We talk to @BloodyHammers Anders Manga about ‘Under Satan’s Sun’ and #DownloadFest

Anders Manga of Bloody Hammers“Southern Gothic Fuzz from Transylvania County” is how they describe themselves and I got to talk with Anders Manga of Bloody Hammers about it. 

Our conversation took place shortly after it was announced they’d be playing Download Festival 2014. We talked about the band’s line-up, musical influences, an invitation from Phil Anselmo to play at his festival and the fact that they’ll soon be bringing their unique brand of Goth Rock to European shores soon.

This all coincides with the release of their upcoming album ‘Under Satan’s Sun’ which follows once more the dark paths populated by sinister characters and spectral apparitions. Dark Occult Rock with a pinch of H.P. Lovecraft and Ray Bradbury is the main attraction of the show, when the master of ceremonies Anders Manga opens the gates to the nether world.”Under Satan’s Sun” is a multilayered album that resembles a classic horror flick from the 70s. An album filled with charm, big refrains and a classy atmosphere.

Bloody Hammers have just released a new video which has a bit of a background story to it. It’s based upon a true event which happened in the county many years ago, involving a husband and wife who were on the run from the authorities. Anders talks us through the story, a story which has become part of local folklore.

We’ll be playing some more Bloody Hammers on Thursday night’s show, so make sure you tune in on 15th May – 7pm (UK time) / 2pm EDT.

In the meantime, check out our audio interview:- 

Bloody Hammers 'Under Satan's Sun' tour poster

Bloody Hammers can be reached via:- www.bloodyhammers.com; on Twitter @BloodyHammers; and on Facebook www.facebook.com/BloodyHammers

I’m looking forward to seeing them at The Underworld in London when they hit the UK for the very first time. Hope to see you there!

 

 

 

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INTERVIEW: @Magnumonline_ Magnum’s Bob Catley talks to ‘The Classic Rock Show’

Magnum have released their 18th studio album ‘Escape From The Shadow Garden’ – out on SPV. In my humble opinion, it’s their best album since ‘Wings Of Heaven’. Tony Clarkin continues to be a driven artist; constantly writing, creating stories and soundscapes that draw you in and hold your attention until the very last note has been played. 

Magnum are one of those bands you just know before you see them ‘live’ that you’re going to get a good show. It’s evident from Magnum’s latest offering that they’ve hit on a rich vein of creativity and, given what I saw on stage the other night at The Waterfront in Norwich, the band are all clearly enjoying every minute of it. I’m of the opinion they’ve not been in better shape as a collective force – sounding better than ever.

bobSome hours before they took to the stage, I caught up with a very upbeat and enthusiastic Bob Catley and we soon got talking about the writing of ‘Escape From The Shadow Garden’, the great reception the new album’s getting both from fans and critics, their setlist, band members, album artwork (once again provided by the amazing artist Rodney Matthews) and the current UK tour.

 

Bob gave us a great insight into the band that is Magnum – a quintessentially British rock band that has and continues to create some of the most memorable songs ever written and produced. A band whose music is enjoyed by generations of die-hard rock fans the world over.

Listen to the interview with Bob Catley here – do excuse the drone of the tour bus aircon:

Thanks for listening.

Keep up to date with all things Magnum through their official media streams:- Facebook page, Twitter and official website.

Get ‘Escape From The Shadow Garden’ now. I can’t recommend it enough.  It’s a belter of an album!

MJ

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@TTM_Tweets Phil Campbell talks about Glasgow 2014, singles, new songs, tours and tour buses

We caught up with singer Phil Campbell of The Temperance Movement on the eve of their UK Tour. Phil was in fine form and didn’t shy away from sharing his opinion on matters which have been subject of much controversy over the past few weeks.

Our chat began by talking about living in his hometown, the city of Glasgow, and something which has touched the hearts of all Glaswegian’s recently. The impact hosting this years 20th Commonwealth Games is having on the city’s landscape and Phil expresses what most have felt about the future demolition of the Red Road flats.

Not only do The Temperance Movement kick-off their UK Tour today [21st April 2014], but they also release a new single ‘Take It Back’.

The decision to release the single is discussed as well as the Picture Disc release on vinyl of two Brit Pop tracks recorded at Abbey Road Studios in February – part of Record Store Day celebrations at the weekend.

ttm_rsd14

The Temperance Movement have just completed a tour of mainland Europe and the feeling you get from listening to Phil is that they are very much looking forward to getting back in front of UK fans once again. 2013 was a big year for the group and by all accounts they are ready to push on in 2014; solidify their fanbase and treat new fans to their own brand of gutsy, no-nonsense rock ‘n’ roll.

It sounds as though we’ll be treated to a few new songs on this tour. Make sure you get out and see one of the most talked about UK rock bands in recent years.

Here’s the interview, which includes Phil’s take on the reliability of last year’s tour transportation. Enjoy.

For all things regarding The Temperance Movement, please click on the following links: TheTemperanceMovement.com, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube

Thanks for listening.

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#Gravitas A new album from @originalasia and a new lease of life. John Wetton tells us why.

A new album from Asia and, seemingly, a new lease of life, that’s what John Wetton tells ‘The Classic Rock Show’.

We spoke to John not long after the release of their sensational new album, out on Frontiers Records, called Gravitas. John talks about the Wetton-Downes songwriting partnership, the writing and recording process, how they came to choose guitarist Sam Coulson, the choice of album title and the video for the album’s opening track Valkyrie.

Asia is a band which has, since its formation back in 1982, continued to create some of the most inspirational and catchy songs ever to come out of what is often described as the genre of Prog Rock. Their latest offering – Gravitas – has all the ingredients Asia fans have come to expect and enjoy, but there’s something else at work here.

Listen to the interview and it will soon become apparent that the band has a fresh outlook, rejuvenated by the new line-up, and they are keen to get back in front of fans across the world.

The album Gravitas, produced by Wetton and Downes with John Mitchell (It Bites, Kino, Arena), is being hailed as Asia’s punchiest and freshest album since its classic early 80’s releases.

Keep ahead of all things Asia by visiting their website, and via Twitter @originalasia

You can listen to the interview here…

 

Thanks for listening.

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Scott Sharp of @ukblackwolf talks to The Classic Rock Show. #BlackWolf

We caught up with BlackWolf’s vocalist Scott Sharp on the day it was announced that the band would be the UK’s tour support for american rock legends Winger.

Scott talks of the busy schedule they’ve been negotiating of late, including a successful debut album release – ‘The Hunt’, a tour with The Answer, the video release of “Keep Movin’ On”, the upcoming Steelhouse festival appearance, plus news of more songwriting and studio sessions.

This is a band that really delivers with their stage performances. As well as at the Steelhouse festival, you can get to see BlackWolf at the Winger gigs (along with additional support band Jettblack) Jun 17: Glasgow O2 Academy, Jun 18: Newcastle O2 Academy, Jun 20: Bristol O2 Academy, Jun 21: London O2 Academy Islington.

Here’s the interview…

 

You can keep up to date with the band via Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks for listening.

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The Rocket Scientists have released a new EP ‘Supernatural Highways’. We get Erik Norlander to talk prog! #RocketScientists

It’s been six long years since we heard anything from the Rocket Scientists’ launch control and some 21 years since the first of four studio albums to date – ‘Earthbound’. The release on March 20 of their stellar EP ‘Supernatural Highways’ is a forerunner to a full album promised later this year.

Supernatural Highways EP

The EP contains just two instrumental tracks; an epic 26min 20sec opus “Traveler on the Supernatural Highways” and a “hot-rodded” version of the John Barry composed movie theme to James Bond’s “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” – a mere 4min 17sec in length.

‘The Classic Rock Show’ asked founding member and keyboardist Erik Norlander (also of prog rock groups The Galactic Collective and Asia ft. John Payne) to explain the wait and to also take us through the EP’s journey.

Those familiar with the Rocket Scientists work over the years will delight in hearing that the two other founding members, guitarist Mark McCrite and NS/Stick player Don Schiff, return to the camp. Joining Erik, Mark and Don are a veritable ‘who’s-who’ of special guests that include a “welcome back” to the fold from drummer Gregg Bissonette, percussionist Greg Ellis and Lana Lane (vocal pads). Jon Pappenbrook (trumpet) and Eric Jorgensen (trombone) make a not insignificant contribution by playing on the ‘OHMSS’ track.

Rocket Scientists

On listening to the EP, you certainly get the feeling that this group of hugely talented musicians have not only given their all in the studio, but have also had a lot of fun in doing so.

You can listen to the interview here.

 

For all things Rocket Scientist related and to purchase the EP, go to www.TheTank.com

Thanks for listening.

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We hooked up with @scorpionchild’s Aryn Jonathan Black. Check out the interview. #ScorpionChild

Aryn Jonathan Black of Scorpion Child talked to ‘The Classic Rock Show’ just before their gig at The Colchester Arts Centre on March 18th 2014. The new line-up and The Lords Of The Riff tour are some of the topics covered.

scorpion-child-2014

Click here to listen to the interview. We’ll be playing one their tunes on tonight’s show!

Catch them on tour:

Thu 20 Mar – BIRMINGHAM Academy 3 (Monster Truck closes)
Fri 21 Mar – SHEFFIELD Corporation (Scorpion Child closes)
Sat 22 Mar – GLASGOW King Tuts (MT closes)
Sun 23 Mar – NEWCASTLE Academy 2 (SC closes)
Tue 25 Mar – NOTTINGHAM Rock City (MT closes)
Wed 26 Mar – LONDON Underworld (MT closes)
Thu 27 Mar – MANCHESTER Roadhouse (SC closes)

Tickets are on sale now. To buy online, visit www.seetickets.com (Sheffield), www.livenation.co.uk (Birmingham, Newcastle, London, Manchester), www.gigsinscotland.com (Glasgow), and www.alt-tickets.co.uk (Nottingham).

Check out the band on Facebook www.facebook.com/scorpionchild‎ Follow them on Twitter www.twitter.com/scorpionchild

Thanks for listening!

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