MuzikMan's Reviews And News

Showing posts with label Prog Metal. Show all posts

8/25/2025

Progressive Rock/Metal Collective, SYRINX, Announce New Album, “Time out of Place”!

First Two Singles/Videos Out Now! Full Album Releases September 9!

Vancouver, BC - Canadian/U.S. progressive rock/metal band, SYRINX, are set to release their sophomore full-length album, Time out of Place, September 9 on Ocula Records! Pre-sale is now available on Bandcamp.

On Time Out of Place, SYRINX deliver a modern-day rock opera that pushes the boundaries of heavy metal and classic prog rock! Glistening ethereal sounds, heavy moods with unforgettable hooks! This is music with cerebral depth, recorded fully on analog gear with no computer or A.I trickery!

Music videos for the album's first two singles, “A Waking Dream” and “1875,” are available now:

“A Waking Dream”: youtu.be/bBhxkL3ZqJI

“1875”: youtu.be/YBrvYaVS8VA

The songs are also streaming on Bandcamp.

A limited edition 1st pressing of Time out of Place by Ocula Records (475 blue/purple vinyl LPs and 200 CDs) is available for pre-order on Bandcamp.

Embrace the dark, Seek the light

Track listing:
1. Mitosis (Second Light)
2. 1875
3. The Master’s Host
4. Solace Within Dreams
5. The Knowing
6. A Waking Dream
7. Shades of Your Purpose
8. Unraveler
9. It Left

Credits:
Album art by Steve at Chronic Creative.
Recorded by Felix Fung December 2024, January/February 2025 at Little Red Sounds, Vancouver BC.
Mixed Analog by Nathan Jackson & Syrinx at MDC studios Toronto Ontario, April 27-29th 2025.
Additional recordings done by Graham McGee at Othello Studios and Bobby Shock at Shock Manor (New Jersey).
Mastered by Brock McFarlane at CPS Mastering May 2025.
Illustrations and font by Yodth Gnosis.
Layout and additional graphic design by John Gianelli.
All songs written and performed by SYRINX.

Photo Credit: Sara Siraj

Line-up:
Graham McGee - Guitars/Moog Taurus/Little Phatty/Minimoog/Oberheim OB-X/Backing Vocals
JP Abboud - Vocals
Seth Lyon - Drums/Percussion
Bobby Shock - Bass/Moog Taurus/Minimoog/Oberheim Matrix
Lady Chanelle- Supporting Vocals

Bio:

SYRINX - Heavy moods. Hard grooves. Progressive fire from the fringe.

Born in the shadows of a slanted farmhouse outside Vancouver, SYRINX is a heavy metal/progressive rock collective led by guitarist, producer, Graham McGee. Known for their theatrical flair and cerebral songwriting, the band delivers a fresh and unique blend of oldschool heavymetal and classic prog wizardry — echoing the likes of Rush, Genesis, Fates Warning, Queensrÿche, and Judas Priest.

SYRINX began over a decade ago when McGee met powerhouse vocalist Jean-Pierre Abboud (JP) during a wild 30-date Canadian tour with their former band Funeral Circle. When that group folded, the two set their sights on a more expansive sonic path — moving away from gothic and occult themes into deeper, more musically daring territory. From this shift, SYRINX emerged. After their first two releases in 2019 and 2020, SYRINX went dormant as McGee battled a severe case of Lyme disease, stepping away from music entirely. But the silence didn't last. Returning with renewed fire, McGee unexpectedly linked up with drummer Seth Lyon—whose precision, creativity, and shared love of odd time signatures (and black coffee... and Rush) sparked an instant chemistry. In the foothills of the Pacific West Coast mountains, SYRINX breathed again.

Their upcoming sophomore LP Time Out of Place was nearly derailed just weeks before recording when their bassist unexpectedly left the band. But rather than crumble, the band saw it as an opportunity. Enter Bobby Shock — a multi-instrumentalist from New Jersey who slid effortlessly into the SYRINX groove and smashed it out of the park on incredibly short notice. A fully aligned creative energy, Bobby is SYRINX in every way — and his presence elevated the album to a whole new level.

The band’s lineup now includes Graham McGee (guitar/synths), JP (vocals), Seth Lyon (drums), and Bobby Shock (bass/synth), with supporting vocals from Lady Chanelle, McGee’s wife a gifted vocalist whose harmonies add dimension and grace to the band's already diverse sound. McGee and Shock also both wield Moog Taurus pedals and synths live, giving the band a crushing live presence rarely matched on modern stages!

Despite being spread across Vancouver, Denver, and New Jersey, the members work with focused intensity whenever they’re physically together.

This fall, SYRINX returns with a new album. music videos, a limited vinyl/cd release plus live performances and festival announcements.

Pre-order/Pre-save:
linktr.ee/SYRINXOFFICIAL
priestsyrinx.bandcamp.com/album/time-out-of-place

For more information:
https://www.instagram.com/syrinxband/?hl=en
https://www.youtube.com/@SYRINXBANDOFFICIAL
https://www.facebook.com/SyrinxAstralBand

Press inquiries: Keith James, Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Progressive Rock/Metal Collective, SYRINX, Announce New Album, “Time out of Place”!

First Two Singles/Videos Out Now! Full Album Releases September 9!

Music videos for the album's first two singles, “A Waking Dream” and “1875,” are available now:

“A Waking Dream”: youtu.be/bBhxkL3ZqJI

“1875”: youtu.be/YBrvYaVS8VA

The songs are also streaming on Bandcamp.

A limited edition 1st pressing of Time out of Place by Ocula Records (475 blue/purple vinyl LPs and 200 CDs) is available for pre-order on Bandcamp.

Embrace the dark, Seek the light

Track listing:
1. Mitosis (Second Light)
2. 1875
3. The Master’s Host
4. Solace Within Dreams
5. The Knowing
6. A Waking Dream
7. Shades of Your Purpose
8. Unraveler
9. It Left

Photo Credit: Sara Siraj

Bio:

SYRINX - Heavy moods. Hard grooves. Progressive fire from the fringe.

Despite being spread across Vancouver, Denver, and New Jersey, the members work with focused intensity whenever they’re physically together.

This fall, SYRINX returns with a new album. music videos, a limited vinyl/cd release plus live performances and festival announcements.

Pre-order/Pre-save:
linktr.ee/SYRINXOFFICIAL
priestsyrinx.bandcamp.com/album/time-out-of-place

For more information:
https://www.instagram.com/syrinxband/?hl=en
https://www.youtube.com/@SYRINXBANDOFFICIAL
https://www.facebook.com/SyrinxAstralBand

Press inquiries: Keith James, Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

10/18/2023

Derek Sherinian and Simon Phillips - Sherinian/Phillips Live Review

Release Date: August 25, 2023

Label: ‎ Inside Out Music

Website

Twenty years in the making, Sherinian/Phillips Live is documenting a special concert recorded at The Grape in Ventura, California, on August 29, 2022. There were 500 people in attendance.

Receiving the vinyl version of the release for review was a real treat for the ears.

The Line-Up for the recording includes:

Derek Sherinian (keys/synth), Simon Phillips (drums), Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal (guitar), and Ric Fierabracci (bass). That qualifies as a supergroup as far as I am concerned.

Side A begins with "The Vortex." The track is an energized opener. The listener enters their vortex of sound with a series of rapid-fire keyboard strokes, a rock-solid rhythm section, and Bumblefoot at his best with his double-neck guitar. Of course, Simon's drumming keeps the engine running, which always drives this musical machine in top form with the help of Ric's bass during the entire performance.

"Empyrean Sky" opens with a heavy introduction and turns to a lower amperage to allow the six-string to sing. Catchy rhythms and melodicism are featured as Derek builds on it with his talented fingers. The rest of the instrumentation answers the call steadily and consistently.

"Temple of Helios" has a solid bass line as the track goes through the paces of change. Powerfully blended prog rock is in their command, with touches of jazz peppering the composition. Derek shows how diverse he can be as different high points and drawing back on the volume and intensity make for more changes. The track is colorful and eclectic, and it reminded me of Return To Forever.

"Inertia" begins with computer-age sounds of electronics as it builds steadily, then Bumblefoot cuts loose with some riffs, and Derek adds a soft layer in the background and then steps it up to match the intensity of the guitar wailing away. The swift guitar playing is impressive, along with the keys, to keep it all intact. The bass and drums hold down the back end with steady hands. The ongoing exchange between the guitar and keys reaches a crescendo of sound.

"Alpha Burst” features a guitar intro that calls to the keys again and gets an answer, while the rhythm section holds firm and accurate. Compact and constantly moving, the side closes in a flourish of sounds!

Side B starts with "Barnacus" as the drums begin with tremendous authority as Simon leads into a heavy opener where the entire group's strength merges. Then it takes a mellower tone shift as the guitar offers some nice lines to enhance the track further. The keys change the course and then revert to the softer approach. The bass turns on the spotlight with a solo as Ric shows how much talent he brings to the stage. Jazz tones enter the mix briefly, then back to the stinging guitar lines to set the tone for the B side of the platter.

"Seven Seas" gives the listener time to sail away on the open water of sound. The music paints the necessary picture to mirror the track title with some tasteful guitar. The six-string leads the way as the keys add a layer. Then it takes off, and everything is moving at hyper speed. It was a reminder of the kind of song Liquid Tension Experiment would do!

"Ascension" is quick, clocking in at 2:48. A little ditty on the keys, then some guitar flexing with some pedal effects lead into the next track, "The Phoenix." The energy level again is like the phoenix being reborn out of the ashes. The instrumentation engages with a rhythm section that continues forward like a juggernaut on a mission.

Then, a short intro to the band addresses the audience as their epic "Aurora Australis" finishes the recording with plenty of musical fireworks. All their colors and talent are displayed for the audience as they hear 11:27 of masterful progressive metal.

Sherinian/Phillips Live is a superb live album and sounds fantastic on vinyl. This kind of performance is one that everyone involved will never forget. It is a must-have for your vinyl collection if you love prog metal or prog rock.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-PRMR Founder

October 16, 2023

Side A:

1.The Vortex (04:43)

2. Empyrean Sky (04:20)

3. Temple of Helios (06:17)

4. Inertia (04:32)

5. Alpha Burst (04:01)

Side B:

1. Barnacus (03:32)

2. Seven Seas (05:51)

3. Ascension (02:48)

4. The Phoenix (04:55)

5. Introduction (00:31)

6. Aurora Australis (11:27)

5/11/2021

Canadian Prog-Metal Ensemble Derev To Release Debut EP “Leap of Faith” May 21, 2021

Derev is a progressive Rock/Metal band from Toronto, Canada, formed by the Italian/Armenian guitarist Armando Bablanian and the Syrian/Armenian drummer Michel Karakach. Derev’s sound combines the energy and intensity of metal music with the atmospheric sound of old-school progressive rock, while incorporating elements of their Arabic and Armenian heritage.

The plan for what eventually became Derev was in the works since Michel and Armando met in high school while living in Kuwait. At the time, they were unable to pursue the project due to circumstances of living in the Middle East.

After obtaining his dental degree during the war in Syria and seeking asylum in Canada, Michel joined Armando in Toronto to form the band after an eight-year hiatus, where they met the bassist Liam Horrigan who recently joined the project.

In anticipation of their debut EP “Leap of Faith”, Derev has already released two singles and an animated music video in early 2021. “Leap of Faith” features Adel Saflou (Ambrotype) on vocals and will be released on May 21st. The band will also be releasing a video for the track “Turab” on the same day.

Says Derev, “‘Leap of Faith’ is our debut EP. It’s meant to introduce the band’s diverse style and unique sound, merging the heaviness of metal music with the atmospheric feel and rhythms of old school progressive rock, while experimenting with middle-eastern scales derived from the band’s origins. Even though the EP is not a concept album and each song aims to discuss a different topic, the common theme is about seeing things from a different, unconventional perspective and taking the risk of action to make a change, rather than accepting the status quo, thus the EP’s name.”

The main themes, melodies, and riffs came out of prolonged jam sessions between Armando and Michel. From there, they were slowly developed into full songs through numerous iterations of rehearsing, adjusting, and recording demos. Once the structure of a song was ready, they wrote lyrics and worked on the general vocal melodies and harmonies. The entire EP was recorded at home. Guitars and bass were recorded in the band’s home studio in Toronto. Adel Saflou (guest vocals) took their demos, added his own character and sound to it and recorded the vocals in his home studio in Amsterdam. Michel tracked the drums on his electric kit, and then fine-tuned it to preserve his performance, while keeping everything sounding organic. Once everything was tracked the band sent the songs to James Zhan who mixed and mastered the EP.

Derev:

Armando (guitarist/songwriter), an engineering graduate from the University of Toronto, has been an active musician for over 10 years. His most notable work is with the Canadian metal band “Till I Conquer” with whom he has released an EP and 3 singles.

Michel (drummer/songwriter) has been an active drummer for the past 10 years. He was constantly organizing and playing shows while obtaining his dental degree in Syria. Fortunately for him, he had the opportunity to immigrate to Canada and pursue his musical career with Armando to bring Derev to life.

Liam (bassist) who’s also an engineering graduate from the University of Toronto, started his musical career with Ottawa-based act “Open Season”. He has diversified across instruments, genres, and locations (including performances throughout southern Ontario and the release of an alternative rock solo EP as @t_ii_f), Liam is excited to be returning to his bass playing roots with Derev.

Track listing:
1. Tunnel Vision (1:04)
2. Turab (5:15)
3. Futile (8:22)
4. Delayed (7:07)
5. Slipping Down Again (5:59)
6. Ghost of Guilt (8:35)

To purchase: https://www.derevmusic.com/store

For more information:
https://www.Derevmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/derevmusic
https://www.instagram.com/derevmusic
https://www.twitter.com/derevmusic
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1lbmuZcISd67b_t7hLfuXw

Press inquiries (North America): Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Canadian Prog-Metal Ensemble Derev To Release Debut EP “Leap of Faith” May 21, 2021

Derev:

Track listing:
1. Tunnel Vision (1:04)
2. Turab (5:15)
3. Futile (8:22)
4. Delayed (7:07)
5. Slipping Down Again (5:59)
6. Ghost of Guilt (8:35)

To purchase: https://www.derevmusic.com/store

Press inquiries (North America): Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Canadian Prog-Metal Ensemble Derev To Release Debut EP “Leap of Faith” May 21, 2021

Derev:

Track listing:
1. Tunnel Vision (1:04)
2. Turab (5:15)
3. Futile (8:22)
4. Delayed (7:07)
5. Slipping Down Again (5:59)
6. Ghost of Guilt (8:35)

To purchase: https://www.derevmusic.com/store

Press inquiries (North America): Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

1/15/2018

Melodic Rock Band Odin's Court Releases Sixth Studio Album Turtles All The Way Down: Vol II

Progressive Rock and Metal for fans of Pink Floyd, Dream Theater, Devin Townsend, Porcupine Tree, HIM, Iron Maiden, Journey, and Queen

Baltimore, MD, USA based progressive rock and metal band Odin’s Court are excited to announce Turtles All the Way Down: Vol. II is available as of 2018 January 5 through Melodic Revolution Records!

Turtles All the Way Down: Vol II is a continuation of Odin’s Court’s 2013 concept album Turtles All the Way Down. Turtles All the Way Down explores deep issues about mankind’s understanding of the universe, the individual, and how each new discovery may challenge what we think we understand about our surroundings.

Brookins comments on the latest release: “This album takes it up a notch from where Dimetrius, Rick, and I left off with the previous album. I think Turtles II has our best material and production yet. I know artists often say these types of things when talking about a new release, but I think Gary Raub’s drum style adds a nice vibe to the sound we previously established. We also went for some ‘epic’ sounding choruses on this one with layered choirs, which are nicely supplemented by the beautiful voice of Michelle Loose Schrotz (of mid-Atlantic based band Brave). I think this album also has a big, ambient, and dense sound, but even with that big sound, we still maintain focus on ‘the song’ because that’s what it’s all about – the messages and emotions that music attempts to deliver.”

The new album features 8 tracks of melodic hard rock, prog, and metal, including an epic piece that is over 20 minutes long with full orchestration.

Track Listing:
1. A Brief History of Time
2. Will I See you Again?
3. Unmoved Mover
4. Killing Curiosity
5. Event Horizon
6. Infinite Regression
7. The Burning Tides of Time
8. My Final Journey

To purchase Odin's Court Turtles All the Way Down: Vol II:
CD Baby: bit.ly/2CMoady
MRR Bandcamp: bit.ly/2kcgskr
Odin’s Court Bandcamp: bit.ly/2zF9NSE
iTunes: apple.co/2CYC9d0
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2Axzzb6
Amazon Japan: amzn.to/2CJJlgt
Amazon UK: amzn.to/2CFKTY5

Odin's Court:
Matt Brookins – Guitar, Vocals, Keyboard, and (Studio) Bass
Rick Pierpont – Guitar & Backing Vocals
Dimetrius LaFavors – Vocals
Gary Raub – Drums, Percussion, and Backing Vocals
Jason Pierpont – (Live) Bass Guitar

Official Sites:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/odinscourtband
YouTube: www.youtube.com/odinscourt
MRR Artist Profile: http://mrrmusic.com/odins-court/

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com
Melodic Revolution Records, Info@melodicrevolutionrecords.com

Melodic Rock Band Odin's Court Releases Sixth Studio Album Turtles All The Way Down: Vol II

Progressive Rock and Metal for fans of Pink Floyd, Dream Theater, Devin Townsend, Porcupine Tree, HIM, Iron Maiden, Journey, and Queen

Melodic Rock Band Odin's Court Releases Sixth Studio Album Turtles All The Way Down: Vol II

Progressive Rock and Metal for fans of Pink Floyd, Dream Theater, Devin Townsend, Porcupine Tree, HIM, Iron Maiden, Journey, and Queen

7/21/2017

Concert Review: Iron Maiden and Ghost In Concert

Iron Maiden and Ghost In Concert

Xfinity Center Mansfield, Massachusetts

July 19, 2017

http://ironmaiden.com

http://ghost-official.com

I can tick one off the bucket list now. I finally got my opportunity to see the iconic metal legends Iron Maiden in concert. I have been waiting for many years for this night and it was worth the wait. On a steamy July night, an over capacity crowd at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, Massachusetts reveled in their time witnessing the heavy metal giants perform.

I have never seen that many people in sync like that, the admiration and respect was evident all night long. You would expect a raucous crowd, and I know we are all stereotyped like other groups of people, but this was an orderly crowd and when we all left there were no issues. So much for the stereotypes, you can throw them right out the window. We love our metal and our bands, and as Bruce Dickinson said, prior to a short dissertation of the world before a song, we are all “Blood Brothers.” One people enjoying each other’s company and the music.

The opening band Ghost is one I was anticipating as well. I had already purchased all their music and found their presentation onstage very theatrical. Of course, Maiden takes that element to entirely different level when they get on the stage. The music of Ghost is heavy and precise. The band’s lead singer “Papa Emeritus III” has put together a well-oiled machine, and he looks menacing as hell (no pun intended there). The “Nameless Ghouls,” the rest of the band, all have their devil masks on while the lead singer is a moving skeleton working the stage all night. The act is a tribute to the dark side and Satan. It is entertainment, an act yes, and I do not believe for a second they are worshipers of Lucifer. When you talk about being happy and prosperous as the lead singer did last night, well, worshipers of the dark master just don’t discuss such things, so there you go. The music is as awesome as I expected in a live setting. I would expect this band to continue to grow a large following and eventually be headliners.

Ghost was a superb warm up band for Maiden and I think everyone in attendance really enjoyed their music and presentation.

Iron Maiden’s stage sets the tone for their shows. With mascot Eddie and the backdrops for whatever album they are touring under, it always makes it a total multimedia event. This was the next to the last show for the incredible masterpiece The Book of Souls.

All the members look to be in terrific shape physically and Bruce is still running around the stage all night long. He was totally soaked in sweat after only a few songs (as was I all night long). The energy he commands onstage is something to behold. The band has been together so long it is like watching a family joining together to celebrate what they love. You can feel the honesty in their performance. With three excellent guitarists and the phenomenal founder and bass player Steve Harris uniting them to make their way through fan favorites and the most recent recording, it really was something people in attendance will never forget.

The large video screens were amazing. The shots of the band on stage were HD quality, you could see the sweat on their arms and watch their fingers blazing away on the guitars. It made a difference for all of us in the upper sections. It was hard not to keep looking at the screen!

The one thing I did notice that was a blemish on an otherwise excellent show, was how Bruce’s mic kept cutting out last night. It happened frequently, so hopefully that is something that would be corrected by the venue or their own team on the mixing board. I am not sure where the problem was originating from.

The venue is in an off the beaten path area and by the time we made it through the incoming traffic, the only parking left was the very last lot with a 2 hour wait to get out. I learned my lesson when attending such a major event there. You should either get there when they open the lots or pay the price to park outside the venue! Fair warning to those who have not been there yet.

The inconveniences were not welcomed but dealt with in good spirits by all in attendance. And why not? We got to see phenomenal heavy metal in one evening so it was worth it. I had always watched the DVD sets over the years of Maiden and now understand the energy level and commitment of the band and their fans.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

July 20, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Ghost Set List:

Masked Ball

(Gregorio Allegri song)

Square Hammer

From the Pinnacle to the Pit

Ritual

Cirice

Year Zero

Absolution

Mummy Dust

Monstrance Clock

Iron Maiden Set List:

Doctor Doctor

(UFO song)

If Eternity Should Fail

Speed of Light

Wrathchild

Children of the Damned

Death or Glory

The Red and the Black

The Trooper

Powerslave

The Great Unknown

The Book of Souls

Fear of the Dark

Iron Maiden

Encore:

The Number of the Beast

Blood Brothers

Wasted Years

Concert Review: Iron Maiden and Ghost In Concert

Iron Maiden and Ghost In Concert

Xfinity Center Mansfield, Massachusetts

July 19, 2017

http://ironmaiden.com

http://ghost-official.com

Ghost was a superb warm up band for Maiden and I think everyone in attendance really enjoyed their music and presentation.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

July 20, 2017

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Ghost Set List:

Masked Ball

(Gregorio Allegri song)

Square Hammer

From the Pinnacle to the Pit

Ritual

Cirice

Year Zero

Absolution

Mummy Dust

Monstrance Clock

Iron Maiden Set List:

Doctor Doctor

(UFO song)

If Eternity Should Fail

Speed of Light

Wrathchild

Children of the Damned

Death or Glory

The Red and the Black

The Trooper

Powerslave

The Great Unknown

The Book of Souls

Fear of the Dark

Iron Maiden

Encore:

The Number of the Beast

Blood Brothers

Wasted Years

5/04/2016

When Punk Meets Prog Metal – The Last Ditches Feat. The Heartbreakers Walter Lure & Black Sabbath/Rainbow's Bobby Rondinelli

NYC - Could there be two more disparate musical genres than Punk and Prog Metal? And… Could those oil and water categories ever mix? The answer… The Last Ditches…A respected Prog Metal rhythm section meets 'Real Deal' CBGB/Max's Kansas City guitars and singing.

The Last Ditches sprang into being thanks to the animal cunning and persistence of Funk Metal bassist extraordinaire and studio owner, Randy Pratt. See, Randy had a deep conviction that he, along with actual no-kidding punk legend, New York's Heartbreakers' Walter Lure, The Planets' long time guitarist, Binky Philips, and another genuine music icon, Rainbow and Black Sabbath's Master Prog Metal drummer, Bobby Rondinelli, would make an amazing sound together; a blending of two rock styles that usually want nothing to do with each other…It took over four years to prove his point, but, Randy was oh, so right.

For those who need a remedial, Walter Lure was “the other guitarist” in Johnny Thunders' Heartbreakers, rightly considered one of the Top Five All Time Great Punk bands. While the toxically charismatic Johnny took up most of the spotlight, Walter's guitar playing made up the bulk of the band's incredible music, as did Walter's songwriting. To wrap Walter's justified legend up in one neat sentence… “Walter Lure also played un-credited guitar on four albums by The Ramones”.

Ask any serious drummer playing arena-recording level drums and they will all not only know who Bobby Rondinelli is, chances are, they own some of his world famous instructional DVDs. World Famous is not glib here. Mr. Rondinelli travels the globe giving sold out drumming seminars in Tokyo, London, Scandinavia, Moscow… In addition to Bobby being a member of Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow for their albums “Difficult to Cure” (1981), “Straight Between the Eyes” (1982) and “Finyl Vinyl” (1986), Bobby recorded and toured with Black Sabbath on and for the “Cross Purposes” album and two albums and one DVD with Blue Oyster Cult, easily three of the all time most influential Metal bands. Mr. Rondinelli's other recordings number in the literal hundreds.

Binky and Randy are decades-long veterans of the New York City Music Scene. Randy played with the likes of The Funky Knights and is currently the harpist in the reconstituted Cactus, yes, that Cactus, and the internationally acclaimed funk-metal band, The Lizards. Meanwhile, Binky, who, back in the day, shared NYC stages with The New York Dolls, KISS, The Ramones, Blondie, et al, has stuck to his Planets guns all this time while writing a weekly column for Huffington Post. Tommy Ramone even called Binky “a virtuoso”.

Every aspect of The Last Ditches' music (Walter Lure came up with the name), are extraordinarily successful examples of kitsch painter, Bob Ross's Happy Accident approach to art. All thirteen songs on “Spilt Milk” were learned on the spot in the studio and recorded the moment “the ducks lined up”. Adding to the immediacy of the basic tracks, in every case, all the many guitar overdubs were cut with nothing worked out in advance, ever. What Walter and Binky achieved was almost entirely by instinct, attitude, and a strong musical empathy. This is music for Guitar Freaks. Bobby and Randy laid down over-the-top granite-hard fist-tight foundations for Walter and Binky's careening guitars and voices. The band's dear pal, Paul Gifford, added gorgeous harmony vocals.

Eight of the thirteen songs recorded were written by Walter and Binky and Randy, expressly for the “Spilt Milk” album. The remaining five cuts are from untapped back catalog.

It is The Last Ditches' great good fortune (and yours) that this project was headed up by the dazzling Master Engineer, JZ Barrell (who shares Producer credit with Binky) behind the recording console. The band's magic might have been accidental, JZ's was emphatically not. The truth is, everything took so damn long and at times seemed to be happening in a vacuum, that The Last Ditches themselves had no idea they had recorded such an utterly visceral and exciting rock and roll album until JZ finished it.

Okay, it's time for you (and your neighbors) to enjoy this music.

The Last Ditches “Spilt Milk” will be released on Hyperspace / Rocker Records: https://www.facebook.com/Hyperspace-Records-158124194256116/

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

12/21/2015

Prog Metal Band Odin's Court Release Deathanity (R3)

Progressive Metal for fans of Pink Floyd, Dream Theater, Devin Townsend, Porcupine Tree, Iron Maiden, King’s X, Metallica, HIM, and Journey, Enchant, Queen

Baltimore, MD - USA based progressive rock and metal band Odin's Court's announced the re-release of their 2008 album Deathanity (R3) for March, 1 2016. Deathanity (R3) is a “reboot” of the original ProgRock Records album, consisting of a remix (original recording), new recordings (e.g., vocals), and a re-master.

Band leader Matt Brookins commented on the decision to revisit Deathanity: “This was an important album to the band – we worked hard independently, and then shopped it to labels. It was picked up by ProgRock Records (2008), and to date remains our best selling and most popular release. While we were, and still are, proud of what we did, there are some factors that made us want to revisit and improve the quality of the album…mainly, the addition of Dimetrius LaFavors (lead vocals), but also my improvements as an engineer and producer. Additionally, the concept of the album is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, so hopefully we will reach even more ears with this re-release. Stylistically, this album is heavy, progressive, and artsy.”

Deathanity was well received when originally released:

“There's wonderful variety from section to section, the instrumentation and the songwriting are clearly the album's strengths.” – Sea of Tranquility

“The sound of the group is quite personal with a lot of quality, and fantastic production for their music, very pleasant to the ear, nothing strident, with guitars and smooth refining where all instruments are in a place where you can distinguish each of them with complete ease.” – Hall of Metal

“Matt Brookins has succeeded in serving a fantastic album to the inclined listener. From the first minute until the last there is insanely much to discover, and the protagonists are true masters of their instruments.” – Rock Times

Check out the first single “Manifest Destiny” from Deathanity (R3) here:

The band is continuing off the momentum gained from the positive press received on their latest album Turtles All the Way Down (2015):

“Odin’s Court has quietly become one of the best bands in the American Progressive Rock scene, and this album is a perfect example of why that is the case.” – Hard Rock Haven

“Terrific melodic prog/metal that gets better with every listen!” – USA Progressive Music

“The band plays heavy rock inundated with catchy guitar riffs, cool keyboard passages, and excellent lead vocals…the music is so well played, upbeat and catchy as any rock/metal album I have heard in a while.” - Sea of Tranquility

“The strengths are undoubtedly the singing, orchestration, and the work on the guitars. It is highly recommended listening!” – MusicInBelguim.Net

Odin's Court:
Matt Brookins – Guitarist, Keyboardist, Vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist
Rick Pierpont – Guitarist and Backing Vocalist
Dimetrius LaFavors – Vocalist
Gary Raub – Drummer, Percussionist, and Backing Vocalist
Jason Pierpont – Bassist

CONTACT:
Email: band@odinscourtband.com

OFFICIAL SITES:
Band: www.OdinsCourtBand.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/odinscourtband
YouTube: www.youtube.com/odinscourt

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

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