Forsaken Hero is a Rock band based out of Virginia. They have released two studio Albums “My Rock Cries Out” (2013) and We Don’t Need Another Hero (5 song EP edition 2016). We Don’t Need Another Hero Features artists such as Andrew Welch of Thousand Foot Krutch, and Brooks Holt of We As Human.
The album was produced by Jeff Davies and Mastered by John Lawry of the band Petra. Forsaken Hero has been a band since 2011 and has had many opportunities in their ministry throughout the years. Forsaken Hero has shared the stage with many artists, such as opening for Stryper on their Fallen tour and on their To Hell With The Devil 30th Anniversary tour! They have also opened for Sidewalk Prophets, Jordan Feliz, Newsong, Citizen Way, JJ Weeks Band, Finding Favour, Building 429, Random Hero, Lynchmob, and more!
Lead singers Casey and Emily Price have also shared the stage with Newsong singing backup on one of their songs at Winterjam in Knoxville Tennessee in 2017 and then opened for Newsong in 2018. Forsaken Hero recently released a new music video, “Open Up Your Eyes featuring Rico Thomas of Newsong”, And they also just released a brand new song titled “Masterpiece ft. Tate Olsen of Skillet”, which was mixed and mastered by Jake Jones of As We Ascend. They will also be releasing a new Christmas single in December produced by Josiah Prince of Disciple. 2018 has been an awesome year for the band! God bless!
Grand Design was formed in 2006 by vocalist/producer Pelle Saether, and the band’s first 1st album “Time Elevation” was release by AOR Heaven in October 2009. The album featured a guest spot from guitarists Janne Stark. The release gained massive success and was awarded ‘best album’ and ‘best song’ by BeRockRadio and received numerous top 10 positions for “best album 2009”. Several concerts, including the prestigious FireFest in Nottingham, UK proved that Grand Design also deliver live.
Two years later, it was time for Grand Design’s second album – “Idolizer”. Pelle says: “We knew we had found a formula to make an 80’s rock record work in the 21st century – so why change it?” With new anthems like “Get On With Action”, “OughtoGraph” and “Your Love’s A Runaway”, “Idolizer” followed up the fans expectations. Grand Design again proved that the songs and sound of 80’s rock belong in your players and on the big stages.
In 2012 the line-up saw singer Pelle Saether and guitarist Dennis Vestman, now flanked by guitarist Janne Stark (Constancia, Overdrive etc) and bassist Mats Vassfjord. The band also did numerous shows in Sweden as well as outside the country.
Early 2013 the band finished two new songs, featuring guest singer Susie Päivärinta (of Lili & Susie), of which the song “Baby It’s You” (Promises cover) was released as a single and video in June 2013. The band also welcomed new drummer Magnus Ulfstedt (Eclipse, Jimi Jamison, Talisman, Lion’s Share etc), who made his debut on the video. The band performed at festivals such as Skogsröjet and Rock Out Wild, together with bands like Twisted Sister, Lita Ford, Pain and Lizzy Borden.
2014 saw Grand Design play lots more shows/tours/festivals, such as MelodicRockFest 4 in Chicago, U.S.A, Grand Design Italy Tour, etc. But, most importantly, on September 26 Grand Design released their third and highest rated album, “Thrill Of The Night” (AOR Heaven Records/Europe, Rubicon Music/Japan). The same day the video for “Rawk ‘N Roll Heart Attack” was released and hit over 6000 views in just a few days! “Thrill Of The Night” also marks the first Japan release for the band. The album was awarded best album of 2014 by RockEyez. Grand Design is the only band winning two years (2011 and 2014).
By mid-2015 the video for ““Rawk ‘N Roll Heart Attack” had well over 200 000 views on YouTube! The band played in Spain together with Kee Marcello and Dynasty, plus some more shows in Sweden. A new video for “Get Up And Love Someone” saw the light of day in September 2015, like the previous one, also directed by Thomas Tjäder (Acromancy Media).
In 2017 the band was reinforced by new bass player Stefan Westerlund (Rocket Love) and drummer Joakim Jonsson (Axenstar, Psychopunch) and the new album “Viva La Paradise” was recorded. Continuing on the path of “Thrill Of The Night”, the band feels this marks the strongest album to date. The same old style and sound, but elevated and with a few new surprises.
Grand Design is already booked for the 2018 Melodic Rock Festival in USA and Sweden, a tour of Spain is planned for the fall and more shows are being added!
Grand Design line-up: Pelle Saether: vocals Janne Stark: lead/rhythm guitar+backing vocals Dennis Vestman: rhythm guitar+backing vocals Stefan Westerlund: bass+backing vocals Joakim Jonsson: drums+backing vocals
Reliance Code Is a 5-piece alternative-metal/active rock band out of the Eastern Oklahoma region. The band was founded in late 2014 by lead-singer Todd Falconer, and bassist Josh Roach. Shane Diego (guitarist/back-up vocalist) joined the group shortly after. After much searching, drummer Chris Law, and lead guitarist Cody Peebles were brought in to complete the band. (Cody would leave in the fall of 2017 to be replaced by JC Patterson in early 2018.)
The band premiered its sound with the single “Come Alive” in the winter of 2015. Then returned to Empire Sound Studio in the spring of 2016 to record “From Afar”, “What You’ve Done” & “Fight for Life.” The tracks were soon released to the public on a 4-track EP.
After the release of its EP, the band experienced a growing popularity and was soon featured on Arkansas’ The Fort 94.5’s “Arklahoma Grown” series; and named “Band of the Month” for April 2017 by Krave Radio along with many other accomplishments.
They continued to work with Grammy-nominated and multi-award winning producer Alex Gerst to complete their album, “Finding Your Way Out”; and in June 2017, Reliance Code released the album to the public. “Finding Your Way Out” is an extension of the band’s popular EP, and consist of 8 tracks. With a great mix of heavy, melodic, and pop-rock tunes, the album brings a unique sound that is sure to appeal to all ages and genres.
The album tells a story of overcoming addiction, dealing with heartache, learning to live in the moment and make the most out of life. In November 2016, the band signed with Rock Solid Talent Entertainment Record Label in the U.K. Soon thereafter, head executive Phil Taylor gave press releases in London England, New York City, & L.A. to announce the new addition to his label.
Since taking to the stages in late July of 2016, Reliance Code has performed with national touring acts such as 3 Pill Morning, Texas Hippie Coalition, Gemini Syndrome, and HELLYEAH. The two highlights of RC’s early career would be making the official line up for Rocklahoma 2017, as well as being scheduled to perform on the Main Stage at Lynchburg, Virginia’s Blue Ridge Rock Festival September 9, 2017.
Cody Peebles left the band in the fall of 2017 shortly after the Blue Ridge Festival. The band carried on as a 4 piece for the remainder of their scheduled shows and then took a break to replace him. February 2018 the band announced the addition of JC Patterson to fill the void. The band has several shows lined up for 2018!! Be sure to follow Reliance Code for upcoming show dates!! #KnowTheCode
Some musical combinations just happen, and when they happen magic suddenly appears. The pairing up of Merryweather Stark is just such an occasion. Neil Merryweather has a long career as a singer, bass player, composer and producer including playing and recording with Mama Lion, Heavy Cruiser, Eyes, Lita Ford, Steve Miller, Randy California, Hundred Watt Head and of course under his own name, delivering the classic “Kryptonite” and “Space Rangers” albums.
Guitarist, Janne Stark has released numerous albums with bands like Overdrive, Grand Design, Constancia, Locomotive Breath, BALLS and Mountain of Power. The latter was also the project that started this whole journey, when Neil did a guest spot on two tracks and Janne covered two of Neil’s songs on the third Mountain of Power album “Volume Three”.
When the Mountain of Power recording was finished, Stark and Merryweather started talking about the possibility of doing something further together. Janne sent Neil a song he had been working on just to see if it would work. Two days later Neil had written lyrics and vocal melodies for the track, and “Babylon – Sin City” was a born! From there on it was full throttle! Now the duo’s debut album Carved in Rock is complete.
Stark says, “The writing process has been so effortless and so much fun. Some songs I’ve had the basic musical idea for, sent it to Neil, he got back with vocal ideas and lyrics, maybe switched things around so that the bridge became a chorus and the solo section became a verse. Some songs Neil came up with and I added some additional ideas. We also did a re-recording of one of Neil’s old tracks: “Always Be You”, which he still sings in the same key it was originally recorded in 1974.” The track will appear as a bonus track for the vinyl version of Carved In Rock.
When it came to the mixing of the album, it didn’t take long to realize the most perfect person to mix it was Martin J Andersen, who also mixed the Mountain of Power album, plus he’s a great singer and guitarist (Blindstone, Meridian) who understands the genre. Janne and Neil were aiming for a classic, dynamic, seventies oriented sound without sounding dated. All real acoustic drums, bass, guitars and tube amps, like it’s supposed to be! Drums on the album were handled by “TrumPeter” Svensson, whom Janne has been working with since the 80s in various bands, including Locomotive Breath, Constancia and Mountain of Power.
Musically, the Merryweather Stark album contains a blend of heavy guitar riffs, chunky drum playing and fat bass topped with Neil’s powerful and melodic vocals. The music features a mix of crunchy riff rock, funky rhythms, seventies hard rock, high speed riffs, mid paced classic rock and a touch of bluesy licks. The lyrics ranges from tongue-in-cheek stuff such as “Rockers Lament” to things that reflect what happening in the world today, like “What’s It Gonna Be” and “Give ‘Em Hell, Boy.”
Abstract Manner “A thousand roses I will lay at your feet. If you would love me again.” A true love story of obsession, possession and persuasion. Watch the video “Predator” by Abstract Manner to be seduced into the story of allurement. Bringing back music videos that we once loved in the days of MTV, videos that tell the tales of the song and entertain us with their pleasure, is what Abstract Manner aims to do to entice its viewers.
With vocal ranges that are not at all simplistic or standard, guitar riffs that paint the scene to the song and percussion that keeps the heart pounding, Abstract Manner is sure to inveigle.
With catchy, hard-hitting riffs, heavy bass and relentless percussion, Spiral Crush is one of Michigan’s emerging rock bands that cannot be ignored. Consistently delivering high-energy, unforgettable live performances, this band reminds us what loving and experiencing rock ‘n’ roll is all about. Their sound is diverse and contains undertones of classic and alternative rock.
Spiral Crush consists of brothers Shaun (vocals/guitar) and Scott Smail (drums) along with longtime friend Jimmy Conrad (bass). Growing up together, this trio always knew that music would be a part of their past, present and future. Their shared passion for music, from writing to performing, is one of the many reasons why they work and play so well together.
The band independently released their self titled debut album in 2001 before Scott and Shaun joined another band, Throttlebody, which featured Andy Patalan and Kyle Neely of Detroit rock band, Sponge.
In 2007, the guys came back together with Jimmy and released their second album, “Nothing to Lose.” The title track, “Fall from Grace,” and “Bottoming Out” showcase their “in- your-face rock ‘n’ roll” style which has been well-received by Detroit rock stations 89x and WRIF 101.1. Spiral Crush continues to build a solid reputation as an aggressive, American Rock band, and has shared stages with national acts such as Buckcherry, Seether, Jet, Sponge, Halestorm, and many others.
Spiral Crush will be back in the studio in this June to record their third album and continue to work on setting precedence throughout the Midwest as a talented, genuine rock band that is to be reckoned with.
Driving music, powerful vocals, and mind-altering hooks of The Haunted North (THN) merge in the band’s debut release, Monster. Damien vocalist Randy V and Sean Francis, along with John ‘JD’ DeServio and Jeff Fabb from Black Label Society, create groove rock that is as fresh as it is familiar.
Monster has the impact of a steamroller… straightforward, raw, with no pretense. It incites a marching sensation you’re compelled to give in to and the haunting lyrics match the name of the project. The memorials, “Body & Soul” and “Without a Dawn” are moving and moody. The opening track Mojave Moon originated from hallucinations induced by hours of blistering heat as Randy rode his Indian motorcycle across the Mojave Desert in the middle of July. With the moon in front of him and the burning sun behind, he reached a moment of real connection with life and death. The other songs, seething with attitude about determining one’s fate, challenging religious dogma, battling with codependency, and deciding how one lives and dies… are all in your face and undeniable.
THN single Body & Soul (2015) came about because of a fated meeting between Randy and the mother of Layne Staley, the deceased famed singer of Alice In Chains. Her story inspired Randy to write tribute lyrics. Shortly after that, he and Canadian guitarist Sean Francis met at a Black Label Society concert in Seattle. Randy mentioned he was looking for music for the song and the two were off and running.
After “Body & Soul”, Sean asked Black Label society’s bassist John ‘JD’ DeServio and drummer Jeff Fabb to lay down tracks for Monster. They agreed and Randy and Sean began writing in February of 2017. Sean sums up the project, “The winds of fate were working their magic when a small-town Canadian kid and an American bad ass singer happened to be at the same place, at the same time, with the same ideas and wanting the same things to happen. Both fans of BLS, we met at one of their shows and after establishing an easy friendship, we were ready to ignite some sonic dynamite. I’ve had the time of my life with good friends making the album I’ve always wanted to hear and now it’s time to unleash it upon the world!”
The honesty of THN’s overall concept “to simply be” is clearly heard on Monster and Randy relates, “We are far beyond the need to prove ourselves to anyone. These songs are raw, honest, hard-hitting, and undeniably relevant. Sean has written some truly great riffs and it’s been an honor working with JD and Jeff. They are exceptional.”
The Haunted North stands out because in a world where it’s all been done before, these men maintain their identities. That rare, pure authenticity is at the heart of their music.
Celebrating their twenty seventh year as one of Sweden’s most beloved traditional metal bands Bolinas based TAD MOROSE unleash their tenth album (not including 2000’s compilation ‘Reflections’, naturally titled Chapter X.
After the release of ‘St. Demonius,’ the quintet took to the road to do what they do best, destroy clubs, theatres and festival stages all across the European continent. “2015 and 2016 was the same as always with these guys – lots of fun touring and collecting souls, or as most people call it ‘gaining new fans,’” says singer Ronny Hemlin.
The band spent much of 2017 holed up in Hemlin’s Studio Claustrophobic and working at the pace of “freedom.” There was no pressure or time restraints so the five worked when they wanted and how they wanted. “The actual recording process was the same as for the two previous albums,” says guitarist Christer Krunt Andersson. “Kenneth recorded his guitars at his place and I recorded mine at my studio. The drums, bass and vocals were recorded at Studio Claustrophobic. This way we all can record whenever we want. Then we meet up and listen through everything at Studio Claustrophobic and add some bits and pieces. Then when we are satisfied it goes into mixing. The mixing was done yet again by Ronny and his studio partner Johan.”
Chapter X opens with the powerful “Apocalypse,” a semi-proggy, symphonic melodic metal tune loaded with a chorus that kicks the listener in the ass while “Deprived of Light” is straight up double bass melodic power metal with a stench of 80s Germany yet very modern at the same time. “I am Night” is a fist to the face with a chorus that screams for an audience sing-along and album closer, “… Yet Still You Preach” calms things down with an atmospheric feel.
Signing with GMR Music in the spring of 2018, TAD MOROSE has a new home to tie to their new chapter. “It feels great to have signed with GMR!” Andersson declares. “We are really looking forward to see how this will evolve. We’ve got some shows booked for the summer and more to come. It feels great to get back on the stage again since playing live is the fuel in our engine.
The sound of Murder Weapons has been described as Shock Rock Horror Industrial, and the Industrial Motley Crue. Samples from actual serial killer trials, horror flicks and other intriguing auditory terrors are amply delivered by this quartet, punctuating the tracks with bloody theatrics. Live shows feature a “splash zone” of blood, glitter and various body parts. Audiences have become accustomed to this delightful debauchery, featuring gory visuals, murder weapons and blood splattered cage dancers.
Murder Weapons was born in 2012 with founder and bassist Jesse Razorr writing music based on a fascination with serial killers, horror and the finer things in life. His longtime collaborator Dawn Woodkill hails from the top 40 scene, bringing her power vocals to the party. In 2016, Billy Mace graced their presence with his hard-hitting drumming, and in 2017, Shon Shiv finalized the lineup with his guitar assaults. Their first music video for the track HIVE was released in January 2018 to rave reviews.
SEASONS OF ME WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2010 BY MEMBERS CAMRON SCISM (VOCALS/GUITAR) AND NIC MCWILLIAMS (BASS). WITH A PASSION FOR EXPLAINING TRUE LIFE EXPERIENCES THROUGH MUSIC, THEY SET OUT ON AN ENDEAVOR TO FIND LIKE MINDED MUSICIANS. AFTER SEVERAL PERSONNEL CHANGES, THE CURRENT LINE UP IS ROCK SOLID WHICH NOW INCLUDES GREG BARRETT (DRUMS) AND DANA COX (GUITAR). THE ONCE DREAM HAS BECOME A REALITY. “WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON OUR GRASS ROOTS DIY APPROACH TO ROCK MUSIC. WE EARN THE RESPECT OF OUR PEERS AND THE HEARTS OF OUR SUPPORTERS ONE SHOW AND ONE FAN AT A TIME.”
SEASONS RELEASED THEIR FIRST E.P. TRANSFORMATION IN 2012 WITH THE HELP OF PRODUCER AND ENGINEER TROY WHITSON. PERFORMING WITH SUCH ACTS AS POP EVIL, NEW MEDICINE, EYE EMPIRE, 10 YEARS, SUPER BOB, HURT, TAPROOT, AND ZACH MYERS (GUITARIST OF SHINEDOWN) HAS ONLY FURTHER INSTILLED THE DRIVE THAT THEY HAVE TO PURSUE A CAREER IN MUSIC. HARD WORKING, INVENTIVE, AND DETERMINED ARE JUST A FEW OF THE TERMS THAT HAVE BEEN USED TO DESCRIBE SEASONS OF ME. “WE WORK HARD EVERYDAY FOR THIS, BUT NONE OF IT MATTERS WITHOUT OUR FANS, THIS IS WHY WE STRIVE TO MEET EACH AND EVERY ONE WE CAN AT EVERY SHOW.”
