Sirenia guitarist Nils Courbaron forms new band with members of Freedom Call, Silent Winter, Sirenia

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Nils Courbaron, lead guitarist of SIRENIA, has announced that he’s formed a new band with Francesco Saverio Ferraro (bassist; FREEDOM CALL, VEXILLUM), Mike Livas (vocalist; SILENT WINTER) and Michael Brush (drums; SIRENIA, Ex -MAGIC KINGDOM/IRON MASK).

The band was in France last week to finish the mixing and mastering of their first album at the Vamacara Studio. They also took some photos at the studio (attached).

No release date has been announced for the moment but Nils said ” It’s the most ambitious project I’ve ever done… Stay Tuned!”

Nils’ incredible guitar playing and compositional skills can be heard on the instrumental track “Purple Horizon” from his solo project:

For more information visit:

https://www.facebook.com/NilsCourbaron

https://www.instagram.com/nils_courbaron

https://www.youtube.com/nilscourbaron

 

Early STRATOVARIUS Lineup Returns

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They started it all 34 years ago…The Dreamspace lineup of Stratovarius has reformed, returning under the moniker TIMO TOLKKI’S STRATO. Featuring Timo Tolkki (vocals & guitar), Tuomo Lassila (drums), and Antti Ikonen (keyboards), these members recorded the classic Fright Night, Twilight Time, Dreamspace and Fourth Dimension albums. Released in 1994, Dreamspace was the last Stratovarius album to have Timo Tolkki on lead vocals and includes such fan favorites as “Chasing Shadows”, “Hold On To Your Dream”, “We Are The Future” and “Wings Of Tomorrow”. Tolkki recorded his vocals for the Fourth Dimension album demos before deciding to focus on guitar only and recruited Timo Kotipelto as vocalist. Fourth Dimension included a number of standout tracks including “Against The Wind”, “Distant Skies”, “Galaxies” and “Twilight Symphony”.
 
In the summer 2022 Timo Tolkki, Tuomo Lassila and Antti Ikonen met to discuss ideas to reform the original line up, deciding to call themselves “Timo Tolkki’s Strato”. In all secrecy, they have rehearsed in Tuomo’s garage (real back to the roots!) since January 2023.This reconstituted lineup has signed a deal with Warner Music Japan, and is currently recording their debut album titled Return To Dreamspace to be released on 27.10.2023, preceded by the single “(Is this the) Brave New World?”. A Japanese Tour is planned for spring 2024, and Timo Tolkki will visit Japan in November 2023 to promote the album — his first time there since 2007. Tours of Latin America and Europe are also in the works. In concert the band will be performing songs from Return To Dreamspace, as well as from the Stratovarius albums, Fright Night,Twilight Time, and Dreamspace.

Eric Cerda, the manager of Timo Tolkki, describes the music as “sounding like the classic Dreamspace era but updated for the 2020’s. Fans of melodic Power Metal — a genre that these guys pretty much defined — will love the new songs of Timo Tolkki’s Strato, with fans of early Stratovarius being especially pleased.”

Tuomo Lassila formed Stratovarius in Helsinki 1984, and is responsible together with the original guitar player Staffan Stråhlman for the band’s name Stratovarius. One year later Timo Tolkki joined the band. Stratovarius released their debut album Fright Night (1989) through CBS Finland. From that started one of the biggest success stories in the history of melodic metal. They defined what is currently known as “Power Metal” with albums like Fright Night (1989), Twilight Time (1993), Dreamspace (1994) and Fourth Dimension (1995).

Timo Tolkki wrote more than 100 songs for the band before leaving the group to embark on a successful solo career back in 2008, and is responsible for writing such Power Metal anthems like “Black Diamond”, “Hunting High and Low”, “Speed of Light”, “Paradise”, “Forever” and “Destiny”. More than 4 million copies of Tolkki-era Stratovarius  albums have been sold.

For more information visit:
Web site: Stratoworld.fi
Facebook: https://facebook.com/timotolkkistrato
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/official_timo_tolkkis_strato

 

MAJUSTICE release lyric video for “Infinite Visions” written by Timo Tolkki and sung by Michael Vescera

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MAJUSTICE’s debut album Ancestral Recallis now out via Marquee/Avalon in Japan and digitally worldwide (outside Japan) via FC Metal. Four songs written by Timo Tolkki appear on the album: “Sonata Black”, “Dangerous”, “Infinite Visions”, and “You Rock My World”; originally slated to appear on an album by Timo’s now-defunct band INFINITE VISIONS, these songs were acquired by MAJUSTICE and given new life.

“Infinite Visions” has a special guest performance from legendary vocalist Mike Vescera (ex-LOUDNESS/ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) who delivers incendiary lead vocals on this standout track.

MAJUSTICE is a Japan-based multinational power metal band formed in 2021 by guitarist Jien Takahashi (STORMHEART), who was heavily influenced by Timo Tolkki’s composition skills (during the “classic” STRATOVARIUS period), as well as the guitar wizardry of Marty Friedman and Yngwie Malmsteen.

MAJUSTICE features the powerful vocals of Iuri Sanson (ETERNITY’S END), the genius of keyboardist Vitalij Kuprij (RING OF FIRE), and the fretboard pyrotechnics of guitarist Kelly Simonz (KELLY SIMONZ’s BLIND FAITH). The lineup is rounded out by bassist Kaz Nakamura and drummer Yosuke Ibuki.

Ancestral Recall features the tracks “Ancestral Recall”, “Tears Of The Sky”, and ”Temple Of The Divided World”.

For more information visit:
Web site:   https://majustice-metal.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MajusticeMetal

Japan’s MAJUSTICE release video for ”Ancestral Recall”

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MAJUSTICE has released a video for “Ancestral Recall”, the title track from their upcoming debut album. This song features the soaring vocals of Iuri Sanson (Eternity’s End) and shredding fretboard pyrotechnics ofguitarists Jien Takahashi and Kelly Simonz.

Ancestral Recall will be released by Marquee/Avalon in Japan on March 22, 2023, and worldwide on March 24 via FC Metal. Ancestral Recall has a special guest performance from legendary vocalist Mike Vescera (ex-LOUDNESS/ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) who delivers incendiary lead vocals on two songs, “Now Your Turn” and ”Infinite Visions”. The video for “Now Your Turn” can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/L9d2XiqCZoQ

And”Temple of the Divided World” features the leather-lunged vocals of Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear)in a duet with Iuri. The video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/Q-jH66rp_l0

MAJUSTICE is a Japan-based multinational power metal band formed in 2021 by guitarist Jien Takahashi (STORMHEART), who was heavily influenced by Timo Tolkki’s composition skills (during the “classic” STRATOVARIUS period), as well as the guitar wizardry of Marty Friedman and Yngwie Malmsteen.

MAJUSTICE features the powerful vocals of Iuri Sanson (ETERNITY’S END), the genius of keyboardist Vitalij Kuprij (RING OF FIRE), and the fretboard pyrotechnics of guitarist Kelly Simonz (KELLY SIMONZ’s BLIND FAITH). The lineup is rounded out by bassist Kaz Nakamura and drummer Yosuke Ibuki.
The band’s debut album is titled Ancestral Recall, and features the tracks “Ancestral Recall”, “Tears Of The Sky”, and ”Temple Of The Divided World”. In addition, 4 songs written by Timo Tolkki appear on the album: “Sonata Black”, “Dangerous”, “Infinite Visions”, and “You Rock My World”; originally slated to appear on an album by Timo’s now-defunct band INFINITE VISIONS, these songs were acquired by MAJUSTICE and given new life.

For more information visit:
Web site:   https://majustice-metal.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MajusticeMetal

TIMO TOLKKI To Release Acoustic Album, Reissue Solo Albums

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Power metal legend Timo Tolkki has issued the following statement regarding his future activities, which include releasing an acoustic album with acclaimed vocalist Alessandro Conti (Twilight Force/Trick Or Treat), a tour in support of this album, and reissuing his three solo albums.

MY ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
I have gone away from all the record companies and music publishers and also bypassed a lot of concert promoters as well. I am not in any connection to any of those anymore and I am proud to say that today I own all rights to my three Solo albums: Classical Variations and Other Themes, Hymn To Life, and Saana-Warrior of Light pt1. I have taken these out from the streaming services, and in the upcoming months I will release them again as remastered 24 bit versions with some cool bonus stuff.

All this only from my website www.tolkki.art

After completing a very successful Latin America Tour in October 2022, I really started to think about things very carefully. The friendship and camaraderie with Alessandro Conti, Alex Landenburg and Jari Kainulainen was something very special for me. We became really close and I don’t remember ever having so much fun and laughs than on that tour.

All this positivity gained, I made a plan for the years 2023-2025. I am now heading for an Acoustic Tour in Latin America with Alessandro Conti starting in Mexico City on 1st of March 2023. I hope to see you all there! We have an amazing musical set of songs for you! 

With this in mind, I am about to release a new acoustic album called “Renaissance Acoustica”. It is a collection of songs I composed for Stratovarius. The versions are not always following the originals, we have in fact, created something quite new. It will also have some bonus tracks from Hymn To Lifeand Classical Variations and Other Themes.

I have self-financed this album from the money I made from the last tour. I have worked very hard to make it an enjoyable experience and I do hope you all like it as much as we do. The album is available from my website exclusively and the release date is 13 February 2023. It is available as high quality 24 bit wav files that you can download to your devices (phones, laptops, and computers).

To be able to listen to this album, I am utilizing a system called “Pay What You Want”. It really is exactly what it says: you decide what you want to pay for this and then you complete your purchase and you will be taken to a special place to download the album including the artwork and bonus material.

I do want to say that all the income from this goes directly to me. There is no record company in between. What you want to pay is entirely up to you. I hope you will able to support me and my music in the years to come in this way. All your help is greatly appreciated.

I am very proud of my independence and I am looking forward to the future very much. Thank you for all your amazing support in the last 30 years and I hope many more years to come.

Yours Sincerely, Timo Tolkki

For more information, visit:

Japan’s MAJUSTICE announce album, release video for ”Temple Of The Divided World” feat. Ralf Scheepers

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MAJUSTICE is proud to announce that their debut album, “Ancestral Recall”, will be released by Marquee/Avalon in Japan on March 22, 2023, and worldwide on March 24 via FC Metal.

The band has released a digital single and video for “Temple of the Divided World”. This song features a duet between Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear) and Iuri Sanson (Eternity’s End), plus killer shred courtesy of keyboardist Vitalij Kuprij (Ring of Fire, Trans-Siberian Orchestra) andguitarists Kelly Simonz and Jien Takahashi.

MAJUSTICE is a Japan-based multinational power metal band formed in 2021 by guitarist Jien Takahashi (STORMHEART), who was heavily influenced by Timo Tolkki’s composition skills (during the “classic” STRATOVARIUS period), as well as the guitar wizardry of Marty Friedman and Yngwie Malmsteen.

MAJUSTICE features the powerful vocals of Iuri Sanson (ETERNITY’S END), the genius of keyboardist Vitalij Kuprij (RING OF FIRE), and the fretboard pyrotechnics of guitarist Kelly Simonz (KELLY SIMONZ’s BLIND FAITH). The lineup is rounded out by bassist Kaz Nakamura and drummer Yosuke Ibuki.
The band’s debut album is titled Ancestral Recall, and features the tracks “Ancestral Recall”, “Tears Of The Sky”, and ”Temple Of The Divided World”. In addition, 4 songs written by Timo Tolkki appear on the album: “Sonata Black”, “Dangerous”, “Infinite Visions”, and “You Rock My World”; originally slated to appear on an album by Timo’s now-defunct band INFINITE VISIONS, these songs were acquired by MAJUSTICE and given new life.

Ancestral Recall also has a special guest performance from legendary vocalist Mike Vescera (ex-LOUDNESS/ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) who delivers incendiary lead vocals on two songs, “Now Your Turn” and ”Infinite Visions”.

For more information visit:
Web site:   https://majustice-metal.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MajusticeMetal

 

ETERNITY’S END Release New Single & Music Video, “Hounds Of Tindalos”

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ETERNITY’S END have released “Hounds of Tindalos” – the third single to be taken from the band’s upcoming third full-length, Embers Of War. Alongside the single release, the European technical power metal five-piece have also produced a music video for the track. The visual presentation showcases ETERNITY’S END performing within a futuristic setting, reflective of Embers Of Wars’ sci-fi inspired themes.

Christian Muenzner (Guitars & Keyboards) comments on the single: “Hounds of Tindalos is one of the catchiest songs we have written so far and also our first official music video. It contains all of the core elements of the band’s sound in a compact format. This track combines the classic German and American schools of Heavy/Power Metal with some of the neoclassical elements found in our earlier work. There are several aggressive riffs, epic vocal melodies, shredding guitars and a huge anthemic chorus.

The lyrics are inspired by the story of the same name by Frank Belknap Long about a mad scientist who experiments with psylocybin to access other dimensions. In doing so he opens a door to a world that should never have been opened and is haunted by the entities he encounters there ever since. The scientist’s laboratory and interdimensional gate is reflected in the scenery of the video clip.”

Formed in 2014 by guitarist and songwriter Christian Muenzner (Obscura, Paradox, Alkaloid, ex-Necrophagist), ETERNITY’S END have been through a series of line up changes on their way to perfecting their sound as well as evolving into a band that would logistically be able to tour. To date the band has released two critically acclaimed studio albums, one of which was financed through crowdfunding.

With a refreshed line up onboard, the band set to work on what would become Embers Of War. The album features twin guitar solos reminiscent of Racer X and Cacophony, and bombastic choruses in the vein of Iron Savior and Blind Guardian. Combined with theatrics and story-telling chops that would make King Diamond proud, the results are nothing short of fantastical.

Embers Of War was written between November 2019 and October 2020 before being recorded between October 2020 and May 2021. The album was produced by Christian Muenzner and Hannes Grossmann and mixed and mastered by Hannes Grossmann at Mordor Sound studios. The choirs were provided by Piet Sielck and Jan Sören Eckert of German power metal veterans Iron Savior.

Embers of War’s eight songs bear all the hallmarks of a future classic of the genre and are bound to lead listeners into a world full of magical wonder, far from their daily realities. Embers Of War is due for release on November 26 via Prosthetic Records.

Embers of Wartracklist:

1. Dreadnought (The Voyage of the Damned)
2. Bane of the Blacksword
3. Hounds of Tindalos
4. Call of the Valkyries
5. Arcturus Prime
6. Shaded Heart
7. Deathrider
8. Embers of War

ETERNITY’S END is:
Iuri Sanson – Vocals
Christian Muenzner – Guitars / Keyboards
Justin Hombach – Guitars
Linus Klausenitzer – Bass
Hannes Grossmann – Drums

For more information visit:

https://eternitys-end.com

https://www.facebook.com/EternitysEndMusic

Japan’s MAJUSTICE announce debut album featuring members of Loudness, TSO, Eternity’s End, KELLY Simonz’s BLIND FAITH, release preview video

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MAJUSTICE is a multinational power metal band formed in 2021 by guitarist Jien Takahashi (STORMHEART/BASKERVILLE), who was heavily influenced by Timo Tolkki’s composition skills (during the “classic” STRATOVARIUS period), as well as the guitar wizardry of Marty Friedman and Yngwie Malmsteen.

MAJUSTICE features the powerful vocals of Iuri Sanson (ETERNITY’S END/ex-HIBRIA), the genius shred of keyboardist Vitalij Kuprij (TRANSIBERIAN ORCHESTRA/RING OF FIRE), and the fretboard pyrotechnics of guitarist Kelly Simonz (KELLY SIMONZ’s BLIND FAITH. The lineup is rounded out by bassist Kaz Nakamura (KELLY SIMONZ’s BLIND FAITH/MARK BOALS) and drummer Yosuke Yamada (KELLY SIMONZ’s BLIND FAITH/MARK BOALS).

The band’s debut album will be titled Ancestral Recall, with some of the tracks slated to appear including “Ancestral Recall”, “Tears Of The Sky”, and “Now Your Turn”. In addition,  4 songs written by Timo Tolkki will be appear on the album: “Sonata Black”, “Dangerous”, “Infinite Visions”, and “You Rock My World”; originally slated to appear on an album by Timo’s now-defunct band INFINITE VISIONS, these songs were acquired by MAJUSTICE and given new life.

Ancestral Recall will also have special guest performances: legendary vocalist Mike Vescera (ex-LOUDNESS/ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) who will be singing two songs, and LOUDNESS drummer Ryuichi Nishida playing on one track.

MAJUSTICE have released a preview video of the demo version of two songs which will be on their upcoming debut album, “Ancestral Recall” and “Now Your Turn” (featuring Mike Vescera). It can be viewed here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWkrFAZZpqg

For further information visit the band’s social media:

Web site: http://majustice-metal.com

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

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

Twitter: @MajusticeMetal

MAJUSTICE
Vocals…Iuri Sanson (Eternity’s End, ex-Hibria)
Guitar…Jien Takahashi (Stormheart, Baskerville)
Guitar…Kelly SIMONZ (Kelly Simonz’s Blind Faith, Mark Boals)
Keyboards…Vitalij Kuprij (Artension, Ring of Fire, Trans Siberian Orchestra)
Bass…Kaz Nakamura(Kelly Simonz’s Blind Faith, Mark Boals)
Drums…Yosuke Yamada(Kelly Simonz’s Blind Faith, Mark Boals)

Guest Vocals…Mike Vescera ( ANIMETAL USA, ex-Loudness, ex-Yngwie Malmsteen)
Guest Drums…Ryuichi Nishida (Loudness)

 

Sirenia guitarist Nils Courbaron covers Journey classic with members of Elvenking and Silent Winter

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Acclaimed guitarist Nils Courbaron (Sirenia, Think Of A New Kind) has released a metalized cover of the Journey classic, “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)”. Joining him on this Nils Courbaron Project interpretation are vocalist Mike Livas from Silent Winter and guitarist Mattia “Headmatt” Carli from Elvenking.

The song can be streamed on Nils’ official Spotify page: https://tinyurl.com/2mrnu35n

Nils’ band Sirenia recently released their latest album, “Riddles, Ruins & Revelations”, while Mike’s band Silent Winter will be releasing their new album, “Empire Of Sins”, later this month.

The lineup of Nils, Mike & Mattia had earlier collaborated on a cover of Ghost’s “Kiss the Go-Goat”, which can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/0q6nEQusxgI

And here is Nils’ take on the Iron Maiden classic, “Wicker Man”: https://youtu.be/HDAu3WvadHc

For more information:

https://www.facebook.com/nilscourbaronofficial

https://www.youtube.com/user/NilsCourbaron/featured

https://nilscourbaronsproject.bandcamp.com/

 

REVEAL release “(Re)Master Of Present And Past” single featuring Mentalist vocalist Rob Lundgren

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Currently working on writing their 3rd album, Spanish power metal band Reveal have released the single “(Re)Master Of Present And Past”. Originally appearing as “Master Of Present And Past” on the band’s 2nd album, Overlord, this a new vision of the song, with a heavier metal sound and more power! The song features Mentalist vocalist Rob Lundgren, a well-known Youtube presence with almost 200,000 followers.

“(Re)Master Of Present And Past” was re-recorded, re-mixed and re-mastered by band leader and guitarist Tino Hevia.

It can be streamed here:
https://open.spotify.com/track/6RIqWxZuIiQzh6i2cOUl5q?si=ZpZpj2ItS_SaTwupiZGWAA

The cover artwork for “(Re)Master Of Present And Past” was created by the famed illustrator and designer Felipe Machado, who has done artwork for Blind Guardian, Iced Earth, Rhapsody Of Fire, and many others.

In addition, the band has announced: “We are back with FC Metal for distribution and promotion, a company that has always treated us well, from the time of Darksun to the first Reveal album. FC Metal is not only a great company, they are like brothers to us and possibly the best professionals we have met in all these years.”

Reveal’s recording and touring lineup is completed by well-known Spanish musicians with extensive experience in the studio and live arena, including his DarkSun bandmates David Figuer (lead guitar), Dani Cabal (drums), and Helena Pinto (keyboards).

The video for the original version of “Master Of Present And Past” can be viewed here:  https://youtu.be/oTT1iaSBJAs

For more information:

https://www.facebook.com/RevealBandOfficial

https://www.revealband.com