Frontiers Music Srl, the Italian-based label known for embracing new music from legendary Rock artists, returns with another impactful project: RATED X. Set for release in the EU on November 7th and in North America on November 10th, the album features all new songs built upon a classic Hard Rock foundation, with a distinctly contemporary edge.
RATED X was formed at the suggestion of Frontiers President Serafino Perugino, who mentioned to singer Joe Lynn Turner that a band of highest caliber musicians should be assembled to create an album of classic Hard Rock music. Turner, the former lead vocalist for both Rainbow and Deep Purple and a solo artist in his own right, agreed, and the search for the right players was on. Carmine Appice, who already had a relationship with Frontiers, was on board immediately. A true percussion icon, Appices resume is one that Rock legends are made of: Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, Ozzy Osbourne, Rod Stewart, Blue Murder, King Kobra and others.
Appices former Blue Murder bandmate and bassist, Tony Franklin (best known for his work with The Firm, Jimmy Page, Paul Rodgers, David Gilmour, Kate Bush, and Whitesnake), signed up next. After a lengthy search for the right guitarist, they settled on long-time Turner collaborator Karl Cochran, who has also worked with Ace Frehley, and worked in the past with Joe Lynn Turner on his solo albums.
I believe we wanted to keep it a bit retro with a modern edge, says Turner. The songs are classic rock, but then that’s an understatement. They are what they are; and they transformed as we went along recording. So, all in all, we are very happy to finish the record and finally able to get it out to the public. Everyone in this band is a true individual and stylist. When you put it all together, you have Rated X.
The debut album, simply titled, Rated X, is remarkable in that it sounds like a band that has worked together as a unit for years. The songs are powerful and the performances are tight and innovative. Frontiers in-house producer, Alessandro del Vecchio, not only handled studio production but added keyboards on several tracks. Pat Regan (Mr Big, Deep Purple, Gotthard, Kiss, Doro) mixed the album.
Says Carmine Appice: With his help in coming up with the song ideas and working together with the band I believe we came up with the sound from the late 70s -80s. To me, it sounds like Blue Murder with Joe Lynn Turner singing. Having Tony and myself as the rhythm section and with the heavy guitars, it gives the record a Blue Murder-vibe. Then, adding Alessandro on keys gave us a bit of the Deep Purple thing. It all works together and I loved playing each song.
The band has released the first video by its newest acclaimed band: RATED X. Entitled This Is Who I Am,
View THIS IS WHO I AM: http://youtu.be/jkmWYqztVi8
Fans who pre-order the album on iTunes here: http://geni.us/LDm,
will receive an instant download of the song or it can be purchased as a digital single.
The bands debut album, entitled Rated X, features all new songs built upon a classic Hard Rock foundation, with a distinctly contemporary edge. This Is Who I Am, with its solid bottom, soaring guitar riffs driven by Turners compelling vocals, is sure to please hard rock fans around the world.
Says Joe Lynn Turner: Its about a personal experience of mine and I think it relates to everyone. We all want to shine as individuals. Too many people were judging me and telling me how to look and how to act; basically its about rebellion.
It has a really cool groove, says Carmine Appice. I love the hook and I love what it is saying. Much of the album was recorded in different cities, using current recording technology, however, it never strays from a solid band sound. The songs will stand by themselves, says Karl Cochran. They are strong songs.
Adds Tony Franklin about the project: There is a lot of talent in this band and we respect each other. Some of us in this band have known each other for 20 to 30 years. So, it didnt feel like something that had just been put together randomly. It feels real.
