AOR Heaven – News 03/2021
This month with news from Escape, FarCry & Brian Island!
::: ESCAPE return with “Fire In The Sky” on April 30th, 2021! :::
After decades of silence, renowned Black Country/West Yorkshire AOR/Melodic Rock band ESCAPE are reborn and returning to the fray with a new line up, their third studio album entitled 'Fire in The Sky’ and new on-location video for track ‘Heroes in the Night’.
This comeback album is very much in the vein of breathing new life into old classics, combining a wealth of experience and new recording technology. Some of the tracks are over 30 years old and were in desperate need of a resurgence. They have been re-recorded, reimagined and brought to the forefront of a new era and audience in Melodic Rock.
All of the tracks on the album are taken from previous Vince O’Regan (Bob Catley, Legion, Arabia) releases but that’s where it ends. The production, sound and energy are all new. With new drums, bass and vocals and any original parts being remixed and remastered - the result is a bigger, fresher sound which, whilst still giving a nod to original, has elevated some already great tracks to a new level.
Two tracks on this album are lifted (with permission) from Bob Catley's solo album “Spirit of Man” album released back in 2006. They are “Blinded by a Lie” and “Walk on Water”. Vince wrote these two tracks many moons ago and felt they needed a resurgence and deserved a new lease of life. Other revisited tracks come from a previous Escape album ‘Borderline’ and an O’Regan solo release ‘Temptation’.
‘Fire In The Sky’ is very much a showcase for the new line-up and a springboard for a brand new album that is already in the writing stages.
This album was recorded at each member's respective homes during lock down, then sent for mixing and mastering at Pro2 Studios in Castleford by Paul Twohig and will be released on German Label AOR Heaven in April 2021.
Escape is: Graham Beales – Vocals; Vince O'Regan – Guitars and Backing Vocals, Irvin Parratt – Keyboards and Backing Vocals, Pete Betts – Bass Guitar and Backing Vocals, Bob Pears - Drums
Official video “Heroes In The Night”: https://youtu.be/48CL03i93lY
Release date: April 30th, 2021
Web: https://www.facebook.com/escape.band.official
::: FARCRY unleash “Balance” on April 30th, 2021! :::
FarCry is a melodic rock band from the Northeastern US formed in 2006, with two successful albums under their belt, High Gear (2009), and Optimism (2011). Playing across the US and as far away as the Nottingham, England for Firefest in 2012, FarCry has shared the stage with numerous acts including Vince Neil, Bret Michaels, Dokken, Firehouse, Danger Danger, and many more with a killer live set.
Shortly after they completed their 2011 release “Optimism”, vocalist Mark Giovi left the band for personal reasons, and later in 2011 the band began working on new material with a new vocalist, as well as playing several live shows throughout 2012-2013.
In 2013 with a number of other business endeavors to deal with, Guitarist Pete Fry dissolved the band indefinitely, with no plans to reform under that name. After a couple of years however, Pete teamed up with new vocalist Bob Malone and started writing material with a vengeance for a new melodic rock project. With the new material coming fast and furious, and overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding bringing back the name FarCry, Pete agreed that maybe the band’s story wasn’t finished being written just yet…
Bringing everyone back into the fold wasn’t as easy as they had hoped, so a new rhythm section was brought in with Leo Sabatino on bass and Rich Yaniro on drums. Rounding it out and adding the power, Jon Giesler (guitar) joined the band and completed the picture.
With roots firmly planted in the late 80's/early 90's heyday of commercial hard rock, FarCry puts their own unique spin on the sounds of that era without sounding dated.
Well suited to smaller club stages opening for national acts, or the biggest festivals among multiple bands, FarCry brings their all and gives everything they've got to every show!
FarCry’s latest release “Balance” was recorded throughout 2019-2020, produced by the band, and mixed by Paul Crook (Meatloaf, Anthrax). Mastered by Maor Appelbaum. All songs written by the band with the exception of “I Am Your Man” written by Steve Newman.
FarCry is: Bob Malone – vocals, Pete Fry - lead guitars, Jon Giesler – guitars, Leo Sabatino – bass, Rich Yaniro - drums
Audio video “Broken Dreams”: https://youtu.be/vKKbnLHjZEA
Release date: April 30th, 2021
Web: www.facebook.com/farcryband
::: AOR HEAVEN continue re-issue series with BRIAN ISLAND’s self-titled solo album!:::
BRIAN ISLAND (real name Brian Cowieson) is a Canadian bass player and vocalist. He has played with many local acts, written songs for other artists and scores for movies & TV shows.
Island was part of the cult cancon AOR band Prototype which released a very good album back in '83. For his one and only solo album, Island required the services of his old partner in Prototype, guitarist & producer Dan Lowe. Lowe, an inventor of an enhancement method for stereo recording (named Q-Sound), also contributed on guitars and songwriting.This recording sounds million bucks indeed, with excellent instrument separation and a crispy edge.
Island's style is Hi-Tech AOR with an high dose of adult Pop. A playground where the likes of Stan Meissner or Ian Thomas hang out.
All the songs on this disc come along in a catchy and highly enjoyable style, featuring strong bass lines, very good guitars and cool keyboards.
If you are fan of high quality Hi-Tech, perfect recording techniques and compact, glossy sounds, don't miss Brian Island.
Initially only released in Canada and extremely rare these days. Limited edition of 500 copies incl. 1 bonus track and liner notes by Dave Reynolds.
Release date: April 30th, 2021
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Label: www.metalheaven.net
@youtube: channel/UC24iczfMPdWMumIYlLg91dg
Quelle: GerMusica PR