Ravenheart Music: Home/News
OUR TEAM
Dave Smith (UK)
Aimee Halford (UK)
Rachel Miller (UK)
Dan Profitt (USA)
Michael Webb (UK)
Phil Wooldridge (UK)
SITE UPDATES
News: July 31st
A-F Reviews: July 25th (Artesia)
G-L Reviews: July 12th (In This Moment)
M-R Reviews: July 26th (Liv Moon)
S-Z Reviews: July 27th (Winter's Eve)
Tour Dates: July 27th (Lahannya & Within Temptation)
Latest Interview: Winter's Eve (posted 30th July)
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.
And check out this link featuring Ravenheart Music and other totally awesome acts! http://thefemalevoices.blogspot.com/
I am immensely proud of this interview with UK Gothic Rockers VAMPYRE HEART ..click on link below. It is my very first 'live' interview, maybe my last! :)
RavenHeart Music Interview with Vampyre Heart from D Soul on Vimeo.
AND NOW HERE IS THE NEWS!
Just dropped into Ravenheart Music with the compliments of Napalm Records, are the newies from ATROCITY feat YASMIN, TRISTANIA's 'RUBICON' and the debut from SHADOWGARDEN, feat mastermind Johan Ericsson (Draconian), and his Draconian colleague Lisa Johansson amongst others. The latter is Gothic Rock with some seriously catchy choruses. Watch this site for reviews in due course.
Pre-orders for the new I:SCINTILLA album 'Dying & Falling' will begin around August 15-20. At that time, samples of every track will be available along with several full-length previews. The official worldwide release date for 'Dying & Falling' will be in late October or early November. Paid downloads via iTunes, Amazon, etc should be available then (or earlier). A limited edition box set for 'Dying & Falling' will be available. In addition to the main album disc, a bonus disc will be included that contains studio tracks, alternate versions, and remixes. The box set will also come with other goodies, such as posters, post cards, stickers, etc. More details soon.
WINTER IN EDEN picks up an awesome 9/10 review in POWERPLAY ZINE (page 53) regards their debut full length cd "AWAKENING". This review is very pleasing indeed. And well deserved for a band that should become huge!
BLACKMORE'S NIGHT release their new album 'Autumn Sky' on September 3. This will be on Spinefarm Records.
News from Lady Angellyca. Lady Darkness will collaborate in the new album from FOREVER SLAVE. She was the keyboard player and was in charge of backing vocals in the band during 2001-2002.
My fave band by far, WITHIN TEMPTATION, has been very busy working on their new album during the past year. It isn't finished yet, but they are getting there! The album is currently scheduled for the beginning of 2011 and of course, the band will be touring soon after the album release! The tour dates have just been posted on our live dates page. And their only UK gig at the moment, is in London at The Shepherd's Bush Empire on the 30th March. I would personally like to see a few more UK tour dates, but with the UK and it's beloved mainstream radio and media continuing to remain switched off from this type of awesome music, one can only hope!
The German Symphonic Dark/Gothic Metal Band ATARGATIS (Massacre Records), is now looking for a creative guitarist and bassist with background vocals, who are dedicated, have got semi-professional ambitions, who can identify with the band's music and are willing to focus on ATARGATIS and their music. If there is anybody out there who is interested and feel that this applies to you, don't hesitate to send the band your application (preferably including a photograph, information about your musical background and audio samples) - band@atargatis.de
A new British Band is powering it's way onto the scene. The London based Gothic Metal Band WINTER'S EVE fronted by Lena, has just released their debut album (iTunes) 'SHARDS'. There are some really good UK Gothic Metal Bands at the moment, and they are criminally ignored by the bigger labels too. We can now add WINTER'S EVE to the list. 'Shards' is an awesome ten track album running at just a little under the hour. Check them out at www.myspace.com/thewinterseve, as I have a feeling that this band may be about to create a stir on the underground metal scene!
From Scandinavia, ISSA, a beautiful sexy looking and exceptionally gifted singer from Norway, tries her chances with her debut offering, 'Sign of Angels'. A record that ones “in the know” have defined as a “bomb”! It gets released 24th Sept but to satisfy those taste buds, check this out folks. Female fronted Melodic Rock to blow your socks off. http://www.frontiers.it/album/4744/#samples
My Electro/Gothic Rock friends from Italy DHYAMARA, will soon be releasing their debut album 'THE LAST EMBRACE'. Fronted by Ninfa with Luka providing all the other sounds, their new album could well become a dance floor fave! I myself like what I have heard so far. Check them out at www.myspace.com/dhyamara
TRISTANIA. A sample track from their forthcoming album 'RUBICON'. The track is called 'Year Of The Rat'. This is the link - http://www.napalmrecords.com/files/tristania10.mp3
MIDNATTSOL's third album is recorded, including mixing and mastering. The album will be released on Napalm Records. More news regards release date etc when we have it.
WINTRYFROST with vocal contributions by my friend Kris Tilbury. Check them out at www.myspace.com/yantar. So haunting and atmospheric.
What is an air piano (http://www.airpiano.de)? Last month JO HAMILTON became only the second person (behind the inventor) to play a prototype of an air piano. You can see Jo performing a current track 'Alive Alive', with the Air Piano, at - www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0BsumJZUpw&fmt=22
BEYOND EDEN is a new band on the block. Formed in April 2010 in Pennsylvania, check the band out at www.myspace.com/beyondeden10. Sounds quite cool to me!
'A NEW HORIZON' by Ravenheart faves and good friends THE SHIVER will see a worldwide physical release on the 3rd September. The album has been available via iTunes for some months now, but an actual cd will now see the light of day. Awesome!
In the coming few weeks, Brazilian Metal Band SHADOWSIDE (pictured below), will announce details about the recording of a new album and possible new tour dates as well.
And regards the Rockin' Transilvania, that took place in the Castle Bran, worldwide known as Dracula's Castle in Romania, and Banja Luka Rock Open Air, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, broadcasted live on TV RTRS (Radio Televizija Republike Srpske) to about 250.000 viewers. These shows were in support of Shadowside's 'Dare to Dream' album, recently released in Europe and Japan under S4/NL Distribution. And singer Dani Nolden is clear as to how intense these two concerts were. "On Rockin' Transilvania we were greeted by a screaming crowd of very intense Metal fans! I could not believe how much they were headbanging, I guess some people got severe neck pain on the day after! On Banja Luka Rock Open Air, we were welcomed on stage by a crazy crowd, screaming EVERY word of our songs. They knew them all, by heart. It was an amazing surprise and I wouldn't even have to sing, because they were singing for me *laughs*... We left the stage, planning to really end the show there, but heard the screams requesting and encore and decided to give them what they wanted - as well as keep our fun going for a little longer! We left the stage in ecstasy". Dani was very happy! This band really do rock, and I wish the UK would open up to this type of music, instead of brainwashing us by the rubbish that comes out of our radios. Or if it is metal, broadcasting it at 3 in the morning.
USA based hard rockers SUHGARIM fronted by Trish Fleury, has just released their latest single from their upcoming CD on Ravenheart Music Records! It was produced by Platinum producer Rick Beato (Shinedown, Crossfade, Bullet For My Valentine, etc) The single is called 'Citizen Of The World' and a hard hitting tune it is too. The band is still recording the rest of their CD, with the music not only as hard hitting as the single, but the music also crosses over into some darker and heavier material. Great stuff!
Awesome gig Sunday night (18th July) at The Asylum2 in Birmingham UK - WINTER STORM, WEEPING SILENCE AND TO-MERA. Thanks to Hannah for the heads up on Winter Storm, thanks to Weeping Silence for the drinks, and until 2.30 am as well (cool!). I must also thank Julie (To-Mera) for the hugz!:)
And regards West Midlands based WINTER STORM. There have been one or two delays during the recording of their debut album, but it will hopefully be released later this year.
EDENBRIDGE is very proud to tell us, that they have entered the official German Media Control Album Charts with their new album "Solitaire", at position 95! That is their first chart entry ever. A big big thank you goes out to all their fans who made this possible!
HOLYHELL will take Belgium by storm for the first time ever at the Metal Female Voices Fest VIII at Oktoberhallen in Wieze, Belgium on October 24, 2010. MFVF is a Metal festival dedicated to female-fronted bands and has been running since 2003. It takes place every year in Belgium. The growing success of the festival comes from its unique concept, but also from past appearances by EPICA, NIGHTWISH, AFTER FOREVER and many others from within the genre. This year's line-up also includes ARCH ENEMY, REVAMP and LEAVES' EYES amongst many others.
The new TAINTED GRACE ep 'DENIAL DAYDREAMS', is now available to listen to on Reverbnation, and all tracks are also available on their Facebook and myspace pages. The band will be opening a store soon, where the cd can be purchased, plus tee shirts and other merchandise. Also, just to inform that their Winchester gig on August 6th is cancelled.
A REMINDER - The excellent band from NE England WINTER IN EDEN, will be playing The Cambridge Rock Festival on the Classic Rock Society stage at 12.05 on August 6th. This band is one of the UK's top unsigned female fronted Symphonic Metal acts. Be at the fest and judge for yourself. I can guarantee you will not be disappointed as anybody that has seen WIE live will testify.
Denmark's THE STORM, fronted by Pernille Rosendahl, has now become part of the great roster at Spinefarm Records. Spinefarm will release their latest album 'Black Luck' to the world this autumn. The album is an awesome effort that recently picked up a 9.5/10 review on this very site.
TRISOMY fronted by Eva Kokken, hail from The Netherlands, and they offer an awesome brand of Gothic Rock and Metal. Imagine a mix of The Gathering, Lacuna Coil and Evanescence, and that should give you a rough idea as to what they sound like. Want to decide for yourselves? Then visit www.myspace.com/trisomy. From what I have heard of this band, they deserve huge success.
Austrian AOR'sters CORNERSTONE wanted to take a short break in August, but now they have to change their plans. On 13th August, the band is going to play a concert at HAFEN OPEN AIR in Vienna, together with LICHTWAERTS, LUTTENBERGER & KLUG and also with Austria’s most prominent band, OPUS. This to the band seems to be a good reason to take a rest from the rest... In the fall, the Band is going to tour Germany. More info is coming soon!
LEAVES' EYES has just started recording a new album. It will be released either later this year, or early in 2011.
To let you know what is happening in the XANDRIA camp: As announced, the concerts that already have been planned now have been played with Lisa as stand-in on the microphone. At this time, it cannot be said if there will be more shows with Lisa. A regular tour is earmarked only with a new singer and a new album in the can. And regards the next Xandria album - it is almost completely written, but it cannot be recorded until the new singer is found. Therefore it is unfortunately not possible to announce a release date for it.
French band WHYZDOM is delighted to announce that on Sept 12th, they will have the great honor to welcome on the stage of the RAISMES FEST, their friend (and mine actually), LISA MIDDELHAUVE as guest lead vocalist! Many of you already know Lisa as former front woman of the legendary German band XANDRIA, so the RAISMES FEST looks set to be a good gig!
Canadian Electro Gothic Rockers THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE, will see their next album, 'PINS AND NEEDLES' released on September 20th.
Femme Metal Records proudly announces the release of their third compilation CD entitled 'Beauty and Brutality'.
The compilation features 31 tracks from the finest femme metal bands around the globe, and is scheduled for release October 25th. All proceeds will be donated to Cancer Research UK. We will have a review here at Ravenheart Music very soon!
"Ethno meets metal" is the motto of the latest ATROCITY album. ‘AFTER THE STORM’ by mastermind Alex Krull featuring the gifted vocalist YASMIN, will be released in the UK on September 6, 2010 on Napalm Records.
BATTLELORE is in the studio recording their latest offering for Napalm Records.
SYSTEM DIVIDE features Miri Milman (ex-Distorted) on vocals. Founded in the summer of 2008, the band has set out to revolutionize the conventions of the over-saturated melodic death metal genre, proving that extreme metal can have more depth than blast beats, while female vocals do not have to conform to the precepts of the "Goth" genre. In mixing many styles, 'The Collapse', the band's debut EP, broke all the rules of extreme metal and is a landmark release for this new band. The band's debut full length album 'The Conscious Sedation', will be available online and in stores everywhere from September 14, on Metal Blade Records.
Idaho based Gothic Rockers ROTT are gearing themselves up for their second full length album. To be titled 'Amor Eternus', it is going to be an ambitious project, with one track, 'Raven's Call' exceeding 7 minutes. Already, it is understood that this album will suggest more than a nod towards the sound of US Rockers Tool. More in due course. Meanwhile, check out www.myspace.com/rottband or http://rottband.com/home.html.
Here is a band to keep a look out for. They are called RHODE ISLAND RED and they are a London based Classic Rock Band. Fronted by Lyla D'Souza, their myspace site can be found at www.myspace.com/rhodeislandredband.
FACTORY OF DREAMS is proud to announce that they'll be part of Gothic Visions Volume II (CD + DVD) with both a song and video clip. So, grab your hands on this fab compilation when it appears this October!
Russian band TANTAL is working on a new album. "Expectancy" will be a conceptual album with more various instrumental and vocal arrangements than their debut "The Beginning of the End".
Italian rockers DEVA, will see their cd 'BETWEEN LIFE AND DREAMS', distributed across the UK and Ireland by Ravenheart Music, in an arrangement with the Italian Record label, RNC Music.
Attention ATROCITY fans - The brand new album of ATROCITY feat. Yasmin is called 'After the Storm', and it will be released soon. This is without doubt, a very special album based on a co operation between the band and guest female singer, Yasmin (no one else than the sister of frontman and producer Alexander Krull). Besides wonderful atmospheric songs such as the title track 'After the Storm' or the emotional 'Silvan Spirit', true rock songs like 'Black Mountain' or the anthem 'Transilvania' show a completely new side to a Metal band. With the mystical songs 'A new Arrival', 'As the Sun Kissed the Sky' or the music turned Celtic legend 'The Otherworld', ATROCITY together with the exotic vocals of Yasmin, takes the audience into a mythological world. This music from ATROCITY FEAT. YASMIN can only be described with one word: unique!
Natalie Kempin, the singer with the Ravenheart band ARCANE GRAIL, is now one of the new opera singers in the German symphonic gothic metal band CORONATUS.
Oklahoma band ANGELICAL TEARS is currently in the studio recording an EP of original music. Angelical Tears' influences range from Classical music to Goth Rock, Heavy Metal to Alternative. This, along with alchemical combination of the ethereal vocals of Julia Flansburg, heavy guitars of Derek Teague and Steven Bittle, the melodic keyboards of Jennifer Corbin, pounding bass of Glenn Fansburg, and thundering drums of John Kenerson give Angelical Tears a style and sound that sets them apart from their peers in the Oklahoma music scene. Watch this space!
Sweden's ALL ENDS, featuring the dual female vocals of Jonna Sailon and Tinna Karlsdotter, has signed to Nuclear Blast. New album 'A ROAD TO DEPRESSION' should be released soon.
CRYOSHELL is an awesome Danish Band that deserve world domination with their brand of ultra commercial Symphonic style of Pop-Rock-Gothic/Metal. Imagine a mix of Within Temptation, Lacuna Coil, Evanescence and perhaps even a rocked up Shania Twain. Ravenheart Music now has their debut cd reviewed. I must thank John at Progressiveland in the USA for allowing us the opportunity to review the album (in what could be a world exclusive), and our very own Phil for reviewing it for us.
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS will perform in China at the SUZHOU HOLISLAND INTERNATION MUSIC FESTIVAL on the 18th of July near Shanghai in the wonderful city of Suzhou! The Festival will take place on Suzhou`s Vitality Island from the 16th to the 18th of July. The expected attendance will be about 150.000, so if you are able to attend, get your tickets quick!
A snippet of news for fans of 80's female pop-rock. Renaissance Records are planning to release the album by SUE SAAD AND THE NEXT in September. It is being released with the cooperation of 2 members of the band. Sue Saad and the Next was a New Wave band from Los Angeles. Their self-titled debut and only album in-fact reached #131 in the US Billboard 200 in 1980. Although sometimes characterized as one hit wonders, the band has achieved a significant cult following in subsequent years following their breakup in 1986.
Brazilian metallers SHADOWSIDE are back to Europe. The band consisting of Dani Nolden (vocals), Raphael Mattos (guitars), Ricardo Piccoli (bass) and Fabio Buitvidas (drums) are touring in support of the 'DARE TO DREAM' album. Shadowside will be one the headliners of two festivals in Eastern Europe. They will perform on the 3rd edition of Rockin' Transylvania Open Air in Romania on June 20 at Bran Castle, world famous as Dracula's Castle. On June 26, the "Wake Up Screaming Tour" is confirmed to hit Banja Luka Rock Open Air, in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Ravenheart Fave JANEY SUMMER'S new single 'Sometimes', has been selected for airplay on British Forces Broadcasting Service Radio! Please show your support for the single, by putting in a request to the station - its just a quick click on the website here - http://www.bfbs-radio.com/pages/extranet/messages--requests-i-1335.php.
I have not heard officially, but I have picked up through the grapevine, that the 2011 Femme Metal Festival will be a one date affair and will take place in Birmingham (UK).
FACES OF MARCH, the Miami based Alternative Rockers, will see their debut album, 'CONFESSIONS' released and distributed through Ravenheart Music/Code7 from August 2nd 2010.
TRISTANIA'S latest record 'RUBICON' gets released by Napalm Records as follows: Aug 25th - Spain, Aug 27th – Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux, Italia, Sweden, Aug 30th – Rest of Europe, Aug 31st – USA/Canada. South American dates to be announced.
LIV KRISTINE'S new album 'SKINTIGHT' gets released via Napalm Records on the 27th August.
Fans can watch the new CORONATUS videoclip "KRISTALLKLARES WASSER" at http://www.youtube.com/massacrerecords.
ALICE SWEET ALICE 'Live In Kansas City!' The lastest album from this awesome band (a live one too) is available from 29th June 2010.
Italian Ravenheart faves THE LOVECRAVE, has just signed with Metropolis Records Stateside. The label will distribute the band's new album 'Soul Saliva' in The United States and Canada! The release date there is August 24th!
Some news regards THE REASONING. 1,000 copies of their latest album 'Acoustically Speaking' will be pressed initially, with the release date scheduled for the week commencing 19th July 2010. The first 250 pre-ordered copies will be signed by the band and sent out to you that week. Be the first to get your signed copies at http://www.thereasoning.com/theaspreorder.html, for only £9.99 plus P&P which includes the UK, Europe and Rest Of World.
Metal Heaven is to release the new album by stunning Swedish female fronted aggro-rock band SISTER SIN. Released on July 26th, 'True Sounds Of The Underground' sees the Swedes, who spent all of last year touring with the likes of Arch Enemy and Motörhead, becoming a venomous live act into the bargain, refining their unique blend of early 80´s heavy metal and punk aggro-rock into an even more hard hitting, determined machine. The album contains the first single 'Outrage' and was produced and mixed by Henrik Edenhed (Dead By April, Lambretta), being recorded at the legendary EMI Studios in Stockholm.
French Gothic Metal Band MARKIZE fronted by the rather cute Alina Dunaevskaya, is in the studio recording the follow up to their debut 'Transparence'. The second album should see the light of day later in the year.
INDICA, the all girl band from Finland has released a single called 'In Passing'. The single includes the radio mix of 'In Passing' and the track 'Island of Light'.
I have this mini cd (thanks to Aimee) and this little platter is awesome. They have signed to Nuclear Blast Records, and their album, 'A WAY AWAY' produced by Nightwish mainman Tuomas Holopainen, is due 25th June in Europe. Check the band out at www.myspace.com/theindicaband
I have had an email from Alexandra Martin (ex ADASTREIA). Since leaving the band, she has recorded a little cd of covers and they can be heard at www.myspace.com/alexandrabrookemartin . Alexandra recorded them as just something new to do as she hadn't done much since leaving the band. She is also currently trying to get a project together writing originals, of quite a dark and classical nature, not metal she tells me. Alexandra is constantly developing her voice and composing alot on the piano, and is looking forward to getting something new started. I liked Adastreia and I liked Alexandra in the band, her voice was awesome. I will be following her musical career with interest.
This week, Holier Than Thou Records are releasing to radio stations, the track ‘Sometimes’ from UK Rocker JANEY SUMMER'S album ‘Along The Way’. Fireworks Magazine described the song as “a big sounding track, which you could imagine in a soundtrack for a movie such as The Crow or James Bond, and is a fitting finale to the album.” And Janey is putting live shows on hold for a while, so she can concentrate on writing some new songs and getting them ready for a new release later this year.
British Rockers DYONISIS new album 'INTOXICATED' gets released 29th May. And they are celebrating with an old fashioned knees up. They have a great venue, some amazing bands and top DJ's. So if you can get yourself to Sheffield they would love you to join them. The Venue is Penelope's, Arundel Gate (next to the Odeon & Academy), Sheffield S1 2P, doors are 7pm and entry is absolutely free.
Massacre Records has just informed us that the 22nd October 2010, will see the release of the new as yet untitled IMPERIA album.
Ravenheart Music has linked up with US based rockers FACES OF MARCH, to promote and distribute their album 'CONFESSIONS' here in the UK. The whole album offers huge crossover potential, and is the kind of fodder that firstly, Universal Records should be signing, and secondly, Kerrang FM here in the UK should be jumping at putting on their playlist. I work only a 10 minute walk from the Kerrang Studios, so maybe I will pay them a visit :)
After one and a half years of recording, editing and mixing, AnsoticcA's debut album 'Rise', will be officially released on Oct 30th 2010 via their label Rockfeld Records. Remember that Ravenheart Music was given the real honour to pre review this album just recently, that very review is on this website. Anyway, I can assure you that the album is an hour of some of the finest "gothic symphonic metal pop" you will hear this year or perhaps any year :) In accompaniment to the album release, AnsoticcA will be playing a live show @ the "Halloween Rock Fest" in Tilburg also on Oct 30th. The concert is headlined by no one else than metal queen Doro Pesch.
THE MURDER OF MY SWEET are happy and honored to announce that they are going to be part of the Baltic song contest festival/Östersjö festivalen, filmed live in Sweden (Karlshamn) in July! It’s an awesome event that is filmed and broadcast to most Baltic countries. The festival is headlined by 'Europe'.
Emily from PYTHIA has informed me that new songs are at demo stage, and a new album can be expected around Feb 2011. Watch this space as they say!
THE REASONING'S second release of 2010 will be a full acoustic album, entitled 'Acoustically Speaking'. Featuring 10 tracks, this will bring you reworked, re-interpreted acoustic versions of tracks from all three of our studio albums. Work in the studio begins on May 17th (next week!), with a view to having the completed product available by the second week in July.
Below is a press release that has gone to the Brazilian media:
"Ravenheart Music, a label from the Heart of England, has gone into partnership with top Brazilian Gothic Band RAVENLAND, to distribute their album "And A Crow Brings Me Back", across the UK, Ireland and possibly mainland Europe. Ravenheart Music, who already has an international line up of bands on it's label, is very pleased to be associated with Ravenland, and will endeavour to get the band noticed in the UK and across Europe. Commenting on this awesome partnership, Dave, the main guy from Ravenheart Music, is quick to state that he has been following the fortunes of Ravenland for some while now, believing that their music should be heard further afield and not just in Brazil. And that is now what he is hoping to achieve."
The Ravenheart Music approved NIKI BARR BAND will be on the Shiprocked lineup. Shiprock by the way is a 3 day cruise of total rock to the Bahamas from Fort Lauderdale. It takes places Dec 11-14th 2010. For you hardened rock fans out there, the lineup will also include Cinderella, Vince Neil, Tesla and Drowning Pool amongst others!
CRYOSHELL is a Danish alternative rock band formed by employees of Lego. Their first songs were released to advertise Bionicle (Creeping in My Soul, Closer to the Truth and Bye Bye Babylon). In 2009, the band stated that they were working on an album which is now complete and awaiting a release date, which we believe to be May 25th 2010. In January of this year, they released the 'Creeping in My Soul' EP featuring the above mentioned songs PLUS 2 brand new songs, 'Falling' and 'Murky'. A video for 'Creeping in My Soul' has also been released. See http://thefemalevoices.blogspot.com/ - the video is based on the movie 'The Others' and recently appeared on the Danish TV show 'Boogie MiX'. The band consists of Christine Lorentzen (lead vocals) Mikkel (who also provides male vocals on 'Creeping In My Soul'), Kasper and rarely-mentioned drummer Jakob!
The new MAGICA CD, 'DARK DIARY' is here and will be reviewed soon. 'Wolves and Witches' and 'Hereafter' are awesome albums, and I am sure 'Dark Diary' will carry on the good work. The release date for the 'Dark Diary' album by the way is 28th May. Also, watch out for a review of 'AWAKENING' by WINTER IN EDEN. Having already heard some of their new material in a live environment, I am sure 'The Awakening' is going to be an awesome release.
Stephen Van Haestregt, the former drummer with awesome Dutch Gothic Band WITHIN TEMPTATION will now feature in his own band MY FAVORITE SCAR. Check them out at www.myspace.com/myfavoritescarofficial. This all guy bands sounds good to me!
Dutch-German Gothic Metal Band AnsoticcA has given us details regards their forthcoming album release, 'RISE'.
The album will be released by Rockfeld Records in September 2010. The album will not be available in the UK, well at least not in the first instance. But it will be able to be ordered via online shops such as their own one. The band will arrange an advance order system within the next weeks. This will also be available for UK customers, although officially the album will be released only in the Netherlands and Germany. Ravenheart Music would also like to add that we have been given an advance preview of the 13 tracks on 'RISE', and that the album is a Gothic Metal Masterpiece. And indeed, a pre review of the album has now been posted on this website.
Check out the band INSPIRITION from England. Fronted by Isabel Aimee, their music can be described as a mix of Jazz, Ambient, Pop, Rock and Alternative. The band's cd 'TRUTH TELLING' is winging it's way to Ravenheart Music to be reviewed. Visit their website and check this band out at http://www.INSPIRITION.info. This band could be one of the UK's best kept secrets, until now!
Lanvall comments on the new album from EDENBRIDGE. " 'Solitaire' is our most diverse, most atmospheric and most melancholic album to date, and comprises all the elements of its predecessor 'MyEarthDream'. The orchestral parts are much more in your face and blend well with the 7-string guitars. In addition, Sabine exceeds all my expectations! She has one of the most unique and charismatic voices in Metal! We look forward to sharing the new songs with our fans." And we look forward to hearing them.
MARTIN VILLARREAL is a South American composer who has recorded an album of ballads featuring seven awesome female vocalists. The singers include MORGAN LACROIX (Mandragora Scream), CHRISTINA KROUSTALI (Die Verbannten Kinder Evas) and EIRIN BENDIGTSEN (Where Angels Fall). Ravenheart Music is very proud to announce that we will be distributing this album across the UK/Eire via Code7 Distribution. The release date is set to be confirmed, but will be announced shortly.
We have just reviewed a mini album by the London based band DIVA SUICIDE. A couple of the band are out in LA at the moment and have secured a showcase there for later in the year. The band has also had interest from Spain and Sweden, so things are looking real good for this act.
And there is some news on the ACHILLA front too. The London based band is fronted by a Hungarian lass, Marta. She is in the Guiness Book of Records regards her vocal range. I have seen Achilla live, and I can vouch for this girl's awesome vocal range too. Anyway, the band will soon be mixing and mastering their debut cd, 'TIMELESS'. More when we have it.
KIM ROSE is from the USA, mixing 90's alternative rock (Seattle grunge era) with classic rock, some metal and a dose of power pop. Check Kim and her band out at www.myspace.com/kimrose.
Album release news. Band - DYONISIS...Album - 'INTOXICATED'. Release date 29th May 2010. Order from http://dyonisis.info/CD_intoxicated.htm
The Russian Band ARCANE GRAIL, who are signed to Ravenheart Music Records for the UK release in June of their cd 'Arya Marga – Ninefold Path to the Innocence', has the album available now on iTunes via Hunter's Moon Records. The link is http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/arcane-grail/id367342603?i=367342607&ign;-mpt=uo=6.
The Russian band SLOT, fronted by a lass who simply calls herself NOOKIE (love it), are causing a bit of a stir between Aimee and myself here at Ravenheart Towers. This band has been brought to our attention by John at Sonic Cathedral in the USA. A three track EP (in English) will be released soon digitally and a review can already be found here - http://www.soniccathedral.com/webzine/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=467&Itemid=1. Remember the name, SLOT. And check out the video (in Russian) http://www.youtube.com/travisleake#p/u/16/Gk8AcURXXkU
TARJA TURUNEN is to release a new single, 'What Lies Beneath', in August. This is the title track of her new album, due in the late Summer. Self-produced, some tracks are being mixed by Colin Richardson.
UK based band TAINTED GRACE fronted by Trissy Norris, are making progress on their next EP. This is another British act that deserves your support. Check them out at www.myspace.com/taintedgraceband
Austrian AOR sters CORNERSTONE has a new single release. It's called 'FADE AWAY' (2010 remix), and it is available as an MP3 from Amazon.co.uk amongst other places.
There is a certain young lass called Mikaila Straatsma (Mikki) and she has been featured on this very page before. The lovely Mikki and her band may well be more commonly known as VIVEYNNE. This young lass is just that, young, and her debut 8 track release, 'BECOMING JANE DOE' is an awesome piece of music. Now, this cool and extremely talented girl is now part of the new Canadian Band, DAMAGED IN VEIN. Check them out at www.myspace.com/damagedinvein. This sounds damn awesome to me. You read it here first!
In connection with the up-coming concert season in 2010, LEAVES' EYES have recorded new bonus tracks at Mastersound Studio for their special edition of the successful album 'Njord'. The "Special Fan Edition" contains the title track 'At Heaven's End', 'Angus and the Swan' and the acoustic version of 'Irish Rain' - three so far unreleased songs! This special fan edition, which is strictly limited, contains all songs from the 'Njord' era including two bonus tracks, as well as the brand new bonus CD 'At Heaven’s End', which contains seven non-album tracks, and last but not least the video clip 'My Destiny'!
FACTORY OF DREAMS has started work on their 3rd album. More details will be announced as the band make progress.
We are very pleased to announce that our very good Californian Gothic Rocker friends SAINTS OF RUIN, has signed a deal with Echozone Records, with worldwide distribution thro Intergroove. Their debut full length album 'NIGHTMARE' picked up a 9/10 review here on this site last December, and will be officially released in May. 'Nightmare' was recorded in 2009 and is a very good commercial sounding album.
VISIONS OF ATLANTIS inform us that their plans for the next few months have now been set out. They will enter the Dreamscape Studios right after their appearance on the Metalfest Austria on the 14th of May to finalize their fourth album. This should be released late autumn this year!
GODYVA, the Italian Gothic Maestros, fronted by Lady Godyva, is working on a new album.
Swedish musician SOL SKUGGA is a very good internet friend of mine and also a very hard working musician, who has this habit of producing some quite awesome music. She is now recording her 4th album 'GRAVITY THEORY', which mixes Prog, Goth, Electro, Folk and Industrial. I look forward to her latest offering, so watch this space guys and gals.
www.myspace.com/wildestarr is the myspace site for awesome US hard rock duo WildeStarr, formed by Dave Starr (ex Vicious Rumors) and fronted by London Wilde. We have just posted an interview on this very website, so check it out.
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.
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 is 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
THE GATHERING will play a festival in Kiev, Ukraine this summer: The event is The Global East Rock Festival 2010 on the 4th Sept.
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.
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=6 in association with our sister label Hunter's Moon Records.
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 below) 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!!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
LEAVES' EYES have been confirmed for BLOODSTOCK 2010 @ Catton Hall Derbyshire UK 13-15th August.
Ravenheart faves ACT 3 from Sweden is 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 .
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.
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.
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
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!
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!