To celebrate release day, the guys have delivered a brand new video. Please enjoy:
FICTION SYXX mixes progressive hard rock with a nuance of melodic rock. The first release from this project was a way to bring a talented core of seasoned musicians together and to bring several guest artists and what came out of the effort is a solid 11 songs of progressive rock.
PRE-ORDER FICTION SYXX - The Alternate Me ($15 + $5 airmail shipping worldwide) Get 3 Tracks In Advance
Fiction Syxx is:
Mark Allen Lanoue - Lead Vocals & Guitar
JK Northrup - Guitar, B. Vocals & Production
Rory Faciane - Drums
Larry Hart - Bass
Eric Ragno – Keyboards
The new album picks up where the debut left off, but at the same time, dials everything up 3 notches. The musicianship, the complexities of the songs, the production and the hooks. All maximized for fan enjoyment.
FICTION SYXX is the brain child of songwriter/vocalist/guitarist, Mark Allen Lanoue. But like all ideas, including musical ones, it is not just about the writing; it is about the delivery. So, after writing the first song called “Welcome to my Nightmare” for this new musical journey, Mark started talking with friend and multi-talented musician/songwriter/producer, JK Northrup (KING KOBRA, XYZ) about starting a project that would be framed around a core of members.
MRR is excited to announce the second Premium Preorder campaign will be for the second studio album from progressive melodic rockers FICTION SYXX.
THIS IS THE FINAL WEEK FOR PREMIUM PREORDERS. Next week an official release date will be announced for the regular edition.
New this week for Premium Preorder customers are 5 rough mixes and 9 (almost) final mix tracks to check out!
New Video!
FICTION SYXX is dialling in on their sophomore release, ‘The Alternate Me’!
The line-up had one change - Larry Hart (King Kobra/Montrose) on bass guitar takes over for Tony “The Fretless Monster” Franklin. This release is focused more on the core than their debut release ‘Tall Dark Secrets’. There are no guest artists on this one and JK Northrup & Mark Lanoue share the lead guitar duties. Prepare for a mix of melody, harmony, soaring slide, and at times SHRED!
Fiction Syxx is:
Mark Allen Lanoue - Lead Vocals & Guitar
JK Northrup - Guitar, B. Vocals & Production
Rory Faciane - Drums
Larry Hart - Bass
Eric Ragno - Keyboards
There will be 11 tracks … plus bonus material for Premium Preorder supporters.
MRR and FICTION SYXX are excited to launch one full track right now – the epic album opening track ‘Tall Dark Secrets’. PP supporters will get a WAV file of this track delivered to them shortly, along with another full length mixed and completed track, plus an exclusive video of JK Northrup in the studio discussing this track.
MRR/FS2 Premium Preorder is available today for just $30
Standard inclusions in the PP Packs include the following:
- Exclusive ‘Longbox’ Cardboard Sleeve Slipcover CD Packaging
- WAV file of debut track
- Additional fully mastered, completed song
- Weekly updates from the artist
- Exclusive Advance Release Date, receiving the CD weeks ahead of an official release
- Names included in the CD booklet
- Additional demos and completed tracks sampled along the way
- Digital Download of completed release ahead of shipping of CD
MelodicRock Records is excited to announce the release of one of the finest melodic hard rock records for 2018 – JK Northrup & David Cagle’s first collaboration together, titled ‘That’s Gonna Leave A Mark’.
There is no doubt whatsoever that this record is gonna leave a mark on fans of hard rocking, guitar driven melodic rock, with a production to die for and songs dripping in hooks and melodies.
JK Northrup & David Cagle ‘That’s Gonna Leave A Mark’ arrives March 30 worldwide.
PRE-ORDER JK NORTHRUP & DAVID CAGLE - 'That's Gonna Leave A Mark'
$15 + $5 worldwide shipping
MARCH MRR DEAL - TOTO TRIBUTE & JK NORTHRUP & DAVID CAGLE
$32 + $5 worldwide shipping
MRR’s Andrew McNeice: “I’m immensely proud and excited to finally be releasing this killer record from JK and David. I’ve worked with JK since the very first MR.com compilation over 15 years back and he’s been there for me as a mastering engineer every time since. His work with me remastering some important archive releases in the last couple of years has only further emboldened my respect for him as a first rate professional and someone who can bring out the very best results in any situation. On top of that, he is a Grade A gentleman who I value as a friend and college.
Everyone I have recommended Jeff to as an engineer or producer has ended up using him and continuing that relationship. But I’ve long felt that his name is undervalued as a writer and guitarist and I think this record is his finest achievement to date and a truly stunning release – in all facets – the guitar playing, the writing and production and David Cagle is one hell of a vocalist who I think we need to work with again ASAP!”
Jeff Northrup: “David Cagle and I had worked together in the past and started this album back in 2014. Unfortunately, it was shelved due to 'circumstances'. We knew we had something special even then, and the time was right to pull out this great collection of songs, dust it off and polish it up. The result is 12 of the best songs put together on any album I've been a part of!
Fast forward to 2017… After rewriting some of the lyrics, some arrangement changes, re-recording guitars and vocals, then bringing in the powerful rhythm section of Larry Hart - bass (Montrose, Gypsy Soul, King Kobra) and Steve Brown - drums (Montrose, Oleander-and Mick Brown's younger brother), the album has truly come to life!
Larry and Steve have been playing live together for a couple years and are TIGHT. I've played on a few albums with Larry including King Kobra, Shortino-Northrup and Gypsy Soul, which began in 1987.
When you hear the opening track 'The Night Is Mine', you'll know right away that you are going to Get Rocked HARD!!! David's modern approach on vocals is a breath of fresh air and I pull no punches on guitar!! With some heavy, powerful rock songs, to more main stream rockers and a couple killer ballads, it's all here!!!
Although a predominately guitar driven album, Eric Ragno does a masterful job playing keyboards on 6 songs.
The title track, 'That's Gonna Leave A Mark' was written by myself several years back, but sounds as fresh and powerful as if written today. Some of the lyrics are based on true life experiences about love, hate and a relationship gone bad, which is reflected in the artwork that was done by the great Nello Dell'Omo. 'The Siren' cuts out your heart and leaves you still alive, clutching your chest. Been there, done that!!! I truly am excited for everyone to here this album!! Cheers!" ~ JK Northrup
Produced, Recorded, mixed and mastered by JK Northrup at Alien Productions Music Studio
MelodicRock Records is excited to announce the release of one of the finest melodic hard rock records for 2018 – JK Northrup & David Cagle’s first collaboration together, titled ‘That’s Gonna Leave A Mark’.
There is no doubt whatsoever that this record is gonna leave a mark on fans of hard rocking, guitar driven melodic rock, with a production to die for and songs dripping in hooks and melodies.
JK Northrup & David Cagle ‘That’s Gonna Leave A Mark’ arrives March 30 worldwide.
A very early demo form of this album was on select digital platforms under the Liberty & Justice banner, but ‘That’s Gonna Leave A Mark’ is a whole new ball-game from the ground up.
MRR’s Andrew McNeice: “I’m immensely proud and excited to finally be releasing this killer record from JK and David. I’ve worked with JK since the very first MR.com compilation over 15 years back and he’s been there for me as a mastering engineer every time since. His work with me remastering some important archive releases in the last couple of years has only further emboldened my respect for him as a first rate professional and someone who can bring out the very best results in any situation. On top of that, he is a Grade A gentleman who I value as a friend and college.
Everyone I have recommended Jeff to as an engineer or producer has ended up using him and continuing that relationship. But I’ve long felt that his name is undervalued as a writer and guitarist and I think this record is his finest achievement to date and a truly stunning release – in all facets – the guitar playing, the writing and production and David Cagle is one hell of a vocalist who I think we need to work with again ASAP!”
Jeff Northrup: “David Cagle and I had worked together in the past and started this album back in 2014. Unfortunately, it was shelved due to 'circumstances'. We knew we had something special even then, and the time was right to pull out this great collection of songs, dust it off and polish it up. The result is 12 of the best songs put together on any album I've been a part of!
Fast forward to 2017… After rewriting some of the lyrics, some arrangement changes, re-recording guitars and vocals, then bringing in the powerful rhythm section of Larry Hart - bass (Montrose, Gypsy Soul, King Kobra) and Steve Brown - drums (Montrose, Oleander-and Mick Brown's younger brother), the album has truly come to life!
Larry and Steve have been playing live together for a couple years and are TIGHT. I've played on a few albums with Larry including King Kobra, Shortino-Northrup and Gypsy Soul, which began in 1987.
When you hear the opening track 'The Night Is Mine', you'll know right away that you are going to Get Rocked HARD!!! David's modern approach on vocals is a breath of fresh air and I pull no punches on guitar!! With some heavy, powerful rock songs, to more main stream rockers and a couple killer ballads, it's all here!!!
Although a predominately guitar driven album, Eric Ragno does a masterful job playing keyboards on 6 songs.
The title track, 'That's Gonna Leave A Mark' was written by myself several years back, but sounds as fresh and powerful as if written today. Some of the lyrics are based on true life experiences about love, hate and a relationship gone bad, which is reflected in the artwork that was done by the great Nello Dell'Omo. 'The Siren' cuts out your heart and leaves you still alive, clutching your chest. Been there, done that!!! I truly am excited for everyone to here this album!! Cheers!" ~ JK Northrup
JK Northrup's professional career began in 1982 when bassist-songwriter Bruce Turgon (Lou Gramm, Foreigner) heard his demo tape and asked if he would like to record with him in Los Angeles. That offer was accepted and the next thing that happened was they were in the studio at Pasha Records being produced by the legendary Billy Thorpe (Children Of The Sun). In the next room, Quiet Riot was mixing their debut album 'Metal Health'. Billy asked JK, Bruce and Frankie Banali to tour for his new release and that's how it all began!
Since then, JK has recorded with, toured with and produced some of the biggest names in music and that list continues to grow today. Not only known as an elite guitarist, songwriter and producer, but also as a recording engineer and mastering specialist. In 2017 alone, JK produced, mixed and/or mastered some of the top-rated rock albums for a who's who of recording artists.
Having written songs that have been recorded by artists such as Foreigner, King Kobra, Great White, XYZ and including television and movies, the list continues to grow.
JK has appeared on over 30 albums over the years as a songwriter, guitarist and producer, and has mixed and mastered many others.
Now in 2018 comes a new album called JK Northrup & David Cagle, 'That's Gonna Leave A Mark'. This album showcases all of JK Northrup's skills as a songwriter, guitarist, producer, recording and mastering engineer.
In JK's words, 'I'm just getting started! Enjoy the ride folks'.
Award-winning international singer David Cagle has recorded vocals on more than 1000 songs over the past 10 years for clients all over the world, covering multiple genres of music. Although a singer of many styles, Cagle is most known for his melodic, soulful rock voice. A few of Cagle's credits include:
- February Fallen: Black and White (all lead and backing vocals)
- Marty and the Bad Punch: Moon Over Baskerville (all lead and backing vocals) *Winner of 4 awards at the 2015 German Rock and Pop Awards
- Brannon: Welton St. and The Road Less Traveled (all lead and backing vocals), and many individually released singles *Winner of multiple international songwriting competitions
- Majestic: V.O.Z, Epsilon 1, Epsilon 2 (lead and backing vocals on select tracks)
- Fiction Syxx: Tall Dark Secrets (backing vocals on Given Sight and Your Promised Land)
'That's Gonna Leave A Mark' guest performers:
Gunnar Nelson - backing vocal on ‘Forever Starts Tonight’
Richard Kendrick - backing vocal ‘Can't’
Kelly Keeling (MSG, Blue Murder) - backing vocal ‘For Sure Thing’
MelodicRock Records is excited to announce signing new hard rock project FICTION SYXX. The debut album ‘Tall Dark Secrets’ is in stock now. All pre-orders shipping out.
FICTION SYXX, is the brain child of songwriter/vocalist/guitarist, Mark Allen Lanoue. But like all ideas, including musical ones, it is not just about the writing; it is about the delivery. So, after writing the first song called “Welcome to my Nightmare” for this new musical journey, Mark started talking with friend and multi-talented musician/songwriter/producer, JK Northrup (KING KOBRA, XYZ) about starting a project that would be framed around a core of members.
FICTION SYXX & JAN AKESSON'S SHADOW RAIN (Both Releases for $30 and just $4 shipping worldwide)
Mark then talked to an old bandmate, drummer, Rory Faciane. Rory is a live and studio drummer that attended the Musicians Institute and now resided in Nashville TN. Rory immediately came on board with Mark and JK as the drummer. Then Mark began talking to Tony “The Fretless Monster” Franklin (THE FIRM, BLUE MURDER). After Tony heard the first ideas for this project, he offered to play bass and added his amazing talents to the project. Finally, keyboardist extraordinaire, Eric Ragno (GRAHAM BONNET, JOE LYNN TURNER) was added to the lineup.
Now the band was complete and ready to deliver the album “TALL DARK SECRETS”!
FICTION SYXX mixes progressive hard rock with a nuance of melodic rock. The first release from this project was a way to bring a talented core of seasoned musicians together and to bring several guest artists and what came out of the effort is a solid 11 songs of progressive rock.
The name FICTION SYXX was created nearly 10 years ago. It is derived from the many mystical and mythical meanings behind the number 6 and sequences of that number such as “666” and “6666”. Since Mark was born on 6-6-66, the mystique about the number six became intriguing to him. In the 80’s, it also gained quite the bit of attention when being ID’d at convenience stores and bars.
FICTION SYXX is:
Mark Allen Lanoue - Lead and Backing Vocal, Rhythm- Lead and Acoustic Guitar
JK Northrup - Rhythm- Lead- Slide and Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocal
Tony Franklin - Bass
Rory Faciane - Drums and Percussion
Eric Ragno - Keyboards
The album was Produced, Mixed and Mastered by JK Northrup at Alien Productions Music Studio, Carmichael CA, USA
The classic 80's band London kicked off the year with a BANG at this year's NAMM show, performing at the Yost Theater as part of the annual Metal Jam. Amidst booth appearances and a special performance for Hammond Organ, the band also stopped by KBEACH FM for an hour-long radio special.
London, (originally formed by Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx) is currently working on a new album, and is booking dates for 2017. Their latest EPK (narrated by longtime singer Nadir D'Priest) touches on the band's remarkable history, their early videos, and how they are more active than ever. Watch it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGSEETrE27I and visit the band at http://www.londontheband.net/
Hard to believe it’s nearly a decade since the last full length Dante Fox album! The guys (and gal) appeared in 2012 with a quality EP, so it’s nice to see them back now with a full 50 minute ops.
As expected, there is some quality melodic rock to be heard here. The band keep everything you loved about their sound from the first three albums and the EP, but give it a slightly more complex twist. I wouldn’t want to say progressive, as it doesn’t go that far, but you can hear the growth in the musical arrangements and the delivery of the tunes.
Delivering some sublime keyboards throughout the album is Eric Ragno, whose parts add a lot of texture and quality to some already fine songs.
This is the pure definition of British melodic rock. The opening anthem Young Hearts has to rate as one of the band’s best songs. Break These Chains has a kind of Dare influence to the mood; the ballad Broken Hearted Man has a great vocal melody and some fine piano parts mixed with Tim Manford’s quite wonderful mix of electric/acoustic guitars (plus the remix at the end of the album showcases the vocal even more so) and Love Affair is big almost symphonic ballad that impresses.
Very consistent, very enjoyable, even if it does take a bit of listening to get to know and work out the melodies and songs. Very produced too.
Coda is a new British/American outfit, destined to be regarded by the few that hear it, as an opportunity lost. I don’t like to stereotype, after all, with rock n roll anything is possible any time, so you must have an open mind.
That said, seeing the name Vince O’Regan in the production credits brings me out in cold sweat as my ears slowly retract into my head in an act of self-preservation.
And while I once worshipped at the altar of all things Sabu, vocalist Paul Sabu has long since passed his best and now resides in a raspy, gravely realm along with several other legends I won’t name here.
Coda also features CJ Curse on bass and Eric Ragno on keyboards plus Andy Pierce on drums.
And while I wanted to be proved wrong, sadly I’m not. Coda is another production death statistic O’Regan can add to his long, long list of (dis)credits – Alibi, Pulse, Legion, Eden, Bob Catley and Escape.
Loud and in your face (did I mention loud?) does not make a good production and as expected, this is another huge sonic mess, with bass parts so loud my speakers threatened to walk out; tinny guitars and badly mixed vocals; plus is Eric Ragno even on here? I can hardly hear his keyboard parts beyond a couple of background fills and some organ in Heat On Ice. The mix is that bad.
Vocally Paul does his best, but the voice is unrecognizable from the days of Only Child and it's at times painful to listen to.
Song quality isn’t much better. Land Of The Free and Use It Or Lose It are appalling and Den Of Thieves and One Way Love just sound like a mess, almost unlistenable.
Elsewhere most other tracks just blend into each other. There’s little light and shade here. The only track that holds any interest is One Friend To Another.
Not surprisingly, this is a huge mess and will really struggle to sell. Vince O’Regan needs a producer and Z Records needs a winner. Neither appear to be forthcoming and certainly aren’t on display for this debut album. I’ll be surprised if there’s a sequel.
Like an overblown Jim Steinman Masterpiece, the new rougher, tougher Khymera explodes with the glorious symphony of 80s keyboards and Euro-AOR guitars that is the feisty rocker Never Give Up On You.
This is a slightly different Khymera than we last heard. Dennis Ward is the only constant through all the 4 releases, joined on this occasion by Eric Ragno on keyboards (an inspired choice); Michael Klein on guitars; Felix Bohnke on drums.
Dennis Ward has the prominent writer’s role here – involved in all twelve, with half co-written with Paul Logue (Eden’s Curse).
It’s a slightly heavier Khymera here, and slightly rawer, with Dennis’ vocals definitely turning up the rasp. But other than that, it’s classic Khymera all the way – that is, European, commercial melodic Rock and 80s AOR.
One big chorus after another – all bathed in layers of keyboards, guitars and harmonies.
At this point in time I’m leaning towards this being the best of the Khymera albums to date.
The quality of the songs simply demand it.
Never Give Up On You is one of the catchiest anthems of the year; Say What You Want is a classic old-meets-new rock ballad; I Believe is fast and free flowing AOR; A Night To Remember is straight out of the White Sister playbook, with 80s synth dominating.
Land Of Golden Dreams has a strong, dramatic Gary Hughes/Ten mood to it; The Grand Design goes into overdrive and Streetlight is one of the more lush, emotional ballads of the year.
Who’s Fooling Who is another highlight – perfect moody, uptempo AOR here.
Closing the album is the big piano ballad Where Is The Love, featuring a very soulful vocal.
What can one say? Three very strong AOR releases in one month by the same label – Frontiers. And all pretty much essential.
But if there’s going to be a pecking order, this just comes out on top.
Terrific old school AOR without sounding dated or repetitive.
The return of the KHYMERA Project - fully in the hands of Dennis Ward
New album 'The Grand Design' out in December on Frontiers
Frontiers Music Srl is excited to announce the release of the fourth album of the KHYMERA project entitled “The Grand Design”, on December 4 in Europe and North America.
While the KHYMERA project started out as an alliance between Italian producer/musician, Daniele Liverani and then KANSAS singer Steve Walsh, it actually developed into a regular musical project when Pink Cream 69/Unisonic bassist and producer Dennis Ward came into the picture.
While known as a bass player, Dennis always sings background vocals with his bands, so it was quite interesting for many fans to hear his voice taking the lead on the Khymera albums “A New Promise” and “The Greatest Wonder”. While the project went on hiatus for some time, it was a natural choice now for Dennis to grab the reins and take complete control (both on the songwriting – together with Paul Logue and Michael Klein - and on the production side) of the new album, “The Grand Design”, which comes 7 years after the release of “The Greatest Wonder”.
“Everything changed this time!” says Dennis Ward. “First of all there were no songs written by outside writers, just the people involved in the recordings and Paul. I wrote all the melodies and lyrics this time, something I had not done on the previous KHYMERA albums, but regardless it was a very comfortable working situation.”
The band is also totally “new”. Other than Ward, no other old members performed on the album. “I was on tour playing with Unisonic in Europe and Japan” tells Dennis, “we had a double headlining bill with Edguy and I was really impressed by Felix Bohnke’s drumming. He’s a fan of AOR and was more than happy to participate to the new KHYMERA album, which was great because his style fits so well. Whilst collaborating on one song with Paul Logue (EDEN’S CURSE), he came up with an idea to have a certain type of choir in the song which he worked out with Pete Newdeck. I was so impressed by the choirs Pete made and how they fit to my voice that I asked him to be Khymera’s “backing vocalist”. His choir ideas greatly impacted the entire outcome of the album.
“A couple songs ideas that Paul Logue presented had beautiful pianos in them,” continues Dennis. “I too had a piano song and asked Paul who played his piano parts in. He told me of Jim Rykbost, whom I’ve never worked with. Jim is a down to earth Piano player, not just a keyboarder. With all due respect to many pop/rock keyboarders the true art of playing the Piano seems to get lost these days. Jim had the feel and the mood I was looking for and took the songs to another level. Since I also needed keys I quickly got into contact with Eric Ragno, someone I’ve worked with in the past and has so much experience and class in AOR. I love his modern approach to building AOR keyboard parts.”
Musically, the new album very much follows along the logical progression of the musical path that was started a few years ago. “The Grand Design” is a strong, extremely melodic release, which showcases the fantastic vocal abilities of Dennis and highlights his great skills as a songwriter and producer.
“The Grand Design” truly offers one of the most shining examples of what great European Melodic Rock is all about: crystal clear production, soaring vocals, killer musicianship and songwriting that reminds fans of the heydays of the genre when bands like Giuffria, Icon, and Signal ruled the airwaves.
“The Grand Design” tracklisting includes: Never Give Up On You; Tell Me Something; Say What You Want; I Believe; A Night To Remember; She’s Got The Love; Land Of Golden Dreams; The Grand Design; Streetlights; Who’s Fooling Who; Finally; Where Is The Love.
He writes, "Very excited to kick off our summer tour with The Babys this week! We've been rehearsing Babys classics like Back on My Feet Again and Isn't It Time, as well as new music from the latest CD "I'll Have Some of That!" Original drummer Tony Brock and original guitarist Wally Stocker found an incredible new singer in John Bisaha, whose vocals and bass playing fit The Babys to a tee, along with Joey Sykes & Eric Ragno. Watch the band's video promo, and come see the band on the dates below. (More dates to follow!)"
Jun 24 Bethesda, MD
Jun 26 Verona, NY
Jun 27 Sellersville, PA
Jun 28 Mt. Clemens, MI
Jul 17 Redlands, CA
Jul 24 Largo, FL
Jul 25 Orlando, FL
Jul 31 Anaheim, CA
Great news for long time friend of this site, keyboard player ERIC RAGNO:
"I'm proud to share that I'm now officially playing keyboards with The Babys! I'm very excited, and prepping for all the work that needs to be done. I used to play these songs in my parent's basement growing up, and now I'll be playing it for you across the U.S. this summer."
The 4th official solo album from ex-SHY/TNT frontman, Tony Mills is out now. A hard rock concept album tracing the death and rebirth of the singer in Scandinavia in 2010.
For fans of SHY, TNT, SIAM, & SERPENTINE, WORK OF ART, DOCKERS GUILD, PAUL SABU, ROBERT SALL, ERIC RAGNO and RAM-ZET. The album crosses over from METAL to AOR and PROG ROCK. Mixed at OTB by Neil Kernon for Auslander.
Produced by Tony Mills for APM Music/Battlegod Productions.
Tracklisting:
01. Time Won't Wait
02. 28 Flights
03. We Should Be On By Now
04. No Love Lost
05. Gate 21
06. My Death
07. Bitter Suite
08. Northern Star
09. 4 In The Morning
10. Somewhere In London
11. Free Spirits
Line-up:
Vocals - Tony Mills
Keyboards - Douglas Docker, Eric Ragno, Henning Ramseth and Robert Sall
Bass Guitar - Andreas Passmark and Henning Ramseth
Guitars - Henning Ramseth, Robert Sall, Paul Sabu
Piano - Douglas Docker, Eric Ragno and Henning Ramseth
