Legendary Dutch rock band VENGEANCE has inked a deal with Steamhammer/SPV. The group’s new album, “Crystal Eye”, will be made available in Europe on February 27. A North American release will follow in early March.
Commented VENGEANCE vocalist Leon Goewie: “We are proud that we have signed with SPV/Steamhammer. We finally found our home and together we have many ways to make the fans rock!” Olly Hahn, A&R representative at Steamhammer/SPV, added, “I was always a fan of the band and now they are part of the SPV family, which is fantastic. The new album rocks big time and will bring a huge smile on the face of every fan!”
In addition to Goewie, the recording lineup on “Crystal Eye” incudes Chris Slade (drums; ex-AC/DC), Keri Kelli (guitar; ex-ALICE COOPER), Chris Glen (bass; ex-MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP), and Timo Somers (guitar; son of VENGEANCE guitarist Jan Somers, who sadly died of a heart attack in January 2011).
“More than ever before, this is a band which consists of friends,” states Goewie, whose excellent reputation as an exceptional vocalist made this impressive lineup possible. Goewie, Slade, Glen and Kelli also form the nucleus of the AC/DC cover band CHRIS SLADE’S STEEL CIRCLE, which rocks clubs around the globe whenever the musicians’ schedules allow it.
“Crystal Eye” was produced by Michael Voss, who composed most of the songs in collaboration with Goewie. The title track was penned by former VENGEANCE guitarist Arjen Lucassen (AYREON, STAR ONE), while Tony Martin (ex-BLACK SABBATH) contributed “Whole Lotta Metal”, which is said to be “tailor-made for Goewie and VENGEANCE.” The album closes with the instrumental “Jan’s End Piece”, which features the last guitar solos recorded by Jan Somers before his tragic death.
“I’ve listened to the new tracks a couple of times now and consider this the most professional album I’ve ever done,” says Goewie proudly, adding, “The fun and humor which are typical of VENGEANCE are all there on ‘Crystal Eye’, but in addition, the material is perceptibly more serious, which I feel really suits VENGEANCE mark 2012.”
VENGEANCE will embark on a European tour in support of “Crystal Eye” in March/April 2012.
Pictured below (from left to right): Leon Goewie (singer, VENGEANCE), Dorinda Smid (management, VENGEANCE), Olly Hahn (A&R, SPV/Steamhammer), Richel Hilgerdenaar (personal assistant, VENGEANCE)
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