Metallica - Death Magnetic (2008)

Death Magnetic is the ninth studio album by American heavy metal band Metallica, released on September 10, 2008[1] by Warner Bros. Records. It is the band's first studio album to feature current bassist Robert Trujillo, as well as the first to be produced by Rick Rubin.[2] Death Magnetic is also the band's first studio album released through Warner Bros., although they still remain with Warner Music Group, which also owns Elektra Records, their previous label. The album is the band's fifth consecutive studio album to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 in the United States, making Metallica the first band ever to achieve five consecutive #1 debuts.

Track listing

All lyrics written by James Hetfield, all music composed by James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo.
# Title Length
1. "That Was Just Your Life" 7:08
2. "The End of the Line" 7:52
3. "Broken, Beat & Scarred" 6:25
4. "The Day That Never Comes" 7:56
5. "All Nightmare Long" 7:57
6. "Cyanide" 6:39
7. "The Unforgiven III" 7:46
8. "The Judas Kiss" 8:01
9. "Suicide & Redemption" 9:56
10. "My Apocalypse" 5:01

Release

In January 2008, a statement was made by Stereo Warning that the album would be delayed until September of 2008, but was quickly denied by Metallica's management since an album without a defined release date can not be "delayed". The album, which was completed on August 10, 2008, was released on September 12, 2008 and issued in a variety of different packages.

'All Nightmare Long' was used as the theme song for WWE's No Mercy 2008 pay-per-view event.

On September 2, a French record store began selling copies of Death Magnetic, nearly two weeks ahead of its scheduled worldwide release date, which resulted in the album being made prematurely available on peer-to-peer clients. This prompted the band's United Kingdom distributor, Vertigo Records, to officially release the album two days ahead of schedule, on September 10. It is currently unconfirmed whether Metallica or Warner Bros. will be taking any action against the retailer, though drummer Lars Ulrich who was questioned about the leak on a San Francisco radio station responded,
“ We're ten days from release. I mean, from here, we're golden. If this thing leaks all over the world today or tomorrow, happy days. Happy days. Trust me. Ten days out and it hasn't quote-unquote fallen off the truck yet? Everybody's happy. It's 2008 and it's part of how it is these days, so it's fine. We're happy. ”

He later told USA Today,
“ By 2008 standards, that's a victory. If you'd told me six months ago that our record wouldn't leak until 10 days out, I would have signed up for that. We made a great record, and people seem to be getting off on it way more than anyone expected. ”

On September 15, 2008, after a reviewer for Swedish daily Sydsvenskan admitted that he preferred an illegal download of Death Magnetic to the official release, a scheduled interview was duly cancelled by Universal Music Sweden. Its president, Per Sundin said:
“ The reviewer is referring to a BitTorrent where someone has altered the original songs. The reviewer explains exactly where one should go in order to download the file that totally infringes on a copyright. It's not only an illegal file, but an altered file. The reviewer also writes that this is how the album should have sounded. File-sharing of music is illegal. Period. There's nothing to discuss. That fact – that Sydsvenskan has a writer that has downloaded this music illegally and then makes mention of an illegal site in his review – is totally unacceptable to us. ”

On the day of the release FMQB radio broadcast The World Premiere of Death Magnetic, which was heard on more than 175 stations across the United States and Canada.The live program from Metallica HQ featured all four members of Metallica talking with Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl and drummer Taylor Hawkins. Originally scheduled for a 90 minute broadcast, the show ended after two hours.

Release versions

• Experience 2

Digital download of Death Magnetic at 320 kbit/s, ringtones, two live shows, additional two hours of exclusive "making of" footage, 250 photos. Also includes exclusive Mission: Metallica footage of the writing and recording of Death Magnetic, as well as riffs and excerpts from it, exclusive photos and live tracks.

• Experience 3

A physical copy of Death Magnetic CD.

• Experience 4
  

A box set of Death Magnetic on five 180 gram vinyl LP albums, with five individual sleeves and a Mission: Metallica lithograph. Also includes the same extras as Experience 2 and 3. This set was limited to 5,000 copies.[30]

• The Box Magnetic

A collector's edition white coffin-shaped box, available in three different sizes (M, L, or XL), which includes a Death Magnetic CD in a special carton box, an additional CD with 10 demos of the songs from the album entitled "Demo Magnetic",[31] a DVD of additional "making of" footage not seen on Mission: Metallica, an exclusive t-shirt with the Death Magnetic logo, a flag, guitar picks, a fold out coffin-shaped poster with the members of Metallica,[31] and a collector's credit card with a code for a free download of a performance in Europe in September.[32] This set was limited to 2,000 copies.

[source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Magnetic]

Dreamtale - Phoenix (2008)

Phoenix is the fourth studio album by Finnish power metal band Dreamtale.

Dreamtale was founded by Rami Keränen in the early months of 1999. The band first gathered fame by playing as Sinergy's supporting act in Finland, but the biggest fuzz was made when they released their second demo "Refuge from Reality": it was sold out on its day of release!

Most copies of the demo were sold to Japan and it didn't take long before rumors of a hot new metal-band reached record labels' ears. Dreamtale started receiving recording deal offers from all over the world, and in August 2001 a deal with Spinefarm Records was sealed.

In December 2001, Dreamtale started the recordings of "Beyond Reality". After giving the album its finishing touches, Dreamtale went through changes in their line-up: bassist Alois Weimer was replaced by Pasi Ristolainen, and a new singer, Tomi Viiltola, joined the group

"Beyond Reality", which was released in Japan in June and elsewhere during July 2002, sold amazing amounts in Japan and the band gathered a loyal following. The Japanese fans simply couldn't wait to get more, so the recordings of a second full-length album were decided to start as soon as possible.

Recordings for their second album Ocean's Heart were begun in January 2003 at Fantom studios Finland, where the album was then mixed by Samu Oittinen. Finishing touches were added with Mika Jussila's mastering at the famed Finnvox-studios.

Track listing 1. "Yesterday's News" – 3:33
2. "Eyes Of The Clown" – 4:43
3. "Payback" – 4:44
4. "Failed States" – 3:49
5. "Take What The Heavens Create" – 2:53
6. "Great Shadow" – 5:15
7. "No Angels No More" – 3:46
8. "Faceless Men" – 4:16
9. "Firebird" – 3:47
10. "The Vigilante" – 4:46

Personel
* Erkki Seppänen - Vocals
* Rami Keränen - Guitar
* Seppo Kolehmaine - Guitar
* Akseli Kaasalainen - Keyboards
* Pasi Ristolainen - Bass
* Arto Pitkänen - Drums

DragonForce - Ultra Beatdown (2008)

Ultra Beatdown is the fourth studio album by DragonForce, released on 20 August 2008 in Japan through JVC and on 26 August 2008 worldwide through Roadrunner Records [4] and Universal Music.[5] It was the first studio album to feature Frédéric Leclercq on bass. On 4 July 2008 the first single from the album, "Heroes of Our Time", was posted on their MySpace profile.[6] On 8 July 2008, the music video for Heroes of Our Time was released onto their MySpace profile. The songs "Heartbreak Armageddon", "The Fire Still Burns" and "A Flame for Freedom" were all played on 106.1 Rock Radio during a interview with ZP Theart on 15 July 2008.[7] On 14 August 2008 Ultra Beatdown was made available for pre-order in the DragonForce official web store. On 18 August 2008 the album became available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

Prior to the album's release, the shortest song (excluding "Invocation of Apocalyptic Evil", the 14-second intro on Valley of the Damned) was the track "Dawn Over a New World", from the second album, Sonic Firestorm. This honour now goes to the special edition track "Strike of the Ninja". This song also holds the honour of being the first and, so far, only unedited song recorded by DragonForce with a length of less than five minutes, albeit due to it being a re-recorded version of "Feel the Fire" by Sam Totman's side project Shadow Warriors.

Track listing
1. "Heroes of Our Time"
2. "The Fire Still Burns"
3. "Reasons to Live"
4. "Heartbreak Armageddon"
5. "The Last Journey Home"
6. "A Flame for Freedom"
7. "Inside the Winter Storm"
8. "The Warrior Inside"


Band members
* ZP Theart – vocals
* Herman Li – guitars, backing vocals, producing, mixing, engineering
* Sam Totman – guitars, backing vocals, producing, mixing
* Vadim Pruzhanov – keyboards, piano, theremin, kaoss pad, backing vocals
* Dave Mackintosh – drums, backing vocals
* Frédéric Leclercq – bass, backing vocals, additional guitars

Guest musicians
* Clive Nolan – backing vocals, additional keyboards

HolyHell - Apocalypse (2007)

HolyHell is a power metal band, formed in 2005, who are being produced by Joey DeMaio of Manowar. The band has delayed the release of their debut album, choosing instead to tour with Manowar and Rhapsody of Fire. In concert, they play a cover of "The Phantom of the Opera" with Eric Adams (Manowar) and Maria Breon on vocals.

Their first single Apocalypse was released on March 23, 2007.
"Apocalypse" is the first studio release (a single) by the US symphonic power metal band HolyHell. It was released on March 23, 2007 by Magic Circle Music.

Track listing

1. "Apocalypse" – 4:06
2. "Resurrection" – 6:30
3. "Phantom of the Opera (Live)" – 6:12
4. "Last Vision" – 5:41

Members

* Maria Breon - Vocals
* Joe Stump - Guitar
* Tom Hess - Guitar
* Jay Rigney - Bass
* Rhino (Ex-Manowar drummer) - Drums
* Francisco Palomo - Keyboards

Gary Moore - Close As You Get (2007)

Gary Moore (born Robert William Gary Moore, 4 April 1952, Belfast, Northern Ireland) is a Northern Irish guitarist. In a career dating back to the 1960s, he has played with artists including Thin Lizzy, Colosseum II, Greg Lake and the blues-rock band Skid Row as well as having a successful solo career. Among many cameo appearances over the years, he performed the lead guitar solo on "She's My Baby" from Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3.

In 1973 he released his first solo album, Grinding Stone, billed as the Gary Moore Band. In 1978 his solo career started again with help from Phil Lynott. The combination of Moore's blues-based guitar and Lynott's voice, produced "Parisienne Walkways", which reached the Top Ten in the UK Singles Chart in April 1979; and the Thin Lizzy number two hit album, Black Rose: A Rock Legend.

After a series of rock records, Moore returned to blues music with Still Got the Blues, with contributions from Albert King, Albert Collins and George Harrison. The album was well received by fans and a huge success. Moore stayed with the blues format until 1997, when he decided to experiment with modern dance beats on Dark Days in Paradise; this left many fans, as well as the music press confused. Back to the Blues saw Moore return to his tried and tested blues format.

Close As You Get is a 2007 album by Northern Irish blues guitarist and singer Gary Moore.

Track listing

1. "If the Devil Made Whisky" (Moore) - 2:48
2. "Trouble at Home" (Moore) - 5:00
3. "Thirty Days" (Chuck Berry) - 3:16
4. "Hard Times" (Moore) - 3:04
5. "Have You Heard?" (John Mayall) - 5:49
6. "Eyesight to the Blind" (Sonny Boy Williamson II) - 2:34
7. "Evenin'" (Swain/Royce) - 5:47
8. "Nowhere Fast" (Moore) - 3:38
9. "Checkin' up on My Baby" (Sonny Boy Williamson II) - 5:24
10. "I Had a Dream" (Moore) - 7:16
11. "Sundown" (Son House) - 7:08

Personnel

* Gary Moore - Vocals/Guitar, Dobro on "Sundown"
* Brian Downey - Drums
* Vic Martin - Keyboards
* Pete Rees - Bass
* Mark Feltham - Harmonica on "Hard Times" and "Checkin' up on My Baby"

* Produced by Gary Moore and Ian Taylor
* Engineered and mixed by Ian Taylor, assisted by Jonathan Tayler-Webb.
* Recorded and mixed at Sarm Hookend, except "I Had a Dream" backing track, recorded at Sphere Studios by Franco Cameli, assisted by Joshua Blair.

Motörhead - Better Motörhead than Dead: Live at Hammersmith (2007)

Better Motörhead than Dead: Live at Hammersmith is the title of Motörhead's latest live album. It was released on July 16, 2007 and features the recording of Motörhead's 30th anniversary show which was held at the Hammersmith Apollo on June 16, 2005.

Track listing

All songs written by Eddie Clarke, Lemmy and Phil Taylor, except where noted.

Disc 1

1. "Dr. Rock" (Phil Campbell, Würzel, Lemmy, Pete Gill)
2. "Stay Clean"
3. "Shoot You in the Back"
4. "Love Me Like a Reptile"
5. "Killers" (Campbell, Lemmy, Mikkey Dee)
6. "Metropolis"
7. "Love for Sale" (Campbell, Lemmy, Dee)
8. "Over the Top"
9. "No Class"
10. "I Got Mine" (Brian Robertson, Lemmy, Taylor)
11. "In the Name of Tragedy" (Campbell, Lemmy, Dee)
12. "Dancing on Your Grave" (Robertson, Lemmy, Taylor)

Disc 2

1. "R.A.M.O.N.E.S." (Campbell, Würzel, Lemmy, Taylor)
2. "Sacrifice" (Campbell, Würzel, Lemmy, Dee)
3. "Just 'cos You Got the Power" (Campbell, Würzel, Lemmy, Taylor)
4. "(We Are) The Road Crew"
5. "Going to Brazil" (Campbell, Würzel, Lemmy, Taylor)
6. "Killed by Death" (Campbell, Würzel, Lemmy, Gill)
7. "Iron Fist"
8. "Whorehouse Blues" (Campbell, Lemmy, Dee)
9. "Bomber"
10. "Ace of Spades"
11. "Overkill"

Credits
* Lemmy - bass guitar, harmonica, vocals
* Phil Campbell - guitar, acoustic guitar, backing vocals
* Mikkey Dee - drums, acoustic guitar

Epica - The Divine Conspiracy (2007)

Epica new albums "The Divine Conspiracy" 2007

The Divine Conspiracy will be Epica’s first full length concept album. This concept deals with the theory that, as a test, God created all kinds of different religions and released those upon humanity to see if they would be able to find the true nature of them, realizing that in all religions it is actually the same. But there’s more to it, it also concludes the “Embrace That Smothers” concept that could already be found on The Phantom Agony.
Track list for "The Divine Conspiracy"

1. Indigo ~ prologue
2. The Obsessive Devotion
3. Menace of Vanity
4. Chasing the Dragon
5. Never Enough
6. La‘petach Chatat Rovetz ~ the Final Embrace
7. Death of a Dream ~ the Embrace that Smothers part VII
8. Living a Lie ~ the Embrace that Smothers part VIII
9. Fools of Damnation ~ the Embrace that Smothers part IX
10. Beyond Belief
11. Safeguard to Paradise
12. Sancta Terra
13. The Divine Conspiracy

Total running time: 75:36

For more info visit : Epica

Manowar - King Of Metal

Sastra Gagah Manowar

”Grandfather, tell me a story!”
”Alright, go and get your storybook.”
”No, no, not one of those, a real story!”
”A real story?”
” Yes, tell me about when you were a
boy.”
” Well, then I shall have to take you back
with me, a long way in time...”

Cerita pun meluncur dari mulut sang kakek. Sebuah epik dari Abad Pertengahan yang mengulas empat dewa perang. Saat muda sang kakek berjalan di tengah hutan. Terdengar suara gemuruh dari empat penjuru mata angin. Dia lalu berlari ke bukit untuk memuaskan rasa penasarannya.

Ketika asap dan angin berhenti, dia melihat empat laki-laki di empat arah mata angin yang berbeda. Mereka duduk di atas punggung kuda dengan memegang senjata perang masing-masing.

Cerita bertutur itu terdapat dalam album grup metal Manowar bertitel King Of Metal. Menjadi drama audio berdurasi 4.20 menit berjudul Warrior Prayer, dengan pengisi suara Arthur Pendragon Whilshire (kakek) dan Grant William (cucu). Dialog kakek dan cucu, serta dongeng itu sendiri, tertulis lengkap seperti syair di sampul album.

Manowar dikenal sebagai grup epik metal yang berdiri sejak awal 1980-an. Sampai sekarang masih eksis, konsisten mengeluarkan album dan konser. Formasi grup ini terdiri atas empat pemuda kekar, Joey DeMaio (bas), Ross the Boss, Eric Adam, dan Donnie Hamzik. Ketika grup rock waktu itu mengusung persoalan seks dan obat bius, mereka mengajak orang berkelana ke abad pertengahan, menyelami kegagahan dan keperkasaan para ksatria masa lalu.

Menggunakan narasi sebagai pengantar lagu telah dilakukan sejak album perdana, Battle Hymns (1982). Dalam Dark Avenger, mereka meminta aktor legendaris Orson Welles bernarasi. Ini tak lepas dari polah DeMaio yang tergila-gila pada kisah kepahlawanan. Tak heran jika dia suka melahap naskah yang menceritakan petualangan pada Abad Pertengahan. Mereka pun ditahbiskan sebagai grup epik metal bersama Blind Guardian, Virgin Steele, Cirith Ungol, Omen, dan Medieval Steel.

Manowar, yang pernah dijuluki band terbising di dunia oleh Guinness Book of World Records, kerap menyinggung mitologi bumi belahan utara. Memberi sebutan Tuhan sebagai Odin dan Thor, serta kota yang indah sekali, Valhalla (sebutan surga dalam mitos). Toh grup ini tidak terjebak pada sastra mantra para penyihir di masa yang sama. Joey banyak menulis lirik dengan kalimat kiasan, yang cenderung gagah atau malah hiperbola. Seperti dalam tembang Heart of Steel, ada kalimat: I ride a comet... My trail is long to stay... Silence is a heavy stone. Kalimat yang menggambarkan kekukuhan dan keberanian hati. J.R.R. Tolkien termasuk penulis yang menancapkan pengaruhnya.

Suka dan tidak suka bisa terjadi di mana saja. Ini juga berlaku bagi Manowar. Sebagian orang memujanya, sebagian lagi mencerca. Meski begitu, Manowar tetap berjalan dengan gagah, seperti dalam syairnya. Born to walk against the wind, Born to hear my name....

Highland Glory - Forever Endeavour (2005)

Highland Glory is a Norwegian power metal band founded in 2001 by members of Phoenix Rizing.

Highland Glory is one of the first power metal bands from Norway. Jan Thore Grefstad left the band in October 2007, and was replaced by Trine Elise Johansen in January 2008.

Forever Endeavour is the second album from the Norwegian Power metal band Highland Glory.

Track listing

1. Spirit Of Salvation - 05:36
2. Break The Silence - 03:43
3. Edge Of Time - 04:44
4. Mindgame Masquerade - 04:53
5. The Sacrifice - 04:36
6. Surreality - 05:55
7. Forever Endeavour - 05:22
8. Real Life - 03:57
9. Somewhere - 04:47
10. Demon Of Damnation - 08:11

Bonus tracks

1. Wild Child (W.A.S.P. cover)
2. Love Gun (KISS cover)
3. The Trooper (Iron Maiden cover)

HammerFall - Steel Meets Steel - Ten Years of Glory (2007)

Steel Meets Steel: Ten Years of Glory, which was released on October 23rd, 2007, is the first Compilation album by the Swedish power metal group HammerFall.

The CD consists of 2 discs compiling (and remastering) some of their finest works of their 1997-2006 albums as well as 4 new songs.

Track listing

CD 1

1. "The Abyss" - (02:05)
2. "Last Man Standing" - (04:20)
3. "HammerFall v2.0.07" - (04:46) (appears as v1.07 on the iTunes digital version)
4. "The Dragon Lies Bleeding" - (04:22)
5. "Steel Meets Steel" - (04:02)
6. "Glory to the Brave" - (07:20)
7. "Heeding the Call" - (04:29)
8. "At the End of the Rainbow" - (04:04)
9. "Legacy of Kings" - (04:11)
10. "Let the Hammer Fall (Live)" - (05:51)
11. "Templars of Steel" - (05:24)
12. "Renegade" - (04:21)
13. "Always Will Be" - (04:29)
14. "Keep the Flame Burning" - (04:39)
15. "Riders of the Storm" - (04:34)

CD 2

1. "Hearts on Fire" - (03:51)
2. "Crimson Thunder" - (05:05)
3. "Hero's Return" - (05:22)
4. "Blood Bound" - (03:49)
5. "Secrets" - (06:06)
6. "Fury of the Wild" - (04:44)
7. "Never, Ever" - (04:05)
8. "Threshold" - (04:45)
9. "Natural High" - (04:15)
10. "Dark Wings, Dark Words" - (05:02)
11. "The Fire Burns Forever" - (03:22)
12. "Restless Soul" - (5:28)
13. "The Metal Age (Live)" - (04:27)
14. "Stone Cold (Live)" - (04:35)
15. "HammerFall v2.0.07" (MPEG video - Rough mix version)

Credits

* Joacim Cans – Vocals (1996 - present)
* Oscar Dronjak – Guitar, backing vocals (1993 - present)
* Stefan Elmgren – Guitar, backing vocals (1997 - present)
* Fredrik Larsson – Bass, backing vocals (1994-1997, 2007 - present)
* Anders Johansson – Drums (1999 - present)

* Johann Larsson – Bass (1993-1994)
* Niklas Sundin – Guitar (1993-1995)
* Mikael Stanne – Vocals (1993-1996)
* Jesper Strömblad – Drums (1993-1996)
* Glenn Ljungström – Guitar (1995-1997)
* Patrik Räfling – Drums (1997-1999)
* Magnus Rosén – Bass (1997-2007)

Power Quest - Master of Illusion (2008)

Master of Illusion will be the 4th studio album of the power metal band Power Quest, which was recorded in November/December 2007 and will be released worldwide by May 13, 2008.

The album has been described as having "catchy melodies, fast paced songs, mid paced songs, epic songs" and will have a "hard rock" sound with "power ballads" and a more "heavier guitar work".

In December, 2007 band keyboardist Steve Williams has announced on the Official Power Quest forums that there would be five guest appearances on the forthcoming album. The first of these was announced as guitarist Bill Hudson from North American power metal band Cellador, who will be providing guest instrumentation on the track "The Vigil".[4] The second of these was announced as keyboardist Richard West from British progressive metal band Threshold, who will be providing a keyboard solo on the track "Human Machine".[5] The third has been revealed as Jorn Viggo Lofstad, from Norwegian progpower metal band Pagan's Mind who shared the stage with Power Quest in their 2006 tour. Fourth was announced as Chris Neighbour from UK thrash metal band FourwayKill.[6]

A series of podcasts from two members of the band has shed more light on the album, its songs and its style. According to those releases Steve Williams had written 17 songs prior to recording but 10 songs including a bonus track are to be on the final release.

Track listing

1. "Cemetery Gates"
2. "Human Machine"
3. "Civilised?"
4. "Kings Of Eternity"
5. "Master Of Illusion"
6. "The Vigil"
7. "Save The World"
8. "Hearts And Voices"
9. "I Don't Believe in Friends Forever"
10. "Never Again"
11. "Reckoning Day"

Stormwarrior - Heading Northe (2008)

Stormwarrior is a power metal band from Germany that was formed in 1998 by vocalist and guitar player Lars Ramcke and drummer Andre Schumann, adding later in the same year guitarist Scott Bolter and bass player Tim Zienert. The members of Stormwarrior draw their musical influences from the 80's heavy metal scene including such fellow German bands as Helloween and Running Wild.

Their debut full length album Stormwarrior, released in 2002, and their 2004 follow up Northern Rage were both produced by Kai Hansen of Helloween and Gamma Ray fame who also contributed vocal and guitar performances on some songs. Much of Stormwarrior's lyrical content deals with Viking related themes.

Heading Northe is the third studio album by German power metal band Stormwarrior. It's also the first album to feature new bass player Yens Leonhardt.

Track listing :

1. "And The Horde Calleth For Oden"
2. "Heading Northe"
3. "Metal Legacy"
4. "The Holy Cross"
5. "Iron Gods"
6. "Ragnarök"
7. "The Revenge Of Asa Lande"
8. "Remember The Oathe"
9. "Lion Of The Northe"
10. "Into The Battle"
11. "And The Valkyries Ride"

Album line-up

* Lars Ramcke - Guitars & Vocals
* Alex Guth - Guitars
* Yens Leonhardt - Bass
* Falko Reshöft - Drums

Timo Tolkki - Saana - Warrior of Light Pt 1

Frontiers Records will release STRATOVARIUS guitarist Timo Tolkki's classical rock opera, "Saana - Warrior of Light Part 1: Journey to Crystal Island" on March 14.

"Composing, writing the story, casting from hundreds of people, and putting this all together has been very refreshing and interesting for me," says Tolkki. "I think it is the next logical step for me."

He continues, "This album has just basically one long song, but there are 18 themes that are bound together by a story in which I have used my long time interest in philosophy, psychology and spirituality. At the end of the day, it really has just two main themes: love and the fight between good and evil. As the name indicates, there will be another part to this saga. It really is a very interesting story about an old theme, but I think I have managed to take it somewhere that no one has been before."

Featuring the vocal talents of Jennifer Sowle, Aino Laos, Heikki Poyhiä and Janette Sainio, this album is a breathtaking experience of emotions. Each singer was carefully chosen for her/his respective roles and they will enhance the musical journey in a way that has never really been heard before.

Tolkki wrote, mixed, produced and played all instruments (except drums, which were handled by Mirka Rantanen).

"Saana - Warrior of Light Part 1: Journey to Crystal Island" track listing:

01. Saana Mountain
02. Saana's Theme
03. The End
04. Sadness of The World
05. 3 at 7
06. Silence of the Night
07. Sunrise at Saana Mountain
08. Journey to Crystal Island
09. Crystal Island
10. Freya's Theme
11. You've Come a Long Way
12. The Letter
13. Who Am I?
14. Freya's Teachings
15. Warrior of Light
16. Journey to the Azores

Source: www.roadrunnerrecords.com

Freedom Call - Dimensions (2007)

Dimensions is the fifth full-length album by the German power metal band Freedom Call. It was released on April 20, 2007. Stylistically, the album combines the up-tempo and melodic elements of the Eternity album with the more contemporary sound of The Circle of Life album. The mixing and mastering of the album was done by Tommy Newton of Victory.

Track listing

1. "Demons Dance" – 2:03
2. "Innocent World" – 4:27
3. "United Alliance" – 4:10
4. "Mr. Evil" – 3:43
5. "Queen of My World" – 4:27
6. "Light Up the Sky" – 5:25
7. "Words of Endeavour" – 3:52
8. "Blackened Sun" – 4:40
9. "Dimensions" – 3:58
10. "My Dying Paradise" – 4:47
11. "Magic Moments" – 4:34
12. "Far Away" – 3:19

Credits

* Chris Bay – vocals, guitar
* Lars Rettkowitz – guitar
* Armin Donderer – bass
* Dan Zimmermann – drums

Avantasia - The Scarecrow (2008)

Avantasia is a symphonic metal project created by Tobias Sammet, vocalist and frontman of the power metal group Edguy. The project's title is a portmanteau of the words "avalon" and "fantasia" ("fantasy") and describes "a world beyond human imagination" (a quotation from the booklet). The project consists of a self-titled EP, two full length albums with the subtitle The Metal Opera, two EPs called Lost in Space, and the recently released album The Scarecrow.

The Scarecrow is the third full-length Avantasia album by German power metal vocalist Tobias Sammet, released in January 25th, 2008, on Nuclear Blast Records.


Tracklist

1. "Twisted Mind" (6:14)
2. "The Scarecrow" (11:12)
3. "Shelter from the Rain" (6:09)
4. "Carry Me Over" (3:52)
5. "What Kind of Love" (4:56)
6. "Another Angel Down" (5:41)
7. "The Toy Master" (6:21)
8. "Devil in the Belfry" (4:42)
9. "Cry Just a Little" (5:15)
10. "I Don't Believe in Your Love" (5:34)
11. "Lost in Space" (3:53) [2]

Personnel

* Tobias Sammet - Lead vocals, bass
* Sascha Paeth - Rhythm & lead guitars
* Eric Singer - Drums

Guest vocalists

* Roy Khan (Track 1)
* Jørn Lande (Tracks 2, 6, 8)
* Michael Kiske (Tracks 2, 3, 5)
* Bob Catley (Tracks 3, 9)
* Amanda Somerville (Tracks 5, 11)
* Alice Cooper (Track 7)
* Oliver Hartmann (Track 10).

Guest musicians

* Michael "Miro" Rodenberg - Keyboards/orchestration (Tracks 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11)
* Henjo Richter - Additional lead guitars (Tracks 2, 3, 6, 7, 8)
* Kai Hansen - Additional lead guitars (Track 3)
* Rudolf Schenker - Additional lead guitars (Track 10)[3]

André Matos - Time to Be Free (2007)

André Coelho Matos (born September 14, 1971 in São Paulo, Brazil) is the former vocalist, pianist and composer for the heavy metal bands Viper, Angra and Shaaman. Since October 2006 Andre Matos is dedicated to his solo band.

Time To Be Free is the debut solo album of Brazilian vocalist/pianist André Matos. He is joined with the Mariutti brothers, with whom he played in Shaaman. The title of the album refers both to the album being Andre getting his chance to have full creative control, as well as the concept of having free time.

Track listing

1. "Menuett" – 00:48
2. "Letting Go" - 06:04
3. "Rio" - 06:00
4. "Remember Why" - 05:55
5. "How Long (Unleashed Away)" - 04:50
6. "Looking Back" - 04:56
7. "Face The End" - 05:12
8. "Time To Be Free" - 08:33
9. "Rescue" - 05:58
10. "A New Moonlight" - 08:57
11. "Endeavour" - 07:02
12. "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" (Japanese bonus track) - 05:16

Personnel

* André Matos - Vocals & Piano
* Andre Hernandes - Guitars
* Hugo Mariutti - Guitars
* Luís Mariutti - Bass Guitar
* Eloy Casagrande - Drums
* Fabio Ribeiro - Keyboards

The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time

1Jimi Hendrix
2 Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers Band
3 B.B. King
4 Eric Clapton
5 Robert Johnson
6 Chuck Berry
7 Stevie Ray Vaughan
8 Ry Cooder
9 Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin
10 Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones
11Kirk Hammett of Metallica
12 Kurt Cobain of Nirvana
13 Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead
14 Jeff Beck
15 Carlos Santana
16 Johnny Ramone of the Ramones
17 Jack White of the White Stripes
18 John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers
19 Richard Thompson
20 James Burton
21 George Harrison
22 Mike Bloomfield
23 Warren Haynes
24 The Edge of U2
25 Freddy King
26 Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave
27 Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits
28 Stephen Stills
29 Ron Asheton of the Stooges
30 Buddy Guy
31 Dick Dale
32 John Cipollina of Quicksilver Messenger Service
33 & 34 Lee Ranaldo, Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth
35 John Fahey
36 Steve Cropper of Booker T. and the MG's
37 Bo Diddley
38 Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac
39 Brian May of Queen
40 John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival
41 Clarence White of the Byrds
42 Robert Fripp of King Crimson
43 Eddie Hazel of Funkadelic
44 Scotty Moore
45 Frank Zappa
46 Les Paul
47 T-Bone Walker
48 Joe Perry of Aerosmith
49 John McLaughlin
50 Pete Townshend
51 Paul Kossoff of Free
52 Lou Reed
53 Mickey Baker
54 Jorma Kaukonen of Jefferson Airplane
55 Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple
56 Tom Verlaine of Television
57 Roy Buchanan
58 Dickey Betts
59 & 60 Jonny Greenwood, Ed O'Brien of Radiohead
61 Ike Turner
62 Zoot Horn Rollo of the Magic Band
63 Danny Gatton
64 Mick Ronson
65 Hubert Sumlin
66 Vernon Reid of Living Colour
67 Link Wray
68 Jerry Miller of Moby Grape
69 Steve Howe of Yes
70 Eddie Van Halen
71 Lightnin' Hopkins
72 Joni Mitchell
73 Trey Anastasio of Phish
74 Johnny Winter
75 Adam Jones of Tool
76 Ali Farka Toure
77 Henry Vestine of Canned Heat
78 Robbie Robertson of the Band
79 Cliff Gallup of the Blue Caps (1997)
80 Robert Quine of the Voidoids
81 Derek Trucks
82 David Gilmour of Pink Floyd
83 Neil Young
84 Eddie Cochran
85 Randy Rhoads
86 Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath
87 Joan Jett
88 Dave Davies of the Kinks
89 D. Boon of the Minutemen
90 Glen Buxton of Alice Cooper
91 Robby Krieger of the Doors
92 & 93 Fred "Sonic" Smith, Wayne Kramer of the MC5
94 Bert Jansch
95 Kevin Shields of My Bloody Valentine
96 Angus Young of AC/DC
97 Robert Randolph
98 Leigh Stephens of Blue Cheer
99 Greg Ginn of Black Flag
100 Kim Thayil of Soundgarden

Source: http://www.rollingstone.com/

White Lion - Return of the Pride (2008)

WHITE LION: New Album Details Revealed; Audio Samples Available - Jan. 10, 2008

Frontiers Records has announced all the details surrounding the highly anticipated comeback studio album from WHITE LION, entitled "Return of the Pride".

According to a press release, "all the trademarks of the WHITE LION classic sound can be found again in the new album which offers a musical variety that covers the entire musical spectrum the band is well know for. 'Return of the Pride' kicks off with 'Sangre de Cristo', a thunderous epic that ventures into lyrical and musical territories best heard, than described. 'Battle at Little Big Horn' is the album's other soaring epic, a musical re-enactment of one of Native America's most significant historical events: Custer's Last Stand. Hook-laden rockers such as 'Dream', 'Live Your Life' and 'Finally See The Light' maintain a positive musical and lyrical vibe throughout the album, whereas 'Gonna Do It My Way' and 'Let Me Be Me' are the modern-day 'Living On The Edge' songs of rebellion."

Due on March 14, the album was produced by singer Mike Tramp and bassist Claus Langeskov and recorded during 2007 in both Australia and Copenhagen, Denmark, in between touring commitments.

"Return of the Pride" track listing:

01. Sangre de Cristo
02. Dream
03. Live Your Life
04. Set Me Free
05. I Will
06. Battle at Little Big Horn
07. Never Let You Go
08. Gonna Do It My Way
09. Finally See the Light
10. Let Me Be Me
11. Take Me Home (European Bonus Track)

Check out audio samples at this location.

For more information please visitwww.roadrunnerrecords.com

Power Quest - Magic Never Dies (2005)

Magic Never Dies is Power Quest's third studio album, released in 2005.

Track listing

1. Ascension
2. Find my Heaven
3. Galaxies Unknown
4. Hold on to Love
5. Diamond Sky
6. The Message
7. Soulfire
8. Children of the Dream
9. Strike Force
10. Another World
11. Magic Never Dies
12. The Longest Night (Japanese bonus)

Luca Turilli - The Infinite Wonders of Creation (2006)

The Infinite Wonders of Creation is the third and final album in a solo trilogy by symphonic power metal italian songwriter Luca Turilli. The album was released in Europe on May 26th, 2006 and was later released in USA on June 6th, 2006 by Magic Circle Music. A Limited Version of the album was released and contains a piano version of the song "Altitudes" and a single CD with the Luca Turilli's Dreamquest song "Virus" (The single CD also includes a remix of "Virus", along with the tracks "Too Late" and "Sospiro Divino".) This album is notable for the addition of much more use of a female voice done by Bridget Fogle. The male voices were done, as on all of his earlier albums, by Olaf Hayer.

Track listing
1. "Secrets of Forgotten Ages" – 3:12
2. "Mother Nature" – 4:39
3. "Angels of the Winter Dawn" – 4:16
4. "Altitudes" – 4:37
5. "The Miracle of Life" – 4:24
6. "Silver Moon" – 5:37
7. "Cosmic Revelation" – 4:48
8. "Pyramids and Stargates" – 6:07
9. "Mystic and Divine" – 4:21
10. "The Infinite Wonders of Creation" – 8:39
11. "Altitudes (Piano Version)" – 3:20 (Only on limited edition)

Lineup
* Bridget Fogle – female voice
* Olaf Hayer – male voice
* Luca Turilli – guitars, keyboards, composer
* Sascha Paeth – bass
* Robert Hunecke-Rizzo – drums

Luca Turilli's Dreamquest - Lost Horizons (2006)

Lost Horizons is the first album to be released by the electro-symphonic power metal band Luca Turilli's Dreamquest. The album features a female vocalist and Italian musician Luca Turilli, guitarist for Rhapsody of Fire and a number of solo albums, plays the keyboard.

The album was released on June 9, 2006 in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. It was released throughout the rest of Europe on June 12, and in the United States on June 27.

Track listing
1. "Introspection" – 0:15
2. "Virus" – 4:17
3. "Dreamquest" – 4:19
4. "Black Rose" – 3:46
5. "Lost Horizons" – 4:20
6. "Sospiro Divino" – 3:57
7. "Shades of Eternity" – 3:48
8. "Energy" – 4:00
9. "Frozen Star" – 4:59
10. "Kyoto's Romance" – 5:39
11. "Too Late" – 4:28
12. "Dolphin's Heart" – 4:01
13. "Gothic Vision" – 6:03

Falconer - Northwind (2006)

Nortwind is the fifth CD by the band Falconer, the first to feature the returning Mathias Blad since Chapters From a Vale Forlorn.

Track listing
1. Northwind
2. Waltz with the Dead
3. Spirit of the Hawk
4. Legend and the Lore
5. Catch the Shadows
6. Tower of the Queen
7. Long Gone By
8. Perjury and Sanctity
9. Fairyland Fanfare
10. Himmel så trind
11. Blinded
12. Delusion
13. Home of the Knave
14. Black Tarn (instrumental)

Digipack bonus CD
1. Kristallen den fina
2. Ridom, ridom
3. Liten vätte
4. Vårvindar friska

Also features a video documentary of the recording

Credits
* Mathias Blad - Vocals
* Stefan Weinerhall - Rhythm and Lead Guitars, Keyboards, Mandolin
* Jimmy Hedlund - Lead Guitars
* Magnus Linhardt - Bass
* Karsten Larsson - Drums

Guest musician
* Johannes Nyberg - Piano & Harpsichord

Fairytales and Reality (Dionysus new album 2006)

Fairytales and Reality was the third album from Swedish/German power metal band Dionysus released August 23, 2006 (advanced Japanese release).

When asked for comment on the album, drummer Ronny Milianowicz replied: "This album is so good that you would throw away all other cds you got only to have this one. It will make you drink beer like crazy. It will make your neighbors[sic] your worst enemies. It will make you a true metal warrior."

Track listing

1. "Illusion of Life" – 5:01
2. "The Orb" – 5:00
3. "Blinded" – 4:42
4. "The World" – 3:20
5. "Spirit" – 5:33
6. "Queen of Madness" – 3:43
7. "The Game" – 6:05
8. "True At Heart" – 4:47
9. "Tides Will Turn" – 5:22
10. "Dreamchaser" – 4:46
11. "The End" – 7:59
12. "Time Will Tell" (Demo) – 5:16
13. "Bringer Of Salvation" (Demo) – 4:22

Personnel

* Olaf Hayer – vocals
* Johnny Öhlin – guitar
* Nobby Noberg – bass
* Ronny Milianowicz – drums
* Kaspar Daklqvist – keyboard