KEE MARCELLO (Europe) - Judas Kiss (2013)

*

Swedish axe-slinger, former Europe guitarist KEE MARCELLO seems to be a very busy man lately, decided to recover his place into the international Rock scene.
After releasing his controversial Europe own-versions album 'Redux: Europe', the 'humbly' entitled biography 'The Rock Star God Forgot' and his performance in the well known musical Rock Of Ages in Scandinavia, Marcello has just released a brand new CD.
"Judas Kiss" is his third solo album featuring original material since the last almost nine years ago.

Decidedly into a full rocking territory, "Judas Kiss" is basically a traditional Hard Rock album with an updated sound & style.
Sometimes really melodic, quite hard n' heavy in others, this new offering finds Marcello in great form, both musically (he has undoubtedly inspired many players since Europe's Superstitious back in the late '80s) as well as in the songwriting.
"Judas Kiss" as a whole is a solid piece of kickin' Hard Rock. 13 tracks about love, loss, road weariness and betrayal (there's some good lyrics to be found) wrapped by potent riffs, incendiary solos and a groovy rhythm section.
Kee is singing better, his slightly raspy style fit with good feeling these bluesy inspired hard rockers. His playing is out of question, displayed here in abundant variations.

On the melodic side, "Starless Sky" is the highlight, somehow a midtempo rocker with excellent verses both in the vocals and the instrumental arrangements. Killer solo and layered chorus.
Despite its uptempo rhythm and some gritty vocals, opener "Zombie" is a melodic hard rock song in essence, while the bone-dry, groovy yet melodious "Dead End Highway" (love the solo here) and title track "Judas Kiss" recalls his ex-bandmates circa Start From The Dark years.
Another nice track which adds variation is the melodic march of "And Forever More", featuring female singer Akane Liv dueting with Kee. The main melody is inspired by one of Europe's best tracks ever; Girl From Lebanon.
"Coming Home" is the album's token ballad, slowing things down a bit with an earthy guitar work and modulated vocals. Good one.

But also we find in this CD some truly hard hitting numbers such as "Get On Top", the dark "Metal Box", "The Harder They Come" (with a riff dangerously close to Metallica's Enter Sandman, but cool), and the crunchy "Dog Eat Dog". "I'm Stoned" features some down-tuned guitars and a refrain akin Alice In Chains working well on all levels.
"Love Will Tear Us Apart" is a cover of Joy Division, at first glance certainly an odd choice, but Marchello has cleverly arranged the song in Melodic Rockin' way, adding even more balance to the album. I liked a lot this one.

Kee Marcello proves with "Judas Kiss" that there's life for him after Europe.
Perhaps it has taken too many years to find his own musical identity, but never it's too late, and this new recording is by far the best of his solo career.
Well written, arranged and superbly played, "Judas Kiss" has a dynamic production - I would preferred a more crispy sound - but seems Kee wants to attack with more bite and this matter is amply accomplished here.
Very Recommended.


01. Zombie
02. Dog Eat Dog
03. Starless Sky
04. I'm Stoned
05. Dead End Highway
06. Judas Kiss
07. And Forever More (duet with Akane Liv)
08. Coming Home
09. Get On Top
10. The Harder They Come
11. Dead Give Away
12. Love Will Tear Us Apart
13. Metal Box

Kee Marcello: Lead Guitar, Lead Vocals
Jonny Scaramanga: Guitar
Ken Sandin: Bass
Tim Brown: Drums
Akane Liv: guest Vocals



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cdon.se/musik/marcello_kee/judas_kiss-22923322

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SHA-BOOM - The Race Is On (2012)

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Norwegians SHA-BOOM become a sensation in Scandinavia at the end of the eighties / earlier nineties with their mixture of poppy radio-rock and commercial AOR. They returned in 2005 with only original member Dag Finn at the helm (even though ex- bassist Peo Thyren has helped out with some lyrics) and Tommy Denander as partner in crime.
The result was "The Race Is On" which now is being re-released worldwide slightly remixed.

Dag Finn assembled a cast of excellent players for this album who need no introduction to those who follow the Swedish scene (check the awesome personnel below). No doubt Tommy Denander's contacts enabled this new effort to have a record label behind it.
"The Race Is On" is million times harder than the band's earlier albums, combining catchy melodic rock sounds with rockin' Scandi AOR.
Dag's vocals are a cross between Stage Dolls' Torstein Flakne and Bonfire's Claus Lessman with a raspy touch, while the musicianship doesn't need to be questioned, as all are well known quality musicians and play at their game here.

The overal sound and style in "The Race Is On" reminds you Euro Melodic Rock acts such as Casanova, Return, Evenrude, and more recently; Rydell & Quick.
The harder and rockier approach in this new encarnation of Sha-Boom are clear in opener "Blah Blah Blah" and the killer uptempo 'Into The Fire'.
There are some truly osum melodic rock tunes as "Why Did I..?" (terrific), "Somewhere In The Dark", the midtempo "22nd Of October" and the moving "This Is My Life", while "My Home Town" adds AOR to the melodic rock recipe.
Sha-Boom bring to the table some of their melodic poppy origins; "Message Of Love", the title track "The Race Is On" and "Big Bang" are just three tracks that scream out for radio play.


"The Race Is On" is full of catchy hooks and heavenly choruses, instant easy to listen tunes that leaves you with a big smile on the face.
This is pure Scandi Melodic Rock AOR with an updated sound (courtesy of Tommy Denander) and fun, feel-good lyrics and melodies.
If you slipped Sha-Boom's "The Race Is On" back in a day, don't miss it now.
The Scandies do it yet again.


01 - Blah, Blah, Blah
02 - Somewhere In The Dark
03 - My Hometown
04 - The Race Is On
05 - 22nd Of October
06 - Into The Fire
07 - Get The Party Started
08 - Message Of Love
09 - Here I Am
10 - Big Bang
11 - This Is My Life
12 - Why Did I..?
13 - Fortune And Fame


Dag Finn - Vocals
Tommy Denander - Guitars, Keyboards

Kee Marcello (Europe) - Guitar
Steiner Hagen (Sayit) - Guitar
Jonas Karlberg - Guitar
Bo Reimer (Tata Vega) - Guitar
Sayit Dolen (Sayit) - Guitar
John Leven (Europe) - Bass
Marcel Jacob (Talisman, Humanimal) - Bass
Joel Starander (Kharma, Heartbreak Radio) - Bass
EZ Gomer (Liberty N' Justice, Jet Circus) - Bass
Mic Michaeli (Europe) - Keyboards
Jorgen Ingestrom (Fingerprints) - Keyboards
Ulf Steneberg - Keyboards
Dan Helgesen (Phenomena, Salute) - Keyboards
Ian Haugland (Europe) - Drums
Christian Ekwall - Drums
Daniel Flores (Alfonzetti, Frozen Rain) - Drums
Anders Borjesson - Drums
Thomas Vikstrom (Talk of the Town) - Backing Vocals

Produced by Dag Finn & Tommy Denander




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www.amazon.co.uk/The-Race-Is-On/dp/B008YQPSP4

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EUROPE - Bag Of Bones (2012)

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The mighty Swedes EUROPE are back with the ninth album of their career, the brand new "Bag Of Bones".
On this recording the band have decided go back to their roots and simply play pure heavy rock and roll, with classic elements of Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Whitesnake or UFO, delivering huge riffs, pounding drums and bass, Hammond organ and vocals to die for.

If you think of Europe as the old ballad band, you will be disappointed as riff after riff hits home on this new album.
The three-minute opener "Riches To Rags" says it all. Huge riff from John Norum and a solo to match. He really does shine on this CD and his partnership with Joey Tempest on vocals is just stunning, with great drums and patterns from Ian Haugland & John Leven on bass, and Mic Michaeli adding the depth to every song.
In this rocking CD, only the short orchestration prelude "Requiem" and last track "Bring It All Home", brings the pace down.
"Not Supposed to Sing the Blues", the advanced single, was a clear demonstation of the retro orientation of this new recording.
The title song, "Bag Of Bones", with Joe Bonamassa guesting on guitar, is an absolute classic; and "Firebox" (with shades of Zep's 'Kashmir') is not very far behind.

"My Woman My Friend" proves that Joey Tempest still has the range in his voice and we also have great keyboards and a Norum solo.
"Drink And A Smile" is a great acoustic again with some Led Zeppelin scent, a bluesy track followed by the vintage and effective rocker "Doghouse".
"Demon Head" could have been written by Whitesnake with its opening keyboards and superb vocals from Joey in a very classic Hard Rock way.
"Bring It All Home" ends the regular edition in the form of a stupendous bluesy ballad, while the Japanese bonus "Beautiful Disaster" gives us another shot of rockin' brilliance.


Definitively, in this present Europe the AOR and ballads are gone, but we have gained a really, really good Classic Rock / Hard Rock band.
To sum up, "Bag Of Bones" has great songs, excellent vocals and super-musicianship by all the members, with a special mention to John Norum's brilliant guitar work. Kevin Shirley's production is faultless as always, providing a vibrant sound.
A highly recommended purchase for any rock fan.


01 - Riches To Rags
02 - Not Supposed To Sing The Blues
03 - Firebox
04 - Bag Of Bones
05 - Requiem
06 - My Woman My Friend
07 - Demon Head
08 - Drink And A Smile
09 - Doghouse
10 - Mercy You Mercy Me
11 - Bring It All Home
12 - Beautiful Disaster (Japan Bonus Track)


Joey Tempest (Vocals)
John Norum (Guitars)
John Leven (Bass)
Mic Michaeli (Keyboards)
Ian Haugland (Drums)
Joe Bonamassa (guest Guitar)



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www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=VICP-65047

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KEE MARCELLO - Redux ; Shine On (2012)

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KEE MARCELLO is one of those artists who is able to turn his hand to anything without fear.
He started his career in 1982 with the glam rock band Easy Action recording two albums. In '86 he joined Europe and toured the World three times. His name as a renowned guitarist was established and the time was ripe for the release of an instructional video. One year later came the bluesy-rock project Red Fun.

Then was time for his solo debut album, 1995's “Shine On”. As said, he has played many genres without fear, and in this first effort as solo artist, Kee goes Melodic Rock.
This recording sees Marcello in a more intimate way, delivering a good bunch of tunes with a much mellower approach than in his previous bands. Not in vain the original release cover of this album pictures him sporting a big acoustic guitar.
Now, Kee is releasing a remastered and repackaged version of this CD as "Redux : Shine On", including three bonuses.


Back in the day I liked this album alot, and I like it now.
Includes some truly good laid back Melodic Rock songs, beautifully crafted around organic melodies. Marcello's vocal timbre fits this style nicely, it's warm and affectionate.
We have some rockers too with Kee showing his six-string abilities, not in a flashing way but with a classic style and sound.
The three bonus tracks are outtakes from the "Shine On"s recording sessions, not with the quality standards of the main album tracks, but all are a nice addition to your collection.
Really Good.

You've seen it first here, at zerodayrock


01 - When The Rain Comes Falling
02 - Shine On
03 - Sweet Little Sister
04 - Rough Ride
05 - La Liaison
06 - Tonight Belongs To Us
07 - Credo (I Belive)
08 - The Wind Cries Your Name
09 - River Of Karma
10 - Fine Line
11 - Together Alone
12 - Magic Potion (Outtake) [Redux bonus]
13 - Call Me (Outtake) [Redux bonus]
14 - You're The Most Beautiful (Outtake) [Redux bonus]


Kee Marcello – Lead vocals, Guitars
Johan Lyndström – Guitar
Svante Henryson – Bass
Mats Asplen – Keyboards
Magnus Persson – Drums




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www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=8704826

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KEE MARCELLO - Redux : Europe (2012)

*

Kjell Hilding Lövbom, most known as KEE MARCELLO, the guitarist who replaced John Norum in the Swedish band Europe back in 1986, just released in Sweden "Redux : Europe", featuring own new tracks alongside modern, harder-sounding re-recordings of Europe and Marcello's previous band Easy Action hits.
The CD will be released in the rest of the world in February 2012, accompanied by remastered and repackaged versions of Kee's two solo earlier albums, "Redux : Shine On" and "Redux : Melon Demon Divine".

When asked why he chose to re-record Europe songs, Marcello said, " *Redux* is Latin for 'reclaim' or 'take back,' and that's what I'm doing here. These songs are part of my past and I wanted to bring them into the future."
This is a controversial release for sure. But not the only one.
Marcello is publishing as well his autobiographical book 'The Rock Star God Forgot', revealing some 'dirty secrets' (from his view) of his years as Europe member.
More than that, Kee has sparked a scandal in an interview with the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, revealing that he is suing Europe for one fifth of the revenue the band has earned since 1993.
According to Kee, he bought out John Norum when he replaced him in 1986 and therefore owns a fifth of the brand 'Europe'.
"We tried to reach a settlement, one million Euros," Kee said, "But they did not react to it and therefore we must take them to court. I bought all of Norum's rights in 1987 when I joined the band, so in order to get them back, we have to make some kind of settlement."
In the interview Kee also claimed he was promised to be a part of the 2003 reunion together with Norum, but their manager Petri H. Lunden 'broke the promise' and told Kee he was out of the band.

Ugh.
Let's better talk about the music on "Redux : Europe".
These Europe classic songs are untouchable, none can make better versions of these gems. Albums as "Out Of This World" and "Prisoners In Paradise" still rank between my favorites ever.
But seems Kee needed to re-record them in his own style. Most of them are pretty well versioned with a modern production, particularly the songs taken from 'Prisoners In Paradise' and the Easy Action (Marcello's previous band) tracks.
Surprisingly, Kee sings well, with a rougher style, but in control. He isn't able to reach Joey Tempest range, then the vocal parts were arranged to suit his voice, which works for the most part.
Of course, his melodic, terrific sustained guitar tone and technique is intact, and he shines specially on the good instrumental tracks featured here.


Listening "Redux : Europe" from an outsider perspective (not as Europe fan), this is a good rocking album, very well performed and produced.
A good song is always a good song, and there's many here. Most of them works well.
But I don't like some versions at all. In example, "The Final Countdown" was substantially changed here and Kee's vocals are weak. "Mind In The Gutter" featuring (his daughter?) Hanna Marcello is terrible. On the other hand, a very difficult song to perform as "Carrie" was truly well rounded.
Anyway, as said, "Redux : Europe" is a good Hard Rock disc, with a remarkable good production and strong musical performances.
It depends on you if you like it or not...


01 - Redux : Europe
02 - Superstitious
03 - Seventh Sign
04 - Let The Good Times Rock
05 - Girl From Lebanon
06 - The Final Countdown
07 - We Go Rocking (Slight Return)
08 - Carrie
09 - Hammers Heart
10 - Bumble Kee
11 - Here Comes The Night
12 - Halfway To Heaven
13 - More Than Meets The Eye
14 - Mind In The Gutter (feat. Hanna Marcello)
15 - Open Your Heart
16 - Rock The Night


Kee Marcello: Lead Guitar, Lead Vocals
Jonny Scaramanga: Guitar
Ken Sandin: Bass
Paul White: Drums
The Unknown: Keyboards
Hanna Marcello: guest Vocals




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cdon.se/musik/marcello_kee/redux_europe_(signerad)-16081621

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EUROPE - Live! At Shepherd's Bush London (2011)

Sweden's biggest hard rock export EUROPE returned to the UK in 2011 with the Balls 'N' Banners tour exactly one year since their last tour on these shores.

With no new album to promote, they nonetheless succeeded in selling out the Shepherd's Bush Empire and thrilled the audience with a formidable performance.

They filmed this gig for a live DVD and CD, just released.



Singer Joey Tempest wears his frontman shoes with true spirit and together with the original line-up of John Norum on guitar, John Leven on bass, Mic Michaeli on keyboards and Ian Haughland on drums, delivers maximum power and joy. Opening up with the title track of their current album "Last Look At Eden", the five-piece played a few numbers from this, from the more aggressive "The Beast" to the sweet "New Love In Town", which the now London-based singer dedicated to the birth of his son three years ago.



Naturally their classics were not forgotten and it was with these that the crowd sang at the top of their lungs, making "Rock The Night", "Carrie", "Superstitious" and "The Final Countdown" the highlights of the evening.

From previous albums a good selection of songs came along, including "Scream Of Anger", "Seventh Sign", "Start From The Dark" and a song they hadn't played in a long time prior to this tour, the catchy "More Than Meets The Eye" from 1988's 'Out Of This World'.





On “Live! At Shepherd’s Bush, London”, Europe rocked the audience to the core.

Europe have a knack of writing anthemic songs that everyone can join in with, which is an undeniably attractive proposition when concerning fan acquisition and although the band is over 30 years old, it would be a silly mistake thinking they have gone soft.

This recording sounds big, meaty, perfectly recorded and mixed.

Recommended.





01 - Prelude

02 - Last look at eden

03 - The beast

04 - Rock the night

05 - Scream of anger

06 - No stone unturned

07 - Carrie

08 - The gataway plan

09 - Seventh sign

10 - New love in town

11 - Love is not the enemy

12 - More than meets the eye

13 - Always the pretenders

14 - Start from the dark

15 - Superstitious

16 - The final countdown





Joey Tempest – lead vocals, rhythm & acoustic guitars

John Norum – lead & rhythm guitars, backing vocals

John Levén – bass guitar

Mic Michaeli – keyboards, backing vocals

Ian Haugland – drums, backing vocals









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tinyurl.com/BUY-EUROPE-LIVE

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