With their fifth studio album Hammer of the North Grand Magus set a course in the world of Metal this year. The CD gave rise to outstanding reviews from all quarters, it even has been treated as a magnum opus of classical Heavy Metal music. On heart4metal Janne “JB” Christoffersson, the man behind the lyrics, talks about his music, the changes that have come with the success and about his personal way of life.

Weiterlesen »

It is not easy to remain objective when hearing the name Rob Halford. As lead vocal for Judas Priest, the native Brit made music history in the 1980s, putting his stamp on then the new category of riff-accentuated hardrock. Although not everything he touched turned automatically to gold: his solo projects were less successful for a long time. In 2003 Halford returned to Judas Priest after a twelve-year absence. Along the way he continued untiringly to work on this own projects. It seems his efforts have paid off – Made of Metal just might be the greatest album release of his solo career.

Weiterlesen »

The mild October sun bathes the banks of the Rhine in warm light, causing the quaint picturesque buildings to glow in a kaleidoscope of early-autumn colours while seeming to melt as one with the rocks where the river flows. The barges cruise by at a leisurely pace. Untouched by the afternoon hustle and bustle on the bridges of Basel, they navigate to destinations unknown. A man in jeans is sitting at a table of a small, rustic pub. Other guests steal glances in his direction and wonder who it is giving an interview at this place and time of day. A famous painter perhaps? Yes, that might be it, the way he is sitting there nonchalantly with his long, curly hair, which has turned white at the temples and has carefully been tied into a ponytail. His Mediterranean looks show that he is a recent arrival, possibly from Paris or Florence. Is he perhaps making a stopover in the cultural centre of Basel, only then to return to Montmartre afterwards? Could be, but then who knows.

Weiterlesen »

This album is simply the ‘BEST’ rock album I have heard in many years. It is quality at the highest level. The road it takes you down might last more than seventy minutes, but to me, it seems like a short avenue. On this magnificent journey one has the pleasure to listen to ex-Deep Purple, Gary Moore and Black Sabbath singer and bassist Glenn Hughes at the top of his profession. Beyond that Glenn is joined by some top-class musicians: The American singer and blues-guitarist Joe Bonamassa, ex-Dream Theater keyboard player Derek Sherinian and Jason Bonham, son of Led Zeppelin drummer John, on drums.

Weiterlesen »

Tarja Turunen, the Finnish voice of Opera Metal, has just released her second album. Having been the singer of Nightwish from 1996 to 2005, What lies beneath  is another important step for her career as a solo-artist. On heart4metal she gives an insight to her life and to the background of her new release.

Weiterlesen »