Mike LePond's Silent Assassins (USA)

[Horex]

Mike LePond's Silent Assassins - Mike LePond's Silent Assassins (2014)













Year : 2014
Style : Heavy Metal , Power Metal
Country : United States
Audio : 320 kbps + scans
Size : 134 mb

Bio:

Michael Anthony LePond III (born 1966), is an American musician from Newark, New Jersey.LePond has recorded over 40 albums with various bands and has appeared on over 20 other albums in a guest capacity.Best known as the current bassist of the progressive metal band Symphony X, LePond joined the band in 1999 and can be heard on all albums since the release of V: The New Mythology Suite in 2000. He has also worked with a number of bands within the European metal scene, and has released 4 solo albums with Mike LePond's Silent Assassins.In 1979, at the age of 13, LePond attended a Kiss concert in Madison Square Garden, New York.Upon seeing the performances of Gene Simmons, LePond decided "that's what I wanna do!" LePond's father soon bought him a Univox bass guitar and a 150 watt amplifier.LePond took lessons from a jazz musician for approximately one year, learning music theory and sight reading, but did not feel strongly for the genre and instead oped to self-teach.LePond was introduced to Rush, Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden through friends, and has since cited bassists Geddy Lee, Geezer Butler and Steve Harris as influences to his style of playing.In 1999, LePond was introduced to Symphony X guitarist Michael Romeo through a mutual friend.Romeo invited LePond to audition for Symphony X, as the band were in need of a bassist following the departures of Thomas Miller and touring musician Andy DeLuca.LePond was sent a copy of The Divine Wings of Tragedy, and was required to learn 3 songs for the audition, later recalling how challenging the material was to learn.A second auditon was arranged, this time with 2 songs from Twilight in Olympus.He has gone on to record 5 albums with the band.In May 2006, LePond was diagnosed with Crohn's disease following hospitalisation for abdominal pain.LePond required surgery, causing Symphony X to cancel festival appearances in Spain and Sweden.On May 31, LePond announced his recovery on Symphony X's website.In 2012, LePond formed progressive metal supergroup Affector with drummer Collin Leijenaar, vocalist Ted Leonard and guitarist Daniel Fries. The band's first album, Harmagedon, was released on May 21. The album includes guest keyboard players Jordan Rudess, Derek Sherinian, Neal Morse and Alex Argento.On August 21, 2014, it was announced that LePond would be releasing his first solo album, Mike LePond's Silent Assassins.The album was released on September 26, featuring LePond on bass and rhythm guitar.Symphony X bandmate Michael Romeo provided drum programming and some guitar work on the album, with vocals provided by Alan Tecchio (Hades, Watchtower) and additional guitar work from Mike Chlasciak (Halford, Testament).

Album:

This is the very first solo album from the legendary bassist of the legendary Symphony X!And is a long-cherished dream of the influential musician, all the texts, all the music and arrangements written by him! Influenced by his own style and all his personal hero of Metal. Elements of Judas Priest or Manowar are visible as well as influences of Black Sabbath or US Metela as Vicious Rumours or Metal Church.Bass and rhythm guitar are from Mike LePond, on guitar you can hear Mike Metal (Testament, Halford), Michael Romeo Guitar (Symphony X) and the vocals are by Alan Tecchio (Hades, Watchtower).On September 26th, UDR / Warner will release the first ever solo release from Mike LePond of Symphony X.Introducing Mike LePond’s Silent Assassins, a fantastic heavy, power metal album that combines all influences of Mike LePond’s favorite bands from the past and present. This album is packed with kick ass vocals, scorching riffs and epic styling – there’s something in there for any style of metal head!Mike LePond’s Silent Assassins features guest performances by guitarist Metal Mike (Halford, Testament), lead guitarist and drum producer Michael Romeo (Symphony X), vocalist Alan Tecchio ( Hades, Watchtower), and, of course, main man Mike LePond on bass and rhythm guitar.Mike LePond states: "This CD is all me. I wrote all the music, and all the lyrics. It’s one of the most satisfying things I’ve ever done and I can’t wait to share it with my fans. Join me as we celebrate the glory of heavy metal with my first ever, solo release!"Metal Mike remarks: "Superbly crafted songs! Highly recommended to fans who like their metal true and hard." Alan Tecchio adds: "The themes Mike wrote about lyrically and the energy of full throttle riffage was a welcome back to my power metal roots."

Line-Up:

Mike LePond (SYMPHONY X, MINDMAZE, AFFECTOR) - Bass, Rhythm Guitar
"Metal" Mike Chlasciak (HALFORD, TESTAMENT) - Guitar
Alan Tecchio (HADES, WATCHTOWER) - Vocals
Michael Romeo (SYMPHONY X) - Guitar, Drums
Michael Pinella (SYMPHONY X) - Backing Vocal

Tracklist:

01. Apocalypse Rider
02. Red Death
03. The Quest
04. The Outsider
05. Masada
06. Silent Assassins
07. Ragnarok
08. The Progeny
09. Oath and Honor




Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/

[Horex]

Mike LePond's Silent Assassins - Pawn And Prophecy (2018)













Year : 2018
Style : Heavy Metal , Power Metal
Country : United States
Audio : 320 kbps + all scans
Size : 135 mb

Bio:

Michael Anthony LePond III (born 1966), is an American musician from Newark, New Jersey.LePond has recorded over 40 albums with various bands and has appeared on over 20 other albums in a guest capacity.Best known as the current bassist of the progressive metal band Symphony X, LePond joined the band in 1999 and can be heard on all albums since the release of V: The New Mythology Suite in 2000. He has also worked with a number of bands within the European metal scene, and has released 4 solo albums with Mike LePond's Silent Assassins.In 1979, at the age of 13, LePond attended a Kiss concert in Madison Square Garden, New York.Upon seeing the performances of Gene Simmons, LePond decided "that's what I wanna do!" LePond's father soon bought him a Univox bass guitar and a 150 watt amplifier.LePond took lessons from a jazz musician for approximately one year, learning music theory and sight reading, but did not feel strongly for the genre and instead oped to self-teach.LePond was introduced to Rush, Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden through friends, and has since cited bassists Geddy Lee, Geezer Butler and Steve Harris as influences to his style of playing.In 1999, LePond was introduced to Symphony X guitarist Michael Romeo through a mutual friend.Romeo invited LePond to audition for Symphony X, as the band were in need of a bassist following the departures of Thomas Miller and touring musician Andy DeLuca.LePond was sent a copy of The Divine Wings of Tragedy, and was required to learn 3 songs for the audition, later recalling how challenging the material was to learn.A second auditon was arranged, this time with 2 songs from Twilight in Olympus.He has gone on to record 5 albums with the band.In May 2006, LePond was diagnosed with Crohn's disease following hospitalisation for abdominal pain.LePond required surgery, causing Symphony X to cancel festival appearances in Spain and Sweden.On May 31, LePond announced his recovery on Symphony X's website.In 2012, LePond formed progressive metal supergroup Affector with drummer Collin Leijenaar, vocalist Ted Leonard and guitarist Daniel Fries. The band's first album, Harmagedon, was released on May 21. The album includes guest keyboard players Jordan Rudess, Derek Sherinian, Neal Morse and Alex Argento.On August 21, 2014, it was announced that LePond would be releasing his first solo album, Mike LePond's Silent Assassins.The album was released on September 26, featuring LePond on bass and rhythm guitar.Symphony X bandmate Michael Romeo provided drum programming and some guitar work on the album, with vocals provided by Alan Tecchio (Hades, Watchtower) and additional guitar work from Mike Chlasciak (Halford, Testament).

Album:

Frontiers Records are pleased to announce the release of the new album from Mike LePond's Silent Assassins, "Pawn And Prophecy". LePond is extremely excited about the release of his band's sophomore effort, which he describes as a collection of epic tales told with the power of heavy metal music. The classic headbanging riffs and kick-ass vocals will get your horns and fists in the air. It is an album made for metalheads, by metalheads." Best known as the bassist for progressive metal giants Symphony X, Mike LePond stepped out to front his own project, Mike LePond's Silent Assassins in 2014. The band is set to return in 2018 with the long-awaited follow-up to his highly acclaimed self-titled debut release. The sophomore effort, "Pawn And Prophecy", shows an onslaught of true heavy metal in its purest form. A full hour of headbanding riffs, kick-ass vocals and lyrics telling epic tales drawing influences from the classic metal bands of the 80s to the Viking/folk metal of today. As an example of the range of metal styles here, the title track is a 21 minute opus based on William Shakespeare's "Macbeth", where Mike and company have essentially written a heavy metal soundtrack to this classic tale and features guest appearances from Symphony X bandmates Michael Romeo and Michael Pinella.

Line-Up:

Mike LePond (SYMPHONY X, MINDMAZE, AFFECTOR) - Bass, Rhythm Guitar
Alan Tecchio (HADES, WATCHTOWER) - Vocals

Michael Romeo – Drum Programming, Keyboards, Lead Guitar on Track 8
Michael Pinella – Backing Vocals, Piano & Organ on Track 8
Lance Barnewold – Lead Guitar on Tracks 1, 2, 3, 5
Rod Rivera – Lead Guitar on Tracks 5, 6, 7
Andry Lagiou – Lead Vocals on Track 8
Noa Gruman – Lead Vocals on Track 8
Veronica Freeman – Lead Vocals on Track 8
Phyllis Rutter - Lead Vocals on Track 8

Tracklist:

01. Masters Of The Hall
02. Black Legend
03. Antichrist
04. I Am The Bull
05. Avengers Of Eden
06. Hordes Of Fire
07. The Mulberry Tree
08. Pawn And Prophecy




Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/

[Horex]

Mike LePond's Silent Assassins - Pawn And Prophecy (Japan Edition) (2018)













Year : 2018 (Japan Edition)
Style : Heavy Metal , Power Metal
Country : United States
Audio : 320 kbps + all scans
Size : 150 mb

Bio:

Michael Anthony LePond III (born 1966), is an American musician from Newark, New Jersey.LePond has recorded over 40 albums with various bands and has appeared on over 20 other albums in a guest capacity.Best known as the current bassist of the progressive metal band Symphony X, LePond joined the band in 1999 and can be heard on all albums since the release of V: The New Mythology Suite in 2000. He has also worked with a number of bands within the European metal scene, and has released 4 solo albums with Mike LePond's Silent Assassins.In 1979, at the age of 13, LePond attended a Kiss concert in Madison Square Garden, New York.Upon seeing the performances of Gene Simmons, LePond decided "that's what I wanna do!" LePond's father soon bought him a Univox bass guitar and a 150 watt amplifier.LePond took lessons from a jazz musician for approximately one year, learning music theory and sight reading, but did not feel strongly for the genre and instead oped to self-teach.LePond was introduced to Rush, Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden through friends, and has since cited bassists Geddy Lee, Geezer Butler and Steve Harris as influences to his style of playing.In 1999, LePond was introduced to Symphony X guitarist Michael Romeo through a mutual friend.Romeo invited LePond to audition for Symphony X, as the band were in need of a bassist following the departures of Thomas Miller and touring musician Andy DeLuca.LePond was sent a copy of The Divine Wings of Tragedy, and was required to learn 3 songs for the audition, later recalling how challenging the material was to learn.A second auditon was arranged, this time with 2 songs from Twilight in Olympus.He has gone on to record 5 albums with the band.In May 2006, LePond was diagnosed with Crohn's disease following hospitalisation for abdominal pain.LePond required surgery, causing Symphony X to cancel festival appearances in Spain and Sweden.On May 31, LePond announced his recovery on Symphony X's website.In 2012, LePond formed progressive metal supergroup Affector with drummer Collin Leijenaar, vocalist Ted Leonard and guitarist Daniel Fries. The band's first album, Harmagedon, was released on May 21. The album includes guest keyboard players Jordan Rudess, Derek Sherinian, Neal Morse and Alex Argento.On August 21, 2014, it was announced that LePond would be releasing his first solo album, Mike LePond's Silent Assassins.The album was released on September 26, featuring LePond on bass and rhythm guitar.Symphony X bandmate Michael Romeo provided drum programming and some guitar work on the album, with vocals provided by Alan Tecchio (Hades, Watchtower) and additional guitar work from Mike Chlasciak (Halford, Testament).

Album:

Frontiers Records are pleased to announce the release of the new album from Mike LePond's Silent Assassins, "Pawn And Prophecy". LePond is extremely excited about the release of his band's sophomore effort, which he describes as a collection of epic tales told with the power of heavy metal music. The classic headbanging riffs and kick-ass vocals will get your horns and fists in the air. It is an album made for metalheads, by metalheads." Best known as the bassist for progressive metal giants Symphony X, Mike LePond stepped out to front his own project, Mike LePond's Silent Assassins in 2014. The band is set to return in 2018 with the long-awaited follow-up to his highly acclaimed self-titled debut release. The sophomore effort, "Pawn And Prophecy", shows an onslaught of true heavy metal in its purest form. A full hour of headbanding riffs, kick-ass vocals and lyrics telling epic tales drawing influences from the classic metal bands of the 80s to the Viking/folk metal of today. As an example of the range of metal styles here, the title track is a 21 minute opus based on William Shakespeare's "Macbeth", where Mike and company have essentially written a heavy metal soundtrack to this classic tale and features guest appearances from Symphony X bandmates Michael Romeo and Michael Pinella.

Line-Up:

Mike LePond (SYMPHONY X, MINDMAZE, AFFECTOR) - Bass, Rhythm Guitar
Alan Tecchio (HADES, WATCHTOWER) - Vocals

Michael Romeo – Drum Programming, Keyboards, Lead Guitar on Track 8
Michael Pinella – Backing Vocals, Piano & Organ on Track 8
Lance Barnewold – Lead Guitar on Tracks 1, 2, 3, 5
Rod Rivera – Lead Guitar on Tracks 5, 6, 7
Andry Lagiou – Lead Vocals on Track 8
Noa Gruman – Lead Vocals on Track 8
Veronica Freeman – Lead Vocals on Track 8
Phyllis Rutter - Lead Vocals on Track 8

Tracklist:

01. Masters Of The Hall
02. Black Legend
03. Antichrist
04. I Am The Bull
05. Avengers Of Eden
06. Hordes Of Fire
07. The Mulberry Tree
08. Pawn And Prophecy
09. Ballad Of The Witches (Bonus Track)




Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/

[Horex]

Mike LePond’s Silent Assassins - Whore Of Babylon (2020)













Year : 2020
Style : Heavy Metal , Power Metal
Country : United States
Audio : 320 kbps + all scans
Size : 126 mb

Bio:

Michael Anthony LePond III (born 1966), is an American musician from Newark, New Jersey.LePond has recorded over 40 albums with various bands and has appeared on over 20 other albums in a guest capacity.Best known as the current bassist of the progressive metal band Symphony X, LePond joined the band in 1999 and can be heard on all albums since the release of V: The New Mythology Suite in 2000. He has also worked with a number of bands within the European metal scene, and has released 4 solo albums with Mike LePond's Silent Assassins.In 1979, at the age of 13, LePond attended a Kiss concert in Madison Square Garden, New York.Upon seeing the performances of Gene Simmons, LePond decided "that's what I wanna do!" LePond's father soon bought him a Univox bass guitar and a 150 watt amplifier.LePond took lessons from a jazz musician for approximately one year, learning music theory and sight reading, but did not feel strongly for the genre and instead oped to self-teach.LePond was introduced to Rush, Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden through friends, and has since cited bassists Geddy Lee, Geezer Butler and Steve Harris as influences to his style of playing.In 1999, LePond was introduced to Symphony X guitarist Michael Romeo through a mutual friend.Romeo invited LePond to audition for Symphony X, as the band were in need of a bassist following the departures of Thomas Miller and touring musician Andy DeLuca.LePond was sent a copy of The Divine Wings of Tragedy, and was required to learn 3 songs for the audition, later recalling how challenging the material was to learn.A second auditon was arranged, this time with 2 songs from Twilight in Olympus.He has gone on to record 5 albums with the band.In May 2006, LePond was diagnosed with Crohn's disease following hospitalisation for abdominal pain.LePond required surgery, causing Symphony X to cancel festival appearances in Spain and Sweden.On May 31, LePond announced his recovery on Symphony X's website.In 2012, LePond formed progressive metal supergroup Affector with drummer Collin Leijenaar, vocalist Ted Leonard and guitarist Daniel Fries. The band's first album, Harmagedon, was released on May 21. The album includes guest keyboard players Jordan Rudess, Derek Sherinian, Neal Morse and Alex Argento.On August 21, 2014, it was announced that LePond would be releasing his first solo album, Mike LePond's Silent Assassins.The album was released on September 26, featuring LePond on bass and rhythm guitar.Symphony X bandmate Michael Romeo provided drum programming and some guitar work on the album, with vocals provided by Alan Tecchio (Hades, Watchtower) and additional guitar work from Mike Chlasciak (Halford, Testament).

Album:

Assuming the world does not collapse in on itself and get sucked into a vast void, Mike Lepond will soon grace the metal community with a third installment of the back-to-his-roots riffcentricity known as Mike Lepond’s Silent Assassins. Before the metal elitists rose up and the movement to unleash newer iterations of napalm-like extremity took over much of the scene, there were bands like Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Saxon, and Manowar, who were the forefathers of riff-driven metal. These bands (and many others) created the blueprint for what true heavy metal always was and always will be. This is where Lepond cut his teeth, long before becoming a legendary bassist for Symphony X. With Whore of Babylon, MLSA reminds us that the power of the riff, an intriguing lyric, and melodic heaviness are at the core of our beloved genre of music.There is a purity to the songs on Whore of Babylon that is true to the rawness of heavy music. This is not about perfection but instinctive performance. From the furious buzz-like riffs of “Dracul Son,” we’re off on a tear. Lepond’s thunderous bass and guitar fretwork drive the song forward. Alan Tecchio’s trademark vocals wail into the fray, and Lance Barnewold (Fate Breaks Dawn) lays down the first fiery solo on the record. The song has a definite evil and gloomy tone to it. “Dracul’s Son” is the tale of Vlad the Impaler, and Lepond offers the backstory and insight into the song here.I’ll throw out my single complaint here; the drums on this album are programmed, and while they sound amazing thanks to Michael Romeo, I feel slightly cheated of that organic drum sound. That said, in this day and age of limited resources for artists trying to create new music, and people stealing much of the final product when they do, I understand why more bands are going this route. It’s the new school of old school. If I hadn’t told you, you would likely never know unless you’re a true audiophile.Lyrically the album has an emphasis on historical ideas, and that continues on “Ides of March,” which opens with Lepond’s galloping bass line followed by an ominous guitar riff. A sense of drama builds to Tecchio’s entrance. Given the current state of the world amidst this Covid chaos, “beware the Ides of March…” lends an added sense of foreboding to the track. This song makes me think of what a Manowar and Alice Cooper partnership might beget.“Tell Tale Heart” is again headlined by Lepond’s nimble fingers plucking at the bass, this time in a slow rolling manner. Muscular riffs, wailing vocals, and another striking solo by Barnewold. This is followed by the folk-style interlude that begins “Night of the Long Knives” which is all very minstrel metal. Romeo adds some mandolin to the track.The amazing Sarah Teets of MindMaze brings her voice and flute craft to elevate “Champion”. The album’s stand out ballad offers a poignant breath in the middle of the classic metal onslaught. Lepond even interjects an emotive bass solo, followed by the dramatic fretwork of DeadRisen guitarist Rod Rivera. Note to fans: Lepond also appears on the DeadRisen debut which came out in March 2020.Whore of Babylon picks up speed again with the propulsive energy and swagger of “Ironborn.” Pure metal furiosity. Shifting tempos add to the cinematic feel of the track and there is a Judas Priest fist to the jugular prior to Barnewold’s ripping solo. An obvious nod to Game of Thrones here.Next, Lepond and company enter the valley of Countess Elizabeth Bathory who is easily history’s most prolific serial killer. Her victims number in the hundreds, and it’s been alleged she even bathed in the blood of virgins she murdered to retain her youth and vitality. Perfect backstory for a metal song. Sonically, “Lady Bathory” is a chugging anthem with razor sharp riffing that will draw blood.“Power of Steel” is a nod to the mighty Manowar and Mike’s bass is decidedly beefy throughout. There are ample gang chants and glorious cheese on display. Closing out the album is the Arabian feel of the title cut, “Whore of Babylon” and the equally medieval groove of “Avalon.”Lepond and Tecchio have delivered up another slab of fiery metal of the old guard. Whore of Babylon picks up right where 2018’s brilliant Pawn and Prophecy left off and continues the promise of the band’s 2014 eponymous debut. Mike Lepond’s Silent Assassins are not about reinventing the wheel, in fact they wanna take it back to those BF Goodrich Radial T/As’s you had on your old jacked up Mustang, and ride the treads off those bastards.

Line-Up:

Mike LePond – Bass, Guitars (rhythm) (Affector, Burnt City, DeadRisen, Eternity’s End, Eynomia, Fatal Array, Heathen’s Rage, Holy Force, Rivera/Bomma, Ross the Boss, Symphony X, Two Hundred Feet, Ureas, Waken Eyes, Distant Thunder, Stygia, ex-Brute Force, ex-Midnight Eternal, Ango Tasso’s Air Force, Dead on Arrival, Everdawn, Mike Bino Project, ex-Ashenveil, ex-Elegacy, ex-MindMaze, ex-Painmuseum, ex-Seven Witches, ex-Sleepy Hollow, ex-Them, ex-Helstar (live), ex-Operatika Element (live), ex-Malakis Reign, ex-Last Union, ex-Rattlebone)
Alan Tecchio – Vocals (Autumn Hour, Hades, Heathen’s Rage, Level Fields, Watchtower, ex-All Time Low, ex-Non-Fiction, ex-Seven Witches, ex-Power)
Lance Barnewold – Guitars (lead) on tracks 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 (Fate Breaks Dawn, ex-Ross the Boss, ex-Riot V (live))

Guests:

Rod Rivera – lead guitars on tracks 4, 5, 10
Sarah Teets – flute, lead, backing vocals on track 5
Michael Romeo – drum programming, keyboards, orchestration, mandolin
Michael Pinnella – piano on track 3, organ on track 10, backing vocals

Tracklist:

01. Dracul Son
02. Ides of March
03. Tell Tale Heart
04. Night of The Long Knives
05. Champion
06. Ironborn
07. Lady Bathory
08. Power of Steel
09. Whore of Babylon
10. Avalon




Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/