Frontiers Records has announced the return of MICHAEL THOMPSON BAND, with the release of the brand new album, Future Past, on February 24th in Europe and February 28th in North America.

In 1988, after working to try and get a deal with his band SLANG, guitarist Michael Thompson finally got signed by Geffen Records to release one album entitled How Long, under the Michael Thompson Band (MTB) monicker.

On How Long some great studio musicians appeared as guests, in particular drummer-maestro Terry Bozzio, singer Moon Calhoun (ex-THE STRAND), Pat Torpey (later on drummer with MR. BIG), bassist Jimmy Haslip, John Elefante (KANSAS), TOTO's Bobby Kimball and GREAT WHITE associates Michael Lardie and Wyn Davis (who also produced the album). Songwriters would include, among others, AOR stars such as: Jeff Paris, Mark Spiro, Billy Trudel and Brett Walker.

As of today, How Long is still regarded as one of the highest examples of hi-tech AOR / West Coast, with a superb production and immaculate songwriting.

“I think the album has stood the test of time with a great batch of songs and some really strong performances. It was heartfelt and I think people respond to music that comes from the heart. I'm glad that many fans of melodic rock still list this record amongst their favourites”, tells Michael Thompson.

How Long was reissued in 2007 with three bonus tracks and started a relationship between Michael Thompson and Frontiers Records, which finally brings the anticipated release of the new Michael Thompson Band album in early 2012.

“I've tried to keep the new MTB album Future Past in the same spirit as How Long. I'm hoping that people will hear the natural progression of my music and appreciate the new record as much as the first one”, continues Michael. “Although 22 years is quite a gap time-wise the music was recorded with the same feeling and spirit as I always had."

For the new album Michael teamed up with the awesome singer Larry King from SOLEIL MOON. Larry brought a new and more rocking approach to the MTB sound, but certainly the trademark elements of songwriting and melodies are still to be found in the new album Future Past.

In Michael Thompson words: “When I was considering singers for this new record I said to myself, 'Who is the best rock singer that I know?', and only one person came to mind - Larry King. The guy has such a phenomenal range and texture and it goes perfectly with my guitars. We started writing songs together a little over a year ago and from the first song, 'Can't Be Right', I knew we had something special!”

MTB 2012 lineup is rounded up by Khari Parker on drums and Alan Berliant on bass.

“Larry brought them into the picture and it was a pleasure for me to work with some knew guys that I wasn't familiar with. It brought a fresh approach to the music,” says Michael.

The production of Future Past is just flawless and the album is destined to become soon another AOR music classic.

“I think that the title kind of says it all - Future Past”, concludes Michael. “Larry and I are both big fans of classic rock and AOR melodic rock so we just naturally infuse that love into the music that we write. It's elements of the past with a modern approach."

Future Past tracklisting:

'High Times'

'High Times'

'Can't Be Right'

'Can't Be Right'

'Future Past'

'Future Past'

'When You Love Someone'

'Here I Am'

'Beautiful Mystery'

'Break Me Down'

'End Game'

'Gypsy Road'

'Can't Miss 2012'

'Fight For Your Life'

The first single, 'Can’t Be Right', can be listened in full, streaming on the Frontiers Web Radio at this location now.