2012 in melodic rock

[Nightrain]

Ohh, one more that just sprung to mind, but dont I recall reading on Kelly Keeling's FB page that the new Baton Rouge was definitely on and in the process of being recorded?? Must be a 2012 release surely?

 

that one is interested too. I'm dying to hear The Storm actually! i know Gregg Rolie is still active, releasing 5 songs EP this year and Kevin Chalfant's last activity is probably the Journey tribute back in 2007, but both are still alive and well, so hopefully 2012 could be a surprise from Frontiers.

[embrock]

 

also interested to hear a new album of :

 

BABYLON BOMBS

BROTHER FIRETRIBE

KORITNI

 

Babylon Bombs unfortunately have split up...but who knows, maybe they're coming back in 2012. Would be great!

 

Brother Firetribe are very unlikely to release an album before 2013, as it's going to be a massive year for Nightwish.

 

Koritni's new album is finished and has been picked up by Warner Music (France) for a spring 2012 release!

[embrock]

I think I read somewhere that Extreme have been writing sort of a concept-album (àlà "III Sides") for the last two years, so hopefully it's going to get released next year.

Hopefully... not?

 

That Trixter shout-out is a piece of random. I was listening to Stereo Fallout the other day and it crossed my mind that I thought Trixter were meant to be recording again. Man, that one could be a surprise packet - I really hope it's as good as it could and should be.

 

 

Well, if it's more like "Saudades de Rock" they really don't need to release it but if they are actually going back to their "III Sides"-sound, I'm excited!

 

Yeah, Trixter somehow managed to keep their youth-energy on the 2 new tracks from a couple of years ago. So, hopefully the new album is in the same vein!

[Geoff]

CROSSFIRE (Israel glam, any news?)

 

JADED HEART

PINK CREAM 69

Would love to hear another one from Crossfire too - what a great debut that was.

 

I'm also very curious about Jaded Heart and PC69 too. Two very high profile bands which just seem to have gone quite for the moment. I hope they're still together and in the process of sneaking new albums upon us.

[Glen]

Just seen on Rob Moratti's FB page that Final Frontier are recording their 5th studio album to be released in 2012.

[Glen]

New Degreed album in 2012! Great news, absolutely loved the debut :-))

[Nightrain]

I think I read somewhere that Extreme have been writing sort of a concept-album (àlà "III Sides") for the last two years, so hopefully it's going to get released next year.

Hopefully... not?

 

That Trixter shout-out is a piece of random. I was listening to Stereo Fallout the other day and it crossed my mind that I thought Trixter were meant to be recording again. Man, that one could be a surprise packet - I really hope it's as good as it could and should be.

 

 

Well, if it's more like "Saudades de Rock" they really don't need to release it but if they are actually going back to their "III Sides"-sound, I'm excited!

 

Yeah, Trixter somehow managed to keep their youth-energy on the 2 new tracks from a couple of years ago. So, hopefully the new album is in the same vein!

 

I kinda like 'Saudades' man, not as good as their early days of course, but it has grown on me big since my first purchase but it's a difficult experimental album, has a modern feel, and definitely need some good serious time and mood to digest though it has that 'Pornografitti' funky feel, and grown better especially when I saw Extreme live in Jakarta back in 2008.

 

They do have lots of energy, Gary's vocal is still top notch but Nuno steals the fuckin' show, he likes to joke around and plays like a monster. One of the most exciting bands out there yeah perhaps 'Waiting For The Punchline' is their only lowest.

 

and back to this Trixter, hm I don't know why that I'm not really interested in them, and even in their early days, I found the first two albums are too bubble-gum and lack of something that I can't explain. They do have 4-5 great tracks though.

 

btw is this Degreed the product of MR.com Glen ? i think i missed the debut, I forgot how they sound, but apparently I remember it's out together with All I Know, and AIK is a better pick.

[Nightrain]

CROSSFIRE (Israel glam, any news?)

 

JADED HEART

PINK CREAM 69

Would love to hear another one from Crossfire too - what a great debut that was.

 

I'm also very curious about Jaded Heart and PC69 too. Two very high profile bands which just seem to have gone quite for the moment. I hope they're still together and in the process of sneaking new albums upon us.

 

Yeah i think i've read somewhere that Crossfire had started recording the sophomore since 2 years ago, but don't know why it isn't happening, or probably they're dropped by Perris so can't get out the album just yet.

 

Somebody like Avenue of Allies or Retrospect should go find them and release that, could be a goodie!

 

PC69 is doubtful though since Dennis Ward is busy with Frontiers as their engineer, and also with Khymera right around the corner i guess.

[embrock]

I think I read somewhere that Extreme have been writing sort of a concept-album (àlà "III Sides") for the last two years, so hopefully it's going to get released next year.

Hopefully... not?

 

That Trixter shout-out is a piece of random. I was listening to Stereo Fallout the other day and it crossed my mind that I thought Trixter were meant to be recording again. Man, that one could be a surprise packet - I really hope it's as good as it could and should be.

 

 

Well, if it's more like "Saudades de Rock" they really don't need to release it but if they are actually going back to their "III Sides"-sound, I'm excited!

 

Yeah, Trixter somehow managed to keep their youth-energy on the 2 new tracks from a couple of years ago. So, hopefully the new album is in the same vein!

 

I kinda like 'Saudades' man, not as good as their early days of course, but it has grown on me big since my first purchase but it's a difficult experimental album, has a modern feel, and definitely need some good serious time and mood to digest though it has that 'Pornografitti' funky feel, and grown better especially when I saw Extreme live in Jakarta back in 2008.

 

They do have lots of energy, Gary's vocal is still top notch but Nuno steals the fuckin' show, he likes to joke around and plays like a monster. One of the most exciting bands out there yeah perhaps 'Waiting For The Punchline' is their only lowest.

 

and back to this Trixter, hm I don't know why that I'm not really interested in them, and even in their early days, I found the first two albums are too bubble-gum and lack of something that I can't explain. They do have 4-5 great tracks though.

 

 

Yeah, don't get me wrong, I love Extreme and I didn't want to sound too harsh with that "Saudades"-comment, but I had such high hopes for that record. Still love a couple of tracks ("Last Hour" comes to mind), but overall I thought it could have been much better, as I still rate Extreme as top notch musicians and songwriters!

 

Agree with your judgement regarding "Waiting fo the Punchline", although I adore "Shadow Boxing"!

 

I always thought the first Trixter album was ruined by horrible punch-less production. "Hear" on the other hand is one hell of an album imo.

 

 

and to deliver somehing on topic as well :

 

Jettblack and Heaven's Basement are going to release albums in 2012 as well.

[Glen]

Just a few points -

 

PC69 - yeah agree that this is unlikely as Dennis Ward has his fingers in everything production wise, also Readman's FB is full of Voodoo Circle promotion.

 

Jaded Heart - see confirmation of their deal with Fastball Records and a new album for 2012

 

Degreed - I rated both this and AIK around the same - both well worth picking up...some great songs IMO

 

Cheers

[Nightrain]

Jettblack is awesome but quite unsure about Heaven's Basement

Yeah heard Jaded Heart landed a new deal - sounds good, let's see how they go in 2012

[Glen]

I just read that AOR Heaven intend to release one new CD per month next year so they can keep an eye on quality of release. This sounds like an excellent idea and maybe is what Frontiers should do too.

 

Not sure what others feel but there just seems to have been millions of new releases this year. Not complaining as such, but it does make it incredibly hard to keep up - and of course the cost is a big issue too. Also sometimes with such quantity is that a lot of dross gets released too

[Nightrain]

I don't really have an issue with quantity from the label as we don't always need to buy everything and there are lots of artists out there, so a bigger choice is always better for me, but what bugging me is if an artist keep releasing a new album right exactly every year, now that's the problem. I mean, at least 2 years apart should be a reasonable time for them to have a holiday, write slowly, time for touring, etc, but 3 years could be the most ideal gap between an album, because more than 4-5 years, usually the passion is already lost.

 

but good thing for AOR Heaven to do that, and beside, they might have the problem with the cost they have to spend to the artist and production. But also kudos to AOR Heaven, as from what I spotted, looks like they use Sony brand for the physical disc manufactured, and I did ask a friend of mine, he told me that the most high quality CD of European pressing right now is AOR Heaven. So, any reissue from them or new releases, should be better bought under them directly and not other distributors. Good job!

[Glen]

I don't really have an issue with quantity from the label as we don't always need to buy everything and there are lots of artists out there, so a bigger choice is always better for me, but what bugging me is if an artist keep releasing a new album right exactly every year, now that's the problem. I mean, at least 2 years apart should be a reasonable time for them to have a holiday, write slowly, time for touring, etc, but 3 years could be the most ideal gap between an album, because more than 4-5 years, usually the passion is already lost.

 

but good thing for AOR Heaven to do that, and beside, they might have the problem with the cost they have to spend to the artist and production. But also kudos to AOR Heaven, as from what I spotted, looks like they use Sony brand for the physical disc manufactured, and I did ask a friend of mine, he told me that the most high quality CD of European pressing right now is AOR Heaven. So, any reissue from them or new releases, should be better bought under them directly and not other distributors. Good job!

 

Believe they are about to re-issue Roxus - Night Street

[Geoff]

Yeah, it's a tough one. I also feel like there have been more albums of interest released this year than any recent one. My issue is not getting the time or opportunity to really grow a healthy sexual relationship with a CD. Just when you get started on snuggling up with one or two CDs, the new batch of releases come along and before you know it you're fighting your way through trying to hear all the new ones, plus the old ones and it just gets very saturated.

 

I love great albums and I love lots of them - and it is our right to choose what to buy - but fewer releases sounds like a good idea to me.

 

As for an album from a band per year, I have no issue with that if the band is on fire. It can get a bit much sometimes (Last Autumn's Dream) but it's not always bad. In reality, 2 years is probably a good timeframe, but no longer than that.

[Geoff]

I don't really have an issue with quantity from the label as we don't always need to buy everything and there are lots of artists out there, so a bigger choice is always better for me, but what bugging me is if an artist keep releasing a new album right exactly every year, now that's the problem. I mean, at least 2 years apart should be a reasonable time for them to have a holiday, write slowly, time for touring, etc, but 3 years could be the most ideal gap between an album, because more than 4-5 years, usually the passion is already lost.

 

but good thing for AOR Heaven to do that, and beside, they might have the problem with the cost they have to spend to the artist and production. But also kudos to AOR Heaven, as from what I spotted, looks like they use Sony brand for the physical disc manufactured, and I did ask a friend of mine, he told me that the most high quality CD of European pressing right now is AOR Heaven. So, any reissue from them or new releases, should be better bought under them directly and not other distributors. Good job!

 

Believe they are about to re-issue Roxus - Night Street

They should stop immediately and instead concentrate on being the ones who finally get the unreleased 2nd album released. Where on earth is that mofo?!

[Glen]

I don't really have an issue with quantity from the label as we don't always need to buy everything and there are lots of artists out there, so a bigger choice is always better for me, but what bugging me is if an artist keep releasing a new album right exactly every year, now that's the problem. I mean, at least 2 years apart should be a reasonable time for them to have a holiday, write slowly, time for touring, etc, but 3 years could be the most ideal gap between an album, because more than 4-5 years, usually the passion is already lost.

 

but good thing for AOR Heaven to do that, and beside, they might have the problem with the cost they have to spend to the artist and production. But also kudos to AOR Heaven, as from what I spotted, looks like they use Sony brand for the physical disc manufactured, and I did ask a friend of mine, he told me that the most high quality CD of European pressing right now is AOR Heaven. So, any reissue from them or new releases, should be better bought under them directly and not other distributors. Good job!

 

Believe they are about to re-issue Roxus - Night Street

They should stop immediately and instead concentrate on being the ones who finally get the unreleased 2nd album released. Where on earth is that mofo?!

 

ha ha yeah would LOVE to hear that!!

[Nightrain]

Ask Retrospect, they usually know where to find a secret stash on a hidden basement

[Geoff]

Ask Retrospect, they usually know where to find a secret stash on a hidden basement

I think it was always in Andrew's (melodicrock.com) capable hands, but if I understand correctly, Juno Roxas was not being too co-operative about the whole thing. Speaking of Retrospect, where's Garrison at?!

[Glen]

Nightrain, if youre reading, add these to your list.......

 

New Ratt album for 2012, confirmed by Pearcy

Tango Down (with David Reece on vocals) - March 2012

 

&

 

AOR - The Colours of LA - Jan 27th

(will include Tommy Denander, Philip Bardowell, David Foster, Steve Lukather, Jerry Hludzik (From Dakota), Joey Summer, Christian Tolle, Randy Goodrum, Steve Newman, Joe Pasquale, Michael Thompson, Rick Riso, Bill Champlin, David Diggs, Bruno Levesque, Michael Landau, David Williams, Vinnie Colaiuta, Brandon Fields among many others.)

[Nightrain]

Roger that.

 

I've read Tango Down news the other day and have put it on my list, but Ratt is a new information, although it's kinda doubtful, since I thought Pearcy and Blotzer still had an ugly fight the other day especially when Blotz book came out ? and I also think Pearcy is busy to release his next crappy solo ?

 

but hopefully they can do something to match 'Infestation' or try mixing classic Cellar and commercial Detonator days

[JamesEagle]

Speaking of Retrospect, where's Garrison at?!

 

I keep asking the same thing. Presumably this has quietly faded away now?

[Glen]

Speaking of Retrospect, where's Garrison at?!

 

I keep asking the same thing. Presumably this has quietly faded away now?

 

Ask Andre, he's the one in the know

[Geoff]

Nightrain, if youre reading, add these to your list.......

 

New Ratt album for 2012, confirmed by Pearcy

Tango Down (with David Reece on vocals) - March 2012

Wow, that Ratt one is great news. I thought they were done. Awesome.

 

I hate to say it of Reece, but I hope he doesn't turn Tango Down into a band as average as everything he's been on recently. They're a really good band and I LOVED that last CD. Would hate to hear them averaged down.

[KIVELRECORDS]

Nightrain, if youre reading, add these to your list.......

 

New Ratt album for 2012, confirmed by Pearcy

Tango Down (with David Reece on vocals) - March 2012

Wow, that Ratt one is great news. I thought they were done. Awesome.

 

I hate to say it of Reece, but I hope he doesn't turn Tango Down into a band as average as everything he's been on recently. They're a really good band and I LOVED that last CD. Would hate to hear them averaged down.

 

 

Hey Geoff!!

 

I respect your feelings, and appreciate the kind words. David is a a MONSTER vocalist and we were all very happy to have him jump on board. Each of us for our own reasons. Rif, being a ACCEPT fan. While i was a Big Bangalore Choir fan. (FYI...I love Eat the Heat as well though! ) This album has my personal stamp of approval. I was very meticulous in the choosing of material that made the final cut. We(Band/Label)set the bar high as if this was the bands first release, and to some extent it was/is. I feel that we surpassed the goal we set for ourselves. Rif wrote some of his best stuff to date, and im not just saying that. Jace Pawlak also helped penn a few tunes with Rif on this cd.So , if you enjoyed songs like STEP BY STEP, CAN'T WAIT and I'M DONE LOVING YOU. Then i promise you will love this cd. It's as if we took the best of Damage Control, the best of Eat The Heat and Bangalore and put it all in a blender and pushed the button. This album was built on everyones strengths. We made sure to settle for nothing short of great.

 

 

I respect your honesty and you have always been a surporter of my releases and bands. So im giving you the KIVEL challenge! ;-) pre order the cd, and IF you truly dont like it. I will not question you at all. What i will do is this. You can keep the TANGO DOWN cd and i will on top of that send you any other kivel title of your choice at no charge. No strings attached!

 

John