Nuova Era are among my favourite bands when it comes to vintage sounds and classic Italian prog. Walter Pini and his friends are veteran proggers and this 2025 album, retelling Jule Verne’s masterpiece novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Seas, is their sixth official release, but their sound is as refreshing and creative as it used to be during the ’80s. First things first: the tempo, mood and instrumentation changes are stunning.
Nemo and friends under the prog seas!
Stately organs, dainty acoustic passages, strong vocals, breathtaking progressions, intricate rythms and of course beautiful melodies… al things Italian Prog are there! Being a 36 minutes suite, divided into 8 parts, “20.000 leghe sotto i mari” is a true musical ordeal, treating the listener with both compositional and performing skills. Each variation introduces a different world and even the marine sound effects perfectly fit into the great picture. All in all, this is IMHO one of the best pages of Nuova Era’s flushing repertoire.
This spring, BOSS unveils its latest offering, the BOSS ONE Bodywear collection, specifically designed for men. This isn’t just a line; it’s a statement, an embodiment of the brand’s commitment to quality, style, and comfort.
At the helm of this campaign are a stellar group of male models who have joined forces to bring the collection to life. Each one handpicked for their unique style, charisma, and ability to embody the essence of BOSS ONE.
So, this spring, as the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, we invite you to explore the BOSS ONE Bodywear collection. Here are the men.
About BOSS and HUGO BOSS:
BOSS is made for bold, self-determined individuals who live life on their own terms, with passion, style, and purpose. Collections offer dynamic, modern designs for those that embrace who they are fully and unapologetically: as their own BOSS. The brand’s heritage tailoring, performance suiting, casualwear, denim, athleisure, and accessories cater to the style needs of the discerning consumer. Licensed fragrances, eyewear, watches, and kidswear complete the brand. The world of BOSS can be experienced in over 489 own stores worldwide. BOSS is the core brand of HUGO BOSS, one of the leading companies positioned in the premium segment of the global apparel market. The group offers collections in 131 countries at around 7,800 points of sale and online in 73 countries via hugoboss.com.
In celebration of their 60th anniversary, the Doors have partnered with Apple Maps to create a new guide highlighting pivotal locations in the band’s history.
Spanning from their roots in California to their European tours, the guide features 20 key sites — including venues like the Fillmore in San Francisco and the Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles — where the band led by the late Jim Morrison…
PRE-ORDERS NOW OPEN
Audio Delivery scheduled for this weekend. Pre-orders do help MRC greatly – please consider.
Usual outlets will all carry of course.
500 of each ONLY!
http://melodicrockclassics.com
MelodicRock Classics kicks off what could be the biggest year of the label’s existence yet, with two releases due April 11.
The two albums will both be part of the 500 series, meaning once gone, they’ll be gone!
Full details of the second title is as follows:
VISIONARY MAN – Visionary Man
The second title is a previously unreleased album featuring New Orleans born Dean Vallecillo (Lead and backing vocals, Bass guitars) and Dare Force and solo guitarist Brian Bart. Brian previously worked with MRC for the release of his rocking solo album ‘Future Vision’.
The band Visionary Man features 3 members of Dare Force and was recorded after the original Firepower album.
We’ll dig further into Dean and Brain’s past and the details of the band’s all too-short existence with the full press release.
Safe to say, it’s another quality slice of American melodic hard rock.
Dean has been singing since the age of 5 and began playing several instruments in school. He received his first bass guitar at the age of 13 in 1973.
From 1983 to 1989, Dean played in three of the greatest unsigned bands in the United States: Heyoka and Winterkat from San Antonio, Texas, and Minneapolis’s own Dare Force.
Brian Bart’s resume now goes back 40 years. He has been a stalwart of the Minneapolis rock scene since the start of the 80s – as a guitarist, songwriter, producer, engineer just for starters.
In recent years Brian has been the owner, engineer and producer at Logic Studios & Logic Recordings. He has recorded over 400 albums, played multiple instruments on over 150 records, including ten of his own.
Visionary Man came to life with the impending dissolution of Dare Force after the release of ‘Firepower’. Dean had already written four songs for the follow-up. Although these songs were still in their infancy stage at the time, he had a head start on what would eventually become a solo album. With his years of songwriting and studio experience, along with the production prowess and iconic guitar work of Brian Bart, Visionary Man was painstakingly assembled.
However, the completion of the Visionary Man project coincided with another significant musical shift, rendering these songs somewhat outdated—for a time. Nevertheless, Dean and Brian kept the spirit alive, believing that someday the project would find its moment.
Now, that time has come—Visionary Man!
Available for pre-order this week and out April 11. Strictly limited to 500 units only.
Direct pre-orders get the advance audio delivered same day.
Track Listing:
01. Small Change 0.40
02. Visionary Man 4.53
03. Fantasy Satisfier 4.48
04. Heart And Soul 5.45
05. Eyes On You 4.39
06. Hold On 4.47
07. All Come Home Again 5.15
08. Defiant 6.00
09. Never Cry Again 4.38
10. What Love Should Be 5.24
11. The Line In My Hand 7.44
12. One Big Change 5.39
MelodicRock Classics kicks off what could be the biggest year of the label’s existence yet, with two releases due April 11.
The two albums will both be part of the 500 series, meaning once gone, they’ll be gone!
Full details of the first title is as follows:
DOUG VARTY – Keep The Dream Alive
‘Keep The Dream Alive’ is a compilation of unreleased material from Canadian singer/songwriter and guitarist DOUG VARTY. Doug has fronted the Doug Varty Band; recorded with legendary producers Jack Richardson (The Guess Who), Terry Brown (Rush, Blue Rodeo), and David Tyson (Hall and Oates). He won a major recording deal as “Canada’s Best New Original Act” in Labatt’s Band Warz, a Canada wide Battle of the Bands with 2000 entrants.
He’s appeared live with Bob Seger, Tina Turner, The Tragically Hip, Jeff Healey, The Beach Boys, John Mellencamp, and Rush, to name but a few. He’s toured Europe, Mexico, the USA, and Canada extensively over his career.
There have been many recordings made of Doug’s music over the years, but these tracks, some of them his most favorite songs and performances, have not seen the light of day. “I’m really excited to see the release of this album. Some of my best songs and vocals are captured on it. Happy that I finally get to share them with fans new and old.”
Available for pre-order this week and out April 11. Strictly limited to 500 units only.
Direct pre-orders get the advance audio delivered same day.
01. Keep the Dream Alive 3.32
02. Solid Ground 4.02
03. Make It All Right 3.58
04. Everybody Needs A Lover 3.03
05. Sleepwalking 3.56
06. Girl’s Already Gone 3.03
07. Just Say Hello 4.44
08. Leave My Heart Alone 3.16
09. The Right Mistakes 4.16
10. Hurricane Jane 3.36
11. Drive On 3.28
12. Sweet Temptation 2.49
13. This is My Country (Live) 5.15
14. Sleepwalking (Demo) 4.01
15. This Is My Country (Demo) 4.04
WebLinks: www.melodicrock.com / www.melodicrockclassics.com
RiffRiot readers, you’ve once again proven your impeccable taste! In a music world often saturated with predictable sounds, the raw energy and creative spirit of independent artists continue to shine brightly, and you’ve been instrumental in bringing these exceptional singles to our attention. 2024 has been living proof of this phenomenon, with a surge of compelling rock and metal singles emerging from the grassroots scene, demonstrating that genuine artistry thrives vibrantly outside the mainstream.
These tracks represent a diverse spectrum of sounds and styles, each one a powerful expression of its creator’s unique artistic vision. This compilation marks the beginning of an exciting new section in our blog, where talented independent artists can expand their work and gain the recognition they deserve. There’s something truly special about having such a rich variety of musical styles gathered in one curated space.
So, let´s begin with our first group of singles of our loyal readers and collaborators!
Singles Recently Released
The following list of singles is not ordered, so feel free to set yourself your own ranking!
The Afro Nick’s “Get There Before Noon (LA Mix)” is a captivating indie rock anthem that blends psychedelic guitars, groovy synths, and introspective lyrics. Recorded in prestigious NYC studios with Grammy-winning collaborator Leonardo Genovese, the track shows Nick Anastasakis’ artistic growth. Its message of seizing the moment resonates through powerful instrumentation and emotive vocals. Accompanied by a visually striking NYC-based music video, this single marks a significant milestone for the Greek-born, LA-based artist, earning praise for its artistic depth and broad appeal.
On October 30, 2024, Shape of Water released “The Silence of the Lambs,” a single that marks a notable progression towards a heavier sonic landscape for the UK-based duo. Recorded with live drums at NoiseBoy Studios in Manchester and mastered by Grant Berry, this track is presented as their most substantial offering to date. The single, accompanied by a music video, serves as an introduction to their forthcoming album, scheduled for release in 2025.
Rox Capriotti and Luca De Falco, the creative force behind Shape of Water since 2018, are recognized for their independent approach and their ability to blend rock, electronic, and atmospheric elements. “The Silence of the Lambs” builds upon the positive reception of their 2022 album, “Amor Fati,” and illustrates their ongoing artistic development within the alternative rock genre.
Archangel’s latest single, “From Hell to Heaven”, presents a compelling fusion of metal subgenres. The track commences with a foundation of weighty, deliberate death metal rhythms, evoking the sonic characteristics of doom and stoner metal. However, a distinct shift occurs midway through the composition, introducing a percussive style reminiscent of black metal, accompanied by a melodic death metal solo. This unexpected juxtaposition of styles creates a unique listening experience. While the combination may initially surprise the listener, Archangel effectively integrates these diverse elements, resulting in an eclectic death metal composition that demonstrates a refined understanding of genre blending.
FFO: death metal with slow paced yet strong rythms.
Alwyn Morrison’s music offers a vibrant and relatable take on pop-rock, infused with the energy of urban life. His debut single, ‘The City,’ immediately resonated with listeners, achieving significant online engagement. Morrison’s songwriting, which often explores personal narratives within the context of city living, strikes a chord with its honesty and emotional depth. His upcoming release, ‘Lenox Hill,’ a collaboration with Emmy-nominated composer Michael Kooman and award-winning producer Michael Carey, further exemplifies his commitment to crafting sophisticated and emotionally resonant music. Morrison’s work, while reminiscent of iconic bands like The Cars and The Cranberries, maintains a fresh and authentic quality, inviting listeners to connect with the stories woven into his songs.
FFO: The Cranberries, The Cars, softer Green Day side.
Remember that all of the albums which are listed in our rankings are featured in our official Spotify playlists!
And if you would want to apply to be featured among these great albums, you can apply via Musosoup or Sound Campaign and let us discover your material!
Sure, Hats off Gentlemen It’s Adequate is a rather long name for a band, but I think they’re worth our memory effort. Malcolm Galloway and Mark Gatland’s brain child is an eclectic and intriguing musical creature, like this title song taken from their 2023 album will show to the few that never listened to HOGIA’s music. Galloway, Gatland and their guest musicians provide a varied prog rock with a strong electronic taste, well balanced between the classic era masters and the contemporary trends.
Galloway himself created this AI assisted evocative image.
This track – like many other ones in the band’s catalogue – pays its tribute to beloved science fiction books (in this case, Ian M. Banks’s Look to Windward novel) and also – musically – to space rock and to the atmospheric side of Pink Floyd or Porcupine Tree. That said, this London based musicians have their own signature sound, sharp and arcane. Yes, it is adeguate and pretty more than so.
Sure, Hats off Gentlemen It’s Adequate is a rather long name for a band, but I think they’re worth our memory effort. Malcolm Galloway and Mark Gatland’s brain child is an eclectic and intriguing musical creature, like this title song taken from their 2023 album will show to the few that never listened to HOGIA’s music. Galloway, Gatland and their guest musicians provide a varied prog rock with a strong electronic taste, well balanced between the classic era masters and the contemporary trends.
Galloway himself created this AI assisted evocative image.
This track – like many other ones in the band’s catalogue – pays its tribute to beloved science fiction books (in this case, Ian M. Banks’s Look to Windward novel) and also – musically – to space rock and to the atmospheric side of Pink Floyd or Porcupine Tree. That said, this London based musicians have their own signature sound, sharp and arcane. Yes, it is adeguate and pretty more than so.
Meet Vilhelm Buchaus, a singer-songwriter who is establishing himself as a rising star in the Swedish music scene. Should he win Melodifestivalen (the Swedish Eurovision song contest) on Saturday, he could represent Sweden in the Eurovision finale in Switzerland in May.
We spoke with him about the upcoming event.
-How does it feel to be part of Melodifestivalen?
-It feels amazing! I’ve always been watching Melodifestivalen, so it’s really an honor to be apart of it!
-How will you describe your song “I’m Yours”? “
-“I’m Yours” is about the feeling of not being enough! I try to keep an intimate feeling throughout the song, and really invite the listener in to the word that I try to create.
(Photo via Ten Music Group).
We asked Vilhelm about his ballad “Another Horizon”.
-It is a beautiful ballad brimming with emotion. Could you share the story behind the song and the meaning conveyed in the lyrics?
-Thank you so much! I started to write the song just before Christmas, so I really had time to finish it in the way I had visioned over the Christmas period.
The song is about the emotional struggle of holding on to the memory of a lost love while trying to move forward. I write about letting go of the dream of reuniting with someone once deeply loved. The song is both a tribute to what once was and an acknowledgment of the pain that comes with having to move on.
With the metaphor “We’ll be alive, on another horizon,” I want to express that if we cannot be together in this lifetime, we will meet again in another, on a different horizon.
Melodifestivalen 2025. (Photo via SVT).
-When you make your appearance at Melodifestivalen on Saturday, what can the audience anticipate?
-I hope that as many as people as possible can relate to my song and the story that I’m telling. I also want everyone that watches to feel invited into the space that I’m trying to create. I really hope that people will enjoy it!
-How would you respond if you emerged victorious in Melodifestivalen and became Sweden’s ambassador in the global finale?
-It would mean the world to me and be more than I could ever have dreamed of, but right now, I’m just incredibly happy to be part of Melodifestivalen and trying to stay in the moment without thinking too far ahead.
Vilhelm’s song for this year’s Melodifestivalen, “I´m Yours”, will be available to stream on Friday, February 28. He will perform in Melodifestivalen on Saturday, March 1. You can watch the show on Swedish television (svt.se).
