Erik Martensson

Sat
14
Jan

ECLIPSE Continue Their 'Monumentum' March 24

Artist: 
Friday, March 24, 2017
Categories: 
News Feed
 
Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the release of the hotly anticipated fifth studio album from ECLIPSE, “Monumentum” on March 24, 2017.
 
Pre-orders of "Momentum" and/or streams of the first single, "Vertigo" are available here: http://radi.al/EclipseMonumentum
 
Two years after the successful release of the “Armageddonize” album around the globe, Eclipse have established themselves as rising stars with audiences in Australia, Japan, America and Europe (including the 3.5 million viewers who saw Eclipse's debut on Swedish national television at Melodifestivalen 2016).
 
With the musical development and maturity shown across the board on their last two albums, "Bleed and Scream" and "Armageddonize," the future has become clear: these guys are destined for stardom! And now with their new album, aptly entitled “Monumentum,” band’s amazing abilities are truly on display for the world to hear.
 
After touring extensively for two years in support of “Armageddonize”, Eclipse's main songwriters Erik Mårtensson and Magnus Henriksson reconvened in Erik's new studio in the Swedish countryside in late summer 2016 and started writing new songs. The intention was to write and record an album with no compromise on either song quality or musical performance from the band.
Singer, songwriter and producer Erik Martensson says: “With every album, one's way of writing music changes a bit. What you thought was exciting and interesting while writing one album can radically change when you start writing the next. I think we have brought in quite a few new tricks in the writing and recording process while still staying true to our sound. In the end, it all boils down to if it's good or bad songs and I think this is the best album we've done. In my opinion there is not one single weak song on the album and I'm really proud of it!”
 
We know saying your latest album is the best you've done is the oldest cliché in rock music, and so instead of taking our word for it, tune in and listen to the killer opening track “Vertigo” here:
 
 
It's melodic rock that's respectful of the roots of the genre, but with sights set firmly on the future. Fans of the band will not be disappointed and newcomers can look forward to hard rocking tunes with massive hooks from the first to the final track.
 
As Erik puts it: "When I go and see a band I just want to hear songs that make me wanna put my fist in the air and scream along, and I want everyone around me to do the same. Well, Monumentum is one giant fist waiting for a chanting crowd of rockers. We can't wait for the people to hear it!"
 
Better be ready: ECLIPSE are coming to kick your ass!
 
“Monumentum” tracklisting:
1. Vertigo
2. Never Look Back
3. Killing Me
4. The Downfall of Eden
5. Hurt
6. Jaded
7. Born To Lead
8. For Better or for Worse
9. No Way Back
10. Night Comes Crawling
11. Black Rain
 
Upcoming Tour Dates with MORE To Be Announced SOON:
March 31st - Fryshuset Klubben, Stockholm, Sweden
April 1st - Sticky Fingers, Gothenburg, Sweden
April 29th - Frontiers Rock Festival, Trezzo (Milano), Italy
June 30th - July 2nd - Rockfest Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
August 9th-12th - Leyendas del Rock, Villena, Spain
 
ECLIPSE
Erik Mårtensson – lead vocals, guitars
Magnus Henriksson - guitars
Philip Crusner - drums
Magnus Ulfstedt - bass
 
Follow ECLIPSE on:
 
 
Tue
10
Jan

Preview GATHERING OF KINGS Single

Categories: 
News Feed
 
A teaser for the new swedish hard rock project, Gathering Of King's upcoming single "Forever And A Day", is available below. The single will be released soon.
 
"Forever And A Day" is written by Victor Olsson and is taken from the yet untitled debut album, which will be released in 2017.
 
The album is being helmed by producer Thomas "Plec" Johansson, who has previously worked with Watain, Onslaught, Scar Symmetry, The Night Flight Orchestra, among others. "Plec" has managed to fill his studio walls with multiple platinum and gold record awards as well as taking home three Swedish Grammy awards. The cover artwork was created by hugely talented Lizette Lannhammar.
 
Line-up on "Forever And A Day":
 
Bjorrn Strid - Lead Vocals (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra)
Victor Olsson - Lead Guitar (Saffire, Apollo)
Erik Martensson - Rhythm Guitar, Background Vocals (Eclipse, Nordic Union, W.E.T, Ammunition)
Nalle Pahlsson - Bass (Therion, Treat)
Richard Larsson - Keyboards (The Night Flight Orchestra)
Robban Bäck - Drums (Mustasch, Eclipse, Sabaton, W.E.T, Ammunition)
 
The full-length album will also include following artists:
 
Rick Altzi - Vocals (Masterplan, At Vance, Herman Frank)
Apollo Papathanasio - Vocals (Spiritual Beggars, Apollo, Firewind)
Tobias Jansson - Vocals (Saffire)
Niclas Engelin - Guitar (In Flames, Engel)
Stefan Helleblad - Guitar (Within Temptation, Jono)
Martin Sweet - Guitar (Crashdiet, Sister)
Chris Laney - Keyboards, Guitar (Pretty Maids, Randy Piper's Animal)
Jonas Kallsback - Drums (The Night Flight Orchestra, Mean Streak)
 
 

 

 
Mon
09
Jan

AOR Heaven Announces Feb 24 Titles - AGE OF REFLECTION, SUPERNOVA PLASMAJETS

Friday, February 24, 2017
Categories: 
News Feed
 
AOR Heaven’s upcoming February 24 are SUPERNOVA PLASMAJETS and AGE OF REFLECTION.
 
Let’s talk about a bang. An explosion that generates plasma. The SUPERNOVA PLASMAJETS have hit earth, are extremely explosive, and are also clearly more electrified than ever. You can hear their thrill for playing in every note. Add that to their natural knack for hooks, favorite melodies, and creating a wall of sound. That’s the way it’s supposed to be - the energy of the new generation! A slice of yesterday and a hint of tomorrow merged to get to the heart of things in the here and now!
When the well-rehearsed Supernova team discovered plasma-siren, Jennifer Crush (vocals), nothing could stand in the way of their fusion. Elements that belonged together came together. A new generation of hard rock was born - a contemporary take on 80s glam metal fused with heavy melodic rock, combined with a late 90s vibe, and then melded with the minimalistic electronic influences of the now. You only understood “plasma?” Then we did everything right!
Authentic, handmade rock music. BAM! POW! This is how we like it: Fat guitar riffs from genuine guys in jeans jackets and charged female vocals that are just bursting to be heard. Now we’ve come full circle: Back to explosions. Some things just can’t be held back. Even when it hurts.
 
After a year of work in the band’s own Kingfield Studios, the debut Album, SUPERNOVA PLASMAJETS, will be released by AOR Heaven (Soulfood) in February 2017. The band beamed in support from the interstellar realm: Vocal recordings from Hagen Grohe (Joe Perry Project), mixing and mastering by Nils Lesser (Beyond The Black, Cypecore, UMC).
 
The live show is also taking off - the band has already opened for Eskimo Callboy, J.B.O., Onkel Tom, Exilia, Sinner, Double Crush Syndrome, and many more.
 
Soundclips in advance:
 
Line-up: Jennifer Crush (vocals), Manni McFly (guitars), Alexis Rose (drums), Randy Stardust (guitars), Cliff Bourbon (bass)
Tracklist: 1.Leave Forever, 2. Supernovas Team, 3. Hold You Close, 4. Turn Off The Lights, 5. Will I Ever Know, 6. Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me Now, 7. Hangin’ On My Lips, 8. Faster, 9. Fallin’ Backwards, 10. Feel Your Fear, 11. Turn Around
 
PLASMA UNIVERSE
Instagram: @supernovaplasmajets #supernovaplasmajets #snpj
 
TOUR DATES:
12/17/2016 Dresden - Eventwerk (feat. Groovenom)
02/26/2017 Weinheim - Café Central / Release Concert (feat. UMC)
03/18/2017 Wiesloch - Rock und Pop Verein (feat. Pussy Sisster)
08/12/2017 Mainz - Lautlochtrappers Open Air
08/25/2017 Obrigheim - Rock im Hinterland
 
 

Shaping the Swedish melodic rock band AGE OF REFLECTION was not something that happened over night. On the contrary, it was the result of a two decade long process of waiting for the right opportunity and the right people. But then, a lifelong dream finally came true when founder Carl Berglund (guitar) got together with old friend Jan Skärming (bass) - a bandmate from several previous bands - to write songs shaped at its very core by 80’s rock giants. These were songs with emotional harmonies from pure British AOR, with the power of American hard rock, sprinkled with hooks from the new era of Swedish melodic rock.
 
You know those teenage dreams of rock bands we all have had at one point? The bands and the songs that never were, because of circumstances you couldn’t control. Well, this was now firmly within grasp.
When Carl Berglund quit the industrial metal band ONEbyONE in 2013 (coincidently a band where he played with Jan Skärming) it became the spark to form his illusive AOR band. Equipped with tons of hard hitting melodic rock song written, there were a few pieces of the puzzle still missing, and after years of searching those pieces turned out to be Jonas Nordquist (lead guitar) and Lars Nygren (vocals).
In May 2016 they picked 4 songs and published them onto Spotify, iTunes, and a few other places with amazing reviews and response.  In August 2016, the band signed a deal with AOR Heaven for a February 2017 release, and about that time they also added drummer Michael Sjöö (SEVEN TEARS, ONEbyONE) to complete their band. The album was recorded in Studio Thinner, the band's own studio, in the spring of 2016 in the band's hometown of Vasteras, Sweden. The album is also produced by AGE of REFLECTION but the mixing and mastering is done by Erik Mårtensson, Blowout Productions (Eclipse, WET a.o).
 
Age Of Reflections has a multifaceted meaning. Partly so, it means that we’re living in a time where we need to stop and reflect on what the consequences of our actions will be, what will happen if we do not take care of our planet, but also the band reflects of what at one time created their interest in music and they want to recreate the same feeling. Last but not least, the first letters of the bands name's also what we love and want to pass on, AOR.
Right now the band is ready to spread their music worldwide and is certainly looking forward to see you on the arenas.
 
Sound clips in advance:
 
Line-up: Carl Berglund: Guitar, Background vocals, Keyboard; Jan Skärming: Bass, Background vocals; Lars Nygren: Lead Vocals, Background vocals; Jonas Nordquist: Lead guitar; Michael Sjöö: Drums
Track list: 1. Borderline, 2. The mirror never lies, 3. Every time, 4. In the heat of the night, 5. Always, 6. Evelyn, 7. Blame it on my heart, 8. Now and forever, 9. You are my light, 10. Dying for your love, 11. Every time (alternative version)
 
 
       
 
Fri
16
Dec

20FROM20 (1996-2016) - 20 Essential Melodic Rock Guitarists

Artist: 
Categories: 
MelRock Awards
Year: 
2016
 
20 Essential Melodic Rock Guitarists
 
20 essential guitarists that we couldn’t have lived without over the past 20 years. There are of course many more, but this is 20 that have really stood out for me and contributed so many records to my collection. Hopefully this list will remind you of their contributions to this scene over the past 20 years.
 
In no particular order:
 
- Magnus Karlsson (Allen/Lande, Starbreaker, Freefall, Primal Fear, Last Tribe, Kiske Sommerville)
 
- Erik Martensson (Eclipse, W.E.T, Toby Hitchcock, Jimi Jamison, The Friday Nights, Ammunition, Nordic Union)
 
- Magnus Henriksson (Eclipse, W.E.T, Toby Hitchcock, Jimi Jamison, Nordic Union)
 
- Steve Lukather (Toto, Solo, Ringo Starr)
 
- Mike Slamer (Steelhouse Lane, Terry Brock, Overland, Ozone, Chris Ousey, 7th Key)
 
- Vic Rivera (Adriangale, Ted Poley, Poley/Rivera)
 
- Jim Peterik (Pride Of Lions, Solo, Kelly Keagy, Marc Scherer, Mecca, Jimi Jamison)
 
- Mike Aquino (Pride Of Lions, Kelly Keagy, Marc Scherer, Mecca, Jimi Jamison)
 
- Pete Lesperance (Harem Scarem, Fair Ground, Solo, Hess, Fiore)
 
- Brad Gillis (Night Ranger)
 
- Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big, Solo)
 
- Rob Marcello (Danger Danger, Marcello/Vestry, Solo)
 
- Rick Springfield (Solo)
 
- Jimi Bell (House Of Lords, Maxx Explosion, James Christian, Robin Beck)
 
- Stevie Janevski (The Radio Sun, Black Majesty, Square One)
 
- Neal Schon (Journey, Solo, Santana, Planet US, Soul Sirkus)
 
- Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake, Night Ranger, Joel Hoekstra’s 13, Jack Blades, Michael Sweet)
 
- Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen)
 
- Vivian Campbell (Riverdogs, Def Leppard, Last In Line)
 
- Tony Clarkin (Magnum, Hard Rain)

 

 
Thu
13
Oct

STEVE WARINER Guests On Swedish Country Rocker HICKS' New Single

Artist: 
Categories: 
News Feed

In 2014, Hicks became the first Swedish country artist to hit the Music Row Top 80 published chart with his debut US release, "Hayride." Hicks also became the first Swede to place his first 3 single releases in the New Music Weekly Top 15...

Now, Hicks has combined his chart-topping songwriting chops with those of country music legend, Steve Wariner on the brand new single release, "Stomp A Little Louder." The new single from Hicks featuring Ryan and Steve Wariner is being released to country radio on October 12th via MTS Records. In addition to co-writing the song, Steve Wariner plays guitar on the track, while his son, Ryan is featured on slide guitar.
Produced by Hicks partner in crime and brother in arms Erik Martensson.

The video was produced in cooperation with GASP/Better Bodies, the clothing line that Hicks wears in his music videos and on stage. It was shot on location at Destination Dallas in Texas. In the video, Hicks works out with professional body builders, fitness girls, and athletes from all areas of expertise. Steve Wariner also makes a cameo appearance in the just-released video:
 


The song will be on all didgital downloads on Friday the 21:st of Oct.

"The message of the song applies to life, in general," said Hicks. "Whatever you want out of life..Stomp A Little Louder, to get it!"

Hicks was the 2013 British CMA Awards' Euro Act of the Year, a 2015 Indie Music Channel Awards winner, an Akademia Award Winner, and an Independent Country Music Association Award Winner. He is also a Nashville Universe Award Nominee, a New Music Awards nominee and an IMEA Award Nominee. For more information on Hicks, please visit
www.hickscountry.com.
www.facebook.com/hickscountry
www.twitter.com/hickscountry
 
Thu
24
Mar

ERIK MÅRTENSSON Joins Melodic Rock Project GATHERING OF KINGS

Categories: 
News Feed

It is with great pleasure that we can announce our twelfth king. As one of the singers, guitarists and songwriters, please welcome Mr. Erik Mårtensson!
 
Erik Martensson is most known as vocalist in Swedish Hard Rock band ECLIPSE and as guitarist in W.E.T. with Jeff Scott Soto on vocals. He is also famous as producer, mixing engineer, musician and songwriter working for bands and artists like Ronnie Atkins (Pretty Maids, Nordic Union), Giant, Jimi Jamison, Doug Aldrich, Primal Fear, Seventh Wonder, Ammunition, Unleashed and many, many more.
 
Gathering Of Kings can best be described as a swedish AOR/Melodic Rock Phenomena-type-project. The yet untitled debut album will be produced, mixed and mastered by Thomas ”Plec” Johansson (Watain, Onslaught, Scar Symmetry, Solution. 45, The Night Flight Orchestra).

Gathering Of Kings have now confirmed the following artists:

VOCALS:
* Björn Strid (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra)
* Tobias Jansson (Saffire, Evil Masquerade)
* Rick Altzi (Masterplan, At Vance, Herman Frank)
* Apollo Papathanasio (Spiritual Beggars, Firewind, Evil Masquerade)
* Erik Mårtensson (Eclipse, W.E.T, Nordic Union)

GUITARS:
* Victor Olsson (Saffire)
* Chris Laney (Randy Piper’s Animal, Shotgun)
* Stefan Helleblad (Within Temptation, Jono)

BASS:
* Nalle Påhlsson (Therion, Treat, Last Autumn’s Dream)

KEYBOARDS:
* Richard Larsson (The Night Flight Orchestra)

DRUMS:
* Robban Bäck (Mustasch, Eclipse, Sabaton, W.E.T)
* Jonas Källsbäck (The Night Flight Orchestra, Mean Streak)

More members will be announced soon!!
Until that… don’t forget to spread the word. Make sure 2 follow GoK on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/gatheringofkingsswedenand on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gathering_of_kings/

Photo Credit: Annicka Nilsson (Rocknytt / Annicka Photography)
 
Mon
08
Feb

One On One With Mitch Lafon - NORDIC UNION & GEOFF TATE

Artist: 
Release Year: 
2015
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Categories: 
Podcasts & Radio

SINGER GEOFF TATE as well as NORDIC UNION's ERIK MARTENSSON join Mitch for episode 193 of One On One With Mitch Lafon.
 
In the show's first interview GEOFF TATE discusses his current North American tour, the 30th anniversary of RAGE FOR ORDER, looks back on the Hear In The Now Frontier album, his voice and much more. In our second interview, we speak with guitarist ERIK MARTENSSON from Eclipse about his Nordic Union album with Pretty Maids singer Ronnie Atkins, his motocross career, his accident and recovery, working with Survivor's Jimi Jamison, the upcoming deluxe edition of ECLIPSE's ARMAGEDDONIZE album, EuroVison and a lot more.
 
http://www.spreaker.com/user/talkingmetal/1on1-mitch-lafon-193-geoff-tate-nordic-u

Quote from the GEOFF TATE interview:

Rage For Order: "My mindset was that I wanted to make a record of music that was composed mainly of non-musical instruments."

Hear In The Now Frontier: "I've probably listened to that album twice."

On maintaining his voice: "I try to live a moderate lifestyle without too many indulgences. It's a full time job because life is so rich."

Quote from the NORDIC UNION interview:

On making music: "I always do the music that I want to hear. I write from the heart."

Nordic Union: "The only plan was to do an album. We didn't even know if people were going to like the album."

On Music being 'plan B' in life: "I wanted to drive motocross and that was the only thing I was focused on doing."

For more about GEOFF TATE visit:
Online: http://geofftate.com and http://operationmindcrime.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GeoffTateOfficial and http://www.facebook.com/operationmindcrimeband
TWITTER: @geofftate
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/08kcNcZ6hOVotcVof8QbnX

For more about ERIK MARTENSSEN, ECLIPSE and NORDIC UNION visit:
Online: http://www.eclipsemania.com
TWITTER: @blowoutprod & @eclipsesweden
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EclipseSweden & http://www.facebook.com/RonnieAtkinsOfficial
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5coESPsUNjP98Jd3SYbIyH

Follow Mitch Lafon on Twitter: @mitchlafon
One on One With Mitch Lafon's Official Twitter is: @1On1WithMitch
And Official Facebook page is: http://www.facebook.com/OneOnOneMitchLafon
 
Sat
06
Feb

ECLIPSE Upgrade 'Armageddonize' to Deluxe Edition

Artist: 
Friday, February 20, 2015
Categories: 
News Feed

 

Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the release of an expanded edition of ECLIPSE's hit album “Armageddonize” in conjunction with the band’s forthcoming appearance at Melodifestivalen in Sweden! The “Armageddonize (Deluxe Edition)” will be released on February 28th in Sweden, March 15th in the rest of Europe and April 18th in North America.

The new and expanded edition in 2CD glossy digipak (first pressing only) includes the song “Runaways”, which the band will exclusively perform for the first time during their Melodifestivalen appearance at the Gavlerinken Arena in Gävle, Sweden on the evening of February 27th. [The band and Frontiers strongly encourages all the fans to vote for the song in order to increase the possibilities for the band to pass to the final night in Stockholm on the 12th of March.]

Besides the new song “Runaways”, the album also includes a bonus CD featuring live songs, 2 rare cuts (originally b-sides of the “Bleed and Scream” single, only released via Sweden Rock Magazine) and 3 original, Japan-only bonus tracks. Full tracklisting:

CD1
1. I Don't Wanna Say I'm Sorry
2. Stand On Your Feet
3. Runaways (Album Version)*
4. The Storm
5. Blood Enemies
6. Wide Open
7. Live Like I'm Dying
8. Breakdown
9. Love Bites
10. Caught Up In The Rush
11. One Life - My Life
12. All Died Young

*Melodifestivalen song / bonus track added to the regular edition

CD2
1. I Don't Wanna Say I'm Sorry (Live)
2. Stand On Your Feet (Live)
3. Wake Me Up (Live)
4. The Storm (Live)
5. Battlegrounds (Live)
6. Breakdown (Live)
7. Wide Open (Live)
8. Blood Enemies (Live)
9. Ain't Dead Yet (Live)
10. Bleed & Scream (Live)
11. Breaking My Heart Again (Live)
12. Come Hell Or High Water (Bonus Track) §
13. Into The Fire (Bonus Track) §
14. The Storm (Acoustic)**
15. I Don't Wanna Say I'm Sorry (Acoustic)**
16. Battlegrounds (Acoustic)**.

The Live tracks are all brand new and unreleased. Bonus tracks listed with "§" have been released only as a B-side of the “Bleed and Scream” CD single for Sweden Rock Magazine. Bonus tracks listed with "**" have only been released in Japan to date.

ECLIPSE
Erik Mårtensson – vocals, guitars
Magnus Henriksson – guitars 
Magnus Ulfstedt – bass
Philip Crusner – drums

 
Tue
02
Feb

NORDIC UNION - Nordic Union (Review)

information persons: 
content: 
94%
Produced By: 
Erik Martensson
Running Time: 
41
Release Date: 
2016
Released: 
Worldwide
Musical Style: 
Melodic Hard Rock
Label: 
Frontiers
Artist: 
Score: 
94
Release Year: 
2015
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Categories: 
Reviews
 
Ever get an album that does exactly what you expect it to do, with the added bonus of blowing your mind with the quality of the songs? Nordic Union (the pairing of Swedish legend in the making Erik Martensson and Pretty Maids’ frontman Ronnie Atkins) is everything you’d expect if familiar with the output of both individuals.
 
Erik of course is the frontman for Eclipse, whose albums are an absolutely essential requirement for fans of classic melodic hard rock. He’s also the man behind the just as essential and critically acclaimed albums from Jimi Jamison, Toby Hitchcock and W.E.T.
So this is precisely the best of Erik (recent Eclipse, WET and Adrenalin Rush) meets a more melodic Pretty Maids (think My Soul To Take). Raspy vocals meets the highly polished and articulately mixed, bombastic hard rock style of Erik Martensson.
Exactly what you’d expect, but boy does this baby have a monster sound and a vacuum of energy that just sucks you in. It’s catchy, it’s powerful and it’s a marvellous pairing.
 
The War Has Begun is a strong opener, starting slow and building intensity, featuring a good chorus and some great guitar work. It’s a foundation song that the album builds upon.
Hypocrisy has a typically Eclipse feel to it, not to mention part W.E.T also. The songs stays within itself until the monster chorus bursts to life and builds the pace. Then it never lets go.
Wide Awake is nothing to do with the Eclipse tune, apart from a similar thumping beat and a very melodic vocal from Ronnie. It’s a catchy commercial rocker with layers of music to get through.
 
Every Heartbeat is another track with a strong Eclipse feel. The classy ballad builds from a moody intro to an intense full band second half. Possibly the best vocal I’ve ever heard from Ronnie, he really stretches here for a great result.
When Death Is Calling is probably the stand out commercial hard rocker of the album and is an instant like. It’s the fastest track thus far and features a huge crashing beat, a great chorus and a monster sound.
21 Guns is another instant classic for me. Some keyboards join in the mix for a very melodic and moody track. A terrific melodic, heavy chorus that delivers a perfect lyric and hook.
Falling is a breezy melodic rocker with a faster pace and a commercial feel. Definitely some Pretty Maids sounds here.
The Other Side rocks hard and fast. A simpler track than some others, but equally as enjoyable and a cool fired up rocker that adds tempo to the album.
 
Point Of No Return rolls along at a good pace and has a new twist for followers of Erik’s work. A great chorus again, if not immediate, it’s a grower.
True Love Awaits You is another quality big rock ballad that features harmonies, layers and a lighters in the air vibe. I can imagine Erik singing this and it’s another showcase of Ronnie’s more melodic side.
Go is simply a flat out rocker with a good hook and a big fat sound. Great energetic way to close the album. A big fat hard rock sound.

All in all, a wonderful album that delivers on the hype and promise that such a pairing brings. It doesn’t quite match Eclipse or W.E.T for me, as I’m drawn to those releases more by the vocal style - here Ronnie’s rasp isn’t as smooth as Erik’s other projects. But it’s still every bit an essential release and showcases both guys in a really high quality, world class release.

 

 
Fri
15
Jan

NORDIC UNION - Nordic Union (Track By Track)

Artist: 
Release Year: 
2015
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Categories: 
News Feed
 
With Erik Martensson at the helm, you know what you’re going to get. Big riffs, bigger melodies and the biggest production available. And with Ronnie Atkins, you get the raspy metal edge of Pretty Maids. Together you could anticipate what will follow and NORDIC UNION delivers all that and more.
 
Full review coming up, but taking a Track By Track look at what to expect:
 
 
01. The War Has Begun is a strong opener, starting slow and building intensity, featuring a good chorus and some great guitar work.
 
02. Hypocrisy has a typically Eclipse feel to it and stays within itself until the monster chorus bursts to life and builds the pace.
 
03. Wide Awake is nothing to do with the Eclipse tune, apart from a similar thumping beat and a very melodic vocal from Ronnie.
 
04. Every Heartbeat is another track with a strong Eclipse feel. The classy ballad builds from a moody intro to an intense full band second half.
 
05. When Death Is Calling is probably the stand out commercial hard rocker of the album and 9is an instant like. Crashing beat, great chorus and a monster sound.
 
06. 21 Guns is a close second – a terrific melodic, heavy chorus and another track that’s instantly likeable. Great lyrics too.
 
07. Falling is a breezy melodic rocker with a faster pace and a commercial feel. Definitely some Pretty Maids sounds here.
 
08. The Other Side rocks hard and fast. A simpler track than some others, but equally as enjoyable and a cool fired up rocker.
 
09. Point Of No Return rolls along at a good pace and has a new twist for followers of Erik’s work. A great chorus again, if not immediate, it’s a grower.
 
10. True Love Awaits You is another quality big rock ballad that features harmonies, layers and a lighters in the air vibe.
 
11. Go is simply a flat out rocker with a good hook and a big fat sound. Great energetic way to close the album.
 
 
Nordic Union is released via Frontiers on January 29.

 

 
Tue
24
Nov

Nordic Union - Album Sampler (Official Audio)

 
NORDIC UNION is the new sonic partnership between singer Ronnie Atkins of the legendary Danish Hard Rock institution Pretty Maids and the up-and-coming Swedish songwriter and producer Erik Martensson of Eclipse and W.E.T fame.
 
Curious what that might sound like? Well, just hit the play button below to get a taste of songs from their upcoming album!!!
 
Their self-titled debut will be released January 29, 2016! First full track to be released in the coming weeks!
Artist: 
 
Sat
14
Nov

NORDIC UNION Pairs Erik Martensson with Ronnie Atkins

Artist: 
Release Year: 
2015
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Categories: 
News Feed
The new NORDIC UNION is the musical alliance between
Erik Martensson and Ronnie Atkins!
Out on Frontiers in January!
 
Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to present the self-titled debut album from NORDIC UNION, which is set for release on January 29, 2016.
 
NORDIC UNION is the name behind the new musical collaboration, built by Frontiers President Serafino Perugino, between singer Ronnie Atkins of the legendary Danish Hard Rock institution PRETTY MAIDS and the up-and-coming Swedish songwriter and producer Erik Martensson of ECLIPSE and W.E.T. fame.
 
The partnership between the two fellow Scandinavians worked well and together they have created some musical magic, which will truly impress the fans of these highly regarded musicians. Atkins says: “The music on the album has a focus on good melodies and there’s some good guitar work as well. I had a good gut feeling ever since I heard the first songs from Erik Martensson, and I was right he’s a very gifted and talented songwriter!”
 
These songs are guaranteed not to leave your head for a long time. Just have a listen to  the gorgeous anthemic opener “The War Has Begun” and some killer melodic gems like “When Death Is Calling,” “21 Guns” and “Hypocrisy” with great hooks and epic guitar riffs. “Wide Awake” can be described as a combination between pop and melodic rock with a modern production. There’s really something for everyone here!
 
While Pretty Maids is still my first priority” explains Ronnie, “the production process and the work on this record went very smoothly. I think what came out is a killer Melodic Hard Rock album with a lot of good songs on it – I could really feel the songs as mine and identify with those. So I hope the fans will be able to share my view and It’s been some kind of a little fresh breath in between albums for me really.”
 
Get ready to enjoy a great new album from a new sensational all Nordic musical alliance!
 
Tracklisting; The War Has Begun; Hypocrisy; Wide Awake; Every Heartbeart; When Death Is Calling; 21 Guns; Falling; The Other Side; Point Of No Return; True Love Awaits You; Go.
 
NORDIC UNION
Ronnie Atkins: Lead & Background Vocals
Erik Martensson: Lead Guitar, Bass, Keyboards and Background Vocals
Magnus Ulfstedt: Drums
 
Guest Guitar Solos:
Thomas Larsson, guitar solo on "Every Heartbest" & "Wide Awake"
Fredrik Folkare, guitar solo on "Point Of No Return" & "Hypocrisy"
Magnus Henriksson, guitar solo on "The War Has Begun"
 
Produced by Erik Martensson
 

 

 

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