Mark Boals / Ring Of Fire News

December 19 - Mark's new projects

The latest BURRN! issue announced Mark's appearance on a track of the "Project Shangri-La" featuring Lana Lane, and as well as that, MelodicRock.com reports that Mark will also take part in Now and Then/Frontiers' "GENIUS" trilogy, a rock opera.  Part 1 of the Trilogy is titled "A Human Into Dream's World", which will not only feature Mark as "Genius", but also Philip Bynoe as the story teller.

This type of album has made a resurgence in recent years after the release of Nikolo Kotzev's "Nostradamus" double album, which featured vocal heavyweights Joe Lynn Turner, Goran Edman, Jorn Lande and Doogie White, as well as last year's "Leonardo - the absolute man" album featuring James La Brie.

December 6 - Order The Oracle now

AOR Heaven can now take your orders for the European pressing of "The Oracle" where you can get it as low as $12 USD!  If you find it at any other stores apart from those listed in the buy section, let us know by emailing us.

November 24 - 2002 Tour dates announced

The official site has confirmed that Ring Of Fire's tour will begin in January 2002 with yet-to-be-announced dates in Europe, before the band moves to Japan for the following confirmed dates:

Feb 19 (Tue) 2002; Osaka "Big Cat"
Feb 20 (Wed) 2002; Tokyo "On Air East"
Feb 21 (Thu) 2002; Tokyo "On Air East"

Further dates in Asia are also part of the plan.

October 17 - Where's the credit Now and Then?

I've noticed that my introduction text on the front page has shown up in the Now and Then/Frontiers press releases regarding "The Oracle" and several rock news websites as a result:

The Oracle" marks RING OF FIRE's debut release as a band. The line-up features one of the rock's most promising alliances in years, combining superb musicianship with imaginative songwriting and progressive neoclassical concepts.

Ring Of Fire's line-up includes:
Mark Boals - vocals (ex Yngwie Malmsteen)
Vitalij Kuprij - keys (Artension)
Virgil Donati - drums (Planet X, Tribal Tech)
Philip Bynoe - bass (Steve Vai)
George Bellas - guitar (Mogg/Way)"

Guys, if you're gonna ignore my copyright and pass my work off as your own, at least link to my site on your website, or pay me to write your press releases.  Lord knows I could do with a little extra cash :)

October 2 - The Oracle at CDnow

The Japanese version Ring Of Fire's THE ORACLE is now available at online merchant CDnow.  For some reason, CDnow's site erroneously left out "Prelude For The Oracle" and "Interlude" from the track listing, so the album actually has thirteen songs, not eleven.

Click here to buy the album.

September 14 - American Tragedy

Both Mark Boals and Vitalij Kuprij have posted messages on the Ring Of Fire message board regarding the tragic events of September 11.  You can read their thoughts by clicking here.

September 8 - Addressing the latest issue of BURRN!

The latest issue of BURRN! magazine in Japan features an interview with Yngwie Malmsteen, in which some comments were made about Mark Boals and why he is no longer in Yngwie's band.

We'd rather avoid the issue altogether, but since it is a point of curiosity among fans of both popular artists, let me point out that phone records, emails from Yngwie's management, and a written contract to continue on the WTEAW tour would indicate that the comments made in the interview are completely unsubstantiated.

We wish Mark continued success both solo and in Ring Of Fire, and those fans who were lucky enough to catch his performances on the Yngwie tour are grateful to have done so.

September 3 - Virgil and Tony Mac tour Europe with Vai

European ROF fans will have a great opportunity to see both Virgil Donati (drums ) and Tony MacAlpine (guitars on Mark Boals' last solo album) on Steve Vai's European headlining tour in November and December.  Tony has confirmed rumors that he will join the line-up on 2nd guitar and keyboards.  Bass king Billy Sheehan is also confirmed to continue in the line-up.

Get the dates here.

August 26 - New Interview links

A couple of interviews Mark did for other sites have been added to the links section.  They were done prior to the release of "The Oracle".  I've been trying to get interviews with the other ROF members but as yet I've received no word.

August 24 - Tour and album release news

ROF's official site reports that the band's anticipated November tour has been put back until early in 2002.  Meanwhile, the band's debut album "The Oracle" will be released worldwide in October/November through a label yet to be announced.

The tour delay will allow more time to promote the album in various territories co-ordinate interest from interest promoters for the worldwide tour. 

August 12 - 'The Oracle' international release

Many fans are asking about the release of the band's new album outside of Japan.  All I can tell you at this stage is that Mark and the band haven't forgotten you!  It will happen, but it may take a little while longer, as Marquee has the first release of the album.

Let me point at that the Japanese version is not hard to get for those outside Japan - CDJapan have an English site and can send your order to wherever you live.  The Japanese version has a bonus piano/vocal arrangement of the old Japanese song "Sakura Sakura", which Yngwie and others have sometimes played on their tours in Japan.  CD Japan's price is about $21 USD.

August 11 - 'The Oracle' chart debut and tour plans.

As reported on Ring Of Fire's official site, 'The Oracle' made an impressive entry on the Japanese pop charts (Oricon), where it was the #1 metal artist, #3 western artist, and #35 overall.

The great result will hopefully improve the band's touring prospects.  ROF's fans eagerly await news about the possible live shows later this year, but since no plans have been finalized, we'll have to wait for an official announcement.

July 28 - Now available: Ring Of Fire - 'The Oracle' !

It was released on July 25 in Japan, but already many stores are having to re-order Ring Of Fire's band debut album 'The Oracle'.  Those outside of Japan needn't have to wait for the worldwide release - order now from CD Japan's English site and get the Japanese bonus track "Sakura Sakura".

If you can't wait for your copy to arrive, treat yourself to some authorized MP3 samples at markboals.com

Also available worldwide is the album that lit the flame - 'Mark Boals - Ring Of Fire'.  Get it cheap at AOR HEAVEN!

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