On July, 19, 1993 "Deep Purple" Released its 14th studio album "The Battle Rages On...". It was the last album for the classic MKII lineup of the band, which reunited for the second time after their initial reunion for 1984's "Perfect Strangers" album. It is also the last "Deep Purple" album to feature Ritchie Blackmore. The album title appears to reflect the continued tension between the band members, especially between Ritchie Blackmore and Ian Gillan. The creation of the album was marred by internal conflict and lineup changes. Initially, Joe Lynn Turner who was the band lead singer on "Slaves and Masters" (1992) was involved in the early sessions but was fired, with Mike DiMeo briefly considered as his replacement, after being asked by Ritchie Blackmore to join the band. However, after he recorded some demos with the band, Jon Lord, Ian Paice, and Roger Glover, along with the band's management and record company, insisted on the return of Ian Gillan. Gillan rejoined the band in late 1992, reforming the MK II lineup and reworking much of the existing material intended for Turner and DiMeo. This reworking of material by Gillan allegedly infuriated Ritchie Blackmore, who believed the original versions were more melodic, resulting in Blackmore's departure after a show on November 17, 1993, in Helsinki, Finland. Undoubtedly, this is not one of the best "Deep Purple" Albums, The contrary. But despite the behind-the-scenes turmoil, the tension between the band members brought a unique intensity to some of the songs on the album. Blackmore's reluctance to reunite with Gillan was evident, but it seems that this friction fueled a creative energy that can be heard in some of the songs. The title track "The Battle Rages On" is a powerful opener with an oriental influence, like the early "Rainbow" material. Remarkable guitar work by Blackmore, and commanding vocals from Gillan screeming "Kill 'em all", are setting the tone for the album with a strong start. The follow up "Lick It Up" is a groovy, straight-up rocker with a strong guitar riff and catchy chorus. Though not particularly one of the best in the album, the song stands on its own merits with another great guitar solo and a solid drum beat. The third track "Anya" is undoubtedly the best on the album. A classic "Deep Purple" hymn featuring divine keyboards by Jon Lord and impeccable performances from all members. The acoustic intro from Blackmore is subtle, leading into a hard rock mood with fantastic keyboarding and a strong guitar solo. Those who has a good ear will definitely notice Blackmore copying from himself, with one of the song riffs resembling the one from the song "Stranded" by "Rainbow", taken from the album "Bent Out Of Shape". The next track "Talk About Love" is reminiscent of "Led Zeppelin's" "Nobody’s Fault But Mine", especially the Ian Paice drumming. This track is a traditional rock song rooted in Proto-Prog territory, showcasing solid rock and roll with a familiar vibe. The fifth song "Time to Kill" is a more mainstream one with a catchy chorus aimed for the radio. This song evokes the classic rock era, with a vibe that reminds us of a blend of "Foreigner", "the Doobie Brothers" and "Lynyrd Skynyrd", offering a commercial and catchy tune. The next song "Ramshackle Man" is a good old rock n’ roll song with a riff reminiscent of "Booker T. & The M.G.'s" "Green Onion" and "Led Zeppelin’s" "How Many More Times", featuring a great guitar solo by Blackmore. Next comes "A Twist in the Tale" One of the fast numbers on the album, with an incredible rhythm and fabulous drumming by Ian Paice. The song changes direction halfway through, showcasing truly progressive elements. Again in this song, you will notice Blackmore copying from himself, this time from "Spotlight Kid", taken from the album "Difficult to Cure" by "Rainbow". We are getting close the end with "Nasty Piece of Work" while the groove and tempo sound a bit stock, the organ work at the start and haunting vocal harmonies make it a catchy and enjoyable track. Somehow Gillan's singing and the vibes reminded us of his days with "Black Sabbath" on the album "Born Again". One of the unique songs on the album is "Solitaire". A standout track with immersive melodies and top-notch performances from all musicians. Ian Paice’s drumming, and Jon Lord's organ solo in particular, shines through repeated listens. Closing the album is "One Man’s Meat" A heavy, rocking that, while not adding significantly to the album, completes the collection of tracks. Following the album's release and subsequent tour, Blackmore left the band, and American guitarist Joe Satriani stepped in as a temporary replacement for the remainder of the tour. Some working tracks from "The Battle Rages On" sessions later appeared on Joe Lynn Turner's solo releases under different titles. "The Battle Rages On" may have received mixed reviews initially, with some critics and fans expressing disappointment. However, over time, it has garnered appreciation for its unique place in "Deep Purple's" history. The album captures the raw, competitive energy of its creators, resulting in a work that, despite its flaws, stands as a testament to the band's enduring legacy. While "The Battle Rages On" may lack the balance of "Deep Purple's" earlier masterpieces, it is a significant and ultimately rewarding chapter in their storied history. It reminds us that even in the face of internal strife, great art can emerge, enduring the test of time. For those willing to give an underdog a chance, this album proves to be a worthy addition to the "Deep Purple" catalog, blending traditional hard rock with hints of progressive flair. For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

A Sneak Peek... On July 18, 1995 "Megadeth" released it's first EP "Hidden Treasures". As it name implies this EP really contains "Hidden Treasures". This It is a compilation album that features songs that the band recorded for various projects, including film soundtracks and tribute albums. Four tracks from the EP were released as singles, and three received Grammy Award nominations for Best Metal Performance. The background of the EP reveals that many of the songs were contributed to film soundtracks. "No More Mr. Nice Guy" - an Alice Cooper cover, was recorded for the "Shocker" soundtrack from 1989 and marked drummer Nick Menza's recording debut with the band. "Go to Hell" was taken from "Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey" soundtrack released in 1991 and it features the same prayer used in "Enter Sandman" by Metallica ("Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.."). "Angry Again", from the "Last Action Hero" soundtrack of 1993, received a Grammy nomination, as did "99 Ways to Die" from "The Beavis and Butt-head Experience" soundtrack of the same year. "Breakpoint" is taken from the "Super Mario Bros." soundtrack from 1993. "Diadems" appeared on the "Demon Knight" soundtrack from 1995, and the band contributed a cover of "Black Sabbath's" "Paranoid" to the "Nativity in Black" tribute album, released in 1994. closing the mini album is another cover "Problems" originally by the "Sex Pistols", which was a b-side of the "A Tout le Monde" single released in 1995. While the EP received mediocre reviews from critics, with some expressing praise for specific tracks like "99 Ways to Die" and "Angry Again", it was also criticized for lacking standout songs. Despite this, the material on the EP was credited with helping expand "Megadeth's" MTV audience in the early 1990s. Regarding sales, "Hidden Treasures" initially debuted at number 90 on the Billboard 200 chart and sold 13,000 copies in its first week. By December 2005, it had sold 286,000 copies in the United States. It achieved moderate success on album charts in the UK but did not attain significant popularity. The EP was initially released in Europe as a bonus disc for a special edition of "Youthanasia" but later became available as a stand-alone release in Japan and the US. Though it has gone out of print in the US, it was reissued in 2007 for the Japanese and European markets. For listening: Spotify, Apple music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

On July 18, 1969, "The Doors" released their fourth studio album, "The Soft Parade". 1969 was a difficult and not an easy year for "The Doors" and this album only added to the problems at home and abroadת that the band had to deal with. It all started in March during the band's performance in Miami, Florida. Singer Jim Morrison is suspected of exposing his penis in public during the show. He was arrested and put on trial, and the band was forced to pay large sums of money during and after the trial. This incident was the first to herald the beginning of the band's disintegration. As a result, many great entrepreneurs have started canceling performances and some say that as a result the band was not even invited to the mythical Woodstock Festival held in the summer of that year. The meteoric band that was accustomed to consecutive sold-out shows, suddenly found itself having a hard time getting performances. In addition, the single "Touch Me" which was released several months before the unnecessary incident, suddenly took on a completely different meaning and US radio stations refrained from playing it. In the midst of all the hustle and bustle "outside", the band recorded their fourth album "The Soft Parade", and so the "home" issues also began to emerge. (Photo: The Doors on Instagram) Jim Morrison's alcohol problem worsened and this further highlighted the negative aspects of his personality. He rarely came to the studio and showed up for recordings only when he really had to. He started talking about a solo career at the time and it only further clouded the atmosphere that was tense in the first place. While Morrison struggled with alcohol use and unstable behavior, guitarist Robby Krieger had to stand out and wrote half of the material for the album, including all four singles released from it. And if that's not enough, then the "explosion" came already in the recording of the song that opens the album "Tell All the People", written by guitarist Robby Krieger. The song included the lyrics: "Can't you see me growing, get your guns, The time has come To follow me down". Morrison thought the lyrics encouraged violence and he refused to sing them. When Krieger insisted Morrison agreed to sing the words but demanded that the credit for writing the song to be given only to Robby Krieger, to avoid any connection to them. This led to the fact that this album was the first in the band's history, in which credit was given to the writer of each song individually. Now add to all this burning fuss the fact that producer Paul Rothchild pushed the band to use brass and string instruments and thus brought about a radical change in sound and style, as you can already hear from the first note of the album, and here's another reason why this album became controversial and drew harsh reviews. And yet, and perhaps precisely because of that, we find it to be one of the band's most fascinating albums. When you remove all the fog and commotion around it, you can find a diverse, unique, and interesting album by a great band that stood at a musical crossroads that year, and there is not necessarily anything wrong with that. The album features the big hit "Touch Me" whose original name was "Hit Me" written by Robby Krieger, apparently following the quarrels he had with his girlfriend at the time. Another version says that the song was written at all about the game "Blackjack" as the line implies "c'mon hit me, babe, I am not afraid". Either way, there is no doubt that Jim Morrison was the one who insisted on changing the name of the song to "Touch Me". It is interesting to note that the amazing saxophone solo Outro is played by Curtis Amy that beyond being an artist in his own right, was also a session player who played with artists such as Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, and Carole King on the excellent album "Tapestry" from 1971. The piece "Shaman's Blues" written by Morrison is simply mesmerizing. It puts the listener into a kind of trance to John Densmore's strange drumming rhythm, just like in "Shamanism." The song features an excellent vocal performance by Morrison and a howling guitar riff throughout. Interestingly, the bass line in the song is very reminiscent of that of Roger Waters in the song "Money" by Pink Floyd. The songs "Do It" and "Wild Child" is the closest of all on the album to the root style of "The Doors". "Wild Child" features a sweeping blues rock riff and later a notable slide work by Krieger. Densmore's drumming is also amazing. Morrison's philosophical words have raised questions for years. The exact meaning of words is not clear to this day, but the guesses about the protagonist of the song ranged from Jesus to Morrison himself. The song "Runnin 'Blue" was written as a tribute to Otis Redding who passed away in 1967, only 26 years old. The song opens with a kind of acapella in which Morrison sings the lyrics: "Poor Otis, dead and gone Left me here to sing his song Pretty little girl with the red dress on Poor Otis, dead and gone" Beyond the dominant brass instruments, the song includes other instruments such as a mandolin played by Jesse McReynolds and a violin played by Jimmy Buchanan, both of which are intended to enhance the country style in the choruses. It's the only "Doors" song in which Robby Krieger shares lead vocals with Morrison. The arrangement of Paul Harris' strings and brass instruments in the song "Wishful Sinful" simply goes out of the ordinary and enhances the beauty of the song. A perfect mixture of violins, flutes, an English horn, and more that blends well with Robbie Krieger's mesmerizing guitar and Morrison's melancholic voice, they all sit on the rhythm division of bass player Harvey Brooks and Densmore's drums. The album ends powerfully with the theme "The Soft Parade" which lasts more than 8 minutes and which opens with the famous speech (shouting) section of Morrison, that grouped the lyrics from parts of songs he wrote at different times. A crazy and awesome piece that includes a combination of several musical styles rock, blues, baroque, soul, and even children's music. For listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

He is the founding drummer of "Red Hot Chili Peppers" and a former "Pearl Jam" member. He has been a member of "Eleven", "The Wallflowers" and the "Mark Lanegan Band" and worked with so many artists such as Joe Strummer Les Claypool Neil Young and more. Here are some interesting facts about drummer Jack Irons: (Photo: Jim Bennett) = He was born on July 18, 1962, in Los Angeles, California. His full name is Jack Steven Irons. = He grew up using his family's cutlery as drumsticks, playing along to the radio. He talked his parents into buying him a drum set and took a drum class. = Jack attended Bancroft Jr. High School in Hollywood, where he met future bandmates Michael "Flea" Balzary and Hillel Slovak. = In 1980 he formed the band "Chain Reaction", later renamed "Anthym", with Alain Johannes, Hillel Slovak, and Todd Strassman. Flea joined the band shortly after. = In 1983 he co-founded the band "Tony Flow and the Miraculously Majestic Masters of Mayhem" with Flea, Anthony Kiedis, and Hillel Slovak, which was later renamed "Red Hot Chili Peppers". = In 1984 they released the self-titled debut album, "Red Hot Chili Peppers", but Irons left the band shortly after to focus on "What Is This?" = In the years 1984-1985 Irons released with his new band "What Is This?" an EP called "Squeezed", A live EP called "3 Out of 5", and a full-length self-titled album. = Irons is not part of "Red Hot Chili Peppers" second album "Freaky Styley" released in 1985, but he co-wrote the songs "Nevermind" and "Sex Rap". = In 1986 he rejoined the "Red Hot Chili Peppers" and recorded the album "The Uplift Mofo Party Plan". Irons also sang backing vocals an co-wrote most of the songs on the album. = He played in two tracks on "Red Hot Chili Peppers" "The Abbey Road E.P." from 1988 and co-wrote the track "Backwoods". = In 1988 he left the "Red Hot Chili Peppers" following the death of Hillel Slovak. = Right after he briefly played with Joe Strummer and "the Latino Rockabilly War". = In 1990 he formed the band "Eleven" with Alain Johannes and Natasha Shneider. = In 1991 he released "Awake in a Dream" with "Eleven". = In 1993 he released the self-titled album "Eleven". = In 1994 he joined "Pearl Jam", replacing Dave Abbruzzese. He also recorded "Hey Foxymophandlemama, That's Me" for their third album "Vitalogy". = In 1995 he toured and recorded "Mirror Ball" with Neil Young, "Merkin Ball" with "Pearl Jam" and released "Thunk" with "Eleven". = In 1996 he released the album "No Code" with "Pearl Jam". = In 1998 he released the album "Yield" with "Pearl Jam". He wrote and sang the song "Red Bar" from the album, which is a kind of a drum based track. = After the "Yield" Irons left "Pearl Jam" due to dissatisfaction with touring. = In 2000 he played with the initial lineup of "Colonel Les Claypool's Fearless Flying Frog Brigade". = In 2002 he rejoined "Eleven" and recorded "Howling Book". = In 2004 he released his first solo album, "Attention Dimension". = In 2007 he was featured on Perry Farrell's band "Satellite Party's" album "Ultra Payloaded". = In 2009 he collaborated with Brody Dalle's band "Spinnerette", contributing to their self-titled debut album. = In 2010 he released his second solo album, "No Heads Are Better Than One". = In the same year he played in Hole's 4th and final studio album "Nobody's Daughter". = Early in 2012 Irons Joined "The Wallflowers" recording their 6th album "Glad All Over". He was a member of the band until September 2013. = In 2012 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the "Red Hot Chili Peppers". He performed "Give It Away" with the band sharing the stage with drummers Chad Smith and Cliff Martinez. = The same year he contributed to Flea's solo EP, "Helen Burns". = Also in 2012, Irons played drums on "Blues Funeral", the solo album by Mark Lanegan. He continued playing for Lanegan in albums like "Phantom Radio" from 2014 and "Straight Songs Of Sorrow" From 2020. = In 2017 Irons opened for the "Red Hot Chili Peppers" on "The Getaway World Tour". = In 2019 he played on five tracks of Josh Klinghoffer’s ("Pluralone") debut solo album "To Be One With You". = In 2020 Irons recorded four songs on Josh Klinghoffer's ("Pluralone") follow-up album, "I Don't Feel Well". = In 2022 Jack released two EP's: "Koi Fish in Space" and "Dreamer's Ball". = In 2023 he released another EP called "Walnut". = In 2024 he joined the duo "Slow Burn Drifters" releasing few singles. = Irons is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. = He is married with two children. His son, Zach Irons, is the founder and lead guitarist for "Irontom" and joined "AWOLNATION" in 2015. Follow us on Facebook or Subscribe to our website "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog & Podcast

On July 17th, 2012, the third album of the band "Pierce the Veil" was released. This is the band's breakthrough album and the album in which we got to know and fell in love with this amazing band. It is a rare occurrence for us to stumble upon a band/album/song that leaves us utterly astounded and seemingly halts the world's rotation. Without a doubt, we firmly attest to this phenomenon in the case of the song "King For A Day." Upon hearing it for the first time, our ears tingled with excitement, our muscles tensed with anticipation, and our minds were captivated to the point of explosion. We have reiterated this sentiment numerous times in our previous reviews of the band's albums and during our shows—this band is undeniably extraordinary. Their musical prowess takes rock to uncharted territories, blending various intense and elastic elements into a harmonious mix. The journey begins with the guitars, skillfully traversing the realms of punk rock, heavy metal, hardcore metal, and hard rock all within a single song! The brilliance of the bass perfectly complements the guitar work, and the drumming by Mike Fuentes is nothing short of mind-blowing. The ever-changing rhythms, seamless transitions, delicate touches, and power-packed elements all contribute to elevating the dynamics of the songs. All of this is enveloped by Vic Fuentes' vocals, which effortlessly soar, caress, and roar, leaving a profound impact on the listener. This album truly showcases the band in their full glory. Each song acts as a meticulously crafted and sophisticated explosion, resonating deeply within the listener's soul. (Photo: Adam Elmakias) The album commences with an aptly titled introduction, "May These Noises Startle You in Your Sleep Tonight," setting the stage for what lies ahead. It swiftly moves into "Hell Above," a track that impeccably showcases the band's signature sound, surpassing any written description provided earlier or to follow. The song kicks off with a sassy and rapid riff, leading to a gradual slowdown before exploding into the captivating chorus. As the chorus hits, Vic Fuentes passionately proclaims, "This is a wasteland, my homemade retreat; with Heaven above you, there's Hell over me," ensnaring the listener like a whirlwind. Just before reaching a breaking point, the combination of intense screams and powerful guitars guides you into a tranquil moment of vocals and gentle guitar strumming, creating a soft melodic backdrop. The following track, "King For A Day," stands as one of the band's most renowned songs, gaining massive popularity on radio stations and YouTube. Featuring Kellin Quinn, the lead singer of "Sleeping With Sirens," the combination of their voices and alternating vocals amplifies the infectious charm of this catchy tune. It serves as a prime example of the band's unique dynamics, particularly evident in the latter part of the song, where they seamlessly transition from metalcore/punk rock to an exceptionally heavy metal sound. "Props & Mayhem" shines as an underappreciated gem, with its twisting guitars intricately interwoven to create a mesmerizing musical tapestry. The song undergoes a minimalist phase after two minutes, gradually adding layers of elements before the power of the drums propels it into a simple yet impactful guitar solo, making it one of the album's true highlights. Undoubtedly, we cannot proceed without honoring and highlighting one of the stellar tracks on the album, "Bulls In The Bronx." This song holds a poignant significance as it was written following the tragic suicide of one of the band's fans. It epitomizes the very essence of the band's sound and serves as the perfect gateway into their discography. If, by any chance, you haven't fallen in love with their music or become addicted yet, brace yourself for an unforgettable experience! (Written with intense enthusiasm!) The song launches boldly with a gripping riff that immediately draws you in, then transitions smoothly into the first part, allowing Vic to showcase his exceptional vocals while momentarily pushing the riff into the background. The transition between the raw intensity of the screams in the second half and the captivating, mesmerizing vocal patterns in the chorus, which seamlessly blend back into the screams again, is a masterstroke of calculated brilliance. However, the true marvel of the song lies in its extensive instrumental section towards the end. Featuring a Spanish-style fret, bongo drumming, and cleverly executed rhythm changes, this section becomes an unforgettable musical piece that lingers in the listener's mind long after the first hearing. In every sense, "Bulls In The Bronx" is simply a phenomenal and unforgettable masterpiece! Following the brief interlude, we encounter yet another fantastic masterpiece on the album, "Tangled in the Great Escape." The song sets the stage like a captivating scene from a 60s movie, only to suddenly erupt into an uncontrollable surge of musical energy! Jason Aalon Butler, the talented and provocative singer from the band "FEVER 333," leads the opening, with Vic joining in for the second verse, creating a musical roller coaster of emotions that's both exhilarating and enthralling. The track takes you on a thrilling ride, ascending, descending, rolling, and turning, all while being tightly harnessed by the gripping rhythm of the bass and drums. It's the kind of song that keeps you hooked, and we found ourselves playing it non-stop for days! The lyrics, "I know you're tortured within, your eyes look hungry again, but I'll never wander, my friend, no, I'll never wander again," add to the song's epic and powerful nature. The track reaches its climax with an epic and deadly ending, as Aron's calls for help or apology blend beautifully with the sounds of the piano. As we progress to the eighth song on the album, "I'm Low on Gas and You Need a Jacket," the title itself is derived from the movie "Wayne's World II." Written by Vic as a ballad, the song holds a special meaning, recounting his experiences and company during his past journeys to distant places. It's a truly captivating piece that never ceases to ebb and flow, much like the rhythmic waves gently washing the shore. Have you ever participated in a boxing match? If not, then "The First Punch" will try to give you an idea of ​​how exciting it is, as in the rest of the songs on the album, note how it starts, how it breaks in the middle, and how it is done and the style changes and ends with a combination of the two. We have already said that we admire Mike's talent (the talent alone especially in light of his horrific and criminal behavior), pay attention to the changing rhythms and speed, it's just mesmerizing. Vic said he wrote the song after experiences he had with bands they performed with and treated their fans like shit! If you have come this far, you will end up with the last three great songs on the album and click the repeat button !!! This is a bold and different album, forged to a completely different sound from the vast majority of bands from the metal world. This is a creative, talented band that takes the rock and stretches its boundaries in all directions and in all forms, in our humble opinion there is no other band that sounds like this and it only reinforces its amazing musical uniqueness !! We can only hope you enjoyed it too !! And if so then you are welcome to continue to the band's next and excellent album !! Listen to the album on: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Tremonti's debut album - The Axeman Texas (he's not really from Texas but from Detroit) "All I Was", was released on July 17, 2012. Whatever you say about the superstars who changed the history of rock and gifted guitarists who influenced the world of music, for us Mark Tremonti is one of them !! He's one of the great and leading guitarists of modern rock, and yes, we say that after experiencing a groundbreaking event in 2019 when we watched Curly Slash hit a 20-minute solo on his Les Paul guitar. This album feels like a chick hatching from the egg, going out into the world after it has evolved and was ready to go its own way. But this chick is a dinosaur called "Tremonti"... who besides his amazing playing abilities and insane talent on guitar, is also revealed as a writer and singer who holds an entire album with respect and pride. Although its vocal range here is a bit narrow, it is certainly enough for the musical style and for the aggressive and relentless guitar playing. Yes, this is a ruthless album in the full sense of the word, call it metal ... speed metal ... thrash metal ... call it whatever you like but Tremonti comes to put itself inside your speakers and penetrate your ear-drum with all the power and volume and let you will decide if you like it or not. It's an album that feels real and honest, not something made to rake in a few more million for Tremontie's pocket or glorify his reputation as a top guitarist. It's also not an album that came to stick with the guitarist's phenomenal mother band "Alter Bridge" style, just in order to enjoy some stardust. It's a standalone album with a completely different identity. The band called "Tremonti" consists of Mark himself who is of course very well known as the guitarist of the bands "Creed" and "Alter Bridge", Eric Friedman who is in charge of the bass and rhythm guitar and Garrett Whitlock on the drums. By the way, the last two came from the band "Submersed" which disbanded in 2008. Later, bassist Brian Marshall - Termonti's friend from "Creed" and "Alter Bridge" will join the band and replace Eric Friedman. Marshall will later be replaced by Wolfgang Van Halen who will become a permanent member of the squad in 2013. As early as 2010, Termonti noted that he had a lot of written material that did not fit in the style of "Creed" and "Alter Bridge" and that he could not give them up, so he would probably release them as part of one solo project or another. Tremonti eventually took advantage of a window of opportunity created when both bands were in a kind of break. Myles Kennedy went on tour with Slash and Scott Stapp was busy with his solo project, so in the three-month time frame, Tremonti was able to produce and record the album. This is the heavy side of Termonti who always wanted to go in a faster and heavier direction than the materials he released as part of "Alter" and "Creed". This solo project has given him free rein and he no doubt intends to destroy everything in his path. For listening (at the sole responsibility of the listener): Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Ladies and Gentleman, "The Disco is here again" !! Without a doubt, COVID-19 has given a crazy boost to Dave Grohl's ideas and creativity, and this time the "Foo Fighters" are bringing the disco back to the soundtrack of our lives !! The Foo's released the album "Hail Satin" on July 17, on "Record Store Day" to celebrate this special day and keep the record stores in our consciousness so we won't forget the physical place where we used to discover new music. (Photo: Magdalena Wosinska) This tribute album to the "Bee Gees" was released exclusively on vinyl, with "A" side consisting of five covers of the "Bee Gees'" disco songs and side "B" consisting of five songs from the band's latest album "Medicine At Midnight" recorded at live shows. The Foo's even changed their name in favor of this special record, so on the cover, you will see the name "Dee Gees" embedded in the "Bee Gees" famous logo. Earlier that year, the "Foo Fighters" covered both “You Should Be Dancing” (for Jo Wiley’s BBC show) and “Shadow Dancing” (for the Rock n’ Relief Livestream). As Grohl previously stated, he became obsessed with the "Bee Gees" after watching the HBO documentary about the hitmakers. During the recordings of "Medicine At Midnight", one of the band members mentioned the documentary in a conversation, the band started talking about it and suddenly Dave suggested that they record a cover version. They recorded the instrumental part and to host the end of the recordings Dave thought to himself, wait a minute why will I not sing this, so here is the final result... The five covers were recorded, live, in the band's studio "Studio 606" Song list on the album: Side A — The DEE GEES: 1. You Should Be Dancing 2. Night Fever 3. Tragedy 4. Shadow Dancing 5. More Than a Woman Side B — LIVE at 606: 1. Making A Fire 2. Shame Shame 3. Waiting on a War 4. No Son of Mine 5. Cloudspotter So put on your Bell-bottoms and high hills and press play on: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

On July 17, 2020ת "Kansas" released the album "The Absence of Presence". From the name of the album we learn about the connection to the covid-19 crisis, "lack of presence". Although the album was recorded before the crisis, amazingly both its name and the topics some of the songs deal with can easily relate to the hallucinatory reality of covid-19. This is the band's 16th album which was scheduled for release on June 26, 2020, but its release has been postponed due to printing delays stemming from the covid-19 crisis. This is the fourth album by the American prog giant, without Steve Walsh - who served as its singer, keyboardist, writer, and founding member, and the second since retiring in 2014. It is also the second album with singer Ronnie Platt and guitarist Zak Rizvi, and the first with keyboardist Tom Brislin, all three of whom have presented their writing abilities on this album. At first listening, this album seems to be a return to the band's origins with long tracks and more complex compositions like the theme song that also opens the album and the song "Throwing Mountains" which was released as the first single from the album and whose guitar sound is among the heaviest we remember from "Kansas". We said that the album is reminiscent of the good old "Kansas", so it passes us by as a thread in the violins of Ragsdale, in the song "Jets Overhead", in the bouncy and progressive instrumental section "Propulsion 1", in the ballad "Memories Down The Line", and in the more powerful and rhythmic sections Like "Circus of Illusion" which throws us into the days of "Leftoverture" and "Animals on the Roof" which develops into a rhythmic and sweeping section. Towards the end of the album we meet with an exciting piano ballad, which reminds us to live the moment with a sentence like: "Each moment that has been lost will never come again". The closing song "The Song The River Sang" is a dynamic song with rhythm changes that introduce us to Tom Brislin for the first time in singing, which makes the band a band with three excellent singers. Song list: 1.) The Absence of Presence 2.) Throwing Mountains 3.) Jets Overhead 4.) Propulsion 1 5.) Memories Down the Line 6.) Circus of Illusion 7.) Animals on the Roof 8.) Never 9.) The Song the River Sang Personnel: – Ronnie Platt / lead vocals, keyboard – David Ragsdale / violin, guitars – Tom Brislin / keyboards – Richard Williams / guitars – Zak Rizvi / guitars – Phil Ehart / drums, percussion – Billy Greer / bass, vocals For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

On July 17, 1968, "Deep Purple" released their debut album - "Shades Of Deep Purple". As in self-fulfilling prophecy, it seems that the name of the album also foretold its contents, since indeed it is only a "silhouette" of what this mighty band will become. The album was recorded in just three days and includes four original songs and four cover versions. Listening to the album reveals a band that is still in the process of forming itself, a band that is looking for its DNA and which is not yet no what is the musical direction it wants to hold. The musical style of the album ranges from Pop to Progressive rock and Psychedelia, and these genres are well heard already on initial listening to the album, but also from the title of the songs themselves, with half of the album featuring cover versions. The main influence on the band at the time was that of "Vanilla Fudge", which used to perform cover versions of "poppy" songs, while slowing them down and making them more dramatic and bluesy, for a more psychedelic sound. These influences are well heard in the cover versions of the songs "Hush" and "Help". Additional influences on the band came from the variety of classical music, especially in the introduction to the song "I'm So Glad" called "Prelude: Happiness" and also in the middle of the cover version of the song "Hey Joe". It is interesting to note that buds for the heavy rock that will only come with the formation of the band's MKII lineup in the early seventies, can be found already in the opening track "And the Address" and also in "Mandrake Root", over which the spirit of Ian Gillan and Roger Glover hovers above. By the way, a track called "And the Address" will also seal the album "Whoosh!", released by the band in 2020. The album's story begins in 1967, when drummer Chris Curtis of "The Searchers" came up with the idea. He will form a band called "Roundabout", which as its name implies. A circle of musicians that will be replaced each time, with Curtis forming the permanent base around which the entire ensemble will revolve, just like cars in a "Roundabout". In December 1967, the band included Curtis as drummer, Jon Lord (Curtis' roommate) on keyboards and Ritchie Blackmore on guitar. After a short time, Curtis lost interest in the band and left Blackmore and Lord to locate the other musicians who would complete the lineup. Nick Simper, Lord's friend, was soon recruited as bass player and later Rod Evans as singer. Rumor has it that Rod Stewart was also among those auditioned for the singer’s position but did not fit the band’s requirements. The last to complete the lineup was drummer Ian Paice, who came through his friend, singer Rod Evans. The band's first rehearsals for the band's MKI took place in early 1968 and included the instrumental pieces "And the Address" and "Mandrake Root", written by Lord and Blackmore. During rehearsals Evans wrote lyrics for "Mandrake Root", which was also the name of the band Blackmore tried to form in Germany before "Roundabout". It's a bluesy-psychedelic piece whose last two thirds include a sort of jam session that demonstrates the virtuosity of the band members, especially Jon Lord. The main riff in the song is reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix's "Foxy Lady" and illustrates Ritchie Blackmore's admiration for the guitar idol. The third song the band worked on, was the cover version of "Help!", by "the Beatles". Thus was at the request of the band's manager Chris Curtis, who wanted the band to perform a cover version of one of the Beatles' songs. From the initial listening to the song, one can notice the psychedelic influences and the "facelift" that the song received, being extended from two minutes in "the Beatles'" version to six minutes in the "Roundabout" composition. The fourth song the band worked on was "I'm So Glad", a song by blues artist Skip James which becomes none following the cover version given to it by "Cream". This song also received a serious "facelift" being connected to the instrumental overture "Prelude: Happiness" influenced by the work "Scheherazade", by composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. The fifth song the band worked on in rehearsals was Billy Roberts' "Hey Joe", which become famous following the "The Jimi Hendrix Experience" version. This song also shows the Progressive and Psychedelic influence on the band. The song includes excerpts from the work "Miller's Dance, suite no. 2, part 2" by the composer Manuel de Falla, performed in a manner reminiscent of the work "Boléro" by Maurice Ravel. Another cover version the band worked on was the "hit" "Hush", a song Blackmore first heard a year earlier while in Germany. The song was written by Joe South for country singer Billy Joe Royal, which also contributed to the recurring mantra that made him famous - "Na na na na..." By the way, the howl of the jackal at the beginning of the song is the result of an effect that the recording technician found in the studio's effects database and decided to put at the beginning of the song, as well as the rain and thunder effect at the beginning of the song "One More Rainy Day". It's worth mentioning Jon Lord's special playing on the Hammond organ during the verses where he is "drumming" on the keyboards. The last two songs written for the album are original songs by the band, in a more Poppy style. The piece "Love Help Me" was written by Rod Evans and Ritchie Blackmore during the recordings. The song features Simper's bold baseline and Blackmore's use of a wah effect. The song "One More Rainy Day" was written by Rod Evans and Jon Lord and was released as a b-side to the single "Hush". To complete the picture, it should be noted that the band changed its name to "Deep Purple" only during the recordings for the album. "Deep Purple" was the name of a song by Peter DeRose that Ritchie Blackmore's grandmother really loved. For Listening: Spotify "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

And this time we are interested in starting with the question. What is your favorite "Judas Priest" album? We assume we will hear a wide variety of examples. Veteran fans will probably mention "Sad Wings of Destiny". It is likely that the classic album "British Steel", which was responsible for the band's breakthrough, will be among the choices, and of course "Painkiller", which was their comeback into Speed Metal, will also star among the answers. But we are willing to bet that for most of you "Screaming for Vengeance", released on July 17, 1982, will star in the band's favorite album list. It's the band's best-selling album to date, with sales of over five million copies in the US alone. The band manages to do this even though it is much less "accessible" and commercial than the breakthrough album "British Steel" which came out two years earlier and much less radio-friendly than the melodic "Point Of Entry" that came after it. After the relative success of "British Steel", the band was confident enough to go with its ambitions and less with what the record company demanded. The result was a faster, heavier, more aggressive album than its predecessors. This album is considered one of the best of the band. The album that completed it's big breakthrough into the US. Undoubtedly, this album's amazing result can be attributed to the cohesive and professional lineup that recorded it. This is the third consecutive album recorded without changing the lineup. Eventually it will also turn out to be the band's most stable lineup - its most classic and successful one. This formidable band has managed to produce an accurate formula that maintains a balance between the biting power of heavy metal and relatively catchy and accessible songs, a formula that has finally established the band's status as one of the great bands in Heavy Metal. From the instrumental opening of "The" Hellion" which connects to "Electric Eye" which is influenced by Orwell's book" 1984 ", it can be understood that we are dealing with something completely different from what the band has created so far. An unprecedented metal attack led by Tipton and K.K.'s dual guitar and Halford's powerful singing. The attack continues with the rolling thunder drums of Dave Holland that lift us to the clouds with "Riding on the Wind". Bleeding from the metal attack we slow down a bit with the more catchy "Bloodstone", in which the pair of guitarists allow themselves to go back a bit to give more expression to Halford with an amazing vocal performance. It is followed by the melodic "Take (These Chains)", in which the band first uses the writing skills of musician Bob Halligan Jr., with whom the band and Halford will also collaborate in the future. "Pain and Pleasure" seals the first side of the vinyl and turns out to be probably the "weakest" song on the album, with a slow and tired pace that doesn't require even a drop of effort from Halford. The other side of the vinyl opens with the fast speed metal of the theme song "Screaming for Vengeance", which connects us with the anthemic hit "You've Got Another Thing Comin" which became one of the most sought-after songs in the band's performances. "Fever" holds the title of the album's longest song, a dynamic and complex track relative to the rest of the album. The album ends with "Devil's Child", whose riff is so beautiful that it was "borrowed" a year later by "Dio" in the song "Caught in the Middle". "Screaming for Vengeance" is an excellent album, even amazing! It left a real mark on the metal world of the 1980s. The formula the band used on this album proved so good that "Judas" will use it on the next album "Defenders of the Faith", which will be released two years later. For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Robby Steinhardt is remembered for his work with "Kansas". His distinctive violin playing and powerful vocals were integral to the band's sound and success. Here are some facts about him: (Photo: Michael Putland) = Robert Eugene Steinhardt was born on May 25, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois. = He was adopted by Ilse and Milton Steinhardt, who raised him in Lawrence, Kansas. = His father, Milton, was the director of music history at the University of Kansas. = Robby began studying classical violin at the age of eight. = During family trips to Europe, he performed with orchestras, showcasing his early talent. = Steinhardt attended Lawrence High School, where he served as concertmaster. = In 1972, Steinhardt joined a re-formed band "White Clover", which soon adopted the name "Kansas". = Steinhardt was the only member of Kansas who read music. = "Kansas" released their debut album in 1974, establishing a unique sound with Steinhardt's violin interplay with guitars and keyboards. = Steinhardt's co-lead vocals provided a contrast to Steve Walsh's high tenor, often harmonizing with him. = He was a key member during the band's most successful period, contributing to hit albums like "Leftoverture" (1976) and "Point of Know Return" (1977). = He served as the band's MC (Master of ceremonies) during concerts, connecting with audiences and enhancing live performances. = Steinhardt's violin playing was a key part of what made "Kansas" music unique. "Kansas" used the violin as a solo instrument in a manner that was new and different. = Steinhardt left "Kansas" after the "Vinyl Confessions" tour in 1982 due to personal reasons. = He formed his own band, "Steinhardt-Moon", and later joined the "Stormbringer Band" from 1990 to 1996, recording two CDs with them. = He contributed to the "Jethro Tull" tribute album "To Cry You a Song: A Collection of Tull Tales". = Steinhardt rejoined "Kansas" in 1997, participating in extensive touring and album projects. = During this period, "Kansas" averaged almost 100 shows per year. = He once again served as MC, with bandmate Kerry Livgren noting his unique role in live performances. = In 2006, Steinhardt left "Kansas" by mutual agreement due to the demanding touring schedule. = In 2018, Steinhardt was invited by producer Michael T. Franklin to perform on Jon Anderson's track "Activate" for the album "1000 Hands: Chapter One". = In 2020, Steinhardt and Franklin began working on a solo project, aiming for an album and tour in 2021. = The solo album, "Not In Kansas Anymore / A Prog Opera", was released posthumously on October 25, 2021. = Robby Steinhardt passed away on July 17, 2021, at the age of 71, from complications of acute pancreatitis in a hospital in Tampa, Florida. "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website

Today we will tell you about the unique and influential keyboardist Jon Lord. (Photo: Pinterest.com) Jon Lord is one of the greatest synthesizers and the Hammond organ player in the rock world and one of the greatest and most influential keyboardists of all time. He was born in Leicester England on 9 June 1941 as John Douglas Lord. His father was a saxophonist who pushed Lord into the world of music from an early age. Lord is best known and famous mainly as a keyboardist for "Deep Purple", but he was also a member of "The Artwoods", "Whitesnake", "Paice Ashton Lord", "The Flower Pot Men" and the supergroup "WhoCares" which also included Ian Gillan, Tony Iommi, Jason Newsted and Nicko McBrain. In 1968 he co-founded "Deep Purple" with Ritchie Blackmore and Ian Paice and was undoubtedly one of the pillars that significantly influenced to the band's sound. (Photo: Pinterest.com) Lord was also a gifted composer and among the first and most prominent to combine classical music with rock. Among his great works that combined these two styles are the tracks "April", "Blind" and "Anthem" from "Deep Purple's" second and third albums as well as the full works "Concerto for Group and Orchestra" and "Gemini Suite" . In 1970, Lord was a major influence to the dramatic style change that "Deep Purple" underwent with the album "In Rock", and proved his superiority in the hard rock style as well. In 1974 he did it again and was responsible for "Deep Purple's" further sound revolution with the MKIII lineup, imprinting elements from music styles like blues, soul, boogie and funk on the album "Burn". Lord co-wrote the band's greatest hits and was responsible for, among other things, the perfect playing and immortal solos in the songs such as: "Child In Time", "Highway Star", "Burn", "Perfect Strangers", "Might Just Take Your Life", the amazing opening of "Knocking at Your Back Door" and more. Also in "Whitesnake" Lord made his mark with dominant playing and an amazing presence in songs like "Here I Go Again", "Wine, Women and Song", "Ready an' Willing" and more. Lord is considered a groundbreaking keyboardist with a unique, powerful, wild and aggressive playing style, especially in the Hammond organ that he would shake during the performance as a leaf blowing in the wind. Jon Lord also had an extensive solo career in which he released, among other things, the masterful album "Sarabande" in 1976. Lord has so many collaborations that are worth mentioning, but the most interesting are: playing the piano in "The Kinks'" song "You Really Got Me", participating in David Gilmour's "About Face" album and playing iמ the albums "Gone Troppo" and "Brainwashed" Of George Harrison. In 2011 Lord was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He underwent treatment in England and Israel, but these did not help and he died on July 16, 2012, 71 years old. He's friends from "Deep Purple" wrote and dedicated the song "Above and Beyond" to his memory. Ritchie Blackmore wrote and dedicated "Carry On... Jon" to his memory. After his death, in 2016, Lord entered the "Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame", along with his friends from "Deep Purple". There is no doubt that Lord has left a heavy mark on generations of keyboardists around the world, who are influenced and imitate his unique and perfect playing even today. In 2014, a tribute evening was held in his honor featuring many great artists such as: "Deep Purple", Bruce Dickinson, Glenn Hughes, Rick Wakeman, Micky Moody, Bernie Marsden and more. We invite you to listen to the album that came out following the tribute show Here: "Face/Off" - Israel's Rock Blog Follow us on Facebook / Instagram or Subscribe to our website