Shadow Eden
http://www.reverbnation.com/shadoweden
SHREDGUY RECORDS recording artist Shadow Eden deliver well crafted, listenable
songs which feature virtuoso performances designed to please the ear of
musicians and music lovers alike.
“Shadow Eden combine elements of progressive rock, fusion and guitar-driven metal into well structured, highly musical, and very listenable tunes.”-Shred Academy.
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Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius
http://www.stratospheerius.com
Led by electric violinist/vocalist Joe Deninzon, who has been called
“The Jimi Hendrix of the electric
violin,” Stratospheerius have showcased their “frenzied mélange of
progressive rock, jazz fusion and funkabilly” throughout the world. The group
will premiere a new single, “Imposter” at ProgStock on Sunday, October
11. Band members are: Joe Deninzon-electric violin/vocals (Bruce
Springsteen, Renaissance, The Who, Ritchie Blackmore, Trans-Siberian
Orchestra), Jason Gianni-drums (The Ultimate Queen Celebration, Trans-Siberian
Orchestra, Rock of Ages, Neal Morse Band), Michaelangelo Quirinale-guitar
(Thrilldriver), and Paul Ranieri-bass (Mark Wood, Circuline, Rock This Town).
Their latest album, GUILTY OF INNOCENCE hit number 4 on the Relix/Jamband radio
charts, 72 on the European Indy charts. Their music has received over 3 million
plays online, and the band has opened for John5, Martin Barre, Gary Hoey,
The Levin Brothers (Tony and Pete), Tim Reynolds, Mickey Hart,
and John Scofield. Stratospheerius was a winner of the John
Lennon International Songwriting Competition, and the Musician’s Atlas
Independent Music Awards.
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Circuline
http://circulinemusic.com
The modern cinematic progressive rock band Circuline features two theatrical lead vocalists, a keyboard player from Juilliard, a jazz-rock genius on guitar, and a drummer with progressive rock in his DNA. One review of their 2016 release, COUNTERPOINT, raves that “Circuline has arrived, time for Progland to embrace them wholeheartedly…easily one of the very best US bands in recent memory”, while PROG magazine describes it as “healthy doses of Yes, Rush, and Gentle Giant, but there are also creeping, [Steven] Wilson-esque atmospherics, cinematic soundscapes and modern tonal beef…powerful harmony vocal arrangements…an intriguing, impactful record that spans the classic and modern prog worlds.” Their debut release from 2015, RETURN, has been called “breathtaking and imaginative, at times bombastic and grandiose, occasionally diving into more obscure sounds that will seem dark and ominous, always propelled by first rate vocal dynamics…a hugely entertaining debut from a band that certainly has set its sights on becoming a prog staple.”
Nominated for PROG Magazine’s 2016 Limelight award for best new band, Circuline recently performed at the 13th International Rites of Spring festival (RoSfest) in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania alongside headliners Spock’s Beard and Zebra. Additional 2016 gigs include the New Jersey ProgHouse and the Liberty Music Fest in Philadelphia. Circuline has previously opened for 20-year prog veterans Glass Hammer (east coast U.S. tour), and has repeatedly co-headlined the traveling Sonic Voyage Fest. The band members are: Andrew Colyer (keyboards, vocals), Beledo (guitars), Darin Brannon (drums, percussion), and lead vocalists Billy Spillane and Natalie Brown.
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Potter’s Daughter
“…just beautiful..I love your voice, and chord progressions are sublime”
-Jon Anderson
Potter’s Daughter was formed in New York City while Dyanne Potter Voegtlin was studying classical piano performance at the Manhattan School of Music. Her piano playing is known to be expressive, fiery and dynamic, her singing both sensitive and passionate. Potter’s Daughter’s unique mix of Progressive Folk vocal music and instrumental Prog/Fusion makes them one of today’s most interesting new artists!
They released their debut album, “The Blind Side,” in August 2018, featuring Amit Chatterjee (Joe Zawinul, David Liebman, Eric Johnson), Lincoln Goines (Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, Gato Barbieri), Randy Crafton (Omark Faruk Tekbilek, Richie Havens), and Ian C. Voegtlin (Chicago Joe Jones Band, Lee Goodness). In 2019 Potter’s Daughter released two follow up singles; Blood and Water (Aug) featuring guest artist Annie Haslam, and This Winter’s Child (Nov).
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Dark Beauty
Dark Beauty mixes elements of contemporary hard rock, progressive rock, classical music and opera to support the dark, cinematic stories that burst forth from lead singer Liz Tapia’s mind. The songs are complex and rich, yet a focus on memorable melodies, story-based lyrics, and lean instrumental sections allow Dark Beauty’s music to appeal to a wide variety of listeners. Originally a studio project, with the album, “Fall From Grace,” the band has been performing live and opening for national acts since its debut at the Progstock festival in 2018. The band was formed to record a three-album cycle telling the tale of Liz’s original character The Dark Angel, her fall from grace and hopeful redemption. Liz takes on the role of The Dark Angel while performing, and the character changes from meek to powerful as the story progresses. While she’s passionate about the music, Liz says “it’s really all about the story. I want to pull the audience into The Dark Angel’s world.”
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Echo Of The Ghost
Echo of The Ghost is a NYC electro-acoustic trio featuring Emiliano Melis, Claudia Chopek and Susan Aquila. Taking influences from synth pop, industrial and EDM, they have created a genre defying collection of electronic driven songs laced with melodic synth textures and hypnotic violin arrangements.
Emiliano is a native Italian, born and raised in Turin, Italy who found his way to New York in 2012. He’s collaborated with many artists as a remixer including Brooklyn’s Cold Blood Club, Los Angeles’ Aloud and Vermont’s Kris Gruen, as well as composing and producing music for international visual artists and sound installations in art galleries and contemporary art exhibitions in Europe and the US. Over the past decade Claudia has shared stages and/or been in the studio with The Last Shadow Puppets, Father John Misty, Hurray For The Riff Raff, Bruce Springsteen, Moby and TV on the Radio, and in the Broadway musical Natasha, Pierre, and The Great Comet Of 1812. Together, they released their debut full-length album “Broken Darkness” in 2016 via Brooklyn’s Mother West label.
With the addition of multi-genre violinist Susan Aquila, they have been performing in and around New York in support of their current EP, “Dance Floor 54,” a celebration of New York City night life, also on the Mother West label.
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Susan Aquila
Susan Aquila is a soulful hard rock singer and violin virtuoso, with creativity and power that keeps her working and finding respect and critical acclaim. “She is a hell of a talent,” says rock star/producer/Little Steven Underground radio host Genya Raven, after playing “Intervention” from her current album, MISS CONDUCT. With a creative range that has included international gigs for favorite musicians in rock, pop, classical and theatrical genres all over the world, Susan’s opened for Lita Ford and Tantric, and supported artists live, from contestants on America’s Got Talent to superstars: Billy Joel at Shea Stadium, Josh Groban and Michael Buble’ several times network TV shows such as GMA, TODAY…. Susan’s played violin and viola onstage dozens of acts—most notably Paul McCartney, Deep Purple, Beyoncé, Kanye West, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, Josh Groban, Janelle Monae, Jay-Z, Barry Manilow…. She’s soloed for U.S. Presidents Bush Sr & Jr, Clinton, is a member of Silvercup Studios (Astoria)’ Orchestra that has played in two-dozen film soundtracks, and in the pit of Broadway plays, most recently: Annie Get Your Gun, Amazing Grace, The Lion King and Wicked.
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Ad Astra
Ad Astra is an Instrumental Progressive Rock/Fusion band that has been active in the NYC/Long Island music scene for over 10 years. Group members Joe Nardulli (guitar), Eric Davis (keyboards), Harold Skeete (bass), Tony Savasta (drums) play with a clear focus on melody and arrangement on top of complex rhythm and harmony. They’ve released two CDs of material–: “Joe Nardulli” and “Ad Astra.” Recent highlights include multiple performances at the New Jersey ProgHouse, a show with world-renowned bassist Stu Hamm, a blistering 90-minute set at the 2016 ProgDay International Progressive Rock Festival, a performance at the 2018 Progtoberfest Prog Festival and a show at the historic My Father’s Place on Long Island. Summer 2019 had them joining French Prog/Fusion phenoms Morglbl on their tour of the NorthEastern US, while writing new material to showcase live. The group is starting work in the studio this fall and winter, and producing their highly anticipated third release.
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Mile Marker Zero
With Mile Marker Zero’s latest release, The Fifth Row, a concept album about the impact of the digital age and artificial intelligence on society, the group blew the walls back at Florida’s RoSfest this past spring. In addition to receiving a standing ovation in the theater and another in the lobby of their hotel after their RoSfest performance, the group is a favorite in the North East Prog Scene. They’ve shared the stage with Porcupine Tree, Periphery, Nothing More, Spock’s Beard and Adrenaline Mob. They became the first unsigned band to be featured in the popular HarmonixMTV Games video games series, Rock Band, and were awarded Best Band (Connecticut) at the 2016 New England Music Awards. Their latest single, The Architect, is featured in the newly released NASCAR Heat 4 video game, available for all major video game formats. The band features brothers Dave Alley (vocals/guitars) and Doug Alley (drums), keyboardist Mark Focarile (keyboards), Jaco Lindito (bass) and John Tuohy (guitars). Previous releases include The Haunted, Mile Marker Zero, and Young Rust.
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The Twenty Committee
The Twenty Committee first assembled in January 2012 to work on material previously written by Geoffrey Langley. By combining the diverse musical insights of Stephen Kostas, Joe Henderson, and the brothers Justin and Richmond Carlton, the band began collaborating on more original material and playing shows in the greater Philadelphia area, building a catalogue and a reputation. In April of 2012, the veteran prog artist Neal Morse launched the “Chance of a Lifetime” series of videos on YouTube, looking for unknown talent to audition for his touring band. Geoff made the trip down to Nashville to meet Neal and had the opportunity to perform some original material for him – material in which Neal expressed particular interest. By the time July arrived, the band had already booked both Radiant Studios and hired Jerry Guidroz as their producer. Recorded roughly over the space of two weeks, the band’s debut album, “A Lifeblood Psalm” was released 1 April 2013 to excellent reviews from the prog community.
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Randy McStine
Randy McStine is a musician, songwriter and producer. He is primarily known as a guitarist and vocalist, whose initial work under the name Lo-Fi Resistance led to collaborations with members of King Crimson, Porcupine Tree, Panic! At The Disco, Tears For Fears, Spock’s Beard, Miles Davis, King’s X, and more. Fueled by a wide array of influences, McStine’s work embraces genres such as Rock, Alternative, Progressive, Singer-Songwriter, Folk, Pop, and Ambient. Listen to his new music at www.randymcstine.bandcamp.com.
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Valdez
Valdez are a four-piece art-rock band from Philadelphia. Made up of ex-Tinyfish, UK singer/songwriter Simon Godfrey, ex-Echolyn bassist Tom Hyatt, Scott Miller on drums and Joe Cardillo on keys, the band released their debut album entitled ‘This’ in 2017. The band possesses a deep and abiding passion for good humor and good songwriting. Valdez are currently road testing a slew of new material before recording their second album, which is due for release in 2020.
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SEVEN)SUNS
SEVEN)SUNS is a string quartet that plays dystopian music rooted in the language of avant metal and hardcore. Their repertoire is drawn from works by band members, re-imagined string quartet versions of metal and hardcore songs, as well as music from the Western art music tradition that fits the group’s sound/time/place.
SEVEN)SUNS did a cover Pantera’s “This Love/Domination” and a cover of The Dillinger Escape Plan’s “43% Burnt.” The videos received over 100,000 views combined and led to features on numerous heavy metal websites such as Metal Injection, SkullsandBones.com, and MetalSucks.net, among others. This, in turn, led to a collaboration with The Dillinger Escape Plan. The band appears prominently on D.E.P.’s final album “Dissociation,” released in 2016.
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Mazzmuse
Critically acclaimed as one of America’s most talented and versatile performers today, Violin/Vox/Freestyle Composition artist Mazz Swift has engaged audiences all over the world with the signature weaving of song, melody and improvisation that she calls MazzMuse.
Mazz combines elements of classical, folk, rock, jazz, free improvisational music and electronica to create a rich, unique and diverse musical experience. She is a singer, composer and Juilliard-trained violinist who plays electric and acoustic instruments and has, over the years, performed and recorded with a diverse accumulation of artists including Whitney Houston, Perry Farrell, Dee Snider, James “Blood” Ulmer, Vernon Reid, Valerie June, DJ Logic, William Parker, Butch Morris, Jason Lindner, Kanye West, and most recently as string mistress for D’Angelo’s “Vanguard Strings.” On electric violin, acoustic violin, soulful singing and improvisation, Mazz brings music that speaks directly to your soul. Expect to be transported.
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2Birds
2Birds Band is a unique strings-based ensemble with rhythm section that explores the boundaries of violin and cello through different styles of music. Fusing classical tradition and contemporary styles, the band presents a new way of approaching strings with a sound both cultured and groovy. They have performed, and taught clinics extensively in Boston, New York, Toronto and France. Their most recent album, “String Groover” (2017) features fiddle guru, Darol Anger.
2Birds are favorites of leaders in the violin world. Says Christian Howes,“2Birds Band are not only funky and sexy- they are rooted in serious musical study and capable of referring at any moment to their roots in Bach, Debussy, Beethoven et al.” Jean-Luc Ponty cheers: “Bravo! I’m glad to see young compatriots at a level that I rarely hear! Very good on all points, groove phrasing, musical expression, and original compositions…” The band features violinists and composers Gabe & Tony Bird, cellist/ producer George Crotty, bassist Evan Wierzbicki, and drummer Martin Beux.
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Book Of Harmony
Book of Harmony is a 5-piece NYC-based Progressive Rock band who recently released their self-titled debut album. The band displays outstanding technical musicianship, a flawless grasp of form, captivating depth of lyricism, great vocals, and complex harmonies.
The band consists of Lira Yin (Vocals), Jon Perkins (Guitars), Alicyn Yaffee (Bass), Anupam Shobhakar (Guitars and Composer) & Michael Sutton (Drums). The album is a powerful orchestral progressive rock project bringing together a multitude of musicians, instruments and styles in a unified harmonic vision composed and written by Award Winning Composer/Instrumentalist Shobhakar. The band draws listeners into its beautiful complexity, weaving a tapestry of soundscapes. Book of Harmony vibrates with a transcendental synergy fusing together jazz, pop, rock and more to envelope listeners in a world of sound.
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Ryche Chanda
Ryche Chlanda is an accomplished guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, composer, and producer. Ryche was a founding member of America’s first progressive rock group, Fireballet, worked on the Intergalactic Touring Band project, played with the progressive band Nektar, and appeared on four successful tours with the renowned classical progressive band Renaissance. Ryche recorded his first solo album, “Trouble in School”, while managed by Tony Smith, who also managed Genesis, Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel. Ryche composed and performed the title track for the movie, “Key Exchange”, along with three other songs on the soundtrack. Ryche also composed the award-winning soundtrack for the movie “Rising” in 2016. Ryche recently released the album “Ryche Chlanda and Flying Dreams” under the Transglobal® Records label. His new band project, also called Ryche Chlanda and Flying Dreams, includes Ryche on vocals and guitars, Ron Bienstock on bass, Kendall Scott on keys and guitars, and Jay Dittamo on drums. The band is working on a new EP, “Searching for Something Somewhere”, to be released at ProgStock (www.progstock.com) in October of 2018.
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Edensong
Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson posted his support for New York’s Edensong; he says the band is “a great example of the contemporary face of progressive rock.”
Edensong’s history as a band is just as long, epic, and unpredictable as its music. The 2018 lineup includes long-time members like viking-bearded singer/guitarist James Schoen, second singer and bass playing hobbit/spider-demon TD Towers, and hypnotizing “dancing muppet” flute player Barry Seroff. They are joined by the virtuosic koto player and composer Kento Iwasaki, and drummer Nicholas DiGregorio, whose improvisational skill, jazz background, and hallowed status as a longtime friend of the band (largely responsible for turning the founding members onto prog in the first place!) makes him the perfect addition to the lineup.
The group’s albums are their self-released 2008 debut “the Fruit Fallen,” 2016’s ”Years in the Garden of Years” (Laser’s Edge). The songs prominently feature immersive new textures, from lush keyboard and orchestral arrangements to esoteric percussion from around the world, such as hang drum and Balinese gamelan. The group’s a festival favorite, most recently appearing at 2017’s ROSfest. 2018 will be an equally ambitious year for Edensong as they will be performing their first UK/European tour with a set at the legendary Summer’s End Festival in Wales.
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Thrilldriver
Thrilldriver is a high-energy, riff-driven, hard rock outfit from New York City. Fronted by singer/keytarist Zoe Friedman, the band draws heavily on arena rock influences like Aerosmith and The Darkness, while fusing modern elements of metal, pop, and progressive rock to form a hard hitting sound that is refreshingly familiar, but all its own. In the two years since Thrilldriver destroyed their first dive bar, these hard rockers have recorded and released their acclaimed six-song Sacha EP, packed headlining shows throughout the area and opened for major national and international touring acts such as Dead Sara and Metalachi.
Heralded as “a powerhouse live act” by Metal Insider, these burners are gearing up to release their first full length LP in the Summer of 2017. The record was produced by the band, mixed by acclaimed Producer/Mixer Kato Khandwala (Blondie, Paramore, The Pretty Reckless), and is sure to melt faces and blow socks off rock fans worldwide!
“A powerhouse live act,” – Metal Insider
“Pedal-to-the-metal, balls-to-the-wall sound,” – Bloody Disgusting
“Burners that are all things rock,” – Pure Grain Audio
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King Llama
King Llama’s new album, RETURN TO OX (on the TTrain Music label is a journey of instrumental compositions with stunningly-weaved elements of rock, jazz, funk, fusion, and hip-hop. With melodic sensibilities and ear-catching chops, favorite compositions include the precisely spry “Sensei,” the explosive bass-driven “Cap’n Mustard Hair,” the rebellious and emotive changes in “Smoking in Ergenzingen” and the introspective jazz journey “Blobo.”
Based in Los Angeles, the progressive rock trio, King Llama features guitarist Ryan Tanner Bailey, drummer Luis Briones, and bass/baritone guitarist Nico Staub. Ryan, Luis and Nico are all originally self taught, and then they all had extensive training (both privately, and at professional institutions), most recently at Musician’s Institute in Los Angeles, and in Nico’s case, CAEMSA in Buenos Aires. King Llama’s vibe, being quite original itself, seems to bring out moments reminiscent of King Crimson, Phish, Yes, and Rush.
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Van Davis
Van Davis started as an instrumental trio playing a hybrid of rock and jazz – hence the name VAN DAVIS, which guitarist Jake Ezra Schwartz coined as an homage to Van Halen and Miles Davis. Their sound has since evolved to include more funk and groove-oriented material with vocals, but the name stuck!
When vocalist Abena Koomson-Davis joined VAN DAVIS, they began collaborating on funky rock-driven songs with compelling lyrics and a soulful delivery. They pride themselves in putting on a fun, entertaining live show with top-notch musicianship, adventurous playing, and powerful chemistry.
One of their career highlights so far was having Stevie Wonder join them onstage in performing “Superstition.”
Their latest CD Come With Me and is available on iTunes and CDBaby.
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Crimson Courtier
Crimson Courtiers was formed in 2017 to celebrate the work of Greg Lake and John Wetton. The trio is Dean Madonia: vocals, keyboards, guitar, Jesse Williams: vocals, bass and drums, Max Brown: guitar, bass.
Dean Madonia is a songwriter, performer, producer and visual artist, currently living in Nashville, TN. Dean has performed and recorded with over 40 bands, released 10 CDs and opened for such diverse acts as: New Grass Revival, Steve Vai, Dee Dee Ramone, Company B, Dottie West, The Romantics, and Ygnwie Malmsteen . He has had songs placed in movies including “Foodfight!” and “The Stream” and with various artists including Tim Dugger on Curb Records.
Jesse Williams is a professional multi-instrumentalist based in Kalamazoo, MI. He holds a Percussion Performance degree from Western Michigan University and is equally in-demand as a drummer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist and vocalist. He has nearly two decades of studio and live performance experience in diverse genres including rock, pop, funk, blues, jazz, fusion and avant-garde progressive music. Additionally, Jesse is also one of Southwest Michigan’s most sought-after private lesson teachers.
Max Brown is a Guitarist, Bassist, and Bandleader living in Kalamazoo Michigan. After studying jazz guitar at Western Michigan University Max began playing professionally across the Midwest and can be found most nights of a week on stage with dozens of different acts.
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Aisles
With four studio albums and a career spanning fourteen years, Chilean prog rock band Aisles have become one of South America’s most acclaimed prog acts of the last decade. The band has played in South America and Europe, and their albums have been published in Europe, the Americas, and Japan. In 2006, they released their debut album, “The Yearning”, through Mylodon Records and distributed in Europe by Musea. Two years later, their second record, “In Sudden Walks”, was nominated for Best Foreign Record in the Italian Prog Awards and the band was invited to open the 11th Progressive Rock Festival Crescendo in France. Their third album, “4:45 AM” (2013) was widely acclaimed worldwide and was chosen among the best albums of that year in a number of specialized publications.
Their fourth album, ‘Hawaii’ was released on July, 2016, through Presagio Records, and it has been widely acclaimed by the specialized media (‘Hawaii is a work of genius. A mind expanding experience’-All About the Rock; ‘A joyous expression of individuality. One of the year’s highlights’ -Prog magazine; ‘A masterpiece’-Neoprog). Chilean premiere rock magazine Rockaxis called it the album of the year. Aisles toured Europe in October, 2016, visiting countries like England, the Netherlands, France and Belgium, and they are getting ready to tour Mexico, including one date at Fest Prog Jazz, and the United States, with dates at the festivals Progstock and Progtoberfest.
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White Bush Unicorn
Once upon a time a couple of Unicorns worked at a fast food joint together. They were bonded by their silly-freakness and shared creative mysticism. Soon they moved to a neighborhood that had a surplus of silly little creative freaks, and started working in a dusty thrift store. It was there that they met other mystics, and everyone was happy and creative and aesthetically pleasing and the Lord rested. Now a fully formed 7 piece band, White Bush Unicorn released their debut EP, “Better Than Nothing” in the Spring of 2017 and have established themselves as Madison favorites with their unique brand of alt-indie-jazz-noise-punk-rock-comedy-avant-garde-circus music silly business. Great googily moogily!
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Zaius
Formed in 2010, Chicago’s Zaius explores a lighter, more melodic side of the members’ musical tastes without abandoning the metal tendencies that come natural to them. Although the band did not initially intend to become an instrumental project, it became very apparent in the first writing sessions that the music was much more fitting without vocals.
All Your Friends Are Dead, the band’s 2011 debut EP, showcased a fine mix of dense and morose guitar playing. 2013’s Divided By Tides EP came next and pushed things further, adding in soaring melodies. The album was met with glistening reviews, with Metal Sucks proclaiming, the world needs more instru-metal bands like Zaius.”
In late 2016, the band began writing for their next release and expanded upon their open-mindedness in writing, guitarist Dann Dolce remarks, “We try not to conform to any specific sub-genre and pull influence from as many places as possible; our goal is to keep our songs moving and dynamic, heavy yet engaging, not letting parts drag on longer than they have to.”
Of Adoration, the band’s latest album is available through Prosthetic Records. The opus was tracked at the start of 2017 with Jeff Edwards before being sent off to be mixed and mastered by Chris Common (Pelican, Mouth of the Architect, Minus the Bear). The record features 8 tracks that peaks and valleys its way through over 40 minutes of music.
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Trio of Madness
Liz Gonzalez, Nick Charles, and Mike Wojik. Original, progressive instrumental surf weirdness. Formed in 1993, Trio is currently booking their “20 years???, Get Us Off This Planet!” tour. Their use of odd time signatures and strange chords have been known to cause strippers to have headaches. It was once stated by Nikola Tesla that “Trio Of Madness will be my favourite band in the future.” Bruce Springsteen once said about Trio; “Who’s that?” Trio was once banned from the Court Tavern for excessive smoke from a malfunctioning fog machine. Trio is still the biggest selling band in the Pleiades. One of the band members helped build Stonehenge.
The band originally had a lead singer, who disappeared mysteriously in 1993, and hasn’t been seen since. Trio Of Madness t-shirts were found on Mars by the Mars Rovers. One member of the band hid his true identity by playing in hair-metal bands in the ’80s. All three members speak fluent Vulcan. The band wrote the rhythm for their song “Deadly Fumes” by rolling a drumset down a spiral staircase. And in a bizarre twist, every victim of Alien Abduction has subsequently become a Trio fan.
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Valence
Frequently cited as “the bee’s knees” and “the cat’s meow,” Valence takes instrumental prog to new heights through their flirtations with modern metal and eclectic yet cohesive compositions. They’re a breath of fresh air for anyone tired of music formulated to fit into a box, and longs for an unadulterated form of sonic expression. The band won an Independent Music Award for “The Reckoning,” off of their 2014 EP, Laser Baron, a strong follow up to their debut Sleepwalker, also lauded for its “many 180 degree turns in song structure, multiple time signature shifts and a whole heap of anthemic drama.” (Alternative Control) Metal Injection included Valence in their end of 2015 list “10 MORE Awesome Underground Bands You Need In Your Life!”
Between the awards and rave reviews, the band has developed a reputation as a crushing force in the tri-state and the southern New York music scene, opening for acts such as Consider the Source, Orbs, Felix Martin, The Fine Constant, Angel Vivaldi, Stu Hamm, and playing the official after-parties for Dream Theater, Clutch and The Sword. Bassist Wilhelmus Sapanaro joined the band in Spring 2016, pushing members Geoffrey Schaefer, Michael Buonanno, and Chris Romano into even more challenging and innovative musical territory as the band readies their next endeavor. So stay tuned for their single release of “He Tried To Kill Me With a Forklift” coming in the new year!
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Cell15
Mechanicsburg, PA’s Cell15 is the brainchild of Robert Scott Richardson (Hybrid Ice, The Badlees). Influenced by King Crimson, Gentle Giant, Yes, Genesis, and Pink Floyd, plus being a recording studio owner, Robert created a concept album about his twenty-year recovery. The 2014 release of CHAPTER ONE garnered “Debut Album of the Year” from ProgRock.com. HouseOfProg.com affiliate Rob Rutz raves: “a driving progressive rock concept album…one hell of a story that portrays a dark life, capture and prison time…will remind listeners of Transatlantic, Genesis, and IQ…would also entice any Kansas or Queen fan.” Cell15 is Robert Richardson (keyboards, vocals), Jim Fagan (guitar), Jon Pyle (bass), and Kevin Thomas (drums).
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Tiles
Hailing from the fertile musical landscape of Detroit, TILES features Chris Herin (guitar), Jeff Whittle (bass), Paul Rarick (vocals) and Mark Evans (drums). Formed in 1993, TILES has developed a style that blends the adventure of progressive rock with an aggressive hard rock edge. The band has released five studio albums worldwide through Inside Out Music and recently commemorated their 20th anniversary with a pair of live recordings, “Off the Floor 01 & 02,” which serve as career retrospectives. “Off the Floor 02” was nominated for a 2015 Detroit Music Award.
Tiles has completed their sixth studio album, the double-CD “Pretending to Run” which is scheduled for an early-2016 release. “Pretending to Run” is produced by Terry Brown (Rush) and features guest appearances by Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull), Mike Portnoy (Flying Colors, Dream Theater), Mike Stern (Miles Davis), Adam Holzman (Steven Wilson Band), Kim Mitchell (Max Webster), Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree), Matthew Parmenter (Discipline) and several others. TILES endorses Mesa/Boogie Amplification, Elixir Strings, Aquarian Drumheads, Eden Bass Amplifiers and Ken Smith Basses & Strings.
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Discipline
The American art rock band “Discipline” formed in Detroit in 1987. Their earliest shows were memorable for raw energy and unusual theatrics. Discipline’s 1993 CD “Push & Profit” helped the band reach an audience beyond Detroit. After a short tour in Norway in 1993, Discipline would go on to perform regularly at U.S. progressive rock festivals and venues throughout the 1990s. Their latest studio release is “To Shatter All Accord” (2011).
Although Discipline took its name from a King Crimson album, they are most often compared to early Genesis and Van Der Graaf Generator. The progressive rock website ProgArchives.com classifies Discipline as “symphonic prog.” Hundreds of users and reviews at the site give Discipline five-star album ratings, which designates an album as “essential: a masterpiece of progressive rock music.” John Collinge, publisher of Progression Magazine, acknowledged “To Shatter All Accord” with the publication’s highest marks in his 2012 review (16 out of 16 stars).
Discipline’s festival appearances in recent years include a 2012 performance at Gettysburg’s “Rites of Spring” festival (RoSFest), and a 2008 performance at the Northeast Art Rock Festival (NEARfest) in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Shows in their native Detroit are rare but not unheard of. Members of the band have performed and collaborated with other artists on occasion, including Phideaux and Tiles.
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Faded Maine
Faded Main is a metro-Detroit based rock band that has been together since 2008. Their gritty rock comes from a myriad of influences including, funk, jazz, grunge, and metal. Al Bushe’s powerful lead vocals are backed by the dual guitar sounds of Mike Batke and Craig Dipaola. The rhythm section is driven by Decibel Brown and Jeff Whittle. Faded Main focuses on storytelling with great music that still has an edge. Though Faded Main performs only a few times a year, they recently opened for Ashes of Soma. Although music is only a hobby for these musicians, Faded Main is passionate about what they do and they plan on continuing to deliver solid rock music to their fans for years to come.
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The Rob Balducci Band
Since his emergence on the music scene Internationally acclaimed guitar virtuoso, producer, composer Rob Balducci has taken the music world by storm. Balducci recently released his newest CD “821 Monroe Drive.” Rob’s astonishing technique, melodic phrasing and total command of the instrument instantly earned him respect amongst the international guitar and music communities.
The Rob Balducci Band has toured and shared the stage with Michael Schenker, Peter Frampton, Joe Bonamassa, Vernon Reid, Richie Kotzen, Andy Timmons, Extreme and many more. Balducci is known for his teaching and has performed master classes / clinics for all of the major music manufacturers and top music schools in The United States, Europe. Asia and Australia.
“Steve Vai – “There are two things that make an effective musician, one is the technical ability to perform on the instrument and the second is an emotional investment in what you are playing. Rob has a really good equilibrium for the technical side of things and the emotional investment”
Guitar World Magazine – “Five Stars , Hum-able shred! What a concept!”
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Lovetester
Lovetester was founded in 1999 as a vehicle to play songs from Rick Bartow’s solo CD Asstravaganza. The band is currently playing shows supporting their new CD, SLOWMENTUM.
Rick met Wes
and Boxy while performing with project object, a Frank Zappa
tribute band that toured the country with various Zappa band alumni such
as Ike Willis, Napoleon Murphy Brock, Don Preston, and Bunk Gardner.
Lovetester says, “We love all types of music – Frank Zappa, Captain Beefheart, Ween, YES, Rush, King Crimson, ELP, Neil Young, Paul Simon, Weird Al, Wesley Willis. We are always learning, practicing and striving for excellence. We know you have your choice of bands and we really do appreciate your support.”
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Joe Stump (“The Shredlord”)
Fans of maniacal guitar-driven releases,amazing displays of power and jaw dropping technical command, please, prepare yourselves as the Shredlord‘s 10th solo album, “The Dark Lord Rises” October 24th on Lion Music.
Joe Stump, known as The Shredlord, has been raining down full throttle neo-classical shred/speed metal since his debut album, Guitar Dominance was released in 1993 on Leviathan Records.
Joe was named by Guitar One magazine as one of the top 10 fastest shredders of all time, by Guitar World as one of the 50 fastest players of all time and by Guitarist magazine as one of the top 20 shredders of all time. He has toured the world both as a solo artist and with metal bands Joe Stump`s Reign Of Terror, HolyHell, RavenLord and Exorcism.
Joe`s also an Associate Professor at the esteemed Berklee College where he`s been the metal/shred guitar specialist for the last 22 years. “The Dark Lord Rises” marks Joe`s 10 solo record and once again the Shredlord has raised his game in every aspect still finding another gear.
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