RockReviews Music Blog

After much anticipation, the stunning, inaugural solo effort, “Praises To The War Machine”, from Nevermore vocalist WARREL DANE will finally be released in Europe in April 2008. With this effort one of metal’s most defining and revolutionary vocalists further hones his craft to perfection.

Dane, who first shattered the boundaries of conventionality with the legendary Sanctuary and Nevermore, proves that he is one of metal’s most diverse frontmen with this solo effort as he unleashes a barrage of introspective and personal lyrics that are heartfelt and extremely powerful. All of this emotion backed with his soaring angelic and dynamic vocals provides all of the necessary elements for a savagely captivating, melodic assault that quickly hooks you in.

Dear readers,

for the past two months we've encountered some problems with the blog section of RockReviews. Now most of the issues have been solved, and we've brought the blog back to life with slightly downgraded functionality (for example, photo links are no longer integrated into the blog but instead those will open in a separate window - FIXED as of January 23rd, 2008 20:10). We'll work on expanding the blog back to its original state, and will introduce new features as time allows.

Sorry for all the inconvenience this may have caused, and thanks for your continuous support.

The Agony Scene is firing on all cylinders on its inspired and lovingly titled 3rd album, “Get Damned”, produced by Andreas Magnusson (Black Dahlia Murder, Scarlet), which will hit European stores on January 21st, 2008. If you missed out on the first two albums, you’ll want to hear this third, most mature and diverse offering from Tulsa, Oklahoma’s finest purveyors of corrosive hardcore!

New York metal outfit Sworn Enemy present you a first sonic glimpse at what to expect of their upcoming new album “Maniacal”, which will hit stores on November 14th, 2007 (a US release will follow in February 2008)! Co-produced by Tim Lambesis (As I Lay Dying) and Joey Z (Life Of Agony), and featuring Jordan Mancino (As I Lay Dying) on session drums, the new effort sees Sworn Enemy captivatingly evolving from their hardcore roots to hard, fast and relentlessly driving thrash metal that even brings such legendary acts as Exodus, Anthrax, Testament to the table. Check out the new song “Time To Rage” at: http://www.myspace.com/swornenemy!

Californian rockers Fu Manchu have posted their new video clip for the song “Hung Out To Dry” (taken off the “We Must Obey” album) at Youtube.com, watch it and enjoy a wicked journey through time:

On October 26, 2007, the mighty Shadows Fall present you a stunning overview of their past career with “Seeking The Way: The Greatest Hits”. Clocking for over 60 minutes, the album contains 15 landmark tracks incl. “Destroyer Of Senses”, “What Drives The Weak”, and the Guitar Hero II track “The Light That Blinds” plus all-new mixes of “Crushing Belial”, “Of One Blood” and “Fleshold” by Zeuss (Hatebreed, Unearth, Throwdown etc.). Garnered with artwork & liner notes by Tom Bejgrowicz, “Seeking The Way: The Greatest Hits” is a fascinating introduction to Shadows Fall as well the best way to get all their hits on one disc.

Three years after their successful debut album 'Contraband', Velver Revolver are back with a follow-up titled as Libertad. This time around the band has different production team consisting of Brendan O'Brien (mixing) and Bob Ludwig (mastering). Hence this record sounds better than their debut, but unfortunately some of the characteristics of the debut are missing... sure the music still is founded on vigorous riffs, pounding drums, and expressive choruses but some of the inventiveness and unexpectedness of the debut is missing. On the other hand, the material on Libertad is more consistent, and the album sounds rather solid.

Celebrating all things rock ‘n’ roll Gibson Guitartown London pays homage to the iconic electric guitar by bringing together the cream of the music industry including Noel Gallagher, Robert Plant, James Blunt, Slash, Kasabian, Graham Coxon, Brian May, Mark Knopfler, Ronnie Wood, Ozzy Osbourne, KT Tunstall, Mark Ronson, Razorlight, Stereophonics, The Kooks, Hard-Fi, The View, Kaiser Chiefs, The Fratellis, Editors, Dirty Pretty Things and The Magic Numbers (to name a few) with visual artists including the great Sir Peter Blake and Gerald Scarfe, to create a unique charity inspired public art exhibition at More London and O2.

Unfortunately Aghora has canceled their performance at ProgPower Europe this year.

Allthough we are disappointed in the band's decission, we do respect them and who knows we will be able to book them for any future edition. We have booked a decent replacement, the very talented Belgian band OCEANS OF SADNESS. They have released their latest album 'Mirror Palace' earlier this year, the album got overwhelming reviews worldwide. We are sure you will not be disappointed by this band, so we hope to see you all in October in Baarlo, The Netherlands.

Check out the ProgPower website for all the details and the latest information about tickets.

Ted Poley was kind enough to send us his comments on the songs that are included in his forthcoming album "Smile" due for release on October 19th on Frontiers Records. Get also ready for a major surprise about Ted and Danger Danger soon!

Don't miss Ted Poley performing with Danger Danger at the forthcoming UNITED FORCES OF ROCK Festival in Ludwigsburg on September 30th.

                 CD Version        Ltd. CD + Bonus 3" DVD Version           LP Version

Anticipation surrounding the new Arch Enemy album, “Rise of The Tyrant” is at an all-time high as the band kicked off their Black Tyranny co-headlining North American tour with Machine Head past week.

Prior to leaving for North America, the band has shot two video clips for new songs “Revolution Begins”, the new album’s first single available in stores now, and “I Will Live Again”, both with acclaimed director Patric Ullaeus (In Flames, Lacuna Coil, etc.).