Hey guys... I wanted to share with you the artwork for the upcoming album - HELL KISSES THE EARTH ! It will be out very soon on itunes. Don't know the exact date but I will update you all, of course
There's also a very special guest on the title track, which I can't wait to tell you about..........
Posted by: Slavenko Erazer Sep 15 2013, 09:35 AM
Cool man, can't wait to hear some album's teaser preview!
Btw i like the Album title - Hell Kisses the Earth !!
Posted by: WeePee Sep 15 2013, 10:01 AM
I just checked out that artist who did the cover ! He's incredible
Posted by: Ben Higgins Sep 15 2013, 01:08 PM
QUOTE (WeePee @ Sep 15 2013, 10:01 AM)
I just checked out that artist who did the cover ! He's incredible
Yeah he's incredibly good.. he did the previous album cover too
QUOTE (Slavenko Erazer @ Sep 15 2013, 09:35 AM)
Cool man, can't wait to hear some album's teaser preview!
Btw i like the Album title - Hell Kisses the Earth !!
I should be able to do better than a teaser.. expect a full song soon
Posted by: Dieterle Sep 15 2013, 01:14 PM
FINE COVER and interesting Theme !
Looking forward to hear the Message
Posted by: bleez Sep 15 2013, 01:33 PM
artwork is very cool looking forward to hearing the new stuff.
Posted by: Darius Wave Sep 15 2013, 02:23 PM
Congrats Ben ! Waiting for some preview
Posted by: Headbanger Sep 15 2013, 02:31 PM
Wow cool painting Ben...Who is the Artist?
Posted by: Ben Higgins Sep 15 2013, 02:36 PM
QUOTE (Headbanger @ Sep 15 2013, 02:31 PM)
Wow cool painting Ben...Who is the Artist?
A Croatian artist I know
http://allthingsrotten.com/
Posted by: korblitz Sep 15 2013, 03:14 PM
how about creating a teaser of the album in a youtube format released single on itunes lesson on GMC on how to play the single release on the album on itunes
Is there going to be a small comic?
Posted by: Ben Higgins Sep 15 2013, 04:38 PM
QUOTE (korblitz @ Sep 15 2013, 03:14 PM)
how about creating a teaser of the album in a youtube format released single on itunes lesson on GMC on how to play the single release on the album on itunes
Is there going to be a small comic?
It's too late to do most of those things now but the full album will be out in a matter of days
No comic this time but I am working on something else
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 15 2013, 06:14 PM
Looking nice, Ben! Congrats and mate - remind me to send you contacts of e-zines! I noticed your post on FB and I will ask our PR tomorrow to send me the contacts we have, for reviews, ok?
Posted by: dark_dude Sep 15 2013, 06:41 PM
Sah-weet!!
Posted by: Ben Higgins Sep 15 2013, 06:54 PM
QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ Sep 15 2013, 06:14 PM)
Looking nice, Ben! Congrats and mate - remind me to send you contacts of e-zines! I noticed your post on FB and I will ask our PR tomorrow to send me the contacts we have, for reviews, ok?
Thanks C-Maestro ! Yes, that would be massively good of you
QUOTE (dark_dude @ Sep 15 2013, 06:41 PM)
Sah-weet!!
Hell yeah - I wondered if The Dark Dude would see this
Posted by: mad Sep 15 2013, 08:50 PM
That cover looks awesome! And what a cool name for your new album, can't wait to hear the new tracks
Posted by: DeGroot Sep 15 2013, 10:56 PM
Awesome, can't wait to hear the album!
Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Sep 15 2013, 11:01 PM
This is amazing! Congratulations Ben on your new album - can't wait to listen to the songs! Album cover looks amazing
Posted by: Qenzoz Sep 15 2013, 11:06 PM
Yay!! A new Reckoning album for when I am working out
Can't wait
Posted by: PosterBoy Sep 16 2013, 08:03 AM
Is their room for a bonus cover song?
Posted by: Ben Higgins Sep 16 2013, 08:41 AM
Thanks for the support guys !!
QUOTE (PosterBoy @ Sep 16 2013, 08:03 AM)
Is their room for a bonus cover song?
Dammit ! Why did you have to go and spoil the surprise ????
Posted by: Piotr Kaczor Sep 16 2013, 09:17 AM
Awesome cover, Ben! Can't wait to listen the album. Congrats my friend!
Posted by: WeePee Sep 16 2013, 02:21 PM
QUOTE (PosterBoy @ Sep 16 2013, 10:03 AM)
Is their room for a bonus cover song?
Wow, isn't that B* witched ? Cool, Ben Guitarrero is now pleased
Posted by: Ben Higgins Sep 16 2013, 03:11 PM
QUOTE (WeePee @ Sep 16 2013, 02:21 PM)
Wow, isn't that B* witched ? Cool, Ben Guitarrero is now pleased
To be honest, a B*witched cover would be the thing that excited him most about the album !!
Congrats Ben, I hardly wait to hear it. I love the cover, very good idea, it look great
Thanks Monica - can't wait for you all to hear it !
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 16 2013, 03:52 PM
Hey Ben! The art work looks great! Congratulations on your new album. Can't to hear it!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 17 2013, 05:14 AM
Awesome!! Killer Cover Art!! That guy is a MONSTER!!!!!! Can't wait!!!
QUOTE (Ben Higgins @ Sep 15 2013, 04:02 AM)
Hey guys... I wanted to share with you the artwork for the upcoming album - HELL KISSES THE EARTH ! It will be out very soon on itunes. Don't know the exact date but I will update you all, of course
There's also a very special guest on the title track, which I can't wait to tell you about..........
Posted by: Ben Higgins Sep 17 2013, 07:25 AM
HERE IT IS !!
And here's the title track... featuring Chris Poland...... you may know him from playing on a couple of records back in the 80's called 'Peace Sells' and 'Killing is my Business'....
Here's a link to the rest of the album ! Joining me on the guitar solos is GMC's very own Piotr Kaczor !! Piotr has laid down some absolutely awesome solos on this record and it is my honour to share the guitar spotlight with him !!
And last but definitely not least - the album was mastered by our very own Tony Miro !! This is the second time I've worked with Tony on an album and working with a professional makes all the difference - thanks Tony !
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 17 2013, 07:27 AM
QUOTE (Ben Higgins @ Sep 17 2013, 06:25 AM)
HERE IT IS !!
And here's the title track... featuring Chris Poland...... you may know him from playing on a couple of records back in the 80's called 'Peace Sells' and 'Killing is my Business'....
Awesome!! Just bought it, can't wait to listen to the whole album
Cheers!
Let me know when you have new t-shirts up with the new album logo
QUOTE (Ben Higgins @ Sep 17 2013, 08:25 AM)
HERE IT IS !!
And here's the title track... featuring Chris Poland...... you may know him from playing on a couple of records back in the 80's called 'Peace Sells' and 'Killing is my Business'....
Ben, How easy was it to contact Chris Poland and get him to agree to play, (you don't need to get into specifics of the money side of thing).
I know a number of guitarists (including high profile ones) are doing this sort of thing now that they have decent home studios where it makes it convenient and another source of income, to do guest spots etc on tracks and albums, where files can be ftp'd with ease.
Posted by: Ben Higgins Sep 17 2013, 08:32 AM
QUOTE (Qenzoz @ Sep 17 2013, 07:35 AM)
Awesome!! Just bought it, can't wait to listen to the whole album
Cheers!
Qenzoz you are probably the 1st ever person to buy this album ! How does it feel to be the most important Dane right now ?
Thanks you for your support my friend, I hope you like it !
QUOTE (PosterBoy @ Sep 17 2013, 08:29 AM)
Ben, How easy was it to contact Chris Poland and get him to agree to play,
A gentleman never tells !
Actually, Chris' manager saw my Poland style video on Yt, we got talking.....
Posted by: Slavenko Erazer Sep 17 2013, 08:43 AM
Killer Song, music and Lyrics too! Solos are also like cherry on top , you guys's playing so fullfill each-other ! Maybe the production is a bit old school for my taste, but i guess that is how you like it. Can't wait to get a Cd copy
Posted by: PosterBoy Sep 17 2013, 08:55 AM
QUOTE (Ben Higgins @ Sep 17 2013, 08:32 AM)
Qenzoz you are probably the 1st ever person to buy this album ! How does it feel to be the most important Dane right now ?
Thanks you for your support my friend, I hope you like it !
A gentleman never tells !
Actually, Chris' manager saw my Poland style video on Yt, we got talking.....
Cool, You Tube is really the way to go for contacts when you put yourself up there with a quality product it seems
Posted by: tonymiro Sep 17 2013, 09:12 AM
Congrats on your 2nd album release Ben . And kudos for getting Chris Poland to guest on a track!
Posted by: Ben Higgins Sep 17 2013, 09:58 AM
QUOTE (tonymiro @ Sep 17 2013, 09:12 AM)
Congrats on your 2nd album release Ben . And kudos for getting Chris Poland to guest on a track!
Thanks Tony.. and you've just reminded me of something I need to add to my post.....
Posted by: Qenzoz Sep 17 2013, 10:44 AM
Feels awesome!
It's awesome!
Can't wait for the next album
QUOTE (Ben Higgins @ Sep 17 2013, 09:32 AM)
Qenzoz you are probably the 1st ever person to buy this album ! How does it feel to be the most important Dane right now ?
Thanks you for your support my friend, I hope you like it !
Posted by: Ben Higgins Sep 17 2013, 11:23 AM
QUOTE (Qenzoz @ Sep 17 2013, 10:44 AM)
Feels awesome!
It's awesome!
Can't wait for the next album
Do you have a favourite song yet ?
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 17 2013, 12:22 PM
QUOTE (Ben Higgins @ Sep 17 2013, 08:25 AM)
HERE IT IS !!
And here's the title track... featuring Chris Poland...... you may know him from playing on a couple of records back in the 80's called 'Peace Sells' and 'Killing is my Business'....
Here's a link to the rest of the album ! Joining me on the guitar solos is GMC's very own Piotr Kaczor !! Piotr has laid down some absolutely awesome solos on this record and it is my honour to share the guitar spotlight with him !!
And last but definitely not least - the album was mastered by our very own Tony Miro !! This is the second time I've worked with Tony on an album and working with a professional makes all the difference - thanks Tony !
I enjoyed listening to that track! Very nice!
Posted by: bleez Sep 17 2013, 12:46 PM
dude you're totally soloing with Chris Poland thats just awesome!
great vid, the opening riffs in 'hell...' is a pure panty dropper
Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Sep 17 2013, 12:51 PM
Congratulations Ben on a new album release!!!
Amazing news about a collaboration with Chris Poland
Posted by: Ben Higgins Sep 17 2013, 02:11 PM
QUOTE (bleez @ Sep 17 2013, 12:46 PM)
dude you're totally soloing with Chris Poland thats just awesome!
great vid, the opening riffs in 'hell...' is a pure panty dropper
That is a rock no roll comment !
QUOTE (Bogdan Radovic @ Sep 17 2013, 12:51 PM)
Congratulations Ben on a new album release!!!
Amazing news about a collaboration with Chris Poland
Thanks B-Master !
QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Sep 17 2013, 12:22 PM)
I enjoyed listening to that track! Very nice!
Glad you like it man - thanks !
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 17 2013, 02:32 PM
Mate, this is so amazing. I commented your facebook link before listening to the track just because of the guest, but now I can say that the song is so great as well as the singer and the guitar solos. You did an amazing job putting all these together. All the best!!
Posted by: tonymiro Sep 17 2013, 03:07 PM
QUOTE (Ben Higgins @ Sep 17 2013, 07:25 AM)
...]
And last but definitely not least - the album was mastered by our very own Tony Miro !! This is the second time I've worked with Tony on an album and working with a professional makes all the difference - thanks Tony !
Pleasure was mine Ben . It's always nice to work with someone who os not only agreat musician but also a nice guy!
Posted by: Qenzoz Sep 17 2013, 03:09 PM
At the moment it is the first track on the CD 'Hunter Becomes Hunted' I really love the intro!!!
QUOTE (Ben Higgins @ Sep 17 2013, 12:23 PM)
Do you have a favourite song yet ?
Posted by: WeePee Sep 17 2013, 03:29 PM
Woot Ben !! You *astard This came out sooner than I expected ! And Poland ! GTFOH
Track # 4 Intro...Something to do with Skyrim/Game Of Thrones
EDIT:
Oh Nice, your album landed next to Robbie
EDIT2: I keep listening that track 4 intro...It's Awesome MAN !!
Posted by: Ben Higgins Sep 17 2013, 04:07 PM
QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Sep 17 2013, 02:32 PM)
Mate, this is so amazing. I commented your facebook link before listening to the track just because of the guest, but now I can say that the song is so great as well as the singer and the guitar solos. You did an amazing job putting all these together. All the best!!
Thank you Gab.. it's a nice riff to play as well
QUOTE (tonymiro @ Sep 17 2013, 03:07 PM)
Pleasure was mine Ben . It's always nice to work with someone who os not only agreat musician but also a nice guy!
Feeling's mutual T-Master !
QUOTE (Qenzoz @ Sep 17 2013, 03:09 PM)
At the moment it is the first track on the CD 'Hunter Becomes Hunted' I really love the intro!!!
Ok, cool !!!
Now you know where my 30 Shredder Solo comes from now ???
QUOTE (WeePee @ Sep 17 2013, 03:29 PM)
Track # 4 Intro...Something to do with Skyrim/Game Of Thrones
EDIT2: I keep listening that track 4 intro...It's Awesome MAN !!
I'm not sure I know what you mean ?? But I'm real happy that you like it.. that song Lestat is one of my 3 personal favourites on the album.
Posted by: WeePee Sep 17 2013, 04:28 PM
Oh sorry. I meant the part before singing starts reminds me of Skyrim or Game of Thrones music.
Posted by: PosterBoy Sep 17 2013, 05:57 PM
Is Lestat referring to the Anne Rice character?
Posted by: Ben Higgins Sep 17 2013, 06:25 PM
QUOTE (PosterBoy @ Sep 17 2013, 05:57 PM)
Is Lestat referring to the Anne Rice character?
The name was the only thing inspired by Anne Rice's Lestat.. the song itself bears no other references to him
Posted by: DeGroot Sep 18 2013, 03:40 AM
Listened to the album and it is absolutley amazing! So many great moments on the album.
'Lestat' and "Daughter of the Snow' are epic. Especially love the vocals on Lestat.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 18 2013, 05:29 AM
SUPER MONDO congrats and can you give us a fascinating tale of how you scored CHRIS POLAND for a Guest spot? How cool is that?
Todd
QUOTE (Ben Higgins @ Sep 17 2013, 01:25 PM)
The name was the only thing inspired by Anne Rice's Lestat.. the song itself bears no other references to him
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 18 2013, 08:31 AM
QUOTE (Ben Higgins @ Sep 17 2013, 05:25 PM)
The name was the only thing inspired by Anne Rice's Lestat.. the song itself bears no other references to him
Ah! You know, when I read the tracklist of the album yesterday, I was thinking - ok, what's next, first Chris Poland and then, Ben has a vampire on his album
Posted by: Ben Higgins Sep 18 2013, 09:31 AM
QUOTE (DeGroot @ Sep 18 2013, 03:40 AM)
Listened to the album and it is absolutley amazing! So many great moments on the album.
'Lestat' and "Daughter of the Snow' are epic. Especially love the vocals on Lestat.
Wow, thanks DG...... Rob's vocals on Daughter of the Sow are probably my fave performance of his.. but Lestat is one of my fave songs !
QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Sep 18 2013, 05:29 AM)
SUPER MONDO congrats and can you give us a fascinating tale of how you scored CHRIS POLAND for a Guest spot? How cool is that?
Todd
Well, those YT videos pay off.. Chris's manager saw my Chris Poland style video and we got talking.....
QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ Sep 18 2013, 08:31 AM)
Ah! You know, when I read the tracklist of the album yesterday, I was thinking - ok, what's next, first Chris Poland and then, Ben has a vampire on his album
Hehe... the only thing I didn't get was a violin solo !!
The song is definitely vampire related....
Posted by: Dieterle Sep 18 2013, 12:02 PM
Congratulation Ben !
A noter amazing Album and interesting Theme !
Dieter
Posted by: Ben Higgins Sep 18 2013, 01:49 PM
Just uploaded the video for another new song. This is LESTAT
Posted by: Slavenko Erazer Sep 18 2013, 02:06 PM
I first started streaming new Dream Theater album, but when i've seen that Ben uploaded a new song, i paused it,and..
BEN This iS KILLER MAN!!
SOlos Are awesome,they fit in music just beautifully, and especially that dramatic ending of song, i LIKE IT!!
Posted by: Ben Higgins Sep 18 2013, 02:15 PM
QUOTE (Slavenko Erazer @ Sep 18 2013, 02:06 PM)
I first started streaming new Dream Theater album, but when i've seen that Ben uploaded a new song, i paused it,and..
BEN This iS KILLER MAN!!
SOlos Are awesome,they fit in music just beautifully, and especially that dramatic ending of song, i LIKE IT!!
Wow , thanks man !
Posted by: AK Rich Sep 18 2013, 05:24 PM
Congrats Ben! Great stuff man and I love the cover art too.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 19 2013, 05:08 AM
That's freaking AWESOME!!!!! What a massive score to get Poland on your Record. Such a huge fan of that guy
QUOTE (Ben Higgins @ Sep 18 2013, 04:31 AM)
Wow, thanks DG...... Rob's vocals on Daughter of the Sow are probably my fave performance of his.. but Lestat is one of my fave songs !
Well, those YT videos pay off.. Chris's manager saw my Chris Poland style video and we got talking.....
Hehe... the only thing I didn't get was a violin solo !!
The song is definitely vampire related....
Posted by: Ben Higgins Sep 19 2013, 01:40 PM
Here's a new tune.. one of my favourites - LONGBOAT
I wrote this a very very long time ago.. possibly around 2000, after watching a programme on tv. It was about a group of people building a recreation of a Viking ship and sailing it from Norway to the Shetland Isles. I came up with this repetitive riff and when I first got my computer and Cubase I laid it down and added to it. The acoustic tracks are from the original demo I did... rather than replace them I kept them because they captured the vibe at the time. There's string buzz and extra noises but hey, if Led Zeppelin left that stuff in, why can't I ?
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 19 2013, 02:35 PM
QUOTE (Ben Higgins @ Sep 19 2013, 02:40 PM)
Here's a new tune.. one of my favourites - LONGBOAT
I wrote this a very very long time ago.. possibly around 2000, after watching a programme on tv. It was about a group of people building a recreation of a Viking ship and sailing it from Norway to the Shetland Isles. I came up with this repetitive riff and when I first got my computer and Cubase I laid it down and added to it. The acoustic tracks are from the original demo I did... rather than replace them I kept them because they captured the vibe at the time. There's string buzz and extra noises but hey, if Led Zeppelin left that stuff in, why can't I ?
I enjoyed listening to that, Ben, but I must admit I felt that the very shredding towards the end was a bit offputting, but I can understand why you put it there for the climax of the song.
Posted by: tonymiro Sep 19 2013, 03:02 PM
QUOTE (Ben Higgins @ Sep 19 2013, 01:40 PM)
... The acoustic tracks are from the original demo I did... rather than replace them I kept them because they captured the vibe at the time. There's string buzz and extra noises but hey, if Led Zeppelin left that stuff in, why can't I ?
I think this and 'Daughter of the Snow' are my two favourite tracks.
I was kind of curious why you didn't want me to deal with the various noises Ben.* I assumed that you wanted it to remain close to a one take/live type of vibe so I wasn't too far off the mark .
By the way there are loads of famous commerical recordings that have won lots of gramy awards etc that have audio issues but the producer kept the particular part/take to maintain the feel etc. Some people though over produce their stuff in pursuit of 'perfection' and it can end up loosing its soul and sounding anodyne.
*though I know that a lot of people who don't know your reasons will just assume we goofed up here .
Posted by: mad Sep 19 2013, 04:37 PM
Just bought the album via iTunes.. I've to drive 1h by car - \m/
Posted by: Ben Higgins Sep 19 2013, 04:39 PM
QUOTE (mad @ Sep 19 2013, 04:37 PM)
Just bought the album via iTunes.. I've to drive 1h by car - \m/
Man, that rocks ! I hope you like it - thanks for the support !
QUOTE (tonymiro @ Sep 19 2013, 03:02 PM)
I think this and 'Daughter of the Snow' are my two favourite tracks.
I was kind of curious why you didn't want me to deal with the various noises Ben.* I assumed that you wanted it to remain close to a one take/live type of vibe so I wasn't too far off the mark .
By the way there are loads of famous commerical recordings that have won lots of gramy awards etc that have audio issues but the producer kept the particular part/take to maintain the feel etc. Some people though over produce their stuff in pursuit of 'perfection' and it can end up loosing its soul and sounding anodyne.
*though I know that a lot of people who don't know your reasons will just assume we goofed up here .
Yep, I knew that the extra noises were playing issues and couldn't be altered by anything aside from re-recording it
Posted by: Ben Higgins Sep 26 2013, 03:41 PM
Have uploaded another track from the new album !
Hunter Becomes Hunted - see if you can recognise where the solo comes from !
Posted by: Ben Higgins Oct 3 2013, 04:03 PM
Uploaded another track - Drag You Down ! This is the one with the full on wah solo in the middle !
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 4 2013, 08:31 AM
QUOTE (Ben Higgins @ Oct 3 2013, 03:03 PM)
Uploaded another track - Drag You Down ! This is the one with the full on wah solo in the middle !
Organic! Love it It has those notes where the wah is neither up nor down - love that!