A ZRAEL’S BANE
‘WINGS OF INNOCENCE’ (INDEPENDENT)
They are still out there in the USA, bands playing real Classic 80s Melodic metal. For example this AZRAEL’S BANE out of Texas that happens to be a very sensational band actually. They combine the best 80s sounds of Melodic Hardrock, Power Metal and Progressive Rock, ending up sounding like the best of Q5, QUEENSRYCHE and FATES WARNING melted in one band. Their debut record is without a doubt a superb piece of high class Melodic Metal, which will definitely attract any fan of bands like LILLIAN AXE, Q5, 80s QUEENSRYCHE, LEATHERWOLF, SYRIS, etc. The CD was produced by Gregg Gill (DISTANT THUNDER, SEVEN WITCHES) and I think we have a winner on our hands here. Especially the song “Chasing a memory” which the band has recorded is one of the best independent released Melodic Metal songs I have heard in years. This song is an uptempo Melodic Metal that has the best elements of QUEENSRYCHE and FATES WARNING combined in their heydays, so you’ll get high pitched melodic vocals (of their fantastic singer Trey Gadler – who is definitely a sensational new Metal singer in classic metalworld!) with a stunning classic 80s inspired chorus you instantly love if you’re into this kind of music. Although the rest of the CD is not as sensational as that song, we can still find a lot of great material, such as “Foolish pride”, “Waiting” and “Lie to me”. This CD is one of those must-have releases if you want to hear something new in the old classic 80s US Melodic Metal style. Better check out their site at: http://www.azraelsbane.com and e-mail them at: trey@azraelsbane.com (Points: 8.8 out of 10) BRIGHT HORIZON ‘ONEIRIC REALITY’ (INDEPENDENT) Out of Italy comes BRIGHT HORIZON, and their new album is titled ‘Oneiric reality’, which happens to be the 4th CD already of this band, which was formed almost 10 years ago. Am not sure if I reviewed one of their earlier releases, but thank God we do not have another RHAPSODY clone here, because BRIGHT HORIZON is clearly more into pure Progressive Rock. They mixed a bit Metal with a lot of classic 70s Italo prog, updated it for today’s standards and the result is a nice album. It’s a pity the production is not that good, because musically we can hear some really great intelligent Progressive Rock, which reminds me a bit of BLACK JESTER, CYAN and CLIFFHANGER. Songs like “Burning hope”, “Daybreak” and “Les mysteres du Chataeu Hante’ are very impressive Melodic Progressive Rocksongs. More info on BRIGHT HORIZON at: http://www.brighthorizon.it and e-mail at: info@brighthorizon.it (Points: 8.0 out of 10) TORBEN ENEVOLDSEN ‘FLYING SQUAD’ (LION MUSIC/BERTUS) Danish guitarist TORBEN ENEVOLDSEN returns with a fantastic new CD, which definitely marks the fact that he is one of the better guitarists around in the scene. This is a lovely new instrumental guitar based melodic rockalbum from Torben, which will easily find it’s way to the fans of melodic guitarwork (a la NEAL SCHON). Finally, not an album that has that MALMSTEEN virtuoso fast guitarplaying without melodies, because Torben really creates beautiful melodies out of his guitar, especially on the lovely songs “Departure”, “Beyond compare”, “Daybreak”, “First attempt” and “Finally home”. Must-have for the guitarfreaks! (Points: 8.6 out of 10) VIRUS ‘SICK OF LIES’ (LION MUSIC/BERTUS) Sometimes I don’t understand why the specialized quality labels release albums that actually sound like the American trend following label releases. For example this VIRUS, which has been released on LION MUSIC, a label that usually releases high quality hardrock/metal releases. The CD is filled with pure Nu-Metal/Alternative Rock that sounds like NICKELBACK meets LINKIN PARK, I am afraid we have to pass on this release… (Points: 4.9 out of 10)
Finnish guitarist LARS ERIC MATTSSON returns with a new CD, and after a couple of spins it became clear to me that it blows away every album Lars released in the past. Why? Well, this new CD is totally superb, a mix of Melodic Hardrock and Progressive Metal, with some Neo-Classical influences as well. Lars doesn’t show off this time, but really throws in some beautiful melodic vocal parts, which were sung by many different lead singers, who (male and female) all sing very well. I do not have any info at all, but do I hear MARK BOALS singing on this CD? Anyway, let me make this clear that we are dealing here with a lovely release that sounds like a mix between LANA LANE (on a couple of songs with the female singer), BALANCE OF POWER (Lance King period) and RING OF FIRE/MARK BOALS/80s MALMSTEEN, with also some World Music influences. It’s a very diverse album, with some beautiful songs among the 8 included. The songs are quite lengthy, making up 63 minutes of playing time in total. It’s a pity the promo CD (and also the internet) doesn’t give me enough info on who and what played (and sang) on this album, although of course one thing’s certain, namely the appearance of guitarist LARS ERIC MATTSSON, who has now released his best record since he started his career 20+ years ago! (Points: 8.6 out of 10) HELL CITY GLAMOURS ‘LES INFIDELES’ (INDEPENDENT) The Australian band HELL CITY GLAMOURS is playing pure late 80s/early 90s American (read: LA) orientated Sleazy Hardrock that sounds like a mix between DIRTY LOOKS, LA GUNS, CATS’N’BOOTS and GUNS’N’ROSES. It’s definitely quality stuff what we get to hear here. 5 strong songs, of which the highlights are “C’mon honey n ride” and “Get it on” (very good). Recommended if you’re into any of the mentioned bands. More info through e-mail at: robyn@overxposed.net (Points: 7.8 out of 10) CHERYL HILL ‘CHANGE’ (INDEPENDENT) Out of Nashville, Tennessee, USA comes CHERYL HILL, a female vocalist/guitarist who sent me a CD which contains 5 tracks. Musically it’s good clean quality female fronted bluesy melodic Hardrock that reminds me a bit of DARBY MILLS (HEADPINS) and CHRISSY STEELE, with some late 80s LEE AARON thrown in for good measure. Cheryl has a strong voice and the 5 tunes are really quality stuff, with as highlights “dare to be different” and “Told you so”, both being great catchy chorus driven midtempo melodic rockers. Highly recommended to the fans of female fronted Hardrock. More info at: http://www.cherylhill.com and e-mail at: nutmagnet101@comcast.net (Points: 8.0 out of 10) EXCALION ‘PRIMAL EXHALE’ (SOUND RIOT RECORDS/ROCK INC) The invasion of Finnish bands continues, because here we are looking at a CD by the band EXCALION. I believe I reviewed some of their demos before their debut CD was released, but apparently they got signed to the only Portuguese label I know, which is SOUND RIOT RECORDS. Of course the CD sounds big, but still the releases on SOUND RIOT RECORDS are most of the time not as good as the releases of the bigger labels. Nevertheless, we can always enjoy a great deal of Melodic Power Metal, and also EXCALION is making very nice typical Northern European melodic Power Metal, which of course reminds one of STRATOVARIUS, but it’s not a problem if the songs are as catchy as their countrymen. People may easily conclude that this EXCALION is a second rate STRATOVARIUS, but it is clear that the band can really play some great melodic Power Metal, despite the STRATO facts. In fact, I am informing they play Power Metal, but sometimes the band completely goes in a Melodic Hardrock direction (such as on one of the best songs here: “A moment in the spotlight”, which happens to be a great uptempo melodic rocker a la PINK CREAM 69). Other highlights are the strong opener “Temptation wasteland”, “Stage of lies” and “My legacy”. Concluded, nothing new is brought here, but still it is done well, with a nice mix of faster Power Metal and calmer Melodic Heavy Rock. Expect a mix between STRATOVARIUS, PRETTY MAIDS, SHAMAN and EDGUY, but just not of the same high level of those bands, although some songs do sound promising for the future of this Finnish band. (Points: 8.2 out of 10)
The Swedish band CRYSTAL EYES has already released a couple of CDs before this new album, but actually it escaped my memory to listen to those records, so now I am confronted with the band’s latest record, which sounds to me like if it is their best record so far. Of course I could be wrong, but this new CD impresses me more than the 2 earlier releases. Always nice to mention big names, so the drums on the new CD of CRYSTAL EYES were recorded by ANDY LA ROQUE (KING DIAMOND), but all the rest was done by the 5 bandmembers. The Swedish band has delivered a very good Melodic Metal album in the tradition of the Swedish Metalbands (read: DREAM EVIL, NOSTRADAMEUS, AXENSTAR, DRAGONFORCE, NOCTURNAL RITES, HAMMERFALL, etc. etc.). Especially the beginning (“The charioteer”, “Confessions of the maker”, “Northern rage” and the superb epic “The terror”) shows a very sensational band, but the second part of the CD is a little more standard Metal. However, in general speaking fans of typical Scandi Melodic Metal have something to check out asap, because CRYSTAL EYES’ new CD has some great material to offer. (Points: 8.5 out of 10) QUIET RIOT ‘LIVE AND RARE – BACK STAGE’ (DEMOLITION RECORDS/BERTUS) Legendary US Partyrockband QUIET RIOT has a new CD out. It’s not a new CD actually, because the CD is filled with old material, so-called unreleased, but not really interesting for the fans. QUIET RIOT has a remarkable past, because they were huge in Japan in the 1970s, when they played Melodic Poprock a la CHEAP TRICK and had a young guitarplayer in their line-up called RANDY RHOADS. He became OZZY’s guitarplayer, but sadly died in a bizarre accident, which shouldn’t have happened in the first place, but it did happen and so one of the best guitarplayers of all times died at a very young age. By now all of his recordings with QUIET RIOT and OZZY have been released on CD, but between the couple unreleased demo and live songs on this new QUIET RIOT CD there’s also the Randy Roads written track “Gonna have a riot” which wasn’t released before. However, most of the recordings on this CD are tracks from their 1983 live set, with the addition of 3 demotracks from an original DuBrow demo of 1981. Unfortunately almost every song has been released on the band’s regular albums (even the rare “Danger zone”, which was on the re-issue of ‘metal health’) and besides, the live versions of the QR songs do sound quite average and uninspiring, so I am not sure if there’s anyone out there who is actually interested in this CD. We all know what happened after the 1983 live recordings of this CD, because QUIET RIOT scored big time with ‘Metal health’ in the USA after their legendary US Rock Festival performance. Still, they didn’t play metal at all, because all they did was updating the SLADE partyrocksound. Now we are looking at another worthless QUIET RIOT CD, which only raises one question: WHEN ARE THE FIRST 2 ALBUMS OF QUIET RIOT FEAT. RANDY RHOADS OFFICIALLY RE-ISSUED ON CD OUTSIDE JAPAN! Now that would be interesting, not this CD-release… (Points: 6.5 out of 10)
The Australian band VANISHING POINT returns with a new CD, which is their 3rd I believe. It may sound like a cliché, but I really think this new album is their strongest effort so far. Musically they still play high class Melodic Progressive/Power Metal, which has similarities to bands like VANDENPLAS, BALANCE OF POWER, ARTENSION, VISION DIVINE, LABYRINTH and especially SYMPHONY X, yet less Neo-Classical. The melodies and the choruses in the songs are very sensational sometimes, and the 13 tracks are really a pleasure to listen to. Songs like "My virtue", "If only", "Live 2 live", "Somebody save me" and "Once a believer" are lovely pieces of Melodic Progressive Metal with fantastic strong choruses. The band even has a couple of AOR songs to offer, such as the beautiful midtempo "Reason". I am safe to say that we have a winner on our hands with the new VANISHING POINT CD. Fans of mentioned bands need to check out this CD a.s.a.p.! (Points: 8.8 out of 10) CANNON 'BACK IN BUSINESS' (POINT MUSIC/ROCK INC) The band CANNON had a few re-issues the last couple of years, and now they have a new CD out. Musically they haven't changed a bit (I even noticed a few new versions of old songs), so we can still hear typical 80s Melodic Heavy Rock/Metal which has strong similarities to RATT. Actually it all sounds so much like RATT, I was wondering if this wasn't a new RATT record under a different name. Still I am not really impressed with the album, because it sounds like RATT leftovers, so unless you're a big fan of RATT, I am afraid this release is not really interesting. It's nice for family and friends CANNON has made a comeback, but the 13 songs on their new album are too average to impress anyone I think. Only interesting for die-hard fans of the band or people who are collecting 80s type of Metalbands. (Points: 7.4 out of 10) VANGUARD 'SUCCUMBRA' (ARMAGEDDON MUSIC/ROCK INC) The Finnish band VANGUARD should not to be confused with a few bands from the 80s with the same name, because they were formed in 1999 and 'Succumbra' is their very first release. Musically we get to hear a mix of typical female fronted Gothic Metal and male Black Metal screams/growling. Although the sound is big, the music is played nicely, none of the 9 included songs impress. It goes in one ear and out the other, and because there's a lot of competition out there, it will be hard for VANGUARD to beat all the other releases in the Gothic Metal genre, although it seems they want to sound slightly different with the male singer making his way upfront more than the female singer. Nice if you want to check out a CD in the style of THEATRE OF TRAGEDY, but do not expect anything sensational. (Points: 7.0 out of 10) DEATH BEFORE DISCO 'PARTYBULLET' (DOCKYARD 1/ROCK INC) This Belgian band is playing a mix of Emocore and Scream/Hardcore. After a few songs the screams are getting quite annoying, so if the band next time uses only melodic clean vocals it would be more interesting than this CD, which happens to feature too many Screaming vocals. Not saying it's bad, but the Screams need to disappear to make this band interesting. Only interesting for people who like bands such as FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND. (Points: 5.0 out of 10) CONTRADICTION 'THE VOICE OF HATRED' (ARMAGEDDON MUSIC/ROCK INC) Well-produced late 80s Bay Area Thrash-Metal is what we get to hear on the 2nd album of the German band CONTRADICTION, which is the follow-up to their 1996 album 'All we hate'. It took the band almost 10 years to release a new album, and despite the fact that after a couple of songs it all starts to sound the same and gets boring, I think Thrash-Metalfans will like this a lot. Especially recommended if you're into KREATOR, SODOM, TANKARD, etc. (Points: 7.3 out of 10) SOUL DEMISE 'BLIND' (REMEDY RECORDS/ROCK INC) Not every Metal release from Sweden is interesting, because this SOUL DEMISE is playing uninspired Black Metal. Instrumental sounding OK, but we really need to hear someone singing instead of this annoying way of screaming like Black Metalbands do. This SOUL DEMISE is no exception to the rule, so unless you're a Black Metal fan this CD may be skipped anytime. (Points: 5.5 out of 10) PECCATUM 'THE MORIBUND PEOPLE' (MNEMOSYNE RECORDS) From out of nowhere comes this Norwegian band. I noticed they do a cover of a BATHORY song, so I wasn't that excited about their mini-CD, but happily it has nothing to do with Black Metal. Instead we get to hear something completely different, namely female vocals in a sort of Gothic Rock/Metalsound. Especially opener "The moribund people" is a very good strong song with original ideas, while still appealing to the fans of typical Female Fronted Goth Metal. The CD also contains a videoclip for the die-hard fans. Remember that this is just a 15-minutes counting CD, so I am not sure how a full album would sound, but if you're a TRISTANIA fan this might well be your alley to check out at: http://www.peccatum.com (Points: 7.8 out of 10) SPEED LIMIT 'THE EMBLEM SOUND SESSIONS' (NUTBERRY RECORDS) I have seen many bands with the name SPEED LIMIT in the past, but never did I hear of a Scottish outfit until this cdr dropped in my mailbox. The sound quality is very average, so please be aware that this is more historic value than it is a real official label release, because it features members of the LLOYD LANGTON GROUP. Musically it sounds like a 70s rockstyle, somewhere between STATUS QUO//WISHBONE ASH's boogie rock, THIN LIZZY's melodic rock and the bluesier heavier touch of both BAD COMPANY and LED ZEPPELIN. If you forget the average sound quality, you can hear some good classic rock type of tunes in "Miracle kid" and "R'n'R guitar". Recommended to the die-hard 70s rockfans! E-mail for more info at: nutberry.records@btinternet.com (Points: 7.5 out of 10) LAST PROPHECY 'DESTINATION UNKNOWN' (INDEPENDENT) The French band LAST PROPHECY returns with a new CD, which they compare to RAINBOW RISING, but it's impossible to ever reach the high level of that Classic Hardrock Masterpiece. I think LAST PROPHECY has a long way to go in reaching such a high level. Musically LAST PROPHECY is clearly more playing in the style of classic 80s MAIDEN, just listen to the song "Eye for an eye" and it's like you're listening to MAIDEN in their heydays. There are 6 long songs on their CD, and it all sounds very professional. I can easily say it's a recommended piece to the Melodic Metalfans. Especially the frontcover needs to be mentioned too here, because it is the painting of the Tower of Babel by the famous Dutch painter Pieter Bruegel. Melodic Metalfans should check out this release at: http://www.lastprophecy.lu and e-mail at: wildwildsteph@worldonline.fr (Points: 8.0 out of 10)
The first song of the new CONCEPT CD sounds very average, very messy and uninspired with very weak vocals, so I wasn't too much looking forward to work my way through the new record of this Italian band. Happily, next track "Faithless truth" was much better, even with good melodic lead vocals (high pitched), although it is a very cliché sounding fast melodic Italo Power Metal tune (but of course based on the HELLOWEEN sound) a la LABYRINTH, VISION DIVINE… It becomes clear to me that this new CONCEPT record is indeed a Concept album, but I am afraid all together this album will only be interesting for the absolute die-hard Italo Power Metalfreaks, because there's nothing original on this album, and despite a few good songs ("Faithless truth", "Lost in a sigh", "My divine embrace" and "Out of fashion") it doesn't stand a chance when compared to the classic LABYRINTH and recent VISION DIVINE albums. It is definitely a second-rate album in this style, but then again I have to admit that the album also has it's fine moments. The fact remains that we have heard it many times better before and therefore it's only recommended to absolute die-hard freaks of this genre. (Points: 7.7 out of 10) MANIGANCE 'MEMOIRES… LIVE' (REPLICA RECORDS/ROCK INC) One of the best French metalbands of all times return with a great new live CD, which is of course very nice, but then again I think a DVD would be even more interesting, because who outside France are able to say they have seen the band live on stage (sadly I missed their Dutch performance, which was one of their few concerts outside France). Nevertheless, this CD gives you a good idea how good this French band sounds live. All their memorable songs are included, such as "Heritier", "En mon nom" and "L'Ultime Seconde", which also live sound excellent. The sound quality is very good, and I can easily conclude that this is a much-recommended live CD. Let's just hope they do a full European Tour after they have released their next studio-CD. For now, check out this live-CD of a wonderful band that have been on the scene for over 10 years now, but only managed to release 3 studio-albums, although those particular albums belong to the best French Metal releases ever! (Points: 8.6 out of 10)
Between the hundreds of new Italo Power Metal releases every month only a few stand out between the rest, and without a doubt, the new SECRET SPHERE is one of those albums you need to check out asap, because this is a high quality release. Together with TIME MACHINE, VISION DIVINE and THY MAJESTIE they are the leaders of the second generation of Italo Prog/Power Metalbands, so leaving LABYRINTH and RHAPSODY behind, because I think everyone will admit that those 2 bands that introduced Italo Power Metal in the first place are now actually recycling themselves, because simply their old material is much better. SECRET SPHERE however has released their best record with this new album. 'Heart and anger' is filled with high class Melodic Power Metal, with some very strong memorable choruses, such can be heard in the fantastic opener "Where the sea ends" and "Faster than the storm" that both sound like a perfect cross between KAMELOT and old RHAPSODY. It's not just straight-ahead fast Power Metal what we get to hear, because SECRET SPHERE is clearly more open and diverse than the standard Italo Power Metalbands. Just listen to the fantastic big bombastic sounding Melodic Heavy Rocker "Dance with the devil", which is a superb catchy tune I don't hear a RHAPSODY or LABYRINTH making on their new records. But also the AORish ballad "You still remain" or the lovely Melodic Rocksong "I won't say a word", although the best song is probably the amazing catchy uptempo Melodic Power Metal song "Leonardo Da Vinci" which has a very strong KAMELOT resemblance. SECRET SPHERE understands that you can not make a 10-song counting fast Italo Power Metal only kinda record, because that gets boring and I think they have succeeded in releasing a consistent record that contains not only Power Metal tunes, but also clear influences from Melodic (Heavy) Rock, Opera choirs (in the fantastic song "Lights on" which has captured the best of KAMELOT and RHAPSODY in one song!) and Progressive Metal. All together this record sounds huge and is definitely better than LABYRINTH or RHAPSODY's new records. Better check it out asap! Not very far away from KAMELOT's "The black halo' when it comes down to quality! (Points: 8.9 out of 10) SPEARFISH 'AREA 605' (LION MUSIC/BERTUS) Here we have a great Swedish band named SPEARFISH, which already released a couple of CDs, but this one is the first I ever get to hear. The main bandmembers (bassist/vocalist Thomas Thulin and guitarist Peter Lundin) have been making music since the early 80s, but with SPEARFISH they probably have their most professional band so far. SPEARFISH was formed 15 years ago, but just recently they were picked up by LION MUSIC. Their new CD 'Area 605' is a very good strong classic melodic hardrockalbum that combines influences of RUSH and RAINBOW into an exciting sound. From start to finish this is a very solid album that has quite a few highlights. 11 songs are in total on the CD, and songs like “Fate”, “Empty eyes” and “Broken” are all great melodic heavy rocksongs that sort of capture a strong 80s poseur meets 70s classic hardrock kinda style. They do have a sound of their own, yet you can hear all sorts of influences. Check it out if it starts to interest you. (Points: 8.3 out of 10) TROLL ‘TROLL’ (INDEPENDENT) From out of nowhere comes another great new US band called TROLL. It’s always a pleasure to check out a new band, because you never know what to expect. After a couple of new songs, I knew that this TROLL was a very nice band to listen to, because not only are they blessed with a fantastic guitarplayer (2 guitarists actually), but also their lead singer (Tom Mayo) sounds awesome. Musically the band combines strong melodies, melodic rock and classy BLACK SABBATH guitar riffs into an exciting strong melodic heavy rocksound. The first 2 songs are filled with classy SABBATH riffs, but with song 3 “Turned around” the band takes a chance on producing a sensational melodic rock anthem. This particular song has some beautiful hooks and a truly wonderful chorus that has harmonyvocals like in the good old late 80s days. In total we can find 9 tracks, and although the sound quality is not that good, the band definitely performs high class melodic heavy rock in the style of MILLENIUM and TEER (remember them). The combination of strong melodic lead vocals and tight classic hardrock riffs are making this band a winner for every Rock and Metalfan. I am sure if a label would invest time and money in this band, TROLL would be able to make an even better sounding record. The only complaint I now have is the production, but the music of TROLL is sounding perfect, no doubt about that. Check it out for yourself at: http://www.trollrock.com (Points: 8.2 out of 10, note: rating had been much higher if sound/production had been better) ALEX MASI ‘IN THE NAME OF BEETHOVEN’ (LION MUSIC/BERTUS) The 3rd and final tribute CD of guitarist ALEX MASI to classical music performers, whom all inspired one of Italian’s best guitarplayers ever. No surprises, just beautiful performances of 6 legendary classical themes of BEETHOVEN. After the MOZART and BACH Tribute CDs ALEX MASI has done, here’s another must-have if you’re into instrumental acoustic interpretations of classical themes. Done very well, absolutely interesting to listen to, but probably only suited for a specific fan of Alex’s guitarplaying. (Points: 8.0 out of 10) SERPENTS KISS ‘SERPENTS KISS’ (INDEPENDENT) Here we have an interesting new UK outfit called SERPENTS KISS. The best thing about them is they have 2 female lead singer and a twin-guitarsound, while the music is very melodic. The band is playing Melodic Power Metal and comparisons to LANA LANE are of course easy to make here, but somehow SERPENTS KISS has an own sound. They sound like HAMMERFALL with female vocals, heavy but melodic, not only in the vocal department, but also the twin-guitarsound we love so much of bands like WISHBONE ASH, THIN LIZZY or MAIDEN can be heard in this band’s sound. Songs like “Strider”, “Slaves to the light”, “Vipers” and “Kingdom” are all very strong Melodic Power Metal songs with catchy memorable choruses and biting guitarwork. The vocalwork is very good and all together this is a very good band to check out at: http://www.serpentskiss.co.uk and e-mail them at: william.philpot@ntlworld.com (Points: 8.2 out of 10) ALTER EGO X ‘THE SECOND COMING’ (INDEPENDENT) Back to basic is what the Dutch band ALTER EGO X is doing on their CD ‘The second coming’. What we get to hear is good old standard early 80s Hardrock that has strong similarities to KROKUS and AC/DC, but also has a sort of early 80s NWOBHM touch. The vocals of guitarist Chris van Uden are raw and sounding a bit forced at times, because he definitely tries to sound like BRIAN JOHNSON and MARC STORACE, but doesn’t convince all the time. Nevertheless, it is not that important, because this kind of Hardrock needs a raw singer. The 8 songs on the CD make you feel like partying, especially “Living in sin”, “Trouble man” (with great guitarwork) and the guitar riff based “Rebel with a cause”. Check it out for yourself if you’re a fan of KROKUS and AC/DC at: http://www.alteregox.nl and e-mail at: info@altergeox.nl (Points: 7.9 out of 10)
The Belgian Neo-Classical Metalband IRON MASK returns with a new CD, which actually sounds better than what MALMSTEEN has been doing the past couple of years. Without a doubt, this is a high quality release, although we need to mention that nothing new is brought here, because IRON MASK is a sort of continuation of the late 80s records by Mr. MALMSTEEN. The best Neo-Classical Metal was done in the past by MALMSTEEN, ROYAL HUNT, SYMPHONY X and ARTENSION, but if we talk about more recent adventures in this genre I really have to add ADAGIO and SPACE ODYSSEY that made a huge impression on me. Musically IRON MASK is not that far away from those bands, but just a bit more straight-forward Metal sometimes and less based on the instrumental parts, because we get to hear 11 song-based tracks here. I am safe to say that this new IRON MASK may be seen as one of the better releases in the Neo-Classical Melodic Metal genre. Vocally we have another DIO inspired vocalist, who sings very well actually. All together it sounds like a more song based version of SPACE ODYSSEY, the band of RICHARD ANDERSSON. Songs like “Freedom’s blood – The patriot”, “Demon’s child” (very strong and catchy), “The invisible empire” (a la MASTERPLAN!!!), “Troops of Avalon” and “My eternal flame” (OK, this is a beautiful ballad with amazing vocalwork a la DAVID COVERDALE!) are very strong Neo-Classical Melodic Metal pieces, which will not only please fans of this genre, but also the MASTERPLAN fans (and I know a lot of you are, so try this IRON MASK!). The absolute highlight of this CD can be found in the superb “Crystal tears”, which is the best Neo-Classical Melodic Metalsong I have heard in ages, because it easily beats everything MALMSTEEN has done since ‘Odyssey’! Maybe nothing new is brought here, without a doubt we have something really good here, which might appeal to any Rock/Metalfan out there. This should do well in Japan for sure! (Points: 8.8 out of 10) This is more like it! Returning once again to classic mid 80s AOR with the re-issue of the REFUGEE album ‘Affairs in babylon’ on MTM CLASSIX. Finally MTM has seen the light of day and start to re-issue the real 80s AOR Classix, because after RPM and 707 releases of last year it is now time for REGUGEE, a long-forgotten AOR Classic. We’re talking here about a Canadian band, which was fronted by vocalist/guitarist MICHAEL FURY. They released 2 major label releases in the mid 80s before disappearing, although MYLES HUNTER had a solo career after REFUGEE. Musically they mixed pure JOURNEYesque AOR with lead vocals that sounded like a cross between JON BON JOVI, TOM PETTY and BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN. The mix of melodic songs with raw vocals made them sound different than the rest, although the masses described them as a mix between BRYAN ADAMS and BON JOVI, but we know better, because what we heard on ‘Affairs in Babylon’ was high quality pure 80s AOR with keys, hooks and melodic choruses. This re-issue proves once again that AOR had it’s peak in the mid 80s, with so many classics released back then. Among the 10 original tracks there were (and still are) some real AOR Classics, such as the beautiful “Listen to your heart” (midtempo 80s AOR at it’s very best), “Exciles in the dark”, “Hot words”, “No survivors/no way out” (a la ROBERT TEPPER’s “No easy way out”), “Body to body”, “Here we go again” and “These are the good times” (also recorded by JOHN WAITE and ERIC MARTIN). The Re-Issue comes along with extensive liner notes and more importantly, 5 bonustracks, of which the unreleased “We all go down to the river” is a real classic piece of strong 80s AOR. The other bonustracks are less sensational, but good enough to purchase this CD if you’re a REFUGEE fan. Now let’s hope MTM will also re-issue that other great album of REFUGEE called ‘Burning from the inside out’. (Points: 8.7 out of 10)
A few years ago I raved about the Christian AOR band CRY HOLY. Now they finally have an official CD out through a label. The label is called METAL MAYHEM MUSIC and the CD is titled ‘Alienation’. Musically nothing has changed, and some of the songs were already on the band’s previous independent releases. Nevertheless I do not think that many people have copies of their earlier releases, so this new official CD is a nice addition to your collection. Especially fans of SURVIVOR, AVIATOR, AGENT, FOREIGNER and JOURNEY (aren’t we all?) should check out this great American AOR band. The band is at their best during the uptempo AOR rockers “Alienation”, “Count on me”, “Masquerade ball”, “Tommy” and “I wanna be free”, which all sound very sensational, and then I mean these songs are real classic 80s AOR tunes with hooks and choruses all over the place (think: SURVIVOR). Not all songs are impressive, because a couple tunes (“Strangers to the world”, “Shine” – of which the demo version sounded way better, “My lord” and “History”) are not really special. Also the production could have been better, but still, the packaging is beautiful and we have definitely some AOR ‘hits’ on the CD of CRY HOLY, which is something you have to check if you’re a dedicated AOR fan. More info at: www.cryholy.com (Points: 8.5 out of 10) TERI DANZ BAND ‘GARDENS IN THE CONCRETE’ (BLEACH RECORDS) TERI DANZ is a singer/songwriter from Los Angeles. She sent me a CD of her band, which musically goes into a sort of Retro female fronted Poprock style which comes dangerously close to the sort of Alternative stuff of THE PRETENDERS from the 80s. Teri’s vocals are clearly not the standard type way of singing, because she sings with a sort of CHRISSY HYNDE meets STEVIE NICKS kinda rawness. The music is light melodic poprock, which sounds best when it is played uptempo, such as in the songs “Better”, “Drowning”, “Angel of Hollywood” and “Johnny killed a Mockingbird”, although the midtempo pieces “Falling” and “Do you” are also quite nice. I had hoped for a more PAT BENATAR/HEART kinda affair, but like I mentioned this band is more into Alternative kinda pop/rock that actually sounds like THE PRETENDERS with COURTNEY LOVE on vocals, but that is just my opinion. You can learn for yourself when you enter the website of TERI DANZ BAND at: http://www.teridanz.com (Points: 7.5 out of 10) TORIAN ‘DREAMS UNDER ICE’ (UNDERGROUND SYMPHONY/BERTUS) This surely isn’t as bad as most other magazines are saying, because the German band TORIAN has released a very nice album that sounds exactly like if it was recorded in 1985. What I mean is that this is pure 80s Melodic Metal like German bands also made 20 years ago, and this is not a negative mark I make, because it really sounds quite good actually. If you like STORMWITCH, you will absolutely love this TORIAN, because that is about the best comparison I can make. Most of the songs are uptempo, have twin-guitarwork and feature strong melodic choruses. The band has a good melodic lead singer called MARC HOHLWECK, and like I mentioned, fans of STORMWITCH and probably also MAD MAX fanatics will absolutely love some of the songs on this album. Especially “Torian”, “Into the winter”, “Leave this world behind” (can I call this wonderful 8-minutes counting epic a sort of classic melodic metal piece without being slammed!) and “Mind the danger” are a must to hear if you’re a fan of mentioned bands. It is definitely different than most other present metal releases and some might call this a dated album, but if you’re a fan of 80s Melodic Metal a la STORMWITCH, MAD MAX, WOLF and DOMINE, this might well be up your alley, although towards the end of the CD there are also some heavier thrashy tunes (such as “Decadence”). (Points: 8.2 out of 10)
The Swiss band GOTTHARD have done it, releasing their best record since they started some 15 years ago! This all happened within a few months after they were signed to NUCLEAR BLAST, on which they now have released their 10th CD ‘Lip-service’. Musically it is a mix of all their earlier albums, because it contains the harder edged rock of the first couple of albums, while it still holds true to their melodic rock choruses of the last couple of albums. It’s a mix of all kinds of influences as well, because besides the inevitable WHITESNAKE comparison, you can also hear similarities to EUROPE, SCORPIONS, RAINBOW and even SURVIVOR! This is the kind of pure Hardrockalbum that will appeal to any Rockfan, because it has something to offer for every Rock/Hardrockfan. The album offers 14 tracks, of which the highlights are “Everything I want” (classy melodic rockballad, radio-ready “Heaven” style), “Cupid arrow” (very strong uptempo Melodic Hardrock with a SCORPIONS guitar riff), “I wonder” (lovely midtempo AOR/Melodic Rock), “I’ve seen an angel city” (Hammond intro and off it goes into a superb semi melodic rockballad with a CLASSIC CHORUS a la EUROPE), “Stay for the night” (classic 70s uptempo Hardrock a la RAINBOW/DEEP PURPLE with amazing vocalwork), “Anytime anywhere” (lovely uptempo AOR/Melodic Rock, big 80s sound), “Said and done” (another uptempo melodic rocker) and “The other side of me” (strong tough Hardrock). I am safe to say that this is the best GOTTHARD record since their debut. A very strong album that combines tough Rock/Hardrock with lovely melodies, and the CD also features the amazing vocals of singer STEVE LEE, who happens to be one of the absolute best European singers at the moment, so Melodic Hardrockfans unite and get this CD a.s.a.p., because it will be one of the strongest releases of 2005! (Points: 9.1 out of 10)
'Time to wonder' is the 4th CD of the German band NOT FRAGILE. They are clearly heavier than the average German Metalband out there. The band is playing True Power Metal, but with influences from Thrash Metal due to the heavy guitar riffs and gang vocals used in some choruses. Most of the 15 included songs are fast uptempo pieces, which even remind me sometimes of BLIND GUARDIAN, although NOT FRAGILE is heavier. Clear is the fact that NOT FRAGILE has that typical German Metal approach, so you'll get big sing-a-long choruses in each and every song. Best songs are "Time to wonder", "Starbreaker", "Queen of the sea" (best song by far, midtempo epic piece) and the catchy closing track "Friends", all Power Metal pieces with no remorse. This album should easily find it's way to all True Metalfans (read: ICED EARTH, PRIMAL FEAR, BLIND GUARDIAN fans). Available through: http://www.hellionrecords.de (Points: 8.1 out of 10) RUSS TAFF 'WALLS OF GLASS' (MYRRH RECORDS) Don't you just love that early 80s AOR/Westcoast sound? Well, the CD of the Christian singer/songwriter was released in 1983, but is now available again through TARGET RECORDS. This particular CD 'Walls of glass' contains the classic early 80s AOR/Westcoast I was talking about in my first sentence. This means we get to hear a CD that should be compared to DAKOTA, ALLIANCE, FRANKE AND THE KNOCKOUTS (Franke Previte even provides backing vocals on this album), SWEET COMFORT BAND, etc. It sometimes sounds a bit poppier, and maybe better comparisons are DAVID ROBERTS and TOTO, but I think you'll understand by now what this RUSS TAFF is all about. The vocals of Russ are truly wonderful and especially songs like "Tell them", "Walls of glass", "Pure in heart" and "Inside look" (best song) are really great pure early 80s AOR/Westcoast tingled tunes in the style of mentioned acts. On the other hand, the album also contains some poppier tunes in a sort of RICHARD MARX/BOB CARLISLE style, but in general speaking this album should be interesting enough for fans of TOTO, DAVID ROBERTS, DAKOTA… The album has been long out of print, and it still is, but Robert Pancur at: http://www.targetrecords.de has copies available. (Points: 8.3 out of 10) JOHN WITTER 'FORGIVENESS' (CURB RECORDS) JIM WITTER is another Christian singer/songwriter from Tennessee, who recently released a new solo-CD titled 'Forgiveness'. Musically we have a good calmer aor/poprock record in the style of the last couple RICHARD MARX and BRYAN ADAMS records. Despite the fact that there are quite a few poppy ballads on the CD, we can also mention some great strong semi melodic rocksongs, such as "More", "Ordinary man", "Stone's throw away" and "Like you do". Especially "Like you do" is a very good SPIN GALLERY type of AOR-rocker, but be aware that this is the only real uptempo rocker on this CD, because most of the time it is a very calm moody album in the RICHARD MARX/BRYAN ADAMS style. Nevertheless, John has a very good voice, and I am sure fans of this kind of calmer aor/poprock will love this record. Available through: http://www.targetrecords.de (Points: 7.8 out of 10)
Did anyone ever really listen to the band POCO? Actually they were sort of an AOR act, with some poppy elements here and there. Their 1989 released album 'Legacy' is available again, so the opportunity for me to review one of their best records. Of course this album features the only hit they had worldwide, namely "Call it love", a nice calmer poprocker a la RICHARD MARX, but there's definitely also some AOR-rock on this album. POCO played a mix of Westcoast (VENICE), melodic pop/rock (RICHARD MARX) and some bluesy AOR (BAD COMPANY/FOREIGNER). 11 songs can be found on the CD, which has it's highlights in "Call it love" (the hitsingle), "The nature of love", "What do people know" (pure midtempo AOR), "Nothin' to hide" (a la REO SPEEDWAGON) and the lovely AOR ballad "If it wasn't for you". There are also some 38 SPECIAL type of poprockers on this CD, such as "Rough edges" and "Lovin' you every minute", but they are kind of nothing that special. But in general speaking this is a nice relaxing 80s type of calmer aor/poprockalbum, which is a must-have for fans of LITTLE RIVER BAND, CHICAGO and VENICE, but perhaps also interesting for REO SPEEDWAGON, 38 SPECIAL and RICHARD MARX fans, so a nice mix of Westcoast and light aor! Available through: http://www.targetrecords.de (Points: 8.1 out of 10) JUICE NEWTON 'ANTHOLOGY' (RENAISSANCE RECORDS) The American label RENAISSANCE RECORDS released a best of CD of the American female singer JUICE NEWTON, one of many US artists who did enjoy their fifteen minutes of fame, but has been long forgotten actually. This CD contains a nice selection of some of JUICE's best songs, although I think it's a shame it misses songs of her best and most AOR based record 'Dirty looks'. Anyway, the songs are chosen out of 7 studio releases, and that's kinda strange, because she released in total 14 albums, but the label concentrated on a few of her most successful records from the 80s, because we can find 5 songs of her 1985 album 'Old flame' for example. Musically JUICE NEWTON was playing a mix of pure early 80s female fronted aor/poprock like ELLEN FOLEY meets PAT BENATAR, with a dash of BONNIE TYLER type of Middle-of-the-road. Vocally Juice was actually very good, and it is a pity she never really went further into the AOR sound, because eventually most of her material was really Middle-of-the-road type of semi acoustic pop/rock. Nevertheless, this compilation CD shows that JUICE NEWTON had some AOR songs to offer. I am talking about the songs "Heart of the night" (a la TOTO), "Can't wait all night" (her best song ever, a fantastic AOR rocker written by BRYAN ADAMS and JIM VALLANCE), "Easy way out" (classic uptempo AOR, written by BILLY STEINBERG and TOM KELLY, whom recorded the song on their 1983 I-TEN Classic AOR album), "A little love" and "What can I do with my heart" (could've been a DIANA WARREN type of AOR ballad). Unfortunately most of the rest of this CD shows that JUICE NEWTON was more into making calm ballads or average middle-of-the-road material which is actually more interesting for a fan of BONNIE TYLER or LINDA RONDSTAD than the aor/poprock fans among us. Still that song "Can't wait all night" of Bryan Adams can only be found in the JUICE NEWTON version, which can also be found on this compilation CD, so be sure that you have heard this song once. The CD is available through: http://www.targetrecords.de (Points: - )
The US band ROTTWEILER is bringing us pure 80s US Metal, which sounds like a mix between METAL CHURCH and MANILLA ROAD. Although vocally it all sounds very raw, which is sometimes needed in this genre, I have my doubts about lead singer Martin Morin, because he is not able to sing the high octaves and mainly keeps singing low. He sounds like a forced version of DEE SNIDER, but then again the Metal of ROTTWEILER is completely different than TWISTED SISTER, because this CD contains mainly non-commercial 80s type of US Metal, with complicated structures and actually it's a CD you have to play a few times, because none of the 11 songs really standout. On the other hand, this is the way Metal was played back in the mid 80s, so without any compromise. Fans of ARMORED SAINT and METAL CHURCH need to check out this CD asap, because it will definitely appeal to them. Available through: http://www.hellionrecords.de (Points: 7.8 out of 10) TOKYO ROSE 'TOKYO ROSE' (CD SINGLE) So I have heard quite a few bands with this name, but this one is new to me. This TOKYO ROSE comes out of the UK I believe and their 3-track CD is a very diverse CD-single actually, although only 3 songs are included. It starts with a very quirky early 80s type of female fronted poprocker called "1" (no songtitles!) that has hints of PAT BENATAR, SHANGHAI, SPIDER, BLONDIE and SHANDI. Next track "2" is completely different, because this features a male singer, and is actually a very nice 80s type of AOR/Melodic Rocker with great guitarwork. Closing track "3" of this short mini-CD is a sort of 70s influenced catchy melodic poprocker a la (pre-'Working class dog') RICK SPRINGFIELD. So a very diverse short record we have here, of which you can find more info on at: http://www.tokyorose.biz (Points: 7.7 out of 10) KIKO LOUREIRO 'NO GRAVITY' (REPLICA RECORDS/ROCK INC) Needless to say that the solo-CD of ANGRA's guitarist (who also plays bass, paino and keys on this CD) KIKO LOUREIRO is a high quality record. Besides Kiko, we can also hear session drummer MIKE TERRANA, who is one of the best drummers around these days, so that is a good thing, and as producer Kiko involved DENNIS WARD (PINK CREAM 69). The 3 of them went into the studio and made a great high quality instrumental record, which combines elements of Progressive Metal, Melodic (Heavy) Rock and Melodic (Power)Metal. Most of the time this is a pure instrumental Progressive Metalalbum, with fantastic guitarwork of Kiko, but you can also find some calmer parts here and there, such as the beautiful "In a gentle way". In total the album counts 13 tracks, which make up 53 minutes of playing time. Not only ANGRA fans should check out this release, but in fact anyone who is into instrumental music will love this record. One of the better instrumental records out there! (Points: 8.5 out of 10) CLOUX 'FULL FOOL' (INDEPENDENT) Out of France comes CLOUX, a band formed around guitarist CLOUX. Musically we are dealing here with instrumental Progressive Metal, with some experimental moves. 6 songs are included, and the best track is definitely closing track "Lead on", which shows CLOUX' capabilities on the guitar at best. Some of the other songs are less impressive. The songs are all rather short, but a fan of instrumental guitar orientated progressive metal moight want to check out CLOUX at: Clouxcloux@wanadoo.fr and e-mail: http://www.cloux.be.cx (Points: 7.5 out of 10)
This band never managed to release a proper album due to the fact that labels back in the 1980s were more looking for a POISON type of band (1986) or a GUNS'N'ROSES copy cat (1988). DEADLY BLESSING was actually one of a thousand (or more) acts that weren't noticed 20 years ago during the whole LA Sunset Strip scene, but they also were different than the whole Bay Area Speed/Thrash-Metal scene that was going on during the late 80s. DEADLY BLESSING was a band that played the kind of Progressive/Power Metal along the lines of the 80s sounds of QUEENSRYCHE, FATES WARNING, LIZZY BORDEN, CRIMSON GLORY, SHOK PARIS, HEIR APPARENT, OBSESSION, GRIM REAPER, so they had high-pitched vocals a la PRIEST and songstructures that were quite complex (a la RUSH). Without a doubt, the 11 songs on this CD show they were a high quality band that should have been signed back then, but it didn't happen, because the band only made a handful of demos, which now have been pressed onto CD. However, I need to add that all has been done in making this sound like a high quality CD, because we have extensive liner notes, lyrics and pictures of the band in the booklet, and also the sound quality of the songs is superb, despite the fact that these are old demo recordings. The band was blessed with a singer who could go low and high within a second, and especially in the high-pitched vocal department this guy (called SKI) could sing even higher than ROB HALFORD in his heydays! After he left the band in 1988, he was replaced by Larry Betson, but somehow there aren't any recordings with him on vocals. Ski himself currently fronts the Christian Power Metalband FAITH FACTOR, while the other members of DEADLY BLESSING are now in local bands like INSEX & ANGELS, SOUL BE IT and LECOMPT. Only bassist Nick Douglas went on performing with well-known metalacts, because he recently toured with DORO and BLAZE BAYLEY (ex-MAIDEN). Anyway, HELLION RECORDS released a CD with all these rare 80s recordings of DEADLY BLESSING. Songs like "Demise of faust", "Queen of sin" and "Cry of medusa" are a must-have for fans of high pitched vocal leading 80s US Progressive Power Metal in the style of mentioned acts. I am safe to say that fans of HELSTAR, 80s FATES WARNING, OBSESSION and CRIMSON GLORY will absolutely love this band, and now they finally can purchase a proper CD of this long-forgotten US band. More info at: http://www.hellionrecords.de (Points: 8.5 out of 10) TWILIGHT 'IN SEARCH OF AN EXIT' (INDEPENDENT) The New York based band TWILIGHT was formed in 2004, and they already have a CD out now titled 'In search of an exit'. Musically it marks another new US band playing classic 80s Melodic Progressive Rock/Metal with strong melodic choruses. In total we can find 10 tracks, of which especially the uptempo "Twilight", "In search of an exit", "Touch the sky" and "The occurence" are very impressive pieces that feature some very strong melodies. Hard to make any comparisons, because somehow TWILIGHT is not really a Progressive Metalband, as they are too straight-forward and melodic, while on the other hand they also aren't a pure Melodic Rockband because their songstructures are sometimes too complex. I think it's best to call them a Progressive Melodic Rockband, which has some RUSH similarities, but then again they are also moving into pure 80s AOR/Melodic Rock sometimes. Whatever you call them, they have released a great CD, which might be interesting for both melodic rock and progrockfans to check out. More info at: http://www.twilightusa.com and e-mail them at: petepom@superior.net (Points: 8.2 out of 10) BROOKE 'COMING HOME' (ARTEMIS RECORDS) When American singer/songwriter BROOKE opened his mouth I thought I was listening to JOEY TEMPEST, but musically BROOKE is far removed from anything related to EUROPE. However, you can compare BROOKE's music to the solo records of JOEY TEMPEST surely, because 'Coming home' features nice calmer melodic pop/rock like Joey did on his solo records. It sounds modern and typical like most American artists and bands are now doing musically these days. I even heard clear comparisons to a band like 3 DOORS DOWN. However, I am still not really impressed, because BROOKE is introducing a bit too much of other influences, such as the rapping on several songs. This makes the album sound way too experimental and it shouldn't even be called a melodic pop/rock, because of the Rap/R&B influences thrown in here and there. Only interested for the absolute die-hard fans of the current Nu-Breed genre in the USA. CD is available through: http://www.targetrecords.de (Points: 4.5 out of 10) RENE BERG 'GANG BANG' (DRESSED TO KILL RECORDS) In the late 80s BILLY IDOL was popular and this resulted in a couple of soundalikes, such as ADAM BOMB, STEVE STEVENS (who even became BILLY IDOL's guitarplayer), CHARLIE SEXTON and a few more. In the late 90s a guy called RENE BERG also released a good melodic rockalbum, which somehow has the same kind of BILLY IDOL vibration of the other Idol soundalike I just mentioned. 10 songs are on 'Gang bang' and most notable is the appearance of guitarist BERNIE TORME, who is an absolute legend in the Rockscene. Anyway, this CD of RENE BERG is definitely a nice melodic rockalbum, although the vocals of Rene you either like or hate. Anyway, the music is a mix of 70s and 80s melodic rock, which sometimes goes into poprock territory, but with 2 guitarists (Bernie and Rene himself) it still rocks. I have my doubts if there's anyone really interested in this album, but I am safe to say it's a nice melodic rockalbum, but compared to countless others in the genre definitely not a must-have release. Still interested, then you can buy a copy through: http://www.targetrecords.de (Points: 7.6 out of 10) PAUL ALAN 'FALLING AWAKE' (ALUMINUM RECORDS) Admitted, I thought I was going to listen to some sort of Boyband release after watching the frontcover of the debut CD of singer/songwriter PAUL ALAN, but reading the background info on him changed my mind, because PAUL ALAN sang in NOUVEAUX, a Christian band that released an awesome DEF LEPPARD type of Melodic Rockalbum about 10 years ago, which was followed by a less rocking 2nd album. It became quiet towards the end of the 90s, but now PAUL ALAN has released his first solo-album, which features besides Alan on vocals a couple other musicians, such as drummer NICK D'VIRGILIO, who is better known as a member of SPOCK'S BEARD! So there you have all the connections! Anyway, what can we hear on the first solo record of Paul? Well, it's not as rocking as NOUVEAUX once was, but still it offers some good clean quality melodic pop/rocksongs, such as "She's the reason", "Have a little hope", "Leaving lonely" (reminds me an other song, but I can't think which exactly) and "Can't live without you" (very strong chorus) that will please fans of RICHARD MARX, RUSS TAFF and BRYAN ADAMS. Paul is blessed with a great strong melodic voice, which reminds us of the 80s type of singing, so very melodic and emotional. All songs contain some very strong memorable melodic AOR choruses, so this CD will definitely appeal to the AOR/Melodic Rockfans, despite the lightness of the songs sometimes. Available through: http://www.targetrecords.de (Points: 8.4 out of 10) DREAMTALE ’DIFFERENCE’ (SPINEFARM RECORDS) The Finnish band DREAMTALE returns with their 3rd CD, and musically nothing has changed, so we hear once again pleased with quality Melodic Metal. The band still has the STRATOVARIUS influences, although it does sound slightly different, a bit more moving into melodic rock, such as on the great semi/ballad “Mirror”. The beginning is very strong, with some really great Melodic Metal tunes such as “Lost souls”, “Wings of Icaros” and “World’s child”. Towards the end it becomes a bit standard typical Finnish melodic metal like we have heard a few times before, although the STRATO clone “Secret door” is a very catchy tune. It surely isn’t as good as THUNDERSTONE, SONATA ARCTICA or STRATOVARIUS, although I am sure fans of those bands may easily want to check out this new DREAMTALE CD. The band is currently switching their lead singer, which is quite weird because they have just released their new CD with their old singer. Anyway, fans of mentioned acts may be interested in hearing this album, which is quite good, but could be better I think… (Points: 8.2 out of 10)
A lot of good quality music is being made in Spain. Especially the Hardrock/Metal scene has been very productive the last couple of years, but the thing that separates all these Spanish bands from the rest of Europe is the language barrier, because there are only a few bands that sing in English. From all the bands that sing in their own language only MAGA DE OZ and TIERRA SANTA have received some success in the rest of Europe. STRAVAGANZZA is another band struggling for other success than the Spanish victories they have booked the past couple of years. Their new CD ‘Sentimientos’ is definitely another high quality release in the Spanish Hardrock/Metal scene. The band is playing very impressive Melodic Progressive Metal that sometimes reminds me of VANDENPLAS and MANIGANCE. The songs are quite lengthy, and it’s quite surprising to see that the band has saved the best for last, because closing track “Dolor”, with it’s playing length of 9 minutes, is definitely the best track of the whole CD, as this is a very good epic melodic progressive metalsong. If you’re starting to become interested, then do check out their sites at: http://www.stravaganzza.com or http://www.avispamusic.com (Points: 8.2 out of 10)
The Spanish band KAOTHIC sings in the English language, unlike many other bands from Spain. Musically however they are a little less interesting, because we can hear influences of Nu-Metal, Hardcore and Death-Metal-growls in their Metal orientated style. A pity, because towards the end the band shows they can also make more melodic Gothic Orientated metal in a great song called “Veil of shame” which sounds like a mix between HIM, MERCENARY and THRESHOLD. However, the rest of the CD is definitely too Extreme for the melodic metal/progfreaks among us. Still, you don’t hear me saying this is a bad release, because after all it’s a quality release, but it just doesn’t match with the metal genres we usually cover. (Points: 7.5 out of 10) THE STREET ‘THE STREET’ (INDEPENDENT) THE STREET is a band from Utah, USA and they have been together for about 20 years already. I reviewed a demo of them some time ago, but I was unaware that they already had done 4 CDs. Now they have a new CD out, their fifth album which they simply titled ‘The Street’. Musically we get to hear a good deal of classy 80s catchy Melodic Rock, which reminds me a bit of the HAREM SCAREM when they play real melodic rock. Actually this THE STREET album is very good, because songs like “Out of mind”, “Say” and “Nothing there” are very strong Melodic Rocksongs. Not many people are aware of this great band, but I definitely give them a big recommendation. Check out their site at: http://www.thestreetmusic.com and e-mail them at: band@thestreetmusic.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10)
Legendary Japanese Metalband LOUDNESS makes a huge comeback this year, because in Japan alone they have done 2 new CD releases and a bunch of DVD releases. The official new CD is titled ‘racing’, which consists of 14 tracks, which musically combine the past with the present, so expect classy 80s Melodic Metal, but also some more modern sounding Metalsongs on this new LOUDNESS CD. The first couple of songs on the new CD sounded a bit messy and modern, with some very heavy guitar riffs, but happily the song “Live for the moment” sets the record straight, because this is absolutely a great uptempo Melodic Heavy Rocker. The guitarwork is not as flashy as the good old 80s, so nothing related to MALMSTEEN here. Nevertheless, it sounds a whole lot better than the band’s return in the later 90s when LOUDNESS had turned alternative. It’s good to see them back playing pure Metal, although not everything on the new CD sounds impressive, because if you compare this new record with their great 80s releases it’s of course not hard concluding that the older records are much better. Another complaint is the fact that the production leaves much to be desired, but real die-hard LOUDNESS fans will ignore this, because the CD has after all some good typical LOUDNESS metal to offer on especially “Live for the moment”, “Speed maniac”, “Telomerase” and “Misleading man”. Still it’s a big question if this new CD can ever compete with their older records. More info at: http://loudness.live.co.jp (Points: 8.0 out of 10) WOLFCHILD ‘TOXIC’ (INDEPENDENT) Good old Rock’n’Roll is what we can hear on the 3-track CD of WOLFCHILD, a band from Finland that can be compared musically to KROKUS, AC/DC and HELIX. “Cuts like a knife” and “Gasoline”are both straight-ahead uptempo rockers, while closing track “Out from the blues” is a nice semi-ballad. Finally a band from Finland which is not playing the typical Finnish Hardrock/Metal, because WOLFCHILD gets back to the late 70s/early 80s with their non-nonsense original Hardrock. More info at: http://www.drink.to/wolfchild and e-mail at: jkoivusilta@suomi24.fi (Points: 7.8 out of 10) TEARS ‘FALLING CERTAINTY’ (INDEPENDENT) The mini-CD of this Greek band starts very calm, with a sort of epic Gothic Pop/Rock ballad called “Things imaginary”, but next track “Self destruction”changes the whole sound of the band, because this is a very impressive uptempo melodic Prog/Power Metal song with a catchy chorus and some great keyboard versus guitarwork. Although this is a Greek band, I believe they are settled in the UK, but anyway, musically they are quite diverse and I definitely prefer their uptempo metalish tracks, because they are quite good. The band has a strong singer, and although comparisons to RHAPSODY or FALCONER are clear on the metalish songs, it’s all done very well, and I am quite that in a bigger production this band could be able to deliver something even better. More info at: http://www.tearsband.com and e-mail at: contact@tearsband.com (Points: 7.8 out of 10) BRUCE MAIN ‘LAYERS’ (INDEPENDENT) Out of the US State of Washington comes multi-instrumentalist BRUCE MAIN, who recently released his 2nd CD. Musically he is playing a sort of calmer melodic progressive rock which reminds me of PINK FLOYD, yet vocally it is not that strong unfortunately. Instrumental it all sounds good, and the 8 long songs that are included on the CD are nice to listen to. Like I said before, I think the only thing that needs to be improved is the vocal department, because Bruce may be a star in playing all the instruments, vocally he is not convincing enough. However, it is nice to hear independent progressive rock in the style of the early 70s (old GENESIS, JETHRO TULL, PINK FLOYD, YES). More info at: http://www.brucemain.com and http://www.cdbaby.com (Points: 7.7 out of 10) KUMA ‘FAST COLLIDING’ (INDEPENDENT) The Seattle based band KUMA is playing the kind of typical Rock which is nowadays hot in the USA. It sort of is a throwback to the early 80s quirky poprock/new wave sound, while still having an updated modern rock approach. The band has a female singer and actually her way of singing is Alternative, so do not expect clean melodic vocals. Instead we can better compare her way of singing to NINA HAGEN (extreme comparison) when the sound goes all the way into Rock, while during the calmer moments it sounds like a mix (also musically) between GARBAGE, PRETENDERS, SHANDI, PATTI SMITH and BABY ANIMALS. Alternative Quirky Melodic Poprock is what I would describe this KUMA. It definitely rocks, but is more interesting for the open-minded fans, because it leans closely to Alternative Rock, yet the way it nowadays sounds, so more melodic than in the 90s, and definitely strong 80s influences. Even BLONDIE fans might enjoy this! Check out the best songs “The wrecking ball”, “Welcome to hell” and “Anger’s suicide”. More info at: http://www.kumasound.com and e-mail them at: dave@kumasound.com (Points: 7.7 out of 10) BIOMECHANICAL ‘THE EMPIRES OF THE WORLDS’ (EARACHE) I might be wrong her, but wasn’t this band featuring the BALANCE OF POWER singer? Anyway, musically it is completely different, because this band is playing Extreme Metal with only a few Power Metal influences here and there during the choruses. However, I am afraid they are a bit too extreme most of the time. That doesn’t mean this is a bad CD, but after a few songs it becomes a pain to keep on listening to the annoying screamo-vocals and then it becomes clear that this CD is only interesting if you like bands such as KORN and LIMP BIZKIT. Not interesting for Prog/Power Metal freaks, except for a few tiny parts when the singer decides he can also a la BRUCE DICKINSON… (Points: 6.0 out of 10)
Lead singer/guitarist GREG LEON from Hollywood/California is apparently ex-DOKKEN, and you can clearly hear that on the CD of his own band THE GREG LEON INVASION. Actually it sounds better than anything DOKKEN has done since the late 80s (!). ‘Unfinished business’ is filled with high class 80s orientated Melodic Hardrock, which means catchy choruses, groovy guitar riffs, shredding bluesy guitarsolos (a la DAVE MENIKETTI of Y&T) and basically, 10 strong melodic hardrocksongs in the old DOKKEN/Y&T style. Greg happens to be a fantastic guitarist and he can sing very well too! Highlights on the CD are “Unfinished business” (great melodic song), “Don’t wanna say (I love you)” (lovely 80s guitar riff, CLASSIC 80S MELODIC ROCK, pure DOKKEN ‘TOOTH AND NAIL’ and PHIL VINCENT style, truly awesome song!!!), “Slipping away” (classy melodic rocker) and “Future in the past”. Concluded, a great 80s melodic hardrock CD, which will please anyone who is waiting for DOKKEN to return to the 1980s (which they will never do as recently claimed by Don, who betrays himself, because he said in interviews in the 1980s he would never change his musicstyle to the current trends, and look what he’s now doing with DOKKEN going Nu-Breed…). Better check out this great melodic hardrock CD, which even has a hidden 15-minutes counting instrumental track where Greg shows his awesome guitartalents. More info at: http://www.gregleoninvasion.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10) TYGERS OF PAN TANG ‘LEG OF THE BOOT’ (ANGEL AIR RECORDS) What do I need to say about this then? I was a huge TYGERS OF PAN TANG fan when JON DEVERILL sang with the band in the 1980s. They recorded true melodic rock classics back then (‘The wreck-age’ being my favourite record, as well as ‘The cage’), but after his departure and the countless reunions of the band, with new and old singers (JESS COX being the best, as he was the first TOPT singer), the last couple of years the band has been touring and recording records with new singer Richie Wicks (ex-ANGEL WITCH). It’s not that he is a bad singer, but knowing that TOPT did so much better things in the past makes you feel uncomfortable when listening to yet another live recording (their 3rd with the new singer!). Why doesn’t anyone release DVDs of TOPT recordings from the early-mid 1980s when the band was at their peak. They now sound like a so-called ‘nothing special’ band these days, which is a pity, if you consider their rich background. Please get Jon Deverill back at the mic, because after a few tracks listening to Richie it becomes boring as his voice just isn’t strong enough for TOPT Melodic Hardrock. I’m sure the only original member of TOPT, guitarist Robb Weir, wants us to introduce the new line-up over and over again with all these live and studio releases, but it just isn’t convincing. The fact that this show was recorded in Holland doesn’t help either, although the sound quality is good (was the audience that excited?) and for all die-hard TOPT fans this CD will probably be a must-have, but it just doesn’t stand a chance when comparing this to the old sound of the band. More info at: http://www.angelair.co.uk (Points: 7.5 out of 10)
The Polish band DELIGHT returns with another strong album. The band is playing the typical Female Fronted Gothic Melodic Metal slightly different than for example NIGHTWISH. The difference is that this band is adding some more modern experimental twists than NIGHTWISH (kinda like “I wish I had an angel” from that band’s last album). However, DELIGHT is at their best when throwing in some pure XANDRIA/WITHIN TEMPTATION more polished Melodic Goth Metal, such as can be heard in the fantastic songs “Your name” and “Set me free”. In total we can find 10 songs, which all sound quite strong, although the closing track “Sleep” sounds like a filler, because this is experimental very peaceful instrumental music (not really music, actually strange sounds like in a scary thriller movie). Anyway, DELIGHT proves once again they are one of the better bands to emerge from Poland, and I am sure fans of typical female fronted Gothic Rock/Metal will like this new CD of DELIGHT a lot! More info at: http://www.delight.art.pl (Points: 8.5 out of 10) CHAIN REACTION ‘OUT OF THE DARK/ELECTRIC PLAYGROUND’ (RATHOBOZ MUSIC) Out of the Detroit City area comes the classic rockband CHAIN REACTION. Definitely a band playing classic melodic rock like if it was the late 70s/early 80s when in the USA thousands of bands were playing this style. The band mixes AOR, Melodic Rock, Classic Hardrock and Bluesrock into an exciting rockstyle, which definitely has a sort of 70s feeling. Imagine a mix between 70s JOURNEY, BLUE OYSTER CULT (most of the time they sound like that band) and 38 SPECIAL, and you’re pretty close to what CHAIN REACTION is all about. True Classic Rock, and they have managed to release 5 CDs already, of which I received 2. The CD ‘Out of the dark’ dates back to 1998, but contains some good melodic rockers such as “In your own image” and “Tale of two cities” (both very good, remind me of 90s DAKOTA in places, so close to AOR with good harmonyvocals straight out of the Westcoast-Book) and also closing track “Is anybody out there” is a very nice uptempo rocker. The rest of the CD is more akin to Classic Rock with slight Southern Rock influences, not unlike CREAM (although not of that incredible high level, but that is almost impossible!), but maybe more sounding like BLUE OYSTER CULT. The other album ‘Electric playground’ is a more recent CD of CHAIN REACTION, released in 2004, it contains the same kind of classic rock as their other CDs, with this time as highlights the songs “Burnin’ midnight oil”, “The party principle” and “Where’s the beauty”. I think if you like BLUE OYSTER CULT, this band will please you the most! More info can be found at: http://www.chainreactionband.com and e-mail them at: chainre@yahoo.com (Points: 8.2 out of 10) LIZARD ‘TALES FROM ARTICHOKE WOOD’ (METAL MIND RECORDS) LIZARD is one of the more well-known Polish bands, and they play high class Neo-Prog in the typical UK tradition, so nothing experimental going on here. The new album of the band is a sort of concept record, divided in different stories (songs). The only difference with IQ for example is that the band sings in the Polish language, but I don’t think that’s a big issue, because the Neo-Progressive rocksounds on this new LIZARD CD sound very impressive and show once again that this LIZARD is one of the better Polish bands in this genre. Together with beautiful designed artwork, this CD is definitely a must-have if you consider yourself a Neo-prog fan! More info at: http://www.artrock.pl/lizard (Points: 8.4 out of 10) SATELLITE ‘EVENING GAMES’ (METAL MIND RECORDS) Another high class Polish release in the form of the new CD of SATELLITE. This band is playing slightly different Progressive Rock, because they add some more modern influences (especially in the rhythm section, so a drumbeat here and there), although they are truly a Progressive Rockband. Their music sounds like a mix between RPWL, JADIS, 90s MARILLION and PORCUPINE TREE. I am safe to say that the 8 songs on their new CD are once again showing that SATELLITE is one of those bands that will be loved very much by the Progressive Rds, because they don’t do the same thing over and over again. Unlike many other bands, in SATELLITE the main man is the drummer Wojtek Szadkowski, who writes all songs, so a comparison to SPOCK’S BEARD may also be mentioned here, although SATELLITE is sometimes more song based. I haven’t felt so relaxed after listening to a CD since JADIS, so this SATELLITE is definitely bringing some great calmer Progressive Rockmusic, which might actually reach a lot of regular musicfans, besides the fact they will be welcomed back with this new album by anyone who calls himself a progrockfan. Fine return of this great Polish band. One of those CDs you need to listen a few times before you understand what the try to reach here… (Points: 8.5 out of 10) CATHEDRAL 'THE VIITH COMING' (SPITFIRE RECORDS) CATHEDRAL is one of those bands that have been on the scene for quite a while, but were never really noticed by the masses. Their latest record 'The VIIth coming' might well be their 7th album, but I don't think it is a really interesting album. You don't hear me saying it's bad, but it's just not that sensational. It's a typical modern day American Metal record, which has some interesting SABBATH riffs, but songwise it is disappointing, because none of the 10 tracks really stand out between the rest. The singer is able to sing in different levels (low, gothic, raw, metalish), although I feel he is sometimes trying to sound like OZZY. In the end I think this is a nice Stoner Rock/Metal album that might do well in America, but Europe is always desperate for more melodic uptempo sounding Metalacts. Nevertheless, nice to check out if you're a fan of QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, KYUSS, BLACK SABBATH… Available through: http://www.targetrecords.de (Points: 7.9 out of 10) BARON ROJO 'DESAFIO' (AVISPA MUSIC) 13 years ago a new Spanish label was established by the name of AVISPA MUSIC. Through the years they have been a very important label for Spanish Hardrock and Metal. One of their first releases was the album 'Desafio' of legendary band BARON ROJO in 1992. This band has been one of the most important Hardrock/Metalbands from Spain, and it's nice to see that this album is available once again through AVISPA, because it is one of their later records, which also contains some great strong Melodic Metal. Especially the songs "El enemigo a abatir", "Rock'Stimulacion" and "Girls got rhythm" (hello AC/DC, only song sung in English) are very good uptempo Melodic Heavy Rock/Metal pieces. You can get a copy of this album of BARON ROJO at: http://www.avispamusic.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10) THE THORNS 'THE THORNS' (AWARE RECORDS/COLUMBIA) What strikes me is the fact that there are still good quality melodic pop/rock releases on the big American labels, but a lot do not make it overseas. For example, this THE THORNS, a band formed around vocalist/bassist/guitarist MATTHEW SWEET. Their BOB LUDWIG mastered CD is definitely featuring some good strong melodic pop/rock. Especially the songs "Blue", "I told you", "Such a shame" and "I set the world on fire" are very good melodic poprockers. On the other hand, not everything is that good, because a lot of the material on this CD is semi-acoustic that sounds like a mix between VENICE, THE REMBRANDTS, REM and THE MAMAS AND THE PAPAS !!! Despite a few good rockers, the CD doesn't really rock and is therefore only interesting if you count VENICE and THE REMBRANDTS to your favourite acts. You can buy a copy of the CD through: http://www.targetrecords.de (Points: 7.3 out of 10)
I have said it probably many times before, but here have something really really good from Spain. The band is called CUATRO GATOS, of whom I have reviewed a CD before, but now they have a fantastic new CD out titled 'Esferica'. Musically they play Melodic Rock mixed with Progressive Metal, with Spanish lyrics. The band is blessed with a truly magnificent singer called ALEX FRACCHIA. He has got a sort of STEVE PERRY vibrato, so a very impressive singer! In total we can find 14 tracks, of which some are smoothly going in a melodic rock/aor direction, such as the superb "Salvame", a song with lovely vocals/chorus and a NEAL SCHON type of guitarsolo. On the other hand, there's also more Progressive Rock/Metal orientated material on the CD, such as opener "Siembra viento…", "La huella del tiempo" and "La luz interior" (a very nice epic prog metal tune), and even a typical Italo Power Metal tune ("Fuego en tu piel"), so in the end quite diverse, but consider this CD as a perfect mix between melodic rock and prog/power metal, like a mix between TIERRA SANTA, VISION DIVINE and JOURNEY! By the way, the bonustrack is an ASIA cover ("Heat of the moment" in Spanish!), so this shows the band's love for 80s AOR/Prog/Melodic Rock! I am very impressed with the CD of CUATRO GATOS, although you should not dislike Spanish lyrics of course. More info at: http://www.avispamusic.com (Points: 8.6 out of 10) CRYSTAL BLAZE ‘DREAMS’ (INDEPENDENT) The 3-track CD of the Finnish band CRYSTAL BLAZE has a strong typical Northern European Melodic Metal approach, very much in the style of the German, Swedish and Finnish bands. The sound quality of the 3 songs is very good, akin close to label quality, and also musically this band definitely has something to offer. The fact they are not that far away from bands like THUNDERSTONE, MASTERPLAN and SONATA ARCTICA should make them one of those bands that could be signed someday soon. Songs like the catchy uptempo melodic heavy rocker “Dreams beyond” sounds like STRATOVARIUS, with rawer vocals, but just as catchy. The band used to be called GUARDIAN FORCE, of whom I also reviewed a demo which was very much like STRATOVARIUS, but with CRYSTAL BLAZE it sounds a bit rawer and is more going into the THUNDERSTONE style, so raw but melodic strong Power Metal with Melodic Rock influences. Although “Dreams beyond” opens the CD, maybe next track “It’s not the end” is the song to concentrate on, because this is all you want to hear in a classy typical European Melodic Metaltune, which is awesome guitarwork (riffs and twin-guitarsolos), a strong tight upbeat rhythm, hooks and a memorable chorus to sing-a-long. Maybe not as good as MASTERPLAN or THUNDERSTONE, but definitely similar in style and very impressive. Closing track is “Mirror”, a song that starts with a cool overkill of keyboards before evolving into another strong uptempo Melodic Metaltune. Concluded, a hopefull CD release of yet another promising Finnish band. More info on CRYSTAL BLAZE can be found at: http://www.crystal-blaze.com and e-mail at: band@crystal-blaze.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10) G.L.A.S. ‘EIGHTEEN’ (INDEPENDENT) The formation of the Italian band GLAS goes back a long time, to 1985 to be exact. They started as a Metalband, but through the years they started to evolve into a Melodic Rock/AOR band. They remind me of the Italian band HEAVEN’S TOUCH from 10 years ago, but not that strong, because the lead vocals are not that good. Nevertheless, it’s nice to see the band still active these days with a new CD titled ‘18’. The 6 songs are smoothly going into the direction of 80s AOR/Melodic Rock, a bit DOKKENish, quite good sometimes, but it just misses the appearance of a strong lead singer. This might be due to the fact that the line-up (including lead singer) has changed a lot the past 20 years, and nowadays both bassist/keyboardplayer and founder member of GLAS ALEX “MIDNIGHT” MOSCHINI and other guitarist Massimo Cappelli take care of the vocal department. Anyway, instrumental it all sounds fine and also some of the songs (such as “I cry alone tonight”, “No more lonely days, no more lonely nights”, “Your dreams” (best song, catchy 80s AOR!) and “If you walk away”) are really great uptempo 80s type of Melodic Rocksongs, but just vocally it needs to be improved (although 2nd lead vocalist Alession Viani definitely sounds much better than Alex). Check it out for yourself at: http://www.glasweb.it and e-mail at: glasweb@libero.it (Points: 7.9 out of 10) (All reviews by Gabor Kleinbloesem) |
LARS ERIC
MATTSSON ‘WAR’ (LION MUSIC/BERTUS) 
CRYSTAL
EYES ‘CONFESSIONS OF THE MAKER’ (HEAVY FIDELITY/ROCK INC) 
VANISHING
POINT 'EMBRACE THE SILENCE' (DOCKYARD 1/ROCK INC) 
CONCEPT
'THE DIVINE CAGE' (UNDERGROUND SYMPHONY/BERTUS) 
SECRET
SPHERE 'HEART AND ANGER' (NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS) 
IRON MASK
‘HORDES OF THE BRAVE’ (LION MUSIC/BERTUS) 
REFUGEE
CRY HOLY
‘ALIENATION’ (METAL MAYHEM MUSIC) 
GOTTHARD
‘LIP-SERVICE’ (NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS) 
NOT FRAGILE
'TIME TO WONDER' (HELLION RECORDS) 
POCO 'LEGACY'
(BMG) 
ROTTWEILER
'RAGE OF WAR' (HELLION RECORDS) 
DEADLY
BLESSING 'AN EYE TO THE PAST'
STRAVAGANZZA ‘SENTIMIENTOS’ (AVISPA MUSIC) 
KAOTHIC
LOUDNESS ‘RACING’(TOKUMA
JAPAN COMMUNICATIONS) 
THE GREG
LEON INVASION ‘UNFINISHED BUSINESS’ (INVASION MUSIC) 
DELIGHT
‘ANEW’ (METAL MIND RECORDS) 
CUATRO
GATOS 'ESFERICA' (AVISPA MUSIC)