 ALLEN
– LANDE ‘THE BATTLE’ (FRONTIERS RECORDS/ROUGH TRADE)
Lead vocalists JORN LANDE (MASTERPLAN) and RUSSEL ALLEN (SYMPHONY X) joined hands together with this new project ALLEN – LANDE, which shows both singers sing at their best, like if they are singing with their regular bands. Also musically this is of a very high level, because none-other than MAGNUS KARLSSON of LAST TRIBE/STARBREAKER is responsible for the guitars, bass and keys, besides writing all the songs on this album. You can easily call this ALLEN LANDE a superb sensational all-star band. The Melodic Heavy Rock/Metal sounds like a cross between LAST TRIBE, MASTERPLAN and JOURNEY, with superb vocalwork by both Jorn and Russel and each song has a superb chorus. I was already a huge fan of MASTERPLAN, LAST TRIBE and SYMPHONY X, and now you can put this ALLEN – LANDE in the same high level. The CD will be released in September on FRONTIERS RECORDS, so the Italian label has another true winner on their hands. Hopefully it will not be an one-time only project, because therefore the material on the first CD is just way too sensational. Especially uptempo melodic rockers like “Another battle”, “Hunter’s night”, “Come alive”, “My own way” and “Where have the angels gone” are very sensational, as good as the MASTERPLAN classic from earlier this year. Everyone who ever bought records of MASTERPLAN, SYMPHONY X and LAST TRIBE will have to purchase this ALLEN – LANDE record without any doubts. A definite candidate for CD of the year 2005, together with MASTERPLAN! (Points: 9.1 out of 10) VOID GENERATOR ‘VOID GENERATOR’ (INDEPENDENT)Out of Italy comes VOID GENERATOR, a band with a 4-track CD that musically is containing a heavily 70s influenced Rockstyle. Opener “Sideral connection” has strong 70s BLACK SABBATH kinda guitar riffs and is actually a Stoner Rock piece. Next tune “Blue sky” is completely different, because this is a very nice melodic rocker (also 70s style). The remaining 2 songs are once again more groovy 70s Hardrock (ZEPPELIN style). Definitely a good band to check out, and one would not say this VOID GENERATOR comes out of Italy, because it does sound like some sort of high level act from the UK or USA. Best recommended to fans of KYUSS and QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE. More info at: http://www.voidgenerator.com and e-mail at: ga.flowers@fastwebnet.it (Points: 7.9 out of 10) ROXY DOLLS ‘SEX SEX SEX/ROCK’N’ROLL QUEEN’ (INDEPENDENT) Looks professional, even the production is very impressive, but musically ROXY DOLLS are doing something which was done 20 years ago at the LA Sunset Strip. ROXYDOLLS is playing the kind of Sleazy Hardrock which made bands like LA GUNS, VAIN and GUNS’N’ROSES famous in the late 80s, but if you listen to a song like “Rock’n’roll queen” I think this band can better be compared to HANOI ROCKS, NEW YORK DOLLS and AEROSMITH, so I think you’ll get the picture now what is on the 2 discs of the Japanese band ROXY DOLLS. There are some great rockers on this CD, such as “Cherry pie” (not the WARRANT song) and “Angelina”. I would have given them a better chance if they had released their records some 20 years ago, because now it’s only interesting for die-hard 80s LA Sleaze Metalfans. Nevertheless ROXY DOLLS is still a nice band to check out, despite the cliché type of hardrock. More info at: http://www.roxydolls.net (Points: 8.0 out of 10) SONIQ THEATER ‘PANDROMANIA’ (INDEPENDENT) The one-man band SONIQ THEATER around multi-instrumentalist ALFRED MUELLER returns with a new CD titled ‘Pandromania’. Without a doubt another quality release in the series of releases under the SONIQ THEATER moniker. The CD is instrumental and sounds like a movie score. It’s quite amazing everytime that Alfred has done everything on his own, because that is also the case on the new album. This time the focus is a complete instrumental record with many keyboards upfront. It does sound quite challenging and definitely is something worth checking out if you’re a fan of instrumental neo-prog/movie scores. More info at: http://www.soniqtheater.de (Points: 8.1 out of 10) THE ARROWS & FRIENDS ‘TAWNY TRACKS’ (GELTOOB RECORDS) The 70s UK band THE ARROWS is best known for their song “I love rock’n’roll”, which became a huge hit worldwide when ex-RUNAWAYS guitarist JOAN JETT sang it straight to number 1 in many countries (including USA and Holland). However, THE ARROWS wrote and recorded it in the mid 70s. Main member of the band was ALAN MERRILL, who not only sang, but was also able to play most of the instruments. Anyway, this CD contains 19 tracks from the band’s heydays. It’s plain old rock and roll what we get to hear, very much like the 1960s sound of a SMALL FACES with a slight 70s BAD COMPANY approach here and a poppier SMOKIE touch there, although the best comparison might just be the BAY CITY ROLLERS. There are some great rockers on the CD (“Goodbyes”, “Always another train”, “Rock’n’roll hotel” and “I love rock’n’roll”), but also a handful of sugarsweet pop ballads (“” A love like ours”). Nevertheless a nice collection of songs by a band that became famous with one of their songs topping the charts a few years after their split, but the sad thing was that it was someone else who turned THE ARROWS song into a huge hitsingle. More info at: http://www.alanmerrill.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10) RACHEL’S BIRTHDAY ‘…AN INVITATION TO’ (INDEPENDENT) The forerunner of SONIQ THEATER was the band RACHEL’S BIRTHDAY. This German band was playing pure 80s Neo-Progressive Rock that sounded a lot like SAGA. Alfred Mueller is nowadays active in his own band SONIQ THEATER, but some 10 years ago he played keys in a band called RACHEL’S BIRTHDAY. 8 songs make up a total playing time of 69 minutes. Musically the SAGA type of prog/sympho sounds pretty good, and even singer Ralf Glasbrenner is able to sing the high notes quite easily. Definitely a CD worth checking out if you’re a Neo-Prog fan. The CD is available again through: http://www.soniqtheater.de (Points: 8.0 out of 10) CHERYL HILL ‘ÇHERYL HILL/THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED’ (MCR RECORDS) Recently reviewed, but female singer CHERYL HILL apparently released a couple of releases before their recent new album adventure. Her same titled debut (?) from 1997 is definitely the best record she has done. This CD contains 6 tracks, which musically may be described as typical 80s influenced Melodic Hardrock in the best CHRISSY STEELE style. Especially the songs “I used to be”, “Reflection” and “Darkness” are very impressive songs that even have a tiny bit of LANA LANE similarities and JAIME KYLE might also be a good comparison. Anyway, this CD was a more 80s adventure, which can also be learned from the CD booklet, which reveals that some of the songs were written in the early 90s. Anyway, this Mini-CD is definitely a very strong album, but she has released some more albums such as the recently reviewed new album and a CD titled ‘The road less travelled’ from 2000, which contains some strong calmer melodic poprock with a modern touch, but also some good melodies. Both CDs are available through: www.cherylhill.com and e-mail at: nutmagnet101@comcast.net (Points: 8.1 out of 10)
Just 23 years old and already a promising lead singer, this SOFIA from Sweden. She has a hitsingle in Sweden and it would not surprise me if she takes over Europe very soon, because the new CD of this female singer is a very catchy little melodic poprockalbum that easily beats the likes of AVRIL LAVAGNE, PINK and KELLY CLARCKSON. Sofia has a big team of well-known musicians and producers behind here, who succeeded in making a very strong record that has the perfect current female fronted rocksound, yet a little catchier and better than the American and UK female singers. Although I already made some comparisons, I must make clear that SOFIA rocks more and her songs will even appeal to the melodic rockfan (ROBIN BECK, HEART, PAT BENATAR). 10 songs can be found on the CD, which also features a surprise cover of SKID ROW’s “Wasted time”. Sebastian Bach of SKID ROW apparently heard of this and entered the stage during the Sweden Rock Festival last month when he and Sofia sang this little classic in front of thousands of rock and metalfans. Anyway, Sofia is a big star in Sweden and I can see why, because this record just contains some great catchy melodic poprock. Some of the producers and songwriters who are behind this new singer are CLIFF MAGNESS (an AOR veteran who also wrote songs for FAITH HILL and LISA MARIE PRESLEY), BUTCH WALKER (known as a musician himself, but he also worked with THE DONNAS, AVRIL LAVIGNE and SIMPLE PLAN), Stefan Glaumann (RAMSTEIN, BACKYARD BABIES, LAMBRETTA) and BO REIMER (BACKSTREET BOYS/BRITNEY SPEARS). With such well-known names being mentioned, including some of the pop market, you can imagine that this SOFIA has to offer at least something. Well, like I already said, she has the perfect voice and songs to make this album a true winner in the popworld. I am quite sure if the marketing job is done well, this SOFIA will turn out to be the next female singer to be adored around Europe. But you never know what happens next, because the album is just about to be released and work needs to be done to get this record noticed by the public. In Sweden it has and I am sure she will score a string of hitsingles over there, because songs like “It’s about time”, “Footsteps” and “Nakes” are just a few examples of the strong melodic poprocksound on her CD. Most of the songs are midtempo, but we can also find some uptempo rockers on the CD and funnily enough these are also the best tunes, namely “Hangover” and “Gotcha”, both sounding like a mix between ROBIN BECK, FROM THE INSIDE and ROXETE. What more can I say? This SOFIA CD is a great record that could easily become huge if it is promoted well enough. Check it out for yourself at: http://www.btmrecords.se (Points: 8.5 out of 10) ALAN MERRILL ‘DOUBLE SHOT ROCKS’ (GELTOOB RECORDS) This CD of ALAN MERRILL offers 23 tracks, which are all covers of legendary songwriters Arthur Alexander and Otis Blackwell. The album was released in 2003 and although many people know the songs performed on this CD by Alan, not many are aware that these ELVS PRESLEY, JERRY LEE LEWIS, etc. originals were written by Arthur and Otis. So basically what we get to here are updated versions of classic 60s rock’n’roll. A nice challenge taken by Alan, who did a good job, although it’s always something that makes you wonder why Alan did record 23 covers instead of a few and just release some own originals. Nevertheless, nice to check out for the die-hard fans at: http://www.alanmerrill.com (Points: 7.5 out of 10) ALAN MERRILL ‘CUPID DERANGED’ MEC RECORDS) Big in the UK in the 1970s as a member of the band THE ARROWS, lead singer/guitarist ALAN MERRILL released a lot of solo CDs after his time with THE ARROWS. This particular CD contains 22 songs, recently recorded, but once again containing tracks written during his whole career. Not to be missed was “I love rock n roll”, the legendary Rock Anthem made famous by JOAN JETT, but originally a song written and recorded by THE ARROWS. Most of the material on his own CDs is reflecting the same kind of musicstyle as THE ARROWS, which means some typical 70s UK Rock with slight Glam (SLADE/SWEET/MUD) influences here and there and some really sugarsweet ballads (a la SMOKIE). Happily, Alan rocks most of the time, also on this CD. Somehow he remembers me a lot of times on RICK DERRINGER going slightly poppier. Best songs besides “I love rock’n’roll” are “You don’t know what you want”, “”Tnteenager”, “Lesson learned” and “Shake me”. More info at: http://www.alanmerrill.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10) BLACK ROSE ‘BOYS WILL BE BOYS/WALK IT HOW YOU TALK IT’ (INDEPENDENT) This legendary UK band had 2 released in the 80s, which now are available on CDR through the website of the BLACK ROSE singer/guitarist Steve Bardsley. Although both records are reflecting a classy 80s US Melodic Rocksound, there is a slight difference, because ‘Walk it’ is the better more AOR/Melodic Rock orientated album, while ‘Boys will be boys’ is a heavier tougher Hardrock record. The band started in the early 80s as an exponent of the typical NWOBHM sound, but through the years they became much more melodic. ‘Boys will be boys’ from 1984 was a tough Melodic Hardrock record in the style of HEAVY PETTIN’ and early DEF LEPPARD. The CDR version I have has a big weak sound quality (not taken from the mastertapes I assume!), but on the other hand it does include the band’s much-sought EP as a bonus. This 4-track EP called ‘Nightmare’ from 1985 has some special memories for me, because I bought it myself 15 years ago very cheaply in the eastern side of The Netherlands, played it over and over again back then, not aware of the other material of the band. This mini-LP featured some awesome Melodic Heavy Rockers like “Nightmare”, “Breakaway” and “Need a lot of lovin’” that blew away the band’s first full-length record ‘Boys will be boys’. Years went by until now when I received all of BLACK ROSE’s material on CDR. Anyway, the other CDR contains the album ‘Walk it how you talk it’ from 1987. This album saw the band improving, because they now had a big classy 80s catchy Melodic Rocksound in the best 80s Californian style of STRYPER, DOKKEN, WHITE LION, DANGER DANGER, BONFIRE… Highlights were the even more commercial AOR based tunes “E.Z.L.Y.”, “Honestly love you” (throw in some dut dut keys and you have a song like BON JOVI and TOBRUK), “Don’t fall in love” (SHY AOR style) and the best song BLACK ROSE ever recorded, the superb catchy uptempo melodic rocker “California USA”, if BON JOVI or DEF LEPPARD had recorded it, it would have been huge, but now it sadly missed every chart. Nevertheless, these 2 CDRs offer enough pleasure for the fans of classy 80s Melodic Hardrock. Whatever happened to these guys, well after their breakup in the later 80s I didn’t hear a single thing until recently when I stumbled on their website, on which they announced a DVD release as well, which I hope to see soon, but who knows a new CD will also see the light of day. Just wait and visit their website at: http://www.blackrose.co.uk (Points: 8.3 out of 10) ALL HOURS ‘IN FLAGRANTE DELICTO’ (HYBRID RECORDINGS) The band ALL HOURS from New York has a strong own Rocksound, which sounds quite original and retro, but also modern enough to make it on the radio. On the other hand, their sound is not that far away from JET and THE WHITE STRIPES, so it would not be surprising to see this band become famous. Actually they sound like the early 70s, with similarities to NEW YORK DOLLS, THE STOOGES and T-REX. The band has a lead singer who clearly has created an own identity in his way of singing (a la DAVID BOWIE actually), something which needed if you want to make it to the top. The 12 songs are in the beginning mostly uptempo rockers in the best 70s style, but after a few songs the band sadly changes into a sort of dark ballad sound for a while, but happily returns to their rocksound later on the CD, all in order to change the mood from time to time. The CD of the band was mastered by legendary ANDY JOHNS (LED ZEPPELIN and ROLLING STONES) and Joe Chiccarelli (ELTON JOHN and BECK), so once again huge names on an independent record. Sound is great and some of the songs are quite nice, especially rockers like “Samantha”, “Make up”, “Make it right” (very good song) and “Chelsea whistle”. Hopefully more rockers next time, because that’s when ALL HOURS is at their best. Nevertheless, this is one of those bands that could easily become huge. I think the Alternative Rockfans will love this band a lot. More info at: http://www.deviousplanet.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10) CATHOUSE ‘IN PUSSY WE TRUST’ (INDEPENDENT) Here’s some classy 80s LA Glam for ya and it comes out of Italy. It seems like Italy and Sweden are the 2 countries in the world that host all new bands in the Glamrockgenre. Most of the acts are signed to PERRIS RECORDS, but it seems CATHOUSE are an independent band. They released a 6 track CD, which musically is pure 1980s LA Glam/Party Hardrock. If CRUE, POISON, SKID ROW and such acts are your favourite acts, then better check out this CATHOUSE. Do not confuse them with the same named band from Holland whom also played this kind of music. These 5 musicians surely know how to play Glamrock at a decent level, because all the songs sound quite nice, especially “From my heart”, “Time to be superstar” (catchy) and “Rock is all you need”. Only vocally it is not that strong, but I think the Glamrockfan don’t care about that fact, because they have another band to check out. More info at: http://www.cathouseband.com and e-mail them at: info@cathouseband.com (Points: 7.8 out of 10) NIGHTVISION ‘NIGHTVISION’ (MTM MUSIC/SUBURBAN) Yet another new Swedish band, because NIGHTVISION was formed just a few years ago. The band features an excellent lead singer called PETER HÖGBERG. Also musically NIGHTVISION sounds impressive, because basically what we get to hear is classic Scandi Melodic Hardrock (80s EUROPE style) mixed with Classic Hardrock a la RAINBOW. Especially opener “Soldier Of A Dark Land” is a very strong midtempo Melodic Hardrocksong that combines the best of EUROPE and RAINBOW. Although not all the songs that follow are as sensational as that first track, but in general speaking this is a great album from start to finish, with as other highlights “Silent cry”, “Dragonfire” and “The end”. Highly recommended to fans of classy 80s Melodic Hardrock in the RAINBOW, WHITESNAKE, DOKKEN and EUROPE tradition. (Points: 8.4 out of 10) EUROFORCE ‘EUROFORCE’ (SONIC AGE RECORDS/ROCK INC) Another new Melodic Metal/Neo-Classical Metal release. This time it’s from a Greek band called EUROFORCE, which is the cooperation between lead singer Jiotis Parchandis (HUMAN FORTRESS) and multi-instrumentalist THEODORE ZIRAS, who is known for his instrumental solo CDs. Now there’s EUROFORCE and their first record sounds very good. This is strong European Melodic Metal that sounds like MYSTIC PROPHECY, FIREWIND and MOB RULES, with here and there a SYMPHONY X influence (such as in “By Neptune’s hand”. However, most of the time it’s uptempo Melodic Metal with catchy choruses and from the 12 included tracks the best ones are definitely “The European lie”, “Trumpets of old” (superb!), “Spirits by my side” and “Brighter Hellas”. Maybe nothing new is brought here, but this CD still offers some great Melodic Metal, althougbh the drums should have sound bigger, but the real Metalhead will not mind too much. (Points: 8.3 out of 10)
Here we have something special from Argentina. The band is called KAPEL MAISTER and they started only a few years ago as a STRATOVARIUS cover band. Through the years they started to write their own songs, which has now resulted in a very strong debut CD. Big difference with all the other Spanish and Argentinean bands is that KAPEL MAISTER has English lyrics. Do not expect another STRATO clone, because KAPEL MAISTER is bringing something different, which is best described as high class European orientated Melodic Gothic Power Metal with Neo-Classical influences, kinda like NIGHTWISH meets RHAPSODY. The female vocals are very Opera/Soprano like (a la EPICA), while the guitarsolos Gonzalo Solgarian are making this CD an absolute winner in the Metalworld. The guitarwork is phenomenal, amazing, fantastic, fabulous and whatever you can call it… This guy can easily be called a sensational guitarplayer and it would not surprise me if in the next few years this will be the new MALMSTEEN, VAI or SATRIANI, so remember the name Solgarian from the Argentinean band KAPEL MAISTER. Back to the CD, which contains 9 songs and like I said musically has strong similarities to AFTER FOREVER, EPICA, NIGHTWISH… Best songs are “Immortal kiss”, “Glory” and “The final symphony”, with as note that especially “Glory” has some of the best guitarwork I have heard in ages. Let me make it clear that KAPEL MAISTER is a very impressive band to check out if you want to hear good clean quality female fronted Melodic Neo-Classical Goth Power Metal, but also any guitarfreak MUST check this CD out asap. More info at: http://www.icarusmusic.com.ar and http://www.kapelmaister.com.ar (Points: 8.7 out of 10)
MICHELE LUPPI from Italy is better known as the new lead singer of VISION DIVINE, with whom he released a superb CD last year, which was one of the best releases in 2004. Now Michele has a solo CD out, which musically is a little bit different, because it consists of 80s orientated AOR/Melodic Rock that reminds me of HUGO, STREET TALK, JOURNEY… 10 songs are included, which were written by Michele in the 1990s. Especially opener “Trust” is a great classy 80s uptempo AOR rocker a la HUGO, JOURNEY… that has a real fun summer feeling and a very nice keyboardsolo as well. Sadly after a very good start, the rest of the CD is just nice melodic hardrock a la TYKETTO, although later on the CD there’s some great additional AOR to be heard in ”Stars” (a la FINAL FRONTIER) and “The castle in my head” (ballad). However like I already mentioned a few songs on the CD are not really good (such as “Tell me about it” and “Wasting my time”), but that doesn’t mean you should avoid this record. After all, Michele is a superb singer, so it is a pleasure to hear him sing a full length CD once again. Now waiting for the upcoming new VISION DIVINE album, which could easily become one of 2005’s strongest releases! (Points: 8.3 out of 10) TARA’S SECRET ‘SPECTRUM WHEEL’ (INDEPENDENT) This new UK band is playing classic 80s Melodic Rock, reminding me a lot of the legendary THE PROMISE (AKA TOUR DE FORCE). They have supported JADIS and DEADLINE, so it is clear we are dealing here with a quality professional band. They even have a very good lead singer, which is very important for a melodic rockband. Their debut CD ‘Spectrum wheel’ contains 10 songs, of which opener “Pride” is a deadly catchy uptempo melodic rocker. Next track “No techno” is sadly a bit weaker, but things get rolling again on the very impressive midtempo “Calmer karma” and the following AOR ballad “Whoever you are”. BON JOVI similarities can be heard in the rocker “I’m in love”. So we’re halfway there (!) and TARA’S SECRET sounds like a good melodic rockband and happily also the second part of the CD offers some good stuff, such as the semi-ballad “Heavens above”, but still I miss some more uptempo melodic rockers like the opening track, which is the best song after listening to the whole album. Nevertheless, another new band from the UK playing classic melodic rock. Recommended if you enjoyed recent new melodic rockbands from the UK such as SACRED HEART, DEADLINE, DOUBLE CROSS… More info at: http://www.taras-secret.com and e-mail at: info@taras-secret.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10) HEADRUSH ‘A THOUSAND PICTURES’ (INDEPENDENT) Out of the same area as TARA’S SECRET comes yet another 80s sounding band called HEADRUSH. They also play Melodic Hardrock, but a bit heavier than TARA’S SECRET, owing a bit too early SKID ROW. This band also sounds professional on their debut CD, which was released independently. HEADRUSH should not be confused with the FRONTIERS RECORDS signed Italian band of the same name. 4 tracks are on the CD, of which the final song “Consumed” is definitely the best track, because this uptempo melodic rocker sounds absolutely fantastic, very catchy and very strong, quite memorable actually. The other 3 songs are a bit more Party Hardrock a la SKID ROW, DIRTY BLONDE and that sort of style, but that final song of this mini-CD sounds very promising, because this is a definite hit for any fan of 80s US Melodic Arena Hardrock/Poser Rock. More info on HEADRUSH at: http://www.headrushrocks.com and e-mail at: headrushrocks@hotmail.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10) DAVID SWANSON ‘RECLAMATION’ (BMG) Released 15 years ago, but recently made available again, this was a rare piece on a big label (BMG) back in 1990. I hear it for the first time now, which is not that unusual if you consider the fact that this is not really a rocking album. Nevertheless, David has a good voice and the 11 songs on the CD sound quite good actually. Musically this is prime-time Westcoast Poprock with a light AOR approach. References to 80s TOM KIMMEL, JOHN FARNHAM, DANNY WILDE and BRIAN SPENCE are quite clear when listening to the CD of DAVID SWANSON. Rockers like “Forty days”, “Born a rebel”, “Renegades” and “Desolation angel” are without a doubt the strongest songs on the CD and recommended to check out if you’re into any of the mentioned artists, although these tunes have even a touch of BRYAN ADAMS sometimes (circa ‘Reckless’), so in the end David is able to rock. I wonder whatever happened to this singer/songwriter… in the meantime his CD from 1990 titled ‘Reclamation’ is available again through http://www.targetrecords.de (Points: 8.1 out of 10) JAMIE SLOCUM ‘MY HEART KNOWS’ (CURB RECORDS) Fun 80s Melodic Poprock is currently making a comeback in the USA, because we have seen many new acts in this genre and especially in the Christian scene hundreds of new performers are making music which is completely going into the smooth RICHARD MARX, BRYAN ADAMS style, so interesting enough for the AOR fans among us to pick up, because what you get is good clean crystal clear melodic lead vocals mixed with strong catchy choruses packed in a soft rocksound. Also JAMIE SLOCUM is a performer in the classy 80s aor/poprock style. A lot of comparisons to RICHARD MARX can be made here and that certainly is not a bad thing. Songs like “Top of the world”, “By your side”, “Better than I know myself” (very catchy a la DEF LEPPARD ‘X’) and “Faith holds on” (very good uptempo light aor/poprocker) are very nice melodic poprocksongs. Recommended to fans of MARX, ADAMS… Available through: http://www.targetrecords.de (Points: 8.3 out of 10) JACK CASADY ‘DREAM FACTOR’ (EAGLE RECORDS) Bassist/guitarist JACK CASADY delivers a very good Bluesrock CD, on which we can hear a variety of lead singers accompanying Jack. On of them is FEE WAYBILL, best known as a THE TUBES member. On this CD you can hear him and other singers sing the Blues the best they can. Without a doubt, this is a high quality release in the world called Bluesrock. Additional note is the fact that Jack started in the 1960s as a member of JEFFERSON AIRPLANE and HOT TUNE, both legendary bands. However, he also built up a solo career and the result can be heard on the impressive CD ‘Dream factor’. … Available through: http://www.targetrecords.de (Points: 7.9 out of 10) LONE STAR ‘LONELY GRILL’ (BMG) Most of these New Country bands from the USA passed me by, which is maybe a pity, because a few are actually quite good and even reflecting a sound similar to 38 SPECIAL. LONE STAR is definitely one of those bands that sounds like a mix between 80s AOR and traditional Midwesteren Country Music, kinda like that early 80s US band THUNDER (not the UK act, but that underground act with 2 releases 20+ years ago) and also 38 SPECIAL, THE OUTLAWS and even REO SPEEDWAGON. Songs like “Simple as that”, the big hit “Amazed”, “What about now”, “All the way”, “Lonely grill” and “I’ve gotta find you” (back to the 80s CHICAGO/REO ballads with big harmonies) are actually AOR songs performed in a Country style. The CD was produced by the legendary DANN HUFF (of GIANT fame), who gave the band the big AOR touch. Especially the already mentioned hitsingle ”Amazed” is actually a pure 80s AOR ballad that could have been an ALIAS song. LONE STAR blended 2 American musicstyles together and they scored big time with it. This is however the first time I actually heard and reviewed their 1999 album ’Lonely grill’, which is definitely not the kind of honky-tonk county style we Europeans normally expect when thinking of the term county. This LONE STAR definitely paved the way for a whole new string of AOR influenced Country acts. The album is available through: http://www.targetrecords.de (Points: 8.1 out of 10) LINDA LAWLEY ‘LINDA LAWLEY’ (LINE RECORDS) This Californian female singer released her debut album some 16 years ago, but it’s a rare piece which TARGET RECORDS has made available again, so therefore a review. What do we have here then, well, basically a typical 80s AOR/Rockalbum with many keys and catchy choruses, but sadly most of the included songs are covers or written by outsiders. Linda happily did write a couple of tunes, but these songs are a bit average poprockers. Best song is “If you walk away”, a beautiful AOR ballad which I have heard a few times before by other performers, including the JIMI JAMISON version from actually a few years after this album release. Definitely not a bad release at all, but on the other hand a bit too standard 80s pop/rock like a calmer ROBIN BECK. Vocally Linda slightly disappoints, because she has a very raw voice, almost sounding like TINA TURNER, but then weaker of course. Only interesting for die-hard freaks of 80s ff aor/poprock. The CD is available through: http://www.targetrecords.de (Points: 7.0 out of 10) RACING CARS ‘DOWNTOWN TONIGHT’ (EMI PLUS) One of many UK (?) bands that released in the 70s a couple of albums before disappearing into anonymity. Now many years later their album ‘Downtown tonight’ has been re-issued on EMI RECORDS. Musically they played a typical 70s Pop meets Rock style, like countless other bands did 30 years ago. It’s good, it’s melodic and it still rocks from time to time. RACING CARS are sometimes just a mile away from bands like BLIND FAITH, BAD COMPANY or DIRTY TRICKS, but at other times some more poppy elements slipped right through. I someow hear a very strong similarity to MR. BIG, the 70s UK at, if anyone remember them? Anyway, this CD comes in a deluxe boxset and all in all, it is a very decent 70s melodic pop/rockalbum. Available through: http://www.targetrecords.de (Points: 8.0 out of 10) Y-D ‘A SMALL STEP FOR LOVE’ (MEGA RECORDS/EDEL RECORDS) Two beautiful girls from Denmark with a CD release on a major label. What can we expect then? I am afraid not much, because this is way too poppy and should actually be labelled as disco pop music with even SPICE GIRLS and SPEARS influences, so why the hell am I reviewing this? There is a connection, because STEVE KIPNER wrote a song, and he once wrote AOR songs, but this time we are dealing with a pure radio Pop record, only interesting for SKY RADIO I am afraid. A shame, because both girls look very good. Still interested, buy a copy through: http://www.targetrecords.de (Points: 5.0 out of 10) BO DEANS ‘THE BEST OF: SLASH AND BURN’ (LONDON/SLASH RECORDS) Apparently one of many US bands that is big in the USA, but hardly unknown elsewhere. BO DEANS released a bunch of albums in the past and this recent best of CD takes you into the world of BO DEANS. Musically they play a sort o Folk Acoustic Midwestern American Pop/Rock that has strong similarities to BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN here and there, although sometimes the band also jumped on a more 80s type of rockstyle (“Only love”, “You don’t get much” and “Say about love”) which sounded quite good (THE HOOTERS meets THE OUTFIELD). Yet most of the time acoustic guitars and a stripped sound made this band what it was. Less rockier than BIG COUNTRY, but rockier than CROWDED HOUSE, s put these guys somewhere in between because that is where they fit the best. Musically interesting sometimes, but also here and there some weak spots and akin to SPRINGSTEEN and in the worst scenario, DYLAN. Nevertheless, good enough to check out if you like any of the mentioned acts. Available through: http://www.targetrecords.de (Points: 7.6 out of 10) SIDE WINDER ‘MOTHER EARTH’ (INDEPENDENT) Independent Melodic Heavy Rock from France is what we get to hear from the band SIDE WINDER. Comparisons to AXXIS, STORMWITCH, VETO, NOISEHUNTER and some HELLOWEEN are clear when listening to the Melodic Heavy Rock/Metal on their first (?) CD. High pitched vocals, classy 80s flashy guitarwork and strong choruses is what this band is all about and they do it quite well, although nothing new is brought here. Nevertheless, songs like “Carry on!”, “Down”, “Silence” and “Heading for Venus” are very nice to listen to and therefore I can recommend this CD to anyone into classy 80s German Melodic Metal of the AXXIS, STORMWITCH, MAD MAX kind. More info at: http://www.sidewinder.fr.fm (Points: 8.0 out of 10) HEAVENS TOUCH ‘THE DEMOS’ (DEMO CDR) This is kind of nostalgic for us, because many years ago we reviewed the original demos of the Italian ban HEAVENS TOUCH, which were filled with superb high class 80s US AOR/Melodic Rock like a mix between PROPHET and DANGER DANGER. It became very quiet around the band until recently when bandleader MARCO LIZIERO (guitarist) sent me a new CDR which contained all of the demos his band HEAVENS TOUCH had recoded between 1988 and 1995. This CDR showcases that this band could have easily secured a deal, but it didn’t happen, so this CDR is the only possibility for people to hear the lovely AOR/Melodic Rock of HEAVENS TOUCH. 16 songs are included and highlights include the lovely 1994 demo tracks “Desire”, “Too much love to love you” and “Shoot me a bang”. More info at: agenzia@rockroyce.it (Points: 8.6 out of 10)
The female fronted bands keep on coming our way. The latest is a band called DELPHIAN from Holland and although they sound a little heavier than the average Goth Metal act, their cliché tingled melodic female power goth metal does sound a lot like NIGHTWISH, with as big difference it is less bombastic. So nothing new is brought here, but it still is nice to hear, because instrumental and also vocally it does sound professional. Their CD on LION MUSIC is therefore still a recommended piece to fans of this kind of typical 00s Female Melodic Metal. Songs like “Sylvester’s dusk”, “Moments”, “Salvation” and “Wrong turn” are very good actually. Nice to check out, but just don’t expect anything original or very sensational. (Points: 8.2 out of 10)
With a playing time of just under 28 minutes, this CD is way too
short to be called full length. Musically it is a mix of late 80s Bay
Area Thrash Metal and SKID ROW kinda screams, ending up sounding like
LAAZ ROCKET. It’s not bad what we get to hear, but 8 short songs were
not enough to make a really huge impression. Still you do not hear me
saying this is a weak release, because this band surely is able to rock
quite hard and good.
Italian guitarist with a nice full instrumental record, which features his skills. Musically typical Neo-Classical instrumental Melodic Heavy Rock/Metal, so nothing original, but good enough to listen to from start to finish. Nevertheless it also sounds sometimes like some sort of independent demo release, so I am not to sure about calling this a high quality release. Therefore only interesting for the die-hard instrumental neo-classical shredder freaks. (Points: 7.7 out of 10) JUKKA TOLONEN BAND ‘JTB’ (LION MUSIC/BERTUS) The CD of the Finnish band JUKKA TOLONEN BAND sounds like it was directly recorded in the early 70s, because when you put it on you hear music which isn’t played anymore. Not saying this is a dated release, because it is good to hear something original now reminding of a style which was very popular 30 years ago. This CD is filled with good clean instrumental Jazzy Fusion Progressive Pop/Rock like many acts made it in the early/mid 70s. Comparisons to SANTANA are not out of place here. Especially the fact that this is a Finnish product is making it even more interesting to check out. Check it out if you feel like you miss something original in today’s instrumental releases. (Points: 8.0 out of 10)
From out of nowhere comes a new AOR/Melodic Rockband called 2ND SKIN. Even more obscure is the fact they come out of Belgium and they have a female singer. Normally these kind of act come out of Sweden (ALYSON AVENUE, COASTLINE, BROKE’N’BLUE, TWO PIECE PUZZLE, etc.), but we are really dealing here with a Belgian act. In the line-up we can find former members of DAKOTA (not the US act, but the rare Belgian act) of whom I reviewed a demo many years ago (1997???). Anyway, with 2nd SKIN they play radiofriendly 80s inspired female fronted AOR/Melodic Rock that reminds me of mentioned acts, although not that good. I also heard strong similarities to NIGHT during calmer songs like “Out in the streets”, if anyone remembers that act from long long ago. The band is at their best during the catchy uptempo AOR/Melodic Rockers “The best of both worlds”, “One day”, “Only the strong” and “Nowhere to run”. Recommended to fans of female fronted AOR! More info on 2nd SKIN at: http://users.belgacom.net/2ndskin and e-mail them at: milkhouse@skynet.be (Points: 8.1 out of 10) NEIL ALIEN ‘FORT TWO’ (INDEPENDENT) Out of Finland comes NEIL ALIEN, a band playing non-commercial Dark Gothic Rock with Melancholic vocals. Quite different than the standard HIM/THE RASMUS bands, because this NEIL ALIEN is more firmed into medieval kinda folk barok music with an updated modern approach here and there. Actually this is a very original band that has created an own style. 5 songs are on their 2nd CD, which was released independent. If you’re looking for something original, then better check out this very Dark band at: http://www.confuture.net/neilalien (Points: 7.8 out of 10) ICONOFEAR ‘THE 13TH CIRCLE’ (INDEPENDENT) 4 track Min-CD from a Finnish band. ICONOFEAR is playing very strong typical European Melodic Metal. Although the band was born out of the ashes of a Death Metal band, there is happily not much left of that style, because what we get to hear is high quality Melodic Metal with some great lead vocals. The band sounds like a cross between ICED EARTH and MASTERPLAN, with the darkness of EVERGREY, which means we are dealing here with something sensational in the Metalworld. All 4 songs sound great and I can easily recommend this band to the Metalfans. Check out ICONOFEAR at: http://www.iconofear.net and e-mail them at: iconofear@hotmail.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10) ALBERT MAMSTO TRIO ‘STRANGE FRUITS’ (INDEPENDENT) This 3-piece band from Germany is doing covers of instrumental songs on their CD. We are talking about tunes originally performed by STEVE VAI, JOE SATRIANI, LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT, etc. They have one a very good job in sounding like the original versions. The 3 members of the band are students on the Freiburg University where they met each other and formed the ALBERT MAMSTO TRIO, named after guitarplayer Albert Mamstro, who is of course the star in most of the songs. Without a doubt, a quality tribute CD to some of the classic instrumental songs in the rock/progworld. More info at: http://www.albertmamstotrio.com and e-mail them at: Holger2101@gmx.de (Points: 7.9 out of 10) BTO ‘GREATEST AND LATEST’ (DISKY) Canadian legends released this best of a couple years ago, which is not just another best of, but new versions of old BTO classics as well as new tunes. Primarily driven on the classic rocker “You ain’t seen nothing yet”, this band had much more to offer in their 30+ year career. Especially in Canada they are megastars, which could recently been seen on their Live8 broadcast where original bandmember Randy Bachman played a few BTO classics in front of thousands of people. This CD contains a mix of their songs, all recently re-recorded or simply new tunes. The diversity in styles is also quite big, because there are AOR, Westcoast, Southern Rock, Bluesrockers and even big guitar riff BLACK SABBATH meets LED ZEPPELIN type of tunes, such as the amazing “Not fragile”. Of course their big hit is not excluded, but check it out if you want to hear this original Canadian band that combined the best of THIN LIZZY, BRYAN ADAMS, APRIL WINE, LED ZEPPELIN, BLACK SABBATH and THE EAGLES into an own kind of 70s rockstyle. Available through: http://www.targetrecords.de (Points: 8.0 out of 10) EMERALD RAIN ‘SLEEPWALK’ (ESCAPE MUSIC) Canadian Melodic Rockers EMERALD RAIN make their comeback with the new CD ‘Sleepwalk’, which musically continues the melodic heavy rock (like a straight-ahead version of HAREM SCAREM) of the band’s earlier albums. The band’s image and looks however has drastically changed and they now look like a sort of US Nu-Breed/Powerpop Rockband. The CD contains catchy mostly uptempo 80s influenced melodic rocker with strong memorable choruses. Best songs are “It ain’t over” (a la 80s BON JOVI strong harmonyvocal driven chorus), “Can’t stop bleeding”, “Everything is broken” and “I never knew”. Despite an image change, the music is still classic melodic rock, nothing new, but still nice to listen to when you’re in the mood for easy target melodic rock with strong singable choruses. (Points: 8.3 out of 10)
Here we go again, typical US Melodic Poprock which is currently huge across the Atlantic. Here in Europe none of the bands in this style are really popular, but in the USA new bands playing catchy melodic poprock with punky attitude and 80s choruses and hooks are constantly formed and signed by big labels. Also in the independent scene new bands pop up and SIXTY 10 is one of many bands playing in the style of acts like SR-71, MARVELOUS 3, BUTCH WALKER, BOWLING FOR SOUP… They have a 3-track CD out, which sounds quite nice. Songs like “Miss you” and “Ever since” are good clean catchy melodic poprockers in the style of mentioned bands. It’s short but good and actually it reminds me so much of the early 80s sounds of bands like RICK SPRINGFIELD, BRYAN ADAMS, THE OUTFIELD, but I said that before in reviews of similar bands. In the meantime check out this band at: http://www.Sixty-10.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10) MARILLION ‘MARBLE SON THE ROAD DVD’ (MUSIC VIDEO DISTRIBUTORS) A terrific DVD release is all I can say about the MARILLION DVD ‘Marbles on the road’. Well, actually I am therefore pleased to talk a bit more about it, otherwise this review would not make any sense. The DVD has been released through the American label MUSIC VIDEO DISTRIBUTORS. The DVD contains a full concert and a few videos, all taken from either the current album ‘Marbles’ or from the band’s 90s releases. It is remarkable to see this MARILLION version being that popular, because after all, FISH used to be the most popular reason for being a MARILLION fan. Nevertheless, the past 15 years new lead singer Steve Rothery has made MARILLION an even more popular band in the UK than in the 80s FISH times. Musically the 80s Symphonic Rock has been changed into a radiofriendly typical British 90s modern progressive pop/rock sound which paved the way for bands like RADIOHEAD and COLDPLAY towards the end of the 90s. If MARILLION had not created this style, maybe those bands would never have existed, because if you listen carefully to the 1990s albums of MARILLION it sounds dangerously close to what COLDPLAY is doing nowadays. Back t this DVD, it showcases MARILLION as it sounds and looks like today. The concert was recorded at the famous London Astoria and without a doubt, the concert was pretty much nailed to perfection, with the audience being very enthusiastic. None of the old 80s MARILLION FISH period classics were played, but still some of MARILLION’s 2nd life classics were performed during the encores, such as “The uninvited guest”, “Cover my eyes” and “The party”. All was done very professionally, so concluded, a must-have DVD for any MARILLION freak! Available through: http://www.musicvideodistributors.com (Points: 8.6 out of 10) GLASS HAMMER ‘THE INCONSOLABLE SECRET’ (ARION RECORDS) The US Progrockband GLASS HAMMER returns with not just one single CD, but a complete new 2-CD set which contains over 90 minutes of new GLASS HAMMER originals. Musically nothing has changed, so once again we can enjoy some high class Melodic Progressive Rock in the KANSAS style. The vocals and harmonyvocals are so much reflecting the classic 70s KANSAS sound, but also instrumental the 2 CDs have so much to offer for the fans of classic 70s progrock of the YES, KANSAS, RUSH style. From start to finish these 2 CDs take you into a progressive rock journey, not heard since the classic KANSAS days in the 1970s. If there is one US band out there today that could reach the high level of KANSAS then it should be this GLASS HAMMER. The 2-CD set comes along with some really nice artwork by legendary ROGER DEAN, who in the past also painted covers for YES and ASIA. Any progrockfan should own this new GLASS HAMMER 2-CD set. More info at: http://www.glasshammer.com (Points: 8.8 out of 10) TARANTULA ‘METALMOPHOSIS’ (AFM RECORDS/ROCK INC) Portuguese Melodic Rockers TARANTULA make a return with a new CD, which has been released n the German label AFM RECORDS. It’s a good album, nicely produced and featuring some catchy tunes. Especially the beginning is very nice, but towards the end it all starts to sound a bit the same and after a couple of spins of the whole CD it became clear to me that this isn’t a really sensational album. For the Melodic Hardrockfan of the PINK CREAM 69 kind this might well be a good album to check out, but I don’t think it’s strong enough to make a long lasting impression on other rockfans, although you don’t hear me saying this is a bad album, because it surely has it’s moments here and there. Still, only interesting for die-hard Melodic Hardrockfans! (Points: 7.9 out of 10) MY EMPTY ROOM ‘GRAND ILLUSIONS’ (INDEPENDENT) Out of Denmark comes the band MY EMPTY ROOM, whom are playing high quality melodic Progressive Rock/Metal in the RUSH/DREAM THEATER style, although it is always impossible to reach that high level, but the 4 songs on their independent CD ‘Grand illusions’ make this MY EMPTY ROOM definitely worth checking out if you like this kind of Progressive Rock (and is there someone who doesn’t like RUSH and DREAM THEATER? Nope guess not, so better check out this band!). The 4 songs are long and impressive, with strong harmonyvocals during the catchy choruses. The only pity is that the lead vocalwork is not always convincing, but nevertheless a song like “Blind” is really terrific progressive rock/metal with a stunning chorus. These musicians surely have created something really good and I can only say thumbs up for MY EMPTY ROOM, which you can check out at: http://www.myemptyroom.com and e-mail them at: booking@myemptyroom.com (Points: 8.1 out of 10) PLANET 13 ‘PLANET 13’ (P13 RECORDS) In the late 80s/early 90s this band was one of many to make it in the big wide LA Hardrock scene, but apparently it took them until last year to release a full length CD, which is this same titled CD. They already have a follow-up out (review below), but let’s first have a look at their official debut CD. PLANET 13 consists of 2 musicians, LANCE BENEDICT (guitars, bass, drums and keys) and RAY ZARATE (vocals), both professional musicians. This first PLANET 13 album is slightly more progressive than the follow-up from 2005. Nevertheless, this album offers high quality Melodic Progressive Rock/Metal music that has a bit of RUSH influences, but most of the time it reminds me of a cross between Q5 and ZEBRA, with a dash of TRIUMPH added. This is definitely beautiful music. 7 tracks are on the CD, and vocally it is quite good, high pitched a la GEOFF TATE, while instrumental it sounds very impressive, especially in the guitar department. Highlights are “Reflection”, “Windows” and “Return”. The CD is available through: http://www.targetrecords.de but do read the review of the new CD. (Points: 8.2 out of 10) (All reviews by Gabor Kleinbloesem) |
SOFIA
‘LIFETRAVELLER’ (BTM RECORDS) 
KAPEL
MAISTER ‘INTO SALVATION’ (ICARUS MUSIC) 
MICHELE
LUPPI’S HEAVEN ‘STRIVE’ (SCARLET RECORDS) 
DELPHIAN
RESISTANCE
‘LIES IN BLACK’ (LION MUSIC/BERTUS) 
FRANCESCO
FARERI ‘FORBIDDEN DIMENSION’ (LION MUSIC/BERTUS) 
2ND
SKIN ‘SECOND TO NONE’ (MILKHOUSE RECORDS) 
SIXTY
10 ‘SAY NO TO THUGS’ (INDEPENDENT)