After a long and careful consideration, Timo Tolkki has decided to end Stratovarius. There are several reasons behind this decision that can be read on a official statement posted on Timo Tolkki’s Official Website .

Timo has formed a new band called "REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE" and in the silence he has been devoting all his time and efforts preparing the first release of his new band.The debut album is entitled ”New Era” and will be released on June 6th 2008 on Frontiers Records.The album is a masterpiece of melodic Power Metal,taking the listener straight back to the Visions-era Stratovarius. In fact,”New Era” is the album that was meant to be the next Stratovarius album.

Instead,Timo called a few friends for the recording sessions and the album features all the lead vocals from such legends as Michael Kiske and Tobias Sammet,along with Timo’s blistering lead guitar lines and melodic Power Metal anthems that made him one of the pioneers of the style and trademark performers of the style.Revolution Renaissance witnesses a rebirth,a new era for Timo Tolkki and his music.Tolkki is looking for a permanent line-up for the band,so if you are interested,check out the details on www.timotolkki.com for details on how to apply.

"VELVET REVOLVER" founding members Slash, Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum and Dave Kushner announced today (March 2,2008),that they are parting ways with singer Scott Weiland.

"This band is all about its fans and its music and Scott Weiland isn't 100% committed to either" said Slash in a press release."Among other things,his increasingly erratic onstage behaviour and personal problems have forced us to move on".

"BULLETBOYS" were one of the most original rock bands of the late 80’s – their music was compared with the best releases by Van Halen, yet the group managed to work out their own style.

Metal Mind Productions presents a re-release of “Behind the Orange Curtain”, the ultimate live collection of BulletBoys’ greatest hits, performed on a breathtaking show at the Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana, California. It wass a dazzling performance which featured all of the band’s most memorable songs, such as “Hard As A Rock”, “For The Love Of Money” and “Smooth Up In Ya”. The release brilliantly recovers the old–school rock’n’roll vibe, bringing a set of classic rock compositions which haven’t aged a bit!

“Behind the Orange Curtain” is a dream come true for all fans of both BulletBoys and classic hard rock itself! This live set of the band’s greatest hits will take you all the way back to the 80’s, delivering a truly unforgettable rock experience. New digipak edition, limited to numerated 2000 copies, digitally remastered using 24-Bit process on golden disc will be available on 5th May 2008 (Europe only).

BulletBoys
“Behind The Orange Curtain” (remastered)
Label: Metal Mind Records
Format: CD Digipak (limited edition of 2000 numerated copies)
Release date: 05.05.2008 Europe

Tracklist:
1. Hard As A Rock
2. Hell On My Heels
3. Shoot The Preacher
4. For The Love Of Money
5. Hang on St. Christopher
6. The Groove
7. When Pigs Fly
8. Walls
9. F9
10. Toy
11. Shake Me Awake
12. Smooth Up

White Wolf - Live In Germany out on May 21st via Escape Music

Track listing: Victim of the Spotlight / The Wolf / Shadows in the Night / Headlines / She / Eyes of the World / Standing Alone / What the War Will Bring / Price of One / Dreams Are Forever / Out Of Control

The Live band:
Don Wolf – Vocals and keyboards
Cam Macleod – Lead Guitars and Vocals
Brendan Ostrander – Drums
Scott Webb – Guitars & Vocals
Russ Bergquist – Bass
David J. Petovar - keyboards

Whitewolf have had a busy 2007. They have returned to the limelight with the release of their new CD "Victim of the Spotlight" (ESM155). Not only that but a double digipack reissue (ESM157) of their celebrated eighties outings "Standing Alone" (1984) and "Endangered Species" (1986) has hit the streets, with a few bonus video clips to add to the excitement.

In September 2007 the band were asked to play the UFOR festival in Ludwigsburg, Germany and since that legendary performance they have added many new fans to their already loyal following.

The six seasoned musicians rocked the enthusiastic crowd right from the start and with an exciting and varied set Whitewolf turned out one great song after another. The audience were truly amazed at the sheer power of the dual guitar attack of Scott Web and original member Cam Macleod backed with the intense rhythm of Russ Bergquist and Brendan Ostrander. Strong keyboards were supplied by David J Petovar as well as frontman Don Wolf who gave the vocal performance of his life.

White Wolf are legends, make no mistake and this is a worthy addition to your collection. With the 2007 release of the third White Wolf album "Victim of the Spotlight" (ESM155) and the reissue of the two earlier albums then the future is bright for this Canadian six piece. The Wolf shall prowl once more…….this is a fantastic live performance and essential for anyone wishing to experience the sheer power of this magnificent hard rock band.

KING’S X 'XV' Released 19TH MAY 2008 INSIDE OUT/SPV

According to international music critics and rock aficionados, King’s X may be counted amongst one of the most unusual acts in the history of rock music. The technical skills of the three band members, Ty Tabor (guitars, vocals), Doug Pinnick (bass, vocals) and Jerry Gaskill (drums, vocals), are above reproach. As on their fourteen previous recordings, their latest album, XV, is another prime example of classy groove rock featuring great melodies, driving rhythms and tough guitars.

Tabor, Pinnick and Gaskill have every reason to be satisfied with their latest offering. Some of the 14 brand new tracks owe their sound to a classy guitar riff, others to a haunting groove or an intricate hook line, with the vocals always remaining at the epicentre of the music. “It is a very different record for us. It touches on a lot of different things from our past, but doesn’t sound the same. It seems to me that these are more complete songs. Some are short and sweet; some are more adventurous and unpredictable in some ways.” (Ty Tabor)

XV saw the band working once again with the legendary sound engineer, Michael Wagener (Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, Dokken, among others). King’s X were particular, not only when it came to their choice of producer, but also the recording process. Instead of putting together lots of pieces like a jigsaw puzzle, they allowed themselves the luxury of recording large sections of the production in a live atmosphere.

RIP – Drummer JOHN FOWLER of STEELHEART

"THE VOODOO JETS have joined friends and family in mourning the loss of standout drummer, dear friend, and loving father John Fowler. Fowler, who gained notoriety for touring and recording with the band STEELHEART with the 1990 hit song 'I'll Never Let You Go (Angel Eyes)', also dedicated himself to projects such as THE VOODOO JETS, SMOKE, and HIPNOTIC. Fowler also instructed hundreds of drum students in the southern Connecticut region.

"Fowler had been on life support in a Connecticut hospital after suffering a brain aneurism last Monday. John's beloved son Sebastian, along with close friends and family, shared his final moments bedside while blasting THE VOODOO JETS track 'Spaceman' in the hospital's ICU. Funeral and burial ceremonies will be held in the coming days."

Donations can be made to The Sebastian Fowler ROCKS Memorial Fund on behalf of John's son to the following address:

PO Box 819
Orange, CT 06477