Fates Warning, Metal Blade Reunite

Posted on February 16, 2019 by philspicks

Photo Credit: Stephanie Cabral

Fates Warning and Metal Blade Records have reunited.

The veteran progressive rock band announced this week that it signed a new deal with Metal Blade Records. Most recently, the band was signed with InsideOut Music, which released the band’s most recent recordings, Theories of Flight (2016) and Live Over Europe (2018).

Front man Ray Alder addressed the reunion in a recent interview.

“All of us in Fates Warning are happy to announce that we are back with Metal Blade Records,” Alder said. “Metal Blade has been there for us since the very beginning, and we are proud to call them part of our family. The journey begins again, and we cannot begin to say how excited we are to work together once more. A big thank to our fans for sticking with us through all these years. We could not be here today without all of you. That is a fact. Thank you, everyone. Here’s to making some new memories.”

Fates Warning was signed with Metal Blade Records from its inception, releasing albums through the label until 2013, when it released Darkness in a Different Light through InsideOut Music. Theories of Flight followed in 2016. The band’s 1998 live recording Still Life was also released via Metal Blade Records, as was the band’s 2017 live recording Awaken The Guardian Live.

Courtesy: InsideOut Music

Fates Warning is scheduled to join Queensryche on the road starting March 2 as a support act for Queensryche as it tours in support of its new album The Verdict. That album is currently scheduled for release March 1 via Century Media Records. The tour’s current schedule is noted below.

Fates Warning tour dates
w/ Queensryche
Mar. 2 – The Plaza Live – Orlando, FL
Mar. 3 – Culture Room – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Mar. 4 – Jack Rabbits Live – Jacksonville, FL *
Mar. 5 – Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
Mar. 7 – Sound Stage – Baltimore, MD w/ The Cringe
Mar. 8 – Sellersville Theater – Sellersville, PA *
Mar. 9 – Irving Plaza – New York, NY w/ The Cringe
Mar. 10 – Palladium – Worcester, MA w/ The Cringe
Mar. 12 – Bogarts – Cincinnati, OH
Mar. 13 – Diesel – Detroit, MI
Mar. 14 – Concord – Chicago, IL
Mar. 15 – The Rave – Milwaukee, WI
Mar. 16 – Medina Entertainment Center – Medina, MN
Mar. 17 – The Royal Grove – Lincoln, NE *
Mar. 19 – The Shrine – Tulsa, OK *
Mar. 20 – House of Blues – Dallas, TX
Mar. 21 – House of Blues – Houston, TX
Mar. 22 – Aztec – San Antonio, TX
Mar. 23 – El Rey – Albuquerque, NM
Mar. 24 – House of Bards – Tucson, AZ * w/ Push, DIRTNAP, Tribulance, Fire By Rank
Mar. 26 – The Marquee – Tempe, AZ
Mar. 27 – Observatory – San Diego, CA
Mar. 28 – The Fonda Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
Mar. 29 – Slim’s – San Francisco, CA
Mar. 30 – Ace of Spades – Sacramento, CA
Apr. 1 – The Dip – Redding, CA *
Apr. 2 – Crystal Ballroom – Portland, OR
Apr. 3 – Neptune – Seattle, WA
*=Fates Warning only

Once Fates Warning wraps its tour, it will start work on its 13th full-length studio recording, which will be released in 2020 via Metal Blade Records. More information on that album is available online now along with all of Fates Warning’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.fateswarning.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FatesWarning

Twitter: http://twitter.com/fateswarning

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Fates Warning Officially Announces Tour With Queensryche

Posted on February 2, 2019 by philspicks

Courtesy: InsideOut Music

Fates Warning announced a new slate of live dates this week.

The veteran progressive metal band officially announced Thursday, that it is joining Queensryche for the band’s tour in support of its forthcoming album The Verdict, which is currently scheduled for release on March 1 via Century Media.

Queensryche recently made the announcement of the tour along with announcements of its new videos, which feature music from The Verdict. The tour is currently scheduled to launch March 2 in Orlando, FL. and run through April 3 in Seattle, WA.

The tour’s schedule, which features performances in cities, such as Dallas, TX; Baltimore, MD and Detroit, MI, is noted below.

FATES WARNING – Live 2019:
Sa March 2nd – Orlando, FL – The Plaza Live – w/ Queensryche
Su March 3rd – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room – w/ Queensryche
Mo March 4th – Jacksonville, FL – Jack Rabbit’s *
Tu March 5th – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade – w/ Queensryche
Th March 7th – Baltimore, MD – Sound Stage – w/ Queensryche
Fr March 8th – Sellersville, PA – Sellersville Theater *
Sa March 9th – New York, NY – Irving Plaza – w/ Queensryche
Su March 10th – Worcester, MA – Palladium – w/ Queensryche
Tu March 12th – Cincinnati, OH – Bogarts – w/ Queensryche
We March 13th – Detroit, MI – Diesel – w/ Queensryche
Th March 14th – Chicago, IL – Concord – w/ Queensryche
Fr March 15th – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave – w/ Queensryche
Sa March 16th – Medina, MN – Medina Entertainment Center – w/ Queensryche
Su March 17th – Lincoln, NE – Royal Grove *
Tu March 19th – Tulsa, OK – The Shrine *
We March 20th – Dallas, TX – House of Blues – w/ Queensryche
Th March 21st – Houston, TX – House of Blues – w/ Queensryche
Fr March 22nd – San Antonio, TX – Aztec – w/ Queensryche
Sa March 23rd – Albuquerque, NM – El Rey – w/ Queensryche
Su March 24th – Tucson, AZ – House Of Bards *
Tu March 26th – Tempe, AZ – The Marquee – w/ Queensryche
We March 27th – San Diego, CA – Observatory – w/ Queensryche
Th March 28th – Los Angeles, CA – Fonda – w/ Queensryche
Fr March 29th – San Francisco, CA – Slim’s – w/ Queensryche
Sa March 30th – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades – w/ Queensryche
Mo April 1st – Redding, CA – The Dip *
Tu April 2nd – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom – w/ Queensryche
We April 3rd – Seattle, WA – Neptune – w/ Queensryche
* FATES WARNING headline show

The Cringe will also serve as support during the tour.

Fates Warning’s tour with Queensryche is in support of its latest live recording Live Over Europe, which was released June 29, 2018 via InsideOut Music. According to Fates Warning front man Ray Alder, the tour is also in support of the band’s most recent full-length studio recording Theories of Flight, which was released July 1, 2016 via InsideOut Music.

Live performances of the songs ‘Firefly,’ ‘The Light and Shade of Things, ‘Life in Still Water‘ and ‘Point of View‘ were released leading up to the release of Live Over Europe. Live Over Europe can be ordered digitally and physically now.

More information on Fates Warning’s upcoming live dates is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news at:

Website: http://www.fateswarning.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FatesWarning

Twitter: http://twitter.com/fateswarning

Queensryche Debuts ‘Dark Reverie’ Lyric Video

Posted on January 18, 2019 by philspicks

Courtesy: Century Media

Queensryche released the lyric video for its latest single this week.

The band debuted the lyric video for its single ‘Dark Reverie‘ on Monday. The song’s musical arrangement is everything that audiences have come to expect from Queensryche throughout its life. Queensryche guitarist Parker Lundgren explained the song’s lyrical theme is very introspective.

“‘Dark Reverie’ is a guitar-driven progressive ballad addressing self-reflection during times of tragedy and the questions we ask ourselves while grieving,” Lundgren said.

‘Dark Reverie’ is the latest single from Queensryche’s forthcoming album The Verdict, which is currently set for release March 1 via Century Media. Pre-orders for The Verdict are open now. The album’s lead single, ‘Man The Machine‘ premiered Nov. 16.

Queensryche will tour in support of The Verdict starting March 2 in Orlando, FL. The monthlong tour is scheduled to run through March 3 in Seattle, WA, and feature performances in cities nationwide, such as Cincinnati, OH; Uncasville, CT and Tempe, AZ. The tour’s current schedule is noted below.

Courtesy: Century Media Records

QUEENSRYCHE HEADLINE TOUR DATES

March 2 – Orlando, FL – The Plaza Live

March 3 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room

March 5 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade

March 7 – Baltimore – Sound Stage*

March 8 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun^

March 9 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza*

March 10 – Worcester, MA – Palladium*

March 12 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogarts

March 13 – Detroit, MI – Diesel

March 14 – Chicago, IL – Concord

March 15 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave

March 16 – Medina, MN – Medina Entertainment Center

March 17 – Davenport, IA – Rhythm City Casino Resort^

March 20 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues

March 21 – Houston, TX – House of Blues

March 22 – San Antonio, TX – Aztec

March 23 – Albuquerque, NM – El Rey

March 26 – Tempe, AZ – The Marquee

March 27 – San Diego – Observatory

March 28 – Los Angeles, CA- Fonda

March 29 – San Francisco, CA – Slim’s

March 30 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades

April 2 – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom

April 3 – Seattle, WA – Neptune

*w/ support from The Cringe

^Queensrÿche only

More information on Queensryche’s new single, tour, album and more is available online now at:

Website: http://www.queensrycheofficial.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/QueensrycheOfficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/queensryche

Queensryche Announces New Album Release, Tour Dates; Debuts Album’s Lead Single

Posted on November 17, 2018 by philspicks

Courtesy: Century Media

Queensryche is giving audiences their first preview of its new album.

The band debuted the lead single, ‘Man The Machine‘ from its forthcoming album The Verdict on Friday. The Verdict is scheduled to be released March 1 via Century Media, and will come a little more than three years after the release of the band’s most recent album, 2015’s Condition Human.

Front man Todd La Torre said in a recent interview that more is on the way from Queensryche as The Verdict‘s release date nears.

“We are excited to release the first full song ‘Man The Machine’ from our upcoming album, The Verdict,” La Torre said. “This is just a small taste of what is to come, and we look forward to unveiling more tracks and videos as we approach the official album release date of March 1, 2019 via Century Media. For exclusive footage, sneak peek audio teasers, exclusive merchandise and album pre-order packages, we invite you to join our official Pledge Music campaign here!”

Pre-orders for The Verdict are open now. The Verdict will be available on a variety of platforms, which are listed below.

The Verdict was produced, mixed and mastered by ZEUSS (Rob Zombie, Iced Earth, Hatebreed). at Uberbeatz in Lynwood, WA; Planet Z in Wilbraham, MA and watershed Studios in Seattle, WA.

The following formats will be available for The Verdict:

CD Digipack (US)

CD Jewelcase (EU)

Ltd. 2CD Box Set (EU)

Exclusive T-Shirt Bundle available at the Century Media store here:

https://Queensryche.lnk.to/TheVerdict/cmstoreus

The following vinyl colors will be available:

500x Red Smoke LP (Available in stores and online in the US)

Limited (TBD) Clear Smoke LP (Band Exclusive Available at Pledge Music)

500x Bloodshot LP (Exclusively Available at FYE)

The following will be available on the Century Media European store HERE:

Black LP+CD & Poster

100x clear LP+CD & Poster

200x transp. red LP+CD & Poster

200x transparent petrol green LP+CD & Poster are available alongside album bundles HERE

Courtesy: Century Media Records

Along with the announcement of its upcoming album release, Queensryche has also announced it will tour in support of The Verdict. It will launch a headlining tour March 2, with Fates Warning and The Cringe serving as support. Tickets can be purchased via the band’s official website.

The current schedule for Queensryche’s upcoming tour is noted below.

QUEENSRYCHE HEADLINE TOUR DATES

March 2 – Orlando, FL – The Plaza Live

March 3 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room

March 5 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade

March 7 – Baltimore – Sound Stage*

March 8 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun^

March 9 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza*

March 10 – Worcester, MA – Palladium*

March 12 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogarts

March 13 – Detroit, MI – Diesel

March 14 – Chicago, IL – Concord

March 15 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave

March 16 – Medina, MN – Medina Entertainment Center

March 17 – Davenport, IA – Rhythm City Casino Resort^

March 20 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues

March 21 – Houston, TX – House of Blues

March 22 – San Antonio, TX – Aztec

March 23 – Albuquerque, NM – El Rey

March 26 – Tempe, AZ – The Marquee

March 27 – San Diego, CA – Observatory

March 28 – Los Angeles, CA- Fonda

March 29 – San Francisco, CA – Slim’s

March 30 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades

April 2 – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom

April 3 – Seattle, WA – Neptune

*w/ support from The Cringe

^Queensrÿche only

More information on The Verdict, Queenryche’s tour in support of The Verdict and all of the band’s latest news is available online now at:

Website: http://www.queensrycheofficial.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/QueensrycheOfficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/queensryche

Red Reign’s New EP Will Appeal To Classic Rock Fans Of All Ages

Posted on April 22, 2017 by philspicks

Courtesy: Chipster PR

Early last December, Red Reign released its latest studio recording, a five-song self-titled EP. The self-released record is a work that will appeal to any fan of the songs that made up rock’s mainstream during the late 1980s and early 1990s. This applies both in regards to the record’s musical arrangements and its lyrical content. The record’s opener ‘Not That Way’ solidly serves to support that statement. ‘Chains,’ the record’s third entry, is another of its songs which supports that statement. It will be discussed later. The same can be said of the record’s title track. Each song is important in its own right in showing why fans of rock from that bridge between the 1980s and 90s will enjoy this record. The other two songs not noted here are just as important in their own right, too. All things considered, Red Reign proves to be a record that any classic rock fan will appreciate. That is the case even with Red Reign being a more modern act.

Red Reign’s new self-titled, five-song EP is a work that any “classic rock” fan will appreciate. That is exhibited in no small part through the record’s opener ‘Not That Way.’ The song’s guitar-driven musical arrangement takes listeners back to rock’s early 90s era, conjuring thoughts of Queensryche, Joe Satriani, Van Halen and other similar acts. Drummer Sam Bendheim’s time keeping on the song provides the song even more depth as he keeps the song moving solidly forward. Front man and guitarist Carlton McMichael even conjures thoughts of former Queensryche front man Geoff Tate through his vocal delivery. The song’s musical arrangement is clearly an important part of its whole, but is just one key part of that presentation. Its lyrical content is just as important to discuss as its musical arrangement.

The lyrical content comes across as an anti-break-up song of sorts. That is especially inferred as McMichael sings in the song’s chorus, “How things have changed/But it’s not the same/No it’s not that way/You had your chance/And you let it slip away.” If there was any doubt left about the song’s upbeat message, the song’s second verse alleviates that doubt almost instantly as McMichael sings, “All these years have passed/And I’ve found somebody new/I never ever, ever think of you/Then you come around/Cause you thought you could/But I broke those chains so long ago/And it feels so good.” The song’s subject goes on to sing in the verse’s back end about being heartbroken long ago and having moved on. It is a rare message sent in songs centered on relationship break-ups. Keeping that in mind, that positive, upbeat message does plenty to make ‘Not That Way’ stand out. When it is coupled with the song’s equally upbeat musical arrangement, the two elements show clearly in themselves why Red Reign will appeal to “classic rock” fans. It is just one of the songs that serves to support that statement. ‘Chains’ serves as just as much of an example of why classic rock fans will appreciate the record.

‘Not That Way’ is a clear example of what makes Red Reign’s new self-titled EP a work that any classic rock fan will appreciate. That is due in no small part to the song’s upbeat and uplifting lyrics and its equally positive musical arrangement. It is of course just one of the songs that serves to show why this record will appeal to the already noted audience. ‘Chains’ is another example of why that audience will enjoy this new offering from the Richmond, Virginia-based rock act. Its musical arrangement sits at the base of its notoriety. As with the record’s opener, there is an obvious influence from Queensryche in this song’s arrangement. That is obvious right from the song’s outset through Larry Moore’s bass line and McMichael’s bombastic guitar line. The combination of those elements and Bendheim’s work behind the drum kit conjures thoughts of something from Queensryche circa 1986 (Rage For Order’s release year). While the song’s musical arrangement shows a direct influence from Queensryche, its lyrical content is different yet still just as thought-provoking as the lyrical themes presented in RFO.

Whereas Red Reign’s opener was an upbeat anti-breakup song, this piece is much deeper with what seems like introspective commentary centered on someone’s efforts to move forward in life and forget the past. That is inferred as McMichael sings in the song’s lead verse, “Black and pouring rain/I’m running through these streets where no one knows my name/Free/I won’t look back/On all these things that kept me fear/For all these years/I’m gonna break these chains/I’ll break these chains/I’ll breathe again/I’ll breathe again.” The song’s second verse continues in similar fashion as the song’s subject sings about overcoming certain difficult situations. Considering this and the power in the song’s musical arrangement, one can’t help but imagine the song is meant to convey a message of overcoming and moving on in life. That is of course only this critic’s own interpretation of the song and should not necessarily be taken as gospel. It would be interesting to learn the exact message delivered in the song. One can only hope the message interpreted here is somewhere in the proverbial ballpark. Regardless, the power in the song’s musical arrangement and its lyrical content combines to show in whole why it, too plays such an important part in Red Reign’s enjoyment by its target audiences. It still is not the last song that serves to show why classic rock fans will appreciate this modern rock act’s new EP. The record’s title track is one more example of what makes this record an effort that will appeal to fans of rock’s biggest age.

‘Not That Way’ and ‘Chains’ are both key compositions showing what makes Red Reign a record that any classic rock fan will appreciate. That is due to musical arrangements that harken back to the late 1980s and early 90s and lyrical themes that will both uplift and leave listeners thinking. They are not its only key compositions. The record’s title track proves to be just as important to its presentation as the previously discussed songs. As with those songs, the discussion here begins with the song’s musical arrangement. This time out, the song’s musical arrangement is more directly related to music from the early 90s. It hints at influences from Stone Temple Pilots, Brother Cane, and other slightly harder-edged bands from that era. One could even argue that there is a hint of Van Halen circa 1994 (Balance) in this song’s arrangement thanks to its heavy guitar riffs, bass line and equally heavy vocal delivery from McMichael. That overall arrangement is just one part of what makes this song stand out. Its lyrical content will leave listeners thinking just as much as that presented in ‘Chains.’

The lyrical content presented in ‘Red Reign’ will leave listeners thinking (and talking) because of McMichael’s metaphorical language used throughout the song. He sings in the song’s lead verse, “Like a flash of lightning/I burn throughout the sky/Out of the way, I’m running high/I feel the evil coursing through my body and veins/Are you ready to rock this place/Lower the bridge I’m coming through/Red reign down on you.” One can’t help but wonder what exactly McMichael is saying here. The song’s second verse is just as intriguing as McMichael sings, “In this house of pain the storm looms large and black/My sanity is off the tracks/You know I’ve got no more home…I’ve come from grace and I can’t go back/Lower the bridge I’m coming through.” McMichael definitely leaves listeners guessing at his message here. It would definitely be interesting to learn that message and the story behind the song considering that uncertainty. The very fact that the song’s lyrical content can generate just as much discussion as its musical content shows why this song is so important to Red Reign’s overall presentation. When this is all set alongside the musical and lyrical content presented in the previously noted songs the picture painted through the songs is one of a record that, again, any classic rock fan will appreciate. That is even though the band is a more modern rock act.

Red Reign’s recently released self-titled EP is a work that classic rock fans of any age will appreciate. It shows with its arrangements–which bridge the sounds of the late 80s and early 90s—and its thoughtful lyrical themes that a lot of time and effort was put into its creation. That time and effort, audiences will agree, paid off. It resulted in a record that takes audiences back to a specific era without simply being a carbon copy of songs from that era. The end result is a record that modern record that classic rock fans will appreciate as much as any original classic rock record. It is available now in stores and online. More information on Red Reign is available online now along with all of Red Reign’s latest news and more at:

Website: http://www.redreignband.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RedReignBand

Twitter: http://twitter.com/redreignband

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Geoff Tate Stars In New Independent Horror-Thriller Flick

Posted on February 5, 2017 by philspicks

Courtesy: MVD Entertainment Group/Cleopatra Studios

Geoff Tate is starring in a new independent horror flick.

The former Queensryche and current Operation Mindcrime front man is starring in the direct-to-DVD movie The Burningmore Deaths. The movie, set to be released on DVD and digital platforms on Feb. 14 via Cleopatra Studios and MVD Entertainment Group, is based on true events centered on a group of unsolved murders.

The murders are alleged to have happened in 2005 during the filming of a pilot for a home improvement television series. A man named James Parrish is believed to have murdered the crew filming the home makeover presentation in the house where he is also alleged to have previously murdered his own wife and children.

As the film crew proceeds to record the series’ pilot, Parrish allegedly murdered the film crew, with the whole event being caught on security cameras set up by the show’s crew. Tate takes on the role of Parrish in this gripping horror/thriller from MVD Entertainment Group. Audiences can view a trailer for the movie online now here.

Courtesy: MVD Entertainment Group/Cleopatra Studios

Tate said taking on the role of Parrish was not a big change of pace for him because of his experience. It just meant thinking a little bit differently.

“I think I’ve always done it…In our own shows and with the way I present music,” Tate said. “It all has a bit of a stage acting bend to it. So this wasn’t really a stretch for me. It was just playing to a different audience, to a camera rather than a room full of people, but it’s the same thing. You play-act and you make stuff up and you present that like you would in a stage show.”

The Burningmore Deaths can be ordered online direct via MVD Entertainment Group’s online store and via Amazon. More information on this and other titles from MVD Entertainment Group is available online now at:

Website: http://mvdb2b.com, http://mvdentertainment.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MVDEntertainmentGroup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/mvdentgroup

Queensryche Unveils ‘Bulletproof’ Video

Posted on December 17, 2016 by philspicks

Queensryche has unveiled the video for its latest single.

The band unveiled the video for ‘Bulletproof’ this week. The video is streaming online now here. It mixes together footage from the veteran rock act’s recently completed year-long Condition Human world tour.

Front man Todd LaTorre explained the band opted to use its live footage for the video in order to illustrate the song’s lyrical theme.

“‘Bulletproof’ is a journey through a relationship gone bad and however painful the relationship is you still find a way to persevere,” LaTorre said. “We elected to present the song in a live setting as a sharp contrast to the videos we’ve done for the Condition Human album to help bring this chapter to a close and start the next journey.”

Courtesy: Century Media Records

More information on Queensryche’s new video is available online now along with all of the band’s latest news and more at:

Website: http://www.queensrycheofficial.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/queensrycheofficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/queensryche

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Tag Archives: Queensryche

Fates Warning, Metal Blade Reunite

Fates Warning Officially Announces Tour With Queensryche

Queensryche Debuts ‘Dark Reverie’ Lyric Video

Queensryche Announces New Album Release, Tour Dates; Debuts Album’s Lead Single

Red Reign’s New EP Will Appeal To Classic Rock Fans Of All Ages

Geoff Tate Stars In New Independent Horror-Thriller Flick

Queensryche Unveils ‘Bulletproof’ Video