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Jonas & The Massive Attraction - Big Slice

Once again, proof the english language rock scene in Montreal is in high gear and churning out some incredible talent. Jonas first attracted attention in 2004 when he opened for Van Halen on a North American tour. His very first album “Jonas” came out to rave reviews and earned a nomination for Rock Album Of The Year at the 2006 Juno awards. He was up against Hedley, Our Lady Peace, Theory Of A Deadman and eventual winners Nickelback. He was also nominated as best new artist that year. The new album, “Big Slice” was co-produced by pedigree artist, songwriter and producer Simon Wilcox, the daughter of legendary Canadian rock guitarist David Wilcox. Miking guru Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Metallica) was brought in to put the finishing touches on this single. Being from Montreal, Jonas is busy touring his home province, but has a western swing planned for October.

Slash feat. Myles Kennedy - Back From Cali

Guitar god Slash is out with the second single from his “Self-Titled” solo album. The record features an amazing array of vocal performers, from Ozzy to Fergie. Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge steps up to the mic for this track. Kennedy is also the voice of Slash's touring band. The album was actually released before it was supposed to. The original plan was to record and tour behind a third Velvet Revolver CD. But the departure of Revolver vocalist Scott Weiland for his old band S.T.P. moved up the Slash solo effort, while the search for a new Revolver vocalist continues to be a drawn out process. Presumably, after the touring cycle for the solo album Slash will rejoin Velvet Revolver. BTW … Slash's real name … Saul Hudson. Saul! I kid you not.

Stone Sour - Say You'll Haunt Me

This Des Moines, Iowa band's roots actually go back to 1992. While many may be under the impression that Stone Sour is a side project of Slipknot band members Corey Taylor and Jim Root, the reverse is actually true. Stone Sour was formed in '92, but before they could record a debut, Taylor and Root were asked to join Slipknot. They reformed Stone Sour in 2002 and released their self-titled debut disc. That formula of going back and forth alternating albums and bands continues today. Speaking about the new CD “Audio Secrecy”, Taylor said, “It will be darker than previous efforts, but more melodic, a lot stronger, a lot more mature. It's metal, rock, slow, soft, hard, fast, bitter, beautiful and most importantly … it's real!”.

The Constellations - Felicia

Locals call them the Atlanta supergroup. Vocalist Elijah Jones and Grammy winning producer Ben H. had been kicking ideas around for a project for a couple of years. Those idea would eventualy coalesce into their debut disc, "Southern Gothic". The band has a somewhat fluid lineup, but now, with success knocking, expect them to settle on something more stable. The album is described as a "meandering tour of the underbelly of Atlanta". I kinda think its the continuing growth of the experimental sound pioneered by the likes of The White Stripes, Kings Of Leon and Cage The Elephant, but with their own southern gothic sound.

My Darkest Days - Porn Star Dancing

Small town Norwood, Ontario serves up new rockers My Darkest Days. Vocalist/guitarist Matt Walst had a rather significant tutor and influence in his older brother Brad, who is bass player for Three Days Grace! Matt says he learned all about hard work and practice as well as crafting catchy rock songs from his big bro and his band mates. That influence really helped when it came time to record their “self-titled” debut album. The disc was co-produced by Chad Kroeger of Nickelback, who also co-wrote a lot of the material. Chad liked the band enough to sign them to his 604 records. There are actualy 2 versions of the song. One with Zak Wilde on guitar, the other with rapper Ludacris. Guess which one we went with. BTW, check out the video, if not for the Chad Kroeger cameo, then for the bevy of scantily clad ladies.

Hollerado - Americanarama

2nd single from the Ottawa band's debut CD “Record In A Bag”. The first single, Juliette, was huge for the band, reaching an estimated 20 million listeners. The band has been touring the world non-stop on the success of that song. The video for Americanarama features comic actor Dave Foley prancing around in his underwear. Funny, if disturbing, stuff.

Papa Roach - Kick In The Teeth

California's Papa Roach is marking the 10th anniversary of their 3X platinum debut “Infest” this year with the release of their first ever live album, “Time For Annihilation”. The live portion was recorded on the final dates of their 2009 co-headlining tour with Shinedown. The album also includes 5 new studio tracks including the first single, “Kick In The Teeth”. The new CD features 11 live tracks plus the 5 new ones. The band recently switched record labels and their old label, Interscope, decided to put out a greatest hits package. The band however has asked fans not to buy it, saying the band makes no money from the sales and the label released the disc against the bands wishes.

Bush - Afterlife

London band Bush returns from their self imposed exile with their first new album in nine years. “Everything Always Now” will be the bands attempt to crawl back into relevancy after their breakup. Their last CD, 2002's “Golden State” in escence tanked. Sales of only a few hundred thousand copies was disapointing with much finger pointing. Partuicularly at the bands record label. Disilusioned, the band broke up. Gavin Rossdale formed a new group, Institute, in 2004. That band only released one album. Rossdale also tried acting, appearing in several films including Zoolander and Constantine. Rumours of a reunion began in 2008 and were confirmed earlier this year. The new album, produced by legendary Canuck Bob Rock, will be released this fall with Bush's first concert in 8 years happening in Fontana, Ca. the weekend of September 25-26.

Finger Eleven - Living In A Dream

Originally formed in 1989 while its members were still in high school (one of their first shows was a school Christmas concert in 1990). Finger Eleven were originally known as the Rainbow Butt Monkeys, as their music changed (not sure if the became less butt, monkey or rainbow) so did the name. Their breakthrough album was 1997's "Tip". Their biggest success thus far was the 2003 disc "Finger Eleven" which went gold in the US and platinum in Canada, largely on the strength of the single One Thing. The new album, "Living In A Dream" is a follow up to 2007's "Them Vs. You Vs. Me". It hits the street October 5th.

Stone Temple Pilots - Take A Load Off

Things seem to be going well ... so far, 2 years into the reunion of a band that was one of the most successful acts of the 90's. The group had an immediate impact with their 1992 debut release "Core", which has been certified 8X platinum. So far they have racked up sales of over 40 million worldwide. Of their 16 top 10 singles 7 went to #1. They also won a Grammy award for the song Plush. After vocalist Scott Weiland's repeated drug problems, the band broke up in 2003. That led to the formation of several side projects including The Magnificent Bastards, Talk Show, Army Of Anyone and Velvet Revolver. The bands latest "Self Titled" CD came out this past May and the band has been busy doing European festivals this summer.

Arcade Fire - Ready To Start

The highly anticipated new album from indie darlings Arcade Fire is set to be released Aug. 2nd. The Montreal band are led by the husband and wife duo, Win Butler and Regine Chassagne. One of the fascinating things about this band is that they’re so much more than drums and guitars. The members, 7 of them more or less, are known for trading off their instruments during live shows. Instruments like violin, viola, cello, xylophone, glockenspiel, accordian, harp ... the list goes on. The group won the Juno for alternative album of the year in 2008 for "Neon Bible". They were also nominated for a Grammy in the same category that year. The new album "The Suburbs" was produced by Markus Draves. The same guy who produced “Neon Bible”.

Social Code - Nothing Left To Lose

Originally called Fifth Season when formed in 1999, Social Code are now a 5-piece outfit after adding new guitarist Steve Falkner. The St. Albert, Alberta band are still working their 3rd album, "Rock And Roll" which came out last fall and has already spawned the hit Satisfied. In the interim the band has been busy touring, opening for the likes of Rise Against, Fall Out Boy and Good Charlotte.

Krome - TMZ

This Vancouver band has been working hard, I mean like slavishly hard, on getting ahead in the freaky world of rock and roll. Last years single Turn It Up was one of the most played songs of the year at Galaxy Rock Radio, also getting significant airplay on terrestrial radio and Much and Muchmore Music. They’ve taken it to another level with their recent signing to Cordova Bay Records, a company with a great belief in the band and a dedication to get them to the next level. TMZ is a crafty song, that takes a tongue in cheek poke at our obssesion with celebrity. The song is off their CD “Kronic Rock”. Keep listening to Power 104 for confimation of an upcoming show in K-Town this summer and a Kool Krome Kontest coming too.

Apocalyptica - End Of Me

These metal cello players formed in 1993 to play Metallica covers at the Sebelius Music Academy in Helsinki, Finland. Three of the four members are classically trained cellists. Not until 2003’s “Reflections”, their 4th studio album, did they record all original material, they also added a drummer for the first time to the mix. They came into wide acceptance after their last disc, “Worlds Collide” which featured 2 big hits and guest vocalists like Corey Taylor of Slipknot and Adam Gontier of Three Days Grace. Their 7th studio effort, “7th Symphony” has eight instrumentals and 4 tracks with guest vocalists. “End Of Me” features Gavin Rossdale of Bush. Other contributors include Brent Smith of Shinedown and Lacey Mosley of Flyleaf.

Billy Talent - Diamond On A Landmine

This is the fourth single from Billy Talent’s 4th studio album, “Billy Talent III”. Over the course of their 4 albums in 7 years Billy Talent have gone from obscure indie artists to one of Canada’s top recording acts of any genre. They have slayed the competition at awards shows over that time period too, winning 6 of 25 Much Music Video Award nominations and they’ve gone 6 for 12 at the Junos. The band actually formed in 1993. Their first album “Watoosh!” came out in 1999, and if you can get your hands on this rarity you’ll be surprised to hear not only their nascent rock leanings, but also hip hop, ska and indie stylings. It could be quite the collectors item one day.

Disturbed - Another Way To Die

Since their formation in 1996, Chicago’s Disturbed have sold 11 million albums worldwide, and released 3 consecutive albums that have debuted at number 1 on the Billboard charts. Their fifth studio album “Asylum” was a self-produced affair like their previous CD “Indestructible”, and was recorded in their hometown. In an interview vocalist Dave Draiman stated the new album would be as dark as previous albums, if not darker. It will still be identifiable as Disturbed, but showing more maturation.

Alice In Chains - Lesson Learned

Although not technically grunge, A.I.C. Emerged with 90‘s Seattle grunge bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. The band released only 4 studio albums, but also released 3 EP‘s, 2 live albums, 4 compilation discs and 2 DVD‘s. They were one of the most succesful bands of the 90‘s selling more than 30 million records. Although they never officially disbanded, substance abuse led to extended periods of inactivity, leading ultimately to the death of vocalist Layne Staley in 2002. By 2005 William Duvall had assumed the role of vocalist. Live performances solidified his position leading to the recording and release of “Black Gives Way To Blue” last September, the first new A.I.C. Album in 14 long years.

Deftones - Diamond Eyes

One of the most respected bands in the modern rock genre, The Deftones have finished recording thier 6th studio effort "Diamond Eyes". The Grammy winning bands new album, like the new Rush CD, was produced by Nick Raskulinecz, whos credits also include producing for the likes of The Foo Fighters and Alice In Chains. The band is still dealing with the aftermath of a 2008 car accident that left bassist Chi Cheng clinging to life in hospital. HIs condition hasn't improved much, but the band felt the need to press on and move forward. Band friend Sergio Vega is playing the bass in Cheng's absence. Hoever, the changes left the band with a completed album ("Eros") that didn't really fit with what they were doing. That disc has been shelved indefinately, but the band promises it will eventually see the light of day, possibly as a fundraiser for Cheng's continued care.

Airbourne - Blonde, Bad And Beautiful

The 4 man wrecking crew from Australia that is Airbourne are back with a follow up to the top 5 hit "No Way But The Hard Way" from their "No Guts, No Glory" CD. Their sophomore release kicks just as hard as their debut and they continue to blow out ear drums on tour. The boys are touring the US on the Uproar Tour and expect to be back in Canada later this summer or fall.

Pearl Jam - Amongst The Waves

Here's a new single off the "Backspacer" album which came out last September. Eddie Vedder has said that he has tried over the years to be more hopeful in his lyrics. He believes he is finding it easier now. It's demonstrated in this song and the previous hit single "The Fixer". The band still plans to re-issue remixed and remasterd versions of their entire catalogue. So far only their debut "10" has been re-issued. The plan is to get the entire catalogue redone in time for thier 20th anniversary in 2011.

Silversun PIckups - The Royal We

This LA band has been busy touring in support of their second album "Swoon". They just got off the road from an extensive tour wih Muse, now they are heading out with Against Me!. The band has been gettng some recognition desipte the fact their first full-length album only came out 4years ago. They opened for the Foo Fighters in Edinburgh, Scotland, played Coachella, and have eve bee nominated for a Grammy award. All that before their second album "Swoon" was even released.

Rush - Caravan

Canadian rock legends Rush are about to serve up their 20th studio album "Clockwork Angels". No street date yet, the finishing touches are being done by producer Nick Raskulinecz. The Rush documetary "Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage" is playing in select theatres now and will open on more screens soon. The band embarks on a 40 date North American tour June 29th. The tour will feature all your favorites, a couple of new songs, and they will play the :Moving PIctures" album in it's entirety. Sweet!

Universal Juveniles - Birthday Suit

Birthday Suit is the first original single from Jim Leguilloux's new project the Universal Juveniles. The song will be available on a new disc Leguilloux plans to release in the next couple of months. The CD will be a retrospective of Jim's many projects and bands he's been a part of. From Sea Cruise and Jimmy Shoes, to Who's On Bass, to Ten 2 Nine, to Stil and now the aforementioned Juveniles. The CD will be a limited release on sale at gig venues, select music stores and on Jim's myspace page. (www.myspace.com/jimmylegs) Not sure if it has a name yet, but I suggest "Jim's Gems".

Sweet Thing - Dance Mother

This is a new 5-piece band out of Toronto. Formed just 3 years ago, the band has been busy writing, practicing and performing almost non-stop ever since. Their sound and perseverance has paid off with the signing of the band to the EMI Canada label. The boys, and they are really just boys, are in the final stages of tweaking their debut album. The CD was recorded in L.A. and is scheduled to be released July 6th.

Saving Abel - Stupid Girl (Only In Hollywood)

The Corinth, Mississippi band will be releasing their sophomore album, "Miss America" on June 5th. Hard to figure where they found time to write and record, as they have been touring almost constantly for the last couple of years. Their self-titled debut came out in 2008 and has been certified gold in the US, with 3 hit singles including "Addicted", "18 Days" and "Drowning (Face Down)" They're not quite Lennon/McCartney or Jagger/Richards yet, but Jared Weeks and Jason Null, the bands core and chief songwriters, are gaining a reputation as a pair of hitmakers.

Steve Miller - Hey Yeah

I know, Steve Freakin' Miller? He's back after a looong break. A case could be made for Steve Miller being America's version of Eric Clapton. The musicians Clapton, Page and many others cite as influences are all people Steve Miller grew up around and played with. Millers parents were both jazz influenced and surrounded by musicians. Miller was taught his first chords by his godfather, none other than electric guitar pioneer, the late Les Paul. He would form his first band in 1950 with his classmate Boz Scaggs, who Miller taught to play guitar. This at the age of 7! In 1964 he moved to Chicago where he worked and played with the likes of Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf and Buddy Guy. The Steve Miller Band was formed in 1967, their roots steeped in a kind of psycadelic blues. By the mid-70's Miller had found his niche and success, with a string of hit singles between 1976 and 1982. Steve Miller has been much less prolific of late, "Bingo" is his first album in 7 years and "Hey Yeah" is the first Steve Miller single in 17 years. The new album features mainly blues covers and comes out June 15th.

Trews - Highway Of Heroes

Atlantic Canada's TheTrews have released a new song to honour Canada's fallen soldiers. This celtic themed song, co-written and co-produced by Gordie Johnson, was inspired by yhe 2006 combat death of Capt. Nicola Goddard who was from the Trews home town of Antigonish, N.S. As with all returning deceased soldiers she made the last trip down the "Highway Of Heroes", a stretch of the MacDonald-Cartier freeway named for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Proceeds from the sales of the single, available on itunes, will go to the Canadian Hero Fund, an organization that helps the families of Canada's military through scholarships.

Buckcherry - All Night Long

Buckcherry are set to release a new album on August 3rd. "All Night Long" is getting some final tweaks in the studio prior to being unleashed. The title track was released as a free download through a number of sites. Response on Twitter was so overwhelming they had to temporarily shut sown the free download. Buckcherry have really found their groove in the last few years. Their last disc "Black Butterfly" went gold in Canada "15" is certified platinum. Buckcherry play the Rock On The Range Canada festival August 7th in Winnipeg.