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Finally the return of the best Melodic Rockband ever to hail out of Germany. The band released 4 fantastic records throughout the 1990s, becoming huge in Japan, but gave up around 2000. Now in 2006 the band makes a triumphant return with their 5th studio CD ‘Brother’s keeper’, a superb piece of Melodic Rock in the best FAIR WARNING style. The 13 songs are in the exact same style as their best record ‘Go!’ from 10 years ago, although it is almost impossible to reach the high level of that record (which to me is one of the best German albums of all times!). Nevertheless, the band’s Melodic Rock on the new CD sounds awesome and high class, with as highlights “Push me on”, “Wasted time”, “Still I believe”, “Don’t keep me waiting”, “The cry” and “In the dark”. Welcome back FAIR WARNING, contender for CD of the year and hopefully a full tour later this year to support this amazing new record! (Points: 9.1 out of 10)
FRONTIERS RECORDS just keeps on coming with these high quality AOR/Melodic Rockprojects, because September 2006 will bring us projects of AVALON and SUNSTORM. SUNSTORM consists of JOE LYNN TURNER on lead vocals and DENNIS WARD on bass and production, besides 3 other German musicians, but the most important thing is we have a collection of Classic 80s AOR tunes included here. OK, admitted, a couple have been recorded in the past, but all together this is a TRUE AOR WINNER! Congrats to FRONTIERS! If we first have a close look at the actual 12 songs, we can add that the songs “Heart over mind” (the VAN STEPHENSON classic, unbeatable, so they could have left that one out!), “Fist full of heat” (another VAN STEPHENSON tune!), “Night moves” (CLASSIC AOR, good version of the MARILYN MARTIN tune) and the DAVID CARL BAND cover “Arms of love” have been recorded and released by others in the past, so they are not truly new. Some of the other songs were penned by JIM PETERIK in the 1980s, in fact co-written with Joe and Ritchie Blackmore back in the 80s for considering to be on the follow-up of DEEP PURPLE’s ‘Slaves and masters’, but that never happened. Therefore some of the songs have been untouched for 20 years now, but now thanks to FRONTIERS RECORDS they can be found on the SUNSTORM project CD. Also a bunch of JOE LYNN TURNER ‘Rescue you’ follow-up demos are included (written by JIM PETERIK), such as opener “Keep tonight”, “Love’s gone wrong” (BIG CHORUS) and “Fame and fortune” (SUPER CATCHY), 3 of the absolute highlights here, fantastic pure 80s AOR. However, it’s all CLASSIC 80S AOR what we get to hear, very close to the SURVIVOR, EDGE OF FOREVER, FAIR WARNING, PHILIP BARDOWELL stuff, so the insiders know then we have a WINNER!!! JOE LYNN TURNER hasn’t done such a pure AOR record since ‘Rescue you’ more than 20 years ago and he shows he is an incredible singer who still has got that golden voice. If ever there was a perfect replacement for JIMI JAMISON in SURVIVOR Joe would be the best solution, but I am sure he wants to do much more than just be a singer for one band, because the past few years Joe appeared on many records. This SUNSTORM project CD is his finest recording, although these concern all old songs, but were all recently recorded by Joe and 4 German musicians. They did an incredible job in making it one of the best AOR records this year! (Points: 9.1 out of 10)  PLANET ALLIANCE ‘PLANET ALLIANCE’ (METAL HEAVEN/ROUGH TRADE)
PLANET ALLIANCE is the new project of Swedish mastermind MAGNUS KARLSSON (LAST TRIBE, ALLEN/LANDE, STARBREAKER, TONY O’HARA). He once again comes up with a sensational Melodic Metal release, on which we can hear this time MIKE ANDERSSON of CLOUDSCAPE singing, while there are guest appearances from members of HAMMERFALL, NARNIA, FREAK KITCHEN and JANNE STARK. All together, the 11 included songs are not really original, but nevertheless, they are all high class Melodic Metal tracks in the style of NATION, STARBREAKER, ALLEN/LANDE, LAST TRIBE, CLOUDSCAPE, although maybe a bit more melodic heavy rock here and there. Highlights are “Remember me”, “Calling my name” (lovely classic faster uptempo Melodic Metal), “The quickening” and “The great unknown”. Check out this release if you’re a sucker for typical Swedish Melodic Metal! (Points: 8.5 out of 10)
The Scottish band STRANGEWAYS is best known for their 3 classic AOR albums from the second part of the 1980s, but they are still active nowadays and even released 3 more records during the 1990s, although they went into a more Psychedelic Rock (read PINK FLOYD) style and had absolutely nothing to do with the glorious 80s AOR of their first 3 classics. Those first 3 albums have now been re-release once again, with the addition of bonustracks (mostly live songs) and extensive liner notes of the best Scottish band ever. A few years the albums were also re-released through the band’s own label, but now they are available through a real label (MAJESTIC ROCK) completely remastered and that is a good thing because it now sounds really awesome and just shows how good this band really was. The first album featured TONY LIDDELL (who later would join TYGERS OF PAN TANG) on vocals and this 1986 released record, produced by KEVIN ELSON of JOURNEY/EUROPE fame, it was surely a great AOR record in the NIGHT RANGER/JOURNEY/SHOOTING STAR style, although not all of the tracks were classics. However, songs like “The kid needs love”, “Hold back your love”, “Power play”, “Now it’s gone” and “More than promises” are 4 timeless AOR classics. Nevertheless, this was not their finest release… More info at: http://www.majesticrock.com (Points: 8.7 out of 10)
The follow-up to the debut record of STRANGEWAYS was released in 1987 and this album saw a new face at vocals, the incredible TERRY BROCK, who later would sang with THE SIGN, SEVENTH KEY and release a solo record. However, in the late 80s this American singer sang on 2 STRANGEWAYS records, both classics and re-released with bonustracks. ‘Native sons’ from 1987 was a true 80s AOR Classic, although very close to JOURNEY. Songs like “Where do we go from here”, “Goodnight LA”, “Only a fool” and the beautiful “Empty streets” are truly wonderful AOR songs that showed the world this band had the potential in becoming really huge, but that somehow didn’t happen. This re-release contains 4 additional live bonustracks as recorded in the UK and Germany back in the late 80s. More info at: http://www.majesticrock.com (Points: 8.8 out of 10) STRANGEWAYS ‘WALK IN THE FIRE’ (MAJESTIC ROCK)
The finest record of the Scottish AOR legends STRANGEWAYS came in the shape of ‘Walk in the fire’, originally released on RCA Records in 1989, now re-released with 2 live recorded bonustracks. The album was filled with a bunch of superb high class midtempo AOR tunes that would make JOURNEY proud of. Songs like “Where are they now”, “Love lies dying”, “Everytime you cry”, “Talk to me”, “Into the night” and “After the hurt is gone” are all fantastic classic midtempo AOR tunes. The lack of any uptempo rockers on this records was happily not a problem at all, because this final STRANGEWAYS record in the AOR style was their best record ever and a true AOR CLASSIC. Now available on CD again, remastered! More info at: http://www.majesticrock.com (Points: 9.0 out of 10)
Fans of the female fronted UK band MAGENTA were surprised lately with the release of the DVD ‘The gathering’ and the new 2-CD set ‘Home’, both out on F2 MUSIC. The music of MAGENTA is calm progressive rock with some celtic influences in the vocal department (Lead singer Christina Murphy has a wonderful voice) and some bluesy guitarwork of the former CYAN guitarists, although in general they remind me a lot of MOSTLY AUTUMN and KARNATAKA, so they are also belonging to the new hope of Classic Rock in Britain. The band has a very strong sound, with fantastic melodic songs that will mostly be loved by the fans of classic neo-prog, although MAGENTA’s music is much more diverse. Especially the DVD ‘The gathering’ is a wonderful thing to watch, as the included 110+ minutes counting concert shows that this band should be HUGE! Especially their slightly older tunes are timeless classics (the lengthy “Children of the sun”, “Pride” and “The white witch” as well as the more commercial “Broken” is a wonderful tune). The DVD also contains 30 minutes of extra footage, such as interviews and a promo video for “Broken”. The DVD is a good way to start with this excellent band, but they also released a new CD titled ‘Home’. This new CD consists of 2 discs, of which the first is slightly less rocking and also not that lengthy songwise than their earlier material (with the exception of the best song on the album, the 11 minutes counting prog classic “Joe”), especially compared to what’s on the DVD, but still a nice calmer relaxing disc and of course with songs like “Moving on”, “The journey” and “Demons”, still a must for any fan of the band or a progrockfan in general! However, disc 2 of ‘Home’ is the disc to check out first as this is classic progrock, with 5 long tunes, of which especially “Arrival” and “White lies” show that this band is one of the best progbands out there, as good as or even better maybe than for example MOSTLY AUTUMN! I think you better need to check out the DVD and new CD for yourself if you want to experience the wonderful music of MAGENTA! Available through: http://www.f2music.co.uk and http://www.magenta-web.com (Points: 8.8 out of 10)
A very original band, which mixes diverse influences, ending up sounding like the perfect Progressive Death Metal band I have ever heard (yes, better than MERCENARY/WOLVERINE…). The past few years a few bands tried to mix these genres, but failed to impress on a full CD. However, the Canadian band INTO ETERNITY has been releasing CDs since 2000 and with their 4th CD ‘The scattering of ashes’ coming out in the fall of 2006, the band has released a very strong album, which might appeal to about any Metalhead. The band’s mix of death growls/black screams/clean vocals, complex technical progressive metal structures, some classic Euro Power Metal here and there, neo-classical guitarwork and superb melodic almost AOR choruses reminding of KANSAS mixed with VANDENPLAS, it all makes INTO ETERNITY sound like a very diverse enjoyable band. Although I am no fan myself of Black-screams/Death-growls, I think this band has done a good job in letting the melodies compensate big time with this dark aggressive side. During a few songs the screams/growls have been left out and then we can hear only the clean (very good and very melodic) vocals of Stu Block (especially “A past beyond memory” and “Surrounded by night” are basically just pure clean Melodic Progmetal masterpieces). But it really isn’t that much of an issue this time the death/black vocals, because the melodic choruses of songs like “Severe emotional distress”, “Nothing”, “Out” and “Pain through breathing” are terrific. I think DREAM THEATER may learn from this, because this band is able to mix all styles and deliver some top memorable melodic songs after all, while DT has been repeating themselves for many years now. This CD will be received very well I am quite sure of and it has a very wide appeal to different rock and metalfans! (Points: 8.8 out of 10) NEO-PROPHET ‘THE FEEBLEMINDEDNESS OF THE INDEPT AND THE IGNORANT’ (DEMO) Lately there has been some sort of explosion of progressive rockbands coming out of Belgium, because besides the 8 new bands included on the recent compilation CD put together by two prog magazines, we also were surprised by the very impressive band MINDGAMES. Now there is NEO-PROPHET, a band which plays your typical Neo-Prog in English tradition, taking their influences from 80s MARILLION, 70s GENESIS and it also reminds me a lot of EVERON and SYLVAN for the more modern progfans out there. 5 songs are included on this mini-CD, which has probably the longest CD-title I have ever typed (still tired!). Best track is the uplifting opener “Unwritten rules”. Looking forward to their first full-length CD ‘Monsters’, which should be out later this year. In the meantime check out their site at: http://www.neoprophet.com and e-mail at: neoprophet@skynet.be (Points: 8.0 out of 10) EZEKIELS EYE ‘THERE IS SO MUCH MORE’ (INDEPENDENT) Formed 10 years ago, the Florida based band EZEKIELS EYE has released a very strong mini-CD titled ‘There is so much more’, which was produced by JAMES PAUL WISNER (producer of UNDEROATH, DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL). The band has already released 2 albums, which I haven’t heard, but judging on the 4 included tracks on this CD I am very keen on hearing more of this band. Although they sound very typical American, their melodies are superstrong and they have a good lead singer, who for once does not sound like either Kurt Cobain or some smart-ass childish teeny punkpopkid. Singer (and guitarist as well as founder of the band) Scott Wilson has a powerful melodic voice, while the 4 songs are really strong modern melodic rocksongs, just listen to “I will always” and “My everything”. More info on this band at: http://www.ezekielseye.com or http://www.ee37.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10) NAPALM DEATH ‘SMEAR CAMPAIGN’ (CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS) Formed 25 years ago as a Punkband, but the UK band is best known as playing some of the heaviest noisiest music since they start releasing albums from 1987 on. They never changed their style and so also their new CD ‘Smear campaign’ is filled with extreme grindcore/death-metal of the worst kind… (Points: -)
The Swedish band WOLF was formed in 1996, 10 years ago and since 2000 they have been releasing records every 2 year, with the result that their new CD ‘The black flame’ is already their 4th CD. Musically nothing changed, although somehow this new WOLF record sounds pretty huge, thanks to Swedish producer FREDRIK NORDSTROM of DREAM EVIL fame and of course all his productions. He gave the WOLF sound a very slight modern touch, but in modern I mean the kind of DREAM EVIL and NOCTURAL RITES, so still it is high class 80s Melodic Metal with twin-guitars, but the general feeling of the album is a bit more like in the present day, so comparisons to those 2 Swedish bands are very clear. 10 songs are included and somehow the first and last 3 tracks of the CD are showing WOLF at their best, while the 4 songs in-between are slightly weaker. Songs like “I will kill again”, “At the graveyard”, “Black magic”, “Seize the night”, “Steelwinged savage reaper” and “Children of the black flame” are true Melodic Metal Masterpieces and show that WOLF is one of the better bands in the genre! (Points: 8.7 out of 10) RAISING FEAR ‘AVALON’ (DRAGONHEART/METAL BLADE) The Italian band RAISING FEAR was formed 6 years ago and ‘Avalon’ is their 2nd CD. They play pure European Power Metal with some 80s Metal influences, kinda like mixing DOMINE/WOLF/WHITE SKULL with a bit of RHAPSODY (a few bombastic influences, not much though), Teutonic Metal choirs and a lot of JAG PANZER/VIRGIN STEELE guitarwork, so RAISING FEAR is definitely more into True Metal than most of the Italo Power Metal bands. The new CD is a sort of epic journey through the past and fantasy, with guest appearances from members of BEHOLDER, WHITE SKULL, ELDRITCH and JAG PANZER. This is TRUE METAL and with songs like “The priestress’s speech”, “Avalon”, “Where past and future unite” and “Beyond life (the legacy 1)”, the band shows they are without any doubts a must-have for all fans of classic twin-guitar Melodic Metal kind, so all you lovers of dungeons and dragons, raise your fists in the air, grab yourself a crucifix and a sword, get on your horse and ride through the sky, as of speaking in True Metal terms! (Points: 8.5 out of 10) THE HUMAN ABSTRACT ‘NOCTURNE’ (HOPELESS RECORDS/SONIC RENDEZVOUS) OK, so this is one of those typical American bands, with a sound that combines Classic Metal riffs with both aggressive screamo vocals and melodic clean vocals, with choruses in each song that are very melodic, while the band changes the tempo of the song also a lot as if they were a progband and Metalcore can also be heard, so imagine a mix between CROWBAR, TOOL, DREAM THEATER, SLAYER, NEVERMORE, MERCENARY and PAIN OF SALVATION. Always wondering if they would constantly use a clean singer, this THE HUMAN ABSTRACT would be a sensational melodic prog metal, because songs like “Harbringer”, “Mea culpa” (Metalcore meets Emo meets Thrash Metal meets Classic Metal!) and “Movement from Discord” really have lovely melodic verses and choruses. Happily, this band offers so much diversity in their songs, any metalhead will find at least something of their liking. The open-minded progmetal fans will most definitely like this band a lot and I am sure they will do well in the USA. (Points: 8.0 out of 10)
In 2005 we reviewed the fantastic demo CD of the US band CELLADOR, which was filled with high class 80s influenced US Power Metal. Now a year later they have released their debut CD on METAL BLADE RECORDS. Although it all sounds pretty good, I can’t help thinking the band has updated their style a bit, as it now sounds a lot like DRAGONFORCE at times, yet without the keys and CELLADOR has a better lead singer, who can easily go into the high pitched zone. The album’s highlight “Leaving all behind” is a monster fast classic Melodic Metal song that simply blows away any DRAGONFORCE song! Slight pity the remaining 7 tracks go for the exact same approach, so fast melodic metal with lots of hooks and choruses, sounding very good, but maybe some more diversity would not have been a bad thing after all. Nevertheless, CELLADOR may look back at a decent first CD release, which shows this is a band to look out for in the future, because they are young and sound like the new hope for real American Metal! (Points: 8.3 out of 10) THE DAGONS ‘REVERSE’ (DEAD SEA CAPTAIN RECORDS/BLOW THE FUSE/SONIC RENDEZVOUS) American band THE DAGONS features 2 female musicians and they are playing Garage Rock on their debut CD ‘Reverse’. Some might say it sounds like a demo from 1968, but for the real die-hard fans of this style of music it is of course something you will love. It reminds one a bit of JEFFERSON AIRPLANE when GRACE SLICK fronted the band. It really is one of those underground cult recordings, so no major label sound to found here. It has it’s charm however and for sure fans of Garage Rock in a late 60s style, this is worth checking out. More info at: http://www.dagons.net (Points: 7.6 out of 10) TERRORGRUPPE ‘RUST IN PIECES’ (DESTINY/SPV/SONIC RENDEZVOUS) Good old fashioned Punkrock which sounds catchy, melodic and uplifting. TERRORGRUPPE is coming out of Germany and the 13 tracks on their new CD ‘Rust in pieces’ sound very impressive, as if they were a British Punkband from the late 70s. They play classic punk with a melodic guitarsound and catchy singable choruses, which right from the start can be heard on great songs like “The world’s not bad at all”, “Hedonistic salvation front”, “Rambo 3”, “Cathedrals” and ”Satellite city”. Check it out if you’re a fan of NOFX style catchy melodic punkrock. More info at: http://www.terrorgruppe.com (Points: 8.2 out of 10)
While listening to the official first full-length CD of the band THE NEW STORY one would think this band comes out of the USA, but they are truly an Italian band. The band is playing high quality Melodic Punkpoprock and with influences from Sum41, Autopilot Off, The Ataris, Jimmy Eat World, Hoobastank, Midtown, Dont Look Down, New Found Glory and Foo Fighters they have done the best they could on their debut CD ‘Untold stories’. It is a must-have if you like this genre, because the included 11 songs are all catchy and very melodic, while still touching the spirit of classic punkrock (the song “Same new story” is a deadringer for fans of THE BOYS!). THE NEW STORY sounds more American than any other band in this genre and that’s not a complaint, but a real compliment for THE NEW STORY. Go check out this band for yourself at: http://www.thenewstory.net Even the melodic rockfans might like this band, because the songs are all very melodic, just listen to the awesome midtempo melodic rockers “More than life” and “Blind” that sound like HOOBASTANK meets HAREM SCAREM, so this is an interesting record for Punkpop, Emo and Melodic Rockfans! (Points: 8.5 out of 10)
After witnessing them live in concert a few weeks ago, I was quite anxious in hearing more of the legendary American Southern Hardrockband DOC HOLLIDAY. It seems like the band went on the past 10-15 years (it seems they never split up and celebrated their 25-year anniversary recently), releasing some live records, studio albums and also recently, the album ‘Rebel souls’ which is filled with covers, mostly Southern Rock classics (ALLMAN BROTHERS/LYNYRD SKYNYRD, BAD COMPANY = Bluesrock of course) and even 2 BEATLES tracks (the rare “Run for your life” and “One after 909”). In total 10 tracks are included, the band sounding a lot calmer than in their hardrocking early years, but still DOC HOLLIDAY sounds pretty tight and especially live the proved to be a strong typical American Rockband. The CD ‘Rebel souls’ is available through: http://www.phoenixrecords.de I think I am gonna go back to listen to their early albums, of which recently we reviewed the re-issued CD of ‘Doc Holliday rides again’, but then again I am not sure any of their other 80s albums is available on CD, so that will be LP hunting I guess… (Points: 8.2 out of 10)
SECOND ‘INVISIBLE’ (DRO ATLANTIC/WARNER MUSIC SPAIN) On a major label released, the CD of the Spanish band SECOND. They were formed almost 10 years ago and ‘Invisible’ is their 3rd so far. The band sings in English, unlike most other Spanish bands, although 4 tracks are sung in Spanish, but that’s not a problem because the music of SECOND is very strong. They sound very much like any American/British band, somehow reminding me a bit of BIG COUNTRY and SIMPLE MINDS, so a bit 80s orientated Rockmusic with melancholic vocals and strong melodic choruses. 12 songs and a video are included on the band’s new CD ‘Invisible’. I believe it is doing quite well in Spain and no wonder because songs like “Fortune day”, “Algo”, “Erased world” and “On an island” are very good relaxed melodic pop/rock songs. Check out this SECOND from Spain at: http://www.second.es (Points: 8.3 out of 10) MUZL ‘PROMOTIONAL CDS’ (PROMO CDS) 2 Promo CDs and a videoclip of one of their songs were went to me from the Danish band MUZL. Musically they play a sort of Americanised Nu/Modern-Metal, which sounds good for what it is, but lacks a bit strong melodies, although songs like “Reflections”, “Summer’s evolving” and “In a minute” show this MUZL is quite a strong modern sounding rock/metalband that remind one a bit of DISTURBED. I think a full-length CD in the near future might tell us more. In the meantime check out this band at: http://www.muzl.com and e-mail at: Michael@muzl.com (Points: 7.7 out of 10)
It’s a pleasure to see so many Hardrock and Metal bands coming out of Scandinavia, because they are all very impressive as well, really the part of Europe which has caused an explosion of sensational bands that in their own countries (mainly Finland and Sweden) also hit the charts with albums and singles each month. PRIVATE LINE from Finland is another example. We reviewed their mini-CD ‘Six songs of Hellcity Trendkill’ in 2002, but they hit it big time in Finland the past 2 years and it took a long time before their first full-length CD ‘21st century pirates’ reached our desk, but it now happened. Conclusion is that this 2004 released record is sounding like MOTLEY CRUE has not sounded since ‘Dr. Feelgood’, big fun late 80s feel-good Party Rock and Roll with a Melodic Hardrock touch as well. Bands like WARRANT, POISON, DIRTY BLONDE, FASTER PUSSYCAT and also some WINGER, FIREHOUSE, SKID ROW, it can all be heard and this CD sounds huge, big production, as if it was created in the USA, in Los Angeles to be exact some 18 years ago. No, it does not sound dated, it sounds fresh and with songs like “1-800-out-of-nowhere”, the midtempo “Last night on earth” (very strong song a la WIGWAM!), “Forever and a day”, “Already dead” (slightly more HIMish with Partymetal vocals) and “Bleed” (80s ALICE COOPER chorus), this band has a bunch of catchy tunes not heard since the late 80s Glam/Party sound of CRUE and PRETTY BOY FLOYD (the band’s singer Sammy is a deadringer for fans of these 2 bands!). Even their cover of the CRUE classic “Livewire” is done perfectly, Sammy sounding close to Vince, although live Sammy should easily win from Vince, because that guy can’t sing while Sammy of PRIVATE LINE can sing very well). In the meantime, the band moved on after scoring a bunch of top 5 hitsingles and recently they released a new CD single titled “Broken promised land”, another very catchy uptempo melodic heavy rocker that mixes the old 80s LA Glam with today’s Finnish catchy melodic rocksound, a sure summerhit in Finland I guess! The CD-single has been released on the same label that put out their debut CD (the Swedish PLAYGROUND MUSIC label) and besides the titletrack “Broken promised land” also included is the song “Uniform”. Check these guys out asap if Hairspray, Spandex and 80s LA Glam/Hardrock is your business! More info at: http://www.privatelineweb.com (Points: 8.6 out of 10) YOU AM I ‘CONVICTS’ (INDEPENDENT) Raw punchy old fashioned back-to-basic Rock and Roll is what to expect from the Australian band YOU AM I. Straight-forward with no-compromise, but still featuring strong melodies. In total 12 songs are included and surely fans of JET and DANKO JONES will like this band a lot. They sound like they are on a major label, but their CD was released independently I believe (no label mentioned on the promo). Songs like “Friends like you”, “A Nervous kid”, “I’m a mess” and “Be my own hand” are pretty good uptempo rockers, catchy, short, simple and real Rock and Roll. More info at: http://www.youami.au.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10) SEVENTH HEAVEN ‘THE GATE OF SEVENTH HEAVEN’ (INDEPENDENT) The female fronted Japanese band SEVENTH HEAVEN was formed in 2001 and this is their latest studio-CD release, which once again contains a nice mix of 80s aor, melodic rock and neo-classical power metal. Cross VIXEN, LOUDNESS, CONCERTO MOON, SHOW-YA and MALMSTEEN, and you have the sound of SEVENTH HEAVEN. Instrumental sounding perfect, but vocally lacking a bit, but happily with songs like “3”, “4” and the catchy 80s melodic rocker “8” (songtitles in Japanese, so I mention the number on the CD) they show they are quite a good band to check out if you like that typical Japanese hardrock/metalsound. More info at: http://www.web-seventhheaven.com and e-mail at: seventhheaven@web-seventhheaven.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10)
DECEMBERADIO ‘DECEMBERADIO’ (SLANTED RECORDS/WORD/CURB/WARNER/SPRING HILL MUSIC GROUP) A sensational new American Christian Rockband is DECEMBERADIO, whom released recently their debut on SLANTED RECORDS, a sublabel of majors WORD/WARNER. The band has a classic rocksound, which still sounds updated, but is very melodic and quite catchy sometimes. A song like “Live and breathe” is basically a mix of THUNDER and FM, so pure British Classic Bluesy Melodic Heavy Rock! 10 songs are on the band’s same titled first album and without a doubt they are doing something really good and more importantly, finally a new American band with a different approach, as these guys lean much more to classic Britsh heavy rock/bluesrock than any other band at the moment. The band has a fantastic lead singer (bassist Josh Reedy) and their CD was produced by SCOTTY WILBANKS (THIRD DAY, OVERFLOW, NEWSONG). Melodic Rockfans will love some songs as well, because a tune like “Alright my friend” or “Drifter” are almost pure AOR! On The other hand, the band is very diverse as they throw in riff straight from classic Southern Rock and Hardrock, 70s style, sort of LYNYRD SKYNYRD meets LED ZEPPELIN/DEEP PURPLE, but then again they definitely have a modern rock approach to all this. This can best be heard in the album’s highlight “Razor”, a monster guitar riff, a groovy start and then suddenly a melodic uplifting chorus, it’s just all there. Also the song “Table” goes in this direction. DECEMBERADIO might be the next WOLFMOTHER if you ask me, difference is they are a Christian Rockband, but who cares, because the messages are positive and the music rocks the good way. Go check out this band at: http://www.decemberadio.com (Points: 8.5 out of 10) VARIOUS ARTISTS ‘LABOUR OF LOVE: IN HONOUR OF LIFE’ (34 WEST RECORDS) A new benefit CD with a lot of well-known musicians involved. This time it’s a tribute called LABOUR OF LOVE, which is a tribute to RICKY PARENT, the long-time drummer of ENUFF’Z’NUFF, who was diagnosed with cancer recently and has been fighting for his life ever since. The CD features sort of the same line-up as on the LIBERTY’N’JUSTICE CDs, which were also benefit CDs. A portion of the proceeds of the CD will be donated to the American Cancer Society. The music is mostly 80s inspired Hardrock, melodic rock, glamrock and a slight part of modern American Rock. Contributions are coming from members of ENUFF’Z’NUFF, DOKKEN, GUARDIAN, BON JOVI, JOURNEY, THE TUBES and also a bunch of new exciting rockbands such as THORNBIRDS (a DEF LEPPARDish band), SIXTY 10, 40FT RINGO, CRASH KELLY, CRUNCHY and DRY. TRIXTER fans will be delighted to hear a full song of them (“Heart of steel”) is included as in an unreleased live version as bonustrack here. You can check out all on this CD at: http://www.34west.net and http://www.rickyparent.net (Points: 8.0 out of 10)
PAMELA MOORE is in the melodic rockworld known for fronting the band RADAR, with whom she released a great album. However, in the regular world she is known for her presence as Sister Mary in both QUEENSRYCHE epic albums, from both the 80s and from recently. She also has toured this year with QUEENSRYCHE to perform her part of the ‘Operational mindcrime’ story. Anyway, she now has a new solo-CD out titled ‘Stories from a blue room’, which is quite different than the work she has done in the past. The album has a modern touch, but still thanks to the production of NEIL KERNON (AUTOGRAPH, QUEENSRYCHE, AVIATOR, MICHAEL BOLTON) it sounds very impressive from start to finish. 11 songs are included and the music is sort of modern epic melodic rock with Gothic touches, mostly midtempo, sort of crossing HEART, QUEENSRYCHE, IONA, DALBELLO and LUBA into a polished sound, although still sounding very atmospherically and melancholic. Highlights between the 11 included tracks are “Deeper”, “Eyes wide open” and “Complicated”. Check it out for yourself at: http://www.pamelamoore.net (Points: 8.4 out of 10)
Of course the UK has always been known for delivering typical British Rock as in the shape of SIMPLE MINDS, U2, COLDPLAY, KEANE, etc. but in Australia there are also a bunch of bands playing this melancholic rockstyle, 80s influenced, with strong melodies and still rocking enough for the real rockers among us. EVERMORE is such a band, signed to major label WARNER MUSIC in Australia, they have come up with a very strong US/SIMPLE MINDS/BIG COUNTRY type of Rockalbum that contains 12 tracks, of which the highlights are “Running”, “Unbreakable”, “Never let you go” (a very strong semi ballad, very melodic rock orientated) and “The great unknown”. If KEANE is such a big thing, well then I would not see a problem in EVERMORE from Australia becoming big as well. Recommended to fans of mentioned bands! Band is a big hit in Australia, with a number 2 hitsingle and hitalbum, now the rest of the world! More info at: http://www.evermoreband.com and http://www.warnermusic.com.au (Points: 8.2 out of 10) SUNROAD ‘ARENA OF ALIENS/FLYING N’ FLOATING’ (MUSIK HALL RECORDS) Formed 10 years ago, the Brazilian band SUNROAD sent me 2 of their latest CD releases. The first ‘Arena of aliens’ dates back to 2003, while they recently put out ‘Flying n’ floating’. The new CD is definitely their strongest effort, which also saw a change in the line-up, because new singer LEO YANES sounds pretty good (SOTO/BOALS/BORMANN style) and the music is slightly heavier and more progressive than before, although SUNROAD is without a doubt a very good European orientated Melodic Heavy Rockband (which can be heard on both records). Especially the song “First day without you” is a beautiful melodic rockballad. Also the melodic rocker “Don’t look up the truth” is a very nice tune. Overall, the band sounds a bit like PINK CREAM 69, JADED HEART… Quality band you van check out at: http://www.sunroad.com.br (Points: 8.2 out of 10)
Ex-MEGADETH/HAWAII/CACOPHONY guitarist MARTY FRIEDMAN released 5 solo-CDs between 1988 and 2006, with ‘Loudspeaker’ being his latest and maybe finest effort, as the melodies he pulls out of his guitar on this record are timeless, going back to the early records of VAI, SATRIANI, MACALPINE, MOORE, MALMSTEEN and the other guitar shredders from the late 80s. In Japan Marty is huge, because this new album was sold out within a week, entering the national charts at number 20. However, Marty also wants to focuse on Europe now and this new CD is a good way to re-introduce this superb guitarist. The new CD ‘Loudspeaker’ is a sensational guitar orientated instrumental melodic heavy rock/metalalbum, with many highlights. The uptempo songs “Elixir”, “Street demon”, “Glycerine flesh” and “Static rain” are all excellent tunes and Marty really shows his incredible talent here. This is by far his best work since the MEGADETH days! Almost forgot to mention BILLY SHEEHAN and STEVE VAI make a guest appearance on the CD, but Marty is of course the star! Must-have for any instrumental guitar freak! (Points: 8.8 out of 10)
WEDNESDAY 13 was a member of the bands DRAG QUEENS and MURDERDOLLS in the past, releasing a whole string of CDs, before going solo and releasing now his 2nd solo-CD titled ‘Fang bang’. The CD has a huge sound, thanks to BOB MARLETTE (producer of ALICE COOPER, BLACK SABBATH and THE STORM). The included music is very strong Sleazy dirty mean rock and roll with a late 80s approach, although still sounding up-to-date, sort of mixing ALICE COOPER, LORDI and MOTLEY CRUE. 12 songs are included, of which “American werewolves in London”, “Happily ever cadaver” and “Daddonfield” are among some of the best sleazy rock and roll I have heard in ages. Highly recommended album to anyone who misses the real glory 80s Shock/Hair Metal days of MOTLEY CRUE, LA GUNS, BRITNY FOX, TWISTED SISTER, FASTER PUSSYCAT, GUNS’N’ROSES… but also people who like the new bunch of acts in this genre (DANKO JONES, BACKYARD BABIES, HARDCORE SUPERSTAR). (Points: 8.4 out of 10)
One of the most original bands out there has got to be the HAMMERS OF MISFORTUNE. The only comparison I can come up with is BLUE OYSTER CULT or BUDGIE, although HAMMERS OF MISFORTUNE is more Metal, while on the other hand still very 70s Stoner Rock influenced, but then again the melodies of the included 8 songs are very impressive and make you think of a melodic rockact. This band is mixing all sorts of influences, a lot of THIN LIZZY, BLACK SABBATH, BLUE OYSTER CULT and RUSH mixed into an own original 70s type of melodic heavy progrocksound. This band is by far the most original band in the rock/metal scene and with this awesome new CD ‘The locust years’ they receive a high rating, because not only are they very original, but also the songs sound like timeless classic rocksongs! More info at: http://www.hammersofmisfortune.com (Points: 8.6 out of 10) BIBLE OF THE DEVIL ‘THE DIABOLIC PROCESSION’ (CRUZ DEL SUR MUSIC/SONIC RENDEZVOUS) Out of Chicago comes BIBLE OF THE DEVIL, a band mixing classic rock, 80s MAIDEN twin-guitarized Melodic Metal and Stoner.Doom Metal with even a slight Thrash Metal touch, sort of mixing MAIDEN, THIN LIZZY, early METALLICA, BUDGIE and BLACK SABBATH. Although I had never heard anything of this band, this ‘The diabolic procession’ is already their 4th CD. 9 songs are included and I think you will like this band a lot in case you own a LORD WEIGH OF SLOUGH FEG CD, as this seems to be in the exact same style, Thrashy Melodic Power Doom Metal or something like that! Best song is the fantastic catchy uptempo “heinous corpus”, which is classic 80s Euro Power Metal at it’s best! Definitely a quality CD release, although it might get lost between all the other new CD releases, but if you like a band such as DOMINE, DUNGEON or LORD WEIGH then do check out this BIBLE OF THE DEVIL… (Points: 8.1 out of 10) THE JOYSTIX ‘PLAYIN’ WITH FIRE’ (SHOTGUN GENERATION RECORDS/WILD ANGELS/PIAS) We reviewed a demo of the Hungarian band THE JOYSTIX sometime ago and now they have released their official first full-length CD on the French label SHOTGUN GENERATION RECORDS. The CD sounds pretty huge and musically we are heading into classic late 80s/early 90s LA Sleazy Hardrock in a LA GUNS/BRITNY FOX/FASTER PUSSYCAT/GNR/TIGERTAILZ style. It’s raw, it’s simple back-to-basic rock and roll which sounds pretty catchy and despite the late 80s approach, it sounds modern for today’s standards, because fans of HARDCORE SUPERSTARS, any PERRIS RECORDS release and Billboard charting acts like HINDER and BUCKCHERRY will like this band too. Songs like “Beauty-fool”, “Sure thing” and “I got better things to do” (very catchy poprocker a la CHEAP TRICK) are very catchy tunes indeed. More info on THE JOYSTIX at: http://www.joystix.hu (Points: 8.1 out of 10) ANIMA ‘SPIRIT CULTIVATION’ (INDEPENDENT) Just by listening to the first couple of seconds of the CD of the band ANIMA you can hear they are from Finland, as it sounds dark and melancholic, but still melodic. Although the production is not as good as all the major label signed acts from Finland, still ANIMA has a nice HIM/ENTWINE/NEGATIVE kinda melancholic Gothrocksound with some THE CULT touches as well. 5 songs are on their independent CD and I think a future better produced full-length CD might see an improvement, because they already show on this indie CD they are another good Finnish band (especially on the song “Without sound”). More info at: http://www.animasound.net and e-mail at: anima@rokki.net (Points: 7.8 out of 10) THE GOOD LUCK JOES ‘WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THAT NOISE?’ (THIRD WARD RECORDS) So this American band sounds a bit modern and melancholic (COLDPLAY meets REM), somehow their CD ‘What do you think…’ has touches of melodic rock. There are 10 songs on the CD, of which some are very melodic and rocking, such as “Middle of me”, “The fugitive” and “The sun explodes”. The vocalstyle is really typical modern rock, but the songs itself are very melodic and remind me of 80s U2. Check out this band for yourself at: http://www.thegoodluckjoes.com and e-mail at: tony@machine-inc.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10) CALAMUS ‘SAME OLD DEMONS’ (BAD REPUTATION RECORDS) Out of Germany comes CALAMUS, a pure Stoner Rockband which sounds like KYUSS, BLACK SABBATH, MONSTER MAGNET, FIREBALL MINISTRY, etc. so big groovy heavy guitar riffs in 70s style, raw singing, but still 9 memorable tunes can be found on their CD ‘Same old demons’. The album has been released on the French label BAD REPUTATION RECORDS. The sound and production of the record is very impressive and I am sure any fan of this genre will absolutely love this band for sure. Be sure to check out this band if KUYSS and BLACK SABBATH are your fave acts! More info at: http://www.badreputation.fr (Points: 8.0 out of 10) BOY ‘EVERY PAGE YOU TURN’ (BAD REPUTATION RECORDS) Canadian band sounding as if it was late 60s/early 70s, like a mix between THE WHO and THE BYRDS, with THE HOLLIES style melodies. It sounds melodic and it rocks, while it is like you stepped into a time machine back to 1969! 11 songs are included and in Canada they are quite successful, now it’s time to invade the rest of the world, starting with the European release of their album ‘Every page you turn’. Recommended to fans of the old 60s Garage Rocksound. More info at: http://www.badreputation.fr (Points: 8.3 out of 10) ZAN CLAN ‘WE ARE ZAN CLAN. WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU??! (BAD REPUTATION RECORDS) High quality late 80s Sleazy American Poseur Hardrock in the style of SKID ROW, BRITNY FOX, XYZ, DIRTY BLONDE, SLEEZE BEEZ, DIRTY LOOKS, etc. That is what to expect on the CD ‘We are Zan Clan’ from the Swedish band ZAN CLAN. The band features members of SHOTGUN MESSIAH, LION’S SHARE and TALISMAN, of which guitarist PONTUS NORGREN is the most well-known musician. He gives the band the finishing touch in making them sound better than all the other bands in this genre, although be aware that this album was released a few years ago and this concerns a re-release with a couple bonustracks (such as the CHEAP TRICK cover “Surrender”). Nevertheless, the music is catchy straight-forward Party Metal in the best SLEEZE BEEZ, 80s CRUE, BRITNY FOX, JESSE STRANGE style. Songs like “Go go go”, “High speed Junkie”, “Déjà vu” and “Silver bullet toy” are the kind of Party Metal songs fans of this genre can dance and shout all night to, although for some it might all get in one ear and out the other ear without any impression, because after all we heard this style thousand times before in LA back in 1989, but this ZAN CLAN does do it really well. Must-have if you like your rock this way! More info at: http://www.badreputation.fr (Points: 8.4 out of 10)
Some surprises on this release. It concerns here a band which features BATON ROUGE guitarist LANCE BULEN, who stepped up to the mic as well here handling vocals besides playing guitar in his new band KINGBABY. The biggest surprise however has got to be the fact that none other than ROBERT TEPPER produced and co-wrote this record. For some Robert might be a complete stranger, but for me personally he made one of the best songs of all times (his 1985 Rocky song “No easy way out” is just such a classic). Although I discovered that particular 10 years after it’s original release, I instantly fell in love and now some 11 years later still think it is one of the best AOR songs ever recorded, with probably the best chorus ever written in music history! Back to back, it is 2006 and Mr. ROBERT TEPPER worked with this new band KINGBABY, which musically goes into a Soul influenced bluesy Southern Heavy Rocksound somewhere between LYNYRD SKYNYRD, MOTHER’S FINEST (yet with male vocals), BAD COMPANY and BLACK CROWES. It is described more or less this way in the press info and no doubt about it, because this CD is indeed filled with this kind of typical American southern states rock. However, I hope someday producer ROBERT TEPPER writes a song like “No easy way out” again, because that tune made him a legend, which on his 3 solo albums and now with KINGBABY was never succeeded. Good to see a sign of life however! More info at: http://www.badreputation.fr (Points: 8.2 out of 10) PREMACY ‘VOICES ABOVE’ (DEMO CDR) The Norwegian band PREMACY has a new demo CD out, which once again contains good high quality Melodic Progressive Metal. 4 songs are included and most of them move in a same direction, which is midtempo big groovy guitar riff orientated progressive metal mixed with melodic vocals and a catchy hook/chorus to keep the songs very interesting. I wonder how this band would sound in a major studio with a major producer, because already their demos show that this band is able to make something really good. Just listen to the very strong song “Broken down”, with strong vocalwork of singer THOMAS DAHL. The future will tell us, but in the meantime check out their site at: http://www.premacy.no or http://www.myspace.no/premacy and e-mail them at: booking@premacy.no (Points: 8.0 out of 10) THE STEEPWATER BAND ‘REVELATION SUNDAY’ (DIAMOND DAY RECORDS) Bands keep on coming. This one is from Chicago and STEEPWATER BAND is playing pure 70s Stoner Rock with clear influences from BLACK SABBATH and JIMI HENDRIX. The songs are slow, groovy and very raw, really reaching out to the 1970s sound so many hardrockbands had 30 years ago. 11 songs are on their CD ‘Revelation Sunday’, which sounds quite well, although of course this band is still min the independent label area. Nevertheless, they have performed with some of the great classic rockbands of all time (BON JOVI, CHEAP TRICK, DEEP PURPLE…) and show on their CD they are able to bring forward a classic rocksound. Check out this band at: http://www.steepwater.com and e-mail at: mike@steepwater.com (Points: 7.8 out of 10)
Formed 30 years ago, the NWOBHM band WITCHFYNDE has their 4 early 80s records re-issued on CD many times. The most recent release concerns the re-issue onto CD of their 1983 album ‘Cloak and dagger’, one of their better albums, a very strong pure 80s Melodic Metal release with such highlights like “Crystal gazing”, “Somewhere to hide” (a slightly more commercial RAINBOW style melodic rocker) and “Living for memories”. This new CD release contains amazing extensive liner notes on the band written by JOHN TUCKER and although no bonustracks are added, the sound quality of the original 11 tracks is pretty good. This is classic NWOBHM, so get it asap if you want to learn more about the other British Metal stuff besides the MAIDEN, SAXON, and LEPPARD stuff from that period. There was so much more great stuff and WITCHFYNDE were one of these underrated bands. Available through: http://www.lemonrecordings.co.uk and http://www.cherryred.co.uk (Points: 8.3 out of 10)
BOURGEOIS TAGG was one of many typical 80s pop/rockbands. The band was situated around keyboardplayer/lead singer BRENT BOURGEOIS and bassist/lead vocalist LARRY TAGG, while TODD RUNDGREN produced their ‘Yo yo’ album from 1987, which was re-issued onto CD by LEMON/CHERRY RED. The music was so typical 80s, very hi-tech Pop/Rock orientated like a mix between MR. MISTER, TOTO and LEVEL 42. The more rocky “Best of all possible worlds”, “15 minutes in the sun” and “Waiting for the worm to turn” are pretty good like TOTO and MR. MISTER, while the band goes into complete LEVEL 42 territory during “Pencil and paper” and THE BEATLES were an inspiration for the song “I don’t mind at all”. This last mentioned song also became a huge hitsingle for them in both the US and UK. I would not call this a masterpiece at all, just a standard 80s hi-tech poprock album, only for the die-hards! Available through: http://www.lemonrecordings.co.uk and http://www.cherryred.co.uk (Points: 7.8 out of 10)
1975 saw the debut album release of the band PABLO CRUISE, a band which scored some hits in the USA, but never made it as big as similar acts like EAGLES, POCO and LITTLE RIVER BAND. Their first record has been re-issued onto CD and although some might call this dated, it is actually very nice strong dry soft westcoast 70s poprock like POCO, PLAYER, EAGLE and also a bit TOTO. Songs like “Denny”, “What does it take” and “Not tonight” even reveal a slight AOR touch as in terms of TOTO and FRANKE AND THE KNOCKOUTS, although most of the record is typical US Westcoast of EAGLES type. However, the surprise is kept until the end with the song “Ocean breeze”, a very long epic tune which has a 10 minutes counting intro consisting of piano and guitar before evolving into a nice southern rock type of classic tune a la BLACKFOOT/DOC HOLLIDAY. Must-have for fans of dry Californian 70s Southern meets Westcoast Pop/Rock. Rare re-issue for sure, as in Europe the band never had a real success. Available through: http://www.lemonrecordings.co.uk and http://www.cherryred.co.uk (Points: 8.0 out of 10)
RANDY BACHMAN ‘SURVIVOR’ (LEMON RECORDINGS/CHERRY RED RECORDS) Best known as the stuttering man behind BTO’s “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet”, guitarist/vocalist RANDY BACHMAN is a legend in his home native Canada, making loads of BTO, WARHORSE and solo records. ‘Survivor’ is such a solo-record. Released back in 1978, now re-issued, but I doubt if anyone is interested, because the included music was very bland 70s pop/countryrock, something also the band CHILLIWACK tempted to do in the 70s and completely failed. Despite a few BTO type of rockers (“Just a kid”, “You moved me” and “I am a star”), this album really feels and smells like an uninspired record that goes nowhere. Only for absolute fans of Randy! Available through: http://www.lemonrecordings.co.uk and http://www.cherryred.co.uk (Points: 6.3 out of 10)
Guitarist/vocalist STEVE MARRIOTT had a very intense and successful career as a member of the bands SMALL FACES in the 60s, HUMBLE PIE in the 70s and a solo career, until his sad death in 1991. One of his solo records was the simply titled ‘Marriott’ as released back in 1976. 30 years later re-issued onto CD. The album had an American and British side, also musically very much different from each other. The interesting British side contained very strong 70s Hardrock, while the American side was a funky soul/pop style. Without a doubt, the rocking British side saw STEVE MARRIOTT at his best, with such great tracks like “East side struttin’, “Lookin’ for a love” and “Midnight rollin’”. 2 different musicstyles, which was not done by many other people (although I remember a similar record from RANDY CALIFORNIA from the same period), so a sort of risk, but eventually this became a well received record of Steve. Check out this re-issue as the sound is crystal clear, with extensive liner notes in the CD BOOKLET. Available through: http://www.lemonrecordings.co.uk and http://www.cherryred.co.uk (Points: 8.3 out of 10 British side/6.2 out of 10 American side)
The band’s other album ‘Love on the wire’ was a good rocking affair, also recently re-issued onto CD, but their album ‘Unavailable’ was a much poppier affair. In fact, the re-issue of this album is only interesting for the die-hard fans of the band and it’s members. It seemed ALEX CALL had the majority of the songs here and HUEY LEWIS had to stop back, as the album does not have any rockers actually. This CLOVER album is as poppy as SMOKIE or CHARLIE and CITY BOY were in their early stages, so pure 70s bubblegum ballad pop. Only “Love love” and “Child of the streets” rocked a little, but mainly this CLOVER album from 1976 was a Poprecord, only of interested due to the presence of HUEY LEWIS, who in the 80s became a superstar in the USA. Available through: http://www.lemonrecordings.co.uk and http://www.cherryred.co.uk (Points: 6.0 out of 10)
In 1979 PETER FRAMPTON released the album ‘Where I should be’, one of many solo-albums which hopelessly got lost and charted here and there, but the man would never reach the huge success he had with “Show me the way” and the FRAMPTON COMES ALIVE record. 30 years later that is the only thing people will remember him from, but this solo-record from 1979 which has recently been re-issued onto CD shows he had more to offer. The album featured good 70s Rock and Rollsongs like “I can’t stand it no more”, “Where I should be”, “You don’t know like I know’ and “She don’t reply”, but also a few misers (“Everything I need”, “Take me by the hand”, “It’s a sad affair” and “May I baby”). His later albums were definitely much better, but the PETER FRAMPTON fans will like this re-issue a lot I guess. Available through: http://www.lemonrecordings.co.uk and http://www.cherryred.co.uk (Points: 7.8 out of 10)
Fed up with his rock past as a member of DEEP PURPLE and RAINBOW, keyboardplayer ROGER GLOVER became a legend doing solo stuff such as THE BUTTERFLY BALL, but also his 1984 solo-album ‘Mask’ was a completely different affair than his Hardrock roots. The album has been re-issued onto CD, no bonustracks, but with a remastered sound and also extensive liner notes a must for fans of Roger. Most striking was the presence of CRAIG BROOKS, who was one of the 3 singers on the classic TOUCH album from 1979 (an album which should have been HUGE in the USA, but TOTO stood in the way I guess!). Anyway, the music included on this MASK CD was pure 80s Hi-Tech Poprock that sounded like a mix between CANNATA, MR. MISTER, BERLIN, GOWAN, IT BITES, 80s YES, BILLY IDOL and even PHIL COLLINS/80s GENESIS, yes sometimes pure 80s Pop. Although it had nothing to do with RAINBOW or DEEP PURPLE, it was still a pretty good affair, with nice uptempo poprockers like “Divided world”, “Getting stranger” and the BILLY IDOL orientated “Dancin’ again”. Never mind this record if you want to hear Classic Hardrock a la DEEP PURPLE/RAINBOW. However, the fan of poppy hi-tech 80s poprock like BILLY IDOL, CHARLIE SEXTON and JOHN PARR might find this 22 years old record of ROGER GLOVER an interesting CD to check out. Available through: http://www.lemonrecordings.co.uk and http://www.cherryred.co.uk (Points: 8.0 out of 10)
The ROSSINGTON COLLINS BAND was founded by the surviving LYNYRD SKYNYRD members after the fatal plane crash in 1977. After a few years, guitarists ALLEN COLLINS (R.I.P.) and GARY ROSSINGTON each went their separate ways. The result was the AOR based THE ROSSINGTON BAND, which featured Gary on guitar and his wife DALE KRANTZ on vocals. Together they recorded a few albums in the 80s, of which ‘Love your man’ from 1988 has now been re-issued onto CD. An AOR based record with a slight Southern Rock touch, although HEART and WITNESS are the best comparisons to make here. Songs like “Say it from the heart”, “Losin’ control”, “Nowhere to run”, “Don't Let The City Make You Crazy” (A CLASSIC I never got out of my head!) and “Rock on” are very good 80s female fronted AOR Rockers. Still this is not a classic, but for the FF AOR fans something worth checking out definitely. It’s actually a re-release, as the album was on CD available before, but long out of print, so this new ‘remastered’ release is a nice welcome! Available through: http://www.lemonrecordings.co.uk and http://www.cherryred.co.uk (Points: 8.3 out of 10)
Recorded and released in 2001, now again available, the live-CD ‘Summer vacation live’ of legendary female rocker PAT BENATAR and her guitarist NEIL GIRALDO, who both were responsible for writing and recording some of the catchiest female fronted poprock 25 years ago. Back to the present day, it all still sounds as fresh as back then and songs like “Treat me right”, “I need a lover”, “Hell is for children”, “Heartbreaker”, “Hit me with your best shot” and “Promises in the dark” stood the test of time and are in their new liver 2000s version sounding more powerful than ever. The slight let-down are the newer songs, which are even unreleased, but the 10+ minutes counting live version of “Please don’t leave me” should have been replaced by a couple more classics from the old Benatar archive. Nevertheless a nice concert and I believe she is still performing and we all hope to see her cross the Atlantic for some dates, because she still sounds fantastic. This CD is available through: http://www.lemonrecordings.co.uk and http://www.cherryred.co.uk (Points: 8.3 out of 10) (All reviews by Gabor Kleinbloesem) |
FAIR WARNING
‘BROTHER’S KEEPER’ (FRONTIERS RECORDS/ROUGH TRADE)
SUNSTORM ‘SUNSTORM’ (FRONTIERS RECORDS/ROUGH TRADE)
STRANGEWAYS ‘STRANGEWAYS’ (MAJESTIC ROCK)
STRANGEWAYS ‘NATIVE SONS’ (MAJESTIC ROCK)
MAGENTA ‘HOME CD+ THE GATHERING DVD’ (F2 MUSIC)
INTO ETERNITY ‘THE SCATTERING OF ASHES’ (CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS)
WOLF ‘THE BLACK FLAME’ (CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS)
CELLADOR ‘ENTER DECEPTION’ (METAL BLADE RECORDS)
THE NEW STORY ‘UNTOLD STORIES’ (FRESHMAN RECORDS/AMMONIA RECORDS/SONIC
RENDEZVOUS) 
DOC HOLLIDAY ‘REBEL SOULS’ (PHOENIX RECORDS)
PRIVATE LINE ‘21ST CENTURY PIRATES’ (BAD HABITS RECORDS/PLAYGROUND
MUSIC) 
PAMELA MOORE ‘STORIES FROM A BLUE ROOM’ (PLANET SWEET RECORDS)
EVERMORE ‘REAL LIFE’ (WARNER MUSIC AUSTRALIA)
MARTY FRIEDMAN ‘LOUDSPEAKER’ (MASCOT RECORDS)
WEDNESDAY 13 ‘FANG BANG’ (RYKO DISC/ROUGH TRADE)
HAMMERS OF MISFORTUNE ‘THE LOCUST YEARS’ (CRUZ DEL SUR MUSIC/SONIC
RENDEZVOUS) 
KINGBABY ‘KINGBABY’ (BAD REPUTATION RECORDS)
WITCHFYNDE ‘CLOAK AND DAGGER’ (LEMON RECORDINGS/CHERRY RED RECORDS)
BOURGEOIS TAGG ’YOYO’ (LEMON RECORDINGS/CHERRY RED RECORDS)
PABLO CRUISE ’PABLO CRUISE’ (LEMON RECORDINGS/CHERRY RED RECORDS)
STEVE MARRIOTT ‘MARRIOTT’ (LEMON RECORDINGS/CHERRY RED RECORDS)
CLOVER ‘UNAVAILABLE’ (LEMON RECORDINGS/CHERRY RED RECORDS)
PETER FRAMPTON ‘WHERE I SHOULD BE’ (LEMON RECORDINGS/CHERRY RED
RECORDS) 
ROGER GLOVER ‘MASK’ (LEMON RECORDINGS/CHERRY RED RECORDS)
THE ROSSINGTON BAND ‘LOVE YOUR MAN’ (LEMON RECORDINGS/CHERRY RED
RECORDS) 
PAT BENATAR AND NEIL GIRALDO ‘SUMMER VACATION LIVE’ (LEMON
RECORDINGS/CHERRY RED RECORDS)