STRUTTER'ZINE-  

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A DIGITAL WALK ALONG THE MELODIC LABEL FIELDS -  

MP3 REVIEWS: VARIOUS ARTISTS/BANDS ‘VARIOUS ALBUMS’ (VARIOUS LABELS)

Sad to see now each and every label jumping on the MP3 wagon and making their releases only available for promotion as MP3 in the so-called ‘I-pool’ for us, the reviewers. One way or the other, that leaves us concentrating more and more in the future on the independent scene who do not work this way, but prefer the old fashioned way, which was also the original intention when our magazine started way back in 1994. Nevertheless, we’ll still dig into all the label releases through this part of the NEW REVIEWS pages which will be featured on our NEWS PAGE from now on, with some short summary of the releases done by labels, such as FRONTIERS RECORDS, LION MUSIC, LIMB MUSIC and AFM RECORDS. On the other hand, most of these releases are discussed by so many other webzines and magazines worldwide, so a short review will only be more effective than the lengthy reviews we did in the past when we received real promo CDs. Nevertheless, as you can see, there is still some in-depth look at the finest releases. F.y.i., we do not review the releases of MASSACRE RECORDS and NAPALM RECORDS like we did in the past, as we simply do not have access to their I-POOL anymore, which is a shame of course, but it seems like certain labels are making it harder and harder to promote their own releases, as they seem to think by self-promotion it will sell no matter what, plus the fact that many of their releases will leak anyway or the amount of preview mp3s is enough for a music fan to decide wether or not to buy an album. Anyway, an honest review will never hurt and as you can read on our reviewspages, you will definitely discover something new you otherwise would not have known about. But first let’s have a look through the releases of some melodic rock/metal/prog labels that offered their mp3s for review…

First we’ll go through the FRONTIERS RECORDS releases of the past few months, because of course this label brought us the most interesting releases. Hopefully some will make it onto PICTURE DISC vinyl soon, like happened with the amazing W.E.T. and GIANT earlier this year. ASIA delivers a new studio-album titled ‘Omega’ and a live record titled ‘Spirit of the night – live in Cambridge 09’. The new album is a lot better than their comeback/reunion record of a few years ago. The songs are more energetic and uptempo, something the early ASIA was best known for. “Finger on the trigger”, “Listen children” and “I believe” do relive the old ASIA sound, bombastic pompy AOR. Furthermore they do sound like KAYAK a lot nowadays, which of course ain’t bad either. Concluded, not a classic, but perhaps WETTON’s finest work since his solo effort ‘Battle lines’ and that was a long time ago! The live release is ok for what it is, showing they made the real classics 28 years ago…

FRONTIERS goes a little Glamrock with the new albums of CRASHDIET and VINCE NEIL. The Swedish CRASHDIET deliver good high quality 80s Glamrock meets Melodic Hardrock on their new CD ‘Generation wild’, with many catchy tunes that 25 years ago would have hit the USA big time! Definitely a highly recommended album if you want to hear a mix between MOTLEY CRUE and DEF LEPPARD! Once a Glamrock God, nowadays a sad affair of reliving his 80s successes, VINCE NEIL’s new solo-CD is as weak as you want it to be. He still can not sing and doing all these covers surely doesn’t make it more interesting. His solo-debut CD from 17 years ago was his last interesting effort, because what he now delivers is absolutely rubbish…

HAREM SCAREM ended so suddenly a few years ago, which of course was one of the worst breakups in Melodic Hardrock history. Lead singer HARRY HESS continues making music of course and his first baby is the project FIRST SIGNAL, which musically is pure Melodic Rock/AOR like a mix between the very first HAREM SCAREM classic and W.E.T. It’s all very much done by the numbers, so no surprises and perhaps for some a bit too safe, especially when compared to the last couple of HAREM SCAREM albums, but why complain if we can enjoy 11 catchy Melodic Rock tunes.

The live-albums from PRIMAL FEAR, JOHN WAITE, TESLA and EXTREME are for the fans of each of these acts of course very interesting to check out, all sounding crystal clear to the typical FRONTIERS standards.

Not many weak releases as usual on FRONTIERS RECORDS, because also the debut CDs of ISSA and MICHAEL KISKE AND AMANDA SOMMERVILLE are filled with high quality catchy Melodic Rock. Perhaps sounding very cliché here and there, there are a bunch of songs included here that with some good marketing could easily become HUGE hits in both Europe and the USA. ISSA comes out of Norway and she is a beautiful singer who delivers a typical 80s catchy AOR/Melodic Poprock (ERIKA) meets current 00s catchy Modern Melodic Poprock (KELLY CLARCKSON) with her first CD ‘Sign of angels’. Most of the catchy tunes do give you the impression ‘where did I hear that before’, so it is all very cliché sounding from start to finish, but in the end we’re all enjoying and singing along to tunes like “I’m alive”, “River of love” (damn, I love such catchy tunes) and “Angels crying”. The songwriters and musicians are coming out of the major league of the huge Scandinavian/German Hardrock/Metalscene, including members of bands like MASTERPLAN, HELLOWEEN, SAINT DEAMON, HAMMERFALL, CRASH THE SYSTEM, CANDLEMASS and even DIMMU BORGIR!!! The first album of lead singers MICHAEL KISKE (ex-HELLOWEEN) and AMANDA SOMMERVILLE was actually put together by MAT SINNER (SINNER, PRIMAL FEAR) and MAGNUS KARLSSON (STARBREAKER, LAST TRIBE, PLACE VENDOME), who once again deliver a high quality Melodic Rockalbum. Just like ISSA, also very standardized sounding material, but all done very well and with such amazing vocalwork of both Michael and Amanda very enjoyable to listen to from start to finish. After a few spins, it becomes clear that this MICHAEL KISKE AND AMANDA SOMMERVILLE album will stand the test of time, because songs like “Nothing left to say”, “Silence”, “Don’t walk away” and “If I had a wish” are top of the bill for any Melodic Rockfan, so be sure not to miss this release!

Both STAN BUSH and KEVIN CHALFANT return with new album releases and both deliver the high class stuff they always deliver. Both singers are the most friendly people in the music business and they belong to the best singers in AOR history, releasing countless AOR Classics in the past and never changing their style of music, because also their new albums are pure AOR with some songs that can be consider to-become classics. STAN BUSH releases ‘Dream the dream’, which is another typical STAN BUSH sounding AOR/Melodic Rockalbum with such fantastic songs like “I’m still here”, “Don’t give up on love” and “Love is the road”, while KEVIN CHALFANT comes with a new TWO FIRES album titled ‘Burning bright’ (follow-up to the 2nd album ‘Ignition’ from 8 years ago!) that thanks to the amazing vocalwork of Kevin himself is lifted up way above any AOR release of the past few years. He’s without a doubt the most gifted singer in AOR history, with an incredible voice that is truly an instrument on it’s own. The songs are typical AOR/Melodic Rock, with as highlights “Shattered with you”, “Lost in the song”, “Answer to my prayer”, (could have been on the 707 classic album ‘Megaforce’, very catchy hook there!), ”Relentless” and the beautiful THE STORMish AOR ballad “Some things are better left unsaid” (AOR ballad of the year 2010 for sure and perhaps one of the best songs recorded in 2010!). If only the production had been done by a major producer in a major studio, this could have been the best AOR album since the PRIDE OF LIONS debut in the 2000s, because I feel the production lacks a bit, which is a shame, because the songs are top-notch AOR with of course Kevin’s superb vocalwork and some great JOURNEYish melodic guitarwork by Michael “Ralph” Gardner who is a great substitute for JOSH RAMOS, who did not participate in this new TWO FIRES album. These 2 albums (STAN BUSH and TWO FIRES) together with the KISKE/SOMMERVILLE and new TERRY BROCK (review below) records belong to the best releases of FRONTIERS from the past 3 / 4 months.

Also new albums of TERRA NOVA, STRANGEWAYS, Y&T, VANDENPLAS and PRETTY MAIDS have been released. The new STRANGEWAYS record ‘Perfect world’ is a real surprise, because it marks the return to their classic AOR sound, partly thanks to singer TERRY BROCK, who by the way also delivers a new solo-CD titled ‘Diamond blue’. That solo-CD is more interesting than the new STRANGEWAYS, which simply can not compete with the band’s late 80s AOR Classics. Please keep in mind that the new STRANGEWAYS is not bad at all, very high quality musicianship is displayed on that disc that will perhaps get better with more repeats, nevertheless the solo-record sounds stronger at first sight (more straight-ahead AOR), although nothing new is brought on that disc. Think you’ll get the picture here, play it safe with the new TERRY BROCK solo record that includes the pure AOR a la MITCH MALLOY/STAN BUSH (some really awesome catchy pure AOR here with songs like “Jessie’s gone”, “Broken”, the amazing “Soldier falls” (a classic AOR touch here for sure) and “The rain”) or when you’re looking for a little more moodier calmer AOR perhaps go for the new STRANGEWAYS, but please be aware that both records can not compete with the old STRANGEWAYS records or even GIANT’s latest effort which also saw TERRY BROCK singing on, except for a few tracks on the new STRANGEWAYS album such as “Time” and “One more day” that do reveal the classic late 80s sound of JOURNEYesque STRANGEWAYS.

TERRA NOVA delivered a Melodic Rock classic 15 years ago, became big stars in Japan and on and off released a new record the following years. None of these albums, including the new CD ‘Come alive’ can be considered classics, but nevertheless also this new album offers nicely played AOR/Melodic Rock, with a lot of JOURNEY influences. The new Y&T album ‘Facemelter’ is good… very good… played very well… BUT it’s like DAVE MENIKETTI really wanted it so bad to relive the classic Y&T sound we missed so much, so he actually rewrote all his classics (especially “Midnight in Tokyo” and “Forever”) with some slight different arrangements and the result is this new Y&T album that sounds like a classic at first sight, but is in fact just a typical 1980s sounding Y&T album that during each and every song makes you think of a classic Y&T tune. For example “I’m coming home” is part 2 of “Midnight in Tokyo”. Nevertheless, Dave is still one the finest vocalists and guitarists… if only he and his band Y&T had been as big as MOTLEY CRUE and POISON back in 1985, he perhaps would have received much more recognition!

Both VANDENPLAS and PRETTY MAIDS delivered classics in the past, but their new albums are not reaching their past performance, although they are still of a high level. The sound/production is top-notch and fans of both bands will of course be delighted with this strong new albums. However it is perhaps the amount of new albums being released at the moment, but when listening to these new songs of these bands I’ll personally long back to their earlier releases, especially referring to PRETTY MAIDS, whom in the 1980s were at their peak with that classic ‘Future world’. VANDENPLAS on the other hand delivered their best works not that long ago and some more spins of their new record might make their new album more interesting, because what we can hear is definitely very well played Melodic Progmetal that has the possibility to become classic in the progmetal field in a few years (the new CD is pretty good, really). PRETTY MAIDS’ new record is definitely good for what it is, pure Melodic Heavy Rock, sometimes very catchy (“Little drops of heaven”), but if this is your first attempt at their music, then please go for ‘Future world’ first…

TRIUMPH released a greatest hits package on FRONTIERS RECORDS. Well, not really interesting, because if you have the whole catalogue of the band why bother this CD, even the fact it includes new remasters. Secondly, I miss so many of their real classics… well Melodic Rock Classics, because so many people hate their later 80s records, which for the AOR/Melodic Rockfan are the most interesting of course. ‘The sport of kings’ and ‘Surveillance’ are both ignored and that is a pity, because when playing TRIUMPH I usually grab these records first, because it had so many great tunes. Anyway, a new TRIUMPH record would be more interesting than this best of release.

The most surprising release on FRONTIERS RECORDS is of course the new UNRULY CHILD album ‘Worlds collide’ that brings us MARCIE FREE again. He disappeared during the mid 1990s when MARK became MARCIE, which was very ‘not-done’ in the Rock/Hardrockscene and also the whole Grunge thing killed the whole Melodic Rockscene, so it became quiet around this incredible singer who delivered some of the finest AOR in the past, especially on the SIGNAL, UNRULY CHILD and MARK FREE albums. Now more than 15 years later, (s)he has returned as singer on the new UNRULY CHILD album ‘Worlds collide’. The voice is still as good as it was so many years ago, which of course is very important. Musically UNRULY CHILD’s new record is not far removed from their classic Melodic Rock debut from the early 1990s. Perhaps this new album will not become a classic in the next 20 years or so, despite there’s some very strong material included here and there, such as “When we were young”, “When worlds collide” (the best song by far!), “Read my mind” and “Very first time”. Sadly, there are also a bunch of so-so groovy rockers (“Life death”) to be heard that put down the level a bit, but it’s good to see MARCIE back again. It’s also nice to see that some of the semi-ballads somehow have a BEATLES kinda influence. However, personally I am all up for a new solo-CD in the style of ‘Long way from love’ or SIGNAL’s ‘Loud and clear’, so a real AOR Classic, because the voice is still able to deliver the same class…

That’s the FRONTIERS RECORDS summary of the past few months. All their albums sound of course very good, production wise and also musically speaking picture perfect, but the real memorable releases have been done by STAN BUSH, TWO FIRES and KISKE SOMMERVILLE, but also TERRY BROCK is interesting for the AOR fans, while the other highlight was MARCIE FREE’s voice that still sounds amazing!

LION MUSIC is also a label that releases quite a few CDs within a small period. This time about 10 albums to go through. The instrumental work comes from ALEX MASI, MICHAEL HARRIS and GEORGE BELLAS. The Progressive side of things however is more interesting, with especially the new album of the Dutch band DAY SIX being a very strong album. ‘The grand design’ mixes Progressive Rock and Progmetal and the band has succeeded to deliver their finest work so far. A real great piece of work that combines elements of SYMPHONY X, SEVENTH WONDER and DREAM THEATER, with a touch of Neo-Prog, well done! Also interesting Progmetal of a high level can be heard on the debut CD of the Hungarian band DREYELANDS. In fact, their first album is sounding quite sensational (especially songs like “Can’t hide away” and “Pretending”), very well constructed and ‘catchy’ Melodic Progressive Metal, easily up there with a band like SEVENTH WONDER, although vocally a little rawer here and there. It is clear that LION MUSIC has a good ear for high quality Melodic Progmetal bands, because they always release quality albums in this genre and soon we will be pleased with the new SEVENTH WONDER album that hopefully will be the best of them all. In the meantime, check out the very good new DAY SIX record and the sensational debut of DREYELANDS! Also the new CD of SECTION A, which is their 3rd CD, is filled with high quality Progressive Metal that combine superstrong vocals with tight melodies and some very aggressive guitarwork and a few Neo-Classical meets Power Metal riffs here and there. Progmetal the way it should sound, so be sure to also check out this Swedish band’s new album ‘Sacrifice’ as it will please you for sure from the beginning until the end (some really superb songs can be heard here, such as “Land of the desert sun”, “Days of sorrow”, “The city of falling” (terrific Melodic Power Metal, amazing haunting chorus a la DUNGEON meets FIFTH ANGEL) and “Heroes”). So, there you have it… 3 highly recommended new PROG/POWER METAL releases on LION MUSIC…

Italian keyboard mastermind MISTHERIA releases a new album, 6 years after his last effort ‘Messenger Of The Gods’. The new CD is titled ‘Dragon fire’ and it is a very strong album actually, Neo-Classical Melodic (Power) Metal is the name of the game here. ROYAL HUNT and ARTENSION are 2 clear comparisons and some of the songs are even reaching that high level, although therefore MISTHERIA has to thank the incredible list of guest singers and musicians for, because JOHN WEST, MARK BOALS, ROB ROCK, LANCE KING, NEIL ZAZA, GEORGE BELLAS, ROGER STAFFELBACH, JOHN MACALUSO and many others stepped in here and they all come from the major bands in the Neo-Classical Power Metal genre (MALMSTEEN, ROYAL HUNT, IMPELLITTERI, RING OF FIRE, ARTENSION, ARK, etc. etc.), so then it is not really strange when MISTHERIA’s new album sounds that good. Recommended to fans of mentioned acts!

More Melodic Hardrock orientated are the releases of the bands GRONHOLM and PANGEA. The 3-piece band GRONHOLM is coming out of Finland and on their debut CD there are guest appearances of guitarist TY TABOR (KING’S X) and keyboardplayer DEREK SHERINIAN (DREAM THEATER). Musically we can hear strong Melodic Hardrock that also reveal influences from other genres here and there, but always keeping an eye open for a good haunting melody, such as in the excellent “Fate and belief” and “You and me”. Quality stuff, just like the new album of PANGEA, which was a Danish band whom released 2 great Melodic Rockalbums during the mid 1990s. We reviewed these albums some 15 years ago, but after ‘Manchild’ in 1997, it became very quiet until now, because their 3rd album has been released in the shape of ‘Retrospectacular’. As it nothing has changed, the band continues to bring us high quality Melodic Hard Rock, with a typical Scandi touch… welcome back guys with your HAREM SCAREM meets TALISMANish Melodic Hardrock!

Female fronted Hardrock/Metal can be heard on the new CD of MASTERCASTLE. ‘Last desire’ is the follow-up to their 2009 release and just like that record, also this new CD is filled with high quality mostly uptempo tough powerful Melodic (Power) Metal that is graced with some excellent vocalwork of female singer GIORGIA GUEGLIO. Great new release of this upcoming Italian band! The other female fronted release is the new CD of LARS ERIC MATTSSON. This guitarist has been releasing records since the mid 1980s and the last few years he’s been accompanied by a female singer. ‘Tango’ is the title of the new CD and it sounds a bit experimental at times, but also melodic, proggy and rocking. Needs a few more listens to make up a good judgement, but as always Lars releases another quality album.

Concluded, a round-up of LION MUSIC’s releases learns that their finest and most recommended CDs that need to be checked are their Prog/Power Metal releases of especially DREYELANDS, DAY SIX and SECTION A. However, 2 of their releases from the past few months have also been seperately reviewed by us, as these discs were sent in their original hard copy CD format instead of the unfriendly digital MP3 format. So go look for ANTHRIEL and MINDSPLIT on the new reviews pages…

AFM RECORDS has a few very strong releases, but also a few less interesting. BIG BALL is nothing more than a weaker version of AIRBOURNE. Simple basic Hardrock and roll in the AC/DC style, but then a bit too cliché and standard to make any impression. JON OLIVIA’S PAIN releases ‘Festival’, which is interesting for the SAVATAGE fans of course. MAGICA’s new album ‘Dark diary’ is quality stuff, but on the other hand not really original, because the Symphonic Epic female fronted Gothic Power Metal trick has now been done so many times that making an impression will be hard. The bandnamed NEVERLAND has popped up quite a few times in the past, as we reviewed a Swiss and a Greek/Turkish band, besides the fact that in the early 90s there was an American band that had the same name. Anyway, AFM RECORDS now releases the 2nd album of the Greek/Turkish NEVERLAND, which is once again filled with good clean quality Melodic Sympho Power Metal. Vocally quite different than the usual bands in this genre, but somehow this band does it quite well and therefore ‘Ophidia’ is an interesting album for sure. However, the absolute highlight of the AFM RECORDS release schedule can be heard in the shape of the 2nd album of the Norwegian band TRIOSHERE. This female fronted band delivers an absolute masterpiece with their new record ‘The road less travelled’. This is unbelievably excellent stuff, a very melodic affair, but with the aggressiveness of pure Metal. They play a mix of Melodic Metal and Progressive Metal, with some haunting melodies. The band’s female singer (and bassist) Ida Haukland has an incredible vocal range and almost every song is a winner here. This is the way we wanna hear it… just listen to the superb “Human condition” and “Death of Jane Doe”, with it’s really fabulous choruses. Melodic choruses are very important in TRIOSPHERE’s music and I can easily inform you that mixed with lovely female vocals (once again have to add here that this is some of the best female vocals I have heard in a long time!) and biting Metal riffs, this album will appeal to many Rock and Metalfans out there. Definitely a band to watch out for this TRIOSPHERE!

LIMB MUSIC have released all SAVAGE GRACE albums on CD, fully remastered and with all kinds of liner notes. Very interesting of course to hear all their material on 2 CDs. The legendary US band existed the whole 1980s decade and were best known for their explicit sexy looking frontcovers and believe me, the original vinyl LP versions are almost impossible to find and when you do find one, well then you have to pay a lot of money for it, because they are rare. Anyway, the band was formed in 1981 and split up in 1992, but during those 11 years they released 4 albums that have now been put together on 2 CDs. Loaded with a bunch of typical 80s US Melodic Power Metal that sounded like a cross betweemn MAIDEN, AGENT STEEL and HEIR APPARENT, this band definitely left a mark on the US Metal scene with their music. Now we can all enjoy the band again, thanks to these re-issues.

Also on LIMB MUSIC is the new album of the Aussie Melodic Power Metalband BLACK MAJESTY. If you’re familiar with their earlier releases, you will absolutely love the new CD ‘In your honour’, although nothing new is brought here. However high quality music will always find it’s way to it’s fans and that is exactly the case here. We all know LIMB never releases weak albums and also with the release of the debut CD of the Italian band ANCIENT BARDS, we can enjoy another high quality release on the German label. This band’s first CD is titled ‘The Alliance Of The Kings’, featuring female vocals and musically sounding a lot like a cross between RHAPSODY and EPICA. So, it ain’t original, but happily done very well, so fans of EPICA, NIGHTWISH, RHAPSODY and that type of Epic Symphonic Power Metal might wanna check out this band asap!

And so we can finish our MP3 REVIEWS section, which was not bad at all, with some excellent releases of the acts (points mentioned behind name) TRIOSPHERE (9.2), SECTION A (8.9), DAY SIX (8.6), DREYELANDS (8.7), STAN BUSH (8.8), TWO FIRES (9.1), KISKE SOMMERVILLE (8.9) and TERRY BROCK (8.8), this month’s 8 must-have releases of the mp3 reviews-section, C-YA next time!

Thanks goes out to the 4 labels for making this column possible and if you want to hear see your label’s releases reviewed this way, then do please let us know, but if you want to see your album reviewed in full detail like on the NEW REVIEWS pages, then do sent an email to: Strutterzine@gmail.com  for further info…

JASON BECKER-  

There's a JASON BECKER movie coming up, more info at:  

http://www.jasonbeckermovie.com/ 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jason-Becker-Movie-Perpetual-Burn/103748259684855 

For a recap on the two tribute CD http://www.lionmusic.com/jasonbecker/jasonbecker.htm

QUIET RIOT-  

QUIET RIOT BACK IN BUSINESS WITH NEW SINGER AND UPCOMING TOUR

After the tragic passing of co-founding Quiet Riot singer Kevin DuBrow in 2007, many figured that the band was over. But while going through the vaults of vintage video material for an upcoming documentary of the band's history, the spark was reignited once more for drummer Frankie Banali to kick QR back in gear. The easy part was filling the guitar and bass slots - as former members Chuck Wright (bass) and Alex Grossi (guitar) promptly signed on. However, having to fill DuBrow's large shoes was no small task.

A longtime fan of heavy metal, singer Mark Huff came to Banali's attention while fronting a California-based Van Halen tribute band (that focused on the "Sammy Hagar era"). A true Cinderella story, Huff auditioned via a cattle call audition, promptly blew Banali away, and got the gig. After getting the blessing from DuBrow's mother to carry on with Quiet Riot (and to celebrate her son's music), the group was ready to rock once more.

Quiet Riot hit mega-success with their first-ever US release in 1983, the classic 'Metal Health.' Spawning two hit singles that have gone on to become synonymous with heavy metal - "Cum On Feel the Noize" and "Metal Health" - the 'Metal Health' album went on to become the first-ever metal US debut to hit the #1 spot on the Billboard album charts, and resulted in a solid year of sold-out arena shows and non-stop MTV video airplay. However, it was the DuBrow-Banali-Wright-Grossi line-up that proved to be DuBrow's favorite touring line-up (and also, most stable).

Quiet Riot is currently firming up plans for a full U.S. tour - their first in three years. And with the aforementioned documentary on the horizon, and the band's music being used in hit films ('The Wrestler,' 'Tropic Thunder'), video games ('Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80's'), and even musicals ('Rock of Ages') - as well as QR being name-checked in songs by Weezer and Ben Folds - Quiet Riot remains a major force in heavy metal. And soon, you will get a chance to bang your head once more to Quiet Riot, at a concert venue near you!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:

http://www.officialquietriot.com/ 

http://www.myspace.com/officialquietriot  

ALIEN-  

ALIEN - the original lineup! is back with a new single, Ready To Fly. Released on the 10th of Oct (10.10.10) by Manora Records.

The platinum selling Swedish AOR phenomena is back after some 22 years. An up to date production by Mårten Eriksson and Mats Lindfors, catching the classic Alien sound. Melodic rock at it's best!!

_ _ _

"Swedens best AOR band ever are back with original line-up playing songs from their self titled 1988 debut album... probably a 9,5 out of 10... Encore of this gig is a new song called Ready To Fly, a really good power ballad that fits well with the old material and according to me it shoul get some airplay since it's that good." - Planet AOR, review on ALIEN 2010 live premiere. _ _ _

www.alientheband.com  

SWEET CRYSTAL-  

Christian AOR band SWEET CRYSTAL will release a new CD soon, review next time, more info at: 

http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/SweetCrystal  

LANA TURNER-  

http://www.lanaturnerfund.com 

Lana Turner was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma Cancer in December 09’. Lana has some of the most generous friends and family. They have donated very special items that are up for auction on our Ebay Store. Rock Stars and Sports Stars with the biggest hearts on the planet have donated items to help offset the cost of Lana’s treatments and related expenses. Please check out the store or donate directly and forward this info.

Music Memorabilia Ebay Store: http://stores.ebay.com/bigblock1313 

Lana is Brit Turners's daughter from the band "BLACKBERRY SMOKE."

http://blackberrysmoke.com

STRUTTER'ZINE-  Please check out about 100+ new CD reviews we just uploaded.

Soon to be launched a complete new website as www.strutterzine.com

  with all new features and a complete review archive dating back to 1994 !!!

STRUTTER'ZINE-  Please check out about 100+ new CD reviews we just uploaded. A lot of sensational stuff has been released lately, both from the ´major´ labels and independent-demo releases. From the demo department, we highly recommended the in April and May newly discovered AOR-Melodic Rock sensations from Sweden, namely STRIKER, ULTIMATE FATE, EYE, RYDELL AND QUICK, NAKED, ETERNAL, STINGRAY and TURBULENCE.

The 'major' label releases gave us excellent new releases of STREAM OF PASSION, SILENT MEMORIAL, MANIMAL, REINXEED, PRAYING MANTIS, SHAKRA, PRIMAL FEAR, SAINT DEAMON, PATHOSRAY, MYSTIC PROPHECY, FARCRY, SAIDIAN and BLOODBOUND.

Re-issues included STINGRAY, CHARLEMAGNE, CHANNEL, I-TEN, GYNGER LYNN, CLARK KENT and STARCASTLE, but there's of course a lot more to read, such as the return of JOHNNY LIMA in the shape of his new album 'Living out loud', the amazing DAVID PRATER (FIREHOUSE) produced new album of Chilean Power Metalband SIX MAGICS, both independent releases and a whole string of great new Progrock releases! Enjoy!

STRUTTER'ZINE-  Please check out about 100 new CD reviews we just uploaded... Enjoy!

EUROPE COMPLETE ALBUM SESSIONS
Good news from the guys of Europe: www.europethebandblog.blogspot.com  -

"We have arrived at the end of this recording........Mr Lindell will now start mixing this fine collection of songs. It's a strange feeling not going back to the studio in Gothenburg more on this record. We are extremely proud of this cd. It's got emotion....it kicks ass......it's thought provoking.....it's sexy........it might just turn your world upside down. We're aiming for a May release. There will be touring this summer and autumn. But we wont be surprised if there will be major touring in 2010. Cause this might just be one of those albums that's got wings..... to travel to infinity and beyond. Thanks again for showing interest in this blog and our new CD. We're keeping the blog open. However there may not be many more posts at this particular stage. / Europe."

NEW RELEASE: GREAT RETURN OF ELEKTRADRIVE WITH THE NEW ALBUM "LIVING 4"

VALERY RECORDS is pleased to announce the release of a long awaited new record:

LIVING 4 the new album of ELEKTRADRIVE, band from Turin that has marked the history of rock in Italy with the two albums Due and Big City, awarding 5 k on Kerrang.

14 songs of mature and modern Hard Rock, a great work of unquestionable class alternating mighty tracks with wonderful ballads.
With 4 LIVING Elektradrive are coming back after more than ten years of silence with the four-fifths of the original line up and with a precious full length, result of more than three years of careful songwriting, choice of sounds and arrangements.

The tracks have a sound more fresh and modern than before, while keeping unchanged the trademarks of the band, which has always been characterized by beautiful melodic lines and vocal harmonies typical of the more refined melodic rock and AOR of the best 80s.
   
Guest on the track "Get Power from the sun with an unexpected flute insert, the master Mauro Pagani, former PFM.

As in the past, for the three previous works of the band, much attention was devoted to the theme of the lyrics that talk about urgent issues such as the collapse of the planet earth, the excessive power of corporations and the superficiality of modern society, without neglecting dreaming digressions on the beauty of nature and human emotions.

 

 

LIVING 4 - TRACK LIST

 

  1. EVIL EMPIRE 

  2. FEED THE GROUND

  3. WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

  4. LIVING 4

  5. DO IT FOR EVERYONE

  6. GET POWER FROM THE SUN

  7. PAIN

  8. DIRTY WAR OF BLOODY ANGELS

  9. THE WATER DIVINER

10. YOU ARE ALWAYS ON MY MIND

11. W.Y.S.I.W.Y.G.

12. IN A SUPERFICIAL WAY

13. FAKE NEWS

14. SON OF THE UNIVERSE 

 

 

ELEKTRADRIVE - LINKS

 

OFFICIAL WEBSITE                  www.elektradrive.com

MYSPACE                               www.myspace.com/elektradrive

STRUTTER'ZINE- Wow, we made it, 2008 is over and out. However, before we say goodbye to another glorious AOR/Melodic Rock and Prog/Power Metal year, check out about 100 new CD reviews we just uploaded, some interviews and also below our look back at 2008, with the annual charts of best albums, best songs, best singers, best bands, best labels, etc. etc.

Furthermore we would like to thank everyone whom we have been in touch with this past year. Hoping 2009 will be as good as 2008 or even better. We will be relocating and have bigger plans for the future (yes, including a HUGE new lay-out), but more on that as the year will progress. In the meantime...

ALL THE BEST FOR 2009!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

STRUTTER'ZINE AWARDS 2008

---THE YEAR IN REVIEW---

BEST ALBUMS OF 2008:

These are the 10 CDs you must own!

BEST SONGS OF 2008:

STRUTTER'ZINE -  First off, apologies for the lack of updates the past 2 months, but we are in the middle of a 'moving out and moving in' process, meaning we are relocating and that will take the next 6 months. However updates will still be done, but less frequently, although for 2009 the plans are that after we are settled in our new environment, more time will allow us to do more updates on the site and also plans for 2 books are currently being prepared. We are expecting to create 2 books into the next 5 years, but details on that will follow...
In the meantime, check the reviewspages as we have updated with a lot of new reviews, stuff from the underground in the world of melodic rock, aor and prog/power metal! Also the interviewspage has been updated...

STRUTTER'ZINE -  Check the reviewspages as we have updated with a lot of new reviews, stuff from the underground in the world of melodic rock, aor and prog/power metal! 

JOURNEY -  New year, new singer, new album, new tour, well, JOURNEY seems to be heading into another new chapter and even signed a deal with WALMART in the USA for the new album. Europe has the FRONTIERS deal and below is all the info on the new JOURNEY release. In the meantime check out samples at: http://downloads.walmart.com/swap/LoadAlbumSongList.do?itemId=9911197

Frontiers Records is proud to present the new chapter in the legendary career of multi-Platinum US rockers Journey - Neal Schon (guitar), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Ross Valory (bass), Deen Castronovo (drums) and Arnel Pineda (vocals) – entitled “Revelation”.

The brand new record will come in a beautifully packaged two cd set which will include 11 new songs and 11 re-recorded classics and will be released in Europe on Frontiers Records on June 6th 2008.

“Revelation” is the first Journey album to feature the angelic voice of Philipino singer Arnel Pineda. Guitarist Neal Schon says about him “We feel reborn. I think there’s a lot of chemistry between the five of us. The new stuff sounds tremendous. Everyone’s so stoked about it. We feel very fortunate to have found Arnel”.

“Arnel brings a soulful and passionate voice to Journey”, continues keyboardist Jonathan Cain. “His personality is very well-suited to our music. He’s a sincere, authentic person with a great smile and a big heart. I think fans are really going to love him. With Arnel’s soaring tenor, Journey returns to our heritage sound.”

The first album with lead vocalist Arnel Pineda, “Revelation” is Journey running on no less than twelve cylinders, a fine-tuned offering that sounds every bit like a band hitting their stride. Schon and Cain penned all 11 of the new tracks on “Revelation”. There is no lack of chemistry in Journey, beginning with the songwriting core of Schon and Cain. “I felt strongly about moving forward and writing new material. It was time,” Schon states. Schon then put the call into Cain and started the song writing process which has now become the album, “Revelation”. “There’s an innate trust and respect for what we each do as we weave our way through this music,” says Cain. Schon adds, “In the alphabet, I might be a Z and Jonathan the A, that’s just how opposite we are musically sometimes. I write mostly rock and Jonathan writes most of the ballads, but when you combine the chemistry of us together, you’ll find that it is the nucleus and sound of what is and has been Journey. And now, with the right voice in place, we have all the right ingredients.”

“Never Walk Away” kicks “Revelation” off with the resilient air and upbeat optimism fans have come to expect from Journey, a melody-soaked and guitar-driven anthem sure to ignite the live circuit just as it lights up the new release. The heartwarming sentiment offered by “Like a Sunshower” gives a more poetic and reflective look at relationships. It’s an uncharacteristic ballad from the more hard rock-inclined Schon. There’s even an instrumental, “The Journey (Revelation)”, at the request of producer Kevin Shirley, who returns to the fold after working with the band on “Trial By Fire” (1996) and “Arrival” (2000), the band’s first instrumental since “Departure” (1980) and “Evolution” (1979). “This is a special song for me”, Schon says of the sprawling track, “it was extremely gratifying to express myself on my instrument in this way”. This is a great performance from everyone in the band and truly a majestic track.

But every member of Journey shines on the whole of “Revelation”. Lead singer Arnel Pineda does plenty of head turning of his own throughout the new recordings, as well as the 11 classic hits that the band re-recorded. Jonathan Cain’s keyboards elevate “After All These Years” to new emotional heights. “What I Needed” is a power ballad, driven by heavy guitars, reminiscent of the early Journey that so many bands have modeled themselves after. Deen Castronovo drums up a frenzy during the hard-driving rock song, “Wildest Dream.” The talented Castronovo also sings most of the high harmonies heard throughout the album, proving that not only is he an amazing drummer, but he’s a dynamic vocalist as well. Schon’s smoking guitars rip through this track with a cool, eastern flavor. Bassist Ross Valory is steady throughout, a stabilizing force through the albums more driven highs and heartfelt lows.

Frontiers Records President Serafino Perugino comments: “Working again with Journey is more than an honour for us. I wish to thank all the parties that worked hard to make this release happen, including Gabe Reed Esq, Azoff Management and the band for the continued trust in our job”.

“Revelation” tracklisting will include the following songs:

Cd1: Never Walk Away; Like A Sunshower; Change For The Better; Wildest Dream; Faith In The Heartland; After All These Years; Where Did I Lose Your Love; What I Needed; What It Takes To Win; Turn Down The World Tonight; The Journey (Revelation).

Cd2: Only The Young; Don't Stop Believin'; Wheel In The Sky; Faithfully; Any Way You Want It; Who's Crying Now; Separate Ways (Worlds Apart); Lights; Open Arms; Be Good To Yourself; Stone In Love.

Journey will support the new album release in Europe with a highly anticipated tour which will include the following dates in June 2008:

6 La Riviera Madrid, Spain

10 Ewerk Koln, Germany

11 Schwarzwaldhalle Karlsruhe, Germany

13 Hessen State Fair, HombergEfze, Germany

14 Jako Arena Bamberg, Germany

15 Arrow Classic Festival, Holland

17 Hammersmith London, England

19 Apollo Manchester, England

20 Clyde Auditorium Glasgow, Scotland

22 Civic Theater Wolverhampton, England

23 Cardiff International Arena Cardiff, Wales

25 National Stadium Dublin, Ireland

27 Nottingham Arena Nottingham, England

28 Harewood House Harrogate, England

“Revelation” is the album to look for. The future looks bright once again.

THY MAJESTIE -  press release

We are proud to announce that the 4th Thy Majestie full lenght has been completed. Recording, mixing and mastering are now finally over. We are ENTHUSIASTIC of the final result. We think (and we don't say that only because it's usual to say these things after a new album) that this is the best album Thy Majestie have ever recorded

Catchy melodies, amazing guitars and keyboards solos (thanks to the guitar hero Simone Campione and the virtuoso Valerio Castorino) and a great, stunning, unbelievable vocal performance by Dario Cascio. "DAWN" is ready and will be released by Dark Balance Records in July the 2nd .

Thy Majestie will be headliners at FEAR DARK festivals in Holland in the end of May and we'll play at Stuttgard (Germany) in the 2nd of June

Claudio Diprima / Thy Majestie

www.thymajestie.com  www.myspace.com/thymajesty 

HEAVENWOOD - 

In addition to already-announced guests Tijs (OCEANS OF SADNESS) and Gus G (FIREWIND), Portuguese Metallers HEAVENWOOD announce that ANNIHILATOR's Jeff Waters will be a very special guest on the band's new album. Jeff will appear on what is described as "the band's most intense and metal song of their career", a track well-suited to Waters titled 'Bridge To Neverland'.

HEAVENWOOD's guitarist, Ricardo Dias says: "Jeff Waters has been building his own metal bridge for years and influencing so many guitarists/ bands, Heavenwood included. It is fair to say that we crafted the song "Bridge To Neverland", clearly as a result of our "Waters/Annihilator" influences. It is an honor for all of us in Heavenwood to have this man on our cd, along with Gus and Tijs.

ANNIHILATOR released its latest album, "Metal", in North America on January 15 via SPV. The CD's ten new tracks were recorded by Jeff Waters (guitar, bass and lead vocals on one song), drum legend Mike Mangini and Dave Padden (longtime vocalist and touring guitarist/vocalist). The album features killer performances by some of metal's finest players and ANNIHILATOR's good friends, like Alexi Laiho (CHILDREN OF BODOM), Danko Jones, Michael Amott and Angela Gossow (ARCH ENEMY), Corey Beaulieu (TRIVIUM), William Adler (LAMB OF GOD), Jeff Loomis, Jesper Strömblad (IN FLAMES), Steve "Lips" Kudlow, Anders Björler (THE HAUNTED), Jacob Lynam (LYNAM) and more.

Jeff Waters photo - http://www.bspix.fr/ 

Meanwhile, a new Heavenwood video report ( Heavenwood - Orebro, Sweden - April 2008 - Episode 2) filmed on the Fascination Street Studios with producer Jens Bogren on scene, can be viewed at:

http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=32980671 

For more info about the band, please feel free to visit http://www.myspace.com/heavenwood  or mail to filipe.marta@recitalrecords.com

CRYSTAL TEARS - 

CRYSTAL TEARS NEWS MAY 2008:

"Crystal Tears have joined forces with Ian Parry (Elegy, Consortium), who was invited to write the lyrics and vocal melody lines as a guest vocalist on the new CD!!! The band has also joined forces with R. D. Liapakis (Mystic Prophecy, Firewind, Chastain, Eldritch etc.), who will produce the album in Germany!!! Crystal Tears will enter the studio mid May, while Ian plans to start his vocal recordings at his own studio in the Netherlands shortly after."

www.myspace.com/crystaltearsgr  www.myspace.com/ianparrytheartist  www.myspace.com/rdliapakis

GAIA EPICUS - 

Last names announced for guests on new Gaia Epicus album!

Here is the final names for the guest musicians appearing on "Damnation". Renato Tribuzy (Tribuzy) will do some vocals on one song of the new album. Renato is a great singer and he has worked with stars such as Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), Matt Sinner (Sinner), Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), Michael Kiske (ex-Helloween),Roy Z, Roland Grapow and more. Tribuzy released their debut album "Execution" in 2005 via Locomotive Records, in 2007 the band released the live album “ Execution Live Reunion” Via MTM Records and the live DVD “Execution Live Reunion” via Locomotive Records in 2008. www.tribuzy.com

And then we have Dominique Leurquin (Rhapsody of fire, Luca Turilli's Dreamquest) who will play a guitar solo on one song. Dominique is a great guitarist and has been a LIVE guitarist for Rhapsody of fire since the year 2000, and he also plays on their albums. He has been a member of Luca Turilli's solo band since 2006.

There will also be some guitar solos done by Lasse Jensen (Oceans of time), and some keyboard solos done by Fabrizio S Muratori (NhorizoN).

Gaia Epicus is extremely honoured to have all these fantastic people on the album!

Guest line-up for the album:

Roland Grapow from the band Masterplan, ex-Helloween Dominique Leurquin from the bands Rhapsody of fire-live, Luca Turilli's Dreamquest Renato Tribuzy from the band Tribuzy Andreas Olsson from the bands Narnia, Divinefire, Rob Rock, Stormwind Michael Troy from the band Yngwie Malmsteen-live Jonas Hörnqvist from the band Treasure Land Lasse Jensen from the band Oceans of time Fabrizio S Muratori from the band NhorizoN

More news at www.gaia-epicus.com

www.epicusrecords.com

ERIK NORLANDER - 

Erik Norlander's "Neurosaur" Included in MTV Fashion Show Models walk the runway to "Neurosaur" in MTV's "If I Were King"

April 10, 2008

El Dorado Hills, CA - Models walked the runway to keyboard virtuoso Erik Norlander's song "Neurosaur" in the new Bad Boy Films MTV show "If I Were King" which premiered April 9th. The documentary celebrates the 10th anniversary of Diddy's Sean John fashion line. It offers a private look at one of the most public figures in entertainment. The premiere episode will be rebroadcast on Saturday, April 12 at 2PM ET.

"Neurosaur" songwriter Erik Norlander comments, "I was really impressed with how well my song suited Diddy's event. The cathedral - like hall in which the runway segment was staged -- giant hanging chandeliers and all -- certainly called for a weighty, epic soundtrack with some strong gothic and classical overtones. I am happy to have provided it with "Neurosaur". The show's producers have really shown some great vision, both optically and sonically."

"Neurosaur" was originally released in 1997 on Erik Norlander's debut solo CD "Threshold" and then re-released and remastered on the "Threshold Special Edition" 2CD reissue in 2007 on Norlander's Think Tank Media label, distributed by ProgRock Records / Ryko Distribution. Norlander's strong compositional vision, state-of-the-art production sensibility, command of vintage technology and masterful keyboard technique permanently burned "Threshold" into progressive rock history. Virtuoso keyboardist Erik Norlander was joined by drummer / percussionist Greg Ellis (The Matrix films, Vas) and bassist Don Schiff (Rocket Scientists, Lana Lane) to create a prog rock power trio whose depth and range matched past greats such as ELP, Rush and Cream. In 2007, Erik re-released the astounding 2CD version of "Threshold" complete with 10 bonus tracks and a high-resolution Quicktime video of Erik performing his legendary "Trantor Station" live at the California ProgWest progressive music festival on his famous modular Moog synthesizer. In addition, the Special Edition package includes an ultra-deluxe 20-page full-color CD booklet with extensive liner notes by Erik, rock keyboard icon Keith Emerson, the participating musicians and numerous others contributors associated with the album. "Neurosaur" also appears on Erik Norlander's two live releases, the "Stars Rain Down" CD (2004) and "Live in St. Petersburg" DVD (2006).

For more information about Erik Norlander, please visit http://www.eriknorlander.com  and http://www.myspace.com/eriknorlanderandlanalane . For more info about "If I Were King", please visit http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/if_i_were_king/series.jhtml. 

Disclaimer: Erik Norlander, Think Tank Media, and Serge Entertainment PR are in no way affiliated with Bad Boy Entertainment or Bad Boy Films.

METAL HEAVEN - 

::: AOR & Metal Heaven - June 2008 releases & some news :::

::: DARK SKY - new studio album "Empty Faces" due on AOR Heaven on June 27th, 2008 :::

DARK SKY had been founded as a school band in the very early 80’s in the South German city of Rottweil. The release of their 3rd studio album "Living & Dying" (2005) marked the first output for their current label AOR Heaven.

After playing lots of concerts during 2005 and 2006 the band started to pre-produce songs for the new album “Empty Faces”. It was again producer Markus Teske (VANDEN PLAS) who made sure that “Empty Faces” was provided with the required power. The recordings were finished in February 2008. Track list: 1. Hands Up, 2. Empty Faces, 3. Slave Of Time, 4. Send Them To Hell, 5. Chase Your Dreams, 6. Maniac, 7. Saints Beneath The Sky, 8. Pleasure & Pain, 9. Believe It, 10. Meaning Of Life, 11. Final Day (Hidden Track)

Vocals: Frank Breuninger; Guitars: Steffen Doll; Drums: Uwe Mayer; Bass: Winny Zurek ; Keyboards: Claudio Nobile

www.dark-sky.de 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

::: "That's Live" - German Hard Rockers SOUL DOCTOR return with their first ever live release!"

After the successful and highly acclaimed release of their latest, in total 4th, studio recording entitled “Blood Runs Cold”, the time was right for SOUL DOCTOR, the energetic Hard Rock band from Berlin, Germany to release their first ever live album.

The band around singer Tommy Heart and guitarist Chris Lyne is a powerful live piece which the band impressively confirms on the “That’s Live” opus. Recorded during the years 2005-2007, the disc contains 13 songs which originally had come from all four studio albums.

„That’s Live“ will be released in Europe as limited, exclusive double CD package. Whilst CD 1 contains the live recordings, CD 2 offers for bonus tracks from the archives of the Germans, i.e. „Revolution“ (different version), „Laugh In The Face Of Danger“ (different version), „Justine“ (acoustic version) und „The Ocean“ (acoustic version). Additionally incuded in the limited edition of the his release will be a numbered tour pass as goodie for the fans. This pass also is a part of a competition where one lucky number will win a original Epiphone acoustic guitar signed by the band! The album will be released on Metal Heaven on June 27th, 2008.

Live songs on CD 1 (not final running order): Blood Runs Cold, Under Your Skin, Good Time's Slippin' Away, Temptation, See You In Heaven, Eatin' On Me, Laugh In The Face Of Danger, Get It On, Goodbye, Unspoken Words, What Do U Want, Soul Doctor, Just Can't Get Over You

www.souldoctorrocks.com  & www.myspace.com/souldoctorrock 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

::: SANDALINAS - 2 gigs with TESTAMENT in Spain! :::

Please spread around the following dates:

24.06.2008 E-Madrid, Heineken 25.06.2008 E-Barcelona, Apolo TSO and former Savatage guitar player Chris Caffery will join SANDALINAS on stage during these shows.

www.sandalinas.com 

New album: "Fly To The Sun" - out now on Metal Heaven.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

::: Fires Of Babylon @ Myspace :::

FIRES OF BABYLON set up some soundclips on their myspace site at: http://www.myspace.com/firesofbabylon 

Check them out there! The band's debut self-titled album will be released on April 25th on Metal Heaven.

www.metalheaven.net

MOONMADNESS - 

MoonMadness debut album ”All In Between” out in May!

MoonMadness releases their debut album ”All In Between” in Finland on May 7th. On this the MoonMads marry together something old with something new in uninhibited manner. The result is material of which not exists any excess supply; timeless hard rock with some sharp defined vintage flavours!

“Shot Through The Wing”, the single from the album will be available from download stores on March 26th. The video of the same song is now on the MoonMadness Myspace!

MoonMadness started already around the Millennium, so what will be soon available has been prepared with time and affection. “Stroke of Midnight”, the opening track of the album, was released already as a single last year and made the Finnish top-20.

MoonMadness has toured around Finnish rock clubs for couple of years and has supported names as Yngwie Malmsteen and Sonata Arctica on the way. As “All In Between” is released in May the band hits the road, this time highlighted with a performance at Sauna Open Air festival in hometown Tampere in June.

MoonMadness: Heidi Bergbacka - Vocals Otto Hallamaa – Guitar Juha Leppäharju - Bass Antto Nikolai Tuomainen - Drums Turkka Vuorinen - Keyboards

internet: www.myspace.com/moonmadnessband www.moonmadness.fi

---THE YEAR IN REVIEW---

BEST ALBUMS OF 2007:

These are the 10 CDs you must own!