Lords Of Black guitarist Tony Hernando is one of the most exciting guitarists, writers, and producers in the European metal and rock scene today. With his many talents, it was a natural next step for him to stretch out and work on a solo album after the promotional cycle for Lords of Black third album, “Icons of the New Days” wrapped up. Hernando has always been passionate about melodic hard rock music, so the idea of pairing him with some of the best singers from his fellow labelmates' bands to lay their vocals over his songwriting seemed not only logical, but destiny. Thus, Restless Spirits was born and the self-titled debut will now be released on May 17, 2019.
Aside from Hilli, guest vocalists include none other than Johnny Gioeli (Hardline, Axel Rudi Pell), Deen Castronovo (Revolution Saints, ex-Journey), Dino Jelusic (Animal Drive), Alessandro Del Vecchio (Hardline, Jorn), and Diego Valdez (Dream Child and now, the new vocalist for Hernando's main project, Lords of Black). In addition to vocal duties, Deen Castronovo also takes care of drums on every track.
Hernando says, "Restless Spirits is a melodic hard rock record featuring several singers that showcases some different sides of my playing and songwriting. We have rockers, ballads, and everything in between. I had the opportunity to work and co-write with some of the best guys in the business. I hope everyone can enjoy this album as much as I did recording it!”
Restless Spirits is an album that showcases some of the most outstanding vocal talents operating in the melodic hard rock scene right now, while also offering truly exciting and adventurous melodic hard rock songwriting. Enjoy!
Tracklisting:
1. Stop Livin' To Live Online (Johnny Gioeli on Vocals)
2. Unbreakable (Deen Castronovo on Vocals)
3. I Remember Your Name (Kent Hilli on Vocals)
4. 'Cause I Know You're The One (Dino Jelusic on Vocals)
5. Nothing I Could Give To You (Johnny Gioeli on Vocals)
6. Calling You (Deen Castronovo on Vocals)
7. Live To Win (Deen Castronovo on Vocals)
8. You And I (Alessandro Del Vecchio on Vocals)
9. When It Comes To You (Alessandro Del Vecchio on Vocals)
10. Lost Time (Not To Be Found Again) (Dino Jelusic on Vocals)
11. In The Realm Of The Black Rose (Diego Valdez on Vocals)
PRODUCED BY: Tony Hernando
MIXED BY: Dani Luna
Tony Hernando: All Guitars, Bass, Keyboards except where noted.
Deen Castronovo: Drums, Lead vocals on 2,6,7
Johnny Gioeli: Lead Vocals on 1, 5
Alessandro Del Vecchio: Lead Vocals on 8, 9, Background Vocals on 2,6,7
Diego Valdez: Lead Vocals on 11, Background Vocals on 2,3,6,7
After two critically acclaimed albums, the self-titled debut and sophomore album, “II”, it was time for Lords Of Black to craft their all important third album. With the anticipation created by the album’s predecessors and vocalist Ronnie Romero’s selection as the singer for Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow reunion, expectations are high and the pressure is on for the band to deliver. Have they?
“Icons Of The New Days” is more than enough proof that yes, the band has indeed delivered in spades! Lords Of Black has crafted a collection of amazing songs that draw from the influences of traditional heavy metal with elements of progressive metal thrown in the mix with robust production showcasing all the member’s talents. Guitarist Tony Hernando, drummer Andy C., bassist Dani Criado and vocalist Ronnie Romero are indeed a rising force to be reckoned with in the modern metal scene.
Tracks like the incredible album opener, “World Gone Mad” along with “Not In A Place Like This” and the title track set the bar high for an album that is going to be a contender for metal album of the year. “Forevermore” and “The Way I’ll Remember” are simply stunning and powerful metal tunes such as “When A Hero Takes A Fall” and “Wait No Prayers For The Dying” will cause you to thrust your fist to the sky. As has become the band’s tradition, epic songs like “King’s Reborn” and “All I Have Left”, the longest song ever written by Lords Of Black, anchor the proceedings.
Once again produced by Tony Hernando and Roland Grapow (who also handled mixing and mastering duties), the production and quality of the song arrangements are another decisive factor in the greatness on display here.
Last but not least, Felipe Machado has delivered another stunning album cover.
Fasten your seat belts and enjoy “Icons of the New Days”, an album that will be ultimately prove to be an iconic chapter in this band’s history.
Bonus Disc Tracklisting (only available on CD/DVD Deluxe Ed. and Digital):
1. Innuendo (Queen cover)
2. Only (Anthrax cover)
3. Tears Of The Dragon (Bruce Dickinson cover)
4. Edge Of The Blade (Journey cover)
5. The Maker And The Storm (Bonus Track)
6. When Nothing Was Wrong (Bonus Track)
Available also as a MP3, 2xLP Gatefold, and Limited Edition Colored 2xLP, which is available exclusively at Frontiers EU webstore: www.frontiers.shop
LORDS OF BLACK
Ronnie Romero - Vocals
Tony Hernando - Guitars
Andy C. - Drums
Dani Criado - Bass
*Bass guitar on album by Tony Hernando. Piano, Synths and Keyboards on “Icons Of the New Days” and “Not In A Place Like This” by Andy C. Keyboards, Synths and Synth Guitars on “World Gone Mad”, “Forevermore”, “King’s Reborn” and “The Edge of Darkness” by Tony Hernando. Piano on “Fallin’” and “The Way I’ll remember” by Víctor Díez.
If you attract the attention of Richie Blackmore and subsequently get the gig to front Rainbow in 2016, you must be something pretty special right?
Vocalist Ronnie Romero has done just that. But before hitting the road with the Purple One, his band Lords Of Black must first deal with their business at hand…. The release of their furious, fast and flashy metal opus “II”.
Lords Of Black are a metal band with a modern approach – “catchy, melodic and progressive” in their words. Pretty accurate too. There’s no end of double kick drum here, screaming vocals and truly over the top guitar acrobatics.
But there’s also piano, synth and orchestral passages as well as some softer moments where the true timbre of Ronnie’s voice shines.
But mostly – it’s fast, really fast or overdrive fast as the metal comes in your face and threatens to disintegrate your ears. Did I mention these guys are Spanish? Can’t really tell to be honest….this is old school commercial metal all the way.
All very consistent - as long as your ears can keep up - and one to crank when in need of a shot of adrenaline.
Once again co-produced, mixed and mastered by Roland Grapow, this album has the power of a nuclear reactor and the performances of 3 guys with their lives on the line.
Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the release of the highly anticipated second album from the Melodic Progressive Metal masters LORDS OF BLACK on March 18, 2016.
LORDS OF BLACK is the band formed by world class singer Ronnie Romero, renowned guitarist Tony Hernando and monster drummer Andy C.
Their vision was to form a Metal band with a modern approach blended with catchy, melodic and progressive elements. After months of intense and hard work on the songs, the band independently released their acclaimed Self-Titled debut which was co-produced by Roland Grapow. Metal Hammer Spain deemed it “The Best Metal album released in Spain this year.”
The band supported the release with a series of very successful live shows, some of them as “very special guest” for high profile international acts. Then the news of Ronnie Romero joining the new incarnation of RAINBOW broke out. This brought the band to the attention of the international media and in particular the words from Ritchie Blackmore, describing Romero’s voice like “a cross between Ronnie James Dio and Freddie Mercury” piqued the curiosity of rock journalists and fans alike.
However, now LORDS OF BLACK are ready to conquer the world with “II”, an album which will blow the minds of fans of Modern Melodic Metal. Once again co-produced, mixed and mastered by Roland Grapow (MASTERPLAN, ex-HELLOWEEN), “II” is not only the follow up to their outstanding and acclaimed debut album, but is an album with superbly crafted songs that will instantly become absolute Metal classics. “The new album, being the follow up to a first record that was so greatly received, had to get to a higher place.“ says Tony Hernando. “After an intense year of writing and producing, along with the live performances, we came up with songs that are still deep and complicated in some arrangements, but have been written with the live performance in mind… The quest was to come up with something that artistically was meaningful for us as musicians and at the same time could catch the attention of the listeners. We really hope you enjoy this new album and come with us for a great ride!”
Tracks like “Merciless”, “Everything You’re Not”, “Insane”, “New World’s Coming” and “Shadows of War” showcase the heavy and complex yet very melodic style of the band. The song “The Art of Illusions Part III: The Wasteland” is the conclusion to the trilogy that commenced on the debut album, while the song “Cry No More” is inspired and dedicated to the late, great, Phil Lynott.
This is a band destined for stardom: get on board now and enjoy the music!
“II” Tracklisting - Malevolently Beautiful (Intro); Merciless; Only One Life Away; Everything You’re Not; New World’s Comin’; Cry No More; Tears I Will Be; Insane; Live by the Lie, Die by the Truth; Ghost of You; The Art of Illusions Part III: The Wasteland; Shadows of War; Lady of the Lake (Rainbow cover, bonus track cd edition) / Innuendo (Queen cover, bonus track digital edition).
Enjoy the new album trailer here:
LORDS OF BLACK:
Ronnie Romero - Vocals
Tony Hernando - Guitars
Andy C. - Drums
Bass played on the album by Tony Hernando – Javi Garcia is the new bass player who has just joined the band.
All Piano and synths played by Andy C.
Additional Pianos and Synths by Tony Hernando and Víctor Díez.
Produced by Tony Hernando and Roland Grapow
Mixed and Mastered by Roland Grapow at Grapow's Studios, Slovakia
