Derek Sherinian and Simon Phillips - Sherinian/Phillips Live Review

Release Date: August 25, 2023

Label: ‎ Inside Out Music

Website

Twenty years in the making, Sherinian/Phillips Live is documenting a special concert recorded at The Grape in Ventura, California, on August 29, 2022. There were 500 people in attendance.

Receiving the vinyl version of the release for review was a real treat for the ears. 

The Line-Up for the recording includes:

Derek Sherinian (keys/synth), Simon Phillips (drums), Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal (guitar), and Ric Fierabracci (bass). That qualifies as a supergroup as far as I am concerned.

Side A begins with "The Vortex." The track is an energized opener. The listener enters their vortex of sound with a series of rapid-fire keyboard strokes, a rock-solid rhythm section, and Bumblefoot at his best with his double-neck guitar. Of course, Simon's drumming keeps the engine running, which always drives this musical machine in top form with the help of Ric's bass during the entire performance.

"Empyrean Sky" opens with a heavy introduction and turns to a lower amperage to allow the six-string to sing. Catchy rhythms and melodicism are featured as Derek builds on it with his talented fingers. The rest of the instrumentation answers the call steadily and consistently. 

"Temple of Helios" has a solid bass line as the track goes through the paces of change. Powerfully blended prog rock is in their command, with touches of jazz peppering the composition. Derek shows how diverse he can be as different high points and drawing back on the volume and intensity make for more changes. The track is colorful and eclectic, and it reminded me of Return To Forever.

"Inertia" begins with computer-age sounds of electronics as it builds steadily, then Bumblefoot cuts loose with some riffs, and Derek adds a soft layer in the background and then steps it up to match the intensity of the guitar wailing away. The swift guitar playing is impressive, along with the keys, to keep it all intact. The bass and drums hold down the back end with steady hands. The ongoing exchange between the guitar and keys reaches a crescendo of sound.

"Alpha Burst” features a guitar intro that calls to the keys again and gets an answer, while the rhythm section holds firm and accurate. Compact and constantly moving, the side closes in a flourish of sounds!

Side B starts with "Barnacus" as the drums begin with tremendous authority as Simon leads into a heavy opener where the entire group's strength merges. Then it takes a mellower tone shift as the guitar offers some nice lines to enhance the track further. The keys change the course and then revert to the softer approach. The bass turns on the spotlight with a solo as Ric shows how much talent he brings to the stage. Jazz tones enter the mix briefly, then back to the stinging guitar lines to set the tone for the B side of the platter.

"Seven Seas" gives the listener time to sail away on the open water of sound. The music paints the necessary picture to mirror the track title with some tasteful guitar. The six-string leads the way as the keys add a layer. Then it takes off, and everything is moving at hyper speed. It was a reminder of the kind of song Liquid Tension Experiment would do!

"Ascension" is quick, clocking in at 2:48. A little ditty on the keys, then some guitar flexing with some pedal effects lead into the next track, "The Phoenix." The energy level again is like the phoenix being reborn out of the ashes. The instrumentation engages with a rhythm section that continues forward like a juggernaut on a mission.

Then, a short intro to the band addresses the audience as their epic "Aurora Australis" finishes the recording with plenty of musical fireworks. All their colors and talent are displayed for the audience as they hear 11:27 of masterful progressive metal.

Sherinian/Phillips Live is a superb live album and sounds fantastic on vinyl. This kind of performance is one that everyone involved will never forget. It is a must-have for your vinyl collection if you love prog metal or prog rock.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-PRMR Founder

October 16, 2023

Side A:

1.The Vortex (04:43)

2. Empyrean Sky (04:20)

3. Temple of Helios (06:17)

4. Inertia (04:32)

5. Alpha Burst (04:01)

Side B:

1. Barnacus (03:32)

2. Seven Seas (05:51)

3. Ascension (02:48)

4. The Phoenix (04:55)

5. Introduction (00:31)

6. Aurora Australis (11:27)

Canadian Prog-Metal Ensemble Derev To Release Debut EP “Leap of Faith” May 21, 2021

Derev is a progressive Rock/Metal band from Toronto, Canada, formed by the Italian/Armenian guitarist Armando Bablanian and the Syrian/Armenian drummer Michel Karakach. Derev’s sound combines the energy and intensity of metal music with the atmospheric sound of old-school progressive rock, while incorporating elements of their Arabic and Armenian heritage.

The plan for what eventually became Derev was in the works since Michel and Armando met in high school while living in Kuwait. At the time, they were unable to pursue the project due to circumstances of living in the Middle East.

After obtaining his dental degree during the war in Syria and seeking asylum in Canada, Michel joined Armando in Toronto to form the band after an eight-year hiatus, where they met the bassist Liam Horrigan who recently joined the project.

In anticipation of their debut EP “Leap of Faith”, Derev has already released two singles and an animated music video in early 2021. “Leap of Faith” features Adel Saflou (Ambrotype) on vocals and will be released on May 21st. The band will also be releasing a video for the track “Turab” on the same day.

Says Derev, “‘Leap of Faith’ is our debut EP. It’s meant to introduce the band’s diverse style and unique sound, merging the heaviness of metal music with the atmospheric feel and rhythms of old school progressive rock, while experimenting with middle-eastern scales derived from the band’s origins. Even though the EP is not a concept album and each song aims to discuss a different topic, the common theme is about seeing things from a different, unconventional perspective and taking the risk of action to make a change, rather than accepting the status quo, thus the EP’s name.”

The main themes, melodies, and riffs came out of prolonged jam sessions between Armando and Michel. From there, they were slowly developed into full songs through numerous iterations of rehearsing, adjusting, and recording demos. Once the structure of a song was ready, they wrote lyrics and worked on the general vocal melodies and harmonies. The entire EP was recorded at home. Guitars and bass were recorded in the band’s home studio in Toronto. Adel Saflou (guest vocals) took their demos, added his own character and sound to it and recorded the vocals in his home studio in Amsterdam. Michel tracked the drums on his electric kit, and then fine-tuned it to preserve his performance, while keeping everything sounding organic. Once everything was tracked the band sent the songs to James Zhan who mixed and mastered the EP.

Derev:

Armando (guitarist/songwriter), an engineering graduate from the University of Toronto, has been an active musician for over 10 years. His most notable work is with the Canadian metal band “Till I Conquer” with whom he has released an EP and 3 singles.

Michel (drummer/songwriter) has been an active drummer for the past 10 years. He was constantly organizing and playing shows while obtaining his dental degree in Syria. Fortunately for him, he had the opportunity to immigrate to Canada and pursue his musical career with Armando to bring Derev to life.

Liam (bassist) who’s also an engineering graduate from the University of Toronto, started his musical career with Ottawa-based act “Open Season”. He has diversified across instruments, genres, and locations (including performances throughout southern Ontario and the release of an alternative rock solo EP as @t_ii_f), Liam is excited to be returning to his bass playing roots with Derev.

Track listing:
1. Tunnel Vision (1:04)
2. Turab (5:15)
3. Futile (8:22)
4. Delayed (7:07)
5. Slipping Down Again (5:59)
6. Ghost of Guilt (8:35)

To purchase: https://www.derevmusic.com/store

For more information:
https://www.Derevmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/derevmusic
https://www.instagram.com/derevmusic
https://www.twitter.com/derevmusic
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1lbmuZcISd67b_t7hLfuXw

Press inquiries (North America): Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Melodic Rock Band Odin's Court Releases Sixth Studio Album Turtles All The Way Down: Vol II

Progressive Rock and Metal for fans of Pink Floyd, Dream Theater, Devin Townsend, Porcupine Tree, HIM, Iron Maiden, Journey, and Queen

Baltimore, MD, USA based progressive rock and metal band Odin’s Court are excited to announce Turtles All the Way Down: Vol. II is available as of 2018 January 5 through Melodic Revolution Records!

Turtles All the Way Down: Vol II is a continuation of Odin’s Court’s 2013 concept album Turtles All the Way Down. Turtles All the Way Down explores deep issues about mankind’s understanding of the universe, the individual, and how each new discovery may challenge what we think we understand about our surroundings.

Brookins comments on the latest release: “This album takes it up a notch from where Dimetrius, Rick, and I left off with the previous album. I think Turtles II has our best material and production yet. I know artists often say these types of things when talking about a new release, but I think Gary Raub’s drum style adds a nice vibe to the sound we previously established. We also went for some ‘epic’ sounding choruses on this one with layered choirs, which are nicely supplemented by the beautiful voice of Michelle Loose Schrotz (of mid-Atlantic based band Brave). I think this album also has a big, ambient, and dense sound, but even with that big sound, we still maintain focus on ‘the song’ because that’s what it’s all about – the messages and emotions that music attempts to deliver.”

The new album features 8 tracks of melodic hard rock, prog, and metal, including an epic piece that is over 20 minutes long with full orchestration.

Track Listing:
 1. A Brief History of Time
 2. Will I See you Again?
 3. Unmoved Mover
 4. Killing Curiosity
 5. Event Horizon
 6. Infinite Regression
 7. The Burning Tides of Time
 8. My Final Journey

To purchase Odin's Court Turtles All the Way Down: Vol II:
CD Baby: bit.ly/2CMoady
MRR Bandcamp: bit.ly/2kcgskr
Odin’s Court Bandcamp: bit.ly/2zF9NSE
iTunes: apple.co/2CYC9d0
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2Axzzb6
Amazon Japan: amzn.to/2CJJlgt
Amazon UK: amzn.to/2CFKTY5

Odin's Court:
Matt Brookins – Guitar, Vocals, Keyboard, and (Studio) Bass
Rick Pierpont – Guitar & Backing Vocals
Dimetrius LaFavors – Vocals
Gary Raub – Drums, Percussion, and Backing Vocals
Jason Pierpont – (Live) Bass Guitar

Official Sites:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/odinscourtband
YouTube: www.youtube.com/odinscourt
MRR Artist Profile: http://mrrmusic.com/odins-court/

Press inquiries: 
Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com
Melodic Revolution Records, Info@melodicrevolutionrecords.com

Concert Review: Iron Maiden and Ghost In Concert

Iron Maiden and Ghost In Concert

Xfinity Center Mansfield, Massachusetts

July 19, 2017

http://ironmaiden.com

http://ghost-official.com

I can tick one off the bucket list now. I finally got my opportunity to see the iconic metal legends Iron Maiden in concert. I have been waiting for many years for this night and it was worth the wait. On a steamy July night, an over capacity crowd at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, Massachusetts reveled in their time witnessing the heavy metal giants perform. 

I have never seen that many people in sync like that, the admiration and respect was evident all night long. You would expect a raucous crowd, and I know we are all stereotyped like other groups of people, but this was an orderly crowd and when we all left there were no issues. So much for the stereotypes, you can throw them right out the window. We love our metal and our bands, and as Bruce Dickinson said, prior to a short dissertation of the world before a song, we are all “Blood Brothers.” One people enjoying each other’s company and the music.

The opening band Ghost is one I was anticipating as well. I had already purchased all their music and found their presentation onstage very theatrical. Of course, Maiden takes that element to entirely different level when they get on the stage. The music of Ghost is heavy and precise. The band’s lead singer “Papa Emeritus III” has put together a well-oiled machine, and he looks menacing as hell (no pun intended there). The “Nameless Ghouls,” the rest of the band, all have their devil masks on while the lead singer is a moving skeleton working the stage all night. The act is a tribute to the dark side and Satan. It is entertainment, an act yes, and I do not believe for a second they are worshipers of Lucifer. When you talk about being happy and prosperous as the lead singer did last night, well, worshipers of the dark master just don’t discuss such things, so there you go. The music is as awesome as I expected in a live setting. I would expect this band to continue to grow a large following and eventually be headliners.

Ghost was a superb warm up band for Maiden and I think everyone in attendance really enjoyed their music and presentation.

Iron Maiden’s stage sets the tone for their shows. With mascot Eddie and the backdrops for whatever album they are touring under, it always makes it a total multimedia event. This was the next to the last show for the incredible masterpiece The Book of Souls. 

All the members look to be in terrific shape physically and Bruce is still running around the stage all night long. He was totally soaked in sweat after only a few songs (as was I all night long). The energy he commands onstage is something to behold. The band has been together so long it is like watching a family joining together to celebrate what they love. You can feel the honesty in their performance. With three excellent guitarists and the phenomenal founder and bass player Steve Harris uniting them to make their way through fan favorites and the most recent recording, it really was something people in attendance will never forget.

The large video screens were amazing. The shots of the band on stage were HD quality, you could see the sweat on their arms and watch their fingers blazing away on the guitars. It made a difference for all of us in the upper sections. It was hard not to keep looking at the screen!

The one thing I did notice that was a blemish on an otherwise excellent show, was how Bruce’s mic kept cutting out last night. It happened frequently, so hopefully that is something that would be corrected by the venue or their own team on the mixing board. I am not sure where the problem was originating from.

The venue is in an off the beaten path area and by the time we made it through the incoming traffic, the only parking left was the very last lot with a 2 hour wait to get out. I learned my lesson when attending such a major event there. You should either get there when they open the lots or pay the price to park outside the venue! Fair warning to those who have not been there yet.

The inconveniences were not welcomed but dealt with in good spirits by all in attendance. And why not? We got to see phenomenal heavy metal in one evening so it was worth it. I had always watched the DVD sets over the years of Maiden and now understand the energy level and commitment of the band and their fans.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

July 20, 2017

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

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Ghost Set List:

Masked Ball

(Gregorio Allegri song)

Square Hammer

From the Pinnacle to the Pit

Ritual

Cirice

Year Zero

Absolution

Mummy Dust

Monstrance Clock

Iron Maiden Set List:

    Doctor Doctor

    (UFO song)

    If Eternity Should Fail

    Speed of Light

    Wrathchild

    Children of the Damned

    Death or Glory

    The Red and the Black

    The Trooper

    Powerslave

    The Great Unknown

    The Book of Souls

    Fear of the Dark

    Iron Maiden

    Encore:

    The Number of the Beast

    Blood Brothers

    Wasted Years