Peer Within the Crystal Ball: The Ripple Music Forecast for 2012!

It would be an understatement to say that 2011 was a busy year. In review, there were only five releases, but behind the scenes is where all the hectic action was truly taking place. Countless discussions with distributors and record stores across the globe, the introduction to new and incredibly interesting bands and personalities, new and unusual opportunities to further the Ripple brand and, subsequently, the roster of artists that call this label home. But, maybe most important was the planning for future releases, which is what brings us here today. Read on and see what’s on the slate for 2012: The first release scheduled for the new year is the stunning debut of Northern Ireland’s gritty hard rockers, Trucker Diablo. The Devil Rhythm is a 45 minute set of blistering hard rock that will rattle your teeth, but tempered with huge melodic hooks that will have you singing along with all of your mates! The album features a bonus track that wasn’t released on the bands self released version of the album. In further Trucker news, the band will be performing at this year’s Hammerfest, as well as opening select dates on the Irish leg of the Black Stone Cherry tour. The Devil Rhythm will be available in stores world-wide in early February. Santa Barbara’s melodic hard rockers Tripdavon are currently mastering the bonus tracks for the re-release of Sketches From Silence, and these bonus tracks (six in all) could easily have fit on the original release of the album. New CD art is being explored and you should expect to see the album on store shelves by the end of January, and then keep an eye out for the boys as they hit the road to get these songs in your face live! Much like last year, 2012 is going to be heavy in Tony Reed projects. First, two Stone Axe releases will be hitting the streets. First, in continuation of the theme of deluxe re-issues, Stone Axe II will see a two disc deluxe package release. Disc one will be the same as the original, while disc two will feature all of those great Stone Axe songs that you couldn’t get on CD before. The final track listing is being put together as we type this and more details will be available in the near future. The second Stone Axe release will be Live at Roadburn 2011 and will feature a set of tracks that one doesn’t normally catch in the bands typical live setting. The rough mixes capture the essence and the energy of this band in a live setting, and the finished product will leave any rock n’ roll fan lying exhausted in a pool of sweat! Both Stone Axe albums are scheduled for release to coincide with the bands UK and European tours.   Your favorite gloomsters from the Pacific Northwest will be returning in heavy form in 2012. Fen will be releasing a vinyl edition to their critically-acclaimed album, Trails Out of Gloom. Not only will this release feature all of those gloriously dark and moody tracks, but the album will include a digital download of the bands previous and out of print album, Congenital Fixation. In further Fen news, the band is back in the studio working on the follow up to Trails and word has it that the band is leaning towards an all around heavier sound while incorporating those acoustic and ambient moments that made Trails so unforgettable. Look for that album in either late 2012 or early 2013! In response to the success of the 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of the first Mos Generator album, the band decided that the time was right to claw their way back from the underground and record a new record! As of press time, the new album is still untitled, but the demos have been completed and the songs under heavy scrutiny from the band to ensure that the best possible product is released. The entire team is shooting for a late Spring/early Summer release in both CD and vinyl formats. JPT Scare Band will be making their long-awaited return with a double LP re-issue of the band’s first two LP’s in one sterling package! Acid Acetate Excursion and Rape of the Titan’s Sirens will be re-released in a gatefold jacket and will retain the original artwork, and will feature additional liner notes. Both LP’s were originally released in the 90’s by Monster Records and this new audio experience will get the loving re-mastering work of T. Dallas Reed for HeavyHead Studios. On top of that, there’s talk of a live album featuring the bands Crossroads performance from last July, so keep it tuned to the Ripple Music and JPT Scare Band social media sites for up to the minute news! The summer is going to heat up with the next installment of Poobah re-issues in the form of U.S. Rock! Much like the award-winning re-issue of Let Me In, U.S. Rock will be released in double LP and CD formats, and will include a bunch of previously unreleased and bonus material. Somewhere along the same time line, the long-awaited new Poobah album, Peace Farmers will see the light of day. The final stack of tracks are being sifted through to ensure the highest quality and hardest rocking set of music will be served up to the ever deserving rock n’ roll fans! Our favorite Brooklyn-based miscreants, Mighty High, are back at it and hard at work on a brand new full-length album. Fusing their hopped up punk-y and stoned out aggression with near psychedelic  sonic exploration, this album will be sure to cater to any and all mental states. In typical Mighty High fashion, look for this release, both CD and LP, to assail your senses on or near 4/20/2012 Modern Day Moonshine have been hard at work crafting a new set of southern-styled rock for the masses. The follow up to the Americana chart topping Refuge album is in the early stages of pre-production and should see the light of day towards the end of 2012. Finally, Stone Axe is methodically piecing together the sounds of the 70’s to create their third release. Tentatively slated as a double LP release, this as-of-yet untitled album is looking at a late year release, and based on the few demo tracks that have been floating around the Ripple HQ, stands to be an epic of an album. As with all Ripple news, stay tuned to the social media sites for the latest breaking news on all of these releases. 2012 will be one of the heaviest rockin’ years in decades, so dust off those disc players and calibrate those turntables . . . your gear is gonna’ get a work out!     RIPPLE MUSIC STORE   www.ripple-music.com

Ripple Music Celebrates a Rockin' 2011 with End of the Year Sale!

 
 

 

What a year it's been!

Following the debut Ripple releases of 2010, which found Ripple Music topping several Year-End "Best of Lists," Ripple returned in 2011 determined to build upon the love music fans have shown for authentic, guitar-driven rock 'n roll. And to say 2011 was an exciting year would be an understatement!

Following the release of the Stone Axe debut album with bonus live material, and a companion DVD, Ripple released more Stone Axe via the Heavy Ripples compilation double 7”, with Mighty High, Grifter, and Sun Gods In Exile. And speaking of Grifter, their Ripple debut album is already finding it's way onto several year-end "Best of" lists. Ripple then followed that with the deluxe 10 year anniversary re-issue edition of the long-out-of print first Mos Generator album with a killer vinyl, CD, and digital download package that has been flying off the shelves!

What a year it's been!

But perhaps the biggest surprise of the year, was the overwhelming response to the Ripple release of Scotland’s Iron Claw, and their first recorded material in 40 years, A Different Game. Metal Odyssey has hailed this release as the "Comeback Album of the Year!" and the band as one of the greatest rock n roll comeback stories of all time!

To celebrate all this music nirvana, Ripple Music will help get the music into the listener's hands with a special, Year-end sale at the Ripple Store. All Ripple releases will be 20% starting December 16th and running into the new year, ending on January 2nd. That's 20% off all releases! All vinyl, 7", CD's and even the special "packages" like the ultimate Stone Axe package (debut vinyl, Collector's edition CD/DVD, and Stone Axe/Mighty High split).

It's just Ripple's way of saying thank you to its loyal customers, the waveriders, and a way to spread the music around as Ripple prepares for an even bigger 2012!

 

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Big Truck Keeps on Rollin'! Ripple Music is Proud to Announce the Signing and Debut Album from Ireland's Trucker Diablo

 

The folks at the 2011 Download Festival felt it.  Fans who saw them opening for Black Stone Cherry felt it.  The lucky masses who'll be at Hammerfest 2012 are about to feel it.  Soon everyone will know the band that Def Leppard's Joe Elliot has called "absolutely awesome stuff!"

Ripple Music, the home of authentic, retro rock and metal, is proud to announce the signing of Northern Ireland’s most explosive rock n’ roll import, Trucker Diablo!   After blowing away the crowds from the stages of 2011’s Download Festival, this Irish four-piece grabbed the attention of the U.S. rock label Ripple Music and immediately began working on plans to get the music heard around the world. The Devil Rhythm is a 40-plus minute thrill ride of rock n’ roll album that will have every head banging to the heavy groove and rocking to its muscular riffs and adrenaline.

Having formed in 2008, Trucker Diablo quickly garnered the adoration of some of rock n' roll's biggest names, including Joe Elliott (Def Leppard), Cormac Neeson (The Answer), Dee Snider (Twisted Sister), and Ricky Warwick (Thin Lizzy, The Almighty), who also makes a guest appearance on the Trucker track “Juggernaut”.

And now Ripple Music will be bringing the Big Truck right to your door!  The Devil Rhythm will be released in the U.S. on January 3rd, and in the UK and Europe on February 6th. Available in all fine record stores, eBay, Amazon, CD Baby and at the Ripple Music home.  Check out the debut video "Drink Beer, Destroy" and catch the early buzz of a band sure to have people talking in 2012.

Lock up your daughters and hide your wives, cause when the big Truck rolls into town, high -octane rock mayhem will be sure to follow!


The press raves:

"The Devil Rhythm is an exceptional effort!.  This album will undoubtedly satisfy both new-generation hard-rock fans and old-school rockers alike.  Joe Elliot of Def Leppard described Trucker Diablo as "Absolutely Awesome Stuff" and I couldn't agree more." -- Road Rage Metal Mag

"The Devil Rhythm is a fantastic first album from Trucker Diablo. Ten furious paced, no messing rock ‘n’ roll tracks that sound more like an established artists greatest hits and not a new bands debut album. Opening songs "Drink Beer Destroy", "Juggernaught" and "Big Truck" crash on your ear drums and continuously beat you into submission; overpowering you with every riff and selling themselves as the saviors of hard rock in Ireland. But it doesn’t end there!  It’s time for the public to stand up and take notice of what could potentially be one of the most successful rock bands to emerge from the North since Therapy." -- Goldenplec

"In 25 words or less: “This band needs to be heard, so listen, share, talk, tell everyone about Trucker Diablo…” -- May the Rock Be with You
 

The Devil Rhythm is now available at the Ripple Music Store and world-wide through Clearspot International in Europe and Code 7 Distribution in the UK on February 6th, 2012. 
 

 

 

RIPPLE MUSIC STORE

Also available at Amazon.com


 

www.ripple-music.com

Grifter's Breakout Year Keeps Getting Bigger; Band Announces New Tour Dates with Orange Goblin and Metal Hammer Takes Notice

Captain Zen Beyond has called them "the best classic rock band around" and the album "brilliant without any weak points." The Obelisk says they "sound like fans of 70's rock creating their own riffs and grooves to universal appeal." Classic Rock Magazine has seen their brand of irreverent rock to be fitting enough for one of their cover-mounted compilation CD's. Grifter has taken the hard-rock scene by storm with their new self-titled album of gritty, blues-based biker rock. Now the world is taking notice!  Hot on the heels of Metal Hammer's proclamation that Grifter "will rock your ass ragged with change to spare!" Grifter are proud to announce that they've been chosen as the opening act for Orange Goblin's 2012 UK Tour in support of their 7th album "Euolgy for the Damned". Come see Grifter with Orange Goblin as they redefine "rock" at the following locations: Sat 7th - Desertfest at The Underworld, Camden Sun 8th - The Fleece, Bristol (with Church Of Misery, Dopefight and Slabdragger) Mon 9th - The Old Bell, Derby Tues 10th - The Classic Grand, Glasgow Weds 11th - Sound Control, Manchester Thurs 12th - The Garage, Swansea Fri 13th - The White rabbit, Plymouth Sat 14th - The O2 Academy, Oxford The eleven track album Grifter is the band's first full-length effort with indie rock label Ripple Music, however, Grifter’s unique one-foot-in-the-gutter, sleaze rock sound first appeared on the Ripple roster with their dual contribution to the Heavy Ripples, Vol. 1 compilation released earlier this year with the band contributing two barnstorming, high-octane rock classics! The album and Heavy Ripples Compilation double 7" are both available now at the Ripple Music Store and world-wide through Clearspot International in Europe and Code 7 Distribution in the UK.        RIPPLE MUSIC STORE Also available at CDBaby, Amazon.com, Ebay, and All That Is Heavy.com

Mos Generator Showcase Debut Re-Issue Package Live To Packed House

November 5th, 2011, Port Orchard, Washington stoner rock legends, Mos Generator, clawed their way to back from the underground to celebrate the release of their ten years of hard rockin’ history! Performing a one-off CD release event at Coog’s Record Store in Port Angeles, WA, Mos Generator scorched through a high energy set jam packed with songs culled from their back catalog, as well a few previews from their upcoming, as-of-yet untitled album set for release in summer of 2012. The highlight of the set, however, was the band’s performance of the recently re-issued debut album in its entirety! The 10th Anniversary Edition of Mos Generator’s debut album is the first time the album has been pressed on vinyl, and the gatefold package includes a CD with the entire album, a previously unreleased bonus track, and the entire Live at the Manette recordings from 2002. As if that wasn’t enough hard rock for everyone, this deluxe package also includes a download card with exclusive digital material, in all, almost 2 ½ hours of music for a low, low price! Never one to rest between accomplished goals, Mos Generator mastermind and mad scientist Tony  Reed, is hard at work getting the aforementioned new album recorded in just that perfect way. When asked how this new album compares to past Mos Generator records, Tony stated, “On the surface this new album is lean and straight forward but it is woven with complex lyrical themes and musical emotions. My goal is to retain the Mos sound that we have built over the last ten years with a focus on melody. My lyrics have taken on a more personal outlook as well. Many of them are based themes that most people can relate to.” For the time being, the 10th Anniversary Edition of the debut will be available in all record stores throughout the UK and Europe on Nov. 21st, and is available now at the Ripple Music Store. Here’s what the press has to say: “Listening back to this album I am struck at how fresh this stuff still sounds. The trade mark sound of Grand Funk and Blue Cheer influenced old school hard rock fused with the Seattle grunge sound of the 1990's makes for a very ear friendly vibe. All in all this is great stuff and this reissue belongs in everyone's collection if you have the original versions or not. 4/5"  -  The BCFM Sunday Rockshow "The songs from the original album are amazing enough on their own. Yes, I could just say these tracks are high caliber groove-laden, 70's inspired stoner rock and all that would be true. However that only scrapes the surface for how good this band really is/was even at this early stage of their career. Mos Generator live are perhaps even more spot on with hitting everything in fine fashion and just channeling their natural smoothness in this performance.”  --  Heavy Metal Time Machine RIPPLE MUSIC STORE Also available at CDBaby, Amazon.com, Ebay, and All That Is Heavy.com

Fen Head Back to the Studio to Record the Follow-up to their Massively Successful Ripple Debut, "Trails Out of Gloom"

 

Heavy Planet hailed "Trails Out of Gloom" as one of the "best albums of 2010."  Infernal Masquerade proclaimed "Trails" to be one of the "Top 10 Albums of the Year!"  Imagine Echoes and Prognaut both raved that "Trails" was on their "Best of" year's end list, and Progressions Magazine gave "Trails" a perfect 16 out of 16 score, gushing that "Trails was "consistently enchanting from start to finish" and called it "Fantastic in every way" as they proceeded to give it their "highest possible rating!"

So what does a band do for an encore after accolades like that? For Fen, the answer will be given soon as the band has just announced that they're honing a new batch of songs for a trip back to the recording studio in December. Tour dates are sure to follow.

While no one knows what to expect from the fertile minds of the Fen maestros, one thing we do know is to expect the unexpected.  Doug Harrison has said that the next album will be darker and heavier than "Trails," not simply a retreading of old sounds. Fen are eager to expand. Explore. The anticipation builds.

In other Fen news, plans are underway for a deluxe vinyl edition of "Trails Out of Gloom," intended to be released coinciding with the band's summer tour dates.  As a special bonus, songs from Fen's previous, self-released album "Congenital Fixation" is being prepared for inclusion as a special bonus digital download with the album.  Two great Fen albums for the price of one!

In the meantime, the "Trails Out of Gloom" CD is still available in limited quantities from the Ripple Music store  Be sure to get yours before supplies run out.

And if you missed the video for Fen’s latest single, “Miracle”, check it out here: Miracle Video


"Consistently enchanting from start to finish, Trails out of Gloom is one of the more rapturous releases you're likely to encounter in quite some time.  It is fantastic in every way.  Highest possible rating, 16/16." -- Progressions Magazine

"Trails Out of the Gloom is reminiscent of 70s progressive rock with a modern prog rock kick. Trails Out of the Gloom isn't as "spacey" as Pink Floyd sometimes get. But, like Gilmour's work, the solos simply soar and the guitars are truly beautiful and epic. It's heavy, in the way that a lot of progressive rock is heavy (like Porcupine Tree) but that has more to do with atmosphere than with amplifiers. Most of this CD is acoustic guitar and lighter rock'n'roll ... and yet the CD often sounds dark. It's a fascinating combination."  -- Rough Edge

“This CD will impact you immediately, but the true brilliance of Trails Out of Gloom comes from further absorption. This is a stellar release. "-- Sea of Tranquility

RIPPLE MUSIC STORE

Also available at CDBaby, Amazon.com, Ebay, and All That Is Heavy.com

 

One of the Greatest Comeback Stories in Rock and Roll History Keeps Getting Better!

 
 

“Step aside, Anvil… there’s a Rock n’ Roll comeback story that blows yours into the stratosphere! IRON CLAW is the Rock n’ Roll comeback story of legend.”  So proclaimed Metal Odyssey after taking one listen to Iron Claw’s new Ripple Music release, A Different Game.

 

You see, IRON CLAW was playing their brand of Heavy Rock at live gigs when Heavy Metal was just getting it’s name. The early 70′s were the building blocks for the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal that we all cherish deeply in 2011… and IRON CLAW was there… planting the seeds. Touring during the early years with the legendary likes of The Kinks, Spencer Davis and Pink Fairies, (to name a few), IRON CLAW easily can be considered an important underground player within the structure of the British Rock Movement. Without a “coveted” record contract, the Rock history books have overlooked too many silent legends, the pioneers of Heavy Metal and Hard Rock such as IRON CLAW. With A Different Game, their role in Rock history shall never go unspoken again.

 

And what a year it’s been! First, Scotland’s Proto-Metal pioneers, returned with their first ever official album of gritty, blues-based melodic heavy rock that’s been garnering album of the year accolades from the press.  Then, they debuted the album at a record release gig at the notorious Barlinnie Prison in Glasgow as special guests of the Governor Derek McGill who wanted to show the prisoners that there are healthier alternatives to crime, such as playing and creating emotionally stimulating music.  The show was such a major event, it was covered live on radio and film by GMG Radio, Scotland and filmed as a special by Border TV!

 

And it doesn’t stop there. A Different Game has been receiving airplay all over the globe, specifically the lead single, “What Love Left”. Huge supporters have come from the likes of Classic Rock Radio.eu, Rock Me Baby TV, Get Ready To Rock! Radio, Planet Rock, SuperestacionMetal, and SineFM to name but a few, and Iron Claw are now one of the featured bands on the Screaming Singles, Vol. 1 compilation disc released through Nasty Casty Records.

 

Not bad for a band that hadn’t recorded in 40 years. And there’s much more to come.

 

A Different Game was released by Ripple Music on Oct 4^th, and is available world-wide with distribution through Code 7 Distribution, Clearspot International and at the label’s web store.

 

 

Here’s what the press has to say:

 

"They have taken all their musical experience and rolled it up into an album which simply rocks. If you dig the roots of heavy metal, 70's hard rock and Southern Rock, you will indeed enjoy listening to these experienced masters of Rock N Roll." -- ThrashHead

 

“This is pure muscle at work and Iron Claw still has plenty of the natural juice in them to make this reunion endeavor soar . . . thankfully Iron Claw has given themselves the opportunity to say a thundering hello to the rock world, if not hijack it.”  --  Ray Van Horn, Jr., The Metal Minute

 

 "This is a solid, dynamic, vintage rock ‘n roll record, 13 tracks spanning 57 minutes yet hardly a dull moment to be found. A Different Game is more of the same—high quality heavy rock unearthed from the underground" -- Hellbound.ca
 

RIPPLE MUSIC STORE

Also available at CDBaby, Amazon.com, Ebay, and All That Is Heavy.com

Live at the Barlinnie Prison, Galsgow, Scotland