Daniel Lioneye

Daniel Lioneye, the side project from members of HIM, has released their second album aptly named Vol II, on April 27th through The End Records.
Even if you have never heard of Daniel Lioneye, you have most likely heard their song “The King of Rock ‘N’ Roll“, which was used as the theme song to MTV’s Viva La Bam.
The Finnish band features HIM member Mikko “Linde” Lindstrom (guitar, bass, vocals) and Janne “Burton” Puurtinen (keyboards) alongside Black Vomit Bolton (drums), from Enochian Crescent.
Formed in 2001, Daniel Lioneye’s debut album The King Of Rock ‘N’ Roll, was a psychedelic rock LP. But after the first album Linde wanted to take the second in a completely different direction. With a slight change in the group line up (Ville Valo was replaced) and always looking to push boundaries, it seems the band accomplished their goal.


According to a press release, Vol II is heavier than the band’s previous album and is being described as “an extreme rock ‘n’ roll album, with influences from black metal.”
Hightlights of the album include “Euroshaman”, “Neolithis Way” and “I Have Never Wanted to Be Number One”.
Linde really composes good songs and he incorporates a lot of genres into his songs. Overall not what I expected but a fantastic album regardless.
Follow Daniel Lioneye on Twitter or their MySpace page, also check out the bands’ contest to create your own Daniel Lioneye music video and a chance to win a Gibson SG played by Linde while on tour with HIM.

Go to the contest page for more details, www.redmusic.com/lioneyevideo/ - OffTheDial.ca

Daniel Lioneye, the band brought to you by Linde and Burton of HIM and Bolton of Enochian Crescent are thrilled to announce the release of their North American debut, VOL. II, which is out today.
Chicks With Guns Magazine raves “Vol. II is just downright aggressive, rude, funny, and loud. This pretty much defines some of the best rock ‘n’ roll and Vol. II is an extraordinary rock album.” Daniel Lioneye has allowed Linde to express his black metal side, with Hardrock Haven proclaiming “Linde really gets to shine and showoff here.” They have also gone on to say “the guitar parts are fast and furious, yet melody is never sacrificed in the name of speed.”
There is a contest that is giving fans the opportunity to create their own music video for a chance to win an autographed Gibson SG played by Linde while on tour with HIM.
Go to the contest page for more details, www.redmusic.com/lioneyevideo.
VOL. II is available in retail stores as well as through The Omega Order, www.theomegaorder.com/DANIEL-LIONEYE-Vol-II. - HardRockHideout.com

Daniel Lioneye’s new album, Vol. II, is just downright aggressive, rude, funny, and loud. This pretty much defines some of the best rock ‘n’ roll and Vol. II is an extraordinary rock album. The pace of the album is relentless yet playful. We are being assaulted by masters yet the assault feels like kisses from one of Derek Jeter’s dates. Mikko Lindstrom (Lindie) plays a mean guitar, bass and gutturally screams to full effect. He truly shreds like there’s no tomorrow and very little left of today. Bolton’s drums are fast, hard, and massive. The choruses give a lightening effect that takes the edge off. Some of the choruses remind us of those by the complete chorus masters, Van Halen.
Lindstrom plays faster than early Eddie Van Halen. His style is frenetic and pulverizing. Think Kirk Hammett just wanting to hammer for as long as he can. Every track on the album is a winner and “I Saw Myself” features the best Lioneye. “I Saw Myself” begins with savage riffs, pounding drums and Lindstrom howling like his girlfriend’s just told him she’s spent all his money, and crashed all his cars, and slept with all his friends. And she’s given him a vile disease. Brilliance defined. The tune lightens as much as the constant assault of Lioneye can and Burton’s beautiful keys come in. Kai Hiilesmaa’s production is stellar! When the light chorus, “I want to make you understand me” hits it’s like ice cream on top of churning, ferociously leaping cake. The vocal effects near the end are dope.
Vol. II begins with the elegant “Euroshaman” which is much better than Eurotrash. Make no mistake, some European women certainly could please us. Lindstrom’s mini solos are brief stabs of ecstasy. Bolton’s drumming is frenzied. When does this man rest? The overall effect of longer guitar solos backed by frantic drums is like rolling down the road on a skateboard easily and freely.
Next comes “Flatlined” which is savagely extraordinary in its simple complexity. The riffs and drums are just way fast throughout and Lindstrom wails at an appropriate level. When longer guitar chords hit behind the chorus the tune is given strength and heft. The guitar solo midway just shreds. Lindstrom’s solos are never too long. The man is a master.
“Neolithic Way” begins slowly like it might be Sabbath. Maybe Sabbath from Heaven and Hell but more melodic. The legend Dio never growled like Lindstrom. The guitar riffs are pure Metallica. Lindstrom thrashes his vocal chords while he growls and howls. Maybe that girlfriend just told him her brother’s going to kill him. Oh my. A sitar sound shows alarming breadth. Effects yield an other worldly feel heard in the best Floyd or later Beatles. The chorus is clear and really sets Lioneye apart in a good way. More Indian sounds near the end are great.
“The Mentat” reminds us of Pantera on The Great Southern Trendkill. The dearly departed Dimebag would appreciate Lindstrom’s heroic guitar. If Anselmo, the cagey one, has heard this band and isn’t jealous he fully digs Lindstrom’s howling. Anselmo’s howling is deeper but Lindstrom’s longer. Bolton drums like he loves his people and their fate depends upon his drumming precision. The ending effects remind us of vintage Radiohead, another massive guitar band.
“I Have Never Wanted To Be Number One” features filtered vocals that sound distant and disengaged. The fast pace of drums and guitar beneath the vocals makes the separation engaging and leaves us stunned by the beauty of such an arrangement. Like red roses in full bloom. Effects that were probably caused by keys or drums near the middle while the song slows yield a nice change of pace. When Lindstrom shreds we’re ready because it’s not too loud. Also, there’s a chorus over the shredding that’s very melodic. Lioneye has melody to burn.
“Who Turned The Lights Out” displays guitar effects that remind us once again of Van Halen, especially at the beginning of “And The Cradle Will Rock….” Lindstroms’ bass prowess makes a nice showing. His bass is hard to hear throughout Vol. II unless focusing on it, as the guitar and drums are nonstop. The riffs near the beginning got our head moving and this is a rarity because we’re not easily impressed.
The closer “Kiss of the Cannibal” begins with light chiming sounds before the drums and riffs take hold. Lioneye can be both heavy and light like the best Queen. What sounds like dual bass drums provides a nice background. The slower riffs sound like Sabbath. The chorus sounds like a harder version of Billy Corgan’s wailing. Chimes end things nicely.
Daniel Lioneye is a side project that is better than most bands’ main group. The feeling we have at the end of the album is one of awe because these men rock ferociously… yet lightly. Since things can change on a dime, we are grateful that the members of Lioneye made this slab of gold. We can only hope they continue in this vein. - CWGmagazine.com

H.I.M.'s Linde and Burton have a side project dubbed Daniel Lioneye, who are newly signed to The End Records. The band formed back in 2001, and their obscure debut, 'The King of Rock 'n' Roll,' was released solely in their native Finland and Germany. However, they were plucked from the underground by notorious H.I.M. fan Bam Margera, who used the title track as the theme song for his TV show, 'Viva La Bam.'

You can check out the brand spanking new song 'I Have Never Wanted to Be Number One' from the forthcoming 'Vol. II,' which is available on their MySpace. It's a lush and layered helping of vocal distortion and riffery that's not really similar to the duo's main band. At all. It's also got a touch of black metal coursing through its veins.

In Daniel Lioneye, Linde plays guitar, bass and sings, while Burton operates the keys alongside drummer Bolton of Enochian Crescent. 'Vol. II' hits shelves on April 27.

In a statement, Linde said that the song has been floating around for half a decade and was intended to sound quite different than its final form. "This is no doubt the most accessible song on the album and believe it or not, it was written about five years ago," he said. "It was meant to be an acoustic ballad, but this album is not about acoustic ballads, so we started to f--- around with it. At first I thought that it sticks out a bit too much from the rest of the stuff and wasn't sure if I should include it. It sounded too serious and stiff to me. Then Burton came in with his '80s keys and we added the blast beat part in the end and it changed my mind."

'Vol. II' tracklisting is as follows:

1. Euroshaman
2. Flatlined
3. Saturnalia
4. Neolithic Way
5. I Saw Myself
6. The Mentat
7. I Have Never Wanted To Be Number One
8. Who Turned The Lights Out
9. Kiss of the Cannibal - AOL.com Noisecreep

April 27th sees the US release of the new album from Daniel Lioneye (aka Linde, guitarist for HIM). Appropriately entitled “Vol. II” this is the second offering from the amazingly talented guitarist and I was given the chance to have an early listen to it. If you’re expecting a repeat of their first album “The King of Rock N Roll” you’re in for a surprise.
A side project of a few of the members of HIM, Daniel Lioneye has changed up the lineup this time around. Linde (Daniel Lioneye) once again does vocals and guitar but this time throws the bass in as well while Burton (HIM keyboardist) takes up the keyboards and Bolton (Enochian Crescent) takes over on drums. The band’s first album, “The King of Rock N Roll” was only released in Finland and Germany and showcased not only Linde’s amazing guitar talent but showed us that the usually silent Finn had an amazingly deep and well rounded voice.
This time around it seems that the group is going to the far opposite extreme of their HIM counterparts. For their first North American release they’ve dug into their black metal roots. The deep voice we heard in the debut album has mostly been replaced by distorted guttural screaming that reminds me of Cradle of Filth to some degree. The opening track ‘Euroshaman‘ holds nothing back, giving you ripping guitar riffs and some unbelievable drumming that continues throughout the album. It is most definitely a showcase for Linde’s amazing ability to play the guitar. The track ‘I Have Never Wanted To Be Number One‘ is probably my favorite off the album – possibly because it is the only track on the album where the screaming gives way to a more melodic sound. There’s still plenty of wicked riffs and distorted sound though so don’t worry.
All in all if you enjoy hard, fast, metal with a bit of funky keyboards to bang your head to you’re going to love “Vol. II”. And if you thought all the members of HIM were just lovelorn crooners you’ll be in for a pleasant surprise. Here’s hoping Daniel Lioneye takes the American Metal scene by storm and maybe we’ll get lucky and even get a tour sometime.
Daniel Lioneye’s “Vol. II” can be pre-ordered now at The Omega Order and there are several bundles available. Release date is April 27, 2010. Order your copy today and let’s show the the US market that Finnish Metal is where it’s at!
And follow Daniel Lioneye on Twitter and Myspace! And stay tuned for our interview with Daniel Lioneye himself coming in April! - EuroRockRadio.com

The side project from members of HIM, Daniel Lioneye, are set to release their new album Vol. II on April 27th. Consisting of Linde (HIM) on guitars, bass and vocals, Burton (HIM) on keyboards and Bolton (Enochian Crescent) on drums, the band has always embraced breaking boundaries and taking new directions, which is exactly what they did on their sophomore release.
Formed in 2001, Daniel Lioneye’s debut album, The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, was only released in Finland and Germany and was a “tongue in cheek” psychedelic stoner rock album. Earning the group quite a bit of attention, the band played at handful of festivals in Finland which resulted in the title track being the theme song for Bam Margera’s TV show, Viva La Bam. Simply called VOL. II, the band’s North American debut is heavier than the band’s prior release, making it an extreme, yet melodic, rock n’ roll album influenced by black metal.
The first song available for listening on the band’s Myspace page is “I Have Never Wanted To Be Number One”. Linde had the following to say about the song… “This is no doubt the most accessible song on the album and believe it or not it was written about 5 years ago. It was meant to be an acoustic ballad but this album is not about acoustic ballads so we started to fuck around with it. At first I thought that it sticks out a bit too much from the rest of the stuff and wasn’t sure if I should include it. It sounded too serious and stiff to me. Then Burton came in with his 80's keys and we added the blast beat part in the end and it changed my mind. Lyrically I guess it is about moving on. But it kind of raises more questions than gives answers and I like to keep it that way.”
VOL. II Tracklisting:
Euroshaman
Flatlined
Saturnalia
Neolithic Way
I Saw Myself
The Mentat
I Have Never Wanted To Be Number One
Who Turned The Lights Out
Kiss of the Cannibal
For all the latest info:
www.myspace.com/daniellioneyeofficial
www.twitter.com/DLioneye - TheyWillRockYou.com

Daniel Lioneye, the side project from members of HIM, is gearing up to release their new album VOL. II on April 27th on The End Records (Warner in Finland).

Consisting of Linde/Daniel Lioneye (HIM's Mikko Lindstrom) on guitars, bass and vocals, Emerson Burton (HIM) on keyboards and Bolton (Enochian Crescent) on drums, the band continues to embrace breaking boundaries and taking new directions.

Formed in 2001, Daniel Lioneye's debut album, The King of Rock 'n' Roll, was only released in Finland and Germany. The album was a "tongue in cheek" psychedelic stoner rock album.

The King of Rock 'n' Roll earned the group quite a bit of attention, which resulted in the title track being the theme song for Bam Margera's TV show, Viva La Bam.

The original lineup included HIM members Mige Paananen on vocals and guitar and Ville Valo on drums and The Skreppers vocalist Hiili Hiilesmaa on keyboards.

This time out Linde was looking to take the group in a heavier metal direction. Simply called VOL. II, Daniel Lioneye's North American debut is heavier than the band's prior release, making it an extreme rock n' roll album with influences from black metal. - Examiner.com

DANIEL LIONEYE, the Finnish band featuring HIM members Mikko "Linde" Lindström on guitar, bass and vocals and Janne "Burton" Puurtinen on keyboards alongside Black Vomit Bolton (ENOCHIAN CRESCENT) on drums, will release its new album, "Vol. II", in North America on April 27 via The End Records.

Formed in 2001, DANIEL LIONEYE's debut album, "The King Of Rock 'N' Roll", was only released in Finland and Germany and was a tongue-in-cheek. psychedelic stoner rock LP. The group supported the effort by playing a handful of festivals in Finland, which resulted in the CD's title track being used as the theme song for Bam Margera's TV show, "Viva La Bam".

According to a press release, "Vol. II" is heavier than the band's previous CD and is being described as "an extreme rock n' roll album with influences from black metal."

"Vol. II" track listing:

01. Euroshaman
02. Flatlined
03. Saturnalia
04. Neolithic Way
05. I Saw Myself
06. The Mentat
07. I Have Never Wanted To Be Number One
08. Who Turned The Lights Out
09. Kiss Of The Cannibal

Check out audio samples at this location. - Blabbermouth.net

While Linde Lindstrom is known as the dreadlocked guitarist for dark rockers HIM, he also has a side project for his other musical predilections called Daniel Lioneye. While the first album King Of Rock’n Roll was a hedonistic stoner rock release, the new Vol. II is a belligerent black metal beast that will throw many HIM devotees and Daniel Lioneye fans for a loop. From its demonic cover, including the requisite, nearly illegible black/death metal logo, to the aggressive aural landscape of the release itself, Vol. II shows Linde to be in a pretty pissed off mood. While the first album featured support from HIM bassist Migé and singer Ville Valo on drums, this latest release finds Linde — on vocals, guitars and bass — being supported by HIM keyboardist Burton and Enochian Crescent drummer Bolton. Migé offered assistance in the lyrical department. Vol. II is old school black metal with Goth influences and melodic enhancements. It’s ultimately the same artistic vehicle for Linde, but the players and style have changed.
During the recent Daniel Lioneye listening party in New York, I chatted with Linde about the project, its inspiration and his life. You can read ADD’s chat with Migé here, and details on our Daniel Lioneye CD giveaway are here.


While the first Daniel Lioneye album was a stoner rock record, this album is bombastic black metal. What happened over the last decade that made you so angry?
I don’t know. Life in general, I suppose. Everybody has their troubles in life, and I had a difficult five years or so. I’ve been listening to black metal since I was a kid, so it’s been in the background. It’s been a dream of mine to make a really, really heavy album.
HIM drummer Gas Lipstick has his own death metal band, To Separate The Flesh From The Bones. Have you guys ever jammed together on stuff like this?
No, we haven’t jammed together like that, but maybe one day.
Was the new Daniel Lioneye a more physically demanding album to play?
Yeah, it’s a lot harder band, especially singing at the same time. It’s going to be a challenge for me when we play some live shows at some point. I’m going to have another guitar player to back me up. I can’t do it all myself.
“Everybody has their troubles in life, and I had a difficult five years or so.”
What was the springboard for this album? What bands did you listen to for inspiration?
It’s been in the back of my head for ages. I’ve been listening to bands like Impaled Nazarene, Immortal, Strapping Young Lad, stuff like that.
What was in your head when you were writing the lyrics this time around?
A lot of stuff, mainly anger. The whole album is a release of anger. And Migé, the bass player from HIM, helped me write the lyrics, so you should ask him, too.What was it like to have the title track from your first album used as the theme song for the show Viva La Bam?
That was cool. I think it fit the show perfectly. When Bam asked, I was like, “Of course.”
I’m sure a lot of people weren’t aware that it was your music.
I know. It’s a kind of a weird concept. People don’t know Daniel Lioneye. They might know the one song from the TV show and that’s it, but we’re working on it.
Is there a lot of pressure on you because of all your success with HIM?
No. I’m not going to think like that, you know. HIM has become such a big band, and there are so many expectations, so the pressure is there. With Daniel Lioneye, it is what it is. If you don’t like it, fuck off.

So you split the lyric writing with Mige this time out. What is the most personal song on this record for you?
They’re all pretty personal. Maybe “Neolithic Way”. That’s my favorite song. But I don’t want to explain my lyrics too much because they mean different things to me every time I hear them, and I like to keep it that way. When I hear songs and listen to lyrics, they mean something special to me, and it might be something different to somebody else. I’d rather leave it open.
So if you met one of your idols, you wouldn’t ask them the meaning of a certain song?
No, never.
Are we going to see a Daniel Lioneye tour?
Yes, I hope so. We haven’t scheduled anything yet, but we’re all very anxious to see how this will go live.


Do you think Daniel Lioneye fans will be surprised by Vol. II?
Some of them are probably going to be very surprised. The feedback so far has been really divided, but mostly positive.
But as far as your fans, what would they be surprised to learn about you?
That’s a difficult question. I don’t know. Let’s skip that one. [laughs]
Are many of the members of HIM vegetarian?
I’m not. Ville, Mige and Burton are. They’re almost vegan. I don’t eat meat so much, I eat fish. Mige especially is like a Nazi when it comes to that. He thinks meat is murder, and that’s it.
“I don’t want to explain my lyrics too much because they mean different things to me every time I hear them.”
When did you decide to stop eating meat?
Ages ago. I’ve been on and off.
Do Finnish people fit the Scandinavian stereotype of being heavy drinkers and rather somber?
Yes, they do. It’s a stereotype, but it’s true. Finnish people keep to themselves, and when they get drunk that’s when they let it all out.

Daniel Lioneye Mk. II in NYC.
But since you’re more successful, are you a happier Finn then?
I guess so. We’ve been put down for ages by the Swedes and the Russians,
so we’re kind of reserved.
Are there any Finnish bands you like that the world should know about?
There is a black metal band called Enochian Crescent, which the drummer from Daniel Lioneye plays in. That’s a very cool band. You should check it out.
- http://www.bryanreesman.com

Daniel Lioneye - Vol II
Mr Lioneye 'the king of rock'n'roll' is back!
Rating: 8
Arriving almost a decade after HIM guitarist Linde Lindström’s solo debut, ‘The King Of Rock ’N’ Roll’, which featured his ‘day job’ band mates, this time around it’s a case of forget what you know. Gone are the laidback grooves and ‘joke band’ attitude, as ‘Vol II’ is a serious, full-on assault from the word go. With new sticksman Bolton providing some pumped-up machine gun drumming, Fantômas-style bleeps and off-kilter sampling courtesy of keyboardist Burton and a large helping of experimentation, ‘Vol II’ could almost be the bastard offspring of a Mike Patton and black metal union. This baby roars!
For fans of: Mike Patton, HIM - Rocksound