Evanescence will headline this year’s edition of Carnival Of Madness, the annual touring rock extravaganza, with support from Chevelle, Halestorm and New Medicine. Kicking off Tuesday, July 31 in Springfield, Illinois, the 2012 trek will hit major cities across the U.S. including Boston, Baltimore, Atlanta, Nashville, Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee and Pittsburgh.

Evanescence released its self-titled third major label album last October, five years after the group issued its last effort, 2006′s The Open Door. But one of the reasons the new record took so long to come out is that Lee began work on a version of it in 2010 that she ended up scrapping. The Pulse Of Radio asked Lee why that first attempt at recording didn’t work out. “I think it really was a case of us going in the studio too soon,” she said. “I think people a lot of times get pressure for moving fast, especially in this day and age — you know, the public has a short attention span, you know, it’s all about striking while the iron’s hot. I don’t believe that. I believe in great music. If this is gonna be our big Evanescence comeback record, it wasn’t there yet. So we kept working. We ended up making a record that I’m just, it’s my favorite so far. We’re all really proud of it.” Check out our album review.

Evanescence third album sold 127,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 1 on The Billboard 200 chart.

The Open Door has shifted 2.1 million copies in the United States so far, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Evanescence‘s debut album, Fallen, has sold 7.6 million copies since its March 2003 release.

Upcoming Shows:

5/26: Madrid, Spain – Sonisphere
6/1: Nurburgring, Germany – Rock am Ring
6/3: Nuremberg, Germany – Rock im Ring
6/5: Tilburg, The Netherlands – 013
6/7: Antwerp, Belgium – Lotto Arena
6/10: Nickelsdorf, Austria – Novarock
6/11: Zurich, Germany – Maag Hall
6/12: Hamburg, Germany – Stadtpark
6/14: Dortmund, Germany – Westfallenhalle
6/15: Berlin, Germany – Zitadelle Spandau
6/17: Prague, Czech Republic – Incheba
6/18: Budapest, Hungary – Petoti Hall
6/22: Dubai, UAE – Dubai World Trade Center
6/23: Beirut, Lebanon – Biel- Main Hall
6/27: Moscow, Russia – Izvestia Hall
6/29: Kiev, Ukraine – Best City Festival
7/1: Bucharest, Romania – Tuborg Greenfest
7/4: Istanbul, Turkey – Istanbul Open Air Fest
7/6: Milan, Italy – Heinekin Jammin’ Festival
7/8: France – Sonisphere

For tickets and more visit their website.

Related articles:
‘Evanescence’: Pro-Shot Footage Of Entire ‘Rock In Rio’ Performance [+Behind The Scenes Video] [Oct. 2011]
‘Evanescence’s’ ‘Amy Lee’ On Her Obsessions, Taking Time Off and Touring Again [+ US & EU Tour Dates] [Oct. 2011]
‘Evanescence’s’ New Album Tops ‘U.S. Chart’ [Oct. 2011]
‘Ben Moody’ Talks About The New ‘Evanescence’ Album [Video] [Oct. 2011]
Evanescence – Evanescence [Album review]
New ‘Evanescence’ Video Released For ‘My Heart Is Broken’ [Jan. 2012]
‘Evanescence’s’ ‘Tim McCord’ ‘Heartbroken’ Over Rare Bass Stolen From His Home [Feb. 2012]
‘Amy Lee’ Interviewed In Hong Kong [Video] + New Tour Dates [March 2012]
‘Amy Lee’ Interviewed On 93.7 KCLB ROCKS! [Audio] [March 2012]
‘Evanescence’ Confirmed For ‘Mawazine Festival’ In ‘Morocco’ + More European Dates [March 2012]

Stryper is one of the few bands from a decadent era that features all of its “classic era” lineup. They continue to tour the world and produce Billboard-charting albums. Brothers Michael Sweet and Robert Sweet, along with Oz Fox and Timothy Gaines, make up the legendary hard rock quartet.

“After almost 30 years in this business, we are blessed to be able to continue doing what we love most – making music,” explains vocalist/guitarist Michael Sweet, lead singer/ lead guitarist and songwriter. “God has blessed us with talents and abilities so we plan to continue on this path as long as God calls us to do so.”

Stryper‘s covers album, The Covering [2011], sold around 4,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 175 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band’s previous CD, 2009′s Murder By Pride, opened with 5,900 units to land at No. 73.

Produced by frontman Michael Sweet, The Covering is unlike any previous Stryper recording in that it’s a collection of cover songs from bands that inspired them and helped to shape their sound and musical identity, including hits from Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, Kansas and many others. The Covering will also include God, a new original recording from Stryper.

Related articles:
‘Stryper’ Frontman Performs Acoustically In Rhode Island [Video] [Oct. 2011]
‘Stryper’ Frontman Working On New Solo Album [Nov. 2011]
‘Michael Sweet’ Acoustic-Performance Footage From ‘Arizona’ [Nov. 2011]
 ‘Stryper’ To Play ‘Seaside Festival July 2012′ Norway [Jan. 2012]
‘M3 Rock Festival’ Line Up Announced [With Stryper & Many Others] [Feb. 2012]
 ‘Stryper’ To Play ‘India’ [More New Confirmed Tour Dates] [March 2012]
‘Michael Sweet’ [Stryper] To Tour Israel Jan. 2013 [March 2012]
New Video Interview With ‘Michael Sweet’ [March 2012]
Online Guitar Lessons By ‘Stryper’s’ ‘Oz Fox’ [March 2012]

Before you continue to read the review, let me say this. If you are a huge fan of any of the following bands, skip the rest of this review and go buy this CD ASAP. Trust me, you will be pleased. Edguy, Yngwie Malmsteem, Impellitteri, Rob Rock, Theocracy, Metallica, Iron Maiden.

Ok, now that we have that out of the way, let’s get into the review!

The album starts off with “Arise”, which is an introduction song clocking in at 48 seconds. It starts out with a crow making a crow noise, then adds symphony and percussion style melody that segments nicely into the second song, “Panic”. “Panic” starts out with some cool guitar riffs, then goes into a keyboard riff, then the guitar riffs, then the keyboard riff, then the song starts rocking! This is an uptempo melodic metal song, and the chorus is definitely memorable! I actually found myself humming the chorus the day after my first initial listen!

“Death Comes to All” kicks in next, and it keeps up the pace established with the last song. It is another uptemp metal tune. The chorus may not be as memorable, but the guitar solo shreds! Clocking in at 5:04, it’s another good song to bang your head to!

“The Rose” follows starting out with a cool drum beat, then the keys and guitars kick in. This song is a slower pace, still heavy guitar riffs throughout the verses, chorus, and again, listen to that guitar solo! On this song, lead singer Calle Sundberg is sounding somewhat like James Hetfield. Clocking in at 3:55, a solid rocking metal tune that will get your feet moving.

“Tainted Inside”, the fifth track on the album, clocks in at just 3:33, but now I am better understand why they call themselves Charlie Shred. This tune absolutely shredded my eardrums when I cranked it up, and I think I have whiplash from it. Not quite thrash, but fast, heavy riffing power metal that you’ll want to rock out to and reminiscent of early Metallica. The chorus is another melodic chorus and uses keys in the background. The guitar solos simply “Shred”.

Track number 6 comes in at 2:59 and is titled “Time To Die”. Again, Sundberg sounds close to James Hetfield of Metallica fame, close but not exactly. This song is also a fast shredding headbanger, and starts out similar to “Whiplash” by Metallica. This song literally kicks butt! Too bad it ends so early! The rythym section, which has performed solidly and consistently throughout the album, start to really shine here on this tune.

“The Ancestors Guide” is song number 7 on this disc, and is an instrumental tune. Clocking in at 3:15, this rocking metal tune reminds me strongly of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. I believe Charlie Shred could stand toe to toe with both of those bands as far as the music goes. As far as live, well, I haven’t seen them live as of yet, so we’ll have to wait and see.

“Game Over” kicks off with a quarter being dropped into an arcade machine of yesteryear and then the metal kicks in. Let me tell you, the rythym section, rounded out by Johan Tranborg on Bass, and Tommy ReinXeed (lead singer for the band ReinXeed) on the drums, is killing it on this track! This song clocks in at 5”11, great rythym guitars, great rythym on the bass/drums makes this a kick-butt metal tune. Again, up their with Maiden, Priest, and Metallica. Listen to the lead guitar solo, you’ll love it!

“Welcome To Hell”, track 9, begins with great guitar riffs and a great double kick drum. While maybe not as fast and heavy as the previous few tunes, this is still a great and memorable melodic metal song that rocks the hell out of you! Again, another solid effort and highly recommended. Check the bass/drum part of this song where the snare drum is running at 32nd notes and then the kick drum comes in at 16th notes, very nice drumming and transition!

The last track on the disc, “Fall Down” clocks in at 6:30 and begins with some killer drumming and guitar riffing. This song is heavy mid-tempo changing to fast tempo. I hear the Hetfield influences in the vocals again. I love the bass rythym and harmonies on this track. The drums complement the bass very well. Definitely one of those songs you will want to listen to over and over again.

Overall, this is an excellent debut album that you will return to again and again if power metal is your thing. This is the type of metal that started the big metal movement in the 1980’s, and has endured all of these years. You owe it to yourself to check this out, I don’t think you’ll find anything better out there this year!

Rating: 10/10 (Note: I rarely give 10’s out, very rare!)

Written by Thrasher777 [Brian]

Tracks:
01. Arise
02. Panic
03. Death Comes To All
04. The Rose
05. Tainted Inside
06. Time To Die
07. The Ancestors Guide
08. Game Over
09. Welcome To Hell
10. Fall Down

Band Members:
Calle Sundberg – Vocals & guitars
Mattias Johansson – Lead guitars
Johan Tranborg – Bass
Tommy ReinXeed – Drums, backing vocals & additional guitars & keyboards

Record Label: Liljegren Records / Doolittle Group, May 30-2012

Beyond The Doom

The idea started in spring 2012 when Mauce was asked to play at a festival. Soon he gathered other musicians from different bands. Playing covers is, beside a big desire of the band members and the fun of playing those songs, it also became the outcome for the lack of preparation time for the first show.

Related articles:
‘Illuminandi’ To Play ‘Lamininfest. 2012′ [April 2012] 

Melting Clocks was released in other parts of the world in March viaVerycords. The CD, which was produced and composed by Sassi, features guest appearances by several known musicians, including formerMegadeth guitarist Marty Friedman.

Familiar to numerous music fans all over the world by his unique trademarked signature sound, Sassi blends east with west, rock with world music, melodic tunes with progressive passages, and traditional folk instruments with roaring electric riffs.

With over 20 years of experience as a producer, composer/arranger and founding member of Orphaned Land, Yossi continues to soar to new horizons.

Yossi is known for being the constant explorer of sound and musical boundaries, driving inspiration from different cultures around the world. Yossi plays 17 (!) different types of guitars and traditional instruments, and has been invited to play live and share the stage with artists such as Metallica, Marty Friedman, Steven Wilson, Yehuda Poliker and many others.

Yossi has cooperated and recorded with artists from Kuwait to Portugal. He is a veteran performing artist, with hundreds of global shows and major festivals in his record.

Featuring world-known musicians, this album takes you to a journey around the world with traditional instruments such as saz, bouzouki, oud, chumbush and many more.

Melting Clocks track listing:

01. Drive (6:18)
02. Fields Of Sunrise (5:07)
03. The Calling: Rush Hour (4:51)
04. Numbers’ World (5:10)
05. Melting Thoughts (3:38)
06. Another Day In The Office (4:18)
07. Ain’t Good Enough (3:56)
08. The Routine (4:43)
09. Sahara Afternoon (6:56)
10. Sunset (2:16)
11. Simple Things (4:54)
12. Melting Clocks (3:38)

Weblinks: Website / Facebook / Twitter 

Related articles:
‘Orphaned Land’ Guitarist Working On Solo Album [Sept. 2011]
‘Orphaned Land’ Guitarist ‘Yossi Sassi’ Releases Solo Debut [March 2012]
‘Yossi Sassi’ Discusses Debut Solo Album In Audio Interview [March 2012]

Commented Tourniquet: “The title track, ‘Antiseptic Bloodbath’, speaks of the way our society prefers to sanitize brutality. We can have our tidy Christian faith, or continue with no faith at all, as long as we don’t consider the painful bloody price that was paid for us.

“We use animals for our food, profit, and amusement, but would rather not know about the needless, often systematic suffering that is inflicted on them by a callous and greedy humanity. ‘Don’t upset my comfort zone — brutal truth, leave me alone.’ The great news is that we have the ability to choose. This album encourages us to make good and humane choices in our daily lives that reflect these images.”

Tourniquet was formed in Los Angeles in 1990. Seven full length albums, two EP’s, one acoustic album, one “Best of” album, and six videos later, the members of Tourniquet remain committed to communicating the message of the Gospel through music. Tourniquet has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including HM magazine‘s Favorite Band, two CCM magazine #1 Rock Singles, many #1 Metal Singles, and six Dove Award nominations. They have appeared in countless magazine, newspaper, and online publications. Known for their intense live show, their fans have been known to drive (or fly) long distances just to see the band play. As the popularity of the band increases, so does the opportunity to play international shows in Europe and South America, as well as performing in the U.S. The success of their “acoustic unplugged” shows has further advanced their strong reputation for musical integrity and versatility.

Tourniquet‘s last studio release, 2003′s Where Moth and Rust Destroy [Metal Blade], featured special guest appearances by guitarists Marty Friedman [ex-Megadeth] and Bruce Franklin [Trouble].

Band members:
Ted Kirkpatrick – drums
Luke Easter – vocals
Aaron Guerra – guitar

Discography
2003 – Where Moth and Rust Destroy (Metal Blade)
2000 – Microscopic View of a Telescopic realm (Metal Blade)
1998 – Acoustic Archives (Tourniquet Productions)
1997 – Crawl to China (Diadem)
1996 – Collected Works (Frontline)
1995 – Carry the Wounded-EP (Frontline)
1994 – Vanishing Lessons (Frontline)
1993 – Live-EP (Frontline)
1992 – Pathogenic Ocular Dissonance (Frontline/Metal Blade)
1991 – Psycho Surgery (Frontline/Metal Blade)
1990 – Stop the Bleeding (Frontline)

Videography
2008 – Till Sverige Med Karlek (To Sweden With Love)
2004 – Circadian Rhythms – The Drumming World of Ted Kirkpatrick
2003 – Ocular Digital DVD (Tourniquet Productions)
2000 – Video Biopsy 2000 (Tourniquet Productions)
1998 – Live in California (Tourniquet Productions)
1997 – Guitar Instructional Video (Tourniquet Productions)
1996 – The Unreleased Drum Solos (Tourniquet Productions)
1995 – Pushin Broom Video with “Bearing Gruesome Cargo” (Frontline)
1992 – Video Biopsy with “Ark of Suffering” (Frontline)

Weblinks: Website / Facebook 

Related articles:
‘Ted Kirkpatrick’s’ New Solo Album ‘Ancient Christmas’ Now Available [Dec. 2011]  

SÅ2012 is a new festival arranged by SubChurch [the people behind DP Festival and the hosts of Nordicfest], to celebrate it`s 15 year anniversary. They have planned to celebrate it all, deep in the Norwegain countryside, at a place called Nordtangen, not far from both Oslo and the Nordic Mission HQ of Gjøvik. The date is 26-29th of July. Be there!

Line up can be seen below.

And why do you read about this here? Nordic Mission has the honor to be the first to inform you all of the return of Horde [Aus] to the cold northern woods. The performance is at nighttime of course…

What is there to say that hasn’t been said already?

The legendary one-man-unblack-metal-outfit Horde is finally playing where they belong: The cold dark Norwegian woods. Just the thought of this happening is beyond our imagination.

The solo-project of multi-instrumentalist “Anonymous”, managed to split both the black-metal scene, and the christian establishment i two. And how could it not, being the first christian black-metal album? Numerous columns and death-threats were written, and it took many years before the truth came out about the identity of the artist, when australian Jason Sherlock, drummer of well known metal-acts as Mortification and Paramæcium, admitted being the brain behind the controversial masterpiece.

In 2006 Horde played live for the first time, and since then they have only done three shows in total, so to say this is an extrusive gig is a huge understatement. Check out a live video for Invert The Inverted Cross.

Prepare for the night of Total Armageddon Holocaust!!!

Line Up:
Horde (AUS)
Benea Reach (N)
Callisto (FIN)
Svarteskerm (S)
Loch Ness Mouse (N)
Jeroan Drive (N)
Dalit (N)
Of Grace And Hatred (N)
Shevils (N)
Fleur De Lis (N)
Moreld (N)
Leonov (N)
The Christians (N)
Search For Safety (N)
Aperture (N)

+ more to be announced

For more info, tickets etc. go to SÅ Fest.

The album, which marks the first Thy Majestie release since 2009′s Dawn, was recorded at Wreck Studios in Palermo, Italy, mixed by Giuseppe Orlando [November] at Outer Sound Studios in Rome, Italy and mastered by Mika Jussila [Nightwish, Sonata Arctica, Stratovarius] at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland. Another epic conceptual record, in the vein of Thy Majestie’s acclaimed albums The Lasting Power [2000] and Hastings 1066 [2002]ShiHuangDi marks another important chapter in the band’s career, this time dealing with the life of the legendary Qin Shi Huang, who became the first emperor of a unified China in 221 BC. ShiHuangDi will see Thy Majestie returning to their trademark sound, made of epic atmospheres, massive orchestral and operatic parts and – most of all – genuinely devastating metal. A very special guest appearance by renowned singer Fabio Lione [Rhapsody Of Fire, Vision Divine, Kamelot] has also been announced. We keep you posted.

Tracklist:
1. Zhongguo
2. Seven reigns
3. Harbinger of new dawn
4. Siblings of Tian
5. Walls of the emperor
6. Under the same sky
7. Farewell
8. Huanghun
9. Ephemeral
10. End of the days [feat. Fabio Lione]
11. Requiem

Thy Majestie is:
Alessio Taormina  – Vocals
Simone Campione – Guitars
Guiseppe Carruba – Keyboards
Dario D’Alessandro – Bass
Claudio Diprima- Drums

Releases:
2008 – Dawn [Dark Balance]
2005 – Jeanne d’Arc [Scarlet Records]
2003 – Echoes of War [Scarlet Records]
2002 – Hastings 1066 [Scarlet Records]
2000 – The Lasting Power [Scarlet Records]
1999 – Perpetual Glory [Self-production]

Weblinks:  Website / Facebook / Twitter

Related Articles:
‘Thy Majestie’ To Release New Album ‘ShiHuangDi’ March 2012 [Dec. 2011]

Lost In Forever

Lost In Forever comes off P.O.D.‘s new album, Murdered Love, which will be released on July 10 via Razor & Tie. The band’s long-awaited follow-up to When Angels & Serpents Dance sees them reunited with longtime producer Howard Benson who also produced the band’s massive Satellite album alongside hit albums for Kelly Clarkson, Theory Of A Deadman, Daughtry, and My Chemical Romance.

The CD cover and packaging was illustrated and designed by Invisible Creature, whose previous credits include the Foo Fighters, Norma Jean, Chris Cornell and many more. Artwork can be viewed below.

The album’s first official single, Lost In Forever, is available for download on iTunes.

P.O.D. [Payable on Death] formed in 1992 has logged a remarkable array of achievements, including worldwide sales exceeding 10 million, a series of chart topping radio hits, and an unprecedented four #1 MTV videos. With a 15-year career under their belts, P.O.D. has released seven studio albums, received three Grammy Award nominations, contributed to numerous motion picture soundtracks, and toured the world over many times. With their third studio album, The Fundamental Elements of Southtown, they achieved their initial mainstream success – the album was certified Platinum by the RIAA in 2000. Their following studio album, Satellite, continued the band’s success with the hit singles, “Alive” and “Youth of the Nation,” pushing it to go triple platinum. The band’s line-up consists of vocalist Sonny Sandoval, drummer Wuv Bernardo, guitarist Marcos Curiel, and bassist Traa Daniels.

Pre Order Your Copy Here

P.O.D. U.S. Tour Dates

May 24 – Memphis, TN – New Daisy Theatere ^
May 25 – Pryor, OK – Rocklahoma*
May 27 – El Paso, TX – 27th Annual KLAQ Balloon Festival at Wet & Wild Waterworld*
August 2 – Midland, TX – Rock The Desert*
November 27 – December 1 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL -ShipRocked 2012

*P.O.D. on festival
+P.O.D. Headline support from Love and Death featuring Brian Head Welch and Icon For Hire
^ P.O.D. and RED Co-Headline support from Love and Death featuring Brian Head Welch and Icon For Hire

Weblinks: Website/ Facebook / Myspace / Twitter

Related artcles:

‘P.O.D’ signs new deal with ‘Razor & Tie’ [New Album Slated For Release In 2012] [Oct.  2011]
‘P.O.D’. In The Studio: Video Footage Posted Online [Nov. 2011]
‘P.O.D’ Launch Logo Design Contest [Dec. 2011]
‘RED’ & ‘P.O.D’ To Play ‘Carolina Rebellion Festival 2012′ [Feb. 2012]
‘P.O.D’ Completes Work On New Album + New Tour Dates [March 2012]
‘P.O.D’ New Song Released ‘Eyez’ Download It For Free [April 2012]
‘P.O.D’ Release First Official Single From Forthcoming New Studio Album ‘Murdered Love’ [April 2012]

End Of September is definitely one of the most promising bands from Scandinavia at the moment. This young band shows with their debut album that they know how to create fantastic, memorable songs, and perform them to perfection. They have also been able to successfully create a mix between melodic metal and more modern metal that not many bands have.

With the well-crafted and intelligent song-writing of Erik Tordsson and the smooth and emotional vocals of Elin Redin, End of September is a force to be reckoned with during the coming years. The band is hungry to hit the stages around the world, and are destined to make it.

Recently we had the privilege to do an interview with End Of September, in case you missed it, you can find it here. Also check out our End Of September debut album review here.

Up-coming  shows;
June 1st: Harrys – Växjö, Sweden [release show]
July 5th: Gullbrannafestivalen – Halmstad, Sweden
August 10th: Frizon Festival – Örebro, Sweden
August 24th: Youth Celebration Festival, Keuruu, Finland

Band members:
Elin Redin – vocals
Erik Tordsson – guitars & vocals
Johan Nöjd – bass
Johan Svensson – drums

Weblinks : Website / Facebook

Related articles:
‘End Of September’ Signs With ‘Ulterium Records’ [March 2012]
‘End Of September’ Announce Album Release Show In Sweden [March 2012]
End of September – End of September [March 2012]
‘End Of September’ ‘Isolated’ Digital Single Announced [April 2012]
‘End Of September’ – ‘Isolated’ Music Video Released [April 2012]
Interview With ‘End Of September’ [April 2012]