Leon Goewie
Few vocalists can leave behind a signature sound that can never be reproduced. Paul Stanley's party hard vocal stance will never be borrowed. One will never pull off Axl Rose's gruff, charismatic voice. David Lee Roth's style, fashion and stage prescence will never be used as comparison.
The same can be said for Leon Goewie.
Leon Goewie cut his teeth with a fantastic hard rock stable called Vengeance. Vengeance were a cult Holland band that never really got the big break they were looking for. Forming in 1983, the band put out one demo and played only once live before major label Sony Holland signed the act.
In 1984 the band put out their self titled debut record with some small success. Fronted by the flamboyant Goewie, the group performed some wild stage shows in support of the release. Backed by the band's tight and precise rock and roll attack, singer Leon Goewie took the stage show to new heights. Balancing glasses of beer on his head, the energetic frontman was completely over the top, lending the perfect hard rock voice to the band's party hard lyrics and reputation.
Goewie went on to put his signature stamp on 1985's "We Have Ways To Make You Rock", 1987's "Take It Or Leave It", and 1989's "Arabia". Despite a fan following and good press, the band never got a major deal in the states. Iron Maiden's management showed interest in Goewie and the group, but plans fell through.
In 1991, friction within the band led to the firing of Goewie. He returned to the hard rock world in 1995 with his new band Stonewashed. With the release of their self titled record, "Way Of Thorns", the band focused more on heaviness and groove than catchy rock numbers. Shortly before the release of "Way Of Thorns" the band changed their name to Way Of Thorns. Some copies of the album even have Stonewashed on the disc.
Vengeance asked Goewie to rejoin their ranks in 1997 to record a reunion album. "Back From Flight 19" was the fifth record with Leon. He is one talented individual that certainly could have been a household name.
VENGEANCE is now back with a “in your face rock album”.
In regards to the new album the members say:
Leon Goewie: " It's a straight to the point no nonsense album. A piece you can relay on .It's gonna bring you back in times where everybody was rocking and banging like a bunch of crazy mother fuckers. A flat in the face this is what you get album. You like it or not - there's nothing in between! It rocks like it used to be. Rock from the bottom of your soul. We have chosen the title "Back In The Ring" because old rockers never die! Old classic rockers are back - back in the ring! The music gives you the feeling of a knockout!"
Leon continues and explains their comeback reasons: "I always had the feeling that something was not ready. So when MTM gave us the chance to finish a job we started almost 25 years ago. We grabbed it right by the balls. And I think we just started and there much more to come!"
After the 25 th anniversary tour we decided to make a new album. Jan and I took some old tracks that we made in 1998 and they where exactly what we wanted at the moment. Also we made some new songs and invited several guest musicians . During the recording our new drummer Erik Stout and guitar player Timo Somers (son of Jan Somers) came to the band. It was the right time , they gave us a lot of positive energy to accomplish the Soul Collector album . Also on stage you can feel the positive vibration. The struggel between the guitar players is history. What more can a dad want then to play with his own son. Now there is only fun and laughter . Playing a gig is better then ever!
I think that Soul Collector is the best Vengeance album ever. It’s a part of my life. In the old day’s we made a song and we did not even know what we were talking about. Now every song on the album comes straight from the heart. I’ve been there seen it done it.
The reviews we have of Soul Collector are overwelming !! Better than Back In The Ring or Arabia. We are looking forward to proform for our fan’s and to let them feel the same power and passion that we get from Soul Collector.
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