VOCAL POWERHOUSE JEFF SCOTT SOTO’S BRAND NEW VIDEO “LOOK INSIDE YOUR HEART” HAS EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE PREMIERE ON NOISECREEP TODAY

(New York, NY) – Jeff Scott Soto fans worldwide can click here to witness the worldwide premiere of the video for “Look Inside Your Heart”. The song is the first single from Soto’s forthcoming album DAMAGE CONTROL and features Soto collaborating with Night Ranger guitarist Joel Hoekstra, who can also be seen in the video. The audio track is available at all digital retail outlets; click here to get it now.

Jeff Scott Soto’s new album DAMAGE CONTROL will be released on March 27th in North America via Frontiers Records. The album was recorded in Fall 2011 and features guest appearances by Jamie Borger and Nalle Påhlsson (Treat), Casey Grillo (Kamelot), Joel Hoekstra (Night Ranger) and Dave Meniketti, founding member of Y&T. DAMAGE CONTROL will be released in two configurations: the basic version in CD jewel box and a deluxe edition in digipak format. The deluxe edition contains three additional bonus tracks and a DVD with videos and interview footage. To preorder the deluxe physical CD, click here; click here to preorder the regular version. To preorder the digital version of the album, please click here. Please see below for the track listing and click here to view the official trailer for DAMAGE CONTROL.

Jeff Scott Soto has lent his powerhouse vocals to more than 60 albums, expertly navigating numerous genres from hard rock to funk. Soto’s career spans nearly thirty years, beginning as the vocalist for guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen. He has fronted such bands as Talisman, Soul SirkUS and Journey. More recently, Soto has been a vocalist with Trans-Siberian Orchestra gaining a Gold Disc for their 2009 release NIGHT CASTLE.

Jeff Scott Soto DAMAGE CONTROL track listing:

1. Give A Little More
2. Damage Control
3. Look Inside Your Heart
4. Die A Little
5. Take U Down*
6. If I Never Let Her Go
7. Tears That I Cry
8. BonaFide
9. Elena*
10. Krazy World
11. How To Love Again
12. AfterWorld
13. NeverEnding War
14. Afraid To Die*

*Bonus tracks only available on the deluxe edition of DAMAGE CONTROL

For more information please visit:
www.jeffscottsoto.com
www.frontiers.it

JACK BLADES’ BRAND NEW VIDEO “BACK IN THE GAME” HAS EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE PREMIERE ON HANNITY.COM TODAY

(New York, NY) – Jack Blades fans worldwide can log on to www.hannity.com right now to witness the worldwide premiere of the video for “Back In The Game”. The song is the first single from Jack Blades’ forthcoming album ROCK N’ ROLL RIDE. The video imparts a strong patriotic message of the debt of gratitude owed to the military of this nation. Blades, a longtime fan of talk show host Sean Hannity, recently appeared on the “Hannity” television show and an instant bond was established melding the political world with the rock music world. Jack Blades commented, “Sean’s a great guy but he needs work on his onstage rock moves...I’m just the guy to teach him!”

ROCK N’ ROLL RIDE is due out on March 27th in North America via Frontiers Records and features contributions from Blades’ Night Ranger bandmates Brad Gillis, Kelly Keagy, Joel Hoekstra and Eric Levy, as well as a special guest appearance by Cheap Trick’s Robin Zander. Click here to download the cover art. Click here to pre-order the physical album on Amazon and here to pre-order the digital album on iTunes.

Jack Blades is a frontman, lead singer, bassist, songwriter, and producer as well as a founding member of the highly-successful arena rock band, Night Ranger and supergroup Damn Yankees (along with Ted Nugent and Tommy Shaw from Styx) and the highly-regarded Shaw/Blades. Throughout his remarkable career Blades has sold over 25 million albums, performed in front of millions of fans worldwide and collaborated with some of rock's most legendary artists. With a career spanning three decades, Blades has recorded with, penned songs and produced albums for some of the music industry's biggest names including Aerosmith, Cher, Ringo Star, Alice Cooper, Roger Daltrey, Journey, Ozzy Osbourne, Styx, Ted Nugent, Motley Crue and Vince Neil. His music has been featured in movies such as Armageddon, Boogie Nights, Tommy Boy, television shows such as “South Park” and “American Dad,” the hit Broadway musical (and soon-to-be released major motion picture) Rock of Ages and the wildly successful videogame series "Rock Band" and "Guitar Hero". With Blades’ songwriting, driving guitars, stage antics and on the strength of Night Ranger's songs “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me,” “Rock in America,” “Sister Christian,” “When You Close Your Eyes,” and “Sentimental Street”, along with the Damn Yankees hits "High Enough" and "Coming of Age", Blades' legacy continues to inspire generations while still being written.

For more information please visit:
www.jackblades.net
www.frontiers.it

NEW JERSEY ROCKERS TYKETTO TO RELEASE FIRST NEW ALBUM IN 18 YEARS: “DIG IN DEEP”

Frontiers Records is proud to announce the release of the first new album in 18 years from New Jersey rockers Tyketto: DIG IN DEEP is due out on April 20th in Europe and April 24th in North America and features the original line-up. With recent appearances at Sweden Rock, Download, Firefest, Hard Rock Hell and Hard in Rio, the band realized they still had a huge fan base worldwide and the timing was perfect for a new album.



Please see below for the album’s complete track listing. Tyketto will headline Firefest in the United Kingdom in October, 2012.

Formed in New Jersey in 1990, Tyketto released their major label debut DON’T COME EASY in 1991. The album contained the hit AOR songs “Forever Young” and “Seasons” as well as “Wings” and “End Of The Summer Days,” whose respective videos, along with “Forever Young,” were in heavy rotation on MTV. Tyketto has sold hundreds of thousands of albums worldwide. Tyketto is: Danny Vaughn (lead vocals), Brooke St. James (lead guitar/backing vocals), Jimi Kennedy (bass/backing vocals) and Michael Clayton (drums/backing vocals).



Tyketto DIG IN DEEP track listing includes the following songs:

1. Faithless
2. Love To Love
3. Here’s Hoping It Hurts
4. Battle Lines
5. The Fight Left In Me
6. Evaporate
7. Monday
8. Dig In Deep
9. Sound Off
10. Let This One Slide
11. This Is How We Say Goodbye

Weblinks: www.frontiers.it / www.tyketto.de

TRIXTER FIRST NEW ALBUM IN 20 YEARS: “NEW AUDIO MACHINE”

Trixter is ready to give it to you good with first new album in 20 years: “New Audio Machine” due out In april on frontiers records.

Frontiers Records is proud to announce the return of good-time rock n’ rollers, Trixter; the band’s first new album in 20 years, NEW AUDIO MACHINE, has been confirmed for a release date on April 20th in Europe and April 24th in North America. Featuring the band’s original line-up, NEW AUDIO MACHINE is produced and engineered by Chuck Alzakian (Elton John, Christina Aguilera, Tesla) and includes songwriting contributions by Skid Row’s Snake Sabo and Rachel Bolan and former Styx member Glen Burtnik. Trixter frontman Pete Loran commented, “After all these years playing and recording with this band, I would say I am most proud of this record!” Lead guitarist Steve Brown added, “NEW AUDIO MACHINE is everything Trixter was and everything we are now. I can’t wait for the world to hear it!”



Northern New Jersey’s Trixter’s self-titled debut album (1990) spawned three monster hit singles/videos with “Give It To Me Good”, “One in a Million” and “Surrender”, as well as an RIAA-certified Gold album. Voted “Best New Band” by Hit Parader Magazine and “Best Concert” by Metal Edge Magazine, Trixter has toured extensively in the United States, Canada and Japan. They have performed in arenas and amphitheaters with crowds of up to 35,000 and have appeared live on numerous television and radio programs such as Entertainment Tonight, Pay-Per-View, VH-1, MTV, Z-Rock and MetalShop. Trixter has shared the stage with such rock heavyweights as Kiss, Boston, The Scorpions, Poison, Vince Neil, Cinderella, Warrant, Slaughter, Winger, Skid Row, Great White, Firehouse, Faster Pussycat, Stryper, Dokken and more. The band recently nabbed the #29 spot on VH-1’s “Top 40 Hair Bands of All Time” countdown.



Trixter is Pete Loran (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Steve Brown (lead guitar/harmonica/backing vocals), P.J. Farley (bass/backing vocals) and Gus Scott (drums/percussion/backing vocals).

Trixter NEW AUDIO MACHINE track listing:

1. Drag Me Down
2. Get On It
3. Dirty Love
4. Machine
5. Live For The Day
6. Ride
7. Physical Attraction
8. Tattoos & Misery
9. The Coolest Thing
10. Save Your Soul
11. Walk With A Stranger
12. Heart Of Steel (bonus acoustic track)

Weblinks : www.frontiers.it / www.trixterrocks.com

WIG WAM RETURNS WITH WORLD-WIDE RELEASE ”WALL STREET”

Wig Wam is due to release the new single ”Wall Street” February 24th ,2012 on Frontiers Records. “Wall Street” is taken from the forthcoming album with the same title, which will be released this spring.

“Wall Street” is the story of a musician who trade his guitar for a company brand to make his fortune in the stock market. It’s got the recipe of a great Wig Wam ”Smash Hit” and is everything you expect from these guys!!!!!!!



WIG WAM was founded late 2000 after finding back to their personal musical roots as a jam band. Covering songs that inspired them to pick up instruments in the first place gave birth to Wig Wam, and February 24th 2001 they kickstarted their now 9 year old Wig Wamtical journey. After 2 years on the road the bands followers was increasing rapidly in their home country Norway. But they were yet to be accepted by the music business. Taking notice of the feedback received from their live audience the band recorded their first album “667…The Neighbour of The Beast” on their own expenses, WIG WAM shocked their countrymen by joining the Norwegian Eurovision Song contest final to promote themselves on account of no promo budget. WIG WAM suddenly became a household name in Norway after turning the contest into a rock concert rather than a song-contest. But it wasn’t until 2005 WIG WAM would enjoy their major breakthrough. Being invited back to the Eurovision Song contest WIG WAM pulled it off big time.

IN MY DREAMS was released 2 days after their victory and went straight to #1 on the national charts, where it stayed for over 21 weeks and sold platinum. Their new edition of “667..” now titled “HARD TO BE A ROCK’N ROLLER” Stayed on the charts for 19 weeks and also became platinum. WIG WAM was suddenly making headlines by introducing Hard Rock to the international Eurovision Song contest Final were they made #9 a victory for a the whole Hard Rock genre.

“HARD TO BE A ROCK’N ROLLER” and the smash hit “IN MY DREAMS” put WIG WAM on the map, and led the band to a victorious tour that counted 187 concerts in just a year. The tour took WIG WAM through Norway, Sweden, Germany, Iceland and England.

Midway through the tour WIG WAM also recorded a one-off show with an symphonic orchestra for their debut Dvd “Rock’n Roll Revolution” which was released in November 2005. The DVD soon became a Gold Dvd and topped the Norwegian Dvd charts.

In 2006 WIG WAM went straight from the road to the studio and recorded their follow up, WIG WAMANIA. WIG WAMANIA was released February 17th and and the band immediately found themselves back on the road on their WIG WAMANIA TOUR which also took the band to Japan for the first time. WIG WAMS tourdates in the land of the rising sun was recorded, and ended up being released in 2007 on both the double cd “Live In Tokyo” and the Dvd“Made In Japan”. Later that year WIG WAM returned to Japan as one of the major acts on the Loud Park Festival bill. Which was later broadcasted on MTV Japan.

WIG WAM took a break through 2008 which gave the band members a chance to pursue other individual activities. Flash worked with his former band Artch. Teeny recorded his forthcoming Dracula concept album “Swing of Death” as well as returning to his former band Dream Police. Glam toured with his Queen show The Show Must Go On and released his second album GLAMunition.

In 2009 the band got together again to start working on their third studio album NON STOP ROCK’N ROLL. WIG WAM spent most of the summer in Teenys studio The Rock Ranch to record the 11 tracks that makes the first WIG WAM album to be released simultaneously in whole Europe and Japan. The Album was a huge success for the band sold to Gold Award in Norway, and also took them all around the world, including tours in USA, Japan and rest of Europe.

“WALL STREET” is the title of WIG WAM’s new single, and also the name of the forthcoming album. Fans will not be disappointed as WIG WAM still present them with classic & catchy choruses. It’s melodic Hard Rock - Blowing your speakers with full blown Rock’n roll anthems!

More info: www.wigwam.no or www.myspace.com/wigwamania

Swedish Sleaze Rock Masters CRAZY LIXX ready to rock again with “Riot Avenue”

Frontiers Records is excited to announce the release date of CRAZY LIXX anticipated third studio album entitled “Riot Avenue” on April 20th in Europe and April 24th in North America.



Almost an exact decade after vocalist Danny Rexon and ex-guitarist Vic Zino (now in Hardcore Superstar) started playing together under the name Crazy Lixx, the band is about to release what, without a doubt, is their strongest and most focused album. “Riot Avenue” includes 11 track hard rocking tracks that appeals both to the old fans, as well as a new crowd with its faster tempo and riff-based approach.

"We've been trying to make this album heavier than our previous releases and this time it meant doing it ourselves. We haven't been using an external producer but just listened to what we wanted and what we felt would be the right step to take… and if you ask me, we've nailed it. Can't wait to let people hear our new stuff!" - says vocalist and sole remaining founding member Danny Rexon.

At the same time the band is once again decimated down to three members with the recent departure of drummer Joél Cirera and bass player Loke Rivano (both featured on the new album) and the remaining members will look long and hard to replace the rhythm section, before the tour starts in the late spring of 2012.

"This seems to be a curse that Crazy Lixx suffers more often than other bands. When I joined, the band had just lost their guitarist a month after the release of the first album and now even before we started recording this album Joél stated it would be the last album with Crazy Lixx for him and along the way we also lost Loke." - says guitarist Andy Dawson, who joined the band in 2008.

With the addition of another guitarist Edd Liam, Crazy Lixx has also gone for a slightly different style when it comes to the songwriting, especially around the guitar parts and riffs.

"Since there's two of us now (guitar players), we felt that we could do stuff that wasn't possible on the previous albums, especially if we wanted to be able to perform the songs the same way live. This time we've added a lot more twin guitar work and also thought more about how the songs on the album would transfer to the stage in the best way possible." - says guitar player and newest member Edd Liam.



Crazy Lixx were among the first bands to emerge in what has been known as "The New Wave of Swedish Sleaze" along with Crashdïet, Hardcore Superstar, Babylon Bombs and Vains of Jenna but just like their fellow genre-mates, Crazy Lixx have now created their own style and with Riot Avenue they are now ready to show it to the world!

The first single “In The Night” will be exclusively distributed in Sweden through Sweden Rock Magazine in the issue that will hit the streets on March 19th. This special release will include two exclusive acoustic bonus tracks (unavailable elsewhere) : “Riot Avenue” and “Fire It Up”. Digital release will happen worldwide on the same date, but without the bonus acoustic tracks.

“Riot Avenue” will include the following songs:Whiskey Tango Foxtrot; Young Blood; Riot Avenue; Fire It Up; Downtown; In The Night; Church Of Rock; Heatseeker; Sweet, Bad & Beautiful; Be Gone; Only The Dead Know.

CRAZY LIXX

Danny Rexon - vocals
Andy Dawson - guitars
Edd Liam – guitars

Featured on the album:
Joél Cirera - drums
Loke Rivano - bass Weblinks: www.frontiers.it / www.crazylixx.com

ICONIC SINGER/SONGWRITER JACK BLADES TO RELEASE NEW SOLO ALBUM: “ROCK N’ ROLL RIDE”

Much-beloved singer/songwriter/bass player extraordinaire Jack Blades is slated to release his brand new solo album, ROCK N’ ROLL RIDE, on March 23rd in Europe and March 27th in North America via Frontiers Records. The new album marks Blades’ second solo release for the label. The new record marks Blades’ second solo release for the label. Hot off the heels of Night Ranger’s celebrated 2011 CD, SOMEWHERE IN CALIFORNIA, and a massive North American tour with Night Ranger as support for Journey and Foreigner last year, Blades shows no signs of slowing down with his buoyant new album. Of the new offering, Blades commented, “ROCK N’ ROLL RIDE is an extension of what my music has been for the last 30 years. It has been quite a rock n’ roll ride and I decided to lay it all down on a record!”



ROCK N’ ROLL RIDE features contributions from Blades’ Night Ranger bandmates Brad Gillis, Kelly Keagy, Joel Hoekstra and Eric Levy, as well as a special guest appearance by Cheap Trick’s Robin Zander. The first single from the album “Back In The Game” will soon impact at radio.

Jack Blades is a frontman, lead singer, bassist, songwriter, and producer as well as a founding member of the highly-successful arena rock band, Night Ranger and supergroup Damn Yankees (along with Ted Nugent and Tommy Shaw from Styx) and the highly-regarded Shaw/Blades. Throughout his remarkable career Blades has sold over 25 million albums, performed in front of millions of fans worldwide and collaborated with some of rock's most legendary artists. With a career spanning three decades, Blades has recorded with, penned songs and produced albums for some of the music industry's biggest names including Aerosmith, Cher, Ringo Star, Alice Cooper, Roger Daltrey, Journey, Ozzy Osbourne, Styx, Ted Nugent, Motley Crue and Vince Neil. His music has been featured in movies such as Armageddon, Boogie Nights, Tommy Boy, television shows such as “South Park” and “American Dad,” the hit Broadway musical (and soon-to-be released major motion picture) Rock of Ages and the wildly successful videogame series "Rock Band" and "Guitar Hero". With Blades’ songwriting, driving guitars, stage antics and on the strength of Night Ranger's songs “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me,” “Rock in America,” “Sister Christian,” “When You Close Your Eyes,” and “Sentimental Street”, along with the Damn Yankees hits "High Enough" and "Coming of Age", Blades' legacy continues to inspire generations while still being written.



“Rock 'n’ Roll Ride” trackisting includes:
Back In The Game Rock ‘N’ Roll Ride; Hardest Word To Say; Anything For You; Love Life; West Hollywood; Born For This; Don't Give Up; Say You Will; Rise And Shine; Hey Now

Weblinks: www.jackblades.net / www.frontiers.it

Musicians
Jack Blades: Bass, guitar, acoustic guitar, lead and background vocals
Joel Hoekstra: Guitars and solos
Will Evankovich: Acoustic guitars, mandolin, add. guitars, Coral Sitar guitar, background vocals
Kelly Keagy and Brian Tichy: Drums
Eric Levy and Christian Matthew Cullen: Keyboards
Robin Zander : Chorus vocals on "Anything for you"
Colin Blades, Kelly Keagy: additional background vocals
Brad Gillis: additional solo guitar on "Say you Will"

SUNSTORM - Emotional Fire [2012]

Joe Lynn Turner’s career has had a number of highlights. From his early days with Fandango to the Rainbow success and later on with Deep Purple and Yngwie Malmsteen, and his solo career, the New Jersey-born singer has covered a wide number of musical styles with his inimitable vocals.

Certainly he left an indelible mark in the hearts and minds of Melodic Rock fans when, in 1985, after the break-up of Rainbow, Turner released his first solo album entitled “Rescue You”. He co-wrote most of the songs with keyboardist Al Greenwood (ex Foreigner). The first single, "Endlessly," received extensive airplay on radio and MTV. Tours with Night Ranger and Pat Benatar followed. He also wrote more songs for a follow up album in a similar style, but fate called him in 1988 to join the Swedish guitar hero Yngwie Malmsteen for the “Odyssey” album, one of the most successful of his career.

Years later, when Turner got in touch with Frontiers Records President Serafino Perugino, the idea of digging some old gems and to create an ultimate Joe Lynn Turner Melodic Rock/AOR dream came about. This brought about the release of the first SUNSTORM album in 2006 and of the follow up “House of Dreams” 3 years later.

While the first two albums basic inspiration came from the AOR catalogue of songs that Turner penned for himself or other artists of the genre, for the third album it was decided to look at Turner’s numerous vocal sessions he did in the 80’s as background vocalist for other artists. This brought to the resurrection of some Michael Bolton’s AOR gems such as “Gina” (originally included on “The Hunger” album, where Turner contributed with background vocals), and “Emotional Fire” which Bolton penned for the “Heart of Stone” album from Cher (in which Turner again appeared as background vocalist).

With production and mix once again under the expert hands of Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69, Place Vendome, Angra etc.) and a tracklisting rounded out by some amazing songs written by the likes of Soren Kronkvist (Crash the System, Issa), Tom and James Martin (Vega, Sunstorm, Khymera) and Daniel Palmqvist (Xorigin, The Murder of My Sweet), the third Sunstorm album “Emotional Fire” is destined to reignite the Melodic Rock passion in every fan!

SUNSTORM
Lead Vocals: Joe Lynn Turner
Drums: Chris (Schmidtic) Schmidt
Bass, partial guitars and backing vocals: Dennis Ward
Guitars: Uwe Reitenauer
Keys: Justin Dakey

Produced by Dennis Ward

SONIC STATION - Sonic Station [2012]

Tracklisting: Intro; Love's Gonna Show The Way (Feat. Magnus Bäcklund); I Wish I Could Lie (Feat. Marika Willstedt); Hold On To Me (Feat. Kristoffer Fogelmark); You Have To Let Me Go (Feat. Tove Lo); The Most Beautiful Fear (Feat. Magnus Bäcklund); Running Through The Night (Feat. Marika Willstedt); Never Let The Sunshine Die (Feat. Kristoffer Fogelmark); My Last Refrain (Feat. Marika Willstedt); Love You More (Feat. Marika Willstedt & Kristoffer Fogelmark); Reasons (Feat. Marika Willstedt)

Sonic Station is a new Westcoast AOR Project put together by Alexander Kronbrink (a swedish guitarist, composer and producer). Alexander is a young musician who learned his skills working with smooth Jazz star Jonathan Fritzén – who lived in his neighborhood. Later on – after being introduced to Lee Ritenour - Alexander started to see a clearer direction in his playing. Through Ritenour he discovered the music of such giants as Steely Dan, Kenny Loggins, composer and producer David Foster and guitarist Jay Graydon, to mention a few.
While studying music at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, he teamed up with Marika Willstedt, a singer and piano player and they started writing music and playing together. This collaboration turned out to be the beginning of the Sonic Station record.
Marika is today a well known artist and session musician in Sweden after appearing as pianist and teamleader in a prime time tv-show on national television. She sings and plays keyboards on the Sonic Station record and has also written most of the lyrics. Two of the songs have lyrics by Alexander’s father, Hans Kronbrink.
During the second half of the 00’s, while working on his Sonic Station project, Alexander also played the guitar with different artists and groups. Among them the thrilling side project Moonlight Sailors with, once again, his friend Jonathan Fritzén on keyboards, accompanied by drummer Aron Mellergård and bass player Henrik Linder. The last two are the founders of amazing group Dirty Loops, celebrated by both Lee Ritenour and Jay Graydon! Mellergård and Linder have also contributed with their talents on the Sonic Station record.
From the very beginning the Sonic Station project has been based in the 80’s AOR music (influenced by Toto, Mr Mister and Journey) and the West Coast-sound of Airplay and Chicago. To get the most quality out of each song Alexander, who composed ten tracks and also produced and arranged the whole record, engaged four singers with different singing styles and voices: Marika Willstedt, Magnus Bäcklund, Kristoffer Fogelmark and Tove Lo.
Backed up by a long line of session musicians and Alexander’s brilliant guitar playing Sonic Station is an expressive and warm record, where each song has an obvious and immediate hit feeling. With Sonic Station, Alexander Kronbrink has taken the 80’s into the future!


SONIC STATION
Lead Vocals: Marika Willstedt, Kristoffer Fogelmark, Magnus Bäcklund, Tove Lo
Guitars: Alexander Kronbrink
Bass: Henrik Linder, Erik Metall, Kristofer Sundström, Johan Ivansson, Johan Hansén-Larson
Drums: Aron Mellergårdh, Thern Pettersson, Niklas Almgren
Keyboards: Jonathan Fritzén, Marika Willstedt, David Larson, Alexander Kronbrink
Percussion: Andreas Ekstedt
Backing vocals: Oskar Nilsson, Matilda Bådagård, Alexander Kronbrink
Saxophone: Conny Lindgren
Trumpet, Flugelhorn: Erik Palmberg

Produced by Alexander Kronbrink

MICHAEL THOMPSON BAND - Future Past [2012]

Release date:
Europe - February 24th 2012
North America – February 28th 2012

Tracklisting:High Times; Can't Be Right; Future Past; When You Love Someone; Here I Am; Beautiful Mystery; Break Me Down; End Game; Gypsy Road; Can't Miss 2012; Fight For Your Life.

Michael Thompson is nowadays one of the leading guitar players of the world. He was awarded the "Distinguished Alumni" award from his alma mater Berklee College of Music to commemorate his contributions to the music industry. Berklee's program for the event noted that "he is widely regarded as being among the elite studio session players, and his amazing list of credits includes such prominent names as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, 'N Sync, Toni Braxton, Phil Collins, Rod Stewart, the Scorpions, Vince Neil, Christina Aguilera, Michael Bolton, Mariah Carey, Bette Midler, Madonna, Babyface, En Vogue, Gloria Estefan, Stanley Clarke and Ricky Martin."

Originally from New York, Michael moved to Los Angelesin 1979 to begin a studio musician career. In 1988, after working to try and get a deal with his band Slang, he finally got signed by Geffen Records to release one album entitled "How Long", under the Michael Thompson Band (M.T.B.) monicker.

On "How Long" more great studio musicians appeared as guests, in particular drummer-maestro Terry Bozzio, singer Moon Calhoun (ex The Strand), Pat Torpey (later on drummer with Mr Big), bassist Jimmy Haslip, John Elefante (Kansas), Toto's Bobby Kimball and Great White associates Michael Lardie and Wyn Davis (who also produced the album). Songwriters would include, among others, AOR luminaries such as: Jeff Paris, Mark Spiro, Billy Trudel and Brett Walker.

As of today “How Long” is still regarded as one of the highest examples of hi-tech AOR / West Coast, with a superb production and immaculate songwriting. Reissued in 2007 with 3 bonus tracks, it started a relationship between Michael Thompson and Frontiers who brought the anticipated release of the new Michael Thompson Band album in early 2012.

This time Michael teamed up with the awesome singer Larry King from the band Soleil Moon. Larry brought a new and more rocking approach to the MTB sound but certainly the trademark elements of songwriting and melodies are still to be found in the new album “Future Past”. The production of the album is just flawless and “Future Past” is destined to become soon another AOR music classic. Get it !



MICHAEL THOMPSON BAND
Michael Thompson Guitars & Keys
Larry King Vocals
Khari Parker Drums
Alan Berliant Bass

Guest Performers
John Blasucci – Keys
Dave Hiltebrand – Bass – When You Love Someone, Beautiful Mystery, Future Past, Here I Am & Break Me Down
Matt Walker – Drums – High Times
Sahara Thompson – Background Vocals – Can’t Miss
J.P. Delaire – Keys, Background Vocals, Sax – Can’t Miss

Produced By : Larry King & Michael Thompson

MR. BIG - Live From the Living Room [2012]

Release date:
Europe - February 24th 2012
North America – February 28th 2012

Tracklisting:Undertow; Still Ain't Enough For Me; As Far As I Can See; Voodoo Kiss; Take Cover; Around The World; Stranger In My Life; All The Way Up; To Be With You; Nobody Left To Blame.

On February 1st 2009, aradio announcement for "Koh Sakai’s Burrn Presents: Heavy Metal Syndicate" contained a short message from Mr. Big, announcing the reunion of the original lineup featuring Eric Martin, Paul Gilbert, Billy Sheehan and Pat Torpey, to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of their debut album. A press conference in Japan in February generated much excitement, and a tour of the country starting in June was announced, with shows in ten locations (including the BUDOKAN). That tour eventually brought to the release of a Live CD and DVD and the enthusiasm surrounding the reunion convinced the band to go back to the studio to write and record a new album entitled “What If...”.
The album went on to become gold in Japan and the band played 11 dates in support of the release. At the end of January 2011, during a week long promotion trip to promote the album and tour, they were invited to the WOWOW TV Studios in Tokyo to perform a special show in an acoustic setting.
When the talk of a broadcast first came up, the guys wanted to present something different than they’ve ever done before. Thus the idea of an acoustic show came about and a string quintet was brought in to enhance the project even more, with arrangements provided by Takashi Miyazaki. Although Paul Gilbert and Billy Sheehan hooked up electric on a few songs, the show was still very much acoustic in nature throughout. Pat Torpey played various acoustic percussion instruments during the gig.
The result from that magic night in Tokyo is now here: 10 Mr Big classics in a completely new and fresh dress and a portrait from the very first ever acoustic show from the band.

---ooo0ooo---

Formed in 1988, MR. BIG forged its place in hard rock history by combining trademark "shredding" musicianship with awesome vocal harmonies. The original lineup produced numerous hit songs that ranged across a wide array of rock genres, be it ballads, heavy metal, or blues rock. Their hits included "To Be With You" (Billboard Hot 100 number one single in 15 countries for weeks, in 1991, propelling the band the band to huge international success and record sales in the multi-millions), "Wild World", "Green-Tinted Sixties Mind", "Just Take My Heart", and a host of heavy metal songs that were played mostly during their live performances: "Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy", "Addicted to that Rush", "Colorado Bulldog", and "Take Cover". Mr. Big broke up in 2002 after a farewell tour and reunited with much acclaim 7 years later.

MR BIG
Eric Martin – lead vocals
Pat Torpey – drums, percussion, backing vocals
Billy Sheehan – bass guitar, backing vocals
Paul Gilbert – guitar, backing vocals

PRETTY MAIDS to celebrate their 30th Anniversary with the release of « It Comes Alive » - the band’s first ever audio-visual release !

Frontiers Records is pleased to celebrate PRETTY MAIDS’ Thirtieth Anniversary with the release of the band’s first ever live 2CD/DVD package entitled “It Comes Alive (Maid in Switzerland)” on March 23rd in Europe and March 27th in North America.

Following the highly acclaimed 2010 album “Pandemonium”, Danish melodic hard rockers, Pretty Maids have been touring more or less constantly throughout 2010/2011. They undertook a full scale European tour in 2010 and have since played several festivals and occasional gigs. The overwhelming response to the new songs and the ongoing requests coming from the fans prompted the band to take their chance and record a live 2CD/DVD last October 1st 2011. Pretty Maids gathered in Pratteln, Switzerland with an enthusiastic and highly explosive crowd of die hard fans and followers to fulfill the demand, for an energetic and memorable performance which was recorded with a fully equipped mobile studio and cameras.

“Riding on the success of our previous studio album Pandemonium and with maybe the strongest line up ever, we thought that we’d make some kind of a live document of what this band is all about in the present time” tells singer Ronnie Atkins. “It Comes Alive is purely and simply a tribute to all our fans and supporters throughout the world, who gave us so many memorable moments, so much pleasure and making our childhood dreams come through”.

“The band’s spirit during the last couple of years has been better than in a long long time” says Atkins. And “It Comes Alive (Maid in Switzerland)” shows the band at the top of their game, performing songs from a 30 year long career.

“It’s always difficult to make a set list that satisfies everyone” continues the singer, “It’s a combination of what the crowd expect us to play and what we like to play ourselves ! But of course there are songs like Futureworld and Red hot and heavy that we have been playing for the last 25 years so, they still get a new life every time we play ‘em and still seem to please our audience. But basically what you will find on this Live album are the songs that we toured with on the Pandemonium tour, with a few exceptions”.

“It Comes Alive (Maid in Switzerland)” will be exclusively released in a lavish 2cd/dvd digipak released and will include the following tracks:

CD1: Pandemonium; I.N.V.U; Hell on high heels; Wake up to the real world; Destination paradise; Another shot of your love; Scream; Walk away; It comes at night; Queen of dreams; Savage heart; Clay.
CD2: Yellow rain; Rock the house; Back to back; Rodeo; Lovegames; Future world; Little drops of heaven; Please don’t leave me; Red hot and heavy; Lethal Heroes*
* bonus track
DVD Contents: Pandemonium; I.N.V.U.; Hell On High Heels; Wake Up To The Real World; Destination Paradise; Another Shot of your love; Scream; Walk Away; It Comes At Night; Queen Of Dreams; Savage Heart; Yellow Rain; Rock The House; Back To Back; Rodeo; Love Games; Future World; Little Drops Of Heaven; Please Don't Leave Me; Red Hot & Heavy.
Rockumentary (incl. backstage footage and interviews with the band)

DVD Format: NTSC Region Free / Length 120 mins / Stereo mix 2.0 / Screen 16:9

The Album trailer can be enjoyed following this link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=E23eGK20h5w

“It Comes Alive (Maid in Switzerland)” captures Pretty Maids in their finest moment, Live on stage – In your face ! It’s party time, so just: TURN UP THE VOLUME !

PRETTY MAIDS
Ronnie Atkins: Vocals
Ken Hammer: Guitar
Rene Shades: Bass
Allan Tchicaja: Drums
Morten Sandager: Keyboards

Frontiers Records signs British uprising Metal stars FURYON for the Worldwide release of their debut album « Gravitas »

Frontiers Records is excited to announce the Worldwide release of FURYON’s debut album “Gravitas” on March 23rd in Europe and March 27th in North America.

FURYON is a new band from the UK who like nothing more than to challenge expectations. Raised on a diet of heavy metal, prog, and classic rock, FURYON mix all these components for a truly unique and contemporary sound. Delivering huge rock radio friendly songs, with technically challenging, yet infectiously catchy musicianship. Dedicated to one sole purpose, making hard hitting songs that will stand the test of time. “"Our music is good songs with touches of intelligence” says singer Matt Mitchell, “There are a many different moods that come out from this album and all the songs have meaning and substance. Heavy and Melodic! That is what FURYON and this album 'Gravitas' is about".

What separates FURYON from the crowd is the sheer quality of their musicianship. Boasting two truly world class guitarists in the form of Chris Green and Pat “The Shred” Heath, FURYON have few peers when it comes to the quality of their iconic riffs, and jaw dropping solos. Backing them up is one of the tightest rhythm sections the rock world has to offer with the awesome combination of Lee Farmery, and Alex (Nickel) Bowen. Leading from the front is the outstanding vocal versatility of Matt Mitchell, whose emotion drenched voice effortlessly moves between melodic and crunchingly heavy. “We really have been inspired by many bands over the time (as all musicians and writers are)” continues Matt, “but for this album inspirations from bands like Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Tool, Mastodon, Alter Bridge and Iron Maiden spring to mind”.

In 2009, after a sell out tour, and accompanying EP, FURYON set about the serious business of writing their debut album. The early demo’s reached the ears of US producer Rick Beato (SHINEDOWN, FOZZY), and a powerful and symbiotic relationship was formed. “Our hook up with Rick Beato was through Kip Winger” recalls Matt. “We toured with Winger on their Karma tour and we had spoken with Kip about the band Shinedown and how we liked there productions. Kip hooked us up with Rick and to our delight he was interested in doing the album. Rick is a truly great Producer and writer”.

Released independently on a low profile and later covermounted on Metal Hammer UK, “Gravitas” received already rave responses from the press, including:

“I’ve seen hundreds of unsigned & unknown band in my career. Only a handful of them made me stand up and take any notice. Only one of them made me do that from the very first listen and that one band was FURYON.”
Chris Ingham (Group Publisher Classic Rock, Metal Hammer)

“Brighton’s FURYON are the latest and arguably greatest metal band of the modern era…” Dom Lawson (Metal Hammer UK)

“Do you like massive hooks? Do you like world-class guitar playing? Do you like music you can bang your head to, stamp your foot to, drive to and f*** to? Yes? …then, even if you’ve not yet heard them, FURYON are already one of your favourite bands.”
Alex Baker (Kerrang! Radio)

“Furyon almost crashed the airwaves when they came on my radio show, I’ve never had so many listeners tune in. They deserve to be stars. They deserve to play stadiums.”
Louise Brown (Presenter Totalrock Radio/Editor Terrorizer Magazine)

“It has real underlying guitar driven fury”
Classic Rock Magazine UK

“Gravitas” will be released on Frontiers Records with the following tracklisting: Disappear Again; Stand Like Stone; Souvenirs; Don't Follow; New Way of Living; Voodoo Me; Fear Alone; Wasted on You; Our Peace Someday; Desert Suicide; Voodoo Me (acoustic)*; Souvenirs (acoustic)*
* Bonus tracks

Enjoy the videoclip of the awesome first single “Disappear Again” following this link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEClIzmdBE8

Frontiers is now releasing this stunning debut worldwide with 2 bonus tracks. Pay attention: FURYON are destined to stardom!

Weblinks:
www.frontiers.it / www.furyon.net

Band:
Matt Mitchell - Vocals
Chris Green - Guitars
Pat Heath - Guitars
Alex "Nickel" Bowen - Bass
Lee Farmery - Drums

JEFF SCOTT SOTO’s return to ROCK on « Damage Control » out in the Spring on Frontiers !

Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of JEFF SCOTT SOTO’s fifth studio album “Damage Control” on March 23rd in Europe and March 27th in North America.

Extraordinary performer and amazing vocalist throughout, Jeff Scott Soto blasts through these hard rocking tracks with energy and masters the transition smoothly from heavy rock to a delicate ballad. For his new album “Damage Control”, Jeff has turned to many of his past influences and most requested aspects of his career by blending the art of Melodic Rock with Hard Rock throughout.

“I feel Damage Control is more of a return to what my fans would expect to hear from me. It’s a perfect blend of my first two solo albums with Frontiers Records; Prism and Lost in the Translation, but also mixes in some of my favorite moments of my past bands such as Talisman and Soul SirkUS” tells Jeff. “It is heavy, AOR, hard rock with loads of great riffs and melodies”

“Damage Control” was recorded in the fall of 2011 and is completed with appearances and co-writing along with his former and current band mates together with many guests including Jamie Borger and Nalley Påhlsson (Treat), Casey Grillo (Kamelot), Joel Hoekstra (Night Ranger) and legendary Y&T founding member Dave Meniketti. Jeff recalls: “Y&T drummer Mike Vanderhule played drums on a track and suggested I bring Dave on but, as he is a long time friend and one on the ‘wish list’ of people I would have loved to have, I didn’t want to get an excuse that he was too busy or not interested, to my surprise I got neither... he was willing to do it and I was not only grateful but beyond pleased to work with another musical hero!”

The album will be released in two exclusive configurations; the basic version in CD jewel box will include 11 songs, while the deluxe edition in digipak format has an additional 3 bonus tracks and a DVD. Full tracklisting is below:

CD: Give A Little More, Damage Control, Look Inside Your Heart, Die A Little, Take U Down*, If I Never Let Her Go, Tears That I Cry, BonaFide, Elena*, Krazy World, How To Love Again, AfterWorld, NeverEnding War, Afraid To Die*
* Bonus tracks only available on the Deluxe Edition.
DVD: Look Inside Your Heart (videoclip); NeverEnding War (videoclip); Damage Control (videoclip); EPK interview.

Jeff Scott Soto is currently planning tour dates that will support the release of the new record: “The plan is to do as much touring as possible wherever the World will have me. I plan to promote this album with a proper touring regiment!” concludes Jeff. Get ready for “Damage Control”, it will rock your World!

The first single “Look Inside Your Heart” can be enjoyed following this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHMnFbmxEuM

Weblinks:
www.jeffscottsoto.com / www.frontiers.it

Musicians:

All Vocals: Jeff Scott Soto
Guitars: Gary Schutt, Jorge Salan, Diego Armelin, Rodrigo Armelin, Joel Hoekstra, Emo Markov, Dave Meniketti, Peter Pac Söderström, Alex Llorens, Joel Hoekstra, Roger Benet, Leo Mancini, JSS
Bass: Fernando Mainer, Nalley Påhlsson, Henrique Baboom, JSS
Keyboards: Fabio Ribiero, Ulf Wahlberg, BJ (Luis Paulo Almeida Jr), JSS
Drums: Edu Cominato, Carlos Exposito, Casey Grillo, Mike Vanderhule, Jamie Borger, Joey Soto

MOLLO / MARTIN The Third Cage [2012]

Release date:
EU: January 20th 2012
NA: January 24th 2012

Tracklisting: Wicked World; Cirque Du Freak; Oh My Soul; One Of The Few; Still In Love With You; Can’t Stay Here; Wardance; Don’t Know What It Is About You; Blind Fury; Violet Moon; Wicked World (Videoclip).

Dario Mollo is an Italian guitar player/producer who stood behind one of Italian Heavy Metal prime movers – Crossbones. During his stint with the band (which lasted one full length album and some songs released on compilations) he developed a musical relationships with producer Kit Woolven (Thin Lizzy, Cradle of Filth and UFO) and keyboardist Don Airey (of Rainbow and Ozzy fame, now with Deep Purple).
Drawing on his previous years of work, his many valuable hours of studio time and his perfected technique, he teamed up with Don Airey and some friends to record the first The Cage album. Almost completed, the album needed a voice and Dario was introduced to ex Black Sabbath singer Tony Martin. Tony Martin wrote lyrics and melodies for the amazing tracks that Dario had already assembled, and thus The Cage was born.
The first album, released independently in 1999, gained a great success among the Hard Rock fans and the critics and Dario started finally to make himself a reputation over the international markets.
In the meanwhile Dario kept working hard on songwriting and production, starting another parallel project called Voodoo Hill with ex Deep Purple bassist/singer Glenn Hughes. Dario also joined forces with the international label Frontiers Records and produced with them two records with Voodoo Hill and another one with Tony Martin in 2002. All these releases met with good success from the critics and fans.
In the more recent years Dario Mollo joined former Rainbow singer Graham Bonnet with Electric Zoo in their European tours and in 2008 released an album with the more alt-rock Italian band Noize Machine, before getting again to work on a new set of Hard Rocking songs for a new record with Tony Martin.
“The Third Cage” is the anticipated new release from Dario Mollo and Tony Martin duo and has been recorded in Dario’s brand new studio, equipped also with a green screen room for video shooting. The songwriting, the sound and the video production of this new project are absolutely stunning and show the great level of songwriting and production skills that Mollo has developed in the past few years. All Hard Rock lovers should simply not miss this record which bravely melts several influences in a cutting edge release.

Mollo / Martin
Dario Mollo - Guitars, Bass, Keyboards
Tony Martin – Vocals
Roberto Gualdi – Drums
Fulvio Gaslini – Bass
Dario Patti – Keyboards
Brian War - Keyboards

BEYOND THE BRIDGE The Old Man & The Spirit [2012]

Release dates:
EU: January 20^th 2012
NA: January 24^th 2012

Tracklisting: The Call; The Apparition; Triumph Of Irreality; The Spring Of It All; World Of Wonders; The Primal Demand; Doorway To Salvation; The Struggle; The Difference Is Human; Where The Earth And Sky Meet; All A Man Can Do.

Beyond the Bridge are a German Progressive Rock/Metal band who started in 1999 under the name of “Fallout”. The group seemed to face an early demise when all band members started to settle throughout Germanyto engage in their university studies and professional careers.

It wasn’t until 2005 that guitarist Peter Degenfeld-Schonburg decided to revive the band with a project he had entitled "The Old Man and the Spirit". For the next five years to come, he would spend innumerable hours together with keyboarder Christopher Tarnow to complete the songs and the story of this slowly evolving concept album. Christopher, who had also been part of the original line-up, got to know the brilliant producer Simon Oberender (a Sascha Paeth collaborator in the productions of Avantasia, Edguy, Epica or Kamelot among others). Simon in his turn brought drummer Fabian Maier and lead vocalist Herbie Langhans in the band. Together with bass player Dominik Stotzem, founder of the old school band and best friend to Peter and Christopher ever since, the line-up of Beyond the Bridge was almost completed. Last but not least, lead vocalist Dilenya Mar came to the band after Peter had been to a concert of hers singing classic Jazz tunes in Munich, Germany.

Besides their experience as rock musicians, all members of Beyond the Bridge are proud to be professionally trained musicians on their respective instruments.

The first studio recordings for "The Old Man and the Spirit" started in 2008 at Gate Studio, Wolfsburg, Germany. Nonetheless, it was a very long way until the completion of the album in 2011, and the band is very proud to finally release this piece of art with Frontiers Records in January 2012.

“The Old Man and the Spirit” deals with the polarity of human sensuousness and superhuman awareness. The latter is embodied by the character of the Spirit. She is the personification of all wisdom and awareness that is unachievable to mankind, however, lacks of the ability to feel.

Her opponent, the character of the Old Man, is presented as a bon vivant who has lived through all highs and lows of human sensation. Steadied by his old age, he searches for a sense, for a coherence, for the meaning of his life in the maelstrom of transiency.

As the story unfolds, the Spirit convinces the Old Man that there is no way for Man to overcome the limits of human perception. They can only be transgressed with the help of the Spirit's wisdom.

Aware of human curiosity, the Spirit offers to answer all of the Old Man's questions - in exchange for his experiences and feelings. A high price, as they are inseparably connected to the Old Man's memories.

LINEUP:
Herbie Langhans - Vocals
Dilenya Mar - Vocals
Peter Degenfeld - Guitar
Christopher Tarnow - Keyboards
Dominik Stotzem - Bass
Fabian Maier - Drums
Simon Oberender - Keyboards/Guitar

PRIMAL FEAR Unbreakable [2012]

Release date:
EU: January 20th 2012
NA: January 24th 2012

Tracklisting: Unbreakable (Part1); Strike; Give 'Em Hell; Bad Guys Wear Black; And There Was Silence; Metal Nation; Where Angels Die; Unbreakable (Part 2); Marching Again; Born Again; Blaze Of Glory; Conviction; Night Of The Jumps (Bonus Track)*; Bad Guys Wear Black (Video)*

* Only available in the first pressing in digipak

If you’re talking about today’s European top metal acts the discussion is heading straight towards Primal Fear. Former Gamma Ray vocalist Ralf Scheepers and bassist/vocalist Mat Sinner, two of the most respected German metal musicians founded the band in late 1997.

With eight studio albums released, two live products and a best of Primal Fear are certainly one of nowadays most beloved and respected European Heavy Metal bands. Their last studio album “16.6 – Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead” became their second highest chart entry in Germanyon Pos. 46. The following world tour incl. two headlining tours in the USand Canadawith a headlining appearance at the prestigious ProgPower festival in Atlanta. The world tour was recorded in all continents and released on CD “Live In The USA” and on DVD “All Over The World” in summer 2010.

After a sensational tour through South America in spring 2011, more dates in Europe plus an outstanding appearance on the 2011 edition of the Wacken Open Air, the band was fired up to enter the recording studio to start tracking their ninth album “UNBREAKABLE”. The target was crystal clear - producer & bassist Mat Sinner: “After touring for two years without breaks, the guys realized the fan favourites very well and we wrote an untamed, powerful and crushing album together”.
“Unbreakable” was produced by Mat Sinner, engineered and mixed by Achim Koehler & the House Of Music studios and some more studios in Germany& Swedenbetween summer and autumn 2011.

“Unbreakable” combines the skills of the strongest Primal Fear line-up ever, with a well-balanced “back to the roots” vibe and an ambitious learning process during their longest tour so far. Classic and ultra-fresh Primal Fear riff-rockers like “Strike”, “Give Em Hell” or the high speed track “And There Was Silence” will hit the bulls-eye, like the rhythm paced metal anthem, first single and new video clip “Bad Guys Wear Black”. Less experiments, more rock! But there will be a nine-minute epic journey with a lot prog approach named “Where Angels Die”, a classic wonderful ballad “Born Again” and the melodic power bomb “Metal Nation”. Singer Ralf Scheepers adds: “the plan was to record an album for the fans with rough metal riffs, screaming vocals and good melodies ...... and finally it became a monster – a tough 'bang-your-head' metal album called “Unbreakable“.

Magnus Karlsson and Alex Beyrodt are worldwide respected guitarists – together they are unbeatable! Ralf Scheepers vocal performance shines bright on a new level on all new songs. And what can go wrong if you’re backed by one of the best rhythm sections in metal with Randy Black and Mat Sinner? Plus backing vocals by the “Fantastic Four”: Ralf Scheepers, Mat Sinner, Erik Martensson and Oliver Hartmann. You can hear the result on Primal Fears new statement called “UNBREAKABLE”!

Don’t miss the German Metal Commando when they’re coming to your town!

Primal Fear
Ralf Scheepers – Vocals
Alex Beyrodt – Guitars
Magnus Karlsson – Guitar, Keyboards
Randy Black – Drums
Mat Sinner – Bass & Vocals

Cult AOR luminaries MICHAEL THOMPSON BAND return with a brand new album « Future Past »

Frontiers Records is excited to announce the return of MICHAEL THOMPSON BAND with the release of the brand new album “Future Past” on February 24th in Europe and February 28th in North America.

In 1988, after working to try and get a deal with his band Slang, guitarist Michael Thompson finally got signed by Geffen Records to release one album entitled "How Long", under the Michael Thompson Band (MTB) monicker.

On "How Long" some great studio musicians appeared as guests, in particular drummer-maestro Terry Bozzio, singer Moon Calhoun (ex The Strand), Pat Torpey (later on drummer with Mr Big), bassist Jimmy Haslip, John Elefante (Kansas), Toto's Bobby Kimball and Great White associates Michael Lardie and Wyn Davis (who also produced the album). Songwriters would include, among others, AOR stars such as: Jeff Paris, Mark Spiro, Billy Trudel and Brett Walker.

As of today “How Long” is still regarded as one of the highest examples of hi-tech AOR / West Coast, with a superb production and immaculate songwriting. “I think the album has stood the test of time with a great batch of songs and some really strong performances. It was heartfelt and I think people respond to music that comes from the heart. I'm glad that many fans of melodic rock still list this record amongst their favourites,” tells Michael Thompson.

“How Long” was reissued in 2007 with 3 bonus tracks and started a relationship between Michael Thompson and Frontiers Records, which finally brings the anticipated release of the new Michael Thompson Band album in early 2012. “I've tried to keep the new MTB album "Future Past" in the same spirit as "How Long". I'm hoping that people will hear the natural progression of my music and appreciate the new record as much as the first one,” continues Michael. “Although 22 years is quite a gap time-wise the music was recorded with the same feeling and spirit as I always had”.

For the new album Michael teamed up with the awesome singer Larry King from Soleil Moon. Larry brought a new and more rocking approach to the MTB sound, but certainly the trademark elements of songwriting and melodies are still to be found in the new album “Future Past”. In Michael Thompson words: “When I was considering singers for this new record I said to myself “Who is the best rock singer that I know?” and only one person came to mind - Larry King. The guy has such a phenomenal range and texture and it goes perfectly with my guitars. We started writing songs together a little over a year ago and from the first song, "Can't Be Right", I knew we had something special!”

MTB 2012 lineup is rounded up by Khari Parker on drums and Alan Berliant on bass. “Larry brought them into the picture and it was a pleasure for me to work with some knew guys that I wasn't familiar with. It brought a fresh approach to the music,” says Michael.

The production of “Future Past” is just flawless and the album is destined to become soon another AOR music classic. “I think that the title kind of says it all - "Future Past"” concludes Michael. “Larry and I are both big fans of Classic Rock and AOR Melodic Rock so we just naturally infuse that love into the music that we write. It's elements of the past with a modern approach”.

“Future Past” tracklisting includes: High Times; Can't Be Right; Future Past; When You Love Someone; Here I Am; Beautiful Mystery; Break Me Down; End Game; Gypsy Road; Can't Miss 2012; Fight For Your Life.

Weblinks: www.michaelthompson.cc / www.frontiers.it

-----ooooOooo-----

Michael Thompson is one of today’s leading guitar players of the world. He was awarded the "Distinguished Alumni" award from his Alma Mater Berklee College of Music to commemorate his contributions to the music industry. Berklee's program for the event noted that "he is widely regarded as being among the elite studio session players, and his amazing list of credits includes such prominent names as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, 'N Sync, Toni Braxton, Phil Collins, Rod Stewart, the Scorpions, Vince Neil, Christina Aguilera, Michael Bolton, Mariah Carey,

ROYAL HUNT Show Me How To Live

Release date:
Europe– December 2nd 2011
North America– November 29th 2011

Tracklisting:One More Day; Another Man Down; An Empty Shell; Hard Rain's Coming; Half Past Loneliness; Show Me How To Live; Angel's Gone.

ROYAL HUNT is about to release their new - 11th - studio album: "Show Me How To Live". The band once more joined forces with former lead singer DC COOPER to continue the magic of Royal Hunt and returns to the classic sound which put the band on the map in the first place, all the way back in 1991.

Royal Hunt’s music is melodic with a progressive and symphonic flair. Founded in Denmarkin 1989 by keyboardist Andre Andersen, Royal Hunt has gone through numerous personnel changes since the inception. Though certainly the two albums that they have released with American singer DC Cooper; are the ones that mostly stood the test of time: “Moving Target” in 1995 and the subsequent concept album “Paradox” in 1997.

In the beginning of 2011, Andre and DC got in touch once more to see if they could cooperate again, which resulted in a small reunion tour. It was a great success and consequently led to the mutual decision of DC rejoining the band.

While Andre Andersen - a musical genius who can virtually play any instrument, compose, write lyrics and produce all at the same time – is undoubtedly the powerhouse force that drives the entire ensemble forward like a bulldozer, it’s also sure that DC is one of the top singers in the entire hard rock world. The extension and warmth of his vocals are the key elements that can bring back Royal Hunt to the throne of nowadays Hard Rock world.

Once again recorded and produced at NorthPoint Studios in Denmark, “Show Me How To Live” brings back Royal Hunt at force 10 with an highly melodic sound and rich, lush arrangements and stellar production. With the amazing new line-up, the fans as well as the critics, are about to get a fresh taste of the powerful and rejuvenated ROYAL HUNT!

Royal Hunt

André Andersen - keyboards
D.C. Cooper - vocals
Allan Sørensen - drums
Andreas Passmark - bass
Jonas Larsen - guitars

BEGGARS & THIEVES We Are The Brokenhearted

Release date:
Europe– December 2nd 2011
North America– November 29th 2011

Tracklisting: We Come Undone; Oil & Water; Innocence; Never Gonna See You Again; Beautiful Losers; Seven Seconds; Stranded; WashAway; MidnightBlue; We Are The Brokenhearted.

Beggars & Thieves was formed in NYC in 1989 by singer Louie Merlino and guitarist Ronnie Mancuso. After 5 gigs and a demo recorded with mega producer Desmond Child (Bon Jovi, Aerosmith) and (Billy Squier, Alice Cooper) drummer Bobby Chouinard and (Bon Jovi bassist) Hugh McDonald, B&T was signed by Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun.

Released on Atlanticaround Christmas of 1990, Beggars & Thieves self-titled debut was critically acclaimed. The first single (“Beggars & Thieves”) started to take off, charting in the top 40 Billboard Magazine Album Rock Charts and being added to rotation on over 100 Parallel One AOR radio stations.

The band then lost momentum when their A&R man left the label and their managers Q-Prime (Metallica, Def Leppard and Muse) were understandably distracted by the death of one of there biggest clients, Def Leppard guitarist Steve Clark. By the time Q-Prime regained their focus, Atlantichad moved on. Q-Prime still believing in the band managed to get Beggars released from Atlanticand immediately signed them to Epic/Sony.

Beggars recorded their second album “Look What You Create” in Vancouverwith (Aerosmith, Scorpions, Bryan Adams) collaborator Jim Vallance and (Rush, Dream Theater) engineer Paul Northfield. By the time of the release, Grunge was king and Beggars (although really a Classic Rock Band) were lumped in with the hair bands and pass their due date.

Ronnie & Louie stayed in the music business doing jingles as well as lots of music for Fox Sports and NASCAR.

Louie and Ron started playing together again in 2004 forming Sin City All-Star’s with (Ex-Faster Pussycat Guitarist) Brent Muscat, opening shows for Tesla, Vince Neil, Ratt, Slaughter, and Skid Row.

Mancuso started writing songs again and thought “Louie has one of the best voices in rock and he sounds better than ever. I’m finally getting really good at songwriting. As an artist I’m doing my best work ever. Why shouldn’t we continue?”

So Beggars started the recording the basic tracks of “We Are the Brokenhearted” with legendary NYC drummer Thommy Price (Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Billy Idol, Scandal) and his cohort in the (Blackhearts) bassist Enzo Penizzotto

While finishing their album, Beggars started playing live when Vince Neil along with Las Vegas Legend Custom Motorcycle Builder (The Count) opened the club Feelgoods in Las Vegas, Ronnie & Louie’s hometown since the early 2000’s.

Rounding out the group now is drummer Erik Gloege, who played for years in a rhythm section with (Metallica) bassist Robert Trujillo and 22 tears old bassist Blake Newman, whose youth has invigorated the band. As Merlino says, “the younger crowds seem to love us, it’s so cool to look out and see kids in there 20’s get it as much as the older rock crowd”.

Beggars played the renowned Firefest Festival 2010 inNottingham, Englandwhere they received glowing reviews and were voted biggest surprise of the festival.

Beggars have just begun re-establishing their brand after using Firefest as their launching pad. Mancuso says “This is just the beginning; we want to focus on Europeas well as putting our songs in movies and commercials in America. This isn’t just some guy's trying to have a little fun reliving the past. We are very serious about this. We want to compete with the big boys!”

And judging from the response from the European press and fans they just might!

Beggars & Thieves 2011

Louie Merlino: Vocals
Ronnie Mancuso: Guitars
Erik Gloege: Drums
Blake Newman: Bass