When I run across music from the 80′s that I have never heard of, I always ask, “How did I miss that band?” I ask that same question in regards to the band Treat. How the heck did I miss this hard rock goodness?
I’ve been reading about their new album, Coupe de Grace, and how good it was. It hasn’t been released in the States yet, but I could get a taste of their back catalog with the album, Weapons of Choice. Whoa! These guys are awesome! Imagine Heart, mixed with a little Bon Jovi, mixed with some Kiss and Firehouse and some more modern hard rock of Harem Scarem or Pink Cream69. That’s what you get with Treat!
Wow! I’ve had this band on my iPod for about 4 weeks but haven’t had the chance to listen to them until now. What a wasted 4 weeks that has been!
Los Angeles’ Neverland is a melodic rock masterpiece! The songs are hook-laden and very well produces. The entire album, from start to finish, is a quality listen.
This is from Frontiers Records website:
Frontiers Records is pleased to announce the release of LOS ANGELES second album entitled “Neverland” on December 4th 2009 in Europe and January 12th 2010 in the USA.
LOS ANGELES debut album revealed to the unsuspecting international Melodic Rock audience, the talents of the awesome Italian singer Michele Luppi. He cut his teeth at the VIT Los Angeles, with Robin Randall (co-writer of hits for FM, Mark Free, James Christian etc) as one of his musical coaches. He teamed up in 2007 with bass player and producer Fabrizio Grossi (Glenn Hughes, From the Inside, Vertigo etc.) to give birth to a project that could make him express his Melodic Rock artistic roots.
Michele’s name became known during the years in the Hard Rock and Metal scene, when he became the singer of the Italian Progressive Metal band Vision Divine, on 3 studio albums and one live DVD. More recently he became the leader and frontman of a new Melodic Metal band named Killing Touch.
LOS ANGELES concept is to tribute the AOR greats that shaped Luppi’s singing and songwriting abilities. Contrary to the first record that relied heavily on external songwriters, this new album sees the songwriting collaboration between Luppi and Grossi blossomed in full, with more contributions from Eric Ragno (China Blue), Joey Sykes (Hugo), Roberto Priori and ex Dokken axeman George Lynch (on “Nowhere to Run”). There is also a stunning new version of Richard Marx’s “Nothing to Hide”: another fitting tribute to one of AOR music giants and two songs offered (“Wait for You” and “Tonight Tonight”) by Tom and James Martin (Khymera, Sunstorm, House of Lords).
Musicians include Tommy Denander, Joey Sykes, Roberto Priori on guitars, Eric Ragno on keyboards, Tony “AJ” Morra on drums and of course Fabrizio Grossi on bass. While Luppi’s astounding vocals can be described as Mark Free meets Eric Martin, LOS ANGELES “Neverland” is a true AOR beauty which is truly a must-buy for all the Melodic Rock fans.
“Neverland” tracklisting includes:
Neverland (MP3 sample)
Nothing to Hide
City of Angels
Promises (MP3 sample)
Wait For You
Nowhere To Run (MP3 sample)
Tonight Tonight
Higher Love
Living Inside
Welcome To My Life
Paradise
Every once in a while a song will come along and make you think in ways you hadn’t thought before.
Flyleaf’s new album, Momento Mori, has one such song. Entitled “Beautiful Bride”, the song is an amazing example of creative music and intriguing lyrics.
Beautified diversity
Functioning as one body
Every part encouraged by the other
No one independent of another
You’re irreplaceable, indispensable
You’re incredible
You’re incredible
(Chorus)
Beautiful bride
Body of Christ
One flesh abiding
Strong and unifying
Fighting ends in forgiveness
Unite and fight all division
Beautiful bride
Strengthen your arms now
Train your fingers for battle
Urgency’s here now
Train your fingers for battle
Fighting this violence
With your feet wrapped in peace
Sad tears and silence
Now screams of joy
Victory
(Chorus)
Beautiful bride
Body of Christ
One flesh abiding
Strong and unifying
Fighting ends in forgiveness
Unite and fight all division
Beautiful bride
Beautiful bride
Body of Christ
One flesh abiding
Strong and unifying
We’re not gonna fall and forget
How far You went to pick us up
If one part’s hurt the whole body’s sick
If one part mourns we all mourn with Him
Rejoice, we’ll sing with you
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
(Chorus)
Beautiful bride
Body of Christ
One flesh abiding
Strong and unifying
Fighting ends in forgiveness
Unite and fight all division
Beautiful bride
Beautiful bride
Body of Christ
One flesh abiding
Strong and unifying
Fighting ends in forgiveness
Unite and fight all division
Beautiful bride
Beautiful bride
Body of Christ
One flesh abiding
Strong and unifying
Fighting ends in forgiveness
Unite and fight all division
Beautiful bride
It’s not very often that a song will stop and make me think. When I did, I thought about this wondrous group of people I belong to, the Body and Bride of Christ. It is a humbling thing to think of the great men and women who came before me and how many gave up their lives to live and love for Jesus. I think of my friends now who struggle with every day issues of pride and anger and lust; yet for all our weaknesses, Jesus still loves us enough to call us His Love, His Bride.
Mastedon is the name of a Christian rock band formed by brothers Dino and John Elefante (former members and songwriters of Kansas) in the mid-80s. The band was formed mainly as a studio project and released two full-length albums and two stand-alone songs on compilation albums.
from me: I’ve been a huge fan of Mastedon since 1989. Being a young Christian metalhead, I stumbled upon this band with awe and reverence. I was at their one and only concert at Cornerstone ’91!
The Elefante brothers were the founders of Pakaderm Records which released some great Christian metal albums. X-Sinner and Guardian got their start on this label. Mastedon also released their second record, Lofcaudio, through Pakaderm. I’ll give you a minute to find the connecting dots of the names…Elefante brothers, Pakaderm Records, Mastedon…
Mastedon has always been head and shoulders above other Christian metal bands. All the other bands had their secular counterparts: Whitecross was the Christian Ratt, Barren Cross was the Christian Iron Maiden, X-Sinner was the Christian AC/DC. Mastedon had their own sound and their music was better than any other melodic metal band, secular or Christian.
After 19 long years, Mastedon has released some new tunes, and they have only gotten better. 3 is destined to become a classic, must-have for any melodic rock collector.
I have audio samples from each song from the new album below. If you love what you hear, and want Mastedon’s back catalog, you can but it from . iTunes is much cheaper than Amazon.com. They do not have the mp3 downloads.
I have give a big shout out to Bravewords.com, as they were crucial in my finding out about the new Mastedon album. They are a wealth of information for the avid music fan!
I will always refer to the 1980′s as the era in which the best music in the world was created. 80′s rock ‘n roll will always be my preferred music of choice. As the 90′s rolled around, grunge seemed to take over the world and all was bleak and hopeless.
Or so I used to believe. I’ve recently discovered that the 90′s was a great time of melodic rock; bands such as Pink Cream 69, Harem Scarem, Jaded Heart, Novella, and Mastedon were creating some unbelievably great music. It wasn’t the flashbang spandex big hair in your face rock of the 80′s, but a much more mature sound in which the bands took control of their music and craft.
I have recently “discovered” a band who call themselves Tall Stories. They released one self titled album in 1991 and another album entitled “Skyscrapers” in 2009. I downloaded the self titled album and was absolutely amazed. These guys were GOOD! This is an almost perfect melodic rock album.
A quick Google search reveals the following facts about the band:
Hailing from New York City, the band Tall Stories consisted of lead singer Steve Augeri, guitarist Jack Morer, bass player Kevin Totoian, and drummer Tom DeFaria. The band was generally dismissed as another slick, corporate-style rock act and had the misfortune of releasing their self-titled debut as grunge acts were breaking. The ill timing resulted in an album that sank without a trace despite garnering fairly strong support from the fading AOR format. Augeri went on to join Tyketto, but by the late ’90s, he had retired from music and was working in the maintenance department for the Gap chain in Manhattan. In 1998, he was tapped to replace Steve Perry as the lead singer for Journey.
There is some talent in this band! I’m waiting until payday so I can buy their 2009 album. If you love melodic, AOR style music, you’ll LOVE this band!!
John Elefante’s name came to prominence in 1981 when he became the new lead singer and keyboardist for Kansas. John sang the lead vocals and performed keyboards on three multi – Platinum albums with band, giving also a major songwriting contribution.
In 1984, together with his brother Dino, he started to become involved for the first time in producing the Christian act Sweet Comfort Band. Soon the couple became one of the most renowned producers in the genre, in particular their tenure with Petra brought multiple gold and platinum albums, 10 consecutive CCM Magazine Reader’s Choice Awards, induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Hard Rock Cafe, and the only artist to ever have 4 albums in the SoundScan top-100 Christian chart.
Elefante also felt the songwriting muse and formed a Metal band with his brother, Mastedon. The band’s name was a pachyderm-inspired reference to the brothers’ last name. Although John was an accomplished vocalist and performer, the Mastedon albums featured multiple lead singers and performances by other artists, creating an eclectic sound anchored by John’s songwriting. His brother Dino played a prominent role, contributing songwriting and handling most of the guitar work.
Mastedon’s first release was titled “It’s a Jungle Out There!” (1989). A year later, the band released “Lofcaudio”. The albums charted at #25 and #10, respectively in the Billboard Top Contemporary Christian chart. To this day, they are still considered classics in the genre.
In 1996 John started a solo career that brought him to release three successful albums more in the Adult Contemporary – Pop Rock vein. After a few years of hiatus, John Elefante decided to go back to his roots sound with a brand new Mastedon album that – contrary to the predecessors – would only feature his amazing lead vocals. Musically, the new album, simply entitled “3” harkens back to the best of Mastedon and to his work with Kansas and none other than main Kansas songwriter Kerry Livgren appears on lead guitar on the release. More famed musicians and such as Dave Amato (REO Speedwagon), Anthony Sallee (Whiteheart), Dan Needham (Michael McDonald, Neville Brothers, Amy Grant, Garth Brooks etc) and of course John’s brother Dino Elefante.
Rich melodic harmonies and melodies are the keys to a Mastedon record and “3” is clearly an instant winner in all its moments and will remain as an hallmark in John Elefante’s career for many years to come.
MASTEDON John Elefante: all lead vocals; rhythm guitar, keyboards Dave Amato, Kerry Livgren: Lead Guitars Anthony Sallee: bass Dan Needham: drums Dino Elefante: Additional guitars, acoustic guitar, backing vocals With: Tim Smith: bass on Slay Your Demons Jr McNeely: additional guitar on Questions
As a companion to this new release, Frontiers managed to acquire the rights for the re-release of Mastedon’s legendary debut album, It’s A Jungle Out There!. Released originally in 1989, it charted at #25 in the Billboard Top Contemporary Christian chart. To this day, this album is still considered classics in the genre and has reached some amazing prices in the trades on eBay. Frontiers new reissue includes full lyrics and three bonus tracks ‘Wasn’t It Love’ (from the compilation California Metal) and live versions of ‘Islands In The Sky’ and ‘Right Hand’, recorded live at Cornerstone in 1991.
The tracklisting:
‘It’s A Jungle Out There’
‘Glory Bound’
‘This Is The Day’
‘Love Inhalation’
‘Islands In The Sky’
‘Get Up’
‘Love That Will Survive’
‘Innocent Girl’
‘Shine On’
‘Right Hand’
‘Wasn’t It Love’ *
‘Islands In The Sky’ (Live at Cornerstone ’91 )*
‘Right Hand’ (Live at Cornerstone ’91) *
(* bonus tracks)
If I see You standing, one hundred stars away
It feels as though You’re touching me
If I am landing, with a stormy night delay
It’s You I want, it’s You I need
When I’m lost I close my eyes
And suddenly I’m home
(Chorus)
I just wanna run in You
I just wanna hide in You
I just wanna come to You
And not thirst anymore
I just wanna walk with You
I just wanna ride with You
I just wanna talk to You
And not thirst anymore
(Verse 2)
I feel demanding, I know I’m selfish too
I often live in my own world
I’ve been commanding, it’s my way or we’re through
If I am sand, you are the pearl
When I’m found I open my eyes
And it’s You I see
(Chorus)
The lyrics aren’t very deep or earth shattering, but they convey a longing to know Jesus better. I think the music makes you feel that joy and expectancy too.
Michael Sweet’s vocals are amazing and they convey a wide range of emotion. I hope they play this song live when I go see them in concert!! Only 3 months, 21 days and 20 hours to go!
Happy Anniversary Stryper! 25 years ago today, they released their EP entitled The Yellow and Black Attack. What an appropriate day to release their brand new album, Murder By Pride.
And what an album! Murder By Pride is probably the bands best album to date. In this post, we’ll take a listen to the title track of the record.
As with all of the other songs we’ve covered, I love everything about this song. The music is heavy and melodic and the band is just in top form. I love how the bass is prominent and drives the beat.
The only critique I’d have are the lyrics. I don’t expect anything deep or life changing, but the first verse is just kind of, I don’t know, hokey?
After 25 years of living life, with all the ups and downs it brings us, I’d hope for something a little deeper.
Lyrics to Murder By Pride
(Verse 1)
Saturday night’s a lie, I follow every cue
Sunday is sanctified, I smile and take the pew
Monday it’s back to school – Am I learning, not at all
Tuesday and Wednesday, Thursday, Friday I just crawl
(Chorus)
Gotta fight, gotta stop living a lie
Gotta fall, gotta lay down and die
Gotta stand and run to the other side
Gotta live or it’s Murder By Pride
(Verse 2)
Seeds that were growing have been dried up by my flesh
I walk the walk and talk the talk but where’s the rest
I could have everything even what’s behind the stars
But I built my prison without windows, without bars
(Chorus)
Gotta fight, gotta stop living a lie
Gotta fall, gotta lay down and die
Gotta stand and run to the other side
Gotta live or it’s Murder By Pride
(Chorus)
Christianity is a tough thing to live out in the real world. There is absolutely no doubt about that. These guys and their music helped me become a Christ Follower over 20 years ago (read about it here), so I know that of which I speak. What I’ve learned in 20 years of walking with Jesus is that it isn’t only Sunday that is sanctified, but everyday….everything, the totality of my entire existence in this world is His to make wonderful. I know, I know, I’m reading way too much into a dumb song, but hey! it’s my blog and I can write whatever I feel! There are other songs that do describe a deepening walk with Jesus, so for that I’m grateful.
I want to say again how much I love this album and can’t wait to see Stryper in concert!! Only 3 months and 23 days!
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