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: March 14th
A-F Reviews: March 14th (Amaryllis)
G-L Reviews: March 8th (Lust Murder Box)
M-R Reviews: March 13th (Regardless of Me)
S-Z Reviews: Feb 28th (The Nuri)
Tour Dates: March 14th
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.
that enables us to distribute and promote an artist's music if they so desire.
We have also fine tuned our reviews pages as any regular visitors to this site will soon become aware.
AND NOW HERE IS THE NEWS!
Ravenheart Music has joined forces with Black N Beard Radio, who will promote and play our music together with tracks from Napalm Record's artists amongst many others. Check out www.myspace.com/BLACKNBEARDRADIO.
Another band to look out for - UK metal trio LE MONNIER. Imagine the love child of James Hetfield and Cristina Scabbia. Maybe that will give you an idea! A copy of their cd 'Cynic Sister' has dropped into Ravenheart Towers, kindly sent to us by the band. Watch for a review soon. Meanwhile, check out www.myspace.com/lemonniermusic.
US based Renaissance Records, who has some female fronted acts on their rosta, including Dutch rockers MORNING and Italian Metal Monsters TYSTNADEN, has gone out of business. We have very little info at the moment, but we are of the impression the label was experiencing financial difficulties, blaming the economic climate for their demise.
My friend Faith from THE SHIVER will be touring she tells me with the band THE WAY OF PURITY. I know very little about this lot - their myspace site however, is at www.myspace.com/thewayofpurity
The new TRISTANIA album should be completed (that includes mixing and mastering) by Easter. More when we have it.
Read about the forthcoming EVANESCENCE album here, in an interview given by Amy Lee. http://www.spin.com/articles/exclusive-amy-lee-new-evanescence-album
Manchester based rockers LIQUID SKY can announce Leann Baines (pictured below) as their new lead vocalist. Leann joined the band in December 2009, coming through the intensive audition process with flying colours. Leann is now fully into the swing of writing and has already contributed some great lyric and melody ideas for their new album, to be recorded later this year.
My good Italian friends THE SHIVER are preparing for the European release of 'A New Horizon'. This album is already available for download (iTunes etc) but will soon be available in physical form. They will be exclusively playing live in Milan @ Black Hole Club on April, the 18th, and furthermore, the band inform me that they will be back on the road again from June with a new acoustic tour and new gigs! Hopefully in the UK aswell, as I know for a fact that their Coventry gig here last November was very well received indeed. The Shiver will also be shooting a new video for the next Single. More news when we have it.
This website is also a promotional site for any music that is out there, so here is a US hard rock act to check out. The band is called DARK SCARLETT. Their myspace site is at www.myspace.com/darkscarlettrocks. Also check out http://www.darkscarlett.com and http://www.sonicbids.com/DarkScarlett2.
And here is another...HALF PAST FOUR is a unique and innovative art rock band. Crafting original, fresh soundscapes from their headquarters in Toronto, Canada, Half Past Four offers exquisite musical novelty and experimentation to true musical connoisseurs and rock-party goers alike. Drawing its inspiration from unique heritage of King Crimson, Frank Zappa, Jethro Tull and many other progressive, kraut, art and math-rock bands, Half Past Four takes pride and pleasure in taking progressive rock a little further. Check them out at www.myspace.com/halfpast4.
Here we have a statement direct from one of my fave bands, THEATRE OF TRAGEDY.
”Theatre of Tragedy has decided to call it a day and close down. This has not been an easy decision to make and we have thought about this for a long, long time. We finally agreed to this during the production of our latest album "Forever Is The World", the limited "Tour Edition" of which will be out to accompany our last European tour on March 12th. Theatre of Tragedy will officially come to an end on October 2nd 2010, exactly 17 years after we started making music together. Over the years all of us have strived to combine the Theatre with everyday life but in the end it has proven more and more difficult. We have come to appreciate our family lives and jobs much, much more, which makes it very hard to continue this life of rock'n'roll on the road. We know that some of you will probably be very disappointed, but we also hope you will continue to listen to our music, which all of you learned to appreciate and love so much."
"We want to thank every one of you for all your support over the past 17 years! Theatre of Tragedy wouldn't have been possible without you! Be sure to catch us on the last Theatre of Tragedy shows ever this year! The final gig will take place on October 2nd in Stavanger, where it all began. Our music will live on... and forever is the world.”
Ravenheart Music is saddened by this news as another great band bites the dust. I personally feel that this descision is not helped by apathy within the music industry. We are often subjected to crap they call music (which is continually given airplay on our mainstream radio), recorded by fully professional musicians who in some cases do not write their own music, and who claim they can play live. Meanwhile, bands like TOT and After Forever, who produce awesome music which they write and perform themselves, fall by the wayside. I will say no more, but the above news saddens me, saddens me greatly.
EVANESCENCE is recording their third album with producer Steve Lillywhite. As yet untitled, it's said to have a strong electro influence, and is due out in the Autumn.
Austrian rockers CORNERSTONE has signed a distribution deal for Germany, Austria and the Benelux-States with Fastball Music/Sony Music Entertainment Germany!
Some KARNATAKA news. The first pressing of their new album sold out in 7 days and the second followed just as quickly! 'The Gathering Light' has been the fastest selling Karnataka album! Well done and great stuff.
Universal Republic Records' compelling new rock band, WE ARE THE FALLEN, fronted by Carly Smithson, will release their debut album 'Tear The World Down' on May 11th, 2010.
I have been given the news that NIGHTWISH singer Anette Olzon has revealed the reason for abandoning plans for a solo album. She's pregnant. So, right now all musical plans are on hold.
An early date for one's diary. Friday July 15th, Saturday July 16th and Sunday July 17th 2011 are the dates for the ANGELS OF ANARCHY FEST that will take place in London at a venue to be decided. Bands provisionally booked include LIQUID SKY, PYTHIA, WINTER IN EDEN, THE SATIN DOLLS AND GRACE SOLERO amongst many others. Check out the myspace site www.myspace.com/angelsofanarchyfestival for more info.
The new album by DYONISIS is taking shape. To be titled 'Intoxicated', we will post more news when we have it.
'Together Again' by EVANESCENCE, the previously unreleased track from 'The Open Door', is now available at all digital retailers.
My very good friend and occasional drinking buddy Laura, AKA Sakara (formerly front lady of Gothic Pagan band THE CRAFT and Industrial/Metal band L.M.T.D., and now the Lead Vocalist in KUNDALINI), has lined up with Black Metal Band ANCIENT PLAGUE, and she will be appearing on their forthcoming album 'Archaic Kingdoms', which is available to pre order now on Sullen Records. Sakara in my opinion, has one of the best voices in UK Rock & Metal! To prove my point, check out www.myspace.com/sakarafemalemetalsinger
The Italian music project WINTRYFROST is proud to introduce Kris Tilbury, who recently started collaborating with Wintryfrost as a vocalist. Here are a few lines from her: "I started serious classical vocal training at 16. I've got a minor in Vocal Performance. I am currently involved in a neo-classical band, 'Paper Gods', founded by John Fair of Lycia. I also have a dark ambient music project, entitled 'Nakjaarna'. My tastes in music are quite diverse, ranging from classical and medieval music to doom metal." And the lass is now vocalist in Wintryfrost. We wish her every success.
Both Ravenheart Music bands BLACKTHORN and CINEMUERTE, have picked up impressive reviews in the March edition of the UK's Powerplay Zine for their recently released albums. And the Blackthorn album 'Gossamer Witchcraft' has sold so well on import, that a UK pressing is now being arranged.
Message from Kathryn, George, William and Jef from the band TORSION. They are a third of the way through completing their new album. All the drum tracks are recorded. I like this band, so I myself am looking forward to their new cd when it becomes available.
SARAH JEZEBEL DEVA - who has recorded and performed with Cradle Of Filth, Therion and Mortiis among others – is to play her first ever solo show. It happens on May 11 in London, at The Underworld.
MAGICA has announced that as of Feb. 7th, they’ve been ensconced in the studio working on new album “Dark Diary”, which is down for release at the end of May. More news when we have it.
'Secrets', the debut release by Spanish Symphonic Metal Band DIABULUS IN MUSICA, will be released as a beautifully designed Digipak on the 24th of May 2010 by Metal Blade Records.
THEATRE OF TRAGEDY will be releasing a limited edition 'Forever is the World' tour edition cd on March 12th, with the 'Addenda EP' as a special bonus CD. This will be featuring unreleased songs, rarities and remakes for the last few years.
Ravenheart Music's Idaho based metal band ROTT will be recording a new single shortly with their new vocalist (her name will be announced soon). After that, the new CD 'Amor Eternus' will be recorded. Stay tuned!
DELAIN bassist Rob van der Loo is to leave the band shortly.
News regards my very good friends XANDRIA...it is good and bad! First the bad: It now appears that Kerstin Bischof unfortunately can´t be the permanent new singer in Xandria. Due to occupational and private reasons she wants to concentrate on her non-musical career and cannot support Xandria the way she would like. So Xandria are searching for a new singer again. The good news is that the band will play their coming concerts nevertheless, because previous singer Lisa Middelhauve has agreed to stand in. But she will not enter the band again full time, so this will be an unexpected last opportunity for many fans to experience Lisa on stage with Xandria once more!
The UK based band APPARITION has gone through many line up changes over the years. So they have decided to release a kind of ‘‘best of’’ cd called ‘Ghosts of the past – The story so far’, featuring some of their most popular songs, and songs they have never got around to releasing before. The cd also features two demos they did with Samantha and Ian before they left the band. And Apparition has signed with Ravenheart Music for distribution of this record into retail outlets etc via Code7/Plastic Head Distribution.
I have had an email from Faith of THE SHIVER. She is busy writing material for a new album, hot on the heels of the highly acclaimed 'A New Horizon'. Regards 'A New Horizon', this album is a brilliant piece of modern hard rock, and can be downloaded from iTunes.
Cryptfest UK - This event will be held at The Central in Nottingham from 2pm on May 22nd, and running until 3am on the May 24th!! The festival will be bringing you some of the best upcoming and established bands from around the UK and beyond. Featuring amongst many others, PYTHIA, HANGING DOLL & ABIGAILS MERCY on the 22nd and WINTER IN EDEN on the 23rd. The cost is £13 for a weekend ticket or £9 for a day ticket.
THE GATHERING will play a festival in Kiev, Ukraine this summer: The event is The Global East Rock Festival 2010 on the 4th Sept.
There will be an interview appearing soon with Christianna of Greek Gothic Metal band ELYSION. They released an awesome cd in December ('Silent Scream' on Massacre Records), that should appeal to all fans of Lacuna Coil and Evanescence amongst many others. Regards the interview, watch this space!
Floor Jansen's new band REVAMP has signed to Nuclear Blast, and we can expect their debut album to be released on 4th June. Says Floor...“I am happy to announce this good news! Nuclear Blast has done many great things for After Forever, and I am positive they can work their magic on ‘ReVamp’ as well! It’s heartwarming how they stand behind me and my new band!". The album promises to be heavy and very metal! Can't wait!
French rockers MARKIZE, has been in the studio to record the single 'Miroir', which will be a track from their second album! Watch this space!
MATTSON is a name that has become synonymous with melodic progressive metal fused with symphonic, neo-classical and ethnic touches. This direction is continued and taken to a higher level for 'Tango', the fifth album to be released under the Mattsson banner. Led by guitarist/composer Lars Eric Mattsson, 'Tango', that hits the shops on March 19th, sees the collaboration between Mattsson and Hungarian vocalist ADRIENN ANTAL (pictured) continue.
They having first paired up on the 2008 'Dreamchild' release. 'Tango' is arguably more accessible for the first time listener with tracks such as 'Believe', 'I’ll Find Another Way' and the title track epitomising this commercial aspect. To add another voice to the album Mattsson has called upon Status Minor vocalist Markku Kuikka whose darker style contrasts nicely with Adrienn’s. 'Tango' is 11 tracks clocking in at close to 73 minutes of some of the heaviest riffs and most complex musical passages to date from Lars, yet within the musical virtuosity there is a common theme of melody with the albums lyrical inspiration coming from everyday life and the state of the world. Ravenheart will be reviewing the album soon.
The BLACKTHORN album 'Gossamer Witchcraft' is now available at iTunes, http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=353499052&i=353499064&ign-mpt=uo%3D6 in association with our sister label Hunter's Moon Records.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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!
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.
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!