Tag: Michael Monroe
9 Hard Rock Hideout’s Top 10 Hard Rock & Metal Albums for 2013
There were a bunch of great releases in 2013 and each year it seems harder and harder to pick the 10 best. Ryo Vie and I have listed our 10 best hard rock and metal albums of 2013. Agree or Disagree? Let us know what your picks are in the comments below!!
Rob Rockitt’s Top Hard Rock & Metal Albums of 2013
I am glad 2013 is now in our rear view mirror. 2013 has hung heavily over my family on the injury and overall health and wellness. Not only has it affected my family members, I laid to rest two of my furry family members, Jake & Mia. On the music front, 2013 was pretty good. maybe not as strong as some of the recent past years. That doesn’t mean we were without quality music. There was a lot of great music that was released, and 2014 looks to be another great year for hard rock & metal music.
10. Death Angel – The Dream Calls for Blood
It had to happen sooner or later…. a band has out-thrashed the Big 4. Death Angel’s The Dream Calls For Blood is the best thrash metal album of 2013. When I first heard the title track “The Dream Calls For Blood” I was immediately hooked. This album is heavy, dark and sometimes brutal. It is Bay Area metal at its finest. This album also has a killer cover of Black Sabbath’s Heaven & Hell”.
9. Motörhead – Aftershock
You have heard one Motörhead, you have heard them all right? WRONG! Lemmy Kilmister and company prove they have plenty of fire left in them, and have crafted one of their best albums to date. I have all of 21 of their albums, and I have found Aftershock to be completely satisfying. Lemmy pulls out a bunch of new riffs for Aftershock, making this one of the most surprising albums of 2013. Fair warning, you may want to set your cruise control if playing this album while driving. It may be hazardous to your driving record.
8. Michael Monroe – Horns & Halos
Michael Monroe has done it again with his latest effort Horns & Halos. Monroe has crafted another great album. Horns & Halos is a little more punky and a little less glammy than 2011’s Sensory Overdrive, but it is a solid album all the way through.
07. Alter Bridge – Fortress
Man oh man, Alter Bridge quietly released their new album Fortress in October.With their album Blackbird being so great, I thought ABIII (2010) was a step backward for Alter Bridge. The band righted any wrongs with their new album Fortress. Fortress is Alter Bridge’s heaviest album to date. Myles Kennedy dishes out some powerful vocals, and Mark Tremonti’s riffs are drifting ever so closer to his metal roots.(Check out the video for Addicted to Pain below) Fortress is another one of 2013’s great surprises.
06. Stryper – No More Hell To Pay
If someone would have told me Stryper would release one of their best albums in 2013, I wouldn’t have believed it, but that is exactly what happened. No More Hell To Pay is packed with heavy riffs,and the fantastic vocals of Michael Sweet. No More Hell To Pay is one of Stryper’s heaviest albums, and packed with great songs. I am hopeful to see Stryper perform some of these in 2014. That would be a real treat!
05. Black Sabbath – 13
While the drama between Bill Ward and Black Sabbath continues, one thing is for certain, 13 is the strongest albums that Sabbath has ever released, and definitely one of the strongest with Ozzy Osbourne singing. If you didn’t pick up the bonus edition CD of 13 (available at Best Buy), you missed out one not one, but three killer Sabbath songs “Methademic”, “Peace of Mind” and “Pariah”. “Methademic” was a staple in Sabbath’s concert list this summer.
04. Tom Keifer – The Way Life Goes
Tom Keifer worked on his solo album for many years before finally releasing The Way Life Goes in 2013. The wait was well worth it, as the Cinderella front man has turned in one of 2013’s best rock albums. Getting to see Tom perform with his solo band was one of my favorite concert moments of 2013 too.
03. Airbourne – Black Dog Barking
Sooner or later, Airbourne is going to get the respect they deserve. The band released their third and arguably best album in 2013. This album has gotten countless plays from me in 2013, and will continue to be played for many years to come.
02. Winery Dogs – S/T
Billy Sheehan, Mike Portnoy, Richie Kotzen are some of the best hard rock musicians to ever grace the stage. With this in mind, I knew the Winery Dogs album would have to be awesome, and it is. Great songs, vocals and musicianship. The Winery Dogs are a dream band for any hard rock fan and should not be missed.
01. Brand New Machine- The Devil Made Me Do It
Sometimes simple is better…. Ever since I stumbled upon this album by complete accident in August of this year while music shopping with my buddy Ryo Vie, I have not been able to stop listening to The Devil Made Me Do It. Former Beautiful Creatures guitarist Michael Thomas has breathed some serious life into Brand New Machine. I am a sucker for good old 80’s style sleaze rock and The Devil Made Me Do It delivers from beginning to end. Check out the clips below and buy the album here!!
There were so many great albums in 2013, it wouldn’t be fair to not mention those albums that nearly made my top list. All of the albums below are very worthy of your hard earned dollars.
Age of Days – Radioactivity
Avenged Sevenfold – Hail To The King
Buckcherry – Confessions
Deep Purple – Now What?
Krokus – Dirty Dynamite
Megadeth – Super Collider
Pop Evil – Onyx
Sammy Hagar – Sammy Hagar & Friends
Sideburn – Electricity
Skillet – Rise
Suicidal Tendencies – 13
Voodoo Circle – More Than One Way Home
Ryo Vie’s 10 Favorite Hard Rock Albums For 2013
Another year is over. A new one has just begun. 2013 was a solid year for hard rock music lovers. Some exceptional albums were released by new comers, young stars, and the royal guard of the past. We were blessed with new music from Pearl Jam, Black Sabbath, and the return of Suicidal Tendencies.
Young bands like Pop Evil and Five Finger Death Punch released their best material to date. And a new band put out one incredible record. All in all 2013 was a fantastic year for music. We can only hope that 2014 will be just as great. And as we look forward to the new releases of 2014, let’s take a moment to reflect on the best releases of the past year. Here’s Ryo’s picks for the 10 best hard rock albums of 2013.
“Suicidal’s back, Suicidal’s back!” So sang Cyko Miko on the latest Suicidal Tendencies record, 13. This was a fantastic record that heralded the return of one of the best hard rocking bands around. 13 was a solid release that made me glad Suicidal Tendencies were back in action. Layered with multiple infectious grooves, powerful hooks, heavy guitars, and lots of funk and fun, 13 is a powerful album that takes the listener on a journey of musical styles with thrash always remaining as the main focus. Suicidal is back indeed— and we couldn’t be happier.
09. Five Finger Death Punch – The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell Volume 1
2013 was a very good year for Five Finger Death Punch. They released two terrific albums in the span of 10 weeks and both charted high on the Billboard charts, deservedly so. Both albums are exceptional works of art, and worthy of multiple listens. Volume One was an enjoyable, unexpected delight that really caught my ear and got my attention. And it was only the beginning of what was to come for this band in 2013. However, if this was the only record the band put out, it would have been good enough. Thankfully for hard rockers everywhere, Five Finger Death Punch wasn’t stopping at just one.
08. Hell Or Highwater – Begin Again
Atreyu drummer/vocalist Brandon Saller’s side project released one hell of a record this year. Begin Again is a stellar modern rock album packed with gems. The album had plenty of staying power and longevity and I found myself returning to it again and again as the year went on. That’s always the sign of an amazing record, which is just what Begin Again is. If this album somehow passed you by, I still recommend that you seek it out.
It was nice to see Buckcherry back with a new record in 2013. Most people may have forgotten about this album since it came out so early in the year (early January) and that’s a real shame, because Confessions is a strong record filled with enjoyable songs that rock eardrums hard. It was interesting to see Buckcherry put together a themed album, and they pulled it off, delivering a grand collection of songs on Confessions. I still listen to “Wrath” on a regular basis and it has become one of my favorite Buckcherry songs, up there with “Lit Up.” Yes, I did just state that.
06. Tom Keifer – The Way Life Goes
No Cinderella? No problem. Tom Keifer went solo and released the biggest surprise of 2013 with The Way Life Goes. I had no expectations when this record was released, and it absolutely blew my mind. After all that he has been through, it was amazing to see Tom Keifer can still make meaningful music, and that his voice still sounds as terrific as ever. It may be the best he’s ever sounded. The Way Life Goes has me hopeful to see Mr. Keifer at some of the festivals this year, particularly M3. With or without Cinderella, Tom Keifer is a force, and The Way Life Goes proves it.
The godfathers of heavy metal reunited (sans Bill Ward) and released a record. 13 is bound to be on everyone’s top 10 list this year, simply because it’s Black Sabbath and that creates a lot of exposure. However, the record deserves to be on most top 10 lists because it’s a spectacular album. Returning to the early sound of Black Sabbath (from their debut release), 13 is a mind trip of amazing music performed by real heavy metal pioneers. Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Ozzy Osbourne worked hard to create a sound that was true Black Sabbath—and they succeeded marvelously. 13 is a magnificent release and one that any hard rock fan should own.
04. Avenged Sevenfold – Hail To The King
Avenged Sevenfold just keeps getting better and better with every record they release. If there is any successor to the great Iron Maiden, Avenged Sevenfold are it. Their music is complex, layered in multiple guitar riffs, complicated drum beats, and heavy bass lines that pull every note together into a harmony of joyful sound. Hail To The King is certainly Avenged Sevenfold’s best album yet and catapults the band to the next level of greatness. If you haven’t spent much time with Avenged, or if you don’t own any of their albums, Hail To The King is a great place to start.
2013 was a good year for Pop Evil fans. The band continued their endless touring opening for any band that would have them, their live act became better than it ever has been, and they released their hardest album to date, Onyx. I admit, it took me a few spins to get into Onyx, but once I did, I couldn’t get out. I still listen to this album on a weekly basis and continue to find new parts to fall in love with. Pop Evil worked hard to get away from the acoustic ballads they were becoming known for and went to a much darker place. The result was magnificent and Onyx was a serious contender for best album of 2013.
02. Pearl Jam – Lightning Bolt
As is usually the case when Pearl Jam releases a new record, expectations were high. It had been four years since their last release, which was scattered at best. Many fans were wondering if Pearl Jam still had the goods and if they did, could they still deliver. And then the band released the first single, “Mind Your Manners.” Most doubts were squashed right there. Then the band released their next single, “Sirens.” Even critics jaws dropped at that point. “Sirens” is one of the best Pearl Jam songs ever recorded, and Lightning Bolt is one of the band’s best records ever released. In 2013, only one band could make a record better than Lightning Bolt.
01. Five Finger Death Punch – The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell Volume 2
When a band has two albums in a top 10 list for one year, it’s obvious that the band has had one magnificent year. Such is the case for Five Finger Death Punch. After the release of Volume 1, I was curious to see what Volume 2 would bring, but felt there was no way it would be better. I have never been more wrong about an album in my life. Volume 2 is one of the greatest records I have ever heard. It blends the perfect mix of hard, heavy, angry, introspective, and soft at just the right times. Volume 2 contains power, emotion, and a level of magnificence that is hard to find on a record. Without question, if you only purchase one release from 2013, The Wrong Side Of Heaven And The Righteous Side Of Hell Volume 2 has to be it. It will be a long time before you hear a better record.
0 New Video – Michael Monroe – Stained Glass Heart
MICHAEL MONROE
PREMIERES NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO FOR
‘STAINED GLASS HEART’
FROM NEW ALBUM
‘HORNS AND HALOS’
OUT NOW ON SPINEFARM RECORDS
HEADLINING U.K. TOUR KICKS OFF NOVEMBER 27 IN NEWCASTLE
MICHAEL MONROE, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, über-energetic frontman and iconic rock ‘n’ roll legend, has premiered the new video for “Stained Glass Heart” on GUITARWORLD.com “Stained Glass Heart” marks the third single from his new studio album HORNS AND HALOS, out now on Spinefarm Records.
“I’m feeling quite excited about our new ‘Stained Glass Heart’ video,” explains MICHAEL MONROE. “It was shot in Helsinki at an amusement park on a perfectly grey and rainy day which made it look more like an ‘abusement park.’ The video turned out very cool and classy.”
Check out the video below!
1 MICHAEL MONROE REVEALS COVER ART FOR NEW ALBUM ‘HORNS AND HALOS’ DUE OUT AUGUST 27 ON SPINEFARM RECORDS
Vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, über-energetic frontman and all-round rock ‘n’ roll legend MICHAEL MONROE has revealed the cover artwork for his new studio outing HORNS AND HALOS due out on August 27 via Spinefarm Records. The arresting cover art is based on an idea from Swedish guitar star DREGEN (Backyard Babies), who performs in MICHAEL‘s current touring and recording lineup. “I love logotypes that are a ‘little secret,” says DREGEN. “You know, the ones that are more like signs and symbols — Van Halen, Crass, Him’s Heartagram, etc. That was the starting point.”
HORNS AND HALOS is the follow-up to the 2011critically acclaimed Sensory Overdrive, winner of Classic Rock Magazine’s “Album Of The Year” and a No. 1 record in MONROE‘s Finnish homeland. It is a cosmopolitan affair, mixed by Petri Majuri at Seawolf Studios in Finland and written and recorded around the world by MONROE‘s international posse — bassist SAMI YAFFA (Hanoi Rocks, New York dolls), guitarist STEVE CONTE (New York Dolls, Company Of Wolves), drummer KARL “Rockfist” ROSQVIST (Chelsea Smiles, Danzig) and DREGEN. The band has been hard at work in the studio, providing creative support for a frontman whose reputation is genuinely global and whose influence continues to be felt, with musicians of all ages (from Dave Grohl to the original Guns N’ Roses members) citing MICHAEL‘s groundbreaking career as a source of inspiration.
A second single and video from HORNS AND HALOS will be made available on August 5.The video for the current single “Ballad Of The Lower East Side,” is a nod to MICHAEL‘s early days in New York, a city he moved to for a decade following the mid-’80s breakup of glam-punk pioneers Hanoi Rocks (for which he was the frontman).
Watch the video for “Ballad Of The Lower East Side” here:
The track listing for HORNS AND HALOS is as follows:
1. TNT Diet
2. Ballad Of The Lower East Side
3. Eighteen Angels
4. Saturday Night Special
5. Stained Glass Heart
6. Horns And Halos
7. Child Of The Revolution
8. Soul Surrender
9. Half The Way
10. Ritual
11. Hands Are Tied
For more Information on MICHAEL MONROE visit:
www.michaelmonroe.com
www.facebook.com/michaelmonroeofficial
www.twitter.com/michaelmonroe
www.youtube.com/MichaelMonroeTV
www.myspace.com/michaelmonroeofficial
0 MICHAEL MONROE: Iconic Rock ‘N’ Roll Frontman Releases New Studio Album, ‘Horns and Halos’, on August 27th 2013 via Spinefarm Records
In 2010, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and uber-energetic front-man and all-round rock ‘n’ roll legend MICHAEL MONROE unveiled his new side project in grand style via an exclusive press conference. Flash forward six months to a full UK tour with Motörhead, and another few months to the release of Another Night in the Sun, a globally-anticipated live album that teased fans clamoring for a final, polished taste of the new project. Finally, roughly a year after MICHAEL MONROE’s original public reveal, the band released their first critically-acclaimed full-length release, Sensory Overdrive, produced by Jack Douglas (Aerosmith, John Lennon). The album went on to win Classic Rock Magazine’s ‘Album Of The Year’ award and landed at #1 on the charts in MM’s Finnish homeland.
In 2012, after touring throughout the UK in support of Sensory Overdrive, Monroe announced that he would go back into seclusion to prepare for the band’s next offering. Monroe’s touring and recording outfit, comprised of bassist Sami Yaffa (ex-Hanoi Rocks/New York Dolls), guitarist Steve Conte (ex-New York Dolls/Company Of Wolves), guitarist Dregen (Backyard Babies, formerly of Hellacopters fame) and drummer Karl ‘Rockfist’ Rosqvist (ex-Chelsea Smiles/Danzig), worked tirelessly in the studio, providing creative support for a frontman whose reputation is genuinely global and whose influence continues to be felt, with musicians of all ages (from Dave Grohl to the original Gun n’ Roses members) citing Michael’s ground-breaking career as a source of inspiration.
Now after several months, the wait is over. MICHAEL MONROE can finally reveal that the band’s upcoming studio album, Horns and Halos, will hit stores everywhere on August 27, 2013 via Spinefarm Records. The band offers a taste of the new album in the form of a new single and video for the track ‘Ballad Of The Lower East Side’, which can be watched now below.
The track includes a nod to Michael’s early days in New York, a city he moved to for a decade following the mid-’80s break up of glam punk pioneers, Hanoi Rocks. The clip – directed by celebrated videographer/photographer Ville Juurikkala, who has photographed Michael for the past 10 years as well as working with Linkin Park, Good Charlotte and HIM, amongst others – features archive footage and photos of Michael in prime Big Apple mode, interlaced with current live and backstage scenes.
“The song ‘Ballad Of The Lower East Side’ is about New York and especially The Lower East Side – what it was way back in the days when I lived there, how times have changed and how it is nowadays.,” states MICHAEL MONROE. “New York has always been an important city to me since I lived there for 10 years. Two members of our band still live there. It’s the City of all Cities.”
Stay tuned for more information coming soon about Horns and Halos. To stay up to date on all things MICHAEL MONROE, visit www.michaelmonroe.com or www.facebook.com/michaelmonroeofficial.
1 That Metal Show Featuring Tracii Guns & Michael Monroe Now Online!
That Metal Show guest-shredder alum Tracii Guns returns to set, this time to take a seat and tell the origin story of G N’ R and speak candidly about the current lineups of L.A. Guns. Then Michael Monroe discusses his latest solo album. Check it out here!
9 Rob Rockitt’s Top 20 Best Hard Rock & Metal CD’s of 2011
Every year putting together a top 10 list becomes harder and harder. There were so many outstanding releases in 2011, there were far too many to do a top 10 list. Below are my top 20 Hard Rock & Metal Releases of 2011. Agree or disagree? Let us know what you think!
20. The Poodles – Performocracy
Can anyone take a band seriously with the name, The Poodles? Maybe, not, but the band’s latest album Performocracy
is cram packed with excellent hard & melodic rock tunes that you should take notice of.
19. Five Finger Death Punch – American Capitalist
Five Finger Death Punch may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but this heavy metal band has been putting out some of the best
new music from a newer metal band. Their third effort American Capitalist does not disappoint in the least.
18. Anvil – Juggernaut of Justice
Anvil’s Juggernaut of Justice came as somewhat of a surprise to me. I never expect to enjoy an Anvil CD so much, and JOJ is easily
one of Anvil’s best releases yet.
17. Chickenfoot – III
Sammy Hagar & company turned in another outstanding CD with their sophomore effort III. This CD is much better than the band’s debut.
16. Alex Beyrodt’s Voodoo Circle – Broken Heart Syndrome
Sinner/Primal Fear/Voodoo Circle guitarist Alex Beyrodt has released a killer CD with classic influences that include
Whitesnake & Rainbow. Every hard rock fan needs to give Broken Heart Syndrome a listen.
15. King Kobra – S/T
For King Kobra to come in at position 15 tells you just how good the music is in front of it. King Kobra’s reunion
effort, with Paul Shortino on vocals, is easily one of the best in King Kobra’s catalog.
14. Emphatic – Damage
I am not a huge modern rock fan, but every year there are some outstanding releases that deserve attention. Emphatic
simply outdid their Peers (Nickelback, Theory of a Deadman, Pop Evil) with their debut effort Damage.
13. Tora Tora – Revolution Day
It seems like every year a long-lost CD that was buried due to record company politics, finally gets a proper release.
Tora Tora’s third CD Revolution Day was released by FNA Records, and carries on the excellent bluesy hard rock
that Tora Tora is known for.
12. Coldspell – Out From the Cold
Coldspell has already released two outstanding CD’s with Infinite Stargaze & Out From The Cold. I can’t wait to hear
the next set of tunes from Coldspell. Out From The Cold should not be missed.
11. Havok – Time is Up
Havok is one of the new bands leading the Retro-Thrash Metal movement. Time is Up is their second effort and easily their
best. If you are a thrash metal fan, you need to seek out Time is Up now!
10. Michael Monroe – Sensory Overdrive
I have been a Michael Monroe fan forever but I never expected one of his solo CD’s to be THIS good. Sensory Overdrive is easily
the best Michael Monroe CD since 1989’s Not Fakin It.
09. Warrant – Rockaholic
Warrant’s Rockaholic is easily my favorite Warrant CD since the band’s 1992 effort, Dog Eat Dog. The late Jani Lane will always
be missed, but Robert Mason is an outstanding singer, and he may be the best vocalist Warrant has ever had. Rockaholic will
make people take notice of Warrant again.
08. Sixx A.M. – This is Gonna Hurt
With the recent news from the Motley Crue camp as of late, it sounds like a farewell tour may be coming from the band soon. If this
is truly the case, Nikki Sixx can carry on his band Sixx A.M. This is Gonna Hurt took a while to grow on me, but it has become a favorite of mine
over the last few months.
07. Black Country Communion – 2
Out of all of the supergroups, Black Country Communion outdid them all with their second effort 2. 60-year-old Glenn Hughes could (and probably
should) give a clinic to young rockers, on how to rock. He is still getting it done.
06. Anthrax – Worship Music
You would think that Joey Belladonna returning to Antrax would be create a major amount of excitement, and it has. Belladonna’s vocals are
not the high point of Worship Music. This is easily Anthrax’s best CD from a musical standpoint, and the best thrash metal CD of 2011.
05. Whitesnake – Forevermore
If Doug Aldrich & Reb Beach keep helping David Coverdale put out CD’s like Good To Be Band and Forevermore, folks may forget about the
band’s monster hits from the 80’s. Forevermore is another outstanding effort from the Whitesnake camp.
04. Mr. Big – What If…
Mr. Big’s reunion CD What If is the band’s best CD since 1993’s Bump Ahead. You SHOULD NOT miss What If…!
03. Alice Cooper – Welcome 2 My Nightmare
Alice Cooper’s reunion with producer Bob Ezrin was a very good one. Welcome 2 My Nightmare is an outstanding sequel that should not be missed.
02. Vain – Enough Rope
I can not say enough good things about Vain’s latest CD, Enough Rope.If you liked Vain’s debut, No Regrets, you need to seek out the band’s latest
effort Enough Rope. It is quality all the way through, and easily to my ears one of 2011’s best.
01. Electric Boys – And Them Boys Done Swang
I never would have thought The Electric Boys could have outdone their debut, but with And Them Boys Done Swang, they have done just that.
Sure, some of the lyrics are somewhat cheesy, but the band has every bit of the Funk that was found in their debut.
The Japanese edition has some excellent bonus tracks which pushes this one over the top.
Honorable Mentions:
Rival Sons – Pressure & Time
Black Stone Cherry – Between the Devil & The Deep Blue Sea
Megadeth – Th1rt3en
Badmouth – Heavy Metal Parking Lot
Motorhead – The World is Yours
Riot – Immortal Soul
House of Lords – Big Money
The Answer – Revival
Pop Evil – War of Angels
Beggars & Thieves – We Are The Broken Hearted
George Lynch – Kill All Control
Michael Schenker – Temple of Rock
Want more Top 10 lists? You can find them at the following websites:
All Metal Resource — http://allmetalresource.com/
Bring Back Glam — http://bringbackglam.squarespace.com/
The Crash Pad of Ray Van Horn, Jr. – http://www.rayvanhornjr2.blogspot.com/
Hair Metal Mansion — http://hairbangersradio.ning.com/
Hard Rock Nights — http://hardrocknights.com
Heavy Metal Addiction — http://heavymetaladdiction.com/
Heavy Metal Time Machine — http://metalmark.blogspot.com/
Imagine Echoes — http://www.imagineechoes.com/
Layla’s Classic Rock — http://laylasclassicrock.blogspot.com/
Metal Excess — http://metalexcess.com/
Metal Odyssey — http://metalodyssey.wordpress.com/
The Ripple Effect — http://www.ripplemusic.blogspot.com/
0 Michael Monroe Videos – Trick of the Wrist & ’78
It is National Metal Day, and former Hanoi Rocks front man has released a new video clip, “Trick of the Wrist” just in time for this celebration of incredible music. Don’t have Sensory Overdrive yet? If not, you are really missing out on one of the best releases of 2011. Check out the clips “Trick of the Wrist” and “78” below, and buy Michael Monroe’s new album here!!
2 Iconic Frontman MICHAEL MONROE of Hanoi Rocks On Tour NOW!
MICHAEL MONROE’S SENSORY OVERDRIVE OUT NOW!!
Iconic rock front man, Michael Monroe, has released his new cd Sensory Overdrive in the U.S and Canada on August 23rd on Spinefarm/ Universal. The new cd from the former front man of the influential band Hanoi Rocks was produced by legendary producer Jack Douglas (Aerosmith, John Lennon, Cheap Trick). The cd also features guest performances from Americana artist Lucinda Williams and Motorhead front man Lemmy. The first single and video from Sensory Overdrive is the track “78”.
Listen to a live stream of Sensory Overdrive at this link!!
In support of the CD, Monroe will head out September 30th on a 16 date U.S and Canadian tour with his all star band featuring guitarists Steve Conte (New York Dolls) and Dregen (Hellacopters , Backyard Babies), bassist Sami Yaffa ( Hanoi Rocks, Jetboy, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts), and drummer Karl “Rockfist” Rosqvist (Danzig).
Following the U.S run, the band will head to Japan for the V Rock festival to be followed by shows in Michael’s home country of Finland. The band will then end 2011 with a run of shows in the U.K co-headlining with Wednesday 13.
Tour dates are as follows:
TOUR DATES:
FRI, SEP 30 PHILADELPHIA, PA TROCADERO
SAT, OCT 1 BALTIMORE, MD SONAR
SUN, OCT 2 NEW YORK, NY BOWERY BALLROOM
TUE, OCT 4 BOSTON, MA GREAT SCOTT
WED, OCT 5 MONTREAL, QC LES FOUFOUNES ELECTRIQUES
THU, OCT 6 TORONTO, ON MOD CLUB THEATER
FRI, OCT 7 CLEVELAND, OH PEABODY’S
SAT, OCT 8 CHICAGO, IL REGGIE’S ROCK CLUB
SUN, OCT 9 ST PAUL, MN STATION 4
MON, OCT 10 ST LOUIS, MO FUBAR
WED, OCT 12 DENVER, CO MOE’S
SAT, OCT 15 SEATTLE, WA EL CORAZON
SUN, OCT 16 PORTLAND, OR DANTE’S
TUE, OCT 18 SANTA CLARA, CA AVALON THEATER
WED, OCT 19 SANTA ANA, CA GALAXY THEATRE
THU, OCT 20 HOLLYWOOD, CA WHISKY A GO GO
SUN, OCT 23 V-ROCK FESTIVAL SAITAMA SUPER ARENA JAPAN
FRI, NOV 4 LAHTI FINLAND FINLANDIA CLUB
SAT, NOV 5 TAVASTIA FINLAND (2 SHOWS) TAVASTIA CLUB
THU, NOV 24 ENGLAND WOLVERHAMPTON WULFRUN HALL
FRI , NOV 25 ENGLAND MANCHESTER RITZ
SAT, NOV 26 ENGLAND NOTTINGHAM ROCK CITY
SUN, NOV 27 SCOTLAND GLASGOW GARAGE
MON, NOV 28 ENGLAND NEWCASTLE ACADEMY
TUE, NOV 29 ENGLAND LEEDS ACADEMY
THU, DEC 1 ENGLAND BRISTOL ACADEMY
FRI, DEC 2 ENGLAND, LONDON ELECTRIC BALLROOM
SAT, DEC 3 WALES PRESTATYN HRH
The band will continue to do extensive touring in 2012 in support of Sensory Overdrive. For more information go towww.michaelmonroe.com
0 MICHAEL MONROE’S SENSORY OVERDRIVE TO BE STREAMED ON FACEBOOK WEEK OF AUGUST 15TH
In anticipation of the August 23rd release of Michael Monroe’s new cd, SENSORY OVERDRIVE, the entire cd will be available for streaming on Monroe’s facebook page for the week of August 15th through 22nd. The link for the site is http://listn.to/michaelmonroeofficial. The new cd featuring the debut single 78 also includes appearances from Motorhead front man Lemmy and Americana artist Lucinda Williams. The video for 78 debuted this past week on AOL Music/ Noise Creep.
As reported earlier, Monroe and his band featuring Steve Conte, Dregen, Sami Yaffa, and Karl Rockfist will be doing a North American tour starting in Philadelphia September 30th. Tour dates are as follows:
WED , Sep 7 Stockholm Debaser Medis, Sweden
FRI, SEP 9 NAANTALI, FINLAND
SAT, SEP 10 FINLAND RADIO ROCK CRUISE,
Fri, Sep 30 Philadelphia, PA Trocadero
Sat, Oct 1 Baltimore, MD Sonar
Sun, Oct 2 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom
Tue, Oct 4 Boston, ma Great Scott
Wed, Oct 5 Montreal, QC Les Foufounes Electriques
Thu, Oct 6 Toronto, ON Mod Club Theater
Fri, Oct 7 Cleveland, OH Peabody’s
Sat, Oct 8 Chicago, IL Reggie’s Rock Club
Sun, Oct 9 St Paul, MN Station 4
Mon, Oct 10 St Louis, MO FuBar
Wed, Oct 12 Denver, CO Moe’s
Sat, Oct 15 Seattle, WA El Corazon
Sun, Oct 16 Portland, OR Dante’s
Tue, Oct 18 Santa Clara, CA Avalon Theater
Wed, Oct 19 Santa Ana, CA Galaxy Theatre
Thu, Oct 20 Hollywood, CA Whisky A Go Go
SUN, OCT 23 V-Rock festival Saitama Super Arena Japan
FRI, Nov 4 Lahti Finland FINLANDIA CLUB
SAT, Nov 5 Tavastia Finland (2 shows) TAVASTIA CLUB
THU, Nov 24 ENGLAND WOLVERHAMPTON WULFRUN HALL
FRI , Nov 25 ENGLAND MANCHESTER RITZ
SAT, NOV 26 ENGLAND NOTTINGHAM ROCK CITY
SUN, NOV 27 SCOTLAND GLASGOW GARAGE
MON, NOV 28 ENGLAND NEWCASTLE ACADEMY
TUE, NOV 29 ENGLAND LEEDS ACADEMY
THU, DEC 1 ENGLAND BRISTOL ACADEMY
FRI, DEC 2 ENGLAND, LONDON ELECTRIC BALLROOM
SAT, DEC 3 WALES PRESTATYN HRH
Monroe recently taped an episode of Alice Cooper Nights, the hugely successful syndicated radio show and will be making other high profile appearances during the upcoming tour. For all info Michael Monroe visit his facebook page or MichaelMonroe.com.
0 Michael Monroe To Tour the U.S.!!
In support of the CD, Sensory Overdrive, Michael Monroe will head out September 30th on a 16 date U.S and Canadian tour with his all star band featuring guitarists Steve Conte (NEW YORK DOLLS) and Dregen (HELLACOPTERS, BACKYARD BABIES), bassist Sami Yaffa (Hanoi Rocks, New York Dolls, JOAN JETT AND THE BLACKHEARTS), and drummer Karl Rockfist (DANZIG).
Following the US run, the band will head to Japan for the V Rock festival to be followed by shows in Michael’s home country of Finland. The band will then end 2011 with a run of shows in the UK co-headlining with Wednesday 13. Tour dates are as follows:
September
7 – Stockholm Sweden Debaser Medis,
9 – Naantali, Finland
10 – Radio Rock Cruise Finland
30 – Philadelphia, PA – Trocadero
October
1 – Baltimore, MD – Sonar
2 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
4 – Boston, MA – Great Scott
5 – Montreal, QC – Les Foufounes Electriques
6 – Toronto, ON – Mod Club Theater
7 – Cleveland, OH – Peabody’s
8 – Chicago, IL – Reggie’s Rock Club
9 – St Paul, MN – Station 4
10 – St Louis, MO – Fubar
12 – Denver, CO – Moe’s
15 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
16 – Portland, OR – Dante’s
18 – Santa Clara, CA – Avalon Theater
19 – Santa Ana, CA – Galaxy Theatre
20 – Hollywood, CA – Whisky A Go Go
23 – Japan, V-rock Festival Saitama Super Arena
November
4 – Lahti, Finland – Finlandia Club
5 – Tavastia, Finland (2 Shows)
24 – Wolverhampton, UK – Wulfrun Hall
25 – Manchester, UK – Ritz
26 – Nottingham, UK – Rock City
27 – Glasgow, Scotland – Garage
28 – England, Newcastle, UK – Academy
29 – Leeds, UK – Academy
December
1 – Bristol, UK Academy
2 – London, UK – Electric Ballroom
3 – Prestatyn, Wales – HRH
The band will continue to do extensive touring in 2012 in support of Sensory Overdrive. For more information go to Michaelmonroe.com.
1 Michael Monroe – Sensory Overdrive (2011)
Former Hanoi Rocks front man Michael Monroe is back with his sixth solo album, Sensory Overdrive.
On his latest CD, Michael has assembled an all-star band to help craft his new tunes. The lineup on this CD features Ginger from the Wildhearts on Guitar, Sammi Yaffa from Hanoi Rocks, Jetboy and the New York Dolls on bass, and Steve Conte from the New York Dolls on guitar. He also has a couple of cool guest stars with Lucinda Williams and Lemmy Kilmister adding some vocals too.
Sensory Overdrive is a little short in length. The eleven songs on Sensory Overdrive clock in just shy of 33 minutes. For most releases that would be a problem, but on this CD you get a bunch of short rockin’ tunes that never fail to entertain.
I don’t if Ginger’s song writing help inspire Michael Monroe on this album, but the songs on this CD are mostly upbeat, and overall, a lot of fun to listen to.
Chances are you have heard the first single “’78” by now. (If not check it out in the video below). This song is an extremely catchy number that is going please the legion of Michael Monroe & Hanoi Rocks fans out there.
I don’t know what it is about “Got Blood?” that makes me think it would be a good T.V. Show theme song. It is a good tune, but it has that kind of vibe.
“Superpowered Superfly” sounds pretty ridiculous lyrically, but this song is pretty infectious.
“Modern Day Miracle” with its chorus, “Shut up, Stop Talking, Shut up, Stop Talking, You’re Giving Me A Headache” is such a fun tune. I would love to sing this song to some people I know. 🙂
“Gone Baby Gone” with Lucinda Williams has a country rock feel to it, in the vein of the Eagles. This song works well, and is one of the many highlights on Sensory Overdrive
You would think Michael Monroe’s punk edge rock would be a very good fit for Lemmy Kilmister’s voice, but the marriage of Michael Monroe’s voice with Lemmy’s on “Debauchery As a Fine Art” just doesn’t work for me. It isn’t a bad tune, it is actually pretty fun, but it is nowhere near as good as the rest of the material on Sensory Overdrive.
I have been blasting Sensory Overdrive in my car for nearly a month before writing this review, and it was all I could do to get myself to pull it out of my player. I have been enjoying this disc immensely! This CD will be one of the mainstays of my play list all summer long.
Sensory Overdrive is easily one of the best releases of 2011, and should be sought out by everyone.
Highly Recommended!
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Trick Of The Wrist
2. ‘78
3. Got Blood?
4. Superpowered Superfly
5. Modern Day Miracle
6. Bombs Away
7. All You Need
8. Later Won’t Wait
9. Gone Baby Gone
10. Center Of Your Heart
11. Debauchery As A Fine Art
Band Lineup:
Michael Monroe – Vocals
Ginger – Guitars
Steve Conte – Guitars
Sami Yaffa – Bass
Karl Rockfist – Drums
0 New Video – Michael Monroe – ’78
0 New Michael Monroe Song “78”
3 The End of Hanoi Rocks
HANOI ROCKS WILL BREAK UP BY THE END OF THE YEAR 2008
Hanoi Rocks have decided to break up by the end of the year 2008.
Michael Monroe and Andy McCoy feel that they’ve taken the band as far as it can go and now wish to go their separate ways. All commitments until the end of the year, including the UK tour starting in London on Halloween, will naturally be honoured.
In addition, the band has decided to say farewell to their fans by doing a final tour of Japan in the spring 2009 and immediately thereafter wrapping things up with a few nights at the legendary Tavastia Club in Helsinki, Finland where their career originally got started in the 80’s.
November 26th will see the timely release of the first ever career-spanning Hanoi Rocks retrospective: a 2-CD set titled “This One’s Rock’n’Roll – The Best Of Hanoi Rocks 1980-2008”.
The band wishes to thank all their fans, co-workers and business partners for their continued love and support throughout the years.
0 UK Fans – Here is Your Chance to Meet Hanoi Rocks Singer Michael Monroe!
WEDNESDAY 13 MEETS MIKE
MONROE AT IN-STORE SIGNING
Its a meeting of the frontmen, as WEDNESDAY (Wednesday 13) and MIKE MONROE (Hanoi Rocks) plan to appear at COVENT GARDENS FOPP RECORDS for a one off in-store signing.
The event will take place on Thursday 30th October 2008, the night before their joint Halloween spectacular at the London Astoria.
The signing will feature an EXCLUSIVE RELEASE of Wednesday 13s F**K IT, WELL DO IT LIVE DVD, which is being released as the first installment of GLOBAL MUSICS LIVE&LOUD COLLECTION.
A limited number of the Wednesday 13 Live DVD will be available at the signing, so get their early to get your hands on a copy before anyone else, otherwise youll have to wait until the official release on November 10th 2008.
Also available, will be the re-release of the Hanoi Rocks, LIMITED EDITION STREET POETRY DIGI-PACK.
The signing will begin at 6pm. Fans are welcome to just turn up on the evening.
Fopp Covent Garden, 1 Earlsham Street, London, WC2H 9LL – 020 7379 0883
3 Hanoi Rocks – Street Poetry (2007)
Hanoi Rocks is no stranger to the glam scene. This band has been rocking off and on since the late 70’s.
I didn’t have a whole lot of expectations for this record to be honest. I have always liked Hanoi Rocks fairly well, but it has been a while since I listened to them with the exception of a song or two.
Once I found out that Electric Boys alumni Conny Bloom and Andy Christell were in this band, I immediately wanted to check out the new album. The Electric Boys are a late 80’s glam band that I thought were extremely under rated, and I knew the addition of Conny and Andy would greatly enhance Hanoi’s sound.
I must say that Street Poetry is a pleasant surprise. This record has more in common with 70’s glam than anything from the 80’s, but that is ok. The songs sound fresh, and most importantly, they rock!
There are plenty of tunes worth talking about here, and there isn’t a stinker in the bunch. My favorites so far are This One’s For Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tootin’ Star, Street Poetry, Fashion and Powertrip. Each and everytime I play this record, I feel the need to play it again. This is a very positive and upbeat feel good type of record.
Street Poetry is without a doubt one of the strongest records of 2007. If you have ever been a fan of Hanoi Rocks before, you need to get this. If you haven’t ever checked them out before, give the tunes on the band’s myspace page a whirl. I guarantee you will want a copy of Street Poetry for yourself afterwards.
Fashion
Track Listing:
1. Hypermobile
2. Street Poetry
3. Fashion
4. Highwired
5. Power of Persuasion
6. Teenage Revolution
7. Worth Your Weight in Gold
8. Transcendental Groove
9. This One’s for Rock’n’roll
10. Powertrip
11. Walkin’ Away
12. Tootin’ Star
13. Fumblefoot and Busy Bee
Hanoi Rocks is:
Michael Monroe – Vocals
Andy McCoy – Guitars
Conny Bloom – Guitars
Andy Christell – Bass
Lacu – Drums