Joey DeMaio

by Darkgrove
September 28, 2019

Jan is a true talent and a true professional in every way

Share this post

Darkgrove

3 weeks ago

Check out the new album of Mirka Rantanen! The project is called "Circus Of Rock" and it will be out on Frontiers Records in August! Art by yours truly, #artforthemusicFrontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the forthcoming release of Circus Of Rock's debut album, "Come One, Come All" on August 6, 2021. Circus Of Rock is a new band, or rather a massive musical project, masterminded by drummer Mirka Leka Rantanen (King Company). The debut single, 'Desperate Cry' featuring Johnny Gioeli (Hardline, Axel Rudi Pell) on lead vocals is out today. See the video HERE: youtu.be/iCC2KRR4YCs

Pre/order save "Come One, Come All" HERE: orcd.co/circusofrock

"My musical influences in making "Come One, Come All" come from a mix of artists I've been exposed to over the years. My own bands which I've been involved in and, of course, my own musical idols. In music, I love more than anything classic melodic hard rock and that shows on this album. I wanted to make the kind of music I could stand behind completely. The intention was just to have fun with musicians I admire and have everybody perform great songs," says Circus Of Rock mastermind Mirka Rantanen.

"As for the recording of the album, last summer we had all the songs and demos ready. I recorded the drums in early autumn and then everyone else did their part in different studios or at home during autumn and end of the year. Since the album has almost 40 musicians, it was a bit of a challenge to keep everything in order when it comes to sessions. Dozens of tracks could arrive to me on the same day. I worked closely with mixer Kimmo Ahola so that we both kept up to date with what was coming in, what had been transferred, etc. It was quite a job and I still have to tip my hat to Kimmo for putting this puzzle together," continues Rantanen.

“Come One, Come All” has a killer line-up of singers and musicians, a full list of which you can see below. The amazing talents involved come from the likes of Amaranthe, Tyketto, Hardline, Nightwish, Leverage, and more, plus musicians from bands such as Stratovarius, Brother Firetribe, Masterplan, and others.

Hardline and Axel Rudi Pell frontman Johnny Gioeli handles lead vocals on first single 'Desperate Cry'. Rantanen explains, "'Desperate Cry' was called 'Why' at first, but when Johnny got it, he wanted to change the lyric a little bit and it became 'Desperate Cry'. This was the first song that came together for the album. It is written by songwriter/guitarist Ade Manninen and as soon as I heard the demo of it, I was absolutely sure it would go to Johnny. It fits his voice perfectly. Unfortunately, Ade died of cancer May 9th and will not be able to see the release of the song or the entire album. The guy in the video is a "stunt guitarist" because Ade was no longer able to participate in the video shootings due to his health. But he's in our memories now here and a few other songs he plays on. The song is about a relationship ending between two people and the pain involved with that, but after Ade's death, the story took on a whole new meaning, at least for me."

“A few years ago I started to think about recording a solo album; however, I didn’t want to do just a traditional solo album. That’s because people often think a solo album is mainly to allow the musicians to show off their fantastic skills and magnificent instruments, but I wanted to focus more on the great songs that don’t happen to have extra drum solos. I also wanted to include many fantastic colleagues with whom I have played over the years on this album, and in addition a couple of great guest singers. My intention is to get the album released in 2021, when I turn 50. And now this will happen thanks to the Frontiers label. The album will be a kind of milestone in my professional career, my long-term 'dream that is finally coming true' type of thing," says Rantanen.

Confirmed singers and musicians appearing on the album include:

- Jarkko Ahola
- Rick Altzi (Masterplan)
- Kimmo Blom (Leverage)
- Johnny Gioeli (Hardline)
- Marco Hietala (ex-Nightwish)
- Erik Kraemer (Simulacrum)
- Mark Quee
- Antti Railio
- Pasi Rantanen (Thunderstone)
- Elize Ryd (Amaranthe)
- Tommi “Tuple” Salmela
- Riku Turunen
- Danny Vaughn (Tyketto)

Mirka Rantanen has a long career in the Finnish hard rock scene. He has played on 40+ albums during his 30 year career, including releases by King Company, Raskasta Joulua, Kotipelto, Warmen, Northern Kings, Revolution Renaissance, and more. In addition, ten years ago he created the very popular heavy rock band for kids called ‘Hevisaurus’, for which he was awarded the Emma Award in 2011 (the Finnish equivalent of a Grammy).

Tracklist:
1. The Beat (Feat. Riku Turunen)
2. Desperate Cry (Feat. Johnny Gioeli)
3. Sheriff Of Ghost Town (Feat. Marco Hietala)
4. Never (Feat. Kimmo Blom)
5. In Times Of Despair (Feat. Elize Ryd)
6. Crossroads (Feat. Pasi Rantanen)
7. Caught In The Middle (Feat. Danny Vaughn)
8. Plywood Covered Windows And Crappy Shoes (Antti Railio)
9. Edge Of Love (Feat. Rick Altzi)
10. Set Me Free (Feat. Jarkko Ahola
11. Everafter (Feat. Tommi “Tuple” Salmela)
12. No Reason (Feat Marc Quee)
13. Tears Of The Clown (Feat. Erik Kraemer)
14. Burning (Bonus Track Digital)

www.circusofrockofficial.com
facebook.com/circusofrockofficial/
instagram.com/circus_of_rock/ ... See MoreSee Less

View on Facebook

View Comments

Likes: 11
Shares: 0
Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

Darkgrove

3 weeks ago

Latest! Check out Laurenne/Louhimo! Their debut album is coming your way! #artforthemusicWe are positively thrilled to announce the release of the debut album from one of our most exciting new projects, a collaboration between powerhouse Finnish vocalists Noora Louhimo (Battle Beast) and Netta Laurenne (Smackbound), under the banner Laurenne/Louhimo. "The Reckoning" will be unleashed on July 9, 2021 on CD/LP/Digital. Today, fans can get their first taste of the album with the pummelling grooves of debut single and music video, 'Bitch Fire', which features a guest guitar solo by Samy Elbanna from Lost Society. Watch it HERE: youtu.be/iftV4Gv5t-c

Pre-order/save "The Reckoning" on CD, LP, Red LP (EMP Exclusive, limited to 100 copies), & Digital HERE: orcd.co/thereckoning

"With this album, I wanted to capture the essence of classic heavy metal and hard rock and combine it with great melodies and lyrics that have value. It was clear from the beginning, having two strong voices on the album, that this album was going to be full of power, energy, attitude and emotion. I envisioned it lovingly kicking everyone’s ass, my own included, and I think it does just that. It’s pushing us to do better and evolve, yet having great empathy towards the struggles we all face as humans," says Netta Laurenne.

”My inspiration was definitely the thought of empowering and the songs giving a feeling of strength and sensitivity. And us interpreting the songs from our hearts and souls with full force, leaving no question about how passionate we are as vocalists and artists," adds Noora Louhimo.

Adds Frontiers President/Head of A&R Serafino Perugino, "I believe Netta is a truly gifted and talented artist and this is one of a few records besides Smackbound that we will start a fruitful creative and artistic cooperation with her on. To pair her with Noora [Louhimo], who literally blows everyone away with her smashing vocals in not only her main band Battle Beast, but also on Magnus Karlsson's Free Fall and Heart Healer records, is incredibly exciting and an honor."

After Perugino approached Netta about the possibility of some new projects for the label, including a duets album, Netta realized this was the perfect opportunity to fulfill her idea of a collaborative album with Noora. And now, these two incredible singers have put together a storming melodic metal album!

Tracklist:
1. Time To Kill The Night
2. The Reckoning
3. Tongue Of Dirt
4. Striking Like A Thunder
5. Bitch Fire
6. Hurricane Love
7. To The Wall
8. Viper's Kiss
9. Walk Through Fire
10. Dancers Of Truth

www.facebook.com/laurennelouhimo/
instagram.com/laurennelouhimo
www.laurennelouhimo.com/ ... See MoreSee Less

View on Facebook

View Comments

Likes: 8
Shares: 0
Comments: 0

Comment on Facebook

Darkgrove

3 weeks ago

Metalite's debut album available now on a limited edition vinyl! Get yours and follow the link below! #artforthemusicAre you excited? This one will be shipped out in about a month to those who have pre-ordered it! Exclusive 200 copies worldwide. 🥳🥰🤘

Get your copy now! 👇
metalite.bandcamp.com/album/heroes-in-time ... See MoreSee Less

Joey DeMaio

Darkgrove

darkgrove_design

darkgrove_design

Joey DeMaio

Joey DeMaio

Darkgrove

Related Posts

IMPERIA artwork

SLIZARD Artwork

Korpiklaani Album Art

darkgrove_design