World acclaimed keyboardist Derek Sherinian, (Sons of Apollo, Black Country Communion), one of the most significant keyboard players of the modern era, recently announced the release of his new solo album The Phoenix on the 18th September 2020, his first since 2011’s Oceana. Derek comments: "I truly feel that this is my best solo record to date. Simon and..
ENUFF Z’NUFF – Generation Brainwashed (Frontiers Music)
Generation Brainwashed is the fifteenth album by American rock legends Enuff Z’nuff in an often glittering career that began in Illinois way back in 1984. As seems to be the ever increasing pattern these days, the only remaining original member is singer and bassist Chip Z’nuff (Gregory Rybarski) with lead guitarist Tory Stoffregen being the..
Static-X – Regeneration Project Vol.1 (Ostego Entertainment Group)
It is a tough call and as ideas go, bringing the dead 'back to life' and not one to be taken lightly. Thanks to technological advancements being what they are - we have already seen holograms of artists ranging from Dio, Whitney Houston and Roy Orbison 'perform' on tours that travel the world and as..
MARK SPIRO – 2+2=5: Best Of Plus Rarities (Frontiers Music)
There are many stars in rock that are known throughout the world, yet for every big name there must be a thousand other musicians equally as important but all working in the background to ensure that the music business actually runs succesfully. We can all name those who should be better known, and Mark Spiro..
TOKYO MOTOR FIST – Lions (Frontiers Music)
Tokyo Motor Fist originally began life as a Frontiers Music project put together as a vehicle for the huge vocal talents of Ted Poley of Danger Danger fame and the mercurial licks of guitarist and producer Steve Brown of Trixter, and their eponymous debut in 2017 was a most impressive melodic rock masterpiece. They brought..
Savoy Brown – Ain’t Done Yet (Quarto Valley Records)
Well! I'm mortified! As an (almost) life-long rock fan, how I've missed out on this seminal blues-rock band completely floors me! They've been around since 1965 and have been touring continuously since then, making them one of the longest running bands in existence. In the mid 60s, the British Blues Explosion developed out of the..
GORDON GILTRAP OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY – Exclusive Sample Chapter
The Wymer publication Perilous Journey, by Velvet Thunder writer Steve Pilkington, is the official biography of guitarist Gordon Giltrap, produced with the full involvement of Gordon himself. Presented here is a sample chapter from the book, to give a flavour of it, and hopefully entertain! We take up the story just after the Perilous Journey..
Primal Fear – Metal Commando (Nuclear Blast)
Primal Fear have been a trademark for high quality German heavy metal, ever since their eponymous debut came out in 1997. Combining the strengths of scene veterans Ralf Scheepers (ex-Gamma Ray and Tyran’ Pace) and the bass and guitar duo from Sinner – Tom Naumann and Matt Sinner, was already an attention grabber. 23 years..
Arena announce new lineup with Damian Wilson
Arena has parted ways with singer Paul Manzi, as announced on their official page 13 July: It is with sadness that we will be parting ways with singer Paul Manzi.He has been with us for ten years, three studio albums and a lot of touring, but these commitments, particularly the touring, were becoming a strain..
STEVE HOWE – Love Is (BMG)
From being at the very epicentre of the Summer of Love with psych legends Tomorrow, up to giving fans some of the most epic moments in the prog genre, guitar legend Steve Howe has most definitely been there, seen it and done it .. more than once .. and his contribution and influence has been..