Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal

The Best Of NZM (CD-R) © 2024 FireRock Music Group / MVD Audio 0 679065 863556 12 tracks = 44'38" Written by Rick Patterfield Do you remember US self-released hard rock / heavy metal CDs from the 1990s? Man, they were great things themselves, and far more often than not contained simply great music. Music for which record labels at that grunge times had no sympathy at all — but that music was still very interesting, not only for keen record collectors, myself included. Ask any respected hard’n’heavy lover about such CDs from early Seventh Omen or Vamp Le Stat, for example, and see (or hear?) what happens.
In a time marked by global unrest, rising conflicts, and deepening divisions, music remains one of the last sanctuaries for truth and emotional reckoning. For many artists, the noise of war, destruction, hatred, and polarization is not just a background, it's a call to respond, to process, and to connect. And just like rock icons of the past — from Bob Dylan to Pink Floyd to Metallica — today’s musicians are once again stepping into the role of cultural witnesses, offering not only reflection, but resonance. The newly released single “WHY” marks a defining moment in PLUSH’s career, merging powerhouse vocals with polished yet aggressive rock production. Co-written by Moriah Formica and David Draiman of Disturbed and co-produced with Grammy-nominated producer Johnny K (Disturbed, SOiL, 3 Doors Down), the track showcases a creative alliance that adds new intensity and emotional depth, establishing PLUSH as a fearless, relevant force pushing modern rock forward.
In the ever-evolving realm of symphonic metal, few projects have etched their legacy quite like the Vivaldi Metal Project. As 2024 unfolds, the release of The Four Seasons – Live Concert Premieres 2018 on YouTube stands as a vivid chronicle of past performances and a triumphant marker of their creative summit—a bold reimagining of Vivaldi’s Baroque masterpiece that has blossomed into a global phenomenon of classical grandeur and metallic force. This live video release, six years after the original performances, serves as both a nostalgic reflection and a bold reaffirmation of the project’s enduring artistic vision. This time, with the official YouTube release of "The Four Seasons – Live Concert Premieres 2018." Capturing nearly two hours of electrifying symphonic metal mayhem, the video immortalizes the ensemble’s world premiere performances across Finland, Bulgaria, and Italy. Fans of classical grandeur and metal grit, prepare to be spellbound.
As part of their “Double Vision Tour,” Johnny Manchild and the Poor Bastards rejoined forces with VOLORES for an unforgettable night of genre-bending rock in Seattle. The performance took place at Funhouse - a staple of Seattle’s music scene - buzzing with anticipation from the moment the doors opened. With a blend of powerhouse vocals, haunting instrumentals, and undeniable stage charisma, both bands left a lasting impression that resonated with every person lucky enough to be there. Seattle’s vibrant music scene welcomed the two bands with open arms, as VOLORES set the tone with their emotionally charged set, followed by Johnny Manchild and the Poor Bastards, who took the crowd to another level with their explosive energy and musical precision. This show wasn’t just a stop on the tour — it was a night of connection, passion, and celebration of live music in its most electrifying form.
In a world where music and craftsmanship collide, few artists embody the fusion of culture, innovation, and raw sonic power like Demetrio Scopelliti and John Ivan. Scopelliti—a multifaceted guitarist, producer, and founder of Inspiria Guitars—has built his legacy across borders. Born in Italy and based in Norway since 2008, he blends the bold spirit of Viking culture with the elegance of Italian design. His music and instruments are reflections of that duality: fierce, expressive, and meticulously crafted. Joining the conversation is John Ivan, known to many as GuitarSlinger—a veteran of the international metal scene and a true force in progressive and thrash metal. As a key member of the Michael Vescera Project and co-founder of The Voices of Metal, John brings decades of stage and studio experience to the table. Together, these two music experts explore what it means to push boundaries, elevate the guitar craft, and stay authentic in an ever-evolving musical landscape.
In a music scene increasingly flooded with hyper-polished production and genre-blending experimentation, The Outfit—a hard-hitting rock band out of Chicago—remains firmly rooted in the classic spirit of rock and roll. Their latest single, “Hard On Me,” is more than just a new release; it’s a declaration of intent. It marks a significant turning point for the band, both in sound and in identity, with the debut of their new lead vocalist, Bill Wilson. With a straightforward message wrapped in driving riffs and attitude-laden vocals, “Hard On Me” encapsulates what The Outfit does best—delivering authentic, guitar-driven rock with a raw emotional edge. The song is aggressive yet accessible, catchy but uncompromising, and above all, it’s real. In today’s music landscape, where so much is filtered through layers of synthetic sheen, The Outfit’s gritty, back-to-basics approach is not only refreshing—it’s vital.
Oceans On Orion, the genre-bending modern metal band based in Tel Aviv, Israel, continues to forge bold new creative paths with their latest release—a striking reimagining of Linkin Park’s emotionally charged anthem, “Breaking the Habit.” Rather than simply recreating the original, the band reconstructs it with intensity and purpose. Featuring the haunting and expressive guest vocals of Israeli singer-songwriter Danny Ly Ziser, this version transforms the song into something deeply personal and sonically powerful. Layering the original’s emotional depth with crushing djent-style riffs, punchy nu-metal grooves, and a cyberpunk visual aesthetic, Oceans On Orion redefines what it means to honor a classic while reshaping it into something bold and new. From the first frames of the video, viewers are plunged into a dystopian landscape—marked by decaying backdrops and glitch effects—that powerfully mirrors the emotional chaos and introspection at the heart of the song’s lyrics.
There’s nothing quite like the energy of a live rock show—the raw vocals, the electrifying guitar solos, the thundering drums, and the undeniable connection between band and audience. It’s a feeling that fans chase, a moment that exists only in that space and time. But what if you could capture that experience and relive it over and over again? Plush has answered that call with Live USA ’24, an album that transports listeners straight into the heart of their explosive performances. With this release, the all-female rock powerhouse delivers the next best thing to being in the crowd, giving fans an unfiltered, high-octane experience. As a band that has been making waves in the rock scene with their powerful sound and undeniable presence, Plush has built a reputation for dynamic performances and emotional depth.
In January 2025, I made my way to the biggest music industry event of the year - the NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, representing the Suley Era. NAMM Show 2025 was truly a monumental event. With over 63,000 participants from 125 countries, including 1,850 exhibitors showcasing more than 4,400 brands and more than 250 educational sessions featuring over 650 speakers, it was an unforgettable experience. NAMM isn't just a trade show—it's the beating heart of the music industry. It's where the latest innovations are unveiled, where you get to rub elbows with your idols and peers, share ideas, and create connections. For me, this trip was nothing short of inspiring. I caught up with old musician friends from around the globe, and I finally met in person a bunch of iconic artists with whom I was only connected and followed on social media.
In the world of rock music, time is often the ultimate test of an album’s significance. Some records fade into obscurity, while others stand as a testament to the artists’ dedication, passion, and craftsmanship. For Mike Derosier, Roger Fisher, and Steve Fossen, their journey with the band Reigning Sun is one of perseverance, nostalgia, and musical brilliance. Decades after their initial recording sessions, their album Forest Rain is finally getting the recognition it deserves—proving that true art transcends time. Originally recorded between 1992 - 1995, Forest Rain was born from a deeply personal and artistic collaboration between guitarist and vocalist Roger Fisher, drummer Mike Derosier, bassist Steve Fossen, and guitarist/vocalist Gino D’Cafango. The project was conceived as a tribute to Roger’s late son, Forest, while also serving as a celebration of their shared musical synergy. The band poured their hearts into crafting a sound that embodied both emotional depth and rock ‘n’ roll energy.
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