As 2021 is counting down here goes the list of 20 best releases (without a specific order or genre) presented on this site during this struggling year for everyone.
*P.S: Feel free to leave your personal top releases on the comments and spread the word. Every click helps the artists and their work to be reached from new listeners. Happy Holidays everyone. Cheers
Swedish melodic metallers DYNAZTY unleashes 2nd single POWER OF WILL, taken from their upcoming album “FINAL ADVENT” set for release on April 8th 2022.
Out of the new album “Nights at Lake Milsen” OUT NOW brand new single called “Out in the City Lights” is released as Lyric video on YTube. Pure Dark POWER!!!! Midnight Danger teams up with with renowned rock and metal musicians, to deliver a monumental release. Guitarists Kane Roberts (Alice Cooper), Rafael Bittencourt (Angra), Martin Sweet (Crashdïet) and Sonia Anubis (Crypta); singer Danny Rexon (Crazy Lixx); and Australian saxophonist Max Cruise are amongst the roster and have pure adrenaline pumping tracks for your retro-souls to hear.
Written and Produced by Midnight Danger. Vocals by Danny Rexon Guitars by Kane Roberts
Napalm Records is proud to announce the signing of Swedish progressive metal juggernauts EVERGREY. The matchless force led by singer and guitarist Tom S. Englund has just inked a worldwide contract with the premier rock and metal label!
EVERGREY are truly Gothenburg’s finest exports, have been commanding the scene for over 25 years and have released twelve full-length records to date – starting with their blistering debut The Dark Discovery in 1998. Their latest chartbreaking high-quality offering, the critically acclaimed Escape Of The Phoenix (#12 on German album charts), was unveiled in early 2021, proving the inimitable ability of the five-piece to harmoniously weave dark lyricism with different shades of heaviness and musical influences. Over the course of time, EVERGREY remarkably managed to build their very own, powerful yet emotional sound that reaches the listener deep in their core and creates an exceptional experience with every note.
EVERGREY are currently working on new music. More to be announced soon.
UK rock/metal band, THE LAST SIREN, have released their third single ‘The Cage‘, the track is taken from their forthcoming EP ‘Counter Faith’, out on 15th October via Criminal Records. THE LAST SIREN is the latest contender from the South Coast music scene.
THE LAST SIREN recently signed to Criminal Records, London. The alt rock/metal project is led by touring musician Jayke Turl. Bassist of The Smokin’ Prophets and guest guitarist at The Kut. Jayke is certainly no stranger to the UK touring & festival circuit. THE LAST SIREN sees Jayke take centre stage, bringing with him heavy vocals, riffs and a new twisted reality.
‘The Cage‘ single follows ‘Crucify This’ & ‘Fight’, which launched the project and featured on Johnny Doom’s show on Kerrang! Radio. A message to those who oppress others with religious ideology, the single will be featured on the digipack EP, scheduled for release Friday 15th October and available on pre-order via Criminal Records store: https://shop.criminalrecords.cc
Melodic rocker Dan Lucas released the first single “1985” out of his upcoming album called “The Long Road” set for release on October 22d from Pride & Joy Music.
New York City cult AOR heroes VALENTINE have released their new single, “Heart of the City” as a precursor to their upcoming Demos From the Attic collection, which is scheduled for the end of July through 20th Century Music / Vanity Music Group.
Recorded in the early 90’s and intended to be included on the follow up to their Giant Records debut, the single, along with a plethora of other demos were stored away, seemingly forever until 20th Century kept approaching them about “any released material they may have.” Persistence pays off. Both guitarist, Adam Holland and bassist, Gerard Zappa suddenly remembered that they actually did have unreleased demos stored away in attics.
Adam Holland states “We all feel very good about it. It turns out we found gems instead of skeletons! We are proud of all of the many chapters of this band’s life as both Valentine and Open Skyz. This is Valentine’s second album if it would have come out in the 80s. It would have been an awesome sophomore album and it’s pretty cool to listen to these now. The whole process has been a lot of fun.”
Guests on Band Forever thus far include:
Gerard Zappa and Craig Pullman of Valentine Joey Cassata of Zo2 and Zrock Keith Douglass of Tora Tora Reggie Wu of Heaven’s Edge Michael Staertow of Lou Gramm / Slaughter Rob Hoffman of In The Pink and manager of Extreme and Ratt
The trans genre group Dream Drop have released the single “Reckless Demon Youth“ which is the 4th one from their upcoming album to be released later this year.
“Reckless Demon Youth is basically about calming down. It’s about wanting to end a destructive lifestyle and reaching out for help. I think as musicians we are often drawn into the cliché of the ‘broken artist’ and it might be because sad people are drawn to music as opposed to music drawing people into sadness but regardless we have to fight it. The term ‘Demon Youth’ is taken from the lyrics of Juice Wrld’s song ‘Legends’ which talks about the lost lives of musicians who couldn’t stop.” //Dream Drop
Bio:
Dream Drop is a trans-genre band from Gothenburg, Sweden that thinks band bios are cringe and that bands should never talk themselves up as much as most of them do. Listen to the music and make up your own mind about what they’re like.
The first advance single out of four in total, “Point Of No Return”, from Swedish Rock act ALTZI is unleashed today on all digital platforms in English and in Spanish, and be followed by three more advance singles and one EP later in the year.
The line-up on this track is compound by some of the finest contemporary Melodic Rock/ Hard Rock musicians and song-writers, i.e. Rick Altzi (lead & backing Vocals), Peter Alpenborg (rhythm guitars & keyboards), Nalle Påhlsson (bass), Kevin Kott (drums), Olaf Lenk (lead guitar), Ulrick Lönnqvist (backing vocals), Victor Ohlsson (backing vocalsand Teresia Svensson (backing vocals).
ALTZI’s debut album entitled “All Eyes On Me” is scheduled for a release in early 2022 via the artist’s own label RA Music!
RICK ALTZI is an artist from Helsingborg, Sweden who started to play bass at the age of 14. He was a member in various tribute and original bands until 2004 and switched over to the microphone in 2005. His first album as vocalist saw the light of day in the year 2007 with the band AT VANCE. Since then, he has worked with a lot of outstanding musicians from bands such as Helloween, Accept, King Diamond, Pain Of Salvation, etc..
In 2020, Rick Altzi started to work on his first solo album under the moniker of ALTZI. Rick Altzi also is writing and recording with the bands Masterplan, Gathering Of Kings and Herman Frank.
On a day when melodic rock fans heyheys to the rip-off riffs and sounds alike/wannabies, Real Artists keeps up the real music and release this gem in your FACE!
Do a favor to your ears and listen to this beauty!
91 Suite are:
Lead Vocal: Jesús Espín Guitars and Backing Vocals: Paco Cerezo Bass: Antonio Muñoz Guitars and Backing Vocals: Iván Gonzalez Keyboard and Backing Vocals: Daniel Morata Drum: David Koto
UK rock band FERAL GHOST have released a music video for their brand new explosive single ‘Say It’s Not Too Late‘, the song is taken from their second studio album scheduled for release in March 2021. ‘Say It’s Not Too Late‘ can be ordered here: https://orcd.co/feralghost.
The alternative/melodic rock fusion delivers an electrifying arrangement with uplifting instrumentation and atmospheric vocals driven by infectious guitar riffs. The emotion-drenched vocal adorns the instrumental that shines and sparkles at every turn. This is precisely the kind of record that proves there is no doubt FERAL GHOST is a band to keep an eye on.
‘Say It’s Not Too Late‘ will capture anyone from the first note and will leave people wanting more. Their message-heavy lyricism and wordplay will take listeners on a musical journey that highlights a motivating tale. Moreover, the lyricism sheds a light on the importance of making the best of the gifts life provides.
With powerful lyricism, FERAL GHOST maintains a fully charged arsenal of high-quality music that supports the fact that they are set to make a strong impact on the music industry and the charts. This release is a testament to their versatility as a band and their innate talent. ‘Say It’s Not Too Late‘ is a must-listen-to single as they are set to release more captivating music for years to come.
FERAL GHOST is:
Daniel Warwick – vocals, guitar Chloe Hunter – vocals, percussion Andy Watt – guitar Lisanne Otten – keys Marino Donati – bass Paul Castleman – drums
FERAL GHOST’s blend of classic songwriting, layered harmonies and accomplished musicianship, combined with memorable melodies and sharp modern production, has helped the band establish a unique musical voice since it was first put together by singer/songwriter Danny Warwick in 2012.
The London-based group’s debut album A Gathering Storm in 2014 was immediately singled out by reviewers and radio stations for its consistently strong melodies, and stadium sized hooks.
The album was also nominated for CD of the year by Indie Music Digest, which called it “an impressive debut statement that clearly proves this band is a force to be reckoned with in UK and beyond”.
FERAL GHOST’s classic melodic sensibilities and guitar driven sound have brought comparisons with the likes of Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles and Pink Floyd, as well as the indie pop and rock sounds of Coldplay and Snow Patrol. But the 6-piece band’s blend of thoughtful lyrics, heartfelt vocals and infectious energy are entirely its own.
Over the next couple of years, subsequent singles This Is Life and Could This Be Love went on to reach No.3 and No.7 in the Official European Independent Music Chart, as well as charting strongly in the US.
During this time FERAL GHOST consolidated their success with a string of concerts across the UK, including festivals and other established music venues. As a result, the group gained a swathe of new loyal followers by showcasing how well their emotionally powerful combination of up-tempo feel-good tunes and slow burn anthems translated to live performances.
Towards the end of 2018, the band went back into the studio to record a follow up album. But unforeseen personal circumstances, followed by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, meant that new music has taken longer than anticipated.
But now, after using this time to put the full force of their creativity into a new body of work, FERAL GHOST are back with a stunning new full length album, Speed of Light, due to be released in March 2021.
Reflecting the turbulent and uncertain times of its creation, the album contains an incredible collection of 12 songs that span themes ranging from fear and loss to love and hope.
Taking the band’s complex multi layered sound and sophisticated arrangements to a new level, while never straying from clarity of purpose and honesty of emotion, Speed of Light is FERAL GHOST’s most coherent, uncompromising and beautiful artistic statement so far.
UK rock band CATS IN SPACE return in 2021 with their new single and music video for ‘LISTEN TO THE RADIO’, taken from their hit album ‘ATLANTIS’. Released on all digital platforms, plus CD via the webstore, this classic slice of ‘Power Pop’ is another surefire smash. With their trademark ‘wall of vocals and guitars’ sound set to stun, the tune will blast through the airwaves in a way only Cats In Space know how to.
The success of the album gathers pace as newfound fans overseas, and indeed on home turf have ensured the new album is by far their most successful to date already, with sales reaching record numbers inside the first 3 months of release.
So much so the album amazingly went ‘straight toNo.1’ on the UK’s official breakers rock chart’ on it’s first week of release, and No.53 in the National album chart.
“Thanks to the incredible support of our fans and the live stream show we performed with ‘Better than Live’ before Christmas, 2020 was our most successful year in terms of sales despite the horrors of Covid-19. It has been yet another magical ride that is not stopping anytime soon”
The band are all poised and ready to hit the festivals this Summer, including two headline appearances, and their own headline tour in the Autumn. Plus there is some very exciting news yet to come on the ‘live shows front’, and more huge news for the Winter.
Yes 2021 is going to be another very busy year for the mighty CATS IN SPACE, so come ‘dive with us’ into a brighter future and get ready to rock.
CATS IN SPACE is:
DAMIEN EDWARDS (Jeff Wayne’s ‘War of the Worlds’) – Lead & backing vocals GREG HART (Asia, Mike Oldfield, Moritz) – Guitars, acoustic guitars, vocals, tubular bells, Moog STEEVI BACON – (Robin Trower) Drums, percussion, timpani, harmonica, whistles ANDY STEWART (Moritz) – Piano, electric piano, synthesizers DEAN HOWARD (Ian Gillan, Bad Company) – Guitars, slide guitar JEFF BROWN – (Sweet) Bass guitars, vocals
The Cats’ Story so far…
CATS in SPACE have caused quite a stir since landing in 2015. With their unique sounds they will transport you back to the heady days of 70’s Classic Rock. Think loud guitars and huge drums, walls of soaring multi-layered vocal harmonies, grandiose pianos and unforgettable singable choruses. It’s purr-fect!
Touring with legendary rock giants Deep Purple, Status Quo & Thunder playing UK arenas, as well as Hyde Park with Phil Collins and Blondie, the Cats have accumulated an ever growing army of faithful fans, gaining exceptional live reviews along the way. From humble beginnings to performing at The Hammersmith Odeon, The London Palladium and the London O2 Arena, shows the extent of the orbital journey for these Cats so far…
They have released two critically acclaimed albums in ‘Too Many Gods’ (2015) and ‘Scarecrow’ (2017) which made the UK national top 30 chart and were voted top 10 in the ‘Planet Rock album review’ of 2017. Reviews worldwide were nothing short of incredible, in fact “breathtaking” as one reviewer put it!
A storming live album, ‘Cats Alive!’ (2018) was released on all formats including vinyl, to document the magnificent live performance the band delivered at the Cardiff Motorpoint Arena, thus cementing the Cats as front runners in the UK rock scene.
In 2019, after a year in the making, the Cats unleashed their boldest, biggest and most adventurous album yet, ‘Daytrip to Narnia’ – the reviews were astounding, the sales were staggering and in turn forced the normally reserved Rob Evans at ‘Powerplay Magazine’ to state… ‘Daytrip to Narnia – Their finest hour, most definitely the album of the year, possibly of the DECADE’.
The ‘Narnia Part 1 tour’ was a runaway success. Many called it “One of the best shows they had ever seen” and although lead vocalist Paul Manzi left the ship at the end of the tour to venture onto pastures new, it did not stop the band’s profile soaring even higher as they ventured into the UK theatres for the first time along with larger venues.
As Paul said farewell, a new cat wandered inquisitively into the bustling Starship and the team welcomed aboard the talented and unassuming Mark Pascall – a brand new vocalist to join the Cats for ‘Part 2’ of their journey. A new version of ‘September Rain’, from the ‘Scarecrow’ album was released as the band played the legendary London Palladium! Then, heading overseas for the first time to spread their 70’s rock vibe to a whole host of new Cat fans, the band stormed the HEAT festival in Germany before returning home for a triumphant UK Christmas tour in support of their hit ‘My Kind Of Christmas’. 2019 ended with an almighty festive bang – two tours, two albums and a timeless Christmas hit all inside 12 months. The year 2020 arrived, the saddest year for the planet in a while with Covid 19. The Cats decided to ‘boldly go forth’ and help bring much needed musical relief. They battened down the starship hatches and submerged into the depths of the ocean, hoping to find inspiration (and a new aquanaut vocalist, in the shape of the star of Jeff Wayne’s ‘War of the Worlds’ musical, the astonishing DAMIEN EDWARDS).
Brand new album called “Angel’s Gate” is coming up from melodic rockers Autumn’s Child on February 26th.
Mikael Erlandsson needs no further introduction when it comes to melodic rock. He has released six successful solo albums and a lot of titles with groups like Phenomena, Salute among others. Between 2006 2018 Erlandsson front ed the Swedish super group Secret Service which he toured with live all over the world. Together with the fantastic guitar player Andy Malecek from the successful German hard rock band Fair Warning he founded the band LAST AUTUMNS DREAM in 2003 which also featured Ian Haugland, Mic Michaeli and John Leven of Europe fame at the time. The self titled debut album was produced by Claes Andreasson and became a great success. Last Autumn’s Dream went on releasing another 14 albums with different line ups including great musicians like Jamie Borger (Treat ) and Marcel Jacob (Talisman ). They toured Japan, England and Germany but decided to take a break in 2018. Shortly after, Erlandsson founded the group AUTUMN’S CHILD . Their self titled debut album was released in January 2019 through AOR Heaven feat. Jona Tee on keyboards (H.E.A.T), Robban Bäck , former drummer of Eclipse and currently in the line up with Swedish rock band Mustasch, Claes Andreasson of Swedish Westcoast/AOR band Heartbreak Radio who also produced the first Autumns Child album together with Mikael Erlandsson. Guitars come courtesy of Pontus Åkesson Moon Safari).
“Angel’s Gate” now marks AUTMUN’S CHILD’s return. This time they have defined their craft even more and the album is again filled with great songs and classy musicianship. The album starts off with the song “Where Angels Cry” which offers all of the Autumn’s Child’s typical elements: hard Melodic Rock with a Nordic touch. There are homages throughout the album to Whitesnake, AOR, Supertramp, Gary Moore,10cc, Manfred Mann and ELO but most of all it sounds like nothing else in today’s music scene.
The album was produced by Claes Andreasson and Mikael Erlandsson . Mixed and mastered by Mikael Andersson at Soundport Studio Vocals Mikael Erlandsson Drums Robban Bäck Bass Johan Strömberg Keyboard solo on 2 tracks Jona Tee Main Keyboards Mikael Erlandsson Guitars Pontus Åkesson Piano on ”Don’t ever leave me ’ Claes Andreasson
Coming March 12, 2021, a double dose of TEN/Gary Hughes releases in the form of a new solo album, “Waterside” AND a best of collection, “Decades” from Hughes. More details and first single from the new solo album coming on January 20th. Stay tuned….
“Waterside” Tracklisting:
1. All At Once It Feels Like I Believe 2. Electra- Glide 3. Lay Down 4. The Runaway Damned 5. Screaming In The Half Light 6. Waterside 7. Video Show 8. Save My Soul 9. Seduce Me 10. When Love Is Done
“Decades” Tracklisting:
CD1 1. First Light 2. Wrecking Machine 3. Perfect Ten 4. In Your Eyes 5. Veritas 6. Dragon Island Cathedral 7. The Night The Love Died 8. This Thing Of Beauty 9. Seducer 10. Look At The Rain 11. It Must Be Love 12. We Walk With Angels 13. Heart Of A Woman 14. The Everlasting Light 15. Precious Ones
CD2 1. Blonde Angel 93’ 2. I Won’t Break Your Heart 3. Give My Love A Try 4. The Colors Of My Life 5. Divided We Fall 6. All I Want Is You 7. Wide Awake In Dreamland 8. There By The Grace Of The Gods (Go I) 9. Lies 10. The Miracle Is You 11. Be My Fantasy Tonight 12. This Time 13. Synchronicity 14. All Fall Down
Napalm Records is proud to announce the signing of one of Germany’s standout rock acts, KISSIN’ DYNAMITE!
Founded in 2007 as a school band, the Swabian powerhouse acclaimed their status as one of the best live acts out there at more than 600 shows around the world, while sharing the stage with acts such as Powerwolf, Steel Panther and U.D.O.
With six studio albums and various chart entries (#7 on the German album charts with Ecstasy [2018]), the band established their trademark style – characterized by modern sounds, massive anthems and catchy hooks, paired with an 80s stadium rock attitude and eccentric look. It’s their explosive mixture of potent rock ingredients that makes KISSIN’ DYNAMITE stand out and positions them right at the core of modern rock music. Now, the German high-flyers and Napalm Records join forces to mark the next step in the band’s highly successful career.
In addition to the record deal, KISSIN’ DYNAMITE signed a booking deal with Austrian Cobra Agency.
KISSIN’ DYNAMITE on the signing: “We’re beyond happy to announce that we just signed a record deal with well-known Austrian label Napalm Records, as well as Cobra Agency for our booking affairs. With this international-acting team by our side, we’re joining a club of companioned bands we’re sharing common memories with! Let’s do this together and #bringbackstadiumrock“
Napalm Records CEO Thomas Caser adds: “Welcome KISSIN’ DYNAMITE! One of the most energetic and up-and-coming bands Germany has produced in hard rock since the Scorpions! We are extremely motivated and are very much looking forward to a long-term cooperation with this highly talented band. Our focus will not only be on the domestic GSA market but specifically on the band’s international development. Great things are coming!”
Catch KISSIN’ DYNAMITE live in 2021: 15.07.21 AT – Leoben / Area 53 Festival 16.07.21 DE – Balingen / Bang Your Head Festival 17.07.21 DE – Fritzlar / Rock Am Stück Festival 29. – 31.07.21 DE – Wacken Open Air 31.07.21 CZ – Dolni Vitkovice / Ostrava v Plamanech 29.08.21 CH – Aarburg / Riverside
AmadeuS Melodic Rock Shows 