Troy Donockley – Skin Back Alley

Troy Donockley has claimed that some of the music on Nightwish’s new album will startle fans of the band.

The Finnish group are currently in the studio recording the follow up to their last album Imaginaerum. The new LP will be the first to feature Donockley and new vocalist Floor Jansen as full time members.

Speaking in Nightwish’s latest studio update, Donockley says: “Tuomas writes really challenging parts, especially for the pipes. It’s always nice to push the boundaries.”

“It’s progressive in its outlook. It’s a lot different to Imaginaerum, although it’s still absolutely Nightwish. There’s probably some parts that will startle people – but it’s not going to be cheesy. It sticks to its roots.”

The new album is expected to be released in 2015 and you can watch the full studio update video below:

Photo (C) David Wala, davidwala.com

Prog rockers Gandalf’s Fist have released further details of their new album.

The band have today announced that their new LP, the follow up to 2013’s critically lauded A Day in the Life of a Universal Wanderer, will feature collaborations with Nightwish’s Troy Donockley, Gryphon’s Dave Oberlé, It Bites’ John Mitchell and instrumental guitar virtuoso and member of The Fierce And The Dead, Matt Stevens.

Gandalf’s Fist chief composer, Dean Marsh commented on the news: “I’m over the moon to announce these collaborations – each and every musician involved has really gone the extra mile with their contributions to this record… it feels great to welcome such an esteemed ensemble to the ridiculous world of Gandalf’s Fist – I really can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve come up with!”

Drummer/singer from 70’s folk-prog heroes Gryphon, Dave Oberlé, who joins the ensemble on vocals and bodhrán, remarked: “I was delighted when Dean approached me to play a small part in the recording of this album. Having listened to previous Gandalf’s fist albums I had been very impressed with the standard of musicianship, composition and production. I tend to be rather selective these days about what projects I get involved in but this is most certainly a band to watch out for.”

As well as band mainstays Dean Marsh and Luke Severn, Gandalf’s Fist have recently expanded to include new members Chris Ewen and Stefan Hepe.

You can keep up with progress on the new album at Gandalf’s Fist’s new production blog here.

Tag: Troy Donockley

New Nightwish album will startle fans says Donockley

Nightwish, Gryphon, Matt Stevens to guest on new Gandalf’s Fist LP