What is the Greatest Power Ballad of All Time

You know them. You love them. You've made out to them. The Power Ballad has been a staple of rock music for several decades. Over the years there have been many that have touched our ears and our hearts but what is The Greatest Power Ballad of all time? Lou and Keith attempt to answer this massive question with your help on this week's Loudini Hard Rock and Metal Circus!  Featured Loudini Artists:   Dark Hound  Defy The Tide  Albany Down

Dark Hound

With the unlikely home base of Nashville, Tennessee, one might wonder just how Dark Hound managed to achieve a heavy metal sound that seems so distinct and distant from the country music heroes spun off of Music Row. "Though we live in the capital of Country music, Nashville really is Music City, USA. There is such a rich and diverse musical community in this town, you don't have to go too far off Broadway to escape the honky-tonks filled with tourists in boots and cowboy hats and find amazingly talented musicians from all walks of life playing all sorts of great music. I think where we're from is an important factor as to why we don't sound like your typical modern-day metal group", says ET Brown, vocalist and bassist of the decidedly different Nashville act.

Formed in 2009, Dark Hound is comprised of ET Brown, Josh Brown (Enfold Darkness, Nashvillbilly) and Evan Hensley (Nightfall). Both the band and their sound were forged out of mutual friendship and respect for the musicianship and song-craft that define top-tier heavy metal music.

“We’ve all been friends for years”, says guitarists Evan Hensley. “Something special happens when you create music with people you have a real history with – it’s just very natural. I think it’s also safe to say that we’d all love to help put Nashville on the map for metal!”

With a finely-tuned focus and a rock-solid debut record, Dark Hound is poised to become the bright star to watch as it peaks from Nashville's horizon.

Gender

Current Location

Nashville, TN

General Manager

ET Brown

Influences

Megadeth, Iron Maiden, Pantera, Arch Enemy, Testament, Dream Theater

Press contact

info@dark-hound.com

Booking agent

info@dark-hound.com

Defy The Tide

Defy the Tide is a melodic heavy metal band from Pittsburgh, PA and surrounding Ohio Valley area. 

Defy the Tide was founded in May of 2014 when vocalist Carly Simon-Warneke and bassist Greg Fristick were assisted by Resistance 13 vocalist Jeremy Wright in recruiting guitarists Jesse Scott and Matt Friede along with drummer Luke Tenley. After a few jam sessions, the group knew that they had something special, and Defy the Tide became a reality. 

Defy the Tide recorded their debut EP in August 2014 at Innovation Studios in Steubenville, OH. The EP was released in October 2014 and was limited to 100 copies. 

Each member of the band brings different influences into the songwriting process which creates a very unique style that helps Defy the Tide stand on their own. 

Defy the Tide has recently finished recording their follow-up EP at Sacred Sound Recording Studios with Producer Andrew D'Cagna (Brimstone Coven/Metal Blade Records). 

In the Shadows I Shine is set for release on March 25, 2016

Awards

Metalholic.com 2015 Top Women in Hard Rock and Metal Unsigned Spotlight- Carly Simon-Warneke

Current Location

The Ohio Valley

Booking agent

booking@defythetide.com

Albany Down

London-based Albany Down are a contemporary rock band with influences ranging from classic acts like Led Zeppelin and Thunder to modern bands such as The Black Keys and Clutch. They combine a vintage rock-blues sensitivity with a contemporary aggressive energy.

Albany Down are Paul Muir on vocals, guitarist Paul Turley, drummer Donna Peters and bassist Billy Dedman and they have already recorded two albums with award-winning producer Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers, INME, Super Furry Animals).

“These guys are really going somewhere; make sure they take you with them!" – Paul Jones, BBC Radio 2

The band is a hard-working, road-tested outfit, which has been well received at various UK festivals including the Maryport International Rock and Blues Festival; The Great British Rhythm and Blues Festival (Colne); and The Great British Rock and Blues Festival (Skegness); as well as at venues like Barfly Camden and the legendary 100 Club.

In 2014, they toured the UK supporting New Jersey’s Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes, which included the highlight of their year when they played at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire. This was followed by appearances at festivals in Belgium and the Netherlands before a very successful tour of Germany with The Brew.

Blues Rock Review offered a fair assessment of both the band and their 2011 debut album: “South of the City” is a solid debut album from Albany Down and they will be an interesting band to watch develop in the coming years”. The album clearly showcased what the band are capable of – ranging from the superbly arranged “Mercy” to the low-down dirty, slide-led blues epic of the title track.

Their formidable second album, “Not Over Yet”, released in 2013, is full of their strongest songs, lingering melodies and great musicianship. And where vocalist Paul Muir could previously have been compared to the likes of Paul Rodgers, he stamps his own personality on this album, while guitarist Paul Turley produces a virtuoso impassioned performance. Traditionally a band’s second album is regarded as being problematical but Albany Down turned that notion on its head.

Their live show never disappoints. The band run on pure adrenalin, unrelenting energy and raw emotion and soon have any crowd entranced. The music is based on thunderous guitar riffs and pounding drums juxtaposed with soulful, soaring, emotionally-charged ballads.

Rock blogger Neil Mach probably got it right, when he recently described the band; “As hot as volcanic ash and yet as cool as snow slippers.”

“Not Over Yet” is an aptly titled album and an accurate barometer of a band on the up-escalator currently tearing up venues around the UK and Europe. Having already generated over 7,500 Facebook fans, the band are due to start work on their third studio album in 2015.

Both Albany Down albums, “South of The City” (2011) and “Not Over Yet” (2013) are available for download on iTunes and Amazon.

“Albany Down is the new voice of British rock music. A blend of contemporary rock and blues – with added brilliance on top. See for yourself.”

Make sure you try to catch a live show in 2015. You won't be disappointed!

Awards

JANUARY 2016

Guitarist Paul Turley wins award for ‘Best Guitar Solo’.

Current Location

London

General Manager

David Turley

Influences

Led Zeppelin, Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, Thunder, Aerosmith

The Black Keys, Muse, Clutch, Foo Fighters, Joe Bonamassa.

Press contact

albanydown@live.co.uk

Booking agent

albanydown@live.co.uk