Former YNGWIE MALMSTEEN frontman Mark Boals will issue a solo album, entitled Edge Of The World, in Japan on October 23rd though Marquee Inc, and in other territories shortly after.
Described in an official press release as "his most diverse and creative solo album yet," Edge Of The World "is very much a melodic hard rock album, whilst utilizing progressive, (some) neo-classical and classic rock influences." The album features keyboardist Erik Norlander (LANA LANE, ROCKET SCIENTISTS), drummers Vinny Appice (DIO, BLACK SABBATH) and Virgil Donati (RING OF FIRE, PLANET X), and guitarists Tony MacAlpine, Chris Brooks, Neil Citron and Jeff Kollman. Bass guitar and additional rhythm guitar duties were handled by Boals himself. 13 tracks (including a bonus track for the Japanese pressing) are contained on the CD, which was produced by Boals and engineered by Erik Norlander and Neil Citron.
DIO have reportedly shifted 5,722 copies of their latest effort, Killing The Dragon, in its first week of release, landing the album at position #199 on the Billboard 200 Pop Album chart.
DIO have officially confirmed the departure of guitarist Craig Goldy and addition of Doug Aldrich as his replacement. The current line-up of the group—Aldrich, frontman Ronnie James Dio, drummer Simon Wright, and bassist Jimmy Bain—are working on their brand new CD, rumored to be titled Kill The Dragon, for a May release through Spitfire Records. According to DIO's official web site, the band's tour in support of the new album (presumably including DEEP PURPLE and THE SCOPRIONS in the co-headlining slots) will begin on June 1st in Las Vegas. In other news, Ronnie will be featured in a live guest appearance on KNAC.com in "The Vault". Look for him at 12:00 noon PST on Sunday, January 27th.
DEEP PURPLE's official web site has confirmed that the PURPLE men will be embarking on an eight-week US co-headlining tour with THE SCORPIONS in June that will include DIO in the opening slot. Exact dates and venues will be announced in the weeks to come.
Former DIO/WWIII guitarist Tracy G is working on a new solo CD called Katt Gutt, an all-instrumental release featuring G on Spanish Flamenco guitar with various drummers and percussionists, including Donnie Rodriguez, Audie Desbrow, Tony G, Ray Luzier, and Sergio Cardenas. It will be released in August and will be only available on Tracy's website at www.tracyg.com. In other G news, Tracy is reportedly keeping busy recording and mixing many local artists at the G-Factory Studio, including FIRELOGG, R.A.I.D., SECOND CHANCE, SERGIO CARDENAS, DENNIS ALVAREZ, and THE MARK BRAMLETT BAND. Meanwhile, the debut DRIVEN CD, entitled Self Inflicted is finished, and it is tentatively scheduled for a September release through MTM Records. A European tour will likely follow shortly thereafter. Source: BLABBERMOUTH.NET
Rumors of a DIO-era RAINBOW reunion are again making the rounds. The latest gossip has Ritchie Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio teaming up in Japan this summer to record a new album. Dio's fan club allegedly has a) confirmed that Rainbow will be recording this year, but b) denied Ronnie will be in Japan at the same time.
Former DIO guitarist TRACY G’s DRIVEN project (also featuring drummer Mike Terrana) has completed the recording of its debut album, tentitively titled Self Inflicted, for MTM Records. Produced by Tracy, Self Inlicted is currently being mixed for a late summer release.
"The Very Beast of Dio" is a new Dio compilation containing 16 tracks from seven albums released by Warner Brothers and Reprise between 1983 - 1994. All tracks will be the full-length version of such classics as "Holy Diver, "Dream Evil" "Rainbow in the Dark" a live version of "Man on The Silver Mountain" and much more.
