December 23, 2024

Skylight Webzine

Online since 2000

The Lizards Feat. Ex-Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Cactus & Riot Members Release New CD!


The long awaited new album from Classic Rock legends The Lizards, featuring members of Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Cactus and Riot, will be released in September 2015 on Hyperspace Records in partnership with drumming legend Carmine Appice’s Rocker Records. Titled “Reptilicus Maximus”, the band’s 7th album features guest appearances by Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Frank Marino (Mahogany Rush) and Vinnie Moore (UFO)! Once again the breathtaking cover artwork was created by longtime Lizards artist Rick Klemann.

“These hard rockin’ Lizards have slithered their way to the top of the new ‘original’ classic rock heap. Like their alien counterparts they are simply out of this world!” – Nightwatcher’s Rock Blog

The Lizards are drummer Bobby Rondinelli (Rainbow/Black Sabbath/BOC), vocalist/keyboardist Mike DiMeo (Riot/Masterplan), bassist Randy Pratt (who also plays harp with Cactus) and guitarist Patrick Klein (who recorded and mixed the album), and have released seven critically acclaimed albums and three live DVDs in the past 13 years. The band’s 2006 release “Against All Odds”, and their covers album from 2009 “Archeology”, garnered rave reviews from fans and music press alike worldwide, catapulting The Lizards into legendary status!

“Loved hearing The Lizards when they opened for UFO. Cool riffs, grooves and musicality with Mike DiMeo’s killer vocals on top. Awesome new record and I am glad to be a part of it.” – Vinnie Moore, UFO

Says bassist and band leader Randy Pratt, “On our 7th CD, ‘Reptilicus Maximus’, we brought in a few of our touring buddies. David Lanik, of ‘Sharks’ kicks ass on ‘Ton on the One’, the opening track on the CD. Frank Marino, of Mahogany Rush, was the headliner on our first tour and dazzles on ‘Evil Eyes’, the second track. Vinnie Moore and UFO were the headliners on our LAST tour (so far). Vinnie shreds beautifully on ‘Crash’, a song I wrote the lyrics to in the hospital after my brutal car crash that sidelined us for awhile. We did a 2 month tour with Glenn Hughes and he came to New York to record 4 songs on our 6th CD, ‘Against All Odds’. ‘Miracle Man’ is a song that he wrote specifically for The Lizards, and I believe we slay it. He and Mike DiMeo do another one of their over the top duets on the closing number on the record. We added Scott ‘The Doctor’ Treibitz on keys for this CD, adding some new textures, from dark and brooding synths and majestic pipe organ to honky tonk piano and funky hammond organ.”

“Having toured with The Lizards and getting to know the band personally, I was delighted when Randy asked me to play on a track with them.  And even if I hadn’t gotten to know what a great bunch of guys they are, I still would have accepted the invitation gladly, because I just loved the track and the music they make.  With me it’s always been about heart, and these cats bring it… straight from the heart. ”
Frank Marino – Mahogany Rush

Says Randy, “The music runs from progressive rock to swampy blues, lyrics ranging from the sacred to the profane…all in the name of ROCK. Bobby Rondinelli told us that we got some of the best playing of his career on this record. Since he played with Rainbow, Black Sabbath and Blue Oyster Cult, you can believe the drums are world class throughout!”

“I consider it a crime not to check out these hot sounding reptiles!” – Metalliville, UK

For more information:
www.lizardswebsite.com