Starcastle, the classic and highly respected American progressive rock band, will debut its first album of new material since 1978, Song of Times, on ProgRock Records.
The band had this to say: "Starcastle is thrilled to join with Shawn Gordon and ProgRock Records in the release of our new work. We see this record as bridging our past and future, and are happy to be aligned with ProgRock, who represent so many fine and vital artists in this continually unfolding genre."
"Boy, what an honor and thrill it is to be able to put out this album. I loved these guys when they hit the scene, never in my life did I think I'd get to work with them, especially with such an amazing album, I know you're going to love it.", said Shawn Gordon, President of ProgRock Records.
This new record features Starcastle's trademark vocal harmonies, twin guitars, fluid and driving bass playing, and grand synthesizer lines. At the same time, the record has a more modern and rocking, less glossy feel than earlier Starcastle releases, more representative of their high energy live shows. The songs and arrangements are tight and melodic, and there's even one (Babylon) that's mostly in 4/4 time!
Song of Times includes contributions from all the original members: Gary Strater (bass and vocals), Matt Stewart (guitars and vocals), Steve Tassler (drums, vocals and keyboards), Herb Schildt (keyboards), Steve Hagler (guitar and vocals), and Terry Luttrell (vocals, original REO vocalist)- alongside a number of new players and singers, including current Starcastle vocalist Al Lewis and guitarist Bruce Botts.The record was mastered by Emily Lazar (Bowie, Lou Reed, Moby, etc). The fantastic artwork by Ed Unitsky equals and surpasses the best of progressive rock artwork and packaging.
Starcastle formed in the late 1960s in Champaign Illinois. They released four records on CBS/Epic Records: Starcastle (1976), Fountains of Light (1976), Citadel (1977), and Real to Reel (1978). Together these records have sold more than a million copies. The middle two albums were produced by Queen/Cars/Darkness producer Roy Thomas Baker.
The band toured extensively into the 80s, appearing with such artists as Aerosmith, Foreigner, Jethro Tull, Roxy Music, Ted Nugent, Rush, The Guess Who, Gentle Giant, Kansas, ELO, J. Geils, Styx, Peter Frampton, Hot Tuna, Blue Oyster Cult, Santana, Boston, Todd Rundgren, and of all bands- Sha Na Na!
Through a series of adventures and the passing in 2004 of bassist and driving light Gary Strater, this dedicated group of friends and associates have persevered to complete and release Song of Times, and are now looking forward to the new Starcastle's headlining appearance April 27th 2007 at the Rites of Spring Festival in Phoenixville, PA.
Song of Times is available for immediate order at http://www.progrockrecords.com/artists/view.php?id=70">www.progrockrecords.com and will ship in late-January and be available at your favorite brick and mortar retailer on March 13, 2007. Presales are discounted $2 on the ProgRock Records site until the album starts shipping.
About ProgRock Records: ProgRock Records was founded in 2002 and has rapidly grown into a recognized force in the music community, signing established artists and breaking new artists alike.
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