Incoming! Rick Monroe

 

Nashville, Tenn. (April 17, 2024) -- Authentic, original, and genre-bending are three ways people describe TLG/Virgin recording artists Rick Monroe & The Hitmen, who continue to push the needle to the edge of format constraints with their latest offering, SIX GUN SOUL, released to radio today and slated for impact on April 29..  Recorded over the last couple of years, SIX GUN SOUL solidifies Rick Monroe & The Hitmen's signature “Blue Jean Rock” sound with a collection of 11 tracks of pure grit; the majority produced by the multi-platinum, award-winning producer, Malcolm Springer, (Matchbox Twenty, Collective Soul, The Low-Down Drifters, Nappy Roots), with additional tracks produced by Lynyrd Skynyrd's Peter Keys, Brandon Britton and Rick Monroe & The Hitmen. The album contains co-writes by Keesy Timmer (Kelsi Ballerini's "Yeah Boy," Brett Young's "In Case You Didn't Know," Lainey Wilson's "Those Boots"), Nashville engineer JD Schuff, Beeler, and rock artist Zach Williams (Dead Eyes). Current ACM nominee, pedal steel legend Dan Dugmore also appears on the album. The album also heralds the addition of Monroe's now permanent band, Bobby Perkins(guitar), Alan Beeler (bass), and Jason Bohl (drums), also known as The Hitmen. The final track on the album is the group's new single "Which Way Is Home." Written by Monroe and bassist Beeler, the tune offers a poignant reflection of the emotionally taxing, untethered life of a touring musician longing fora place to land while being driven to fulfill a dream. It is also a timely metaphor for Rick Monroe & The Hitmen's journey in finding their "musical home," and it mixed by the highly sought-after Billy Decker. The final track on the album is the group's new single "Which Way Is Home." Written by Monroe and bassist Beeler, the tune offers a poignant reflection of the emotionally taxing, untethered life of a touring musician longing fora place to land while being driven to fulfill a dream. It is also a timely metaphor for Rick Monroe & The Hitmen's journey in finding their "musical home," and it mixed by the highly sought-after Billy Decker. Their first full-length VINYL album, SIX GUN SOUL cements their old-school approach to music--to refine a signature, evolutionary sound, one seasoned with sweat equity and heavily steeped with their many musical influencesthat range from Bocephus, Garth Brooks, Jim Croce, and the Eagles, to Judas Priest, Van Halen, Reo Speedwagon, Jeff Pocaro (Steely Dan/Toto), and Josh Freese (The Perfect Circle/Foo Fighters). The result is a raucous blend of rock, country, and southern rock genres.

Focus tracks for the project include "Devil On Both Sides" (a track that examines the internal battle between good and evil and man's duality), "Bad Stretch Of the Road" (an upbeat and a little grungy, definitive genre bender about powering through rough times. Worth noting is the unique use of banjo and Sweepy Walker on harmonica) and "Moonshine Man" (a swampy banger ode to the legendary bootleggers of Kentucky and eastern Tennessee), and the title track "Six Gun Soul" (a foot-stomping country-rock anthem of unbreakable inner strength and the ability to fight back. The song also features an incredible performance from Josh Matheny on dobro).  While SIX GUN SOUL will also be offered in digital and compact disc formats, every vinyl record is as unique as the person buying it. SIX GUN SOUL was manufactured using a special effect color vinyl process in which the press is hand fed a biscuit comprised of remnant vinyl of varying colors and finishes to create an unreplicable, kaleidoscopic record that is both visually and sonically  pleasing.   ABOUT RICK MONROE & THE HITMEN: World-class entertainers Rick Monroe & The Hitmen have no desire to trace the trail of every trend. Instead, they serve up a “poly-jam-orous” recipe they call “Blue Jean Rock”--artistically organic, and spiced with heavy blend of their musical influences to reflect country sensibilities with a rock and roll beat. For fans, it fits like a favorite pair of jeans that never goes out of style—it’s both comfortable and classic.  As a result, the group has shared the stage with a diverse array of artists, from Queensrӱche and Lynyrd Skynyrd to Dwight Yoakam and Eric Church (just to name a few). Monroe has performed in every U.S. state and 17 countries, including performances for the USO, AFE, played in Vietnam for VOA (Voice of America), and former Soviet President, Mikhail Gorbachev. Rick Monroe & The Hitmen have built a solid legion of fans across the globe and recently surpassed 4.5 MILLION logged views on YouTube and over 1.6 MILLION captured streams without the benefit of ever appearing on a core editorial playlist. For those unfamiliar with their music, Monroe advises them to come to the show for a good time and to be ready for “just about anything.” “I love to play,” the singer notes. “And I want everyone to play along. I like to think of my shows as an interactive sport." Rick Monroe & The Hitmen have sponsorships and endorsements with NOS/Full Throttle energy drink, Number Juan Tequila, Tony Chachare’s® Famous Creole Cuisine, Remington, GHS Strings, SE electronics, Roper Western Wear, Shubb Capos, Speakeasy Original, Westone Audio & Fishman Audio. For more information, visit www.RickMonroe.com.

kalandra

The other day I heard a song that cracked me open. It reached right into my heart and touched me where I live. I felt as though the song spoke directly to me, answering my innermost thoughts, hopes, fears, and sorrows. I thought, Yes. I have been waiting for this song to be written. It is a song I would write, but didn’t. Kalandra did, and I am glad for it. You’ve heard me mention them before. I love their music. The song is called “The State of the World”. I heard this song, and my spirit took flight.    And then I curled back in. Because my next thought was how corny my reaction was. I felt embarrassed that a song could touch me this much. I thought “Look at me, acting like a high school girl, getting all fan girlie over a song”.  I didn’t want anyone to know.    And then after that, I thought, “How cynical, that I would feel ashamed for being moved by a song. Of course we are moved by songs! That is the whole purpose of music!” Why on Earth would I feel embarrassed to feel this way? As if to allow one’s heart to open is to play the fool.

Perhaps it is the innocence of the song itself that sparked my cynicism. I didn’t want to be perceived as a Pollyanna. Kalandra’s lyricist/vocalist, Katrine Stenbekk, likely not yet 30, is grappling with many things one comes to accept about the world as they grow older. She laments war, and humanity’s cruelty toward one another. She sings she “must believe that in every human there is kindness still”. She ends the song with the words,“Was there ever a time when it all made sense, or am I reminiscing about lost innocence?” Cynical me thought, yes, honey. It’s that. Welcome to the world.    Better just to shut down and feel nothing, because all there is to feel is pain. This is “just the way things are”.    In cynicism, we come to feel that having any hope at all makes us chumps. We must remain closed in order to protect ourselves from the inevitable cruelty of life. We know better, we smugly tell ourselves.    To Hell with That.    To succumb to cynicism is not only to give up the fight, but to give up the glory and majesty of being alive. That is when we lose, and not a moment before.    Cynicism lets us off the hook. “There is nothing to be done” the cynic says, and so they do nothing. They do not engage in difficult conversations. They do not seek out solution-oriented thinkers. They do not engage in ideas or open their hearts to love.    Of course, we all feel cynical at times. How could we not? We can’t help but question our faith in humanity when genocide happens before our very eyes. In the wake of such horror, it can feel almost obscene to enjoy our lives.    And yet, we mustn’t get stuck here. Because then we shut down, and the flow of life stops. If you have the luxury of reading this, you are most likely not at this moment in active crisis mode. And thus you are able to be present to the miracle of your existence. The very fact that we are able to enjoy the moments we have, is all the more reason to celebrate the miracle of our lives. In this state of openness and wonder, we have the opportunity to carry a torch for a more harmonious life, a kinder world.    We cannot feel our way into a better world if we are not open. To be part of any kind of solution, we must stay present to the flow of vitality. The flow of ideas. The flow of creativity. We must allow our grief and disillusionment to move through us, for in movement, a way forward is revealed. It takes great courage to stand in the face of the world’s sorrow, and still believe in the world’s potential. It is not easy, and we will stumble many times. I know I do. But it is so worth it.    This is why hope in the face of our current circumstances will always be Punk AF to me.  https://kalandra.bandcamp.com/album/the-line

Incoming Erely

Progressive Rock/Metal Phenomenon Ereley has officially joined forces with Wormholedeath Records to unveil their latest masterpiece, "Garden," set to be released on May 31, 2024.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Ereley expressed profound gratitude: We are so happy, grateful, and full of excitement by signing with Wormholedeath Records! It´s been a ride to get to that point. We tried to find a publisher on our own and that didn´t work out. Then we were lucky enough to get in touch with Gilson from Imperative Music Records, who was our intermediator. And then Carlo from WHD heard our music and was interested in us which then lead to nice communication and videocall. That guy is a class A! On a day we were supposed to have a video call, he suffered an eye injury and still was on a video as we agreed earlier. That´s what we call dedication and he already impressed us very well. From that moment forward, everything went smoothly and nicely! Once you hear Ereley´s music somewhere out there, it´s thanks to the guys from Wormholedeath who were able to reach your ears, as we on our own wouldn´t be able to put this off. And for that, we will be eternally happy and grateful. "Garden": Where the Sound Goes Beyond Progressive Rock/Metal It´s a love story! "Garden" intricately weaves a poignant narrative of love, loss, and self-discovery, inviting listeners on a transformative journey through the labyrinth of human emotion. Rooted in personal experiences and introspection, the album follows the protagonist's quest for closure amidst the haunting echoes of a fractured relationship. Each track serves as a poignant reflection of the protagonist's inner turmoil, offering glimpses into the depths of the human psyche and the enduring power of resilience. Ereley's creative process is characterized by collaboration, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of musical excellence. Spearheaded by visionary frontman Lukáš "LR" Réda and guitarist Jiří "York" Réda, the band's sonic tapestry is enriched by the contributions of Jan "Jofa" Kapr on bass and William "Willi" Izmalkov on drums. From the initial conception of musical motifs to the meticulous recording process at "The Barn" studio under the guidance of Daniel Friml, each stage of production is infused with passion, precision, and a steadfast commitment to artistic integrity. Ereley defies genre boundaries, seamlessly blending elements of doom metal, death metal, thrash metal, and progressive rock to create a signature sound that transcends categorization. Dubbed "heavy joy music" by the band themselves, Ereley's music resonates with raw energy, intricate melodies, and evocative storytelling, inviting listeners to embark on a transcendent sonic odyssey. ERELEY: A Legacy of Innovation:

Ereley's journey through the music scene reads like an epic saga, marked by perseverance, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to their craft. From their humble beginnings in Cheb's underground to commanding stages worldwide, Ereley has etched their mark on the metal scene with a blend of raw talent and sheer determination. Their debut LP, "Katharsis," served as a launching pad, showcasing their musical prowess and setting the stage for a series of triumphs on both local and international platforms. The formation of Ereley's core lineup, supplemented by the addition of new members, Tomáš "Birkoff" Vodrážka on bass and Marie Peterová on keyboards, only fueled their creative fire, resulting in a diverse range of sounds and experiences. Despite facing the inevitable hurdles of lineup changes and unforeseen setbacks, Ereley's resolve remained unyielding. Their sophomore effort, "Diablerie," exemplified their evolution as artists, pushing boundaries and experimenting with new sonic landscapes. The road to success was fraught with challenges, but Ereley's resilience never faltered. Securing a contract with MASSACRE Records was a testament to their talent and dedication, propelling them onto a global stage where they continue to captivate audiences with their electrifying performances. Even amidst the chaos of a global pandemic, Ereley persevered, releasing "DIABLERIE" to widespread acclaim and further solidifying their place in the metal pantheon. Their commitment to their fans remained unwavering, evident in their relentless pursuit of excellence both in the studio and on stage. As they venture into the future with their latest album "GARDEN," Ereley stands poised to conquer new heights, armed with a rich legacy of resilience, passion, and unbridled creativity. With each note they play and every stage they grace, Ereley reaffirms their status as torchbearers of the metal genre, inspiring legions of fans to join them on their musical odyssey. Ereley is: Lukáš “LR” Réda - vocals, guitars (and everything behind, between and after) Jiří “York” Réda - guitars Jan “Jofa” Kapr - bass William “Willi” Izmalkov - Drums For more information on Ereley and updates on the release of "Garden," visit their official website and follow them on social media: en.ereley.cz www.youtube.com/@ERELEYOFFICIAL www.facebook.com/WeAreEreley www.instagram.com/ereley6 linktr.ee/ereley

Incoming! Big wolf band

 

Big Wolf Band were recently nominated for “UK Blues Band of the Year” at the 2024 UK Blues Awards. Hailed by music pundits as most highly anticipated album collection of songs of their career, Rebel’s Journey is Big Wolf Band’s second instalment of the Rebel’s trilogy of albums.

The new album is about the growth of the band and frontman’s Jonathan Earp’s personal journey. Big Wolf Band have built a reputation as being one of the best live bands on the circuit, delivering dynamic shows with an expansive range of self-penned songs that cover all flavours of blues rock that truly makes them unique. Rebel’s Journey reinforces this bands creativity, musicianship, and delivery. Each song having its own identity but still that unmistakable Big Wolf sound. The band’s ability to drift between genres while keeping their own sound is a big selling point amongst followers of the band.

“Rebel’s Journey highlights my own personal battle with my mental and physical health,” says vocalist and guitarist Jonathan Earp. “I have a connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (HEDS) which affects everything. I had surgery in mid-2019 during our “Be Free” tour to repair damage to my right shoulder, dislocations, and nerve pain. Unfortunately, the operation caused more pain and numbness and for nearly 2 years I struggled to play; some days to even hold a plectrum."

"Songs like 'Standing in the Rain', 'Black Dog Blues', and 'Living on Borrowed Time' are about the battles I had during those dark days. My condition will always be a challenge but one I live with and continue to prove doubters wrong.”

Continues Jonathan, “the album isn’t all doom and gloom, despite being in the blues genre. 'Empire and a Prayer', my first co-written song with Justin Johnson, as well as 'Got Me Reeling' and 'Living on Borrowed Time'. We have had many a joke with my dark writing style, Justin brings the light and love. 'Rise Together' is one of the songs on the album I am proud of and is all about the power of love, rising together and that anything is possible.”

Mick, Justin, Robin, and Tim played out of their skin. Mark and Sheena as always bringing it all together. Big Shout out to Zoe Green for adding some amazing backing vocals. We even managed a first in the studio's history by getting Sheena to add some gang vocals along with my wife on Rise Together.” As the title of the album suggests, it has been one hell of a journey”. “The most challenging song on the album was Standing in the Rain. It’s a big old ballad of a song, lots of moving parts, orchestral parts, stops, starts and even a thunderstorm. Everyone delivered big time on this album.

2024 also sees Big Wolf Band hit a big milestone reaching their 10th year together as a band. From humble beginning as a 3-piece to the big sound they deliver now as a 5-piece. “Rebel’s Journey” is a fitting name for the album and their 10th year together. The band undertake their biggest headline tour to date adding dates in Germany and the Czech Republic. 

Rebel's Journey - Track Listing

1. Empire and a Prayer (3:57)
2. Valley of the Fallen Kings (5:58)
3. Lay it on the Line (3:48)
4. Rise Together (4:06)
5. Six Strings Loaded (4:19)
6. Black Dog Blues (6:07)
7. Standing in the Rain (7:24)
8. Living on Borrowed Time (3:46)
9. Got Me Reeling (4:32)
10. Crazy Love (3:32)
11. Darker Side of You (4:40)
12. Just a Little Bit    (5:26)
13. Too Many Times (4:20)

Production Credits

All songs written by Jonathan Earp except Empire and a Prayer, Got Me Reeling and Living on Borrowed Time Written by Jonathan Earp and Justin Johnson.
Lead guitar and vocals – Jonathan Earp
Bass – Mick Jeynes
Drums – Tim Jones
Rhythm Guitar and backing vocals – Justin Johnson
Piano and Hammond organ – Robin Fox
Backing vocals – Zoe Green
Addition Vocals on Rise Together – Tracey Earp and Sheena Sear
Shaker, Tambourine, and kitchen sink – Mark Stuart
Produced by Mark Stuart and Jonathan Earp
Mixed by Mark Stuart and Sheena Sear
Mastered by Sheena Sear
Chief Studio Entertainment – Ralf and Susie (M2 Studio dogs)
Recorded and mastered at M2 Studios
Album artwork – Daniel Lloyd
Single Artwork – Jonathan Earp and Daniel Lloyd

Album Track By Track

Empire and a Prayer - This track is the first collaboration between me and Justin,” says Jonathan. “I had all the music and Justin added the lyrics. The song is all about getting in car and going for a drive to clear your head, certainly helps if it’s a nice car! The title is a nod to a friend Mark who helped us out by driving us to a lot of gigs.”

Valley of the Fallen Kings - “This track has it all and gives a different twist to the story of the crossroads and making a deal with the devil,” says Jonathan. “The production on this has a bit of everything on it, 12 and 6 string acoustic guitars and Mark and Sheena really deliver on putting it all together. It is a big old song and one that is fun to play live.”

Lay it on the Line - “This track has the traditional Big Wolf feel, if that’s a thing” says Jonathan. “A blues drenched number with a variation on the typical blues turn arounds. The track has some lovely dynamics in it, drop down section that builds nicely into a solid blues solo. I really dig into some simplistic but powerful bluesy guitar vibes. My guitar influences seeping through my playing. Robin adding a funky style piano, Zoe with those stunning backing vocals really added to the whole vibe.

Rise Together - As in previous albums, the band isn’t afraid to flex its songwriting muscles and produce an anthem style song in “Rise Together”, this song has southern, country and roots vibes to it with some amazing vocals and harmonies. Jonathan says “This song was the most I have ever been pushed vocally by Mark. Lots of praise to Mark for his input on this track. A very subtle change in the melody and the song came alive. I love the vocal arrangements on this track, Mark and Sheena are such an essential part to the Big Wolf sound. Zoe shines on this track with her harmonies, a massive team effort overall. I wrote this song about my amazing son and my brilliant soon to be daughter -in-law and, how they have grown in their relationship, love has such power. If you stand together anything is possible.”

Six Strings Loaded - A throwback bluesy rock filled adventure. Lyrically this song is about making a deal with the devil to get his soul back. This song has an old school rock feel about it while keeping a blues feel. Zoe’s gospel style backing vocals adds another flavour and Mick Jeynes bass line is killer on this track. Mick adds “Jon had a swampy Andy Fraser type bass line already prepared for this track and so it was a pleasure to try and work on his ideas. Jon gave me free reign to experiment a bit in the bridge and so it was great to throw in the odd minor pentatonic fill in for that part.”

Black Dog Blues - Classic Big Wolf Band vibes all over this track, powerful, dynamic, and moody. Jonathan says, “It’s about battling those dark thoughts, depression creeping in and how sometimes no matter how hard you try it still gets you. From a song point of view this was great song to record, and the backbone of the track is provided by that solid unit of Mick and Tim. Robin adds some stunning Hammond runs on this song as well that really gives it that feel.”

Standing in the Rain - “This is probably the biggest sounding song we have ever recorded,” says Jonathan. “This track was a mammoth undertaking and at the early stages of song selection nearly didn’t make the cut. I had the guitar line and some other bits but was struggling pulling it all together. After a bit of perseverance, it came together. I am not afraid to say I have my struggles with mental health and this song is about being lost in a deep depression, seeing how much you are loved but feeling totally detached from it. I am super proud of this song and everyone’s contribution on it.”

Living on Borrowed Time - This track has real rocking feel to it but again the Big Wolf Band manages to keep the links to the blues to create their own unique sound, fours to the floor. Powerful lyrics depicting a hidden battle. Jonathan describes “Another song about battling depression and how sometimes you feel like you are living on borrowed time. I have felt in the past that I am looking over my shoulder, what happens if the next episode is the last and the black dog finally gets me. This really does tell that battle I have with those negative thoughts.”

Got Me Reeling - Catchy blues drenched feel to this. Mick and Tim really at the forefront on this song, providing an amazing groove for the rest of the band to bounce off. Catchy vocal melodies, hook lines and solo that build nicely. The third song co-written by Jonathan and Justin.

Crazy Love - Funky up-tempo bluesy groove on this song. High energy, dynamic and catchy. Jonathan adds “This one if from the locker. I think I originally wrote this way back in 2012 but kept it on ice. Sometimes you just wait for the right time to bring a song into existence, Justin was very eager to get this one on the album. This was a lot of fun to record and remember.”

Darker Side of You - This is a dark and moody number about when love falls apart. This song has a catchy guitar hook and some soulful backing vocals provided by Zoe. Again, this has that Big Wolf sound, the production on this is perfectly simplistic. Jonathan adds “I sometimes like to write about a subject matter or a scenario rather than my own life. This song tells the story about one person coming to terms that they are in a bad relationship, trying to hold it all together but it is a toxic relationship. Robin adds some nice piano on this track. Simplistically beautiful”

Just a Little Bit - Groovy number with some nice flavours of the blues, fun, energetic song with some nice backing vocals and a dirty bassline. Jon says “This is an upbeat little number that just grooves along nicely. Telling a story of holding in there and having that one person that makes it all ok.”

Too Many Times - This is song is dynamic, powerful, subtle with a strong message given the times we live in. It is a fitting way to finish the album with some sobering thoughts. Jonathan adds his thoughts “We really have learned nothing, we still crave war, civilization hasn’t evolved yet has it? The powers that be are always seeking out the next war for profit and greed, leaving a world divided by hatred. I hope one day we find a way to live together in peace, after all we are living a tiny planet hurtling through the galaxy.”

Rebel's Journey 2024 Tour Dates

Tickets: www.bigwolfband.com/tour-dates

MARCH / APRIL
29 March - The Bear, Luton
31 March - Nantwich Jazz and Blues
5 April – Temperance Leamington Spa.
12 April - Arlington Arts Centre, Newbury
14 April - Bromley Blues Club
20 April - Blues at the Barleylands, Billericay
21 April - Hope Tavern, Market Rasen
26 April - Bosworth Blues Festival

MAY / JUNE / JULY
11 May - Macclesfield Beer Festival
24 May - Saltburn Blues Club, Redcar
25 May - Booze and Blues Leicester.
7 June - Lamp Tavern, Dudley
13 June - Red Arrow Music Club, Ramsgate
16 June - Blues Weekend at the Toorak Hotel
23 June - Bluefunk Rhythm and Blues Club, Poynton (double Header with CBO)
5 July – Alfold Rock and Blues Festival, Alfold

AUGUST
9 August – Darlington R&B Club
16 August Warrington Blues Club
17 August - Old Bush Blues Festival
23 August Colne R&B Festival
24 August – Rory Gallagher Festival, Nantwich
25 August - Congleton Jazz and Blues

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER
6 September - Nene Valley Festival
15 September - Red Lion, Stevenage
20 September - Joe Joe Jim’s Birmingham
4 October - Backstage at the Green – Kinross
5 October - Calendar Jazz & Blues
12 October – Boat shack, Upton Warren

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER
1 November - Colne Delta Blues and Americana Club
23 November - Giffard Arms, Wolverhampton
13 December - Emsworth Music Club

BIG WOLF BAND

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY| TWITTER | YOUTUBE

 

Band photograph by Richard Bell

Visit the official Big Wolf Band press release pages

https://www.noblepr.co.uk/clients/big-wolf-band/

Incoming Babylon AD

 

Babylon A.D. announce their brand new studio album “Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day” to be released May 17th on Perris Records. It’s been 6 years since the last studio album "Revelation Highway" came out and the band has grown a lot since then. The live album that was released last year, ”Live Lightning” really super-charged the band to get back on their game and they really put a lot of time and effort into the album and it really paid off. The band had over 20 songs to choose from and they picked what they believe are the best 11 tracks to represent the band's sound and direction. You can pre-order the autographed CD bundle at perrisrecords.com/babylon-a-d Songs like the opening adrenaline rushed driving track, “Wrecking Machine”, the slow burn metal rocker “Pain”, and the atmospheric “Crashed Into The Sun”, really capture the bands diversity of musical tastes and the input of the band members contributions. While songs like “Face Of GOD”, “I Will Never Break Again” and “Sometimes Love Is Hell” are all great ballad musical arrangements and really have some interesting lyrical content and visual story telling that Vocalist/Songwriter Derek Davis has written for the listener. The big hook choruses the band is known for like the title track “Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day”, “White Hot Bullet and the very melodic track “Looking For A Heartbeat” reminisce their first album. Derek Davis is really excited about the new record, "The fans are really gonna love the new Babylon A.D. album. You know what they say’ “Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day” and this album took some time but “man was it worth the wait! We got real lucky to have Grammy award winner David Donnelly ‘DNA Mastering’ to master the album, he’s done many top records we’ve all heard, ‘Motley Crue”, Chicago”, Aerosmith”, Slash” and a whole lot more bands we all know. This guy has got a great ear and knows his turf."   Tom Mathers, Perris Records President shared his thoughts on the new album, "The new “Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day” studio CD is what the Babylon A.D. fans have been waiting for. It is like the band went back in time and captured the style and influence of their debut "Self titled" release on Arista Records. The opening track “Wrecking Machine” is a hard driving rocker & “Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day” has a HUGE killer chorus that you will be singing along with. This release guarantees every Babylon A.D. fan will not be disappointed."   Babylon A.D. can’t wait to start playing the songs live and have some very exciting shows coming up, The ‘Whisky Go A Go’ in June and ‘Monsters On The Mountain’ in August in Gatlinburg Tennessee.   Upcoming Babylon A.D. Tour Dates: May 18th - Retro Junkie - Walnut Creek CA June 7th - Whisky go Go - Hollywood CA Aug 3rd - Fulton 55 - Fresno CA Aug 25th - Monster On Mountain - Gatlinburg TN Sept 21st - Horsefest - Newark CA   CD available at: AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYNBRHJ9 AEC/WOW HD https://www.wowhd.co.uk/rome-wasnt-built-in-a-day/670573060529 PERRIS RECORDS: https://perrisrecords.com/babylon-a-d WOWHD worldwide Free Shipping: https://perrisrecords.com/wowhd GERMANY: https://www.prideandjoy.de JAPAN: https://aor-paradise.com/ JAPAN: https://diskunion.net   Track listing and songwriters: 1. Wrecking Machine 4:16 *D. Davis - J. Matthews* 2. Pain 4:09 *D. Davis - J. Matthews - R. Freschi* 3. Sometimes Love Is Hell 5:25 *D. Davis* 4. Rome Wasn't Built In A Day 4:27 *D. Davis* 5. Looking For A Heartbeat 4:21 *D. Davis - R. Freschi* 6. I Will Never Break Again 7:00 *D. Davis - J. Matthews* 7. White Hot Bullet 3:45 *D. Davis* 8. Crashed Into The Sun 4:52 *D. Davis - R. Freschi - D. Soto - C. Pepe* 9. Face Of GOD 6:30 *D. Davis* 10. Shut Up 4:31 *D. Davis - D. Soto - C. Pepe* 11. Super Beast 3:43 *R. Freschi - J. Matthews - D. Soto*   Album details: Produced, Mixed, Engineered by Derek Davis @ The BADMOFO’s Recording Studio, Pleasanton, CA. Drums recorded by Gabriel Shepard @ 25th Studios Oakland CA. Mastered By David Donnelly, DNA Mastering Los Angeles CA. Photos - Angela Probst - Studio A Vintage Artwork Concept Design - Derek Davis   Band Members Derek Davis - Vocals, Keyboard, Guitar Ron Freschi - Lead Guitar, Background vocals John Mattews - Lead Guitar Craig Pepe - Bass, Background vocals Dylan Soto - Drums / Background vocals Background vocals *I Will Never Break Again* Lane Borchard   About Babylon A.D. Formed in 1987, Babylon A.D. hail from the San Francisco Bay Area, CA. Original members, Derek Davis vocalist/songwriter, guitarist's and music writers John Mathews and Ron Freschi drummer James Pacheco and bassist Rob Reid met in high school before they began playing together as "The Persuaders" making a name for themselves with their powerful live performances and catchy songwriting skills becoming one of the top drawing original Hard Rock bands in the Northern CA. In 1989 the band changed their name to "Babylon A.D." and caught the attention of Arista Records President and industry music mogul “Clive Davis”, who signed them at a live showcase in Los Angeles thanks to their impressive three song demo and a home made video. John Mattews departed the band and was replaced by another high school friend Dan De La Rosa just before their self-titled album “Babylon A.D.” was released in 1990. The album included their hard rock classic hits "Bang Go The Bells”, “Hammer Swings Down” and “The Kid Goes Wild”, which featured Screaming "Sam Kinison" and was the trailer song and promotional video for Orion Pictures (ROBO COP 2). The band scored three #1 songs at Metal Radio and reached Gold status on their first release, which spent 38 weeks on the Billboard top 200, peaking at # 46. Their sophomore effort (Nothing Sacred) was produced by the legendary "Tom Werman" and released in 1992, it produced two more top-ten metal rockers. “Bad Blood” and “So Savage the Heart”. Constant touring throughout the early 1990s and several MTV videos made them one of hard rock fans favorite bands. In 1999 the band and released “Live In Your Face” on Apocalypse Records, a compilation of live tracks recorded at various cities’ across America. Their next release “American Blitzkrieg” soon followed in 2002 and both records were well received by critics and fans alike. In 2008 the band released Babylon A.D. "In The Beginning” on Perris Records, a compilation of songs from the original demo tapes that secured them their recording contract with Arista Records. After a long hiatus the band started playing and recording again in 2014. Touring across the States and Europe releasing the four song E.P "Lost Sessions". in 2018 John Matthews rejoined the group and the band signed with Frontiers Records for their forth studio release “Revelation Highway” Four singles/ videos and more touring followed through the beginning of 2020. In 2022 original members James Pacheco and Robb Reid left the band for other pursuits remaining connected to the bands legacy and part of a brotherhood of friendship that has lasted for over 30 years! PRESENT DAY... Fast forward to 2023, BABYLON A.D. announced new members Craig Pepe (bass) and Dylan Soto (drums) and a new live concert album “Live Lightning” from Perris Records. The new album included their top-ten rock-radio classic hits from their debut album as well as songs from “Nothing Sacred”, “American Blitzkrieg”, and “Revelation Highway”. As 2024 begins the band is set to release their 5th studio album on Perris Records titled “Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day” on May 17th. The 11 track album is classic Babylon A.D. firing on all cylinders, showcasing great songwriting talent, performances and the hard rock sound the band is known for. New videos and singles are coming and the band is currently booking and playing select live shows across the states in support of the new album.   Links to Website and All Socials  https://babylonadband.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Babylonadband/ https://www.instagram.com/babylonad_/ www.youtube.com/channel/UCpQVt2LWl21avPsyLstHJEA open.spotify.com/artist/6sh4WKluS0LOsPdGPerKJ5 www.facebook.com/PerrisRecords/ www.perrisrecords.com