CLASSIC ROCKERS THE SWEET RETURN WITH NEW SINGLE/VIDEO, "LITTLE MIRACLE"

One of the most instantly recognizable – and successful – rock bands of the '70s was The Sweet, who scored a string of hit albums and singles due to their highly melodic and anthemic sound and glam look. And now, the group is proud to announce the July 25th release of their new hot single/video “Little Miracle” on Dark Star Records, via Sony/Orchard. 
 
This pop rock funky love song is another example of The Sweet’s departure from the norm. Model Dominique Mercedes makes her stunning debut appearance in the video, and her innocent yet enticing beauty captures the essence of true love. Singer Patrick Alan Stone along with his band mates deliver the goods, with a catchy tune that has the legs to go all the way.

The video can be viewed below.

The Sweet's classic '70s line-up was comprised of Brian Connolly – lead and backing vocals, Steve Priest – bass, backing and lead vocals, Mick Tucker – drums, backing and occasional lead vocals, and Andy Scott – guitar, keyboards, backing and lead vocals.
 
After the passing of Connelly (in 1997) and Tucker (in 2002), Priest wanted Sweet to carry on and for its line up to possess the talent, feel and high energy that The Sweet had in its glory days. Priest’s new line-up was an instant smash success, playing hundreds of concerts across the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, and many other countries around the world – for well over a decade, until Priest’s passing in 2020. 
 
Shortly after, it was decided that The Sweet should continue onward, as Stevie and Richie were part of that line up and were asked to carry on by Steve. Sweet 2024 is comprised of frontman Patrick Alan Stone, guitarist Jimmy Burkard, keyboardist Dave Schulz, bassist Stevie Stewart, and drummer Richie Onori.
 
The band achieved massive commercial success around the globe in the '70s, including such hits as “Ballroom Blitz,” “Fox On the Run,”  “Love Is Like Oxygen,” “Little Willy,” “Blockbuster,” “Action,” “Teenage Rampage,” and “AC/DC,” among many others. 
 
“Little Miracle” is just the beginning of the groups ascension into a whole new demographic listening audience, with many new songs yet to come. 
 
This new release with the aforementioned lineup demonstrates the same driving force and unpredictable musical quality that has always been the hallmark and essence of The Sweet’s iconic sound.

Confirmed Engagements:
 
July 25 Hollywood CA - The Bourbon Room
August 23 Regina SK - Shake the Lake 
August 24 Toronto ON - Sobey’s Stadium
September 6   St. Charles IL - Arcade Theater
September 7   Wisconsin Dells WI - Crystal Grand Music Theatre
September 8   Nashville IN - Brown County Music Center
November 8    Warren MI - Andiamo Celebrity Showroom
 
Band line-up:
 
Vocals: Patrick Alan Stone
Guitar: Jimmy Burkard
Bass and backing vocals: Stevie Stewart
Keys and backing vocals: Dave Schulz
Drums: Richie Onori

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
thesweetband.com

CONQUEST RETURN WITH LATEST OFFERING 'PARADOX' OUT TODAY!

Veteran midwest metal outfit Conquest return with their latest album, 'Paradox,' on Friday, May 10th. Available as two vinyl records or a single CD (plus available on all streaming services), the album continues in the same direction as their previous studio offerings, as evidenced by such standout tracks as "Walking Dead" and "The Writings on the Wall" (both of which have already been issued as music videos), as well as a cover of the Rainbow classic, "Man on the Silver Mountain.” 
 
To view the videos, click on these link.
 
Walking Dead - Below
 
The Writings on the Wall - https://youtu.be/Le9KNK4PuNA?si=LBBZ6oPhD7cYjaS1
 
Comprised of Derrick Brumley: Lead Vocals and Guitar, Mike Crook: Vocals and Guitar, Rob Boyer: Vocals and Bass, and Lee Skyles: Vocals and Drums, 'Paradox' was also produced and mixed by Derrick (and engineered by Adam Long), the band's latest album is getting rave reviews via metal media, including the Rock You Show site saying "I have to give this one 9.5 out of 10 "Flaming Fist". You nearly get 2 albums worth of great quality music, including a stellar cover of Rainbow's "Man on the Silver Mountain". I thank them personally for keeping the Metal torch lit in these times of darkness". 

"This was a record that took 3 years to make had many different obstacles," admits Derrick. "But we made it through and it was a blast to put together. All the band members did an outstanding job from The melodies on the bass to the blazing guitar solos and the strong aggressive drumming…these guys helped me put it all together. And it turned out in my opinion over the top."
  
And the singer/guitarist/producer also has some favorite tracks in mind. "Lots to choose from. The obvious tracks 'Walking Dead,' 'Writing on the Wall,' there are all kinds of different heavy metal tracks on this record. 'Babylon America' and 'The Killing Time,' two different styles but very, very complimentary to each other."
 
Additionally, the cover of "Man on the Silver Mountain" is certainly a standout. "'Man on the Silver Mountain' for me was always one of those tracks when I was a kid that just stood out. My dad always played it and my friend's dad's always played that song, it was just one of those songs in the midwest that really had some grit to it.” 

Lee Skyles added "Recording the PARADOX album in the studio was rewarding in the sense it felt to be very organic in nature with the even flow of the songs as we wrote them and recorded. As some songs were done with such feeling between us in the room together and other tracks we laid the drums later on the fly like 'Babylon America' and 'World of Hate' which gave it more of what you would want it to be like. PARADOX was truly a metal masterful piece of work in which keeps the old school metal flavor in a modern form.”

You can download, stream, purchase cds and vinyl here: https://lnk.to/conquestparadox

And having already shared concert stages with the likes of Slayer, Rob Halford, Testament, Iron Maiden, and Yngwie Malmsteen, the band can certainly deliver the goods on stage – which the band will soon be doing with shows in support of 'Paradox.’ 

And fans will get a chance to experience Conquest live on stage on July 12th, when the band performs with Burning Witches at Diamond Music Hall in St. Peters, MO. 

For more information/to order tickets, click this link: https://conquestmetal.com/event/5539488/677353940/burning-witches-and-conquest 

For further information on Conquest please visit:

 Website: conquestmetal.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conquestrocks
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/conquestmetal/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Conquestmetal
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7bTGxUCcsmp3KBIScrFRiB

WHITE METAL TRAILBLAZERS WHITECROSS RETURN WITH “FEAR NO EVIL”

One of the first-ever Christian hard rock/metal bands is the Illinois-based, Whitecross. The band started in the early ‘80s, touring steadily from 1988 to 1994 and averaging 150 performances per year. The Dove Awards recognized Whitecross three times: twice for Metal Album of the Year, and once for Hard Music Recorded Song of the Year. In the process, Whitecross helped forge the style now widely known as “white metal.”

 Now the band – singer Dave Roberts, guitarist Rex Carroll, bassist Benny Ramos, and drummer Michael Feighan – is back with a brand new album. Produced by Rex Carroll, “Fear No Evil” arrives on March 22nd via Dark Star Records and can be pre-ordered here: https://www.integralmerchservices.com/whitecrosspre-order
 
“‘Fear No Evil’ is the first studio album that Rex has had total artistic control of from beginning to end, including the writing, recording, mixing, mastering, and release,” explains the album's Executive Producer, Susan Smith. “Every previous album has at least one song that Rex would have done differently. Rex never relinquished the right to include a guitar solo and finds it a personal challenge to match the success of ‘Nagasake.’ This album has grown with the influence of Dave Roberts, and while keeping the original heavy rock and roll heart and soul of the first release, adds a nuanced nod to classic bands of the ‘60s and ‘70s.”

Concerning standout tunes from the album, all four members have their particular selections but seem to agree on the beautifully orchestrated power ballad “Wishing Well,” which invokes The Beatles and The Moody Blues. The acoustic ballad entitled “Blind Man” has a “Led Zeppelin feel,” according to Feighan, and of course, there are the expected rockin' tunes in the Whitecross tradition. One of these is the album's first video – the title track – debuted on a three-song demo of Rex and Dave getting a feel for the project. Feighan also adds a disclaimer: “This album is very diverse with songs that have a modern rock touch but still that Whitecross sound that fans know and love.”
 
And with the band about to hit the road in support of the album, Carroll never forgets how important the band's fans are in the grand scheme of things. “I am continuously reminded every day that it's not about me or the band – it's all about the fans. Many of you have become my good friends via social media, and I'm continuously grateful for your support. You bought the albums and the T-shirts and came to the shows, and I'm grateful for that. Thanks again…follow Jesus!”
 
As far as how Whitecross's brand of metal fits in with modern-day acts, the guitarist also shared his thoughts. “I follow the muse in my own head. I hear new sounds on the radio, but the songs are still the same as they always were. And by that, I mean new bands pop up on the radio - the sounds are fresh, but it’s the same three chords and it’s the same boy-meets-girl lyrics. Modern sounds and modern production techniques are great, and we have taken full advantage of them on our new album. From a technical standpoint, I believe ‘Fear No Evil’ is the BEST album I’ve ever been involved with. Love the songs, still pushing myself on the guitar, love the sonic blast from Anthony Focx, love the fans, love my band, love all of it.”
 
And lastly, what are the band's future plans? “Continue to love God, love people, love the band, love the gigs, love to shred until they lay me in the ground in a guitar-shaped casket.”

CONFIRMED TOUR DATES:

Friday, March 22nd, 2024
Whitecross
FEAR NO EVIL - ALBUM RELEASE EVENT
6pm 
FREEDOM CHURCH
905 McKnight Rd,
Indiana, PA 15701

Saturday, March 23, 2024
Whitecross with Petra’s Best for Last Tour
6pm
Grace Baptist Church
3480 Laurel Rd
Brunswick, OH 44212

Saturday, July 13, 2024
Whitecross
Crown of Thorns Festival 2024
4:30pm
Pioneer Park
301 Parkhill Dr
Billings, MT 59101


Friday, August 16, 2024
Whitecross
SoulFest 2024
7:30pm
Franklin County Fairgrounds
89 Wisdom Way
Greenfield, MA 01301

Friday, August 30, 2024
Whitecross
IMMORTAL FEST 2024 - PART II
5:30pm
BMI Event Center
791 E Main St
Versailles, OH 45380

*As dates are confirmed they will be detailed at https://www.bandsintown.com/a/54253-whitecross 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:
Website
LinkTree
Facebook
YouTube
Instagram
Spotify
BandsInTown
TikTok

BOYHITSCAR ISSUES NEW SINGLE/VIDEO, ‘INJUSTICE FATIGUE,’ FROM FORTHCOMING NEW ALBUM

Veteran hard rockers BoyHitsCar return on November 11th with a brand new song/video, “Injustice Fatigue,” which serves as a taste of what’s to come from their forthcoming full-length, Waves of Sound Across Oceans of Time (which will be issued via DarkStar/Sony records some time in 2023):

https://orcd.co/injusticefatigue

The "Injustice Fatigue" single/video (directed by Pearry Reginald Teo) will arrive on most digital platforms, along with a YouTube music video premiere:

Comprised of members Cregg Rondell (vocals, twelve string guitar), Mike Bartak (guitar), Bill Gower (bass guitar), and Erik Peterson (drums), the band had the following to say about their new single/video:

“‘Injustice Fatigue’ captures the authentic spirit of BoyHitsCar, while injecting a new sonic energy with lyrical focus on modern times, for many citizens of Mother Earth have experienced some type of injustice; both individually and collectively. Yet still, most of us maintain a level of love & compassion, in our hearts…

BoyHitsCar was formed in 1993, with the idea to write melodic-heavy music that would translate well into a high energy live show. Their brand of music has been dubbed "LoveCore" - connecting people around the world in a positive way through the heavy, uplifting tones and messages found in the BHC sound.

And seeing the band live adds a whole other dimension to their sound. “The energy between Boy Hits Car live & their fans (the LoveCore Alliance) is a unique experience. One must see and hear it to believe it,” says the band.

AllMusic described BoyHitsCar as having an “aggressive rock sound,” the Rough Edge site said, “BoyHitsCar offers a funky, hippy take on life, nurturing a respect toward nature as well as a serious demeanor towards life and their music,” while Kerrang added they offer “the sickest, loveliest, ugliest, prettiest, most beautiful, melodic, heartfelt music.”

Lastly, the quartet are already looking forward to the future. Upon the release of the upcoming 7th studio album, Waves of Sound Across Oceans of Time…Boy Hits Car will be planning US and European tour dates. Stay tuned for details on the album release and more!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:

boyhitscar.com

A Rising Force New Release “Eclipse” Set For Worldwide Release June 3rd, 2022

A Rising Force is set to release their second full-length studio album “Eclipse” On June 3rd 2022, fresh off the tail of their previous album “Undertow”.

The new album contains 10 new tracks, featuring the first single “Believe”, which is also their brand-new video, which can be viewed below.

“When we were in pre-production for the album, we decided to go to Drop C tuning on “Believe” and add 4 different guitar parts on it to give it a very heavy rhythm,” says guitarist Leni DiMancari. “When it came time to write the story boards for the video, our production lead Mike Voegele and I took a far left turn from what the song was written about with the story line. It initially went from a song about the rise and fall of a televangelist to a scary journey into tarot, Ouija , the occult, with an ending that will floor you. It’s like watching a scary paranormal series on the travel channel and then having it come to life in front of you, with a surprise ending. ”

And the other band members are excited about the new video, as well:

David Reed Watson: “I’ve always been drawn to the darker aspects of psychology and what makes people tick. This video exemplifies that, and my fascination with the tarot.”

Lane Allen: “I loved the overall look of the band and shots in the video. It reminds me of early Van Halen" Billy Schlump

“Outstanding video. Very well done and put together. It draws the viewer in and locks you in until the very end.”

Brian Lorenson: “Disturbingly creepy video with a great story line and a great song along with it.”

The band recorded basic tracks in March of this year at Winterland Studios, then returned to Logic Studios for production and engineering by Brian Bart, who co-produced the first album with DiMancari.

“We worked in pre-production for 6 months to fine tune this record. The band wanted it to feel more current than the last one, yet still be commercially heavy. We ‘Believe’ we have that in this one.” Leni DiMancari


Additional vocals were recorded at lead vocalist David Reed Watson’s Kundalini studio and mastered at Logic Recording and Programming.

“The second album is always harder to do, and there’s a little pressure on you to try to out-do the last one.” says guitarist Leni DiMancari. “We started writing the new album within weeks of finishing the first one, while in the middle of a pandemic. This album is a lot heavier than the last one, and we are really proud of how it turned out.”

Pre Order the New CD at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XRBJCDQ

Tour Dates:


June 23rd: Lakes Jam with Tesla, Warrant, Kix and Fuzzrd
July 14th: Redwood County Fair with Firehouse
July 29th: Bogarts Place Apple Valley MN with Fuzzrd
Aug 13th: TBA, Columbus OH
Aug 20th: Ruckus in the Woods, Barnes WI
Aug 27th: Hertel Amphitheatre, Webster WI with Almost Cooper
Sept 24th: Fairmont Opera House Fairmont MN with Fuzzrd
Dec 10th: Route 47, Fridley MN with Special guest TBA

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT

Official Website: http://www.arisingforceband.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ARisingForceBandMN

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arisingforceband/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ARisingForceOf1

Leni DiMancari @ ESP Guitars: https://www.espguitars.com/artists

RICHRATH PROJECT 3:13 PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE/GREAT ORIGINAL REO SPEEDWAGON GUITARIST, GARY RICHRATH, WITH NEW ALBUM – ‘L.A. IS MINE’

Guitarist GARY RICHRATH was an integral part of classic rockers REO SPEEDWAGON – as his soaring guitar lines helped propel such classics as “Take It on the Run,” “Golden Country,” and “Ridin’ the Storm Out.” While Gary is sadly no longer with us (having passed away in 2015) his music continues to live on as part of RICHRATH PROJECT 3:13, and a brand new album, ‘L.A. IS MINE.’ The album is set for its worldwide release on Friday, August 6th, 2021 via Dark Star/Sony/Orchard/UMG and the album’s lead-off single/video, “Help Me Save Me from Myself,” can be seen below
Pre-order the album here: https://smarturl.it/Richrathproject
Pre-order the exclusive Limited Edition Box Set here: https://darkstarrecords.net/2021/07/06/box-set

The band’s singer/guitarist, MICHAEL JAHNZ, explains the song’s creation. “Written by Gary Richrath, I added my own personality to the song in the arrangement. This is a song that Gary and I worked on and ultimately recorded demos of, in my studio here in the Milwaukee area. My current sound engineer was able to isolate Gary’s guitar tracks from our demos all those years ago and my current band rounded out the recording of ‘Help Me Save Me from Myself.’ With myself singing lead and Gary's original background vocals added from our demo, I added many different harmonies with my new background vocals to really give it a great sound, the results of which I’m really proud of.”

"Gary never really told me the story behind his lyrics." Many can speculate. For me, the song can portray anyone who feels their demons, whatever they may be, drinking, drugs, depression, overeating, gambling, are something they need saving from. The person, is reaching out for someone to hold them, care about them and save them from the things that are out of control in their lives. The video however starts off with a sad, desperate, even angry kind of mood, working through trying to get rid of their vices and ultimately coming out the other side with friendship, family, hugs and love. The bright light at the end of the tunnel. The creativity and the amazing visual locations provided the perfect backdrop for this video. I think it serves as a powerful message for people struggling with all sorts of issues and emotions. I truly hope it’ll strike a chord with people and give them a sense of hope.”

It turns out that the origins of the project stretch back several decades. Jahnz started the REO connection when he became lead vocalist and front man for Richrath in the early ‘90s (after Gary exited REO). The pair toured together for over a decade as the Richrath Band, playing songs Gary had written for REO Speedwagon, as well as original tunes that Michael had written with Gary (releasing an album in 1992, ‘ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE’).

Michael: “He took me under his wing and I had the opportunity to sing, write, record and perform with the great musician. He always told me, don’t write a song for a hit, write it about something that means something to you.”

Michael and Richrath Project 3:13 continue to honor the memory of the late Gary Richrath at every show. The band is excited to announce the upcoming release of their new album, which will include never before heard songs that Gary and Michael had worked on together, a few of which have Gary’s actual guitar tracks on them! Honoring the legend and continuing his legacy.

Over the course of their time together, Gary and Michael recorded numerous tracks for a follow- up album. In 2019, the record company that originally released the ‘Only the Strong Survive’ album approached Michael with the idea of re-releasing ‘Only the Strong Survive’ and also wanted Michael to record a new album to carry on Gary’s legacy with those demos he and Gary had worked on all those years ago.

The re-release did happen in 2019, and Michael simultaneously decided to resurrect the Richrath Band and so, Richrath Project 3:13 was born – with the name based on the Michael and Gary “thing” which was a phenomenon they continuously found themselves seeing (3:13) and also referring to the time they would always find themselves in the studio, 3:13 am.

Dark Star Records stepped in and decided to pick up the project and signed Richrath Project 3:13 to their label on a very apropos date- you got it 3/13/2021!

‘L.A. Is Mine’ features tracks with and without Gary Richrath (they are some of the only remaining, never before heard tracks, written and performed by Gary). It will include 5 new originals, 3 new Gary Richrath songs with him on guitar, and re-recorded versions of “Ridin’ the Storm Out” and “Son of A Poor Man” as bonus tracks.

Gary was a principal songwriter on the majority of REO’s classic records, and was well known for his unforgettable stage presence. Simply put, Richrath Project 3:13 is a version of REO Speedwagon in their early years – when they rocked harder and weren’t so “ballad-based.”

Michael: “Gary’s soul came through his guitar playing. He didn’t try to sound like anything in particular, just himself, no special effects, just him playing through his coily cord into a Marshall amp. The thing he most wanted to get across to me is to sing with my heart and soul, with true feeling, like he did with his guitar. In my opinion, I think part of his soul was lost when he left REO, but his genuine kindness was always there, shining through his amazing guitar playing.”

RICHRATH PROJECT 3:13, takes you back to the beginnings of REO SPEEDWAGON, and tells the story of GARY RICHRATH via his music up to his passing and beyond – over the course of a two hour performance including a multimedia show that documents Gary and Michael’s history. The show also includes some of Michael’s awesome new original songs performed by the newest version of Richrath Project 3:13 with a group of very talented musicians, including Dennis Pockets on lead guitar, Scott Weber on keyboards, Doug Janssen on bass and Andy Crownover on drums.

Michael: “We are anxious for our fans to hear the original tunes I have written. Just like Gary had taught me all those years ago, I tried to write songs about things that mean something to me, and I believe that comes through in all the lyrics of the new songs. We feel they turned out just dynamite. We're looking forward to seeing the reaction to our first music video as well. As far as the future, we already have songs for the second Richrath Project 3:13 album, plan on touring the country like crazy and entertaining our fans for years to come!”

CONFIRMED TOUR DATES:

7/30 Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin Door County Fair with Head East

8/27 Franklin, OH JD Legends

8/29 Westland, MI The Token Lounge

9/4 Rosholt, Wisconsin Portage County Fair

10/23 Des Plaines, IL Des Plaines Theater

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:

https://www.project313rocks.com/
https://www.facebook.com/richrathproject313/
https://www.instagram.com/richrathproject313/
https://twitter.com/project313rocks