can still take this iconic ship into virtual battles."
"You wanted us to write this song, we heard you, and here is our tribute!"
Former Delain guitarist Merel Bechtold, who left the band in June 2019, has launched Dear Mother with vocalist David Pear and drummer Joey Marin de Boer. They recently released their first single, "12 Years In Exile" along with an official video, and have followed it up with a new single, "Symbiose". Check out the official video below.
Delain issued the following band statement when Bechtold announced her departure from the band:
"Today we are sharing the news with you that Merel has decided to leave Delain and focus on different musical ambitions. Merel’s performance with us at Graspop will be her last show as a permanent band member of Delain. We are aware this is very short notice, and this we regret for those of you who wanted to catch a last show with her as a part of the team. However, this is a friendly departure, and we are respecting Merel’s wishes in doing so. We had an amazing ride sharing the stage with this fireball and we are excited to see the results of her new endeavours."
"Although we will miss Merel on the road with us, we realize that our busy schedules require loads of time and commitment, and we understand and respect her decision to focus on her own path. We will continue performing live as a five-piece as before, and look forward to finishing the work for our upcoming studio album, the upcoming festival season, our US tour with Amorphis and Anneke van Giersbergen and our European Masters Of Destiny Tour. We hope to see you all soon! Thank you Merel, we wish you nothing but the best!"
Bechtold issued the following statement on he decision to leave Delain:
"After almost five amazing years the time has come for me to focus on my own dreams. Because of my previous band commitments my attention diverged from my own music and the path I want to follow, and I feel I need to give myself the time and opportunity to explore my musical ambitions. This is probably the hardest decision of my life, but in the end it’s important to follow your heart and be happy. I want to thank my bandmates and crew, I will miss you dearly! Also huge thanks to all the amazing people I’ve met on the road. And most importantly I want to thank YOU for all those amazing and warm memories! It’s been a pleasure."
Finnish goth rockers The 69 Eyes have released an official video for the song "Miss Pastis", taken from the band's Universal Monsters album. Check it out below.
Universal Monsters was released in 2016 via Nuclear Blast. The band followed up with West End in 2019.
My Ruin - featuring the husband and wife team of Tairrie B. Murphy (vocals, lyrics) and Mick Murphy (everything else) - have checked in with the following update:
"Taken from our 20th Anniversary album The Cathartic Collection released on 12.24.20, 'Sacrosanctity' is a nostalgic and colorful look back at our band with never before seen live and behind the scenes footage of My Ruin, from London to Los Angeles, spanning from the first to the last shows we played together in both cities."
Tairrie B. checked in with a surprise announcement for Christmas 2020. Check it out below:
"From the moment we met it was magick. We were drawn to each other the same way we were drawn to the music we have created together over the last two decades. For some our music has been hellfire, for others holy water but for us, it has always been cathartic and something we consider sacrosanct.
Our religion is relationships, and this collection of songs represents My Ruin at our most intense. Our most incensed. A vital and volatile, collaborative, heartfelt mix of screaming with spoken word. Fiery passion and furious anger accompanied by huge solos, thick riffs and Southern fried swagger. The master of heaviosity and his patron saint of blasphemy.
The way it was meant to be.
On Christmas Eve 2008 we were married but we began making music together in 2000. To commemorate our 20th anniversary and celebrate the music we have made in My Ruin, we wanted to release something timeless, in loving memory for those who have followed us on our musical journey since the beginning and for those who may discover us at a later date.
Over the years we have been told how much our music has meant to so many and this has always meant so much to us. As an underground band, we have no mainstream, radio friendly greatest hits but we have made music that connects, resonates and offers solace with its catharsis to those who need it. Including us.
The Cathartic Collection is a set of 36 songs which we have remastered and thoughtfully curated into 3 chapters from our extensive discography spanning our 9-album history in My Ruin. Each 12-song chapter represents 3 albums and is introduced by its own spoken word interlude. Our magnum opus begins with a new and a final song which we recorded at our home studio in Knoxville, Tennessee during the pandemic in 2020. 'Sacrosanctity' is a poetically passionate, raw throated and relentless 6-minute metallic lament meant to represent our band, past to present.
CHAPTER I – REBIRTH
Speak & Destroy (1999)
A Prayer Under Pressure of Violent Anguish (2000)
To Britain with Love & Bruises (2001)
CHAPTER II – RESURRECTION
The Horror of Beauty (2003)
The Brutal Language (2005)
Throat Full of Heart (2008)
CHAPTER III – REFLECTION
Ghosts and Good Stories (2010)
A Southern Revelation (2011)
The Sacred Mood (2013)
Although we love each other, it is no secret that we fell out of love with the music industry long ago. From the Devils at record labels to the duplicitous managers, promoters and a few band members who have left us cold & disenchanted along the way. Many of whom invoked the emotions and inspired the songs in this collection of immaculate confessions as well as our need to do it ourselves.
Our way.
While we have made the decision to put My Ruin on a permanent hiatus from touring, we will continue to remain true to ourselves and our music. This includes our side projects and solo recordings which are simply extensions of who we are as artists. Looking back at photos & videos, throughout the highs and lows of being on the road and playing shows over the last 2 decades, there have been many memorable moments together on and off stage with friends & fans of our band all over the world and for that, we are forever grateful.
Thank you for sharing this with us.
As 2020 comes to an end and you journey back with us amid this nostalgic walk through our rock love and listen, we hope you enjoy this free / digital only download and gift to you. Something sacred to scream to. If you choose to donate, we thank you.
May these songs invoke memories of your own and inspire you to speak your truth, trust your heart and never be afraid to turn your trauma into art."
Tairrie B & Mick Murphy
Tracklist:
"Sacrosanctity"
"Terror"
"Beauty Fiend"
"Stick It To Me"
"Sick With It"
"Rockstar"
"Sycophant"
"Sanctuary"
"My Beautiful Flower"
"Heartsick"
"Masochrist"
"Let It Rain"
"Blasphemous Girl"
"Silverlake 6571"
"Made To Measure"
"Memento Mori"
"Cold Hands, Warm Heart"
"Burn The Witch"
"Religiosity"
"Hot In The House Of God"
"Through The Wound"
"The Devil Walks"
"Spitfire"
"Spilling Open"
"Ready For Blood"
"Tennessee Elegy"
"Long Dark Night"
"Heretic Dreams"
"Excommunicated"
"Highly Explosive"
"God Is A Girl With A Butcher Knife"
"Diggin' For Ghosts"
"Deconsecrated"
"Honey Of The Human Soul"
"The Soulless Beast"
"Abusing the Muse"
"Moriendo Renascor"
Go to the official My Ruin BandCamp page here. Go to their official Facebook page here.
Rare video footage of the Scorpions performing the Animal Magnetism album track, "The Zoo", live on the German TV show Rockpop In Concert in December 1983 can be seen below. Footage licensed from ZDF Enterprises.
Previously released footage of the band performing "Make It Real", "Dynamite", "Can't Live Without You", "Holiday", "Always Somewhere", "Blackout", and "Coming Home" at the same show is available below.
Apocalyptica is streaming a clip of their performance of the Metallica classic “Master Of Puppets” at Pol'and'Rock Festival 2016.
A description reads: “Enjoy our fast forward version of 'Master Of Puppets' recorded live at Woodstock Festival Poland 2016 (currently: Pol'and'Rock Festival).”
In a previous post, Apocalyptica uploaded pro-shot video of their "House Of Chains" featuring vocalist Franky Perez performance at the Pol'and'Rock Festival 2016.
It is with great regret, but obvious and necessary compliance, that Apocalyptica has had to postpone their upcoming North American tour a second time to August/September 2021 due to the ongoing restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Please note that all tickets bought will remain valid for the rescheduled dates and tickets remain on sale.
Apocalyptica's performances will be comprised of new songs from most recent full-length Cell-0 as well as from the band's rich catalog. Lacuna Coil, who was scheduled to support on all North American dates, remain confirmed for the California, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Illinois, and Canadian shows. Support on the remainder of the tour is yet to be announced.
To keep the band's fans and everyone else involved with the tour safe at this time, the shows have been postponed to the following dates. Additionally, the Toronto show will now take place at Rebel.
Dates:
August
16 - Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
17 - Plaza - Orlando, FL
19 - House Of Blues - Houston, TX
21 - Emos - Austin, TX
23 - Sunshine - Albuquerque, NM
24 - Van Buren - Phoenix, AZ
25 - Mayan - Los Angeles, CA (with Lacuna Coil)
26 - The Regency - San Francisco, CA (with Lacuna Coil)
27 - Crystal - Portland, OR (with Lacuna Coil)
28 - Showbox Sodo - Seattle, WA (with Lacuna Coil)
29 - Commodore - Vancouver, BC (with Lacuna Coil)
30 - Commodore - Vancouver, BC (with Lacuna Coil)
September
1 - Midway - Edmonton, AB (with Lacuna Coil)
2 - The Palace - Calgary, AB (with Lacuna Coil)
4 - First Avenue - Minneapolis, MN (with Lacuna Coil)
5 - House Of Blues - Chicago, IL (with Lacuna Coil)
6 - Rebel - Toronto, ON (with Lacuna Coil)
7 - Mtelus - Montreal, QC (with Lacuna Coil)
8 - Big Night Live - Boston, MA
9 - Webster Theatre - Hartford, CT
11 - Webster Hall - New York, NY
Four years after their Bloodwinter epic, German pagan metallers Wolfchant return with new energy and nine hotly forged irons. Their seventh studio album, Omega : Bestia, is to be released on April 9 via Reaper Entertainment.
First digital single and video for “Komet” is streaming below.
The band states: "We are very happy to finally release ‘Komet’, the first song of our seventh studio album OMEGA : BESTIA. We have been working on OMEGA : BESTIA for the last two years and ‘Komet’ is not only a critical song about greed and power, two characteristics that can drive people to new cruelties again and again, but also an epic and powerful song which shows a good insight into the new album. With Mirko Witzki from Witzki Media we found the perfect partner to create the video for ‘Komet’ exactly according to our ideas. We wish you a lot of fun listening and watching!"
On the new album the popular mixture of extreme metal mixed with timeless melodies, driving riffs and epic parts as well as the aggressive screams and the choral vocals were retained and expanded with a lot of flair by several nuances.
Album art by Peter Salai:
Tracklisting:
“Omega : Bestia”
“Komet”
“Into Eternal Darkness”
“Im Zeichen des Tiers”
“Der Geist und die Dunkelheit”
“Bestie”
“Jäger der Nacht”
“Out In The Dark”
“The Flame”
"Komet" video:
The album will be available on 2CD Digibook, CD Jewelcase, Vinyl and as a limited deluxe boxset. The pre-order starts today, February 5, with the release of the first digital single, "Komet". You can pre-save the single here.
Fretless / harp guitarist Tim Donahue - who released the self-titled Madmen & Sinners album with Dream Theater's James LaBrie in 2004 - recently announced the launch of his new signature Nightmoon guitar. The video below features Donahue playing his track "Love Drug" on the new axe.
Donahue: "The result of 35 years of development, we're excited to announce limited production of these innovative instruments, fretted or fretless. For pricing & order info contact: nightmoonguitars@gmail.com."
KISS co-founder and frontman, best-selling author and Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer Paul Stanley will release the debut album from his SOUL STATION project on March 19 (postponed from previously announced March 5) via Universal Music Enterprises. A collection of nine classic soul covers and five original tracks, "Now And Then" will feature the band's acclaimed version of THE FIVE STAIRSTEPS' "O-o-h Child" as well as SOUL STATION's take on THE SPINNERS' "Could It Be I'm Falling In Love", which can be streamed below.
Stanley has spent the last few years developing this project close to his heart. SOUL STATION is a band gathering some of today's leading musicians to pay tribute to the greatest artists and songs from the R&B and soul catalog to keep this vital music current. While a surprise to many, Stanley's early pivotal roots in this music has quietly turned this passion into a celebrated touring and recording band. Stanley's 15-piece ensemble group has toured the U.S. and Japan, and recently recorded an album of nine classic soul songs and five new original songs.
Speaking about the new music, Stanley said: "Between us doing some great SOUL STATION shows and starting the album, I started to think that neither the band or the music we love should depend only on the past so I started writing with the goal of seamlessly taking songs into the present. From what a lot of people I respect have told me, that mission was accomplished."
When Stanley conceived SOUL STATION, the group excelled in the live venue setting, playing smaller, intimate clubs — a setting where Paul Stanley would reflect on those classic hits that were his early inspiration, playing the songs with a reverence and respect for how he and the band believe they should be performed and heard.
"Long before I ever heard the great British bands, I grew up listening to Philly Soul, Motown and so much more," he said. "I was lucky to see Otis Redding and Solomon Burke among others. That music and its storytelling gave me strength and hope even in some tough days. The great classics of that era are magical medicine for most and I felt myself drawn back to that era for some sorcery I think we could all use."
Stanley's bandmembers include Rafael "Hoffa" Moreira (guitar and backing vocals), Sean Hurley (bass), Alex Alessandroni (musical director, keyboards), Ely Rise (keyboards), Eric Singer (drums and backing vocals), RayYslas (percussion), Gavyn Rhone (backing vocals), Crystal Starr (backing vocals) and Laurhan Beato (backing vocals) and Jon Pappenbrook (lead trumpet).
The band is augmented by three string players and two horn players of the same stature enabling SOUL STATION's wall of sound to be firmly rooted in the past while staking claim to both the present and future.
"Now And Then" track listing:
01. Could It Be I'm Falling In Love
02. I Do
03. I, Oh I
04. Ooo Baby Baby
05. O-o-h Child
06. Save Me (From You)
07. Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)
08. Whenever You're Ready (I'm Here)
09. The Tracks Of My Tears
10. Let's Stay Together
11. La-La – Means I Love You
12. Lorelei
13. You Are Everything
14. Baby I Need Your Loving
Speaking about how the idea for SOUL STATION came about, Paul told Scott Lipps: "I was really lucky, because, before I ever saw [LED] ZEPPELIN or any of the British bands that I grew to love, or the blues bands that I saw, I saw Otis Redding as a kid, I saw Solomon Burke and THE TEMPTATIONS. So that really is the core of what I do. It's not all that I do, but it's in there, and it always has been. SMOKEY [ROBINSON] AND THE MIRACLES; early Stevie Wonder; Philly soul; Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, all the things that they produced — Thom Bell. So you have THE DELFONICS, STYLISTICS, BLUE MAGIC, THE TEMPS, FOUR TOPS, and on and on. So, for me, that music, unfortunately, has been relegated to becoming samples in somebody's rap songs. Those songs deserve so much more, not only respect, but to be listened to, because when we play those songs live, everybody's faces light up, because they're just great, great songs.
"SOUL STATION is 15 people, and everybody's played with everyone from Smokey to Stevie Wonder to Natalie Cole to TEMPTATIONS, Whitney Houston, and on and on and on," Stanley continued. "And it really is like a family. We hang out at my house and have a great time. But what really bonded us together was this love of that music and wanting to recreate it accurately, respectfully. Even some of those bands, when they wound up playing live, did these uptempo, kind of soulless versions of their own songs. And we're playing those songs the way they're supposed to be, and it's glorious.
"Look, I started doing it selfishly, 'cause I love that music, and to have it surrounding me, and to get to sing those songs, is crazy. And then to also write some new tunes that really marry so well to the old tunes is like writing another page.
"Will it surprise some people? Yeah," Paul added. "But, honestly, I'm not… Somebody said, 'Oh, you're reinventing yourself.' I'm not the champion of blues rock or hard rock or metal or this. I did 'Phantom Of The Opera'. I'm a singer, and I choose to sing whatever I choose to sing at any given time. So, really, honestly, it's as natural for me to sing Philly soul as it is to sing rock. It's just I haven't done it publicly."
Last May, Stanley released a cover version of Smokey Robinson's classic song "Ooo Baby Baby", recorded by SOUL STATION. In a statement accompanying the clip, Stanley said: "These are challenging times. Long before I ever heard the great British bands, I grew up listening to Philly Soul, Motown and so much more. I was lucky to see Otis Redding and Solomon Burke among others. That music and its storytelling gave me strength and hope even in some tough days. The great classics of that era are magical medicine for most and I felt myself drawn back to that era for some sorcery I think we could all use."
He added: "While it's hard to connect physically, some of SOUL STATION decided to reach out and make a virtual and emotional connection on a great Motown and Smokey Robinson classic, Ooo Baby Baby."
In 2019, Stanley told the Real Radio 104.1 radio station that he wanted to wait for the right time to release the SOUL STATION LP. "It really deserves full attention and my full commitment," he explained. "So until we can do great live performances — the band is amazing live — and until we can promote it the way we should, it's just going to simmer."
Asked if he gets any hate from KISS fans for making an album that is stylistically far removed from the music his main band is best known for producing, Stanley said: "I'm sure there are some people who'd rather me doing a KISS album or something like that, but when you sign on with me, you understand that we're both in this together, and sometimes I have to do what I need to do. And that's part of the joy and the reward for me. So I would rather do a great SOUL STATION album right now than tamper with KISS or the KISS legacy and do something that I'm really not feeling at the moment."
Electric Boys have released a new single and music video, "Super God", featured on the upcoming Ups!de Down album. Watch the video below.
The Electric Boys are much loved for their idiosyncratic combination of hard rock and other forms of music such as funk beginning with their first album, Funk-O-Metal Carpet Ride, in 1989. On April 30, the band will release worldwide their seventh album, Ups!de Down, which continues and advances this fusion of music styles to make something of their very, very own.
Recorded at Ghost Ward studios like their successful previous album, The Ghost Ward Diaries, and co-produced with David Castillo the album showcases the songwriting and performing talents of founder members Conny Bloom on guitar and vocals and Andy Christell on bass, while also introducing "Slim" Martin Thomander on guitar. Jolle Atlagic plays all the drums on the album, as the band’s original drummer Niclas Sigevall - still very much part of the band - could not leave LA due to the pandemic.
The album reflects the turbulent times of this year and spontaneously and organically formed into a concept album tackling adversity and fear mongering and championing the human fighting spirit and ability to transcend even the most difficult situations to find hope and victory over life’s circumstances. As such, the album taps into the collective consciousness of 2020, being contemporary while also drawing on a wide variety of influences such as Jimi Hendrix, Deep Purple, Bowie, '50s Rock and Roll, late Beatles and even the Sisters of Mercy. Probably less funky than some of the band’s earlier material it is no less eclectic and provides a potent cocktail reflecting the history of rock and roll and the light and darkness of existence.
Conny Bloom: “You can see the light at the end of the tunnel rather than simply the runaway train in songs like 'This Is Not The End'. When things are this big and seem out of control you can reverse it and gain control by letting it go.”
The freethinking and rebellious spirit of the band is alive and well in this latest album and the belief in the power of the message of music and its ability to change the world.
People commonly mention to the band that Electric Boys songs have changed their lives, inspiring them to take up instruments and how much the band’s songs have meant to their fans. Known for his fine guitar work and languidly cool persona Conny Bloom is also recognized for his work with Hanoi Rocks and Ginger in the Wildhearts. Andy Christell also joined Hanoi Rocks with Conny and with his distinctive top knot is the epitome of steady, bellbottom-fluttering rock bass.
The band has a tour planned in Sweden and is hoping to widen and include more dates worldwide as circumstances permit.
Ups!de Down will be released in digital, LP (four different formats) and CD formats by Mighty Music on April 30. Pre-order here.
Tracklist:
"Upside Down Theme"
"Super God"
"Tumblin' Dominoes"
"Never Again Your Slave"
"She Never Turns Around"
"Globestrutter"
"The Dudes & The Dancers"
"Twang 'Em & Kerrang 'Em"
"It's Not The End"
"Interstellafella"
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