LABEL NEWS 2009/01

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PRIMAL FEAR - The new album is recorded and mixed!

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Produced again by PFs own Mat Sinner and engineered & co-produced by none other than Dennis Ward (PINK CREAM 69), the new Primal Fear album marks the first full comeback by guitarist Henny Wolter and the debut by one of the worldwide most respected guitarists Magnus Karlsson, since he joined the band one year ago! Wolter & Karlsson both participated in the songwriting and pre-production, which took place at Karlsson's Stuntguitar Studio in Sweden. The band recorded 4 weeks at the famous House Of Music studio incl. Randy Black (drums) and vocalist extraordinaire Ralf Scheepers. After the Xmas break the band recorded some small overdubs and started the mix with long time collaborator Achim Koehler. Finally Ted Jensen mastered the album at the Sterling Sound in New York.
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The new Primal Fear album titled with the codename of "16.6" (Before The Devil Knows You're Dead) will be released in May 2009 by Frontiers Records. The new songs will include a lot of the Wolter/Sinner/Scheepers vibe from the "Nuclear Fire" album, then follow the path of "New Religion" and some real surprises!
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Mat Sinner comments: "I'm really proud of our work. The guys of the band and the entire team did a killer job! I love the crystal clear sound of the album and total dedication of the players. The fans of our first albums will really love the new tracks, plus there are a lot of sophisticated more stuff on 16.6 following the path of Seven Seals or New Religion"
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Guitarist Henny Wolter added some notes to some songtitles:

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"Riding The Eagle" - is bringing back that Nuclear Fire vibe with a full speed double bass groove and those typical heavy guitar-Riffs and high speed twin leads that Primal Fear stands for. Above all it´s that mix between full throttle metal and melody with Ralf Scheepers powerful vocals on which Primal Fear built their reputation.

"Six Times Dead (16.6)" - the titletrack and a superheavy guitar riff, stomping groove with a new approach and a message to the fans; 100% Primal Fear!

"Black Rain" - a nearly 7min. epic with big instrumentation, and a heavy arabian atmosphere. Lots of variations and sophisticated playing & singing. This song strongly carries the handwriting of the new bandmember Magnus Karlsson, who is known for these skilful and tasty arrangements.

"Under The Radar" - an other traditional Primal Fear speed rocker, a hymn with the classic Scheepers vibe.

"Torn" - seven minutes of pure music and the most ambitioned song & riff we've ever recorded, killer stuff, very groovy and a great melodic vocal line.

"Soar" - pure energy combined with a driving groove, a majestic halftime chorus and a great experimental breakdown part - one of my favourite tracks on the new album.

"Hands Of Time" - this will be a real surprise for everybody. There is always at least one track on a new PF album, that is different - this time it's Hands Of Time with four guys sharing the lead vocals - a very cool song!
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JORN

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JORN is working hard on the recording of the new studio album which he plans to entitled "Spirit Black". Titles of some of the new songs include "Road Of the Cross", "Black Heart" and "Rock'n Roll Angel". Jorn states "People can expect a solid and defined album that will shake the classic metal world and hammer the future Jorn legacy in stone"! Frontiers plans to release the new album in June 2009.

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SUNSTORM

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Joe Lynn Turner has completed and sent to Dennis Ward all the vocal tracks for the forthcoming SUNSTORM second album to be entitled "House of Dreams". The mix is already in the works and the album production is going to be completed in February. "I love this project", stated Joe "the list of the songwriters is impressive and these songs have come to life greatly". Frontiers plans to release the album in April 2009.
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HOUSE OF LORDS

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James Christian has started the songwriting sessions for the forthcoming HOUSE OF LORDS studio album. This time he plans to go to Los Angeles and write some killer cuts with Mark Baker, well known as the main songwriter of the SIGNAL "Loud and Clear" masterpiece and House of Lords' "Demons Down". The band plans to deliver the new album in late spring for a release in the fall 2009.

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TONY HARNELL

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Tony Harnell (STARBREAKER, ex TNT) has been busy lately working on a new acoustic solo album. The working title of the record is "En Memoria Carinosa" which in Tony's own words stands for "in loving memory of the songs from my past". The record will include some reworked new recordings of Tony's past hits with TNT and Westworld, some classic songs and new stuff as well. Frontiers hopes to unleash this album in the summer 09.

OUT FEBRUARY 20, 2009

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PLACE VENDOME

“Streets Of Fire”
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Released On: 20.02.2009
Catalog Number: FR CD 398
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01. Streets Of Fire 5:52
02. My Guardian Angel 4:59
03. Completely Breathless 3:17
04. Follow Me 3:53
05. Set Me Free 4:32
06. Beliver 4:38
07. Valerie (The Truth Is In Your Eyes) 3:44
08. A Scene In Reply 4:44
09. Changes 4:33
10. Surrender Your Soul 3:43
11. Dancer 4:23
12. I'd Die For You 5:00
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Michael Kiske career in music began at 17, when he became the vocalist of his school band called ILL PROPHECY, whom he left in order to join HELLOWEEN. With them he recorded the band’s second album, entitled "Keeper of the Seven Keys - Part 1", released in 1987. World-wide it went on to sell a million copies, shifting over 125'000 in Germany alone. Released in America on the RCA label it peaked at n° 102 in the Billboard charts and its success enabled the band to appear as part of the “Hell On Wheels” U.S. tour along with GRIM REAPER and ARMORED SAINT. “Keeper of the Seven Keys - Part 2" was released in 1988 and gained even more success charting in the USA and in several other European countries. But the dream came to a halt when, after internal conflicts, Kai Hansen, decided to leave. After a couple of years hiatus, during which they signed with IRON MAIDEN’s management, the band released via EMI their fourth album “Pink Bubbles Go Ape”, followed in 1994 by “Chameleon”.

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During the HELLOWEEN years, Michael Kiske gained a strong reputation as one of the best singers of the scene and he has been often rumored to join very successful metal bands. Kiske however, after the decision to quit HELLOWEEN following the release of “Chameleon”, started to work on his solo career which has brought 5 studio albums that would have departed him more and more from his Heavy Metal roots. During the winter of 2004 Michael, whose voice is still nowadays regarded as one of the most fascinating of the whole scene in rock (hence his participation in several Rock and Metal Operas including the very successful “Avantasia” and “Aina”), accepted to be part of a Melodic Rock oriented concept patronized by Frontiers Records’ President Serafino Perugino. The resulting PLACE VENDOME debut album brought Kiske back to a more straight ahead and Rock sound, still very accessible and melodic and far from the Heavy Metal stereotypes of blood, violence and hate from which Kiske decided to move away from. He collaborated for the first time with PINK CREAM 69’s Dennis Ward, Kosta Zafiriou and Uwe Reitenauer with Gunther Werno (VANDENPLAS) on keyboards. In a quite ironic twist of fate Michael found himself to work with members of PINK CREAM 69, when the band’s original singer Andy Deris took his place in HELLOWEEN when he left.

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The very favorable acceptance of the first PLACE VENDOME album planted the seeds for a second recording which was produced during 2008. The songs this time were supplied by different songwriters, particularly motivated and enthusiast to be part of this new project. Torsti Spoof (Leverage) offered “Dancer”, “Changes”, “Believer” and the title-track “Streets of Fire”. Ronny Milianowicz (Saint Deamon and songwriter for Primal Fear) wrote on purpose “Surrender Your Soul”, “Completely Breathless” and “A Scene In Replay”, while Robert Sall (Work of Art, W.E.T) supplied “Follow Me” and “Valerie”. The production and the musicians’ team have anyway remained unchanged with Ward, Zafiriou, Reitenauer and Werno supplying all the necessary musicianship and skill to make this new album a success. A promo videoclip for the song” My Guardian Angel” (written by Magnus Karlsson) is included as a special interactive bonus on the album and marks Michael Kiske’s visual return on the scene after years of a self-imposed exile. A record that marks a strong beginning of the year in Melodic Rock and brings back again Michael Kiske to the spotlight that he truly deserves as an artist and performer.

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JEFF SCOTT SOTO

“Beautiful Mess”
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Released On: 20/02/2009
Catalog Number: FR CD 401

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01. 21st Century (Mendonça / Martin) 3:54
02. Cry Me A River (Mendonça / Martin) 3:44
03. Gin & Tonic Sky (Mendonça / Martin) 3:56
04. Hey (Mendonça / Richardson / Bharadia / Farquharson) 3:37
05. Broken Man (Mendonça / Kennedy) 3:37
06. Mountain (Mendonça / Martin / Soto) 3:49
07. Our Song (Mendonça / Martin) 3:20
08. Eye (Mendonça / Klein / Soto) 2:49
09. Bring It Home (Mendonça / La Spina / Farquharson) 3:53
10. Testify (Soto / Carey) 4:10
11. Whereever U Wonna Go (Mendonça / Soto) 3:25
12. Kick It (Soto / Carey) 4:05
13. Heart Starts Healink (Soto / Grow) bonus track 3:26
14. Take You Over With Me (Mendonça / Soto) bonus track 3:26

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JSS: lead vocals

Paulo Mendonça: guitars, bass, drums, keys, FX, backing vocals

Peter Strandberg: drums (1, 2)

Karl Gunner: drums (7)

Iain James Farquharson: backing vox (4, 5, 9)

Per Wockatz: backing vocals (5)

Lisa Ljungblad: backing vocals (5)

Anna Maria La Spina: backing vocals (9)

Chris James: backing vocals (9)

Ben Carey: guitars (10, 12)

Sammy Sims: bass (10)

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Bonus DVD features:

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21st Century (video)

Gin & Tonic Sky (video)

Hey (video)

Gin & Tonic Sky - piano version (video)

"What A Beautiful Mess" (promo video)

also includes MP4 "ready to play" versions of music videos, photo gallery & PC wallpapers
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Who is JSS?
He is an Artist who has graced many stages, a hybrid redolent of Soul, Pop, Rock, Blues and R&B influenced by luminaries such as Queen, Prince and Sam Cooke and a man who has proved, across the years that he can deliver all these genre well. For many years JSS has been known to all and sundry as 'Jeff Scott Soto'. In a career spanning more than twenty years, beginning as the vocalist for guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen leading to frontman for many bands including; 'Talisman', the legendary 'Journey', 'Soul SirkUS' and more recently 'Trans-Siberian Orchestra'. In 2002 he set out on the long, arduous road of a solo career with the acclaimed 'Prism' and has released two solo albums since then, 'Lost In The Translation' and this forthcoming one 'Beautiful Mess'. He came to the notice of many in the industry when he provided the lead vocals for the main character / singer of 'Steel Dragon' in the Mark Wahlberg motion picture 'Rock Star. With an audience that comes from Europe, Asia, South America and North America, his appeal is about to be widened further with this new release.
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What is 'Beautiful Mess'?
In 'Beautiful Mess', for which Jeff Scott Soto has become 'JSS', he blends the influences he grew up loving into one ‘beautiful mess’ indeed. From the rocking soul of "21st Century" to the sultry "Gin & Tonic Sky" to the greasy funk of "Bring It Home" to the Beatle-esque “Kick It”, JSS leaves no stone unturned in this release, pleasing fans old & new alike. 'Beautiful Mess', which is co-written & produced by the savvy Swedish artist/producer/writer Paulo Mendonça, is a turning point for JSS who recently dubbed by many as the ‘new hardest working man in show business’ & this new album will find him touring the globe once again through 2009. If you like the bite of Lenny Kravitz, the sultriness of Seal, the smoothness of Sam Cooke & the rawness of the nostalgic 70’s rock ‘n soul all mixed with a contemporary touch of today’s hit music, this is one not to be missed!! European edition adds two bonus tracks added to the download only edition, plus Ipod ready versions of the 2 videoclips 21st Century & Gin & Tonic Sky. Moreover, a DVD will be added as special bonus and will include videoclip for 21st Century, Gin And Tonic Sky and live footage recorded at the recent JSS exclusive appearance at Firefest in Notthingham, last October 25th 2008.

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JEFF SCOTT SOTO

“Prism” (luxury package reissue)
“Lost In The Translation” (luxury package reissue)

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Release Date: 20/02/2009
Catalog Number: FR CD 403 & FR CD 404

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01. Eyes Of Love 4:31
02. Heaven Knows 3:35
03. Don't Come Easy 4:28
04. Don't Wonna Say Goodbye 4:21
05. I Want To Take You Higher 4:46
06. Holding On 5:24
07. 2 Late 4 Goodbyes 5:01
08. Till The End Of Time 5:16
09. How Long 4:44
10. By Your Side 4:25
11. Don't Walk Away 4:47
12. Good Love (Original Japanese Bonus Track) 4:29
13. 2012 (original Japanese Bonus Track of "Essential Ballads") 4:57
14. Send Her My Love 4:24
15. Again 2 Be Found (Live) 4:49
16. Stand Up (Live) 4:27

17. 4 U (Live) 4:13

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01. Believe In Me 4:13
02. Soul Divine 4:19
03. Drowning 5:13
04. If This Is The End 4:43
05. Lost In The Traslation 4:46
06. Doin' Time 3:41
07. High Time 4:20
08. Beginning 2 End 4:01
09. On My Own 4:55
10. Find Our Way 3:53
11. Sacred Eyes 5:30
12. Dulce Lady 3:58
13. Turned The Page (original Japanese Bonus Track) 3:24
14. As I Do 2 U 4:14
15. This Ain't The Love 5:17
16. Lonely Shade Of Blue 5:26

17. Soul Divine (Acoustic) 3:30

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BALANCE

“Equilibrium”
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Release Date : 20.02.2009
Catalog Number: FR CD 402
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1. Twist Of Fate (Katsaros / Kulick / Castro) 5:16
2. Breathe (Kulick / Katsaros / Castro) 4:23
3. Old Friends (Katsaros / Castro) 5:11
4. Look What You’ve Done (Katsaros / Castro) 4:14
5. Winner Takes All (Katsaros) 5:28
6. Crazy Little Suzie (Kulick / Castro) 4:08
7. Liar (Castro / Katsaros) 4:09
8. Walk Away (Katsaros / Kulick / Castro) 3:31
9. Who You Gonna Love (Castro) 4:48
10. Forever (Katsaros / Kulick) 5:06
11. Rainbow Ends (Kulick / Castro) 3:52

Produced by Bob Kulick & Brett Chassen

Peppy Castro: lead & background vocals, bass, acoustic guitar on 9
Bob Kulick: guitars, bass
Doug Katsaros: keyboards, background vocals
Brett Chassen: drums
Jesse Castro: drums on 7
Bruce Kulick: bass

Frontiers Records is proud to announce the return of BALANCE with the release of the band’s anticipated new album entitled “Equilibrium” on February 20th 2009. The Melodic Rock and AOR scenes are both made up of legendary albums and bands, which, as time goes by, become even more respected among the community of fans. Balance are exactly one of these bands, whose name and reputation, like good wine, has stood the test of time for more than two decades. Formed at the end of the 70’s by three promising talents out of the NY music scene: singer Peppy Castro (formerly of The Blues Magoos, Wiggy Bits and Barnaby Bye), the classically trained keyboardist Doug Katsaros and guitarist Bob Kulick (who had already appeared as a guest musician on KISS recordings and on the Paul Stanley solo album in 1978 as well as playing in Meat Loaf’s band), Balance soon inked a deal with Portrait Records who released the band’s first eponymous album in 1981.

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While the song writing and production quality shone all over the record and the band were immediately on the same level as contemporary luminaries such as Toto, Survivor or Journey, the album for which Balance are still today highly regarded is the follow up “In For The Count” released in 1982. The line-up was completed by former Speedway Blvd. member (the band that also featured the future Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess) Dennis Feldman on bass and Chuck Burgi (ex Brand X and later with Rainbow and Red Dawn) on drums. On “In For The Count” the band kicked in with heavier guitars and outstanding production skills, with a song writing talent that was not afraid to experiment while still keeping their strong Melodic Rock trademark intact. In a perfect world that record should have catapulted Balance to the same level of popularity as Journey, Foreigner or Survivor, however fate and the label’s lack of support decreed the end of the band.

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As proof of the multi-talented artists involved in Balance, all members went on to brilliant careers in music in the following years. Kulick, continued collaborating with the members of KISS and Meat Loaf and went on to form Skull and Murderer’s Row, before becoming a Grammy Award producer in LA. Katsaros played, sang & arranged for KISS, Rod Stewart, Cher, Bon Jovi, Sinéad O'Connor and Aerosmith among others and worked in several rockin' Broadway shows, including The Rocky Horror Show and Footloose. Peppy collaborated and sang on records by Diana Ross, KISS, Laura Branigan and Michael Bolton before starting to work in the jingles business.

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The three of them kept in touch and had the chance to work together on several projects, however they could never resume the Balance concept and complete their musical circle, so as soon as they got a proposal from Frontiers Records, and after the recent reissue of their classic “In For The Count” album on Rock Candy/Universal, they decided the time was right to start working again, in Doug Katsaros words, on “tunes mostly originally written for a third album, and shelved at the collapse of the record company”. Completed with the help of Bret Chassen on drums (who also co-produced the album together with Bob Kulick), the resulting album “Equilibrium” is truly a labour of love: a record written and crafted with the highest respect for the fans and the same enthusiasm as the old days, bringing back the trademark sound and updating it to the production techniques and taste of the new millennium. “All the guitars, vocals, synths and mix sounds are based on the original two records”, explains Katsaros, “we took great care in making certain there was nothing that could not have been performed in the 1980s, even the sequences. Also, the songs are authentic to the time period, since most of them were written in the time period! And we always had astonishing background harmonies and Peppy and I worked hard to keep that up as well. And you can't beat using the original members to get an authentic sound! It was also great fun to recreate the whole blend of a tight intricate keyboard part as a counterpoint to Bobby's brilliance".

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OUT JANUARY 23, 2009

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JORN (LANDE)

"Live In America"

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Release Date : 23/01/2009

Catalogue Number : FR DVD 020

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Jorn Lande is one of nowadays vocal Rock gods: he has a vocal capability that is world class, distinctive, rich and spanning a large range. During the past decade he has delivered more than twenty albums with different bands and projects and worked with great artists such as Ronni Le Tekro (TNT), Yngwie Malmsteen, Micky Moody and Bernie Marsden (WHITESNAKE), Joe Lynn Turner, Don Airey (OZZY, RAINBOW and DEEP PURPLE), Uli Jon Roth (SCORPIONS), Russell Allen (SYMPHONY X).

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His most famous effort is his role as front man in German metal act MASTERPLAN which has achieved great success around the world. He has also established himself with his own band under the name "JORN", releasing so far seven increasingly successful solo albums. “Live In America” is a visual testament to Jorn’s capabilities as an entertainer and to the incredible power and strength of his now legendary shows. “Live in America” was recorded live during Jorn’s first ever concert in the USA, at the ProgPower VII Festival in Atlanta, where he performed as headliner of the day on September 16th 2006.

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The incredible set saw Jorn offer a wide selection of songs taken from his solo albums, collaborations and a mindblowing Whitesnake medley, who made him one of the most successful acts ever in the history of the festival. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy one of the most exciting shows and performers of nowadays Hard Rock scene!

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VISION DIVINE

"9 Degrees West Of The Moon"

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Release Date : 23/01/2009

Catalogue Number : FR CD 400

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VISION DIVINE was born in 1998 and was originally intended as Olaf Thorsen's solo project (at the time he was Labyrinth’s guitar player). He started collaborating with Fabio Lione (lead singer of Labyrinth on their first album "No Limits" and current front man of Rhapsody), turning the solo project into a real band with the help of his Labyrinth mates Mat Stancioiu on drums, Andrew Mc Pauls on keyboards and Andrea Tower Torricini on bass.In 1999 their first self-titled studio album was released, quickly becoming a hit among the Progressive Metal community.

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In 2001 Vision Divine started writing and recording for the new album, called "Send Me An Angel", which was released in January 2002. By the end of the same year, Olaf left Labyrinth in order to devote all his time and attention to VISION DIVINE and stop the rumours about the band being considered a mere "side project". In the following three years VD released two more studio albums and started touring around the world, with particular success in South America.The band also gained a more personal identity, thanks to the new members Oleg Smirnoff on keyboards and Matteo Amoroso on drums.

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In 2003 however Fabio Lione had to leave the band, being replaced by Michele Luppi, who debuted on the new concept album “Stream of Consciousness” released in April 2004, followed in 2005 by the live DVD “Stage of Consciousness”.After a very successful tour on the Rising Sun stages in support of the local release of the DVD, Olaf started writing "The Perfect Machine" an album which marked the most mature and successful release for the band, thanks in part to the production from Timo Tolkki (Revolution Renaissance, ex Stratovarius), who also produced the follow up record "The 25th Hour" released in 2007. Some new members were added with Alessio Lucatti on keyboards, Cristiano Bertocchi (ex-Labyrinth) on bass, Federico Puleri on guitar and Alessandro Bissa on drums. A hectic touring schedule followed with live dates again in South America, and also USA and East Asia.

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In 2008 Olaf decided to say goodbye to Michele Luppi and called back his old mate and former member of Labyrinth, Fabio Lione who joined as a full time and fully committed member in June. Soon the band went back to the studio and with the production of Timo Tolkki created their most mature and intense record to date entitled “9 Degrees West of The Moon”. This is Vision Divine’ s heaviest, most melodic and catchy album ever, showing why they are now the number 1 band in the Italian Metal scene. “9DWOTM” is a fantastic journey that fans will consider as the true VD career defining statement!

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PLACES OF POWER

"Now Is The Hour"

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Release Date : 23/01/2009

Catalogue Number : FR CD 391
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While the Places of Power monicker is brand new, this name hides the brand new collaboration between two superb artists who are no strangers to the concept of hard work and quality music. Bruce Turgon and Philip Bardowell can indeed boast in their pedigree collaborations with such bands and artists as Foreigner, Shadow King, Lou Gramm, Unruly Child, Magdalen and Peter Criss of KISS.
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Both have also released highly regarded solo albums for Frontiers Records during 2005 which gathered excellent reviews and raised great interest from press and fans alike. The two of them met during 2006 and immediately shared the same vision and interest to bring out a monster Arena Hard Rock album, which could bring back the vintage Foreigner and Shadow King sound. A creative flood that sparkled in a number of killer tracks that were demoed and sent to the attention of Frontiers Records President Serafino Perugino, who immediately loved what he heard.
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“Now Is The Hour” was then started and took some good time to be completed, due to the craft, enthusiasm and care that both Philip and Bruce gave to the album writing and recording. With the help of Scott McKinstry who contributed lead guitars to the album, Philip took care of all lead vocals while Bruce played all the background music. The tapes were then sent to famed studio guru Dennis Ward (of Pink Cream 69 and producer of Place Vendome, Sunstorm, Bob Catley, Angra, Krokus etc.) in Germany who mixed the album in the summer 2008.
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The result is a jewel, one of those rare releases that gets your attention from the very first to the last second- splendid performances, killer production and marvellous songs: that’s what “Now Is The Hour” is all about !

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TALL STORIES

"Skyscraper"
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Release Date : 23/01/2009
Catalogue Number : FR CD 399
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1. Tomorrow (Jack Morer)
2. Clementine (Jack Morer)
3. Original Sin (Jack Morer / Steve Augeri)
4. All Of The World (Jack Morer)
5. Pictures Of Summer (Jack Morer)
6. River Rise (Steve Augeri / Jack Morer)
7. No Justice (Steve Augeri)
8. Eternal Light (Steve Augeri)
9. Stay (Kevin Totoian)
10. Shall Be Free (Jack Morer)
11. Superman (Steve Augeri)
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Steve Augeri: vocals
Jack Morer: guitars, keyboards, vocals
Kevin Totoian: bass, harmonica, vocals
Tom DeFaria: drums, vocals
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All songs produced, mixed & recorded by Jack Morer
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Additional musicians:
Nir Z: drums on tracks 1, 3, 4, 5, 8 & 10
Rodney Howard: drums on tracks 7 & 9
Bobby Rondinelli: drums on track 6
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To the unsuspecting public the name of Tall Stories is known because their singer Steve Augeri, became the new Journey frontman after Steve Perry left. But looking at things more carefully this should be the last reason to bring Tall Stories back to memory. Born in New York in 1987, Tall Stories released their debut on Epic Records four years later, after a few lineup changes (including Anthony Esposito, later with Lynch Mob and Michael Cartellone who found fame in Damn Yankees and Lynyrd Skynyrd later) and regular shows in the New York downtown areas. Completing the line up, together with Augeri, there were Jack Morer (guitars), Kevin Totoian (bass) and Tom DeFaria (drums), all experienced musicians that played and recorded with Company of Wolves, Edgar Winter, Joe Cocker among others. With such a varied background and exposure to such diverse sounds from Blues to Rock, Funk, Punk, Country, Reggae, Tall Stories music couldn't help but be a little different and personal. Signed by Bud Prager’s ESP Management (Foreigner, Mountain, Damn Yankees) they finally entered the studio with Frank Filipetti (Deep Purple, Kiss, Foreigner) at the production helm. While the musical climate in the USA in 1991 was already starting to change, Tall Stories self titled debut album was nothing else than a breath of fresh air in the Melodic Rock scene at the time. The band exposed a very personal and inspired sound rich of melodies and feeling, still keeping a very personal musical trademark which became immediately a sensation between the Rock fans and critics. A tour with Mr. Big followed, but notwithstanding the excellent responses, the changing musical climate brought the band into oblivion, even if Tall Stories worked feverishly on new songs from 1993 to 95. Steve Augeri went on to join Tyketto and then Journey. As they say the rest is history, however there was something unfinished that, when time was right, took its toll. Tall Stories are now reborn in the original line-up and offer the fans the possibility to rightfully enjoy the songs that would be the band’s second chapter. Due to the original recording quality and the availability of drummer Tom DeFaria, Tall Stories were forced to make the difficult decision of hire a handful of stellar drummers to complete the picture. First was the talent of Rodney Howard (Avril Lavigne) on “Stay” and “No Justice”. Then the legendary Bobby Rondinelli on the "bombastic" “River Rise”. And last but not least, a drummer that played and recorded with Genesis, Nir Z. Produced by guitarist Jack Morer, “Skyscraper” stays true to the original concept of what Tall Stories was about: music and songs that are diverse as the band members are. From the opening track, “Tomorrow”, an uptempo/upbeat song reminiscent of U2 and Led Zeppelin, to the final song “You Shall be Free” a Gospel number in every sense of the word, the new album is filled with different colours and textures. “It's been quite awhile since the first Tall Stories release and this new one. We're happy to, if nothing else, put an end to some unfinished business and to share these songs with our ever patient fans. Maybe even make some new ones. We love making music and hope to continue, on any level. But, you know... you can always dream big. So, long live life, love and above all, long live Rock!” – Steve Augeri.

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Advertising Jan. '09

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