INSIDE OUT MUSIC News

The Flower Kings: : Launch album trailer, reveal tracklisting

INSIDE OUT MUSIC — Wed, 16 May 2012 03:37:37 GMT

The Flower Kings are back with a new album, the first sign of life in 5 years. Now with the band coming back to service from the recent cryonic state, bandleader Roine Stolt makes a promise of more new albums and touring in both Europe, America and Asia in the coming years. The new album is called "Banks of Eden" and is the result of work in progress since December 2011. The updated version of the band showcases the classic lineup of Stolt, Bodin, Reingold and Froberg with the addition of new German prodigy powerhouse drummer Felix Lehrmann. The Flower Kings emerged as one of the brightest beacons of the early 90's Prog scene. They quickly grew status as one of the leading new icons together with Porcupine Tree, Spocks Beard and Dream Theater as a living proof that progressive rock did not die a death with Love Beach or Abacab in post punk confusion. There's no surprise that Flower Kings bandleader Stolt then ended up in Prog supergroup Transatlantic in 1999. The new album "Banks Of Eden" was recorded with the band playing live in one room in a studio in January 2012, a recording much like in the old days of classic prog, before computers hit the market and this time with plenty of original 60's and 70's recording equipment, for a true warm analogue vintage sound. "We aimed for the classic big warm vinyl-sound of old records by Queen, Genesis, Zeppelin or Deep Purple," says Stolt. Here is the tracklisting incl. the 4 bonus tracks: THE FLOWER KINGS - "Banks Of Eden" 1. Numbers 2. For The Love Of Gold 3. Pandemonium 4. For Those About To Drown 5. Rising The Imperial 6. Fireghosts (Bonus Track) 7. Going Up (Bonus Track) 8. Illuminati (Bonus Track) 9. Lo Lines (Bonus Track) Extra Material: Interview with the band in the studio - video feature Release Date: Monday, June 18, 2012. The music contains most of the trademarks that put The Flower Kings at the top of modern Prog. The theme, or the "concept", of the album is the struggle between a world in constant motion and in addictive consumption, and on the other side, finding a place and a little time where our souls find rest and peace. The album opener is a 26 minute centrepiece that displays a few new harder and more angular sides of the band. As a first amuse-bouche the band are now presenting the official album trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1NnWP0CBac In all likelihood the band will go on an extended headlining tour across Europe in September. But it's for sure that they will play their first official re-union gig at the Sweden Rock Festival on June 8th. For more information visit: www.flowerkings.se www.facebook.com/pages/The-Flower-Kings www.reverbnation.com/theflowerkings www.myspace.com/cosmiclodge

Stealing Axion: : posts drum play-through of track "Everything Or Nothing", digital single out May 14th

INSIDE OUT MUSIC — Tue, 15 May 2012 03:49:32 GMT

Progressive groove metallers STEALING AXION just posted a drum play-through of the track "Everything Or Nothing". To watch the band's own Blake Ferris behind the kit, click the following link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjSnX2xlY7Q The track will be on STEALING AXION's upcoming album, Moments, due out later this year on InsideOut Music. "Everything Or Nothing" will be released as a digital single on May 14th via iTunes and Amazon, so stay tuned for more details about this new track. STEALING AXION online: www.facebook.com/stealingaxion www.soundcloud.com/stealingaxion

Beardfish: : on tour with FLYING COLOURS in September

INSIDE OUT MUSIC — Thu, 10 May 2012 01:36:39 GMT

The Swedisch progressive rock band BEARDFISH will support the prog-supergroup Flying Colours on the following European dates in September. Here are the dates: 9th September - Hamburg, Germany 10th September - Berlin, Germany 11th September - Munich, Germany 13th September - Milan, Italy 14th September, Zurich, Switzerland 15th September - Stuttgart, Germany 16th September - Schaffenburg, Germany 17th September - Cologne, Germany 19th September - Paris, France 20th September - Tilburg, Holland 21th September - London, UK Rikard Sj�blom comments: "We are super excited about this! Not only will we get to play a bunch of shows with these awesome guys, but this also serves as a bit of revenge for our cancellation of Progressive Nation 2009. Our new album will be out by then and we'll be sure to mix the new stuff with the old and basically rock your socks off, people!" MIKE PORTNOY, Drummer of Flying Colours, about last Beardfish album "Mammoth": "Beardfish is one of the few bands out there that blows me away with each and every release...I absolutely love every one of their albums...great musicianship and amazing songwriting that is both melodic and epic...and they struck gold yet once again with Mammoth" The pre-sale will start tomorrow, May 5th, on the following pages: Tickets for the German shows: www.ticketmaster.de Tickets for show in Milan: www.ticketone.it , www.livenation.it Tickets for show in Zurich: www.taifunmusic.ch, www.ticketcorner.ch Tickets for show in Paris: www.fnacspectacles.com Tickets for the show in Tilburg: www.ticketmaster.nl Tickets for the show in London: www.gigsandtours.com/r/FlyingColors BEARDFISH online: www.facebook.com/beardfish

Affector: : Debut album's title track "Harmagedon" via UK's Prog Magazine website!

INSIDE OUT MUSIC — Wed, 09 May 2012 01:37:15 GMT

AFFECTOR, the highly skilled new international progressive rock/metal band consisting of German guitar-player Daniel Fries, Dutch drummer Collin Leijenaar (Neal Morse/Dilemma) as well as the US based bass player Mike LePond (Symphony X) and vocalist Ted Leonard (Spock's Beard/Enchant/Thought Chamber), are drawing nearer to the release date for their debut album, "Harmagedon", on May 21st, 2012 in Europe and May 22nd, 2012 in North America via InsideOutMusic. In the light of the album's impending release date, AFFECTOR are debuting the album's title track, "Harmagedon" (in its entire 13 minutes of running time!) via UK's Prog Magazine exclusively here. AFFECTOR's Collin Leijenaar checked in to comment on the song launch as follows: "Harmagedon" is the title track from our album, and it's an honor to have Prog Magazine debut it. It features some great soloing from Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) on keyboards and Daniel Fries on guitars, and shows what AFFECTOR is all about." Ted Leonard (Spock's Beard/Enchant/Thought Chamber) also checked in as follows to explain his excitement about joining AFFECTOR: "I was intrigued by the project, at first, because of the list of intended musicians that were to be involved. Then the music came to my inbox and I was floored by the musicianship by all involved. Collin and Daniel are absolute MONSTERS! Truly an honor to be part of this!" AFFECTOR's debut album, "Harmagedon", was mixed and mastered at The Mouse House in Los Angeles by Rich Mouser (Spock's Beard/Transatlantic/Neal Morse) and its cover artwork can be seen above. The album also showcases four very special guests on keyboards: Alex Argento, Neal Morse (Transatlantic/Flying Colors), Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) and Derek Sherinian (Planet X/Black Country communion). Also featured on the album is the Polish orchestra Sinfonietta Consonus. The album's tracklisting reads as follows: AFFECTOR - "Harmagedon" 1. Overture pt.1: Introduction 2. Overture pt.2: Prologue 3. Salvation 4. The Rapture 5. Cry Song 6. Falling Away & The Rise Of The Beast 7. Harmagedon 8. New Jerusalem The initial version of "Harmagedon" will come as limited edition CD in slipcase packaging and additionally featuring 2 special acoustic versions of the songs "Harmagedon" and "New Jerusalem" as bonus tracks. The album will be also available as strictly limited 2LP version in 180gr. vinyl, as standard Digital Download and also as HD-Audio Digital Download version via I-Tunes. AFFECTOR's "Harmagedon" album can be now pre-ordered from the InsideOutMusic shop in all its physical release formats at the following locations: Ltd. Edition CD: click here Black 2LP: click here Purple Coloured 2LP: click here Previously, AFFECTOR have made a special "radio edit" version of the album song "New Jerusalem" available via their Facebook profile. Check it out here: www.facebook.com/Affectormusic ("listen to our music") The song is also available on the new free InsideOutMusic digital sampler here. To further introduce the band's elaborated and atmospheric songs, a 5-minute online teaser compilation with excerpts from various songs off the "Harmagedon" album was also been launched via the InsideOutMusic YouTube channel. Check it out here. Some of the album's guests and other established Prog musicians checked in to comment on "Harmagedon": "AFFECTOR's 'Harmagedon' is a solid blast of PROG metal complete with burning solos, odd time signatures, orchestral highlights, and Rock riffs that will tear your head off! Excited that I could be a part of this album!" - Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) "I think AFFECTOR is amazing! Great playing, composition and production...and you can't beat the lyrics! Congratulations to Daniel and the gang. Excellent work!" - Neal Morse "If you are a fan of Dream Theater and progressive hard rock, this is an essential addition to your collection...you will love it!" - Mike Portnoy (ex Dream Theater, Adrenaline Mob) Citing broad musical influences and diverse inspirations between prog and classic as well as modern rock acts, AFFECTOR is like an open marriage between progressive rock/metal and orchestral minimalism, destined to appeal to everyone into bands ranging from Dream Theater, A.C.T., Symphony X, Darkwater to Queen or Rush. AFFECTOR Line-Up: Daniel Fries - guitars Collin Leijenaar - drums Mike LePond - bass guitars Ted Leonard - vocals More details about AFFECTOR and "Harmagedon" will be announced in the coming weeks... AFFECTOR online: www.affector.net www.facebook.com/affectormusic www.twitter.com/affectormusic

It Bites: : reveal third part of their band documentary/ "Tour Of The Past" starts May 18th

INSIDE OUT MUSIC — Mon, 07 May 2012 03:33:41 GMT

IT BITES are now giving their fans the chance to check out part III of the video documentary that is part of the special edition of their new album Map Of The Past, which was recently released through InsideOut Music. Watch part III here by clicking on the link below: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNdBMt6x9Cc Their "Tour Of The Past" through the UK starts on May 18th: TOUR OF THE PAST MAY 2012 18 May 2012 - (UK) York, The Duchess 20 May 2012 - (UK) London, Bush Hall 24 May 2012 - (UK) Newcastle, The Cluny 25 May 2012 - (UK) Bury, The Met 26 May 2012 - (UK) Workington 27 May 2012 - (UK) Bilston, Robin 2 08 June 2012 - (UK) Kingston, Hippodrome Inspired by the discovery of an old family photograph, Map of the Past is a highly personal journey that explores love, passion, jealousy, anger, remorse and loss through the eyes of a previous generation against the backdrop of Britain as it enters a new century and one of the most defining periods of its history. Written by John Mitchell and John Beck over the course of 2011, it was recorded at Outhouse Studios in Reading and features Bob Dalton on drums and Lee Pomeroy on bass. Available as: Standard CD - click here 2LP - click here Colored LP - click here IT BITES ONLINE www.itbites.com www.facebook.com/oncearoundtheworld www.twitter.com/#!/itbitesband

Affector: : Debut new song on their Facebook profile; "Harmagedon" album pre-sale launched!

INSIDE OUT MUSIC — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:55:23 GMT

AFFECTOR, the highly skilled new international progressive rock/metal band consisting of German guitar-player Daniel Fries, Dutch drummer Collin Leijenaar (Neal Morse/Dilemma) as well as the US based bass player Mike LePond (Symphony X) and vocalist Ted Leonard (Spock's Beard/Enchant/Thought Chamber), are drawing nearer to the release date for their debut album, "Harmagedon", on May 21st, 2012 in Europe and May 22nd, 2012 in North America via InsideOutMusic. In anticipation of the release date, AFFECTOR have now made a special "radio edit" version of the album song "New Jerusalem" available on their Facebook profile starting today. Check it out here: www.facebook.com/Affectormusic ("listen to our music") To further introduce the band's elaborated and atmospheric songs, a 5-minute online teaser compilation with excerpts from various songs off the "Harmagedon" album has also been launched via the InsideOutMusic YouTube channel. Check it out here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyOAmukTy9g AFFECTOR checked in to comment on the song launch as follows: Collin Leijenaar: "As we move closer to the release 'Harmagedon', I'm excited to be able to stream a full song on our Facebook page. We chose 'New Jerusalem' in the radio-edit version. This song is a bit more straight-forward than some of our other songs, but still contains the 'AFFECTOR-sound'. I'm curious if this will ever hit a radio station, but we thought it would be fun to at least have the option :)" Daniel Fries: "I'm thrilled about the upcoming release of 'Harmagedon', this is like a dream come true for me and an honor to have worked with those prog stars! Every time I listen to 'New Jerusalem' I'm blown away by the vocals of Ted Leonard. I hope the listener will feel the same way." AFFECTOR's debut album, "Harmagedon", was mixed and mastered at The Mouse House in Los Angeles by Rich Mouser (Spock's Beard/Transatlantic/Neal Morse) and its cover artwork can be seen above. The album also showcases four very special guests on keyboards: Alex Argento, Neal Morse (Transatlantic/Flying Colors), Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) and Derek Sherinian (Planet X/Black Country communion). Also featured on the album is the Polish orchestra Sinfonietta Consonus. The album's tracklisting reads as follows: AFFECTOR - "Harmagedon" 1. Overture pt.1: Introduction 2. Overture pt.2: Prologue 3. Salvation 4. The Rapture 5. Cry Song 6. Falling Away & The Rise Of The Beast 7. Harmagedon 8. New Jerusalem The initial version of "Harmagedon" will come as limited edition CD in slipcase packaging and additionally featuring 2 special acoustic versions of the songs "Harmagedon" and "New Jerusalem" as bonus tracks. The album will be also available as strictly limited 2LP version in 180gr. vinyl, as standard Digital Download and also as HD-Audio Digital Download version via I-Tunes. AFFECTOR's "Harmagedon" album can be now pre-ordered from the InsideOutMusic shop in all its physical release formats at the following locations: Ltd. Edition CD - click here Black 2LP click here Purple Coloured 2LP - click here Some of the album's guests and other established Prog musicians checked in to comment on "Harmagedon": "AFFECTOR's 'Harmagedon' is a solid blast of PROG metal complete with burning solos, odd time signatures, orchestral highlights, and Rock riffs that will tear your head off! Excited that I could be a part of this album!" - Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) "I think AFFECTOR is amazing! Great playing, composition and production...and you can't beat the lyrics! Congratulations to Daniel and the gang. Excellent work!" - Neal Morse "If you are a fan of Dream Theater and progressive hard rock, this is an essential addition to your collection...you will love it!" - Mike Portnoy (ex Dream Theater, Adrenaline Mob) Citing broad musical influences and diverse inspirations between prog and classic as well as modern rock acts, AFFECTOR is like an open marriage between progressive rock/metal and orchestral minimalism, destined to appeal to everyone into bands ranging from Dream Theater, A.C.T., Symphony X, Darkwater to Queen or Rush. AFFECTOR Line-Up: Daniel Fries - guitars Collin Leijenaar - drums Mike LePond - bass guitars Ted Leonard - vocals More details about AFFECTOR and "Harmagedon" will be announced in the coming weeks... AFFECTOR online: www.affector.net www.facebook.com/affectormusic www.twitter.com/affectormusic

Headspace: : Reveal preview trailer, cover artwork, release date and launch new homepage

INSIDE OUT MUSIC — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 05:19:53 GMT

Headspace, the band around keyboardist Adam Wakeman (Ozzy Osbourne) - son of the keyboard legend Rick Wakeman (Yes) - singer Damian Wilson (Threshold), bassist Lee Pomeroy (Steve Hackett), guitarist Pete Rinaldi and drummer Richard Brook, will release their debut album "I Am Anonymous" on May 21st 2012 via InsideOut Music/ EMI. Given the listed musical roots, it seems only logical that Headspace follow a clear direction stylistically: Progressive rock at its finest! Adam Wakeman: "We're quite open about our influences because that's the music that we love. There's RUSH, YES, GENESIS, a lot of bands. We even give a tip of the hat to DREAM THEATER in a few sections. That's all a part of what we are." To give everyone a first impression of the upcoming album, Headspace have finalized a preview trailer which can be watched by clicking on the image below. With this special trailer the band offers the possibility to listen to snippets of every song of the entire album, just by clicking on the respective song name in the video. A simple click on the link starts the video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wxHyZPPnPI In addition to that the band just launched their brand new website. On www.headspaceonline.com you can find all important information regarding the musicians, the upcoming release of "I Am Anonymous" and other interesting news from the Headspace universe. Headpsace ONLINE www.headspaceonline.com

Arjen Lucassen: : celebrates the European release of his solo album "Lost In The New Real" !

INSIDE OUT MUSIC — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:27:53 GMT

Multi-instrumentalist Arjen Lucassen is releasing his new 2 CD strong solo album called "Lost In The New Real" today which has received incredibly good reviews and feedback from international press and the fans alike. "... Lost In The New Real is richly bejeweled with musical detail, beautifully produced and performed. More importantly, it's just fantastic fun." (Classic Rock UK) At the following link you can check out Arjen�s full song premier video of "Lost In The New Real" in which you will find his own comments popping up - it�s simply great! - click here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHNaw_hkEeU And make sure you secure yourself a copy of the ltd. enhanced 2CD Media Book signed by Arjen Lucassen. The beautiful package, illustrated by the striking artwork of Claudio Bergamin, contains 2 enhanced CDs. As Arjen's fans have come to expect, informative and humorous 'behind the scenes' video-features are added to both CDs as CD-Rom tracks. Available through the InsideOut Shop - click here: Or the exclusive fan package, containing: - Ltd. Edition of the album - Shirt - Patch - Crimped Din A 2 poster of the coverartwork - Lenticular / 3D postcard of the coverartwork Order it here: As well as the exclusive coloured 180g Ltd. Ed. Gatefold 2 LP - click here: Arjen Lucassen ONLINE www.arjenlucassen.com www.facebook.com/ArjenLucassenOfficial www.twitter.com/arjenlucassen

The Safety Fire: : announce European Tour with BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME and PERIPHERY and release new video for second single "Floods Of Colour"

INSIDE OUT MUSIC — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 01:53:27 GMT

"Akin to a meticulously designed but unpredictable cluster bomb" Kerrang "Complex forwarding thinking metal... You have to be pretty damned good to stand out from the crowd these days. London crowd The Safety Fire do so by using the oldest trick in the book - by writing proper, solid songs" Rocksound The Safety Fire has always pushed the boundaries of technical, progressive metal since their inception. With their expansive atmospheres and soaring melodies, it's easy to see why vocalist Sean McWeeney, bassist Lori Peri, drummer Calvin Smith, and guitarists Derya Nagle and Joaquin Ardiles are now at the forefront of their ever growing genre. The band released the first single "Huge Hammers" to widespread critical acclaim. The single garnered plays from Zane Lowe amongst others. "Huge Hammers" is the perfect taster to the release of their debut album, "Grind the Ocean". Mastered by Jens Bogren (well known for his work with such luminaries as Opeth, Katatonia, and Amon Amarth), the album was produced and mixed by guitarist Derya Nagle as part of his "BlackBear Productions". To watch the brand new video "Floods Of Colour" from their new album "Grind The Ocean" just click the link below: www.youtu.be/pxyrV3Bgf50 FFurthermore, The Safety Fire just announced a few European tourdates for October 2012 alongside BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME and PERIPHERY, see below: THU 11. HOLLAND, AMSTERDAM, MELKWEG FRI 12. GERMANY, COLOGNE, LUXOR SAT 13. GERMANY, M�NSTER, SPUTNIKHALLE SUN 14. DENMARK, COPENHAGEN, LILLE VEGA TUE 16. SWEDEN, STOCKHOLM, DEBASER SLUSSEN WED 17. SWEDEN, GOTHENBURG, STICKY FINGERS THU 18. GERMANY, HAMBURG, LOGO FRI 19. GERMANY, BERLIN, LIDO SAT 20. CZECH REP, PRAGUE, ROCK CAF� MON 22. SLOVAKIA, BRATISLAVA, RANDALL CLUB TUE 23. HUNGARY, BUDAPEST, D�RER-KERT WED 24. AUSTRIA, VIENNA, SZENE THU 25. GERMANY, MUNICH, BACKSTAGE HALLE SAT 27. ITALY, NOVARA, R'N'R ARENA SUN 28. SWITZERLAND, ZURICH, DYNAMO MON 29. GERMANY, STUTTGART, UNIVERSUM TUE 30. GERMANY, FRANKFURT, BATSCHKAPP WED 31. FRANCE, PARIS, LA MAROQUINERIE The band are currently touring the USA. To celebrate the album's release, the band is now giving fans the chance to listen to Grind The Ocean in its entirety online. Heavy Blog Is Heavy.com is also hosting an exclusive Grind The Ocean contest that awards five lucky fans a copy of the album plus a signed poster. For more details about the contest, to join the listening party and to submit your entry to win, click here: www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2012/04/10/stream-the-safety-fire For more information about the band, check out: www.facebook.com/thesafetyfire

The Flower Kings: : Reveal releasedate, coverartwork and title of their new longplayer

INSIDE OUT MUSIC — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 08:37:48 GMT

After five years of absence progressive cult rockband "The Flower Kings" will release their new studio album on the 18th of June 2012 (Europe/ 19th of June 2012 in the U.S.). The new sound carrier of the band around mastermind Roine Stolt (Transatlantic) is called "Banks Of Eden". It will be released throughout InsideOut Music (Century Media/ EMI). The material is all classic Flower Kings, with all the dreamy, melodic and cinematic elements that fans around the globe have learned to love over the years. However the 2012 incarnation of the band mixes it up with both psychedelic and darker metal passages that place this album somewhere in between the late 60's proto prog and the new generation of art rock. Roine comments: "It was both a scary and exciting prospect to go back into the studio after an almost 5 year-long, well-earned hiatus. We have all been active with Transatlantic, Karmakanic, Agents Of Mercy since, so we were up to speed in the playing department, but starting TFK again put some weight on my shoulders I suppose, but it's fun. We knew we could make an album 'cause this is what we do and we know we do it good, but the question was if we had anything new or anything important to contribute in 2012, in a time when the internet fills every hour with entertainment and every town or village seems to have emerging prog superstars. Realizing now with ELP, Crimson, Genesis, Gentle Giant, Pink Floyd being history we are among the new eldermen of Prog and we feel responsible for keeping the standard up, so a lot of hard work is gonna go into the coming months. The core members were there and for this re-starting of TFK we brought in new 26 year old drummer prodigy Felix Lehrmann. Without playing one single note together, or no audition, we started the recording at Varispeed studios in Sweden, January 23rd, taking a big, big chance. It is with happy smiles on our faces that we can conclude that it was a jackpot and a great choice and we feel Felix is gonna breathe life into both the new and old material in a live setting, possibly with a more hard hitting edge. His outgoing personality and general love for music and playing will be very evident live and for coming albums I can feel he may contribute even in writing. The progressive daredevil at the helm made us start the new album with a 25 min epic centerpiece that is NOT easy listening, it is in fact a quite demanding task. But the material also has all classic elements of the Flower Kings style with all the dreamy melodic & cinematic glow sprinkled all over, that the band's fans have come to love over the years. My advice is: just give it time and it will be very rewarding." To give their fans a first glimpse behind the scenes of the recording process of "Banks Of Eden" the band prepared a little video (one out of a sequence of several videos to be launched) while they were in the studio, to share that experience with everyone who cares to know: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9igp5RIeznE In all likelihood the band will go on an extended headlining tour across Europe in September. But it's for sure that they will play their first official re-union gig at the Sweden Rock Festival in June. For more information visit: www.flowerkings.se www.facebook.com/pages/The-Flower-Kings