Showing posts with label Bang. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bang. Show all posts

6/29/2023

Legendary Metal Trio BANG To Release New Album “Another Me”

Often called America's answer to Black Sabbath, one of the most unsung bands in the history of US hard rock music, BANG, is back with a new album “Another Me”! Featuring all 3 members of the classic line-up: bassist/vocalist Frank Ferrara, guitarist Frankie Gilcken and original drummer/lyricist Tony Diorio along with new drummer Danny Piselli.

We’re stoked about our new album ‘Another Me’ … It was a labor of love that’s been a long time coming … We went back to our roots to give our fans … in your face rock … all killer … no filler” - BANG

Check out the first single from the album, the killer title track “Another Me” - Stream/download the single: https://orcd.co/bang_anothermesingle

With the heaviness of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, coupled with the groove of Grand Funk Railroad, BANG released three critically acclaimed albums on Capitol Records in the early 1970s before disappearing for a number of years. 2023 marks the 52nd anniversary of BANG’s critically acclaimed debut album which was just reissued last week on a unique, limited edition colored vinyl.

Buy the VINYL: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/bang-pink-yellow-marble-vinyl/

In the summer of 1971, BANG, a trio from the Philadelphia area, decided to take a road trip to Florida to try their fortune. While buying some rolling papers in the Sunshine State, they learned about a Faces and Deep Purple concert nearby in Orlando. They showed up at the venue and brazenly declared they were ready to go on stage. The concert organizer asked them to set up and play for him. After a couple songs, he told them they were opening for Rod Stewart and Faces. Before they knew it, BANG was playing with Bachman Turner Overdrive, Deep Purple, Three Dog Night, Fleetwood Mac, Ike and Tina Turner, The Doobie Brothers, and even Black Sabbath. Capitol Records signed them, and three LPs were released.

The 1971 self-titled debut album “BANG” is considered an important forerunner to the early Doom Metal genre. Undoubtedly one of America’s heaviest 'proto-metal' bands from the period, BANG also had a strong sense of melodic power. The band’s versatility and songwriting skills are second to none. Highly regarded as a cult act by many for years, it’s now time for this truly amazing rock band to be enjoyed by a new audience worldwide!

It’s been nearly 20 years since the band’s previous studio album, two decades in which they’ve overcome incredible challenges, all to bring this epic slab of heavy, melodic psychedelic metal to their still loyal fanbase!

Track List:

1. Another Me
2. Broken Toys
3. Man Of God
4. Clouds
5. Two Angels
6. Drone Pilot
7. Tin Man
8. This Night

To purchase: https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/bang-another-me-cd/

For more information:
http://www.bangmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/Bangtheband
Instagram: @bang_the_band

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com


CLEOPATRA RECORDS, INC.
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify | Cleopatra Records Store
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

8/23/2017

New Book on Legendary Proto-Metal Power Trio BANG "The BANG Story: From the Basement to the Bright Lights" Now Available!


“The BANG Story: From the Basement to the Bright Lights” by Lawrence Knorr, Frank Ferrara, Tony Diorio, and Frank Gilcken

Often called America's answer to Black Sabbath, one of the most unsung bands in the history of US hard rock music, BANG, is back with a new biography “The BANG Story: From the Basement to the Bright Lights”! With the heaviness of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, coupled with the groove of Grand Funk Railroad, BANG released three critically acclaimed albums on Capitol Records in the early 1970s before disappearing for a number of years. 2017 marks the 45th anniversary of BANG's critically acclaimed debut album and the band is celebrating with the release of their new book! “The BANG Story: From the Basement to the Bright Lights” was written by Lawrence Knorr, Frank Ferrara, Tony Diorio, and Frank Gilcken.

In the summer of 1971, BANG, a trio from the Philadelphia area, decided to take a road trip to Florida to try their fortune. While buying some rolling papers in the Sunshine State, they learned about a Small Faces and Deep Purple concert nearby in Orlando. They showed up at the venue and brazenly declared they were ready to go on stage. The concert organizer asked them to set up and play for him. After a couple songs, he told them they were opening for Rod Stewart and Small Faces. Before they knew it, BANG was playing with Bachman Turner Overdrive, Deep Purple, Three Dog Night, Fleetwood Mac, Ike and Tina Turner, The Doobie Brothers, and even Black Sabbath. Capitol Records signed them, and three LPs were released. Join Frank Ferrara, Tony Diorio, and Frankie Gilcken, as they recall their rapid rise to fame, playing with numerous Rock and Roll Hall of Famers.

The 1971 self-titled debut album “BANG” is considered an important forerunner to the early Doom Metal genre. Undoubtedly one of America's heaviest 'proto-metal' bands from the period, BANG also had a strong sense of melodic power. The band's versatility and songwriting skills are second to none. Highly regarded as a cult act by many for years, it’s now time for this truly amazing rock band to be enjoyed by a new audience worldwide!

Excerpts from the book:

“Those were the days when everything was experimental,” said Karl Richardson, the engineer. “We were looking for something more reverberant. We didn’t want BANG to sound like everybody else. In those days, records were more like paintings, than photographs. The studio was a palette, and we were always thinking about art—not just taking a picture.”

OZZY Cheesesteak anecdote … ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 1972, BANG was back in Fayetteville, North Carolina, to play with Black Sabbath, who was in the midst of their Master of Reality Tour. Wild Turkey was to open this evening, followed by the boys from Philly. That afternoon, the band was hanging out with Ozzy Osbourne and Geezer Butler from Black Sabbath. They offered to introduce them to cheesesteaks, having discovered a sandwich shop in town that was attempting to replicate their favorite Philadelphia cuisine. “I’ve never had a bloody cheesesteak,” admitted Ozzy. And so BANG introduced the Prince of Darkness to the delicacy. After chomping on a few bites, he asked, “I have another question for you. What do the fans mean when they are making the “V” signs with their fingers? For our Churchill, it meant victory.” “To them it means one of two things,” answered Frankie. “It either means peace or boogie.” After that, Ozzy would often be seen on stage flashing dual V-signs to all of his audiences, as captured on the cover of their next album Vol. 4.

Available in Paperback:
Publisher: Sunbury Press, Inc. - Release date August 15, 2017
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/The-BANG-Story-9781620065822.htm

To purchase:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bang-Story-Basement-Bright-Lights/dp/1620065827
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-bang-story-lawrence-knorr/1126989375
Sunbury Press: http://www.sunburypressstore.com/The-BANG-Story-9781620065822.htm

Finnish label Svart Records is released BANG's 4 classic records: “Death of a Country,” “BANG,” “Mother/Bow to the King,” “BANG Music.” They were re-pressed on both vinyl and CD: http://www.svartrecords.com/

BANG has made available free ringtones! Free Frank Gilcken guitar solos for iPhones and Androids! http://www.bangmusic.com/ringtones/ Also, all BANG songs are now available for 99 cents mp3 downloads http://www.bangmusic.com/shop/mp3s/ BANG's complete recorded catalog is available as well through their website, which includes the band's latest CD releases “Return To Zero” and “The Maze.”

To purchase BANG CD's, Vinyl and Digital Album Downloads: http://www.bangmusic.com/shop/cds-and-vinyl/

Also the website contains never seen videos of BANG! http://www.bangmusic.com/videos/ including the “BANGstory” video a must see:


For more information:
http://www.bangmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/Bangtheband
Instagram: @bang_the_band

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

3/20/2016

Rock/Metal Review: Bang-Mother/Bow to the King

Release Date: 1971/1972
Label: Capitol Records
Every era has its superstars, the acts and bands that shine brighter than the rest of the pack.  They top the charts, play to sold-out crowds, and amass millions in record sales. They influence the next generations of musicians and their songs and go on to become a staple of pop-culture, while sounding as good now as they did decades ago when they were first released.  Then there are the bands that get lost in the shuffle.  They have plenty of talent, and maybe a hit song or two, but they were never able to make it to the next level for whatever reason.  Bang is one such band.

Formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania not long after Woodstock in 1969 by two high school friends, Frank Glicken (guitar, vocals) and Frank Ferrara (bass, lead vocals), they were joined by Tony Diorio (drums) after he answered their ad in a newspaper.  One of the earliest American bands to venture into the heavy metal genre, there were hopes of them being the American answer to Black Sabbath. They signed to Capitol in the early 70s, and eventually put out three albums, with the single “Questions” making it into the top 100.  They were never able to duplicate its success and broke up after the release of their third album.

Bang and Mother/Bow to the King are re-issues of their first two albums, originally released in 1971 and 1972.  They are a joy to listen to, making it a real shame that they could not manage to keep things together, because there is a lot of quality music one these two albums.  It makes one wonder what they would have produced during the rest of the 70s if they never broke up.

The opening of “Lions, Christians” is a great attention grabber with its caustic and distinct guitar riff.  This is an ace of a hard rock song with some heavy presence.  This is a solid example of the early 70s hard rock sound that has such a close kinship with heavy metal, a nice mesh of the right speed with a heavy sound.  “The Queen” is sure to be a pleaser as it gives off a very strong Led Zeppelin vibe.  “Last Will” takes the tempo down a notch.  The sound is a bit more pop oriented, with a strong Beatles influence on this one. 

“Come with Me” picks things right back up with another soulful hard rock song. The guitar parts are a real standout here, being very memorable and unique. One of the album standouts, “Our Home,” is such a fantastic rocking tune, and should really be essential listening for hard rock fans. It is one of those songs where their skill, talent, and promise can be heard.  Over forty years later, it still sounds so fresh.  “Future Stock” is slow, heavy, and ahead of its time. This is one of those songs where their proto-metal sound can clearly be heard. “Questions” is straight up and kills it with its seductive bassline, and the drums complement it fantastically. Closing of the album is the post-apocalyptic sci-fi themed “Redman,” that is almost too catchy for its own good. 

Mother/Bow to the King is their 1972 follow-up to their self-titled debut. The opener, “Mother,” is pleasant sounding folksy song, so feel free to clap along. It retains their hard rock flair with the guitar solo near the end.  One listen to “Humble” and it is easy to see why these guys are categorized as proto-metal with the heavy hard rock sound of this song.   “Keep On” is a solid rock song memorable for its funky guitar.

“Idealist Realist” brings the heavy proto-metal sound of “Humble” back.  The cover of The Guess Who’s “No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature” clashes with the rest of the songs and sounds so out of place on this album.  “Feel the Hurt” is an emotional lighter rocker.  It is not as heavy as “Humble” or “Idealist Realist,” but it has plenty of passion behind it.  Following it up is “Tomorrow,” an up-beat rocker.  “Bow to the King” starts off slow and mellow and has an almost dreamlike quality to it.  It is a successful divergence from their usual hard rock and metal sound that veers into progressive rock territory.  It is a serene closer to an interesting sophomore album.   

These Bang re-issues are a true blast from the past.  Bang is one hidden gem of a band that deserves to be rediscovered.  Bang and Mother/Bow to the King are two highly creative and skillful albums that you cannot go wrong with.  If you are in any way a fan of hard rock, heavy metal, or of music from the 70s in general, then these Bang albums should definitely be in your collection.  

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Lions, Christians, Our Home, Questions, Mother, Humble, Bow to the King

Tracks:
Bang

01. Lions, Christians
02. The Queen
03. Last Will
04. Come with Me
05. Our Home
06. Future Stock
07. Questions
08. Redman


 
Mother/Bow to the Earth
09. Mother
10. Humble
11. Keep On
12. Idealist Realist
13. No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature
14. Feel the Hurt
15. Tomorrow
16. Bow to the King


Brian McKinnon - Write A Music Review Sr. Staff
March 20, 2016
Review Provided By Write A Music Review

1/22/2016

US 70's Proto-Metal Power Trio BANG To Tour Europe For First Time Ever!


Free Download of “Questions” Now Available!

Philadelphia, PA (USA) – Often called America's answer to Black Sabbath, one of the most unsung bands in the history of US hard rock music, BANG, is back! With the heaviness of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, coupled with the groove of Grand Funk Railroad, BANG released three critically acclaimed albums on Capitol Records in the early 1970's before disappearing for a number of years. 2016 marks the 44th anniversary of BANG's critically acclaimed debut album and the band is celebrating with a major European tour! This will be the very first tour of Europe for the legendary power trio, which will take them through the UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, Denmark. Sweden, Spain and Portugal!

Says lead vocalist and bassist Frank Ferrera, “BANG is extremely grateful for the opportunity to play in front of our European fans...this will be our 1st time overseas and we're excited to share our music with you...”

Bang European tour dates:

April 14 - Roadburn Festival - Tilburg, The Netherlands
April 15 - Immerhin - Wurzburg, Germany
April 16 - Kulturbahnhof - Jena, Germany
April 19 - Borderline - London, UK
April 20 - Truckstop Alaska - Gothenburg, Sweden
April 21 - OCCII - Amsterdam, Netherlands
April 22 - Bassy - Berlin, Germany
April 23 - Goldgrube - Kassel, Germany
April 24 - Glazart - Paris, France
April 26 - Loppen - Copenhagen, Denmark
April 27 - Grand - Malmo, Sweden
April 28 - Geronimo FT - Stockholm, Sweden
April 29 - Rocksound - Barcelona, Spain
April 30 - Sound Bay Festival - Lisbon, Portugal

To listen/download BANG's “Questions”:



Says Frank Ferrara, “Needing one more song for the BANG album...we had Questions....our producer didn't think the song was strong enough to be on the record... we disagreed and convinced him  to add it to the BANG album...Lo and behold it became our first single....it goes to show that sometimes the "BAND" knows best....”

The 1971 self-titled debut album 'BANG' is considered an important forerunner to the early Doom Metal genre. Undoubtedly one of America’s heaviest 'proto-metal' bands from the period, BANG also had a strong sense of melodic power. The band's versatility and songwriting skills are second to none. Highly regarded as a cult act by many for years, it’s now time for this truly amazing rock band to be enjoyed by a new audience worldwide!

Back in the spring of 1972, BANG was shaping up to be the proverbial 'next big thing'. Signed a few months earlier to Capitol Records, the band's first single “Questions” was taking off in the Billboard Hot 100. With the enthusiastic support of their record label, the trio's self-titled debut album was also climbing in the charts. The group's management had them opening shows for just about every major band of the era. Moreover, BANG had recently opened for their all time favorite band Black Sabbath, and by common consensus of opinion, stole the show! With two band members, guitarist Frank Gilcken and lead singer/bassist Frank Ferrara, still in their teens, and drummer/lyricist Tony Diorio, BANG seemed to be unstoppable!

Somehow, though, it didn't quite work out. Even as “Questions” was charting, a corporate shakeup at Capitol saw the band's supporters moving on and replaced by A&R men who had their own signings to promote. With the band's producer, Michael Sunday, also leaving the label, BANG's support system was crumbling. Their new producer engineered a change in personnel that led to drummer/lyricist Tony Diorio’s departure. Meanwhile, the label insisted that BANG develop a more mainstream, pop oriented sound. Trying to keep the dream alive, they changed management companies. With a much more commercial approach, the group released a 3rd album, 'BANG Music' in 1973, which, although did contain some great songs and performances, failed to chart. By 1974, just a couple of years after their initial success, a tired and disillusioned BANG had lost their direction, momentum and self-belief. They went their separate ways.

Despite the relative briefness of their career, BANG left behind a powerful recorded legacy: four albums, including their unreleased 1971 concept album 'Death Of A Country', as well as a trio of non-album tracks that were recorded as singles when their deal with Capitol was about to expire. In 1996, much to everyone's surprise, BANG reunited! The band recorded and released in 1998 a new album titled 'Return To Zero', with the more metal-oriented album titled 'The Maze' (featuring new versions of old favorites “Love Sonnet” and “Bow To The King”) following in 2004, proving once again that the band still had the magic that made them great back in the early 70's!

And now, much to the excitement of their fans, BANG will be performing live in Europe in 2016! Says Frank Ferrara, “The three of us realized that BANG was still a musical force. And even though a lot of years have passed, we were writing songs as if it were yesterday. The dream is alive, and with renewed thirst and love of the music, we are resuming our quest.” With drummer Jake Leger, and the Franks, the band will remain a three piece, sounding just like the records!

Finnish label Svart Records is re-releasing Bang's 4 classic records: Death of a Country, Bang, Mother/Bow to the King , Music Album. They are being re-pressed on both vinyl and CD and will be available early 2016.
http://www.svartrecords.com/

Please visit http://www.bangmusic.com to explore and download BANG's complete record catalog, including the band's latest CD releases 'Return To Zero' and 'The Maze'. Also the website contains never seen videos of BANG! http://www.bangmusic.com/videos/ as well as the BANG story – a must read and see! http://www.bangmusic.com/bangstory/

For more information:
http://www.bangmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/Bangtheband
Instagram: @bang_the_band

Management: taryn.waldman@gmail.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

US 70's Proto-Metal Power Trio BANG To Tour Europe For First Time Ever!


Free Download of “Questions” Now Available!

Philadelphia, PA (USA) – Often called America's answer to Black Sabbath, one of the most unsung bands in the history of US hard rock music, BANG, is back! With the heaviness of Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, coupled with the groove of Grand Funk Railroad, BANG released three critically acclaimed albums on Capitol Records in the early 1970's before disappearing for a number of years. 2016 marks the 44th anniversary of BANG's critically acclaimed debut album and the band is celebrating with a major European tour! This will be the very first tour of Europe for the legendary power trio, which will take them through the UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, Denmark. Sweden, Spain and Portugal!

Says lead vocalist and bassist Frank Ferrera, “BANG is extremely grateful for the opportunity to play in front of our European fans...this will be our 1st time overseas and we're excited to share our music with you...”

Bang European tour dates:

April 14 - Roadburn Festival - Tilburg, The Netherlands
April 15 - Immerhin - Wurzburg, Germany
April 16 - Kulturbahnhof - Jena, Germany
April 19 - Borderline - London, UK
April 20 - Truckstop Alaska - Gothenburg, Sweden
April 21 - OCCII - Amsterdam, Netherlands
April 22 - Bassy - Berlin, Germany
April 23 - Goldgrube - Kassel, Germany
April 24 - Glazart - Paris, France
April 26 - Loppen - Copenhagen, Denmark
April 27 - Grand - Malmo, Sweden
April 28 - Geronimo FT - Stockholm, Sweden
April 29 - Rocksound - Barcelona, Spain
April 30 - Sound Bay Festival - Lisbon, Portugal

To listen/download BANG's “Questions”:



Says Frank Ferrara, “Needing one more song for the BANG album...we had Questions....our producer didn't think the song was strong enough to be on the record... we disagreed and convinced him  to add it to the BANG album...Lo and behold it became our first single....it goes to show that sometimes the "BAND" knows best....”

The 1971 self-titled debut album 'BANG' is considered an important forerunner to the early Doom Metal genre. Undoubtedly one of America’s heaviest 'proto-metal' bands from the period, BANG also had a strong sense of melodic power. The band's versatility and songwriting skills are second to none. Highly regarded as a cult act by many for years, it’s now time for this truly amazing rock band to be enjoyed by a new audience worldwide!

Back in the spring of 1972, BANG was shaping up to be the proverbial 'next big thing'. Signed a few months earlier to Capitol Records, the band's first single “Questions” was taking off in the Billboard Hot 100. With the enthusiastic support of their record label, the trio's self-titled debut album was also climbing in the charts. The group's management had them opening shows for just about every major band of the era. Moreover, BANG had recently opened for their all time favorite band Black Sabbath, and by common consensus of opinion, stole the show! With two band members, guitarist Frank Gilcken and lead singer/bassist Frank Ferrara, still in their teens, and drummer/lyricist Tony Diorio, BANG seemed to be unstoppable!

Somehow, though, it didn't quite work out. Even as “Questions” was charting, a corporate shakeup at Capitol saw the band's supporters moving on and replaced by A&R men who had their own signings to promote. With the band's producer, Michael Sunday, also leaving the label, BANG's support system was crumbling. Their new producer engineered a change in personnel that led to drummer/lyricist Tony Diorio’s departure. Meanwhile, the label insisted that BANG develop a more mainstream, pop oriented sound. Trying to keep the dream alive, they changed management companies. With a much more commercial approach, the group released a 3rd album, 'BANG Music' in 1973, which, although did contain some great songs and performances, failed to chart. By 1974, just a couple of years after their initial success, a tired and disillusioned BANG had lost their direction, momentum and self-belief. They went their separate ways.

Despite the relative briefness of their career, BANG left behind a powerful recorded legacy: four albums, including their unreleased 1971 concept album 'Death Of A Country', as well as a trio of non-album tracks that were recorded as singles when their deal with Capitol was about to expire. In 1996, much to everyone's surprise, BANG reunited! The band recorded and released in 1998 a new album titled 'Return To Zero', with the more metal-oriented album titled 'The Maze' (featuring new versions of old favorites “Love Sonnet” and “Bow To The King”) following in 2004, proving once again that the band still had the magic that made them great back in the early 70's!

And now, much to the excitement of their fans, BANG will be performing live in Europe in 2016! Says Frank Ferrara, “The three of us realized that BANG was still a musical force. And even though a lot of years have passed, we were writing songs as if it were yesterday. The dream is alive, and with renewed thirst and love of the music, we are resuming our quest.” With drummer Jake Leger, and the Franks, the band will remain a three piece, sounding just like the records!

Finnish label Svart Records is re-releasing Bang's 4 classic records: Death of a Country, Bang, Mother/Bow to the King , Music Album. They are being re-pressed on both vinyl and CD and will be available early 2016.
http://www.svartrecords.com/

Please visit http://www.bangmusic.com to explore and download BANG's complete record catalog, including the band's latest CD releases 'Return To Zero' and 'The Maze'. Also the website contains never seen videos of BANG! http://www.bangmusic.com/videos/ as well as the BANG story – a must read and see! http://www.bangmusic.com/bangstory/

For more information:
http://www.bangmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/Bangtheband
Instagram: @bang_the_band

Management: taryn.waldman@gmail.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com