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Local power metal vocalist Warren Halvarson has joined the David Shankle Group (DSG) to immediately begin work on the much anticipated 3rd DSG album planned for release sometime in 2010. Warren is one the foremost singers in the Chicago metal scene and has worked with & played with many prominent national & local recording artists including: Johnny Monaco (Enuff Znuff), Jason Ward (Flotsam & Jetsam), Michael Posch (Radakka & the Pamela Moore Band), Mike Garrett (Zoetrope & Supermercado) and now David Shankle. (formerly of Manowar, DSG). Warren is thoroughly delighted to be working in DSG & promises to deliver a sonic assault that will be second to none and guaranteed to please the most discerning metal fans!
Heaven & Hell (Chicago) / Pandemonium vocalist Halvarson joins DSG.
December 30, 2009 / 2:52 P.M Chicago, IL
Random X, a local contemporary hard rock cover band who encountered a series of challenges in the past year, is gearing up for a comeback with a new lineup and fresh material according to longtime vocalist Jeff Stevens. The new members include Mark-o Lira (formerly of D-Connect, currently in Trouble), Mike Strack (formerly Uncle Sam), Eddie Page and Mike Hanning (formerly of The Lazy Boys).
Random X announces comeback.
December 29, 2009 / 7:50 P.M Algonquin, IL
Kevin Lee prepares for a new EP release.
December 25, 2009 / 6:56 P.M Chicago, IL
Local singer/songwriter Kevin Lee and his band The Kings have announced the upcoming release of their new EP. The record, titled 'From Dusk 'til Dawn' will be released on February 16, 2010 and will be available at www.cdbaby.com/cd/KevinLeeTheKings, iTunes and other select digital stores. Check out our AUDIO SAMPLES section for a CHICAGOSROCK exclusive song preview.
Sacred Dawn adds new member to their lineup.
December 7, 2009 / Chicago, IL
The Sacred Dawn band lineup has grown by one with the recent addition of Brian Kim on keyboards. "We're very happy with Brian so far & we're also excited about the musical possibilities that the addition of keys bring to our music", stated Lothar Keller, lead singer for the band. The band is looking forward to playing shows in 2010 and the subsequent release of their next album later in the year.
Area rockers The Soul Chasers, a newer area hard rock'n blues band made up by Danny McCartney & Mike McCarron (of Lydian Sea) on vocals & drums, Joaquin Mercado on guitar/vocals, Mark Prelac on bass/vocals, Steve Cristao on sax and Dave Little on keyboads/vocals, announce their CD release show which will be on Saturday, February 27 at a new club by the name of Mark's House of Rock N' Roll (322 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wheeling, IL). Visit them online at myspace.com/thesoulchasers for more info.
The Soul Chasers announce CD-Release show.
"After two months of searching we finally found a new bass player. His name is Greg Marcotte and he's a pickless finger player and he's bad ass", was the statement from the band's lead singer Tyke Conrady, who will with the rest of the band, be rocking it up at Shark City (Glendale Hts, IL) on Jan. 22nd.
UNEVEN announces addition to their lineup.
December 7, 2009 / 6:04 A.M. Chicago, IL
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Man The Mighty prepares for album release in January 2010.
December 7, 2009 / 7:08 P.M. Carpentersville, IL
The band Man The Mighty announced the release of their newest album titled 'Beneath The Skin'. The record was produced by the 2-time Grammy Award nominee Ben Kasica and the band will celebrate it with an all-ages CD-release show on January 9th at the Clearwater Theater in West Dundee, IL.
Jamilya comes back to help a friend in need.
The band Jamilya was one of the area's popular bands in the 80s & 90s. Like many others, they took time off for other projects and are making a comeback to help out a friend who's been diagnosed with cancer with a benefit show on Jan. 15th at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park, IL. Also scheduled to perform is Infinity and Major Woody. Visit them online at www.jamilya.com for more information.
Newly re-formed AC/DC Tribute show debuts in January 2010.
December 7, 2009 / Chicago, IL
After a major makeover & overhaul, TNT Chicago comes back with a great, new show. This one promises to re-create the entire AC/DC package with not only what you hear, but what you see as well in terms of costumes and showmanship. Their debut show is January 9th at Dream Reapers in Melrose Park, IL. Visit them online for additional info at myspace.com/tntchicago
Afflicted Brigade, a newer hard rock original Chicago band made up by Mike Meadows on vocals, Randy Raatz on guitar, Rio on bass and Michael Todd on drums, is currently working on their 1st studio release. The album is expected to be finished in the 1st part of 2010 with subsequent shows and local touring to follow. Go to myspace.com/afflictedbrigade for additional information and audio samples.
Afflicted Brigade in the studio working on album.
December 8, 2009 / 3:38 P.M. Chicago, IL
MAN
THE
MIGHTY
New band True Witness in the studio readying debut album.
December 5, 2009 / Chicago, IL
True Witness, a new heavy melodic metal band from Chicago featuring Allen James on vocals, Randy Gonet on lead guitar, Tom Miller on Drums, Aaron Czajka on rhythm guitar and Brian Gordon on bass, is currently in the studio with Matt Mercado finishing up their self-titled debut album. The release date should be around February / March 2010. Visit them online at myspace.com/truewitnesstheband for more information.
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New Savatage tribute band in the Chicago area.
December 5, 2009 / Chicago, IL
Former members of the official Savatage tribute band 'Streets' (Florida) re-unite in Chicago and form the Savatage Experience. The band Members include Troy Daniels, Mike Carpenter, Lothar Keller, Joey Vega, Eddie Foltz and Brian Kim. Being endorsed by Jon Oliva and Steve "Doc" Wacholz, as well as being friends with Savatage, you never know who may be at one of the shows. For additional information, visit them online at www.myspace.com/thesavatageexperience
A brand-new classic metal cover band made up of seasoned area musicians, is gearing up to hit local stages with a variety of classic and old favorite metal covers. Their name is 'The Metal Years' and the lineup includes Jim Owens on vocals, Ray Tyma and Lou Gasparetti on guitars, Gary Ingram on bass guitar and Kevin Stephens on drums.
A debut show is planned for February 26th in Crest Hill, IL. Visit them online at myspace.com/themetalyearschicago or facebook.com/themetalyears for information.
NEW 'Old-School' Metal band to hit the area in February.
January 15, 2010 / 9:52 A.M Chicago, IL
TWO TON ANVIL announces release of debut album.
Area rockers Two Ton Anvil have announced that their self-titled debut album will hit stores on March 9, 2010. The band, led by dual lead vocalists and dual lead guitarists Chris Chubb and Brian Ericson, is taking the music industry by storm with an onslaught of high voltage energy and will be at a venue near you soon. The album is being distributed by Dark Star Records. A video to the song 'Victims' can be seen at their website (myspace.com/twotonanvil) in addition to other news and future tour dates.
Loveblast's long-awaited debut album will be released on February 13th. The album will be available thru the band's website (www.loveblastrock.com), in addition to CDBaby.com and other possible digital outlets. The band will also be a guest on the Dirty Dan and Mongo BlogTalk Radio show on Wednesday Feb. 10th @ 9 PM (CST). Log on to blogtalkradio.com/dirtydanmongoman to listen & visit them online for info.
Loveblast's new album hits the streets on February 13th.
WHISKEY
SIN
Whiskey Sin in final stages of recording process.
The band Whiskey Sin reports that the process of recording their debut album is near completion and they plan to send the recordings out for mastering and production within a few weeks. Updates and additional information is available thru their website which is www.myspace.com/whiskeysin
Local rockers get organized.
A new movement is taking form and has been put together by local musicians to help and support one another while collectively raising the quality and strengthtening the Chicago rock scene. The movement or coalition is open to Chicago rock bands. For additional information or to submit your band for consideration, click logo at LEFT or e-mail ChicagoRockersUnited@live.com