Ripple Music to Invade Europe for the Festival Season; Trucker Diablo, Grifter, and Stone Axe set to Lay Waste to a Town Near You

Building upon a year that found Ripple Music garnering accolades across the board and album of the year releases by Grifter,Iron Claw, and Trucker Diablo, Ripple is about to invade the European festivals headlong and bring their hard-driving rock attack to the masses. Following their critically praised Ripple release, The Devil Rhythm, Trucker Diablo have their eyes set firmly on making an impact this year. Having already blown away those in attendance at 2011’s Download Festival then playing sold out shows in UK/Ireland with Black Stone Cherry, the boys will be steaming the big truck headlong into Hammerfest IV to share a stage with Anthrax and Skindred, as well as play with Skindred when the band rocks Belfast. With “Drink Beer, Destroy!” now blasting out across Kerrang T.V. and radio, bigger things are coming. Soon, everyone will know the band that Def Leppard's Joe Elliot has called "absolutely awesome stuff!" Look for Trucker appearing at Hammerfest on March 16th, the day that Anthrax headlines the bill. Not to be outdone, Plymouth's Grifter plan to follow up on their collection of “Top 10 albums of 2011” awards by taking their fired-up, whiskey rock on the road, dropping into Desertfest (April 6th to 8th) where they share the stage with Orange Goblin, Karma to Burn, and similar-minded retro-rockers, Gentleman’s Pistols. This follows Grifter’s recent UK dates supporting Orange Goblin and will lead them right into the notorious Freak Valley Festival in Netphen, Germany on May 18th/19th with Colour Haze, My Sleeping Karma, Gentlemans Pistols, and Lonely Camel. Look for a new single and more material to come from the UK lads soon. And while you’re at Desertfest, losing your mind in the psychedelic haze, be sure to catch Ripple stalwarts,Stone Axe. The band will be kicking off the Desert-festivities as Stone Free, playing a free set of Free cover tunes on the opening day of the festival, and following that up with their high-octane, no holds barred rock show that’s quickly becoming legendary. Touring Europe to support their Ripple release Stone Axe II: Deluxe Edition 2 CD package, as well as Stone Axe: Captured Live at Roadburn 2011 CD/LP package, Stone Axe is looking to decimate the countryside with tour mates, Stubb and Trippy Wicked. All in all, it’s looking like a great year for authentic, hard-driving rock ‘n roll. Trucker Diablo's The Devil Rhythm, Grifter's self-titled debut, and Stone Axe I and II Deluxe edition CD's are available world-wide through Code 7, Clearspot, and the Ripple-Music store. If you haven't heard these albums yet, let us know. Promo copies are still available and the bands are always available for interview or articles. Just ask.   www.ripple-music.com

Grifter Hailed for one of the Best Albums of 2011 with sights on leading the Heavy Rock Resurrection into 2012!

It’s been hailed as one of the best albums of 2011. Not by one or two, but by several of the biggest hard rock websites in the world. The Soda Shop. The Obelisk. The Ripple Effect. Heavy Planet. Chybucca Sounds. Sonic Abuse and more. Captain Zen Beyond has called them "the best classic rock band around" and the album "brilliant without any weak points." Classic Rock Magazine saw their brand of hard-driving rock to be fitting enough for one of their cover-mounted compilation CD's. In 2011, Grifter took 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!" 2012 is looking to build upon the tremendous groundswell developing around Grifter and the “rising from the underground” resurrection of hard-driving rock n' roll.   As Grifter mainman, Ollie Stygall, puts it, “As for 2012. Obviously we have the Orange Goblin tour which is pretty major for us. We've officially been confirmed for the Desertfest festival that takes place in London from April 6th-8th in 3 venues across Camen and features bands such as Orange Goblin, Roadsaw, Black Pyramid, Leafhound, Truckfighters, Valiant Thorr, Gentlemans Pistols, Church Of Misery...etc.   “In May we head to the European mainland for the first time to play the Freak Valley Festival in Netphen, Germany alongside bands such as Colour Haze, Gentlemans Pistols, My Sleeping Karma. We're also working on other European dates to coincide with this. And getting to work on the next album of course."   The eleven track album Grifter is the band's first full-length effort with Hard Rock specialty Label, Ripple Music, however, Grifter’s unique one-foot-in-the-gutter, Harley-rock first appeared on the Ripple roster with their dual contribution to the Heavy Ripples, Vol. 1 compilation released 2011 with the band contributing two barnstorming, high-octane rock classics!   Read the intense reaction to Grifter’s self-titled debut and check out the “Best of” lists for yourself.   http://chybuccasounds.com/2011/12/22/the-top-50-albums-of-2011-25-1/ http://thesodashop.wordpress.com/2011/12/18/top-20-of-2011-jakes-picks/ http://thesodashop.wordpress.com/2011/12/08/top-20-of-2011-bills-picks/ http://www.sonicabuse.com/2011/12/sonicabuses-best-records-of-2011/ http://theobelisk.net/obelisk/2011/12/09/top20of2011/ http://www.steamingheathen.com/delusion/2011/12/21/bands-that-caught-my-attention-in-2011/ http://www.thesleepingshaman.com/reviews/articles/the-shamans-top-10-albums-of-2011/ http://abriefhistoryofmetal.blogspot.com/2011/12/good-bad-ugly-2011.html http://www.heavyplanet.net/2012/01/regs-top-20-albums-of-2011.html     The album and Heavy Ripples Compilation double 7" are both available now at the Ripple Music Store, Amazon, CD Baby, eBay, and world-wide through Clearspot International in Europe, Code 7 Distribution in the UK, and soon available throughout North America through Ripple’s exclusive partnership with Nail Distribution.   RIPPLE MUSIC STORE   www.ripple-music.com

BBC Gig of the Week: Trucker Diablo!

Once again, our GOTW goes right up to 11. A noisy bill of St. Hellfire, Novice, Audio Illusion and Forth Exit is enough to dispose of the January blues with an injection of solid riffola, and that's before you get to headliners Trucker Diablo.

Just like The Answer (who are big fans, by the way), TD have made early inroads to conquering the states, their album having been picked up and released by Californian based label Ripple Music. Also like the Answer, they have some pretty hefty names amongst their fan base - Joe Elliot (Def Leppard), Ricky Warwick (Thin Lizzy) and Dee Snider (Twister Sister), for a start. Fancy joining those names? If so, Saturday night's show at Ma Nelson's is the place to be!

Over to Tom Harte, frontman with Trucker Diablo:

"2012 so far looks to be an excellent year with us playing Hammerfest in Wales and supporting Skindred, both in March. We've a bunch of shows set up in the UK this year so it’s great to get a run out close to home before we head away. This will be our Belfast album launch, so come along and have a good night. Its our party and you're all invited!'

Iron Claw Announce New Singer and Looks to Build Upon "Comeback of the Year" in 2012!

“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.   After achieving such unmitigated success, Iron Claw separated with vocalist Gordon Brown, who left to pursue a bluesier direction. After an extensive, nationwide search, Iron Claw is thrilled to announce the joining of new lead singer, Gary Hair. Hailing from Iron Claw’s own doorstep of Dumfries, Gary first came to the bands attention in the early 90's, with his band Fallen Heaven who were blasting out original heavy rock songs. Bass player Alex Wilson was so impressed, he went to see them and recorded a demo of their music and did their "sound" at a few live gigs.   As Alex puts it, “I was also impressed by their dedication to that style of music, because in the 90's at that time heavy metal/rock was suffering a dip in popularity but they stuck to their guns.” And in a cool twist of fate, Alex noted, “When I found out his date of birth (12th September 1970), after we'd asked him to join the band, that date sort of struck a chord in my memory. I have been keeping a diary since 1968, and when I checked the 1970 date, I was astonished to find that his birthday was exactly the same day that the first 2 songs for the very first Iron Claw LP ("Clawstrophobia" and "Skullcrusher") were written! I don't know if you believe in fate, but that's a hell of a coincidence and maybe he was born to be Iron Claw's vocalist!”   Iron Claw, with Gary Hair, are now back in the studio recording the follow-up to the praised Ripple release, A Different Game and gigging consistently around the UK. As Alex puts it, Gary brings a heavier direction to the band, more hard rock energy and passion. This should mark a return to an even heavier, rockier Iron Claw sound.   A Different Game was released by Ripple Music on Oct 4th, 2011 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 are saying: "The songs crackle along, the voice conveys experience and resolve, the solos tasteful. An effortlessly playable collection of working man's hard rock, and a heartening reassertion of power from metal's forgotten founding fathers. 8 out of 10"  --  Metal Hammer, Issue 225 "Scotland's Proto-Metal pioneers, Iron Claw, return with a long-awaited album of gritty, blues-based melodic heavy rock that is already garnering album-of-the-year accolades."  -  Puregrainaudio   "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    "My first listen to A Different Game should not have been in my car: the rear speakers are nearly blown. Thanks to the heavy end of Iron Claw, they're likely obliterated!"  -  Dangerdog.com   RIPPLE MUSIC STORE Also available at CDBaby, Amazon.com, and eBay.

Ripple Music Signs Exclusive North American-Wide Distribution Deal with Heavy Music Leader, NAIL Distribution!

Ripple Music and NAIL Distribution have signed a deal that, as of January 2012, will make NAIL Distribution the exclusive distributor of Ripple Music CDs and vinyl records throughout the entire North American Continent! "This is a very big deal for Ripple Music as NAIL Distribution is an independent distributor with a proven track record of working with heavy music like Ripple, handles a tremendous catalog of artists, and operates with a ton of integrity." explains Todd Severin and John Rancik, co-owners of Ripple Music. "Plus, as a division of Allegro Media Group, this agreement opens up new and exciting opportunities for digital distribution of Ripple Music bands. We’re extremely proud to be working with the whole NAIL team and thrilled to get Ripple Music permeated through the ears of the North America," California-based Ripple Music burst onto the scene, making huge waves upon its launch in 2010 with a mission to release quality “authentic rock” for the hard-rocking world. Releasing vinyl, CD’s and Digital, Ripple Music quickly gained the approval of music lovers as they began working with some of the most respected artists in the heavy rock/heavy psych genres like Stone Axe, Mos Generator, Poobah, Fen, and JPT Scare Band. Since then, the Ripple family has continued to grow with critically-hailed releases by UK’s heavy rockers Grifter, Iron Claw, and Trucker Diablo. "NAIL's excellent reputation among their client labels and retailers, their recent track record of labor-intensive growth, and the great people there in every department were all essential factors in giving us the confidence that we needed to make this move," notes the Ripple team. "Plus their absolute love for hard rock and what we're doing at Ripple. We’re very excited about our new relationship with NAIL." NAIL has been one of the premier North American distributors of independent music for over 15 years, NAIL distributes music of all stripes, handling nearly 200 exclusive labels. NAIL delivers the best in independent rock, folk, Americana, punk, avant jazz, electronic, experimental, hip-hop, metal, and soon, Ripple Music. www.naildistribution.com   www.ripple-music.com

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!

 

RIPPLE MUSIC STORE