Credit: Hristo Shindov
Credit: Hristo ShindovA new hard-rock project called Sons of Apollo, featuring former members of Journey, Guns N’ Roses and Dream Theater, will release their debut album, Psychotic Symphony, on October 20.
The band is made up of one-time Journey singer Jeff Scott Soto, ex-GN’R guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Mr. Big bassist Billy Sheehan and two Dream Theater alumni: founding drummer Mike Portnoy and former keyboardist Derek Sherinian.
Sons of Apollo are giving fans a preview of their upcoming album by posting one of the tracks, “Signs of the Time,” on YouTube. The hard-driving track features ominous lyrics reflecting the troubles facing our world today, along with mind-bending guitar riffs from Bumblefoot, and Portnoy’s thunderous drumming.
“This song has a little bit of everything that makes Sons of Apollo so special…great heavy riffs, amazing solos with individual instrumental virtuosity and a big, catchy chorus with more hooks than a tackle box!!” declares Portnoy in a statement. “I figured this would be a great ‘first taste’ to introduce the world to this amazing new supergroup.”
Psychotic Symphony will be available as a single CD, a deluxe two-CD package featuring an extra disc of instrumental mixes, a two-LP set and a digital download.
Sons of Apollo came together after Portnoy and Sherinian teamed up with Sheehan and guitarist Tony MacAlpine under the moniker PSMS to tour in 2012 and 2013. Sherinian then suggested that he and Portnoy form a new original band, which led them to recruit Bumblefoot and Soto.
Portnoy, who also plays with Sheehan in the band The Winery Dogs, says that band currently is on hiatus, while Sons of Apollo is expected to be a full-time endeavor. The group is planning a world tour in 2018.
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