MAGNUS KARLSSON - solo album in 2013 with a huge guest list!

Attention to all power metal lovers: Swedish axeman Magnus Karlsson (Primal Fear, Last Tribe, mastermind behind the Allen/Lande project) started working on a solo album in october this year. The working title is "Free Fall". The LP will be released via Frontier Records. Karlsson confirmed a huge list of guest musicians, which I would like to share with you:

Russell Allen (Symphony X, Avantasia)
Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear, Gamma Ray)
Tony Harnell (TNT, Starbreaker)
Mark Boals (Yngwie Malmsteen, The Codex)
Rick Altzi (Masterplan, At Vance)
Mike Andersson (Star One, Full Force)
Rickard Bengtsson (Last Tribe)
Herman Saming (A.C.T.)
David Readman (Pink Cream 69, Vodoo Circle)

There isn't a concrete release date yet, but you can assume that it will hit the stores in 2013!

CD-Review: Wheels Of Fire - "Up For Anything"

So, here it is: the new Bon Jovi ... ehm ... I mean the new Wheels Of Fire album. These Italians released their first album "Hollywood Rocks" some years ago and it was some kind of double-edged sword.
Let's see if "Up For Anything" does some things better than its predecessor.

Merry Christmas!!!

Hey friends!

I think it's time to give a huge "thank you" to all readers of this blog and its facebook-page.
In just 4 weeks we built up a great Rock'n'Roll community and I hope you enjoy reading all that stuff as I have fun writing it. It's great to see how music connects people from all over the world. So thanks again for making this possible!
It was a very good year with a bunch of amazing rock & metal releases and I can tell you one thing: there are defenitely more great things to come in 2013! I hope you'll continue to go this way with "Rock & Metal 4 You". It's YOUR source for melodic rock & metal, so spread the word and let it grow.

In this context I'd like to wish each one of you a Merry Christmas and a rockin' New Year! See you in 2013! ;)

SEBASTIAN BACH - new DVD "ABachalypse Now" in spring 2013!

It's December 20, 2013 - one day before the apocalypse starts. For those of you who will survive the "end of the world": Be prepared for the next challenge! I'm talking about "ABachalypse Now". What a crappy title for a Live DVD/CD package, but former Skid Row shouter Sebastian Bach was always known for his megalomania. The live-package is set to release in spring 2013 via Frontiers Records and contains three concerts: Hellfest from France, Nokia from Los Angeles and Graspop from Belgium. I just hope the setlist is always different.

CD-Review: Mob Rules - "Cannibal Nation"

Hey followers,

I already announced this review on my Facebook-Page a few days ago. The post office had delivery problems, that's why I'm a little bit late with this review. Let's see if it was worth the wait.

LORDI return with new album "To Beast Or Not To Beast" and tour!

The monster rockers of LORDI had a really tough year. First, their drummer died and then the keyboardist left the band also. So Lordi had to replace two musicians - and they did. The new members are Mana (drums) and Hella (keyboard) - just have a look at the picture below.
On March 8, 2013 the five monsters will return with their new album "To Beast Or Not To Beast". Lordi will also hit the road in spring 2013. Be prepared for a really monstrous show!

Tourdates:

03.04.2013      D-Hamburg, Markthalle
04.04.2013      D-Geiselwind, Autohof Strohofer
05.04.2013      D-Memmingen, Kaminwerk
06.04.2013      D-Offenbach-Bieber, TV Turnhalle Bieber
07.04.2013      D-Mannheim, Alte Seilerei
11.04.2013      D-Köln, Essigfabrik
12.04.2013      D-Burglengenfeld, VAZ
13.04.2013      D-Leipzig, Hellraiser
14.04.2013      D-Berlin, K 17
16.04.2013      CH-Pratteln, Z 7
18.04.2013      ITA-Bologna, ZR Club
19.04.2013      ITA-Rome, Orion Club
20.04.2013      ITA-Treviso, New Age Club
21.04.2013      ITA-Milan, Alcatraz
25.04.2013      ES-Madrid, Penelope
26.04.2013      ES-Pamplona, Sala Tottem
27.04.2013      ES-Barcelona, Sala Tottem

www.lordi.fi 

KROKUS - new album "Dirty Dynamite"! Get the title track for free!

The Swiss rockers of KROKUS will return on February 22, 2013 with their new album "Dirty Dynamite". This is a very special record, because Krokus celebrate the return of their former guitar player Mandy Meyer. He has also played with Gotthard and is also a member of Unisonic. Because he is so busy with this band, the return of Mandy is a big surprise for all Krokus fans. Beside this some other guest musicians are confirmed now: Mark Fox (Ex-Shakra), Tommy Heart and Kosta Zafiriou.

The band members promise that they sound better than ever ... after 40 years in the business. To convince yourself, you have the opportunity to download the title track for free! Just click on the album cover and you will be redirected. You have to sign up before you can download the song. Have fun!

http://krokusonline.seven49.net/Web/

AVANTASIA - first tourdates announced!

In March the wait is over: AVANATASIA will release their new album "The Mystery Of Time"!
Some of the guest musicians are already confirmed: Biff Byford (Saxon), Michael Kiske (Unisonic, Ex-Helloween), Amanda Somerville (Trillium), Bruce Kulick (Ex-Kiss), Russell Gilbrook (Uriah Heep), Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon), Ronnie Atkins (Pretty Maids), Eric Martin (Mr. Big) and many more will appear on this highly anticipated album. But thats not enough for mastermind Tobias Sammet - he will bring his Metal Opera back to the road in spring 2013! He promises lots of guest musicians, lots of surprises and more than three hours playtime.
The first dates in Europe are confirmed. You see them below. Other dates will be added very soon. I'll update this post regularly. The pre-sale for some shows in Germany started already on www.metaltix.com. Stay tuned!

THE MYSTERY WORLD TOUR 2013

13.04.2013 (CH)     Pratteln - Z7
14.04.2013 (CH)     Pratteln - Z7
16.04.2013 (I)         Milan - Alcatraz
18.04.2013 (D)        Ludwigsburg - MPH Arena
19.04.2013 (D)        Kaufbeuren - All - Karthalle
20.04.2013 (D)        Fulda - Esperanto Halle
22.04.2013 (D)        Berlin - Tempodrom
23.04.2013 (D)        Hamburg - tba
25.04.2013 (D)        Oberhausen - Turbinenhalle
26.04.2013 (D)        Lichtenfels - Stadthalle
23.06.2013 (R)        Moscow - Milk
25.06.2013 (ARG)  Buenos Aires - El Teatro
27.06.2013 (CL)     Santiago de Chile - Teatro Caupolican
29.06.2013 (BR)     Sao Paulo - HSBC Hall


http://www.tobiassammet.com

LAST AUTUMN'S DREAM - new album "Ten Tangerine Tales"!

Today I've got really good news for those of you, who fell in love with (Scandi) AOR/Melodic Rock.
Singer and songwriter Mikael Erlandsson is a real worcaholic. Recently he released an album with his new band "Lover Under Cover" and was also involved in some other productions where he was doing guest vocals (for example Sapphire Eyes). Now he is back with his main band Last Autumn's Dream - like every year!
The new album "Ten Tangerine Tales" will be released on December 19, 2012 in Japan. The rest of the world will have to wait until January 25, 2013. But for now we all can listen to lots of samples. Just click on the album cover below.

CD-Review: TOXICROSE - Same (EP)

ToxicRose is a new Sleaze-Metal Band from ... Sweden (Where else? It's always Sweden). I've voted their song "A Song For The Weak" already on # 04 in my hitlist of the best songs in 2012. Let's see if the rest of this EP is as good as this single!

CRASHDIET touring Europe in May 2013!

Attention to all sleaze-fans in Europe:
Crashdiet announced the first tourdates from their "Savage Playground World Tour 2013".
You'll find the dates below in the picture. More dates will be confirmed soon.

http://www.crashdiet.org/

CD-Review: TRAIL OF MURDER - "Shades Of Art"

Hey friends,

this time I'll take a look at the debut album of TRAIL OF MURDER. I know, this record was released in October, but I got it just yesterday. You remember my first review? It was about Bloodbound. So, it's funny that I write a review about "Shades Of Art" today, because the band consists partly of former members of Bloodbound. But that doesn't mean anything, because "Shades Of Art" is a real kick-ass-record and I'll show you why ...

Album/Song of the year 2012 - # 01!

Finally we made it to the top spot. You see my personal best album and best song of the year below. Now it's your turn: which record was your favorite in 2012???

# 01

Bon Jovi - new Single "Because We Can" out in January!

After a short break in 2012 Bon Jovi will return in early 2013 with their new album "What About Now".
We get a first taste of it on January 7, 2013. At this day the new single "Because We Can" will be released worldwide. I'll keep you up to date.

 

www.bonjovi.com

Rock & Metal 4 You is now on Facebook!

Hey folks,

I started a new Facebook-Page to support my blog. I thought it's more comfortable for you to like this page and if there are new posts you'll see it first on facebook. So you don't have to check my blog three times a day ;)

Have a look on the right side of this blog and you'll see a new facebook-box. Here you have the opportunity to LIKE my page. I appreciate your support! Thank you!

Album/Song of the year 2012 - # 02!

The second best album of the year 2012 comes from a very young and talented band from Sweden. This country is a certification mark when it comes to Melodic Hard Rock/Metal/Sleaze/AOR. This kind of music is very popular in this region. Let's see who it is! ;)

# 02

W.E.T. - new album "Rise Up" and single "Learn To Live Again" announced!

Here are some breaking news for you:
Frontiers Records announced the release of the new W.E.T. - album "Rise Up" at February 22, 2013. The new single is called "Learn To Live Again" (release date: 17.12.2012). You can hear a sound sample below.

Album/Song of the year 2012 - # 03!

Finally we made it to the top 3! On position # 03 we got another gifted guitar player (album) and a well known glam-rock band (song) - have a look!

# 03

Album/Song of the year 2012 - # 04!

On # 04 of the top albums 2012 hides something special. Why? This album was already released in 2011 ... but only in Sweden. The rest of the world got it this summer, that's why it is in the list. Another reason is that this longplayer consists mostly of cover-songs from a legendary band, called EUROPE. You know, which LP I mean? ;)

# 04

Album/Song of the year 2012 - # 05!

We are half way there ... today I show you position # 05 of my album/song - ranking. Slowly it gets more and more exciting. At this point it's really hard to choose which postion belongs to which album/song, because they are all great.

# 05

Album/Song of the year 2012 - # 06!

Since today I see snow everywhere and it's damn cold. So this time I'll try to bring back the summer and beach feeling of 1989 ... you know already who reached position number six? ;)

# 06

ECLIPSE - new video to "Wake Me Up"

Here is a short information for you:

The Swedish rockers of ECLIPSE shot a new video to their song "Wake Me Up". It's the second video to a song from their current album "Bleed & Scream". Have a look!

For more information visit http://www.eclipsemania.com/

Album/Song of the year 2012 - # 07!

It's the 4th time now ... and my ranking feels a bit like a christmas calendar. Behind each door you'll find another surprise. So let's see who reached the next position. ;)

# 07

Album/Song of the year 2012 - # 08!

Are you curious? I'm sure you are ... otherwise why should you stop by again? ;)
Did I mention one of your favorites already???

# 08

Album/Song of the year 2012 - # 09!

Here we go again ... let's see what we got at number 9 of the ten best records/songs in 2012 ;)

# 09

Album/Song of the Year 2012 - Countdown starts today!

Hey friends,

an amazing year of Rock'n'Roll is coming to an end. This is a good reason to look back. I'll show you my thoughts about my personal top ten albums and top ten songs of the year 2012. Please note that this list is just my personal opinion. These are the songs and albums, which I liked the most. So I'll post every day one album and one song, starting with number 10 today! So, let's go :)

# 10

AIRLESS - first Single from 4th studio album

Today I've got a bunch of Melodic Hard Rock from Spain for you:
Airless are also prepaired for a new album release in February. Here is a first taste for you: the single "Start Again" from the forthcoming LP "Changes" ... it's typical Airless-Sound, a great song to sing along.
You see the full tracklist of "Changes" in the video below.

By the way: for those of you, who haven't seen it already - at the right side of my blog you have a survey about upcoming release dates. I thought this is very practically, because there are so much great albums to come in the next few months. I'm sure you don't want to miss one of them, so have a look at this list from time to time. I'll keep it up to date regularly.

http://www.airlessband.com/en/home.html

PINK CREAM 69 - Track List & Cover Artwork of new album

Bass player and producer Dennis Ward was very busy with Unisonic in the last months. In January 2013 he will return with his main band Pink Cream 69.
The band will release their 11th album, named "Ceremonial", on January 25th, 2013 via Frontiers Records. Have a look at the cover artwork and the official track list below.

Tracklist:

01. Land Of Confusion
02. Wasted Years
03. Special
04. Find Your Soul
05. The Tide
06. Big Machine
07. Let The Thunder Roll
08. Right From Wrong
09. Passage Of Time
10. I Came To Rock
11. King For One Day
12. Superman

Update:

Here is a first preview:

http://www.pinkcream69.com/

HARDCORE SUPERSTAR - Hear the new Single "One More Minute"!

... and again it's Scandinavia-time :)

The new single from Hardcore Superstar is called "One More Minute". It was mixed by Randy Staub (who has already worked with Metallica, Bon Jovi and Mötley Crüe).

This song is a first taste of the new album "C'mon Take On Me" (release date: 01.03.2013). Hardcore Superstar continue where they left off with "Split Your Lip": "One More Minute" is a sleazy song with a very catchy note. Hear the full song below!

Hardcore Superstar: "One More Minute" (Full Song)

http://www.hardcoresuperstar.com/

CRASHDIET - new Live-DVD, Single and Album

Today I've lots to announce about Swedish sleaze rockers Crashdiet!
These guys are really diligent. At first hey release a Live-DVD, named "Shattered Glass And Broken Bones" (release date: 04.12.2012), then a new Single ("Cocaine Cowboys", out on 14.12.2012) and last but not least we'll get the new album "The Savage Playground" (out on January 22, 2013). You can already pre-order the CD at the Crashdiet-homepage.

 This is the tracklist:

01. Change The World
02. Cocaine Cowboys
03. Anarchy
04. California
05. Lickin' Dog
06. Circus
07. Sin City
08. Got A Reason
09. Drinkin' Without you
10. Snakes In Paradise
11. Damaged Kid
12. Excited
13. Garden Of Babylon

With Shakra, Shylock and now Crashdiet we'll get a rockin' start in 2013. Great!

Homepage: http://crashdiet.org/

SEBASTIAN BACH talks about Skid Row Reunion

Will it ever happen? Will the legendary Skid Row reunite someday? This question is asked by so many rock & metal fans out there. Some month ago former Skid Row shouter Sebastian Bach posted a long statement about a Skid Row reunion on his facebook page. He was saying that he would do it for the fans and told the other band members to think about it. That was last summer.

CD-Review: BLOODBOUND - "In The Name Of Metal"

Hey Metalheads,
what would you expect if you look at this cover artwork? Thrash Metal? Deathcore?? Punk??? Calm down - fortunately it's nothing like that. What we got here is Heavy Metal/Power Metal with some True Metal influences. Don't expect lyrics with draft ... it's all about evil, blood and in fact ... metal. Put all the clichés together and add some Hammerfall, Edguy and Manowar. Then you can imagine which type of music Bloodbound play. But that does not mean it's bad.

SHYLOCK - new album and first Sound-Clips!

If you're looking for music in the vein of Gotthard, Bonfire and Shakra, I can recommand you this German band: SHYLOCK. They are no newcomers - these guys released 5 albums so far.
The new one is called "Walking Tall" (Release date: 18.01.2013) and you can hear the first sound-clips from three new songs below:

I Can't Wait Now

Rock DNA

Walking Tall

After the first listen I think Shylock will deliver what they can do best: catchy European Hard Rock!
Have a look!

For more information visit http://www.shylockmusic.de/

RICHIE SAMBORA - Live Review Berlin, 13.10.2012

Hey friends,

after the good resonance I had yesterday with the Gotthard Live Review I decided to do another one. This time the gig is almost 5 weeks ago but better later than never ;)

I think most of you know this guy: Richie Sambora - guitarist of one of the biggest Rock Bands in the world (for those who don't know: Bon Jovi^^) released after 14 long years his third solo record, called "Aftermath Of The Lowdown". Just this fact was a reason to celebrate. I never thought he would do a solo tour again. But he did - Richie played a sold-out-tour in Europe ... and I was there - in Berlin.

AVANTASIA on Tour in April 2013

2013 is going to be the year of AVANTASIA. A new album is in the making and it is no surprise that the Metal Opera hits the road again to play some summer festivals and an own arena-tour in April next year.
I'll keep you up to date. Tour dates will be announced soon.

For more information visit http://tobiassammet.com/

GOTTHARD - Live Review Bamberg, 16.11.2012

Hey folks,

this is the first Live-Review I'm doing here ... and Gotthard are one of my favorite Bands. So let's see if they are as good as always without Steve Lee ... or not.

ToxicRose with new video and EP

Sweden is known for their great Sleaze Metal acts like Crashdiet, Hardcore Superstar and many more.
The newcomers of ToxicRose follow this trend. They will release their first EP on 7th December 2012 and this is the first video: "A Song for the Weak".

 For more information visit http://www.toxicrose.org/

VEGA - new video "White Knuckle Ride"

You like great Melodic Rock Stuff? Then this one is for you: VEGA with their new video
"White Knuckle Ride" from the forthcoming album "What the hell!"

SHAKRA - new album "Powerplay", first Single Teaser and Tour Dates!

The Swiss Hard Rockers of SHAKRA will release their new album "Powerplay" on 11th January 2013. The first Single is called "Wonderful Life", here is a first taste of it:

Wonderful Life - Teaser

These are the Tour Dates:

08.03.13	DE – Berlin, K 17
10.03.13	DE – Ingolstadt, Eventhalle Westpark
22.03.13	CH – Solothurn, Kofmehl
23.03.13	CH – Rubigen - Mühle Hunziken
28.03.13	CH – Pratteln, Z 7
29.03.13	CH - Luzern, Schüür
13.04.13	DE - Essen, Turock
14.04.13	DE – Obermarchtal, Kreuz
26.04.13	CH – Zug, Chollerhalle
27.04.13	FR – Mulhouse, Festival Noumatrouff
24.05.13	CH – Vilters (Sargans), Rockfestival

Welcome!

Hello Friends,

welcome to my new Blog! :)

This Blog is for all of you, who enjoy Rock and Metal music like I do (especially the more melodic side with all it's Sub-Genres). I'll post some News of the Genre, CD-Reviews, Live-Footage and many more ... but most of all I'll give you recommendations of smaller Bands beside the "Big Names" in the Genre. So I hope you'll discover new Bands for ya. It's all about having fun here, so please feel free to comment and share my stuff. Thank you!