Opening Act: 
Slayer announces last leg of farewell tour
New KXM album coming in September
Brian Johnson’s show coming to AXS
New AC/DC tour 
Sons of Apollo live album

Ear Candy: 
Dio--Dream Evil (1987)
Billy Sherwood--Citizen: In the Next Life (2019)

Six Degrees of Frankie B.

Comin Atcha Live:
Kip Winger--Enfield CT 7/6/19

Rockversation: Jim Peterik
Matt recently spoke with the prolific musician and founder of Survivor about his most recent World Stage project, Winds of Change, which released in April 2019. 

Bonus Track: Graham Bonnet Band--Night Games
From the new live album Graham Bonnet Band: Live in Tokyo, out now.


Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at powerchordspodcast@gmail.com.

by Matman

A few years back I interviewed Billy Sherwood and we began to talk about the Doctor Who book I wrote. He asked me if i ever listened to his album, CITIZEN, a concept album about a time traveler who ends up being reborn in different times and events in history. Doctor Who the musical, SOLD! I went right out and got the album and loved it! Now the next chapter....

As a musician, writer and producer, Billy Sherwood reminds me of Todd Rundgren, a visionary who has his own sound and styles and does what he does because he loves it. On CITIZEN - IN THE NEXT LIFE we return to the ever changing world(s) and times of the 'citizen' as he is there with Adolf Hitler in his bunker and spends time with Mata Hari, Christopher Columbus and Wyatt Earp... all in song. There is even a touching and quite emotional moment when the 'citizen' becomes late YES bassist Chris Squire, a friend of Sherwood. If you didn't know this, Squire selected Sherwood as his replacement in YES before he passed away.  

On first listen, I wasn't quite feeling the fun and adventure like I did on the first.  After about 20 full plays I really began to let myself become immersed in the album, and now I'm listening to it because I love it.  The songs are incredibly enjoyable, something not easy to do on a concept album and Billy's musicianship (he plays everything) is stellar. Each song has its own feel. like the Trevor Rabin/YES influenced We Shall Ride Again and Sofia, to the very heavy The Partisan and the dreamy Hold Quite.  Sherwood pulls out all the stops creating a modern masterpiece that also to me sounds like classic Genesis and for some odd reason, Robert Plant's PICTURES AT ELEVEN. 

CITIZEN - IN THE NEXT LIFE is for anyone who loves challenging music, thought provoking lyrics and just a little more than verse, chorus, solo, verse, extended solo.  Billy Sherwood should be incredibly proud of this album and I hope there is more Citizen in our future... or past.... or whenever. 

MATMAN RATING - 5 OUT OF 5  

CITIZEN - IN THE NEXT LIFE will be released on July 12th through Frontiers Music S.L.R.

Opening Act: 
Dave Mustaine battling throat cancer
Dave Ellefson releasing new book and album in July (https://loudwire.com/megadeth-david-ellefson-new-song-hammer-comes-down/)
Steven Adler injury
Krokus farewell tour
New Fiction Syxx album out now
Matt’s Asia book coming soon

Ear Candy: 
Guns N’ Roses: Chinese Democracy (2008)
Gygax: High Fantasy (2019)

Comin Atcha Live:
Dio Returns
Asia

Bonus Track: Fiction Syxx--Monster in the Myst
From the new album Alternate Me, out now on Melodic Rock Records. You can find more info at www.melodicrock.com/articles/news-feed/2019/06/28/fiction-syxx-new-album-alternate-me-out-now. 

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at powerchordspodcast@gmail.com.

by Matman

Celebrating the greatest in progressive music, THE ROYAL AFFAIR TOUR features the talents and music of YES, Carl Palmer's ELP Legacy (featuring Arthur Brown), John Lodge of the Moody Blues and the subject of this review.... ASIA!  People who know me understand my love and obsession for this band also know how critical I can be of anyone but my late friend John Wetton singing these iconic songs. On this tour, the vocal duties have been handed to Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal, an unexpected choice knowing his hard rock background, but a solid pick understanding his love and respect for the material.

Being part of a 'package' tour, ASIA only had a 10 song set and they took full advantage of their time on stage in White Plains, New York, wining over the crowd with every note.  The first half of the set, original/founding members Geoffrey Downes (keyboards) and Carl Palmer (drums) were joined by Billy Sherwood (bass) and Bumblefoot on vocals AND guitar.  Hitting the stage with Go, the band sounded perfect, but noticeably harder than before, possibly from Thal's fantastic playing. Following Don't Cry and an amazing version of Video Killed The Radio Star, ASIA performed a touching tribute to John Wetton with The Smile Has Left Your Eyes which was quite moving and of course didn't help the tears already running down my face. The first half ended with Lucky Man and a beautiful keyboard solo by Downes. 

Then...

For the last four songs, all from their huge debut album, ASIA, the band were joined by founding/original member Steve Howe.  Despite this being known, the fans went nuts, understanding the impact of having the three surviving founders on stage together.  Finishing off with Wildest Dreams, Sole Survivor, Only Time Will Tell and of course, Heat Of The Moment. 

Musically, ASIA was perfect, and how can they not be? All are amazing musicians who have built a solid legacy and for Palmer, Downes, Sherwood and Howe, it is nightly double duty.  But, the big question for many fans, myself included, is how Thal would sound doing songs we can only hear John Wetton perform? Despite having a different style and delivery, Thal did a spectacular job and won the near sell-out crowd over very quickly.  There are a few videos circulating that don't do Thal justice and how can they? You can't hear the love, scope and emotion of his voice condensed into an iPhone.

No one would be a tougher critic of the current ASIA line-up if they didn't measure up to expectations. I have spent an entire year writing a book about their rich and exciting history (that will be released very soon) and hearing Ron Thal deliver some of the most important music in my life makes me excited about the band's future. 

For tour dates, click here.


​DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW!!!!!!!!!       
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Opening Act: 
Zakk Sabbath to re-record Black Sabbath
New Saxon live album
Dio documentary
Bruce Dickinson book tour
Graham Bonnet performing Down to Earth

Ear Candy: 
Bon Jovi (1984)
The Brink--Nowhere to Run (2019)

Comin Atcha Live:
Last In Line

Rockversation: Andrew Freeman
Matt spoke with the Last in Line frontman at a recent show, as they toured in support of the new album, II. 

Bonus Track: Save Goodbye 
Form The Brink’s new album NOWHERE TO RUN, out now on Frontiers Music SRL.

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at powerchordspodcast@gmail.com.

  by Matman

It is hard to believe it has been about two years since Fiction Released TALL DARK SECRETS, an amazing debut album that I thought was pretty close to perfect.  So, how would, or could the band come even a bit close to matching album number one? Would they tinker with what made me love them? Would I be let down? All good questions... now for the answers.

It is hard to define Fiction Syxx!  At their core they are a heavy rock band with a lot of melody and music that is progressive and challenging. After about ten listens of THE ALTERNATE ME, I feel the band has established their own sound and identity (see above), but I can now hear a bit more 70's classic rock elements to their arsenal.  Songs like Monster In The Mist and Angel Of Mine are very AOR and just easy to listen to and represent the bands 'signature sound'. For me, songs like My Darkest Hour, the title track and Tragic Magic are songs that have their deepest roots in 70's prog rock like Kansas, early Rainbow and Uriah Heep and I love that.  Not to say this sounds old and dated because this albums sounds so fresh, modern and crystal clear! 

Another thing that really jumps out is the deep, thought provoking lyrics of the songs.  Sure I love the girls, party and 'lovey dovie' songs, but Fiction Syxx lyrically paint pictures, the expressive mode of Wind Reminds Me to some of the more introspective tracks, Fiction Syxx goes deep and makes you think... and feel. 

There are two brilliant cover songs on the album, Suite Madam Blue (Styx) and The Wizard (Uriah Heep) that are done just the way I like them, super close to the original with the band's own style injected in spots.  On both of these, vocalist Mark Allen Lanoue impresses in tons, covering two of the most unique and recognizable voices in rock history (Dennis De Young and the late great David Byron) and showcases his own vocal power.

I like THE ALTERNATE ME a bit more than TALL DARK SECRETS (and i friggin' loved that album) because there is some growth and maturity with the band. Beginning to end it is a very satisfying listen that shines a nice bright light on Lanoue (vocals and lead guitar), JK Northrup (lead/rhythm guitars & production), Rory Faciane (drums), Larry Hart (bass) and Eric Ragno on keyboards).  THE ALTERNATE ME has something for everyone; crying leads, crunching riffs, swirling vocals, driving rhythms and keyboards that all help paint one beautiful picture.

MATMAN RATING - 5 OUT OF 5 THERAPEUTIC LISTENS      

THE ALTERNATE ME from Melodic Rock Records will be released on June 28th. To preview songs and ordering instructions, including some bonus tracks, click the link below!!!!

http://melodicrock.com/articles/melodicrock-records/2019/06/07/fiction-syxx-alternate-me-showcase    

Opening Act:
Winger to begin work on new album
Guns 'n' Roses to begin work on new album
20 highest selling albums of all time
The Royal Affair tour

Ear Candy:
Whitesnake: Flash and Blood (2019)
Rammstein (2019)

Six Degrees of Frankie B.

Comin Atcha Live:
Slayer, Lamb of God, Amon Amarth, Cannibal Corpse 5/25 in Mansfield, MA

Rockversation: Eric Knutson
Matt spoke with the lead singer of Flotsam and Jetsam at a recent show about the band’s history and the new album, The End of Chaos.

Bonus Track: Nay-Sayin’ Blues
The track from the Boston-based rock band is currently featured in a series of Fanatics ads. You can learn more about the band at www.badmarriagemusic.com.
​
Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at powerchordspodcast@gmail.com.

by Matman

Get ready for some amazing new releases and some fairly news ones...

The Brink - NOWHERE TO RUN (Frontiers) - OUT NOW
WOW! This brand new UK band has captured the energy and sounds of the 70's and 80's without sounding dated and tired! For their full length debut, Tom Quick (vocals), Lexi Laine (lead guitar), Izzy Trixx (rhythm guitar), Gaz Connor (bass), and Davide Bocci (drums) have crafted 15 amazing songs that all just jump out right at you.  Each song has its own charm and feel with my favorites being the hook filled Never Again, Nothing To Fear, and the down and dirty, Burn.  The stand-out track on the album is the powerful Save Goodbye, a song that has become one of my favorite new songs of the past 20 years.  The album also includes an acoustic/string/vocal version of the song that just backs up the last sentence.

I admit, this album caught me way off guard and is another one that has found a home in my Top Five and as of now, is my favorite release of 2019. Amazing how 5 young British musicians were able to capture the best of an era they weren't born for and make it sound like they were.    


AXEL RUDI PELL - LIVE XXX ANNIVERSARY - release date 6/7/2019
I have to admit it, with my vast knowledge of music and feeling like I know everyone who is anyone, I have very little experience with German guitarist Axel Rudi Pell except I know of his singer (since 1998), Johnny Gioeli. So what better way to dive into a career I know nothing about than with a live 30th anniversary celebratory release. One listen in... consider me quite impressed. 

Knowing none of the songs except a few of the covers, I was drawn in by the bands live performance and how tight they are and how it isn't what I expected, everything built around an amazing guitarist. Tracks like The Wild And The Young, Wildest Dreams and the pure epic Mystica have a very German feel to them with a heavy influence of Rainbow, DIO and Black Sabbath. The band; Gioleli (vocals), Pell (guitar), Ferdy Doernberg (keyboards), Volker Krawczak (bass) and former Rainbow/Black Sabbath drummer Bobby Rondinelli are amazing and this live double album has made me do what was intended... search out the entire Axel Rudi Pell collection!!!!  

JORN - LIVE ON DEATH ROAD - release date 6/14/2019
One of the biggest secrets in heavy metal is vocalist Jorn Lande who spent his 50th birthday headlining the Frontiers Music Fest in Milan Italy last year. From that is a double live album, LIVE ON DEATH ROAD. Jorn gets a lot of attention for sounding very much like Ronnie James Dio, but there is so much more to him and his amazing band. Joining Lande is Tore Moren (guitar), Alessandro Del Vecchio (keyboards), Sid Ringsby (bass), Beata Polak (drums) and Francesco Jovino (drums), who create a rockin' and intense listening experience. On original tracks like Traveler and Out To Every Nation or the fantastic covers Ride Like The Wind and a super cool version of Shot In The Dark, my hope is that this album will make you interested enough to look up Jorn's huge musical legacy. 

LIVE ON DEATH ROAD is a fun heavy listen that has so much to offer those discovering Jorn for the first time. if you have been a long time fan like myself, it's a chance to at least hear him live since I may never get to see him live.   

6y Matman

​There is a real divide and some hostility among ASIA fans about John Payne's decade long run as the bassist/vocalist of the band.  Around 1990, John Wetton left the band to begin a solo career, Carl Palmer went back to ELP and Steve Howe returned to YES leaving Geoffrey Downes to either fold the band or continue. Choosing to keep ASIA going, he enlisted John Payne and in 1992 ASIA released the amazing AQUA album.  Payne and Downes (with a succession of musicians) would release 6 albums of new material before the original band would reform in 2007.  As part of a legal settlement, Payne would continue as ASIA featuring John Payne and be able to tour and record.  Last Friday night I finally got to see and hear ASIA featuring John Payne live and well.... I was so impressed!

Playing at the Atrium Bar and Lounge at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Connecticut, ASIA featuring John Payne played an incredible 14 song set mixing classic ASIA with some of the best songs from his run.  Obviously the casual ASIA fan wants to hear Heat Of The Moment, Go, Don't Cry and Only Time Will Tell, and we got those.  But, many of us die hard followers were hoping to hear Payne classics like Military Man, Long Way From Home, Who Will Stop The Rain and Silent Nation and the band didn't disappoint. A solid set list that really gave everyone what they wanted.

Joining Payne was longtime guitarist Moni Scaria who was so smooth and fluid with his playing, he made it look so effortlessly.  The two new guys, (Springfield, MA's own) keyboardist Jamie Hosmer and drummer Johnny Fedevich both had some big shoes to fill and musically and pulled everything off with style and power.  As for the man himself, Payne displayed his skills around the bass and vocally put on display his never aging powerful voice. 

As I document in my upcoming book, ASIA - TIME AND TIME AGAIN, if you only know the John Wetton led version of the band, than you are missing half the history of ASIA. Payne's run gave the band a bit of heaviness and progression and I am so thankful I not only got to see the band (and the sound check) but I got to spend some time with John and Moni which made the show even that much more special. 

ASIA featuring John Payne is currently on tour with Lou Gramm. 

                   

by Matman

How far will I travel for a great concert in a cool venue? 3 hours to Madison Square Garden to see Electric Light Orchestra... 90 minutes for a zillion shows at the Wolf Den... 2 hours to Poughkeepsie, NY for Stryper or Last In Line?  How about 15 minutes for Dokken/Last In Line? SOLD!!!!

Kicking off a new venue and a new summer event at the MGM called MGM Live On The Plaza were two of my favorite bands, Last In Line and Dokken. It was exciting to see a major venue start their inaugural run with bands that mean a lot to me and judging by the attendance, so many other people, too. As someone who has waved the flag most of his life for hard rock and heavy metal, it's refreshing that MGM look at these bands as legitimate and viable enough to start it all!!!!

First off the bands!!!! To read what I thought about Last In Line, just read the story below from last week because nothing has changed... except i'm an even bigger fan now!!!! They had an abbreviated set and took full advantage of every second... winning the crowd over and giving them a show featuring some of the best players in the business. Thank you Andrew, Vivian, Phil and Vinnie!!!! 

Having not seen Dokken since 1986, I was excited to not only see and hear some of my favorite music ever, but see a few friends (Chris McCarvill (bass) and BJ Zampa (drums) joining longtime guitarist Jon Levin and the legendary Don Dokken! Despite the fact that Don can't hit the notes like he used to, the show was an awesome collection of timeless songs presented with a lot of energy and power. The most important takeaway was that the fans really enjoyed the set and so did the band. And, Don Dokken is pure attitude!!!! 

So lets talk about the venue. On The Plaza has an amazing look to it, with brick everywhere and "the Castle" at one end, giving it such a distinct appearance and feel.  The outdoor venue has a large cover over it, giving it a real intimate feel (and keeping you cool and or dry) but allows air to circulate and of course, no crazy hot or stale standing room only pit... just comfortable. 

But, what I was worried about was the sound. How would the acoustics be? How would the sound play off all the brick and no real walls? From every part of the area, all the way to the far back, the sides, the concourse, behind the stage and even in the photo pit (I know sad me, eh), the sound was not only perfectly balanced, but clear and clean. And just so you know... I legitimately walked the entire area trying to find a spot where the music didn't carry well... and I couldn't, except the bathroom, but that is to be expected. 

AND.... how can I forget some real cool restaurants and free easy in and out parking!!!!!! WIN-WIN!

A full calendar of events including more of my favorites (Village People, Firehouse and Warrant)  can be seen by clicking here . 

So congrats to everyone at MGM Springfield for their first concert On The Plaza being a huge success with the bands, the fans and with me. With so many boxes to check when it comes to creating a solid and memorable live event these days, you guys did it all... and a little more.