9/21/2020

The Lonely Ones cover Queen's Flash massively

Normally I'm not into posting covers. I think there's so much great original music out there that we should focus on. Don't get me wrong. Playing a cover ain't easy at all but I love to see musicians adding something of their own to the cosmos of music. And a massive number of you guys out there does this indeed very well.

The cover quickly tells you what this is all about.

As of today this is a exception. The band The Lonely Ones created a cover of Queen's well known "Flash" in a way that is hard to beat. They must have taken massive efforts to get it all together. 

While the core of the track is left untouched and the soul of the track shines through it's carefully opened up to a powerfull level. At the same time some fine and harder to hear fine moments have also been put inside. Just follow the video carefully and you'll see and hear it.


 
Even Brian May (Queen) and Sam J Jones (Flash Gordon, The Highwayman) took note of the cover.
 
Brian May was quoted as saying, “What a fantastic cover ! I didn’t realise they were going to go into The Hero and the whole reprise ... magnificent !"
 
Sam J Jones adds, "This is one of the best covers I have ever heard and seen. What a gifted group - The Lonely Ones are for everyone of us, from the 1980’s to right now!"
 
"Flash/ The Hero" stream/download link: https://linktr.ee/thelonelyones
 
The band will be releasing a brand new song titled "Real Big Trouble" on September 25, 2020.  
 
Make sure to follow The Lonley Ones further on Facebook.

9/14/2020

EP Review: Another Day Dawns - Stranger (Rock, 2019)

Does really just Another Day Dawn? I think every given day is something special and should be treated like this. Anyway this five song EP goes in very straight with solid Rock music.

The cover sleeve is a bit different from the usual packaging that such records come with.
Also the overall tone is set to straight and easy listening it's not a lightweight pack of music. There's room for heavyness and in some parts detail-work shines through like multi-layered vocals or outworked guitar solo arrangements.

The production is set on big foot with stomping bold guitars. Unusual feelings come up through the heavy punch of the snare. I think this prevents the tracks of the "Stranger" record to be just commercial tunes for standard Rock Radio rotation.

All tracks are held in a compact duration format. You won't get bored with long songs that never end. The band kept the focus on the short and good saying in my ears.

The only downside of this is that no fresh ideas are thrown in. It's all solid and fine worked music but it misses the Aha-effect you may want to hear. Don't get me wrong. There's nothing bad in here - it's just that it feels like already been heard before.

Just the last one "Forget Me Not" gives a idea that the band may be in a more experimenting status right now. The effects come in more often. Let's see how the band evolves in future. Check the band's Facebook to see what happens next.

If you're after some solid Rock tunes with slightly heavy production this EP is for you. Just taste a little here and you'll quickyl get the idea if it's for you. The record is available directly from the band's own webshop.

9/01/2020

Let's talk with Reternity about A Test Of Shadows (2020)

Sometimes there are these albums out there that go deep into your mind. You can feel that they touch something inside of you. It has been like this for me with Reternity's "A Test Of Shadows" that comes out on September 25th 2020 via MDD/Black Sunset.

While the sound is heavy but also uplifting it has also been the lyrics talking about demons and our battles against them that found my interest. Check out the interview with Stefan Zörner, vocalist of the band. He gave us a little look behind the scenes of the upcoming album.

Get into the mood with the title track of the album first.

Heavy Metal Underdogs: Were you influenced more from classic thrash sounds this time?

Hey, nice to meet ya! Uhhh, hard to say… I think, „A Test of Shadows“ is the consistent successor to „Demon“. Maybe a litte bit more uniform and with more catchy moments. More Thrash, more Rock and more hooks to remind, haha!

You and Carsten Sauter recorded the music in the studio on the new album. Do you think that you know best how things should sound like or how came it all together?

Indeed it´s our baby. Carsten and my humble self started RETERNITY and we are the core of this band. No dictators but… musical directors. On the other hand we know about the importance of new blood, critical thoughts and we love to create new music together with our bandmates!

Sometimes the sound is a bit demo-like. Do you want to pay tribute to the days of demo cassette tapes this way?

I wouldn´t say „demo-like“. I prefer the description „typical Reternity“. We are looking for a unique sound and the new album is a big step into that direction. We are very happy with the result. I think too many albums sound similar these days. We are trying to be different.

The cover of "A Test Of Shadows" reminds of a scene in a boxing ring. How would you describe one round in the fight that takes place?


The covergirl is the same lady as on „Facing the Demon“. You can say it is a journey. You have to fight the inner demons and this is the final battle. Stand your ground, don´t fear to fall! Do your best – it will be enough! 

As for fighting against demons: do you think women have to deal more often with them?

No. I think every human being has to deal with inner demons, regrets, nightmares and doubt! We fear to loose the ones we love or never to find love. We fear so much and forget to live. What a pitty!

The lyrics left a gloomy impression on me also sometimes hope shines through. Do you write them up in specific situations or do they evolve over time?

As mentioned, there is a conception. It is called „Diaries of the Mind“ and divided into three acts. So there will be another album, haha! Ok, most of the lyrics are very personal and thoughtful. But there is hope, there is peace and there is a life in light after the darkness! So never stop to think positive, boy!

Do you think people may listen to your songs and find help in them?
Puh. I really don´t know. I just want to write meaningful lyrics. I won´t preach and I don´t know, what is „wrong“ or „good“. But it is a very nice thought… I just want to give some hope and maybe a smile. And don´t forget to bang your heads out there! It´s about METAL music, that´s all!

Make sure to pre-order the album via MDD Records or at Amazon. You may also follow Reternity on Facebook.

Reternity bandshot done by Oliver Laube Photography.