Ravenheart Music: Home/News
OUR TEAM
Dave Smith (UK)
Aimee Halford (UK)
Amanda Caines (USA)
Dan Profitt (USA)
Michael Webb (UK)
Phil Wooldridge (UK)
SITE UPDATES
News: Feb 8th
A-L Reviews: Feb 7th (L'endevi)
M-Z Reviews: Feb 7th (Nucleus Torn)
Tour Dates: Feb 8th
Latest Interviews: The Mary Major (posted 25th Jan)
UK based Ravenheart Music was set up in June 2006 by Dave Smith and Aimee Halford (herself a musician from the gothic genre), to promote and publicise female fronted rock and metal. AND WE NOW HAVE OUR OWN LABEL.. www.ravenheartmusicrecords.com.
Plus, Ravenheart Music is now able to offer an inexpensive promotional package for bands, whether they are signed or not. Contact us for more info!
AND NOW HERE IS THE NEWS!
MARY J. BLIGE has recorded a version of the Led Zeppelin classic 'Stairway To Heaven'. She's done it with guest appearances from guitar legend Steve Vai, Blink 18-2 drummer Travis Barker, ex-Journey bassist Randy Jackson and one-time Michael Jackson touring guitarist, who herself is an established vocalist Orianthi.
TARJA TURUNEN guests on 'A Sting In The Tail', the new album from the Scorpions. She's on the song 'The Good Die Young'.
The new album by CINEMUERTE entitled 'Aurora Core', will be available from Monday February 8th through Ravenheart Music from the normal outlets - Amazon/play.com etc
THE EDEN HOUSE has already started to record new material, following the recently released 'The Looking Glass'. The band are planning to release a series of EPs throughout 2010. Look for the first EP near midsummer.
I wish to introduce visitors to my site to the Chilean band SIX MAGICS. Having done promotional tours with Nightwish, Blind Guardian and Rhapsody Of Fire, this female fronted quintet (led by Elyzabeth Vasquez-pictured) is ready to take over the world with their amazing new album, recorded, mixed and engineered by the legendary multi-platinum producer David Prater, the man behind the console for albums like 'Images And Words' and 'A Change Of Seasons' by Dream Theater.
'Behind The Sorrow' is described as a heavy metal album with classic influences and prog shades, full of epic and orchestral moments, played with a modern and actual attitude. And yep, that about sums it up really. A review of this awesome new album of theirs will appear here soon, but meanwhile, just check out www.myspace.com/sixmagics. If you crave for melodic, symphonic and bombastic metal, you may well have found it! Seems I have!!
WE ARE THE FALLEN, featuring former members of Evanescence, make their live debut in London. It's on March 23, at King's College.
The Ravenheart Music Gothic Metal Band WINTER IN EDEN will be supporting KARNATAKA at the Arkenstall Centre in Haddenham, Cambridge UK April 3rd. And the band has also been confirmed for Crypt Fest in Nottingham on May 23rd. This fest also amongst many other features Ravenheart faves THE SHIVER.
And while on all things KARNATAKA, their new album 'THE GATHERING LIGHT' is on it's way to Ravenheart Music. Watch for the review soon.
Former Megadeth guitarist Jeff Young has joined HYDROGYN, the Kentucky based band fronted by Julie 'The Voice' Westlake. The band also have a new rhythm section: bassist Jake Wolf and drummer Joe Migz.
Metal Blade Records has inked a deal with the outstanding Spanish newcomer DIABULUS IN MUSICA! The band is a female fronted Spanish metal band that started in 2006 and can be defined as symphonic metal with gothic elements, although their influences are quite diverse. The members of DIM are experienced young musicians who decided to leave other projects and commit themselves to this new band. Their debut album 'SECRETS' will be released in May.
Universal Republic Records' WE ARE THE FALLEN (fronted by Carly Smithson), one of rock's most buzzed about new groups, will unleash their first single, 'Bury Me Alive', exclusively via the digital domain on February 2nd. Their upcoming debut album, is due out later in the year.
The rather cool Gothic Metal band from NE England, WINTER IN EDEN (www.myspace.com/winterineden), has been in the studio recording their debut album, the follow up to their fabulous EP 'At The Edge Of The World'. The recording is now at the mixing stage, and we will report more news regarding the album when we have it.
The return of Britney Spears - well, do we really need her? But it was not without controversy. In fact, the "Circus" world tour attracted criticism at nearly every stop, as the singer proceeded to charge fans a fortune to watch her MIME . Well, she wouldn't have got away with it in China (a notable absentee from Britney's 97-strong run of international dates ) where they have introduced radical rules banning lip-synching. Two singers now face fines of up to £7,500 for allegedly lip-synching at a concert in the southwest province of Sichuan last year. They have fallen foul of an order from the Ministry of Culture and State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, who insist producers must "choose performers with real singing ability". Good on you China. Like to see the USA and UK do the same. Then we could all say "Bye Bye Britney".
EVANESCENCE and its founder and lead singer Amy Lee, announced today they are partnering with the United Nations Foundation to raise money for the United Nations' relief efforts in Haiti. In a statement, Amy says..."I am deeply moved by the tragic loss and devastation in Haiti. We hope to be able to make a positive contribution to the UN's emergency response by teaming with the UN Foundation through our music". Evanescence, as well as their record label, New York based Wind-up Records, and their publisher, S1 Songs America, are donating their respective portions of proceeds from the sale of the song to the UN Foundation for the United Nations' Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). Beginning Friday, January 22, 2010, the song "Together Again" will be made available as a free download for those who donate to the UN Foundation in support of the CERF. The song, which has never before been released, will be available for the next 30 days as a special download on www.unfoundation.org/evanescence .
THE MARY MAJOR is the new band formed by ex members of the now disbanded BESEECH, featuring ex Beseech vocalist Lotta Hoglin. Their debut cd '4:13' is winging it's way to Ravenheart Towers, plus we will have an interview with the band here aswell real soon.
Heather Findlay has left MOSTLY AUTUMN. The band will play a farewell gig with the singer at the Assembly Rooms in Leamington Spa on April 2. They're also working on new album 'Get Well - Diamond Heart', due out in the Spring. Olivia Spernann has taken over as the lead vocalist. Heather is currently working on new material herself, which will be a full band project, with an album due for release later in the year.
I:SCINTILLA are working hard on a new album, 'Dying & Falling' and the band hope to have an official release date confirmed very soon.
THE REASONING'S brand new CD will be entitled 'ADVERSE CAMBER'. And there are a few of those in the UK I can tell you :)
Ravenheart Music/Ravenheartmusic Records is now in partnership with HUNTER'S MOON RECORDS - http://www.huntersmoonrecords.com/index.html. Hunter’s Moon Records is a label that releases albums from heavy metal, hard rock and gothic rock bands from all around the world. The bands might be diverse, but they all have one thing in common - quality. The label will be a truly international label right from the start.
Initially Hunter's Moon is going to be a digital record label whilst they look at physical distribution opportunities. They feel that focusing on digital distribution is important as it will allow Hunter’s Moon to deliver fantastic artists to a global audience quickly and more efficiently. Ravenheart Music is honoured to be associated with a new and very ambitious label, whilst Hunter's Moon's first digital signing will be the Ravenheart Band Blackthorn.
News from Austrian rockers CORNERSTONE - For May/June a tour through Germany, Austria and United Kingdom, on which the band will present their new songs, is in the planning process. We will post more news when we have it. And we wish to confirm that JOERG HIMMRICH of PMA ROCKHEAVEN is to take over Management and Booking for Cornerstone. I have been following this band's progress since their early days, and I must say that they are a fave of ours here at Ravenheart Music, and they deserve loadsa success.
'A Sign Of Sublime' is the new album from SARAH JEZEBEL DEVA. I have heard the track 'A Sight Of Sublime' from the album. Yep..true Gothic Metal and I like it! CD get's released on 15th FEB. Pre Order now.
Staffordshire based APPARITION are sad to announce that vocalist Samantha has left the band. Samantha wants to concentrate on her theatre career which takes up much of her time. The band seek a replacement, and we will post any further news here.
THE MURDER OF MY SWEET. New album 'Divanity' due later this month. Formed by Daniel Flores (Mind's Eye) and fronted by the somewhat lovely Angelica Rylin (pictured below),
this band seem set to give both EVANESCENCE and WITHIN TEMPTATION a run for their money. Indeed, WITHIN TEMPTATION would be a pretty good yardstick on which to judge THE MURDER OF MY SWEET.
'Bring Me To Life' by EVANESCENCE was named one of the top alternative songs of the decade!
HOLE will play their first show with a new line-up in London. It happens at the Shepherd's Bush Empire on February 17. Hole are working on new album 'Nobody's Daughter'.
Guitarist Matthias Roderer has left both LEAVES' EYES and Atrocity for 'family reasons'. He's been replaced by Sander van der Meer.
IN THIS MOMENT are to record their third album with producer Kevin Churko. As yet untitled, this is expected to be released by Century Media in June.
There is a new website..the link is on our links page. But it can be found at http://www.femalevoices.net/. Check it out!
KARNATAKA's new album 'The Gathering Light' was recently mastered at world renowned mastering studios Metropolis in London. The band are hoping to ship pre orders middle of January.
Melissa Ferlaak has joined ECHOTERRA - expect live dates shortly.
Dutch gothic metal heads DELAIN have some UK dates lined up in March 2010. They are on the tour dates page, of course!
The upcoming XOCH release "Hollywood" is scheduled for early 2010. This lass and her band have been friends of mine from before Ravenheart Music was even conceived. She is a lovely lass, and I cannot wait for the new release. Watch this space!
TANTAL, the Russian based Melodic Progressive Death Metal Band fronted by Sofia Raikova, has signed to Ravenheart Music for distribution of their debut album, 'The Beginning Of The End'. Frantic screaming and growling coupled with a clear singing voice, together with some hideously addictive melodies, will leave the listener wanting more. Release dates etc in due course.
EGO LIKENESS new full length album "Breedless", will be released by Metropolis Records on April 13th 2010!
After the first great stage of the promotional tour in Italy and abroad, Italian band and good friends of mine THE SHIVER are pleased to announce the release of the long waited Album "A NEW HORIZON". Published by the American label Reality Entertainment, "A NEW HORIZON" is now on sale in the best Digital Stores.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/a-new-horizon/id335030710
http://www.dada.it/music/theshiver/a-new-horizon_4008398a.html
Their first official video of "Crushing Down", directed by Fabrizio Federico and shot in the UK is now online. Their promotional tour will continue in 2010 with many gigs in Italy and abroad! Great stuff.
LEAVES' EYES — the German/Norwegian band formed by ex-Theatre Of Tragedy singer Liv Kristine Espenaes Krull and members of Atrocity — will support Kamelot on their upcoming European tour in March/April 2010 which includes one UK show at Koko in London on March 28th. Commented Liv Kristine: "I am really looking forward to tour with Kamelot again! The last tours with Kamelot were very successful for both bands and the friendship between the bands is great! Being on the road with other Norwegians is, of course, always an honour and pleasure for me! Roy [Khan, Kamelot frontman] is both an excellent singer and a fine person." Added Alexander Krull: "It's great that we go on tour with our friends Kamelot again! This upcoming European tour will be truly a highlight for every fan of dark, symphonic metal music! We can't wait until March when we'll start to conquer the stages across Europe again with this strong tour package! We will perform new material of the album 'NJORD' as well as songs from the previous records!"
EDENBRIDGE has just finished recordings for their new album, which will be called "Solitaire" !
Here´s the track list:
1. Entree Unique, 2. Solitaire, 3. Higher, 4. Skyline´s End, 5. Bon Voyage Vagabond, 6. Come Undone, 7. Out Of This World', 8. Further Afield, 9. A Virtual Dream?, 10.Brothers On Diamir, 11.Exit Unique. The limited edition will have 2 additional songs: "Eternity" and "Inward Passage". More news and infos regarding the new album will follow soon...
LAHANNYA will be starting to work on new songs shortly after Christmas, and it seems that the band will most definitely be releasing something in 2010 - whether it's an EP, a whole album or a video release with a mix of live performances and new songs. We will keep you updated.
PANIC ROOM, fronted by Anne-Marie Helder, will have their second album 'Satellite' released though Voiceprint on 25/01/10. It is more of a rock album than their debut 'Visionary Position', and was recorded 'live' with minimal overdubs. A promotional copy is on it's way to Ravenheart Music, and a review will be forthcoming. Watch this space!
Portugese rockers CINEMUERTE will see their album 'Aurora Core' released in the UK by Ravenheart Music/Code7 on Feb 8th.
THE REASONING are delighted to announce that they will be performing at the inaugural HIGH VOLTAGE Festival taking place in London’s Victoria Park over the weekend of 24/25 July 2010. HIGH VOLTAGE , which is being organised by Classic Rock magazine and Mama Festivals (part of the Mean Fiddler group), is going to feature the very best from the world of classic rock, progressive rock and metal. There will be over 30 acts spread across 3 stages, and headliners ZZ Top (Saturday) and ELP (Sunday) have already been announced. Other bands confirmed so far are Foreigner, Asia, Wishbone Ash, Uriah Heep, Focus and Touchstone.
December 16th, the Norwegian goth/metal band WHERE ANGELS FALL release their first digital single - 'Indifferent'. The digital music market is growing significantly every month, and involves a great opportunity for all artists to try out new songs prior to concerts and future album releases. The band is going to do more digital releases in the future, before releasing a new album. With 'Indifferent', the band takes a step further in their musical landscape; tougher, more concise and hard hitting, but still melodic. They have previously released the EP Dies Irae (2004) and the albums Illuminate (2006) and Marionettes (2008).
DELAIN's latest offering 'April Rain' will pick up a UK release on Roadrunner in January. Glad to see that Roadrunner UK has just woken up! :)
'Nightmare' is the new release from California Goth/Rockers SAINTS OF RUIN. This is their first full length album. It features their widely applauded cover of the Concrete Blonde song "Bloodletting'. This track alone makes this CD a must have. The album is on it's way to Ravenheart Towers so watch for a review soon!
Female fronted Dutch heavy rock outfit AUTUMN will be supporting THE GATHERING on their “The West Pole/20th Anniversary” European tour in January and February 2010. The dates are already on our gig page.
EPICA has been added to the bill for Hammerfest II. This happens at Pontin's in Prestatyn, Wales from March 11-13.
KARNATAKA is very pleased to announce the forthcoming release of their much anticipated new studio album - 'The Gathering Light'. The band are now taking pre-orders for a Strictly Limited Edition of the new album. The limited edition will feature a signed gatefold digipak. For more info and to pre order the new album, go to http://www.karnataka.org.uk.
JANEY SUMMER has just played her last gig of the season, at the Cheese and Grain Hall in Frome, which was an amazing night to cap an awesome year for Janey and the band. In the future however, she will be going out for live shows with the band renamed as 'UNDER ONE SUN' - the new band name we hope will result in greater recognition for the awesome work that the other band members do, as well as get more live shows out to you, the fans. Along with the change of name, they have also had a line-up change - Janey was very sad to say goodbye to Rob Male as guitarist and fellow songwriter, but the time was right to make a change, and she is very pleased to be able to include Duncan Parkes as shredder extra-ordinaire in the line up now, alongside the ever faithful and awesome Jay Sheppard on drums and Matt Thomas on bass!
We understand here at Ravenheart Towers that DELAIN has a new guitarist. He is Ewout Pieters. I know little about him at present, but when we obtain any more news, it will be posted here.
Jan Kenneth Barkved who has sang with TRISTANIA and SIRENIA, and lastly in Elusive, has died at his home at Stavanger last Wednesday, cause of death unknown at present. Jan was only 35 which makes it all the more shocking. Our thoughts are with his family and the former members of Elusive.
Austrian rockers and Ravenheart faves CORNERSTONE has a new Line-Up. For the future, singer Patricia Hillinger will replace Carina Sethaler, who decided to start a solo career, whereas the previous drummer Martin Key is replaced by Wolfgang Baumeister.
Regards LEAVES' EYES....Due to health concerns, bassist Alla Fedynitch will not be performing with the band for the remainder of the year. Oliver Holzwarth (Blind Guardian, Tarja) will fill in for her.
From the Reuters news wire: Universal Republic Records has signed the new rock group WE ARE THE FALLEN, it was announced today (Weds 28 Oct) by Monte Lipman, President and CEO of Universal Republic Records. The new band is comprised of the original members of multiplatinum trailblazing band EVANESCENCE, guitarists Ben Moody and John LeCompt along with drummer Rocky Gray, with enigmatic American Idol finalist Carly Smithson powering the vocal reins of the new group. Respected touring and studio bassist Marty O`Brien (Disturbed and Static-X, among others) rounds out the iconic fivesome. Vocalist Carly Smithson stated: "The chemistry in this band has made for some incredible music. We are all so grateful for this amazing opportunity and thank our fans for the strong love and support they are already showing us in this early stage. We look forward to working closely now with our new family at Universal Republic Records to bring our music to as many people as possible." The group is currently recording their debut album for Universal Republic in Los Angeles and expect to release it in early 2010.
LEAVES' EYES have been confirmed for BLOODSTOCK 2010 @ Catton Hall Derbyshire UK 13-15th August.
British Gothic Rockers DYONISIS will soon be completing their new album, so they can take on the world in 2010. Watch this space!
http://www.revampmusic.com/ This is the website for Floor Jansen's (ex After Forever) new band. Their first album is planned for May 2010.
As reported on this very website a while back, it has been confirmed that NIGHTWISH singer Anette Olzon is working on a solo album. She's been working on songs with co-producers Stefan Orn and Johan Glossner. The album itself will also be co-produced by Anders Bagge.
DORO is the latest name confirmed for next year's Bloodstock Open Air Festival.
Ravenheart faves ACT 3 from Sweden are soon to start recording their new album to be titled 'The Beginning Of The End'. We here at Ravenheart rate their EP 'Princess Tragedy' rather highly (see review elsewhere on this site), so basically we cannot wait for the new material. Watch this space!
RAVENHEART MUSIC RECORDS is pleased to announce that Portugese rockers CINEMUERTE has signed with us for distribution of their new cd 'AURORA CORE'. Fronted by Sophia Vieira, CINEMUERTE's 'AURORA CORE' is an awesome slab of melodic rock that has been given a 21st century makeover, and we look forward to working with this awesome band. More news will be posted when we have it. Meanwhile, check them out at www.myspace.com/cinemuerte .
Vocalist ANNEKE VAN GIERSBERGEN (formerly with THE GATHERING, and now fronting AGUA DE ANNIQUE) and Danny Cavanagh (guitarist with Anathema) are about to release a live album. Called 'In Parallel'. It was recording in Tilburgh, Holland during March.
TRAIL OF TEARS will kick off the 2010 touring schedule with four shows in The Netherlands as main support for EPICA. For confirmed dates - see tour dates page!
Our spies tell us that ANETTE OLZON (Nightwish) is going to record an album with Anders Bagge, Swedish Composer/Producer. He's worked with the likes of Celine Dion, Cyndie Lauper and Madonna. We understand that the record will be a rock album, but not metal, and will be recorded during Nightwish downtime next year. Anette will be co-writing the songs. Watch this space!
THE REASONING's album number three is underway and developing brilliantly. 2010 promises to be a fantastic year for all things Reasoning. Let their journey continue!
Heavy metal's High Mistress,LITA FORD, is back and with a vengeance. After a fifteen-year hiatus, Lita is announcing her return with a loud and lustful new album, 'Wicked Wonderland', due October 6th via JLRG Entertainment. Although the album is her first full-length offering since 1995's 'Black', Lita wastes no time in reminding us why her trademark riffage and seductive snarl has forever cemented her legacy in the hard rock cannon. According to Lita, 'Wicked Wonderland' is “heavier than ever, nastier than ever, more sexual than ever.” The twelve-song disc, co-written and produced by husband Jim Gillette – whose own musical history is highlighted by his work with acclaimed metallurgists Nitro – is a hard and heavy affirmation of Lita's sensuality and smarts that have carried her through three decades of action. The album's lead-off track and first single, 'Crave,' is a sexually-charged, bump-and-grind rocker that has been welcomed by metal fans and press alike. Can't wait!
There are things bubbling under in the EVANESCENCE camp, including new material that is being written for an album that is expected to appear in 2010. They will also be playing the Maquinaria Festival...... on November 8th in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
UK based Gothic Symphonic Metal Band WINTER IN EDEN from the NE of England, has agreed a promotional deal with Ravenheart Music. This band has got what it takes to challenge the best in Europe, so record labels had better start queuing here! Check them out at www.myspace.com/winterineden
US rockers Alice Sweet Alice is happy to announce the release of the first video from their latest CD, "Moloko & Ultraviolence". It is posted on their website so please visit www.alicesweetalice.org and check it out!!!
Ravenheart fave SOL SKUGGA from Sweden, will be releasing her new album on the 1st October (Album cover pictured below).
A review of this little opus has just been posted, but meanwhile, check her out at www.myspace.com/solskugga. Her record is a cool laidback release worthy of your attention.
The Female fronted scene in the UK is beginning to look rather promising. I have known Petra of PETRA METAL QUEEN for a wee while now, and Sept 30th will see the release of her cd 'AMALGA'. It's name is derived literally from the amalgamation into a single entity from all styles, and takes on the genres of Heavy Metal, Gothic, Symphonic and Progressive Rock Music. 'Amalga' is an 'amalgamation' of four different projects; Scarlet Storm, Shadow Mask, Petralvar and Athenia, all fronted by Petra. To find out more, check out www.myspace.com/petrametalqueen
SUHGARIM from the USA, who have recently signed to Ravenheart Music Records, are working on the follow up to 'Between Life and Death'. The new record will tentatively be named, 'Citizen of the World. Watch this space.
Regards the news item below about VISIONS OF ATLANTIS and their front lady situation, it seems that Joanna Nieniewska was forced to leave the band for health reasons. We at Ravenheart wish her all the very best, and wish to state that Joanna will still be with the band on tour, but helping out backstage and doing other great things.
MAXI NIL (former member of On Thorns I Lay and Elysion) has supported Amorphis in 2004, The Gathering in 2007, Diary of Dreams in 2008, shared the stage with Star Industry in the song Last Crusades, which is also included in their live album called "Black Angel White Devil", and she has sung twice on stage with Moonspell in Athens.
In February 2009, and while working on her solo project, she supported the Dutch band Agua De Annique. In June 2009 Maxi joined the Austrian band VISIONS OF ATLANTIS . On that basis, I can only assume that VOA have changed their singer yet again!
Herefordshire (UK) based Gothic Metallers KUNDALINI are happy to finally announce 2 new talented members, Matt Errett (Mr Boom) on Bass & Richard Gooch on Keys. They have been working hard with the band on new material for their forthcoming album 'Hedge Witch'. However, the band are still looking for a drummer - anyone interested? Contact me via this site and I can pass your message on.
Ravenheart Music is pleased to announce the signing of USA based hard rock band SUHGARIM . Check them out at www.myspace.com/suhgarim
In December ‘08 Ravenheart Music faves THE SHIVER from Italy
began the recording session at Westlink Studio (PI) for their new album, the follow up to the highly acclaimed 'Inside'. The new sound is fresh, dynamic and marked by a particular style. Lead singer Faith and drummer Finch have cooperated for this album, with Alessandro Paolucci (Raw Power) as producer of the Album and bass player, while the guitars are played by Stefano Tocci (Incoming Cerebral Overdrive). The Shiver is a vibrant young band, with the intention to make it in the music world and this band has to be watched. And we at Ravenheart will be doing just that. Check them out at www.myspace.com/theshiverband
Ravenheart Music is very pleased to announce that we have signed the awesome Russian all girl Gothic Symphonic Metal Band BLACKTHORN. Check them out at www.myspace.com/blackthornian
WINTRYFROST is a solo project, created by Giorgio Orani, former guitar player of SO COLD, gothic metal band from Trieste, Italy. WINTRYFROST could unite the sound of some of Giogio's favorite bands, such as the gothic metal band Paradise Lost and Anathema on one side, and the new wave of female fronted metal bands like Nightwish and Within Temptation (just to make some examples) on the other. The result of this mix is the atmosphere that Wintryfrost is now creating and developing day after day, constantly in search of new deep and atmospherical melodies. The main aim of Giorgio is to keep a high-quality level of songwriting, in order to create a catchy and kicking sound that could attract the fans of gothic metal, from the old fashion fans to the newest ones. Watch this space!
A band to look out for and a band that will appeal to both the metal and gothic crowds out there. They are called LUNACY BOX and they hail from Italy. Check them out at their myspace site, www.myspace.com/lunacybox . This band are frikin' good!
I am not a lover of live albums. They tend to get played once and then get shoved to the back of the cd cabinet. However, these live releases are now available and are worth checking out.
THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE...'Show and Tell'
EPICA ...'The Classical Conspiracy'
LEAVES' EYES...'We Came With The Northern Winds/En Saga I Belgia'.
Some great stuff on offer here!
The new ROTT single "Bring Me the Flame", which has been released by Ravenheart Music Records (currently as a digital only release), and which will also be included in an upcoming movie soundtrack, is now available on iTunes Worldwide and Amazon.co.uk.
Brazilian goth metallers RAVENLAND
will have their new album, "...and A Crow Brings Me Back" released in Brazil in the next few weeks by Free Mind Records. The album was produced by Ricardo Confessori (Angra, Shaman) and features guitar parts by Tommy Lindal (ex-Theatre of Tragedy).
USA rock band and Ravenheart faves ALICE SWEET ALICE (ASA) release their sophomore album “Moloko & Ultraviolence” on 12 May 2009, a mere 9 months following their debut release “First Light”. ASA pull out the stops to unleash a mélange of textures, imagery and an all-out assault on their listener’s sonic sensibilities. The stories within are about strange things that happen to strange people, and bizarre circumstances that people face on a daily basis. With their new full band lineup, ASA is tighter, more powerful and exciting than ever before. Scott Martinez and Ali Kat are in excellent voice, Jeff Galios pummels the senses with his razorblade guitar licks, and William Xavier, along with John Wooten on drums thunder through this 10 song tour-de-force. Supporting shows and tour are being planned for the latter part of 2009.
AnsoticcA - are a fairly new band from Holland. These three musicians met in the year 2008, to bring their passion for epic symphonic-metal to life. Although surely influenced by acts like Within Temptation or Nightwish, they succeed to step out of unifomity and to create an own sound that attracts and touches. Epic melodies, combined with heavy guitars is the simple but effective mixture, a sound that has already caused positive reactions worlwide, and proves one fact - 2009 will be the year for AnsoticcA - and, more important, for fans of good music. Watch out for their debut cd later this year.
Canadian Band VIVEYNNE is awesome and is fronted by the young lass Mikki. I'm therefore happy to announce that Pre-Order of VIVEYNNE's debut EP 'Becoming Jane Doe' is now available for worldwide purchase, shipping and delivery at www.viveynne.com
And it has just been confirmed that VIVEYNNE will be collaborating with Beto Vazquez - Infinity, the Argentinean bass player and songwriter. Beto has worked with the best vocalists in the world on previous projects. Other guests have included Tarja Turunen (ex-Nightwish), Candice Night (Blackmore's Night), Sabine Edelsbacher (Edenbridge), and Fabio Lione (Rhapsody). Beto Vazquez Infinity played as support with bands like Nightwish, Labyrinth, Vision Divine, Angra, Tierra Santa, and others.
The German symphonic dark Gothic Metal heroes ATARGATIS (featuring vocalist Stephanie Luzie) have started the songwriting for their third album. The upcoming album will be recorded at the end of 2009 or the beginning of 2010 and released by Massacre Records. Due to personal and musical reasons they have split up with their guitarist Maximilian Schulz. For upcoming concerts their former guitarist 'Azmo' will help out.
There is a new female fronted gothic metal band that will soon be emerging to hit you people, and hit you hard. I am honoured to know at least one of the musicians involved in this project. Her name is Sakara, and she lives out in the Herefordshire countryside, a stones throw from Ravenheart Towers. The band is called KUNDALINI and they can be found at www.myspace.com/kundalinii . For all lovers of the genre, a word of advice - check them out and watch this space, closely!.
Check out this youtube link. SAINTS OF RUIN are faves of ours here at Ravenheart Towers. www.youtube.com/saintsofruin
At the end of Sept (2008), I reviewed an album by English lass JANEY SUMMER. The cd is called 'Along The Way', and it picked up a 9/10 review here at Ravenheart Towers. Fast forward a few months, and the album is now available in the stores on the Holier Than Thou label with distro by PHD. Check out our review and then go to www.myspace.com/summerock for more details via Janey's blog. This album rocks!
We all have waited long for this moment. The new XANDRIA singer's name is Kerstin Bischof (pictured).
I know little about her except her favourite drink is milk, and she loves jogging and playing Badminton!