Derek Sherinian – Metal Express Radio

JOEL HOEKSTRA’S 13 – Crash of Life

June 14, 2023 Lana Teramae

Just two years after the release of Running Games (2021), Joel Hoekstra’s 13 are back with their third studio album Crash of Life. The group was formed by guitarist Joel Hoekstra, who currently plays with Whitesnake and Trans Siberian Orchestra. Most people may know him for his work with Night Ranger, Cher, and the Broadway musical Rock of Ages. Hoekstra wrote all of the songs and came up with the arrangements for Crash of Life, much like the band’s previous releases. Different Influences Coming Together “Everybody Knows Everything” is a killer opening track and what a way to introduce new vocalist Girish Pradhan, who has the ability to display such rasp and melody at the same time. The title track, “Crash of Life,” has a memorable chorus, a piercing guitar riff, and melodic hooks to die for. Drummer Vinny Appice does not hold back at all on “Damaged Goods,” pounding those drums as if his life depended on it. The backing vocals give the track a Pop feel, as well. “Torn Into Lies” is a beautiful ballad that shows a softer side to Pradhan. “I Would Cry For Love” is a fast-paced rocker that would’ve been perfect on Whitesnake’s last studio release. Appice and bassist Tony Franklin lock in a steady groove for “Find a Way,” a track that has so much swagger, making it impossible not to head bob. ”You’re Right For Me” has a bluesy, Led Zeppelin vibe and features a tasteful guitar solo from Hoekstra. The closing track, “Through the Night,” finishes the album in a more laid-back and calming fashion. Final Assessment Crash of Life has a different vibe compared to Running Games, and a lot of it has to do with Pradhan replacing Russell Allen on lead vocals. He can be soft and laid-back for …READ MORE

JOEL HOEKSTRA (WHITESNAKE / JOEL HOEKSTRA’S 13): “GIRISH [PRADHAN], He’s Really A Rising Star!”

June 6, 2023 Lana Teramae

Guitarist Joel Hoekstra was always surrounded by music, due to his parents being classical musicians. It was his discovery of AC/DC, however, that inspired him to pick up a guitar at age 11. Through hard work and dedication, he performed and collaborated with artists such as Cher, Jeff Scott Soto, Big Brother and the Holding Company, Michael Sweet, Night Ranger, and many more. Currently, Hoekstra plays for Whitesnake and Trans Siberian Orchestra. He has a side project called Joel Hoekstra’s 13, which brings classic ’70s and ’80s Hard Rock into the 21st century, and through that he’s released two studio albums. The group’s third studio album, Crash of Life, will be released on June 16, 2023 through Frontiers Music Srl. Lana Teramae of Metal Express Radio talked with Hoekstra about Crash of Life, having Girish Pradhan sing lead vocals on the album, his plans for the rest of 2023, writing for Whitesnake, and much more. Band Lineup Joel Hoekstra – guitars Girish Pradhan – lead vocals Vinny Appice – drums Tony Franklin – bass guitar Derek Sherinian – keyboards Jeff Scott Soto – backing vocals Check out the music video for the band’s latest single, “Torn into Lies.”

DEREK SHERINIAN – Vortex

July 5, 2022 Bryce Van Patten

Prog Master Exceeds Expectations As Derek Sherinian releases his 9th solo album titled Vortex, the world is a musically richer place to live in and listen to. Known for his work with Dream Theater to Sons of Apollo, and with literally over 80 recording credits to his name, Derek Sherinian is one of the hardest working keyboard players out there. His recent work with Tony Franklin on bass and Simon Phillips on drums is really over the top, in a good way, or great is the better word for it. Add to that, a list of top musicians that will make your mind go numb have joined Derek on his newest album, and helped create what can only be called a magical work of musical art. Prog Metal Meets Jazz Fusion Vortex is the follow-up to his 2020 release The Phoenix, and contains 8 tracks that never get old. The album was co-produced by Simon Phillips, a legend himself. Derek Sherinian talks about the album: “Vortex is a continuation of The Phoenix, […] However, I feel the composition is stronger on the new album, and I would describe it as a modern day 70s style fusion record, but with newer heavier tonality.” Now let’s talk guitar players: Steve Stevens, Joe Bonamassa, Steve Lukather, Zakk Wylde, Sons Of Apollo bandmate Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal – and a few new allies, in the form of Michael Schenker, Mike Stern and Nuno Bettencourt. Derek Sherinian’s proclivity has garnered him some very talented friends that helped him create a perfect release. Final Notes It’s very rare to come across an album that pushes the limits of a genre, while blending in several others to become something new, something unique, like a musical diamond. Derek Sherinian and friends have done just that. Vortex has exciting tracks, …READ MORE

WORLD OF DAMAGE – Invoke Determination

May 18, 2021 Bryce Van Patten

Mr. Damage Has Arrived Guitarist Kjell Åge Karlsen, a.k.a. Mr. Damage has released his first solo album under the band name World of Damage featuring guest vocals by 9 different performers, plus Derek Sherinian on a bonus track. All guitars and bass are played by Mr. Damage (Chrome Division) with drums by Aki Viitala (Shot at Dawn). The vocal lineup is an all-star cast featuring Shagrath (Dimmu Borgir, Chrome Division), Roy Khan (Kamelot, Conception), Björn ‘Speed’ Strid (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra), Maurice Adams (BreeD, Enigma Experience) and Chris Clancy (Wearing Scars) to name a few. Invoke Headbanging Invoke Determination is a well crafted Heavy Metal album that has the constant of Mr. Damage to bind the work into one cohesive title. The album is produced by Mr. Damage and mixed & mastered by Marius Strand (Chrome Division, The Wretched End, Susperia) at Strand Studio, Oslo, Norway. Mr. Damage on creating Invoke Determination: “The idea of making this album goes all the way back to around 2016. I found myself in a situation were I wanted to make music without having to think about it fitting into Chrome Division or any other band, or form. I just wanted it to be my own music, being everything from Rock and Metal, to ballads and instrumental music. Kinda just let the music do the talking without analyzing it too much. When you are playing in a band, the music is a product of the style and the people of the band. But when you are on your own, everything is up to you, and you alone. It’s like painting a picture; it’s you, the brush, the colors, and the canvas. Not five people, with five brushes and five different buckets of paint. I am very pleased and proud of the album, and …READ MORE

MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP – Immortal

February 27, 2021 Bryce Van Patten

Schenker Forever! Few musicians are able to have a career spanning 50 years, yet still have the vitality and drive to keep improving and remain relevant. Michael Schenker is one of the few guitar legends that still has it all. With the release of his newest Michael Schenker Group album: Immortal we see an artist that just keeps writing great songs, while working with top musicians all across the Heavy Metal spectrum to create great music. Timeless Heavy Metal Michael Schenker is no stranger to working with a variety of artists on his albums, and Immortal brings us the vocal talents of Ronnie Romero (Rainbow), Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow, Deep Purple) and long time friend and co-writer Michael Voss. Immortal has a cast of players that reads like a Heavy Metal all-star team as Barry Sparks (Dokken) adds his considerable bass guitar talents to the album, with Brian Tichy (Whitesnake, Dead Daisies) drumming the majority of the songs. Legend Simon Phillips (who played drums on the first Michael Schenker Group album in 1979) joins Michael Schenker Fest regulars Steve Mann and Bodo Schopf, but there’s more! Favorite Tracks The album opens with “Drilled to Kill” which features Ralph Scheepers on vocals, as Derek Sherinian (ex-Dream Theater, Sons of Apollo) has a keyboard/guitar duel with Schenker that starts the album off with a bang. Joe Lynn Turner does an excellent job on “Don’t Die On Me Now”, as the song feels like an instant classic MSG song. The track that best celebrates Michael Schenker’s 50th year making music is his re-recording of his first composition “In Search of the Peace of Mind”. The song was originally recorded for The Scorpions first album back in 1970, but on Immortal we have a more sophisticated rendition with Gary Barden, …READ MORE

JOEL HOEKSTRA’S 13 – Running Games

February 23, 2021 George Dionne

The Backstory Running Games is the second album by Joel Hoekstra’s 13. Even though the group bears the name of its lead songwriter and guitarist, “13” is a group effort. Returning alongside the Whitesnake axe slinger is Russell Allen (Symphony X), Vinny Appice (ex-Black Sabbath, Dio), Tony Franklin (Every Hard Rock band that had a record in the 80s), Derek Sherinian (Sons of Apollo), and Jeff Scott Soto (Sons of Apollo, W.E.T.). On Running Games Allen cements himself as the lead vocalist, whereas he split the duties with Soto on their first release Dying to Live. [Listen to our interview with Joel Hoekstra HERE] The Album Vocalist Russell Allen is powerful and melodic on “Finish Line.” You can hear the distinct voice of Jeff Scott Soto backing him up on the choruses. Joel lays down the catchy riffs and blazing solos accordingly. The song eludes to trying to find a happy ending that never seems attainable. “Hard to Say Goodbye” combines the elements of Melodic Rock with the Metal riffage of Hoekstra. The multi-layered vocal harmonies match the harmonic run of Joel’s fingers during the breakdown. “How You Do” is a stellar power ballad lead by a mix of clean and distorted guitars. Allen and Soto play well off of each other again. “Heart Attack” is about a powerful love that can also be destructive. Russell’s impassioned delivery makes you understand just how real the struggle is. “Lonely Days” is a mid-tempo rocker than explores what can happen when you are left alone with your self-destructive thoughts. “Reach the Sky” is one of those songs that kick you in the rear and motivate you. The switching tempos of “Cried Enough for You” match Allen’s headspace lyrically. “Running Games” is a soulful ballad about giving up on a relationship but not …READ MORE

JOEL HOEKSTRA (JOEL HOEKSTRA’S 13, WHITESNAKE): “Even Though I’m Writing Everything, Everyone Gets To Play The Way They Play”

January 29, 2021 George Dionne

Let the Games Begin Joel Hoekstra’s 13 was created as a side project in 2015 by current Whitesnake and Trans-Siberian Orchestra guitarist Joel Hoekstra. Under the 13 moniker Hoekstra released Dying to Live that same year. On February 12, 2021 the group returns with it’s follow-up Running Games. Hoekstra is once again flanked by Russell Allen (Symphony X), Vinny Appice (ex-Black Sabbath, Dio), Tony Franklin (Every Hard Rock band that had a record in the 80s), Derek Sherinian (Sons of Apollo), and Jeff Scott Soto (Sons of Apollo, W.E.T.). I jumped at the chance to speak with Joel Hoekstra about the new album. Highlights Include: Discussion of Running Games Why he prefers home recording and file sharing to recording in the studio Were any songs on Running Games leftovers from the last Whitesnake album Why Jeff Scott Soto is only doing background vocals this time around His YouTube jam sessions Is there any future with his Echobats project with Tony Harnell (TNT) How he got the gig as the live guitarist for Cher Is Whitesnake working on new material How Jim Peterik (Ex-Survivor) helped jump start his career … and much, much more! Joel Hoekstra’s 13 is: Joel Hoekstra – Guitar Russell Allen – Vocals Vinny Appice – Drums Tony Franklin – Bass Derek Sherinian – Keyboards Jeff Scott Soto – Backing Vocals

Tales from a Metalhead

Tales from a Metalhead: Chapter 23: Pull Me Under

October 12, 2020 Stig G. Nordahl

Dream Theater put the Metal in Prog and started a whole new subgenre with tons of bands following in their footsteps. The musicianship is outstanding and the compositions are simply jaw dropping at times. …READ MORE …READ MORE …READ MORE …READ MORE …READ MORE …READ MORE …READ MORE …READ MORE …READ MORE …READ MORE …READ MORE …READ MORE …READ MORE …READ MORE …READ MORE …READ MORE …READ MORE …READ MORE …READ MORE

Photo of Florian Zepf of The Progressive Souls Collective

FLORIAN ZEPF (THE PROGRESSIVE SOULS COLLECTIVE): “DEREK [SHERINIAN] Is Absolutely The Master Of His Instrument”

September 5, 2020 Bryce Van Patten

Former Dream Theater Musicians Unite Florian Zepf, guitarist and the driving force behind The Progressive Souls Collective has gathered international prog musicians Aquiles Priester (ex-Angra & Tony MacAlpine) on drums, Conner Green (Haken) on bass, Kevin Moore (ex-Dream Theater, O.S.I., Chroma Key) creating loops and programming, Vladimir Lalic (Organized Chaos) aptly handling all vocals and Luis Conte (Phil Collins) on percussion to come together on the album Sonic Berth. As a very special guest keyboard maestro Derek Sherinian (Sons of Apollo, ex-Dream Theater, and many more) recorded all keyboard parts on the album, giving the songs a very special touch of virtuosity, sound design and of course character. Metal Express Radio’s Bryce Van Patten caught up with Florian to talk about the new release, what it was like working with Ex Dream Theater members and what the future has in store for The Progressive Souls Collective.

SONS OF APOLLO (Live at Gramercy Theatre, New York City, NY, USA, February 6, 2020)

SONS OF APOLLO / TONY MACALPINE (Live)

February 22, 2020 Kristian Singh-Nergård

Remember to check out the photo gallery at the end of this post. It’s not every day one gets to see a supergroup play live. People will jump at the chance and that was evident by Gramercy Theatre in New York being completely sold out before the show with Sons of Apollo. They brought with them special guest Tony MacAlpine, and a local band, Ethan Weissman’s Mass Extinction Event, to play support. The honorable Gramercy Theatre can hold up to 650 people and by the time the first support band, the local (Poughkeepsie, NY) Instrumental Rock band Ethan Weissman’s Mass Extinction Event (yeah that’s a tongue twister, as Jeff Scott Soto can attest to after a couple of attempts to thank them at the end of Sons Of Apollo’s set) took the stage, it was already filling up. The band seemed young and a bit inexperienced but they definitely had the chops. They seemed a bit nervous at first but a couple of songs in they were warm, as guitarist Cotter Champlin can attest to. He was wearing his winter jacket and hat for the first half of the show. Arguably it looked a bit odd when the drummer was sitting there in just a tank top. The band released their debut album The Human Error last month. Both lead guitarists, the aforementioned Champlin and the namesake of the band, Ethan Weissman, are technically gifted and displayed a variety of shredding and sweeping, and they often traded solos. Some of the song writing seemed a bit inconsistent and they do need more live experience, but their music is technically challenging, interesting, and they played flawlessly. This band is definitely proof that instrumental guitar music is far from dead. Remember the name Ethan Weissman’s Mass Extinction Event because these guys are …READ MORE