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.
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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.