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SILVER CONDOR ‘RARITIES COLLECTION VOLUME 1/LIVE ACROSS AMERICA’ (OUTTA THE
WOODS RECORDS)
In the early 80s SILVER CONDOR released a fantastic same titled debut album. The band featured guitarist EARL SLICK and lead singer JOE CERISANO as main members. Especially Joe was an incredible singer and it still surprises me why this guy didn’t sang on many more records, because all I have is this SILVER CONDOR album from 25 years ago, while the singer had the perfect 80s AOR voice, sounding like a cross between DAVE BICKLER, JIMI JAMISON, DAVID COVERDALE, STEVE PERRY and KEVIN CHALFANT. The SILVER CONDOR debut was an awesome AOR release and now there are 2 CDRs available which contain rare recordings from the early SILVER CONDOR days, so mainly focused on their early AOR days. The ‘Live across America’ CDR contains excellent live recordings from the band back in the day performing classic AOR/radiorockers in perfect early 80s American Radiorockstyle, such as “It’s over”, “Angel eyes”, “We’re in love”, “Sayin’ goodbye” and “The one you need” that all go in a PREVIEW, STEEL BREEZE, 707, MAYDAY style. Most of these songs are taken from their debut LP and can also now be found on the CDR ‘Rarities collection volume 1’ in a demo version, as it was originally handed over to the record companies more than 25 years ago! Anyway, let’s hope their debut will be officially re-issued onto CD someday soon. In the meantime, you can get a good view how this band sounded through the release of these CDRs, which are available through: http://www.cerisano.com (Points: 8.2 out of 10) CATCH TWENTY TWO ‘PERMANENT REVOLUTION’ (VICTORY RECORDS) So this is your typical American Emo Melodic Rock, yet with the use of Trumpets slightly different, although the catchy choruses and melodic vocal lines surely go into the style we are familiar with when hearing an American rockband nowadays. At least that’s the case when hearing the first song, because the rest of the CD does not only contain emorock/punkrock influences, because at times this band is going deeply into a reggae/ska style which in the song “The spark” even reveals BOB MARLEY influences. However, the band sounds at best during the more uptempo catchy emo/punk melodic rockers “Part song”, “The Decembrists’ song” and “The purge”. Fans of the band will be delighted to hear nothing has changed in the band’s sound, which is still a mix of emo, punk and ska. (Points: 8.0 out of 10) SILVERSTEIN ’18 CANDLES: THE EARLY YEARS’ (VICTORY RECORDS) The American band SILVERSTEIN is quite well-known in the US, so therefore a new release already has been done, but not with new material, because I believe last year the band released their latest CD. Instead, this new CD contains 2 mini-CDs from the early 2000s and some bonustracks added. It all sounds very average actually, so maybe a re-recording would have been a better choice. The songs all sound very weak actually and do not reflect the band’s current strong emo melodic rocksound. Nevertheless, die-hard fans of the band have something to buy of their favourite band. (Points: 6.8 out of 10) THE SLEEPING ‘QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS’ (VICTORY RECORDS) Victory Records has done some very good releases in the past, but lately not much interesting releases have been done. Also THE SLEEPING does not make a huge impression, as their mixture of emo, British New Wave and light American Screamocore is sounding quite dull. Happily, througout their CD there are some good songs to be found, such as “Heart beatz”, “The big breakdown” and “Who stays behind”, but nevertheless, this band does have to improve next time, because now their CD sounds quite confusing. (Points: 7.1 out of 10) THE JUNIOR VARSITY ‘THE GREAT COMPROMISE’ (VICTORY RECORDS) The new CD of the American band THE JUNIOR VARSITY does not only come in the shape of a CD release, but also an additional DVD is included. Without a doubt, this is one of the better Emo/Melodic Rockbands whom actually remind me of HAREM SCAREM on their last couple of albums, yet vocally typical American Emopunkrock. In total 20 songs can be found on the audio CD, along with a bunch of live performances on the additional DVD. Recommended to fans of the band or anyone who wants to explore a good emo band whom actually sound like a modern melodic rockband can also sound. (Points: 8.2 out of 10) ELECTRIC SHEEP ‘SWEEP’ (STAY GOLD/ART UNION GROUP/IMPORT JAPAN) ELECTRIC SHEEP is a Japanese band formed in 1993 and we reviewed some recordings of them in the past. However, it is now 2006 and let me introduce them again to you due to the release of their new CD ‘Sweep’. The first thing you notice when witnessing the artwork of the CD is that it is done by none-other than ROGER DEAN (known for his YES and ASIA paintings). Secondly the sound of the CD is huge and sounds like a cross between RAINBOW, URIAH HEEP, SURVIVOR and PRAYING MANTIS/PRETTY MAIDS! Is that possible, yes it is, because the songs are super melodic, bombastic with strong vocals and catchy choruses, while there is also a lot of keyboard and hammondwork notable, a high class mix of AOR, Classic Hardrock and Melodic Heavy Rock/Metal. Best songs are “Love in vain”, “Living without you” and “Journey”. Definitely one of the better Japanese releases lately! Available through: http://www.artuniongroup.co.jp (Points: 8.5 out of 10)
Almost missed this release from a Swedish band. BLOOM is the name and they have a very good female lead singer (Johanna Stedt), while musically they play a mix of classic 80s AOR and today’s ff melodic poprock, just imagine a mix between COASTLINE, ROXETTE, KELLY CLARCKSON and TONE NORUM in her early days. 11 songs are included and most of them are catchy radio-ready if you ask me, with perfect lead vocals, catchy hooks and memorable choruses, with still enough guitar for the rockers among us. Melodic rockers like “Everyday” (also featured as a videoclip), “Take me home” and “Just hold on” are really impressive memorably songs you will sing for days after hearing them! A CD to own if you call yourself a fan of female fronted AOR/Melodic Rock. (Points: 8.7 out of 10)
This is already the 4th CD of the Greek band formed around guitarist GUS G. The band makes a comeback with this very strong Melodic Metal release, which is not as good as the recent new INNER WISH album (another Greek band) or the BLOODBOUND/DESTYNATION/NOCTURNAL RITES/MYSTIC PROPHECY albums. Nevertheless it is an album which is a must-have for the real True Metalfans looking for strong melodic songs that also contain huge guitar riffs (and also some neo-classical keys by BON KATSIONIS) and vocalwork like DEE SNIDER meets DIO (of singer Apollo Papathanasio). Highlights among the 11 tracks included are “Insanity”, “Falling to pieces”, “Where do we go from here?” and “Breaking the silence” (a definite hitsingle, duet with a Swedish female singer called TARA, who surprisingly is a well-known R&B singer, but sings here on a pure Melodic Metal tune!). WHITESNAKE must have been an influence as well, because a song like “Ready to strike” could have been on any of the 80s WHITESNAKE albums! Better check it out asap if you’re looking for strong Melodic Metal! (Points: 8.7 out of 10) JORDAN ‘CD SINGLE’ (SEASCAPE MUSIC PROMOTION) JORDAN is a new Swedish band with a very strong CD-single which mainly is situated around the catchy midtempo melodic rocker “Hands untied”, which is radio-ready to attack America if you ask me. This band has a modern but very melodic sound and I can’t wait to hear and review a full-length CD of them soon. In the meantime check out their site at: http://www.jordantheband.com and e-mail at: info@jordantheband.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10) SCREAM ARENA ‘SCREAM ARENA’ (INDEPENDENT) British band with a 80s inspired heavy rocksound. It clearly sounds like a demo, the 6 songs on their first CD. The band was formed last year and you can hear they need to develop their sound a bit further in the future, because now the band does not come nowhere near the sound of bands like CRUE, RATT, WASP, but who knows in the future they will, as they rock good, just not good enough yet. More info at: http://www.screamarena.com and e-mail at: screanick@tiscali.co.uk (Points: 7.2 out of 10) STRAPPING YOUNG LAD ‘THE NEW BLACK’ (CENTURY MEDIA) Well-known Canadian Extreme Metalband whom are loved by the European press. Especially lead singer/guitarist DEVIN TOWNSEND is someone who the press love a lot, but still I can think of better Metal releases than the albums STRAPPING YOUNG LAD have released so far. But give them another chance, as it is 2006 and a new CD (their 6th release) is being released on CENTURY MEDIA. Once again I am not impressed, because the band is almost all of the time going into the extreme, sometimes close to Black Metal (“You suck”) or aggressive Thrashcore (“Wrong side”), while even Grindcore influences can be heard. Here and there a slight ‘normal’ Metal passage comes through, but in general speaking this is as Extreme as you can get in Metalworld. Sorry guys, melodies are missing here, but maybe that’s the idea of STRAPPING YOUNG LAD. (Points: 7.4 out of 10) GRAVE ‘AS RAPTURE COMES’ (CENTURY MEDIA) Swedish Death Metal is what to expect from the band GRAVE. It’s their 8th CD sicne their formation at the end of the 80s, but only for Death Metalfans interesting. (Points: -) CLOWN ERASER ‘DEMO 2006’ (DEMO CDR) It’s a shame the production of this demo is not really good, because the songs on the demo CD of CLOWN ERASER sound if they were recorded in a bathroom, which is a pity because the band is playing high quality Melodic Hardrock in the TALISMAN/WINGER style, where singer KAJ ROTH has a voice a la JEFF SCOTT SOTO. If this band would go into a big studio with major producers it could turn out into something sensational. Melodic Rocksongs like “52 48”, “World of hurt” and “Time” show that this is a band to watch out for. Actually they have been active for 20 years now, so it should be time now for an official CD release. If it is done properly in a studio (money is the big issue most of the time), this band could well release a sensational melodic rockalbum. For now, check them out at: http://www.myspace.com/clowneraser and e-mail at: clowneraser@yahoo.com (Points: production/sound: 7.5 and songs: 8.5) HOUSE OF MIRRORS ‘DESOLATION’ (STAY GOLD/ART UNION RECORDS/IMPORT JAPAN) Founded in 1993, this Finnish band has come a long way, releasing their debut ‘Nightflight to paradise’ back in 2004. That record and a demo/CD-single before it’s release showed this was a very good band with a typical 80s Scandi Melodic Rocksound. Now they make a comeback with their new album ‘Desolation’, an album that once again contains typical Scandi melodic rock. You would honestly think they come out of Sweden, because it all sounds so EUROPE, MALMSTEEN and 220 VOLTish... Maybe nothing new is brought here, but for a fan of typical classic Scandi Melodic Rock this new HOUSE OF MIRRORS CD is of course a must-have. Still I had to admit that their debut was slightly better, with some really catchy songs, while this time most of the songs are just nice melodic rockers, but mentioning songs like “Where are you now” (hello 80s midtempo Scandi AOR Chorus, hello ALIEN, DAVINCI, BAD HABIT!!!), “Waiting in the wings” (I am almost singing “Love is meant to last forever” by JOHN NORUM here!) and “Masquerade” as highlights should be enough to recommend this CD to fans of TREAT, DALTON, DAVINCI, EUROPE, MALMSTEEN, 220 VOLT... Most surprising song is definitely the Westcoast-AOR trip of “Gone with the summer” that has TOTO similarities all over the place, a very laid-back ‘hot summernight’ song. Improvement with regards to their debut is that this time instrumental it sounds all much bigger and quite impressive, typical Neo-Classical MALMSTEEN style (just listen to the awesome guitarwork in “Fallen leaf”) and also the harmonyvocals sound really perfect. So the 11 songs are all quite good, but somehow the instrumental parts are slightly more impressive than the choruses this time, although for a fan of mentioned bands it sounds good enough for a purchase, definitely! This Japanese release does not contain any bonustracks, but is available through: http://www.artuniongroup.co.jp (Points: 8.3 out of 10) THE BAD DAYS ‘BOTTLE UP’ (INDEPENDENT) Out of Germany comes THE BAD DAYS, a band playing good dirty mean sleazy rock and roll which is only one step away from bands like BACKYARD BABIES, HARDCORE SUPERSTAR, BABYLON BOMBS, GEMINI FIVE, CRASH DIET, KID EGO and all those other bands playing this rock and roll sound which is currently very popular across Europe and also in the USA where similar bands like BUCKCHERRY and ALL AMERICAN REJECTS are quite popular. Anyway, it might be released independent, but this THE BAD DAYS is truly a must-hear if you like any of the mentioned bands, because each and every of the 12 straight-ahead no-nonsense rock and roll tunes is close to the sound of all mentioned acts. More info at: http://www.thebaddays.de and e-mail at: engine@thebaddays.de (Points: 8.3 out of 10) LAZY BONES ‘FORK AND SPOON’ (INDEPENDENT) Band out of Luxemburg, playing classic Hardrock as if it was still 1982. The band reminds me of the old FARGO and KROKUS records, so maybe sounding a bit dated, but still some songs on their 2nd CD ‘Fork and spoon’ contain really nice catchy choruses, such as opener “Believe”. So this band might have a sound in pure late 70s/early 80s German Hardrockstyle (with awesome guitarwork), it still is quite nice to hear between all the Punk, Gothic and Metal releases done nowadays. Highly recommended to fans of FISC, SCORPIONS, TRANCE, CACUMEN, FARGO, KROKUS… More info at: http://www.lazybones.lu and e-mail at: newsproduction@yahoo.de (Points: 8.0 out of 10)
3rd CD of EMPIRE, the band formed around well-known musicians like lead singer TONY MARTIN (BLACK SABBATH), guitarist ROLF MUNKES, bassist NEIL MURRAY (ex-WHITESNAKE) and drummer Andre Hilgers (AXXIS/SILENT FORCE). Musically nothing changed and so once again we can hear big guitar riff orientated Melodic Heavy Rock/Metal in the style of 80s BLACK SABBATH/DIO. Tony still proves to be an excellent singer and I think he is now better off than his solo-record ‘Scream’ from 2005. Songs like “Satanic curses”, “What would I do?” and “I can’t trust myself” are very strong songs. The PRIEST/ACCEPT Metal tune “Maximum” is the only let-down of a rather consistent record. Maybe it’s not a sensational CD, but it definitely is a high quality record which is a must if you’re one of those people addicted to ‘The headless cross’! (Points: 8.1 out of 10)
JOE LYNN TURNER is famous in Japan, which already started before he took the mic at MALMSTEEN’s most popular record ‘Odyssey’ (RAINBOW and his first solo-album for example, but even his first band FANDANGO). I am not sure, but I guess he calls Japan his second home, because his solo career has always been quite sucesfull over there and therefore it is not a surprise he takes on the challenge sometimes to work with a Japanese musician. In this case it concerns the coalibration with guitarst AKIRA KAJIYAMA. Together they recorded a strong Classic Hardrockalbum which is similar in style to classic RAINBOW and also BRAZEN ABOTT. 11 songs are included and the best ones are “Fire without flame” (uptempo melodic rocker), “Heart against heart” (classic AOR ballad in the RAINBOW ‘Street of dreams” style), “Forever changed” (semi-ballad) and “Slow burn” (melodic heavy rocker very much like “Burn” – DEEP PURPLE meets RAINBOW). If you like Joe’s solo records from the past few years, you will love this too! (Points: 8.4 out of 10)
High quality release from the legendary American band STENCIL FOREST, a band which released an awesome Pomprock/AOR classic more than 20 years ago (recently re-issued, review soon) and now makes a comeback with a true new CD. Musically more akin to Symphonic/Progressive Rock, although AOR/Pomprockfans might appreciate it a lot too, because the melodies are really wonderful. Sometimes it reminds me a lot of KAYAK (“Morning glory”) or late 70s/early 80s ALAN PARSONS PROJECT (“Room with a view”), but take it from me this is a wonderful original release which will attract fans of Sympho, Prog, Pomprock and AOR. Especially the opener (“Lifeline suite”) and closing track (“The abyss”), which are both quite lengthy, are memorable tracks with beautiful melodies and lovely songstructures, very much reminding me of KAYAK. Definitely worth checking out, soon a review of their re-issued debut. More info at: http://www.StencilForest.com (Points: 8.4 out of 10) ABARAX ‘CRYING OF THE WHALES’ (CYCLOPS RECORDS) ABARAX is a German band with a very strong Progressive Rockalbum release titled ‘Crying of the whales’, which is their first album if I am correct. This CD is right up there with the best of the best in prog nowadays, because songs like “Natures voice” and “Point of no return” are superb melodic progrock masterpieces that easily reach the high level of similar acts of the past few years and then I am talking about KINO, RPWL, RIVERSIDE (but also THE FLOWER KINGS)… This means that this ABARAX CD is a must-have for any progfan. The band’s melodies are very strong (maybe a bit 70s KANSAS/GENESIS mixed into), so it is not necessarily an instrumental based progband as they also present us some really strong memorable choruses, such as in the two mentioned bands. Definitely a band to check out asap and if you’re a proghead a MUST-HAVE! More info at: http://www.abarax.de (Points: 8.5 out of 10) TY OLIVER ‘HEALED THROUGH TIME’ (INDEPENDENT) Guitarist TY OLIVER comes out of Las Vegas/USA and he released a very nice instrumental CD, which is of course situated around his guitarwork, which is (thank God) not endless shredding, but songs with beautiful guitar melodies as if they were really songs with vocals, so the guitars are really replacing the vocals here, which I always think is a good thing. Think of SATRIANI, MACALPINE, VAI and SCHON, because in that style TY OLIVER is moving, with a bit of TOMMY DENANDER and STEVE LUKATHER thrown in for good measure. Good calm relaxing instrumental guitar melody based rocksongs, perfectly suitable to hear as background music, although you always wonder how it would sound if some AOR singer was singing on it. Best songs are “Driven” (uptempo melodic rocker), “Race the day” (another uptempo melodic rocker) and opener “Lost in thought”. Better check out this guitarist at: http://www.tyolivermusic.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10) VANITY BLVD ‘PLAYIN’ IT RUFF’ (DEMO CDR) New demo from the Swedish female fronted band, whom are looking like a 80s Glamband, but are definitely playing 80s Melodic Hardrock in the style of 80s LITA FORD and VIXEN. Their new demo rocks really good, strong production and 5 high quality songs, of which the highlights are “Share my pain” and “Since you been gone” (radio-ready!), both excellent strong catchy melodic rockers with superb lead vocals and excellent guitarwork. Anyone into classic 80s ff melodic rock a la DEVAY, WITNESS, VIXEN, LITA FORD, HEAT, LAOS… will absolutely love this band and I’ll bet they can release a sensational full-length CD, so it is more a matter of time and money I think before we can see an official CD. For now, this demo is available through: http://www.vanity-blvd.tk and e-mail at: frecko@vanity-blvd.tk (Points: 8.5 out of 10) MANITOU ‘DEADLOCK’ (METAL HEAVEN/ROUGH TRADE) Melodic Metal from Finland and not bad at all, because MANITOU has come up with a very strong release, which should be compared to typical European Melodic Metal a la MYSTIC PROPHECY and NOSTRADAMEUS. Not as good as those bands, but still worth checking out for the fans of this genre, which combines huge guitar riffs with catchy melodic vocals/choruses in mostly uptempo tempo’s. 11 songs are included and all of them are quite good, with as absolute highlights “Fools in control”, “Waste/damnation” and “The state of mind”. Not the best melodic metal release at the moment, but something that definitely is interesting to hear if you’re a fan of Euro Melodic Metal a la EDGUY, MYSTIC PROPHECY, NOSTRADAMEUS… (Points: 8.3 out of 10) HAN UIL ‘ALONE’ (INDEPENDENT) It’s a pity the Progressive Rockband ANTARES broke up sometime ago, because they were quite good and managed to release a strong album titled ‘Chocking the stone’ in 2001. Singer/songwriter/guitarist HAN UIL was the former singer of ANTARES and he has now released a solo-CD titled ‘Alone’. Musically quite different, much more singer/songwriter calmer pop/rock with only a slight progressive rock touch (“Alone on the rack”). Not a bad CD at all, but for prog and melodic rockfans less interesting. This is more going into a VAN MORRISON/MORRISEY direction, so I think you know we have to deal here with melancholic pop. Still interested, then check it out for yourself at: http://www.hanuil.com and e-mail at: info@hanuil.com (Points: 7.1 out of 10) CHAOS CODE ‘PROPAGANDA’ (INDEPENDENT) Progressive rockband from Pasadena/USA with a nice independent CD release. The band was formed in 1997 and ‘Propaganda’ is their latest album release, which sounds quit good for the prog taste. CHAOS CODE has a 70s prog rock approach, kinda like THE FLOWER KINGS, but then guitar orientated. 10 songs are included on the CD, of which some quite lengthy. The songs are featuring strong instrumental passages, where there is next to guitar and keys also plays for some other instruments such as a flute, which gives it a real 70s rocksound. Progrockfans should check out this band at: http://www.chaoscode.org and e-mail at: management@chaoscode.org (Points: 7.9 out of 10)
Recently released in Japan, now also available in Europe through METAL HEAVEN. The US band WINTERS BANE released a CD several years ago, which I have been searching high and low for a long time, but now it is 2006 and the band suddenly makes a comeback with a new record titled ‘Redivivus’. Without a doubt we are dealing here with a superb sensational high class pure 80s US Melodic Power Metal release that combines the best of BLACK MAJESTY, CRIMSON GLORY, FATES WARNING, SYRIUS, DUNGEON and QUEENSRYCHE, while also at times keeping a more modern approach a la NEVERMORE, JAG PANZER, PRIMAL FEAR and SEVEN WITCHES. The band’s sound is HUGE and they have a fantastic superstrong lead singer called Alexander Koch. It is almost unbelievable this CD is only released in Japan at this moment, because this CD would do very well among any True Metal believer. Highlights on the band’s new CD ‘Redivivus’ are “Seal the light” (FAST!), “Catching the sun”, “Despise the lie” (fantastic) and “Burning bridges”. This Japanese release also contains 4 bonustracks, of which “Furies” is the most interesting song. Definitely a must-have for fans of mentioned bands! (Points: 8.8 out of 10) WASTEFALL ‘SELF EXILE’ (LASER CD/SENSORY/INTROMENTAL) The Greek band WASTEFALL released a CD a while ago on SLEASZY RIDER RECORDS, but now have switched to the American label SENSORY RECORDS. Musically they play aggressive Progressive Metal, with still enough melodies to label them prog metal, kinda like SAVATAGE mixing it up with influences from Thrash Metal on the aggressive side and Prog Metal for the more melodic side. Although the band has released a quality CD, I would not call it a sensational record, because therefore it lacks strong songs. Nevertheless, the progmetalfans who like a little more edge to their sound or want to hear something rawer should check out WASTEFALL’s new CD. (Points: 7.8 out of 10)
So this is the latest chart hitting record in the USA, because the duo THE WRECKERS (consisting of 2 female lead singers, MICHELLE BRANCH and JESSICA HARP) released their CD ‘Stand still – look pretty’ in early June when it entered the US Billboard Album Charts at number 14 with sales over 43,000. Of course in the rest of the world nobody has heard of THE WRECKERS, but that’s a pity, because these 2 girls present us a nice mix of radiofriendly melodic pop/rock and new country. The girls sing harmony and they do that very well, while the songs feature strong melodic hooks and catchy choruses, mostly backed up by the acoustic guitars the girls play and actually it reminds me of a stripped down version of WILSON PHILLIPS, with a bit of 70s HEART added. It is damn catchy from start to finish and radio-ready for the American market, where they love this kind of music, which is labeled New Country, sort of mixing the AOR vocals/melodies with the lightness of country, but thank God not in the honkytonk style, but smoothly laid-back like JAIME KYLE or early VAN STEPHENSON. Recommended if you like your rock to sound calm, but very melodic and vocally quite perfect. Highlights are “Leave the pieces”, “Tenessee”, “Lay me down” (very strong AORish semi ballad) and “Cigarettes”. The material is mostly ballad orientated, but happily quite good, recommended if you like LUCIA SILVAS, LENE MARLIN, LENITA ERICKSSON, ILSE DE LANGE, JAIMY KYL, LEE ANN RIMES... More info at: http://www.thewreckers.com or http://www.maverick.com (Points: 8.2 out of 10)
Hard to keep up with all the rock releases on the major labels in the USA, but here we have AS FAST AS. This band has released their CD ‘Open letter to the damned’ on a sublabel of SONY BMG, so a band signed to the really big boys. Musically AS FAST AS is playing very strong Rock and Roll with influences from all decades, because we can hear 60s melodies, 70s groovy guitar riffs and 80s Glamrock parts, all making it possible to even sound updated for today’s rock market. If you ask me, this AS FAST AS is another band bound to break huge in the USA, because already this CD shows they are much better than the average Punkpop of bands like FALL OUT BOY and GREENDAY. The guitarwork is stunning, the melodies and vocals are real raw rock and roll and basically each of the 11 included tracks on their CD is Rock and Roll at it’s very best. Move over JET and all Swedish Rock and Sleaze Roll bands (HARDCORE SUPERSTAR/BABYLON BOMBS), because here is AS FAST AS, a superstrong new American Rock and Roll band with the spirit of the past but their feet into the present day and very original. Besides raw rock and roll tracks such as “Blame it on the drugs”, “Florida Sunshine”, “Something fience” (hidden track) and “Skin the kat”, the band also comes up with a few radiofriendly THE CARS/THE CLICK FIVE melodic poprockers here and there (such as the incredible catchy tune “Special”, which has all it takes to become a huge summerhit!) and some calmer ballads (such as their hit “If I only knew”). The beginning of the CD is definitely the strongest part, but fans of original rockmusic will probably prefer some of the later tracks. One way or the other, this is a band to check out asap at: http://www.asfastasmusic.com or http://www.octonerecords.com (Points: 8.4 out of 10) FAMILY FORCE 5 ‘BUSINESS UP FRONT PARTY IN THE BACK’ (MAVERICK RECORDS/WARNER BROS) Heavy guitar riffs and rapping, well, this is a CD which belongs in the hands of fans of BEASTIE BOYS and RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE. It is as good as those acts, but for the melodic rockfans it all sounds too groovy and rap orientated, although the guitar riffs are definitely adding a strong rock/metal approach. Personally I would have liked to see some more of the so-called RICK JAMES ish vocals mentioned in the bio, which can best be heard during the best song of the CD (“Drama queen”), which sounds like a 70s Funkrocksong a la MOTHER’S FINEST. However, this band is taking things a bit more into modern Rap Metal directions most of the time. More info at: http://www.familyforce.com or http://www.maverick.com (Points: 7.2 out of 10) PETER MAYER ‘COLLECTION’ (INDEPENDENT) Out of Cincinatti/USA comes multi-instrumentalist/singer PETER MAYER, who sent me a CD on which he is playing typical American Melodic Poprock, early 80s style, kinda like JACK GREEN, TOMMY TUTONE and PHIL SEYMOUR if anyone recalls them. 9 songs are included and some of them are catchy, but it always sounds like a true independent recording, so nothing fancy or big studio sounding stuff here. Just basic American Poprock in the old spirit, very 80s and with good melodies, with as highlights “The downwinders”, “Playing it up” and “The marrying kind” (best song, catchy 80s AOR rocker a la BILLY SQUIER). More info at: http://www.petermayermusic.net (Points: 7.4 out of 10) MALDO ‘DEMO CDR’ (DEMO CDR) A demo from a Swedish band, which sounds quite impressive. The band has a modern American orientated Melodic Rocksound, which is showed on the 3 songs of their demo CDR. It’s like I am listening to a new major label release from the USA, so not without Nu-Metal influences, but happily with very strong melodies. Hard to say a lot about this band, because their demo only lasts about 12 minutes, but it definitely shows they have a bright future. Can not be compared to any other Swedish band, because MALDO is taking things the modern American way. Best song is closing track “Cage”. Hopefully more material soon, in the meantime info at: http://www.maldo.nu and e-mail at: maldo.x@hotmail.com (Points: 7.8 out of 10)
Very catchy Melodic Rock the modern way is what to expect from this up and rising rockband from Calgary/Canada. Their CD was produced by Joey Moi (NICKELBACK) and also producer/songwriter Brian Howes (HEDLEY, HINDER, CLOSURE) made his entrance in the recording process of the debut CD of ONE NINE HUNDRED. The result is a very strong catchy melodic rock release which is really not far away from the last couple of HAREM SCAREM albums, but also HINDER, HEDLEY and even SIMPLE PLAN come to mind here, with a slight 80s catchiness in the best songs of the CD, which are “Giving up the ghost”, “Make up X” and “If U cared”. A band which will probably be signed to a major label soon, because this is perfect radio-ready catchy melodic rock for the North American market! More info at: http://www.one900band.com and e-mail at: band@one900band.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10) BURNITUDE ‘SPREAD’ (INDEPENDENT) Swedish band with a 3-track independent CD release. Musically Melodic Heavy Rock/Metal, little bit 80s, very German Rock/Metal orientated actually, with unfortunately slightly weaker vocals (raw with accent). Not really as sensational as all the other bands coming out of Sweden, but still BURNITUDE is playing original Rock/Metal with a 80s approach and that’s something to appreciate. Who knows in the future a full-length CD might see them improving, because the songs are at the moment not strong enough and like I said vocally it needs to improve as well. In the meantime, check out BURNITUDE at: http://www.burnitude.com and e-mail at: info@burnitude.com (Points: 7.5 out of 10)\ DIVA ‘DEMO’ (DEMO CDR) 4 songs are on the demo CDR of the Swedish band DIVA and this 2002 formed band is playing catchy pure 80s influenced Glam/Melodic Hardrock. This could well have been a 80s band from the USA signed to a major label 20 years ago, so they sound really good if you ask me. Catchy uptempo melodic rockers like “Dancing on the edge” and “Somewhere, somehow” make this band stand above the rest, also due to the strong lead vocals of the band’s lead singer. More info on DIVA at: http://www.divaonline.se or http://www.myspace.com/divahome (Points: 8.2 out of 10) KARCIUS ‘KALEIDOSCOPE’ (UNICORN DIGITAL) Canadian band with a strong instrumental release, which combines elements of Jazz/Fusion with progressive rock. The result is a very relaxing CD, which is their 2nd CD far. Highly recommended to open-minded progfans. Not the typical prog release, but a well-thought jazzy affair. More info at: http://www.karcius.com or http://www.unicorndigital.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10) KOPECKY ‘BLOOD’ (UNICORN DIGITAL) 5th CD of the 3 brothers Kopecky, whom started their career in 1999 with the release of their debut CD. Now 7 years later the new CD ‘Blood’ has been released. KOPECKY is playing good quality instrumental progressive rock with some Metal riffs here and there. For the fan of guitar based high quality progrock/metal a must to have and proving there’s more out there than DREAM THEATER, SPOCK’S BEARD, etc. More info at: http://www.kopecky.8m.com or http://www.unicorndigital.com (Points: 8.1 out of 10) 31 PROJECTS ‘THE MUSIC’ (SANDROSE RECORDS) Gerald Krampf of the Austrian Progressive Rockband INDIGO decided to release a side-project, which musically is going into a very calm piano-classical/electronical direction, with a lot of pianowork. The CD he released as the 31 PROJECTS contains 16 tracks, which actually are making up a perfect soundtrack to a movie, which actually is also the truth, as the CD and project is based on a documentary about the Holocaust, which can be viewed at: http://www.31Projects.at and e-mail Gerald at: office@indigomusic.at (Points: 8.0 out of 10) THOUSAND LAKES ‘GARDENS OF SHIRKADATH’ (INDEPENDENT) Band from Luxemburg with a nice CD release, which actually was done in 2003, but the band’s recent 10-years anniversary was captured on DVD, which was released last year. However, we focus on the CD, which contains 11 tracks and looks and sounds quite professional. The lead vocals are not superstrong, because when singer Rony Willems goes up high pitched it doesn’t sound convincing, because in the lower department is sounds better. Instrumental it sounds fine and musically we are dealing here with traditional melodic metal. Highlights are “Alive and well” and “Gardens of Shirkadath”. Not a new FISC I am afraid, but fans of Melodic Metal a la AXXIS/GRAVESTONE worth checking out. More info at: http://www.thousandlakes.lu and e-mail at: thousandlakes@internet.lu (Points: 7.5 out of 10) THE D PROJECT ‘SHIMMERING LIGHTS’ (OZETA PRODUCTIONS) There are not many Neo-Progbands coming out of Canada, but the D PROJECT is a big exception, as this band has released a huge sounding high quality Progressive Rockalbum which will please all FLOWER KINGS/TRANSATLANTIC/IQ fans for sure. Multi-instrumentalist Stephane Desbiens is the leader of this project, on which we can also hear guest musicians such as MARTIN ORFORD (IQ), TOMAS BODIN (FLOWER KINGS) and Fred Scheindel of GLASS HAMMER, so if you’re a fan of any of these bands this is a must-have CD. Maybe nothing new is brought in, but it is without a doubt a fantastic piece of typical Progressive Rock, combining long instrumental passages with strong vocalwork of Stephane. 7 long songs are included, clocking in at 50 minutes. Better check it out asap if you call yourself a progfan! More info at: http://www.thedproject.com or http://www.ozetaproductions.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10) THE VICIOUS MARTINIS ‘THE VICIOUS MARTINIS’ (AMERICAN GIANTS RECORDS) This American band takes classic AOR/Melodic Rock melodies from the 80s into an updated rocksound, ending up sounding like a cross between FIREHOUSE, HAREM SCAREM and CREED. The songs are very catchy and melodic, with a slight raw modern touch in the vocal department (such as the NICKELBACK sounding “It tears me”), although I am safe to say this THE VICIOUS MARTINS is actually a pure Melodic Rockband. They sound like the next big thing, with songs like “Slipper”, “Just where I found you” (the catchy early 80s approach) and “Red house” being very strong melodic rocksongs. Definitely a band to watch out for in the near future. In the meantime check out their sites at: http://www.theviciousmartinis.com or http://www.myspace.com/viciousmartinis (Points: 8.2 out of 10)
We’re heading to Sweden, where we can find SHINETH, a band originally formed as SHINE in the early 2000s. now they have finished their first official CD release, which contains mainly typical AOR/Melodic Rock in the TOMMY DENANDER style, meaning that it sounds like a cross between RADIOACTIVE, TALK OF THE TOWN, HOUSE OF SHAKIRA, STREET TALK and SPEEDY GONZALES, yet with sometimes outside influences (BEATLES in a song like “Joker”). They mix it up a little with some more modern approaches (not much really), but the choruses are just pure high class Swedish AOR (such as the fantastic “Leaving home”) featuring superb harmonyvocals and strong lead vocalwork. Highlights are besides “Leaving home”, “Should I…” (midtempo AOR a la STREET TALK), “Like a human”, “Waistd?” (a la SPIN GALLERY, best song, superb chorus!) and “Requiem – die happy” (fantastic big sounding midtempo melodic rocker, which BONFIRE forgot to make the past 5 albums!). Perfect production, a lot of sensational songs, well, I guess SHINETH is the latest arrival of sensational Swedish Melodic Rockreleases! Better check out their site at: http://www.shineth.se and e-mail at: info@shineth.se (Points: 8.7 out of 10) EVENT HORIZON ‘NAKED ON THE BLACK FLOOR’ (CRUZ DEL SUR/SONIC RENDEZVOUS) French band EVENT HORIZON returns with a new CD, which contains very strong Progressive Metal, perfectly produced for modern times and definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of TIME MACHINE, VANDENPLAS, THRESHOLD, DREAM THEATER. EVENT HORIZON has a few more rough edges in their sound, less keyboard orientated, but still focused on good strong melodies besides big guitar riffs. 9 songs are included, of which the best are “Bited” (like heavier SAGA), “The road to myself” and “The wall”. Recommended to Progmetalfans! (Points: 8.4 out of 10)
A surprise from Andorra, which is one of the smallest countries in Europe, because this THE AXLE is a great female fronted AOR/Melodic Rockband which sent me their 4-tracks counting mini-CD. The band has a great singer and opener “Feel the mountain” shows right from the start we are dealing here with an act which is as good as NEXX, COASTLINE, ALYSON AVENUE, VERALIN and your typical female fronted AOR. Strong vocalwork, beautiful melodies and still rockin’ guitars make this band a very interesting act, although it is calmer AOR/Melodic Poprock most of the time, a bit HEARTish. The band most of all reminds me of THE BOXX (the old Dutch band if anyone remembers!). Best song of the 4 included is closing track “Endless sea”, a beautiful melody can be heard in this tune. The first band I ever heard from Andorra, but definitely a very strong act with a bright future! More info at: http://www.theaxle.net and e-mail at: theaxle@andorra.ad (Points: 8.3 out of 10)
High quality Classic Metal from a Croatian band, whom sent me their 4-tracks counting mini-CD ‘No words’ released in 2005. The band sounds like TONY MARTIN fronted BLACK SABBATH and some FIFTH ANGEL, meaning this is quite good. The lead vocals of singer/guitarist Culjo are very good, while the mix of big guitar riffs and melodic choruses are making STIMULANS a very original band. It also reminds me a lot of the Greek band INNER WISH. Although the band is independent, a song like “Sacrifice” shows they have the potential to be signed to a label in the future. Check them out at: http://www.truemetal.org/stimulans and e-mail at: stimulans@globalnet.hr (Points: 8.2 out of 10) GERGOVIA ‘COULEE DE LAVE’ (CCP RECORDS/ROCK INC) Black Metal? Noisecore? Well this is probably the heaviest and most noisy record I have ever heard, sorry but it has nothing to do with music, please avoid this… (Points: 1.5 out of 10) BISHOP OF HEXEN ‘THE NIGHTMARISH COMPOSITIONS’ (CCP RECORDS/ROCK INC) Instrumental and production is much better than their label mates of GERGOVIA, but still this BISHIP OF HEXEN’s mix of Black Metal and Medieval music is not really interesting. They come out of Israel by the way… (Points: 5.0 out of 10) TRIGLAU ‘WHEN THE SUN IS RISING ABOVE THE EARTH’ (CCP RECORDS/ROCK INC) The Austrian label CCP RECORDS is focusing on Black Metal, which is also the case with TRIGLAU who are a bit more melodic due to the heavy use of keyboards. CHILDREN OF BODDOM rip-off I guess… (Points: 5.0 out of 10) SLAVE ZERO ‘THE PAIN REMITS’ (INDEPENDENT) Band from Ireland, playing a mix of Hardcore (screaming vocals) and Death Metal, very aggressive and sadfully without any melodies. I am not able to say more, because this is the kind of Metal we do not review. Only interesting for the fans of Extreme Metal… More info at: http://www.slavezero.net and e-mail at: info@slavezero.net (Points: -) RICKY GRAHAM ‘REFRACTION’ (MEA RECORDS) Multi-instrumentalist from Northern Ireland. 5 songs are on his CD ‘Refraction’, which musically are melodic progressive rock orientated. Instrumental quite good, production could be better, but sadly vocally weaker. Best song is the instrumental titletrack which contains excellent guitarwork a la VINNIE MOORE. More info at: http://www.rickygraham.net (Points: 7.7 out of 10) SOUTHERN ROCK ALL STARS ‘TROUBLE’S COMING LIVE DVD’ (MTM MUSIC) All-star band featuring members of MOLLY HATCHET, BLACKFOOT, LYNRYD SKYNRYD and TOKYO ROAD, whom have now released a DVD containing almost 3 hours of footage, of which the most interesting part is the 90+ minutes counting concert footage of the band. Musically it is all about Classic Southern Rock with not a twin-guitarsound, but a triple guitarsound, which makes it sounds quite impressive at times. The band is playing a mix of own songs and covers of BLACKFOOT, LYNYRD SKYNYRD, MOUNTAIN, MOLLY HATCHET, FREE and for the fun of it KISS’ Rock and roll all nite”. It’s 19 tracks full of classic Southern Hardrock like only the Americans can make it and for fans of mentioned bands a definite must to watch because this is not just a coverband, but a true all-star band compromised of high class musicians from the Southern Rockscene. Only the 60 minutes of backstage/interview footage is a bit long, but who cares. Must-have DVD for Southern Hardrockfans! (Points: 8.1 out of 10) WANTED ‘SHIT HAPPENS’ (INDEPENDENT) 80s influenced melodic rock from Greece. The band’s CD ‘Shit happens’ starts just ok with the rocker “Shit happens”, but track 2 “A night to remember” shows this band is able to write sensational songs. This song is a fantastic semi/midtempo melodic rockballad in the DOKKEN/DEMONT style, a very impressive tune with also really strong vocals. Next up is the FIREHOUSE cover “Don’t walk away”, a classic which is hard to top, but WANTED gives it a good AORish remake with nice keys and melodic guitarsoloo. From the other songs especially “Follow the dream” is a great melodic rockballad and closing track “Stand on the rock” is a nice BLOODGOOD/BARREN CROSS type of 80s uptempo melodic rocker. Recommended to the fans of FIREHOUSE/DANGER DANGER/DOKKEN, TALISMAN, EXTREME… More info at: http://www.wanted.gr and e-mail at: wantedband@gmail.com (Points: 8.1 out of 10) CLOUDS FORMING CROWNS ‘RACE TO THE BLACKOUT’ (MORPHIUS RECORDS) 2nd CD of this American band (formed out of the ashes of GUIDED BY VOICES, a popular band which sold 2 million albums worldwide), which clearly is influenced by late 60s/early 70s Psychedelic Rock, because this could well be a record from that period. Imagine a mix of THE WHO, ZIGGY STARDUST, T-REX and JEFFERSON AIRPLANE and you’re quite close to the sound of CLOUDS FORMING CROWNS. I reviewed their debut in 2004, but can’t recall too much of it. However, if you’re a fan of mentioned bands this might well be up your alley. Especially THE WHO is in the instrumental department a big influence, as a song like “Ghost looms” has the same kind of structrure as “Pinball wizard”, although vocally this is pure DAVID BOWIE in his ZIGGY STARDUST period. I guess you’ll get the picture how this sounds like. The only thing I would like to know is the Dutch sentence at the back of the cover which means you can not sit at a chair, but why on earth did they use this (probably a photo taken in a Dutch museum???). Anyway, check it out if you like your music to sound like THE WHO, THE BYRDS, THE ZOMBIES, ZIGGY STARDUST… More info at: http://www.morphius.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10)
The British rockscene is dead. The only releases from the UK are done by reformed NWOBHM bands, which are most of the time very standard releases. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel, because the legendary band SARACEN has managed to release a very good album, which contains very strong original typical British Melodic Rock a la TEN, RAINBOW, THIN LIZZY, MAGNUM… Finally an album of an old UK Rockband which can compete with their earlier releases. The new CD ‘Vox in excelso’ is based on the famous story on which also DA VINCI CODE is based. SARACEN hasn’t changed a bit musically, which is a good thing, because their mix of classic melodic rock and symphonic pomprock made them one of the better lesser-known bands. Comparisons to early MAGNUM/STYX/KANSAS are very clear, especially in the fantastic 70s Pomprocker “Exile”, a song with huge keys and fantastic vocals. SARACEN still has a fantastic singer, STEVE BETTNEY, who sounds like a mix between STEVE WALSH and BILLY GREER. Other highlights on the new CD are “The order”, “Mary” and “Where was their God?”. A definite must-have for any Pompfan and probably one of the strongest releases out of the UK at the moment. (Points: 8.6 out of 10)
Danish band which already released 2 CDs prior to this ‘Third act’. Sadly they got unnoticed by most of you, because of so many other better releases. The new CD does not see big musical changes and although it is not a sensational record, ‘Third act’ is not a bad album at all. What we get to hear is quality melodic Progressive Metal with some Neo-Classical influences. Guest appearances are done by RICHARD ANDERSSON (MAJESTIC, SPACE ODYSSEY) and DAVID ROSENTHAL (RAINBOW, WHITESNAKE), both on keys. In total 11 songs are included, of which the best are “Bring on the world”, “Under the surface of water” and “Third act”. Despite being a very nice album, it will be hard for EVIL MASQUERADE to make a real big impact, as so many other similar releases are done nowadays. Nevertheless, worth checking out if you like that typical Scandi Melodic Progmetalsound of bands like ZEELION, ROYAL HUNT, SPACE ODYSSEY, ASTRAL DOORS, MAJESTIC… (Points: 8.4 out of 10) BLACK SAND ‘ROCK ON’ (INDEPENDENT) BLACK SAND is coming out of Austria and they play typical Classic Rock which is quite melodic, but vocally it is very raw with a strong accent (when the male singer sings). It’s a pity there’s less space for the female singer, who sounds a bit like ALANNAH MYLES (can be heard in the strong midtempo HEARTish AOR song “Fragile hearts”), because she definitely sounds much better. Anyway, 14 songs are on the CD and most of them go smoothly in the same direction. Like I said vocally it is almost sounding like JOE COCKER or FRANKIE MILLER, so a very raw Whiskey like voice, which is a bit contrast with the band’s melodic rock. Nevertheless, do check ‘em out at: http://www.blacksand.at (Points: 7.5 out of 10)
The legendary Christian AOR producers JOHN AND DINO ELEFANTE are back, producing a few Christian Rockbands on the American label SELECTRIC RECORDS. CROSS CULTURE is a band formed in 1998, now officially releasing it’s first full-length CD which musically combines strong melodic rock choruses with elements of other music styles (of which 70s R&B/Funk, a CHICAGO like Horn Section sometimes and modern rock influences are very clear). Especially vocally CROSS CULTURE has a lot to offer, because the band has a very strong melodic lead singer (Justin David), even recommended to fans of SPIN GALLERY. The ELEFANTE brothers have made the choruses very radiofriendly and interesting for the melodic rockfans. Highlights are the opener “Moment in time”, the catchy uptempo melodic rocker “One of these days”, “She won’t” (very strong radio-ready tune) and “Extradordinary”. The only let-downs are the last 2 songs, which are a bit too experimental. Well worth checking out this CROSS CULTURE, which is not that far away from the 2nd NOUVEAUX from a 10 years ago if we’re moving into melodic rock talk here. More info at: http://www.selectricrecords.com or http://www.crossculturelive.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10)
Very strong Christian band combining modern rock with classic melodic rock choruses, like a mix between BON JOVI, U2, NOUVEAUX and KUTLESS. Their new CD ‘Fool’s paradise’ was produced by legendary AOR producers JOHN AND DINO ELEFANTE, who have the band a radiofriendly pure melodic rocksound. Songs like “Dear you”, “Can’t go on”, “These eyes” and the semi-ballad “Tonight” are definitely strong memorable modern Radio AOR/Melodic Rock hits. It seems like the Christian Rockscene is turning back to Rock with melodies, which is a good thing. Highly recommended to fans of KUTLESS, RELIENT K… More info at: http://www.mondaymorningmusic.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10) RYE COALITION ‘CURSES’ (GERN BLANDSTEN RECORDS/HARD LUCK 5 MUSIC/SONIC RENDEZVOUS) This American band already released 2 succesfull albums and has been since 2002 trying to get their 3rd release ‘Curses’ out because it seemed like a curse indeed for the band to release a new record, while major labels were interested (UNIVERSAL/DREAMWORKS/GEFFEN) but none of them actually were able to release the record. Now on the same label as their first 2 releases (GERN BLANDSTEN RECORDS), the band makes a comeback. The new CD was produced by DAVE GROHL (FOO FIGHTERS/NIRVANA) and contains pure Classic Hardrock like mixing KISS, MOTLEY CRUE, VELVET REVOLVER and BUCKCHERRY with a lot of dirty mean punky sleazy rock and roll. I guess this style is very popular in the USA at the moment. It’s a little different from the European scene where bands like HARDCORE SUPERSTAR and BACKYARD BABIES are vey popular, but on the other hand songs of RYE COALITION such as “Young yellers”, “Clutch the pearls”, “Secret heat”, “True love by the hour” (very catchy tune, classic 80s approach) and “Pussyfootin’” are all instant winners for fans of mentioned bands. Better check it out asap if you’re a fan of no-nonsense punky sleazy rock and roll, especially since the CD comes along with a bonus DVD filled with live and backstage footage you don’t want to miss of these guys… (Points: 8.3 out of 10)
VENGEANCE is back with a vengeance! The legendary Dutch hardrockband split up about 12 years ago, but is now back on track, although only original member left is singer LEON GOEWIE. Happily, the music is exactly the same as before IAN PARRY stepped in at the end of the 80s, which means dirty raw pure Hardrock like a mix between KROKUS, Y&T and AC/DC.The band is besides Leon also featuring Barend Courbois (WHISTLER COURBOIS WHISTLER), Michael Eurich (WARLOCK, CASANOVA), Michael Voss (SILVER, CASANOVA, MAD MAX) and as a very special guest founding member Arjen Lucassen on guitar and Mat Sinner (SINNER, PRIMAL FEAR). From start to finish we can hear Hardrock the way it sounded in Europe back in 1984, guitar orientated with choruses to shout along, perfectly for fans of ACCEPT, KROKUS, VICTORY, so I mean real Hardrock. The guys of VENGEANCE have released a true new VENGEANCE record in the musical sense, so anyone who is a fan of real Classic Hardrock will love the record. Best songs are “Mind over matter”, “Captain moonlight” (little like SHAKRA/GOTTHARD) and “Back in the ring”, with very strong vocal performances of Leon (where has he been all these years!). Despite a few fillers, such as “Cowboy style” and “Eveline”, this CD is highly recommended to fans of classic Hardrock with strong melodies! (Points: 8.4 out of 10)
Almost missed this major label release, which would have been a pity, because this female fronted band INHABITED from Houston/Texas has released a very impressive CD filled with catchy melodic poprock that sounds like an updated modern approach to the classic early 80s PAT BENATAR/LITA FORD/JOAN JETT releases. Easily comparable to DAMONE and a heavier KELLY CLARCKSON, this CD is from start to finish featuring nothing but radio-ready melodic rocksongs. 11 songs are included, of which especially “Open my eyes”, “Everybody listen”, “Save my life” and “Revolution” are very catchy melodic poprockers which instantly stick in your head. All fans of female fronted rock whom haven’t heard INHABITED yet should hurry asap to get this release in their collection. More info at: http://www.inhabitedtheband.com and http://www.ferventrecords.com and http://www.jointherevolution.org (Points: 8.6 out of 10) FREE DIAMONDS ‘INTERNATIONAL GATHERING OF CHAMPIONS’ (DEEP ELM RECORDS/SONIC RENDEZVOUS) Experimental Rockband from Newcastle/UK signed to a US label, whom are mixing the quirky sound of the 80s with some New Wave and today’s British Rock, ending up sounding like a mix between ROXY MUSIC, THE KNACK, THE DARKNESS and PANIC AT THE DISCO! Anyone who thought ARCTIC MONKEYS and KAISER CHIEFS were awesome, will probably also dig this FREE DIAMONDS a lot, because they make the same kind of rock, which might have sounded original a few years ago, but is now sounding like a rip-off from those 2 mentioned well-known UK bands. Nevertheless, it’s a nice CD, which like I said, should be in the hands of fans of KAISER CHIEFS and ARCTIC MONKEYS for sure! (Points: 7.7 out of 10) LATTERMAN ‘TURN UP THE PUNK, WE’LL BE SINGING’ (DEEP ELM RECORDS/SONIC RENDEZVOUS) New York based band with a raw Punkrocksound, very much like the UK bands instead of the childish US sound from the past 10 years. 35 minutes, 10 songs long well-thought Punkrock, so not just straight-ahead, but with tempo changes and strong melodies, taking this side of Punk and sometimes bordering on the Sleazy Rock and Roll border. I guess fans of VELVET REVOLVER, BACKYARD BABIES and BUCKCHERRY will also like this LATTERMAN, despite this band being a bit more Punkrock. There are some really catchy sing-a-long songs on this CD, such as the Oi!/THE BUSINESS/COCKNEY REJECTS soundalike “He’s a good sposato” or the funny “Too many Emo days”. This is one of those records which will find it’s way to any Punk, Rock and Roll or Oi! fan due to the catchiness of the songs and still the raw attitude of the sound. More info at: http://www.lattermanband.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10)
GOOD RIDDANCE is a punk rock band hailing from Santa Cruz, California. They were formed in 1986 and are quite popular worldwide. Although GREENDAY had a huge hit with a song called Good Riddance, this band was already making music before the members of GREENDAY could spell the word Punk. In fact, if there ever was a band which should been a much more successful band than GREENDAY it should have been this GOOD RIDDANCE or NOFX of course (owners of the 1990 formed label FAT WRECK RECORDS), whom are about to release their 7th album ‘My republic’. 14 catchy songs are included, mostly uptempo and very melodic, with as highlights “Tell me why”, “Torches and tragedies”, “Darkest days”, “Boise” and “Regret” (very catchy melodic song). Another strong album of GOOD RIDDANCE, which should be a major hit record in the USA, because it simply blows away any GREENDAY or FALL OUT BOY record instantly. (Points: 8.7 out of 10) BULLET UNION ‘RUIN’S DOMINO’ (JEALOUS RECORDS/SONIC RENDEZVOUS) 32 minutes counts the CD of BULLET UNION, a British Rockband trying to be the next KAISER CHIEFS, yet a little more Punkrock, but sadly their CD sounds a bit too much like a cheap independent release. Also the 9 songs are not really convincing, so this band is only interesting for absolute collectors I am afraid. (Points: 6.3 out of 10) THE LITTLE KILLERS ‘A REAL GOOD ONE’ (GERN BLANDSTEN RECORDS/SONIC RENDEZVOUS) If you like your rock to sound really raw you should have a listen to the live (?) recorded CD of the American band THE LITTLE KILLERS, which sounds like a mix between HANOI ROCKS, THE DAMNED and GIRL, not bad at all, but at times it sounds a bit too raw. Punky sleazy rock and roll fans however will love this record for sure! (Points: 7.1 out of 10) MULETRAIN ‘THE WORST IS YET TO COME’ (BEAT GENERATION RECORDS/MONSTER RECORDS/SONIC RENDEZVOUS) Spanish band with their 2nd CD release which contains 13 songs and has a playing time of just 23 minutes! Short, but for a Punkrock die-hard most of the songs are catchy enough to have a short but really good time. However, the level f similar acts like NOFX, GOOD RIDDANCE or IGNITE is not reached at all. (Points: 7.5 out of 10) THE POPZILLAS ‘THE INCREDIBLE ADVENTURES OF PANDORA POP’ (WOLVERINE RECORDS/SONIC RENDEZVOUS) Female fronted Austrian Melodic Poprockband with a release on the German label WOLVERINE RECORDS. It’s quite an impressive album, which sounds very radio-ready but on the other hand also punky and raw enough to keep it interesting for the rockers. I don’t have much info on the band, but despite the fact they are on a punklabel I am sure every fan of female fronted rock will like this release a lot, as the 12 songs and videoclip of the song “Pandora pop” are very catchy. Highlights are “Rocking for Columbine”, “Don’t hang around with the boys” and “Pandoras mission”. Better check it out asap if you’re a fan of female fronted rock, rockier than PAT BENATAR in her early years, more melodic than JOAN JETT and definitely punkier than AVRIL LAVIGNE/KELLY CLARCKSON polished poprock. Definitely one of the best female fronted rockbands from Austria ever! (Points: 8.5 out of 10) VARIOUS ARTISTS ‘FRESH BREATH OF MINT’ (MINT RECORDS) A Canadian label which I had not heard of before, but this compilation CD introduces us 22 songs by different bands. Musically this is a mix of 60s Garage Rock, some MORRISSEY type of Melancholic Pop and 80s British style Pop/Rock a la BIG COUNTRY, TEARS FOR FEARS, COCK ROBIN… really strong almost melodic rock type of stuff. I really did not know any of the included bands, but through this compilation CD I am aware of some great bands like NEKO CASE, THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS, THE ORGAN, IMMACULATE MACHINE and PANO. Hopefully soon reviews of the albums of these bands, in the meantime check out this label at: http://www.mintrecs.com (Points: 8.2 out of 10) HER WHISPER ‘CHILDREN OF THE BLACK SOIL’ (STF RECORDS) Not as strong as most of the other Swedish bands in the Melodic Metal genre, but with HER WHISPER we have another strong Swedish band playing Neo-Classical Progressive Power Metal that sounds like a mix between ZEELION, LANFEAR, MIND’S EYE, PAGAN’S MIND and MANIGANCE, yet vocally not that strong (singer Magnus af Nastergaard is besides doing some very good high pitched vocals also very average raw almost death metal like growling and even LORDI comes to mind – nothing to do with LORDI, but it just doesn’t fit in the melodic prog metal of HER WHISPER, completely unnecessary!). Production is very good and songs like “Dawn of war”, “Lord of depravity” , “War within” and “Mind over matter” are very strong Melodic Metal pieces, with as strongest point for this HER WHISPER the melodic choruses. Band with a future if the singer continues singing clean on a next CD. More info at: http://www.stf-records.de and http://www.herwhisper.net , while you can buy the CD of HER WHISPER at: http://www.m-system.de (Points: 8.2 out of 10) SCHAFFRATH ‘WEG AUS DORNEN’ (STF RECORDS) German band singing in the German language, but happily not a RAMMSTEIN copycat here. Instead, this SCHAFFRATH is playing a sort of catchy 80s melodic hardrockstyle (with a few Metal riffs). 10 songs are on the album and although not sensational, a couple of tracks, such as “Testament”, “Das Schwert’ and “Uber Leichen” are nice radiofriendly melodic rockers, while the semi-ballad “Blick auf dein offenes Meer” is almost sounding like BONFIRE (of their side-project LESSMANN/ZILLER, whom also sung in German). Nice to check out if you don’t mind your melodic rock sung in German. More info at: http://www.stf-records.de and http://www.schaffrath-music.de , while you can buy the CD of HER WHISPER at: http://www.m-system.de (Points: 8.1 out of 10)
American orientated Metalband from Sweden. CELLOUT are playing in the exact same style as all those new American Metalbands whom are mixing big modern Metal riffs with melodic clean singing and go for the catchy melodic radioready choruses. Some might qualify it as Melodic Progressive Metal of the DREAM THEATER kind, yet without the long instrumental passages and also no keyboards present. On the other hand, you get 4 very strong songs that put CELLOUT apart from all the other traditional European Metal sounding Swedish bands. Happily, they do play a very impressive American type of modern Melodic Metal style. Songs like “As I fall” and “Grind it down” are as good as bands like LOST PROPHETS or DISTURBED. Fans of such bands (millions in the USA) will absolutely love this band and who knows CELLOUT gets signed by a major US label in the near future. In the meantime check out their demo at: http://www.celloutonline.com and e-mail at: info@celloutonline.com (Points: 8.4 out of 10) IN PENA ‘COMO NACER DE NUEVO’ (BIG BANG MUSIC) Spain is loaded with Melodic Metalbands, all singing in their own language, which makes it for non-Spanish speaking hard to follow, but the melodies are always quite good. This time the band is called IN PENA and they are a little heavier than WARCRY, AVALANCH, SARATOGA, TIERRA SANTA, RATA BLANCA, but more or less are comparable to those bands. Instrumental it all sounds very good, but vocally it is not as good as the mentioned bands, although singer Hector Cervera is able to sing quite well. Songs like “No te quedan lagrimas”, “Ya no miro nunca atres” (very catchy fast uptempo melodic power metal) and ‘Te vendo mi alma” are very strong Melodic Metal tunes. Somehow the band is at their best during the last bunch of songs on their CD, because then the mixture of fast songs and melodic choruses work best. Recommended if you like the typical Spanish melodic metalsound! More info at: http://www.inpena.com and e-mail at: inpena@inpena.com (Points: 8.2 out of 10) 29 TEN ’29 TEN’ (INDEPENDENT) Released 2 years ago, the debut CD of the Michigan based band 29 TEN, which is formed around lead singer/bassist Charles Bailey and guitarist/keyboardplayer edward Dyk. They are clearly playing 80s AOR/Melodic Rock, also in the FRONTIERS RECORDS style, but sadly not as good or classic as most of their releases. It sounds like an independent version of BONRUD, NEWMAN and especially OUTLAND. You don’t hear me saying this 29TEN is a bad band, but I do think the vocals need to sound stronger as they do not add anything special to the music, which for AOR fans is a very important factor. Also the songs are a bit AOR/Melodic Rock by the number tunes, with no sensational tracks. BONRUD and OUTLAND are 2 bands that are suffering the same, although they also play pure 80s AOR/Melodic Rock which we all love so much. Improvements in vocal department and song writing could make this 29TEN an interesting band in the future. Nevertheless, songs like “Destiny”, “Monaco” (by far the best song, catchy fun uptempo AOR rocker) and “Summer song” are nice melodic rockers, so in the end the fans of melodic rock a la BONRUD, NEWMAN, DEADLINE, OUTLAND, NORWAY will probably like this 29TEN too, but I think the band can do much better (we do not need a song like “Drift away” or the early VAN HALEN – DAVID LEE ROTHish “Ms. Diablo”). Check them out at: http://www.29TEN.COM and e-mail at: mail@29Ten.com (Points: 7.9 out of 10) REDROCK ‘POWER FOR THE MIGHTY’ (MONTI RUJU RECORDS/KB MANAGEMENT) German band playing heavy progressive/psychedelic rock in the style of the early 70s, almost Krautrock, but then heavier, more Hardrock orientated. It reminds me a bit of JANE, BIRTH CONTROL mixing JEFFERSON AIRPLANE, but with a modern heavier approach. The band is definitely playing high quality music, but somehow none of the 9 included songs are making a really good impression. Nevertheless, if you’re becoming interested, then go to: http://www.redrock-theband.com (Points: 7.3 out of 10) VOZ EN OFF ‘PROMO CD’ (PROMO CD/KB MANAGEMENT) VOZ EN OFF is a band from Barcelona, Spain. They were formed in 2002 and present us their first promo CDR, which already convinced this band is capable of releasing a strong full-length CD in the near future. The band has a great singer and their 80s influenced AOR/Melodic Rock is very catchy. If you arer familiar with bands like CODA, TERCER ACTO, ALIADOS, ALIANZA, NEXX, etc. then you will be very interested in hearing this VOZ EN OFF, which is playing in the style of these bands. 5 songs are on the promo CDR, of which especially closing track “Rajame el alma” is a fantastic catchy uptempo melodic rocker. Better check out this band at: http://www.vozenoff.tk (Points: 8.4 out of 10) TIMELESS ‘DAWNING OF LIGHT’ (INDEPENDENT) Professional CD release from the Portuguese band TIMELESS. They play Melodic Hardrock/Metal like a mix between TARANTULA, EDGUY and IRON MAIDEN. 10 songs and a video can be found on the band’s first CD ‘Dawning of light’. It all sounds and looks very professional, so I am sure the band has invested their money in making the best out of it. Songs like “Dawning light”, “U and us all”, “Beyond their time” and “Let it rain down” are very strong uptempo Melodic Heavy Rocksongs. The video to the song “All the reasons why” (a ballad) should not be out of place on one of the music channels, so compliments in making such a high quality video. Check out more info on TIMELESS at: http://www.timeless-metal.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10) (All reviews by Gabor Kleinbloesem) |
BLOOM ‘BLOOM’ (ROASTINGHOUSE
RECORDS/ROUGH TRADE) 
FIREWIND
‘ALLEGIANCE’ (CENTURY MEDIA) 
EMPIRE ‘THE
RAVEN RIDE’ (METAL HEAVEN/ROUGH TRADE) 
AKIRA KAJIYAMA
+ JOE LYNN TURNER ‘FIRE WITHOUT FLAME’ (METAL HEAVEN/ROUGH TRADE) 
STENCIL FOREST
‘THE ABYSS’ (INDEPENDENT) 
WINTERS BANE
‘REDIVIVUS’ (METAL HEAVEN/ROUGH TRADE) 
THE WRECKERS
‘STAND STILL – LOOK PRETTY’ (MAVERICK RECORDS/WARNER BROS) 
AS FAST AS
‘OPEN LETTER TO THE DAMNED’ (OCTONE RECORDS/SONY BMG USA) 
ONE NINE
HUNDRED ‘ONE NINE HUNDRED’ (INDEPENDENT) 
SHINETH ’11 OF
10’ (INDEPENDENT) 
THE AXLE ‘THE
AXLE’ (INDEPENDENT) 
STIMULANS ‘NO
WORDS’ (INDEPENDENT) 
SARACEN ‘VOX IN
EXCELSO’ (ESCAPE MUSIC/GERMUSICA) 
EVIL MASQUERADE
‘THIRD ACT’ (ESCAPE MUSIC/GERMUSICA) 
CROSS CULTURE
‘PROOF POSITIVE’ (SELECTRIC RECORDS) 
MONDAY MORNING
‘FOOL’S PARADISE’ (SELECTRIC RECORDS) 
VENGEANCE ‘BACK
IN THE RING’ (MTM MUSIC) 
INHABITED ‘THE
REVOLUTION’ (CURB RECORDS/WARNER BROS) 
GOOD RIDDANCE
‘MY REPUBLIC’ (FAT WRECK RECORDS/SONIC RENDEZVOUS) 
CELLOUT ‘SUBLOW
3.0’ (INDEPENDENT)