Italian progressive metal band, LAST UNION, featuring Mike LePond (Symphony X) on bass, Uli Kusch (ex-Helloween, ex-Masterplan) on drums, and as guest James LaBrie (Dream Theater) on vocals, have released their debut album ‘Twelve‘ today December 21, 2018 via ROAR! Rock Of Angels Records. The effort was mixed and mastered by Jens Bogren, best known for his work with ARCH ENEMY, SYMPHONY X, DEVIN TOWNSEND, ANGRA and OPETH, to name a few.
Press quotes:
Scream Magazine: 5/6
Metalfactory: 9/10
Metalview: 8/10
Metal Hammer: 4/7 + Soundcheck #17
Heavy Paradise: 8.4/10
Handwritten Mag: 4/5
Markus’ Heavy Music Blog: 8/10
Hardline Magazine: 7.5/10
viriAOR: 77/100
Stalker Magazine: 7/10
Fireworks Magazine: This is certainly a debut to be proud of!
Metal Express Radio: We have a nicely produced and punchy Progressive Metal album to listen to.
The album artwork was made by Thomas Ewerhard (Avantasia, Rage, Threshold).
Track List:
1. Most Beautiful Day
2. President Evil (Feat. James LaBrie)
3. Hardest Way
4. Purple Angels
5. The Best Of Magic
6. Taken (Feat. James LaBrie) – Radio Edit
7. 18 Euphoria
8. A Place In Heaven (Feat. James LaBrie)
9. Ghostwriter
10. Limousine
11. Back In The Shadow
12. Taken (Feat. James LaBrie)
13. President Evil (Feat. James LaBrie) – Video Version
Strong and positive reactions to their music spurred Scarpeccio and Tiberi on to take the first of many bold steps. The first was to invite drummer Uli Kusch(ex-Helloween, ex-Masterplan) to join the fold, who expressed interest in joining the band as a full member rather than just a touring drummer after hearing the music. A similar scenario played out with Symphony X bassist Mike LePond and LAST UNION was officially born.
The icing on the cake, however, was getting Dream Theater vocalist James LaBrie to sing on three tracks.
LAST UNION is:
Elisa Scarpeccio – Vocals
Cristiano Tiberi – Guitars
Mike LePond – Bass (Symphony X)
Uli Kusch – Drums (ex-Helloween, ex-Masterplan)
Feat. James LaBrie on vocals (Dream Theater)
The quiet city of Tolentino in the Marche region of Central Italy not only boasts a rich historical background, it is also the place progressive metal band LAST UNION calls home. Founded by vocalist Elisa Scarpeccio, guitarist Cristiano Tiberi and keyboardist Claudio Feliziani in 2007, the band – originally known as Blazing Ice – embarked on their journey in the pursuit of sharing their thoughts and feelings about life, and ultimately their art, with the world. With the assistance of professional session bassists and drummers, the trio established themselves on the Italian scene with a string of shows that helped them evolve and refine their craft. Over the course of 20 shows, LAST UNION presented songs that would eventually make the final cut for their debut album.
www.facebook.com/lastunion
www.lastunion.it
Videos:
“A Place In Heaven” Feat. James LaBrie
[arve url=”https://youtu.be/4OVroQNzbu8″ /]
“Most Beautiful Day” Feat. Mike Lepond & Uli Kusch
[arve url=”https://youtu.be/uFgiGhdgYnA” /]
“Taken” Feat. James LaBrie
[arve url=”https://youtu.be/FF0NYZJ0MLQ” /]
“President Evil” Feat. James LaBrie
[arve url=”https://youtu.be/WNGWgfclSvc” /]