illuminatus: The Wrath of the Lambs UK

Straight from Ministry's UK Final World Tour, followed My Ruin's UK and Ireland Tour, illuminatus brings us their new release, The Wrath of Lambs. Nationwide on Anthill/Pinnacle Records, illuminatus has a 2009 European Tour beginning in Italy, then DarkFest in Bologna. illuminatus made their way to the finals of FameCast and were flown to Austin, Texas broadcast live to millions. Illuminatus to date, is the only non U.S. band to achieve this.

illuminatus is: Julio Taylor: Vocals/Guitar, Felix Rullhusen: Percussion, Jon Martin: guitars and Leo Giovazzini on Bass. Their mass of loyal fans, high energy performance, and driving rhythm allowed them to share the stage with: Children of Bodom, Dragon Force, NightWish, Paradise Lost, and Saxon and Skindred.

They have appeared live at UK's Bloodstock and Bulldog Bash, and collaborating with producers such as Harvey Birell (Therapy?, Ministry) and Pete "Pee-Wee" Coleman (AC/DC, Black Sabbath) drew them comparison to bands such as Anathema and Paradise Lost. illuminatus is the ultimate National/International Alternative Band.

A lover of both metal and rock, this 9 track CD is a must have. Every single tune is a power play. Dark sarcasm is present in guitar riffs with maddening percussion reminiscent of 1970's metal rock. The title track, The Wrath of Lambs is a stadium anthem. Julio and Jon keep the starkness alive with Leo on one mean bass. Felix brings it full circle keeping everyone in check. This is a rock instrumental.

Emotion Sickness brings me right back to days of Megadeath, Metallica and System Of A Down. This is by far, my favorite tune. illuminatus manages to intertwine vociferous instrumentals with vocals ranging from soft spoken to wailing. It begins full force and lays it low in between surprising you when you least expect it. This is a hit, standing only behind The Wrath Of Lambs.

Captive State is a tune that deserves video behind it. illuminatus paints a picture of the state of all nations. They present here the essentials that enforce all famous rock bands. Simplicity and perfection.

This a CD you never wish to cease listening to. Recorded in Nottingham, The Wrath Of Lambs is innovative, raw and what the entire music scene is in desperate need of. Check the guys out my space: www.myspace.com/illuminatusuk and: www.illuminatus.uk.com.

Melodic, heavy and intellectual, illuminatus threatens to change the face of music. Join the Revolution, before it passes you by.

--
Susan Marie
Public Relations
www.susanmarie.info
susanmarie.info@gmail.com
New York USA 2009

Michio: Así nada más (Germany)

Michio has performed at renowned flamenco and guitar festivals in Germany and abroad. He also performed at the world-famous Festival de Flamenco in Jerez de la Frontera in 2007, the first non-Spanish guitarist ever to be invited there. In May 2007, Michio went back to his classical roots, from The Vienna Conservatory, where he interpreted the famous Concierto de Aranjuez by Joaquín Rodrigo. His latest CD Así nada más was released with Alameda Production in 2008.

Michio is a guitarist and sought after composer coming to us from Düsseldorf, Germany. He tours Europe and Japan with his Michio Flamenco Project (guitar, bass, vocals, shakuhachi, percussion). He wrote and performed stage music for contemporary dance adaptations of Federico Garcá Lorca's Das Haus der Bernarda Alba and VergissMeinNicht, both directed by choreographer Mei Hong Lin. To date, Michio is the only German artist nominated for The Hollywood Music Awards World Category for his single, Ignition.

On Así nada más, Michio displays a global flamenco style in Ignition. He has an absolute understanding of his art in this song. The vocals are a beautiful addition to his playing. Michio manages to go from basic chords to energized strumming to a rapid fire flash of chords in seconds. His playing is magnificent, new, fresh and meditative.

Patito feo is an upbeat classical acoustic tune. The 2nd track on this CD, this is one to get you up and dancing. It is reminiscent of romance, the night. His playing is insurmountable here, speed is redefined through the harmonics and chord structure of Michio.

Viento de cara is beauty. The soft slow progression of acoustics is peaceful. Michio, although playing quite rapidly, manages to bring his guitar down low. The vocals here are in direct response to his playing, much like opera. Listening to this is akin to a conversation between one voice and a guitar, not knowing which is which.

This entire CD is beyond typical guitar playing, let alone flamenco. This is music to relax to, drive for hours with, dance to, work alongside, love with, and most importantly; to soak up the gifted presence of Michio.

If you play, wish to or are an aficionado of music at all, you need to get this CD. Please go to: www.michio-world.org. Michio is well aware of the difference between playing and feeling. He is one with his guitar, allowing the listener to become an active part of his 12 track dreamscape entitled, Así nada más.

--
Susan Marie
Public Relations
New York USA 2009
www.susanmarie.info
susanmarie.info@gmail.com

MENEW: Of The Future (Canada)

Menew comes to us from Toronto, Canada where they began their study of music. Pronounced Men-u, they have shared the stage with U2 on their Vertigo Tour, worked with Rick Parashar (Pearl Jam, Bon Jovi), and Scott Mathews (Elvis Costello, Eric Clapton), as well as shooting a video with Hans Uhlig (George Lucas' cinematographer) while still in their twenties.

Menew is: Shade: Vocals/Guitar, Key: Piano/Synth and Nathan Samuel Philip: Percussion and backing vocals. They released their latest CD Of The Future on the RedCore Label while kicking off the NxNE Music Fest in Toronto. The NARAS Committee placed Of The Future on the short list for 4 Grammy awards including: Album of the Year, Best Rock Album, Best Performance by a Duo or a Group and Best Video for their single, This Isn't Real.

The title track, The Future, begins with an eclectic mix of driving percussion and mean guitar riffs that transcend into perfection with the additon of vocals. The harmonizing is pristine. Shade's guitar and Nathan's drums meld, only to rise then fall with Key stepping in with subtle piano. This tune is a hit, this is the one that will have people grabbing this CD, seeing them in concert and on the radio. It is simply . . . what music is bleeding for.

The first single, This Isn't Real, manages to take that perfect mix of pop and rock and make it their own. This tune is reminiscent of the early days of MTV where music was raw and unfiltered. Upbeat, pure and thunderous, Menew thrives on reviving an endless sound, one that the industry is in desperate need of. Check out their YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/menewmusic. Video is top notch and absolute.

Heaven Knows, enters with a military drum roll continuing throughout. Keys march in much like an organ or harpsichord. Vocals join the two in this requiem of sorts. Heaven Knows is a testament to something lost, left behind, a look to the past. The funeral march technique applied is sufficient for the content of the tune. It sets you up for melancholy yet is far from sad. A harmonica cries during the end. The diversity of Menew is outstanding.

The Official 2009 Of The Future Tour is under way with an appearance on David Letterman. Check the website for more information: http://www.menew.com and myspace: http://www.myspace.com/menewmusic. I am in awe of these guys and their music. I have not stopped listening since they sent me the CD. This is what music is meant to be, contrary to the title of the first single. Menew IS . . . 100% Real.

This IS . . . Of The Future.

© Susan Marie 2009
New York USA
www.susanmarie.info
susanmarie.info@gmail.com

The Music of Michael Horsphol (Australia)

Lu'Ella Unveiled: A New Earth Rising

Michael Horsphol brings us originally composed music in his 8 track CD entitled: Lu'Ella Unveiled: A New Earth Rising. He gives his inspiration to nature, the countryside of Northern Tasmania, Australia. Michael is inventive, using digital multi sampling of acoustic orchestral, ethnic instruments and choirs. Artwork, composition, mixing, and production is done solely by Michael who has completed soundtrack work for film productions.

The first track Lu'Ella Unveiled is an orchestral vocal journey seated in a dimly lit theatre simultaneously roaming the wilderness. Michael incorporates that soundtrack "feel" with additions of flutes, orchestra and vocals. It is reminiscent of nothing I have heard.

Gloria Natura is by far my favorite. This is a modern twist to the classical Ave Maria. This is the most calming peaceful song. Instead of taking away from old themes, as most modern does, Michael ADDS to this, bringing forth a "New World" quality that is missing in the original.

Blue Wings is stunning. This IS the gift of flight through music. The bass is full and rich, with a surround sound quick tempo as if you are in front of an orchestra. Listening to this sets me faraway over craggy embankments, on turbulent seas; to transcend this plane, inside a science fiction film, a forest glen, the sky. Blue Wings is a masterpiece.

Visit Michael by going to: http://www.michaelhorsphol.com/ and check out Lu'Ella Unveiled: A New Earth Rising. The jacket is phenomenal, emblazoned with a majestic sunset overlooking the vast sea. This CD is multi educational/cultural. It can be used for meditation, education in schools, college level digital track courses, and most definitely, for all spiritual enlightenment.

Lu'Ella Unveiled: A New Earth Rising is THE next soundtrack for a Major Motion Picture. This is fresh, exciting. It IS . . . Earth meets Cinema.

© Susan Marie 2009
New York, United States
www.susanmarie.info
susanmarie.info@gmail.com