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2 years ago one of the most popular Shock Rockbands from the 80s made a comeback when they performed for the first time in almost 20 years in Europe where they were welcomed by 40,000+ fans at the Wacken Open Air festival. Funny thing is when they left Europe in the mid 1980s they played in front of less spectators as a support act, but in the 2000s they are as popular as they once were in The States. In the USA they actually reformed after the terrorist attacks in New York 2001. Ever since they have been playing on and off, resulting in an European Tour in 2003. They even re-recorded their classic ‘Stay hungry’ album and now to celebrate the return of TWISTED SISTER, after an absence of almost 15 years (1987-2001) there is the first official full length DVD release, which contains mostly footage of their performance at Wacken 2 years back. The DVD counts 110 minutes of TWISTED SISTER material, divided in 26 chapters which takes us through their Wacken performance as well as shows in New York City and South Korea. In between the live footage, which were shot professionally with a lot of cameras and excellent sound quality, we can see backstage footage as well as interviews with the bandmembers. It’s not just the DVD by the way, because this concerns a dual disc release, on which on one side is the DVD footage and on the other side is an audio CD with performances from 1980, 1982 and 2003. All together a nice little package to see all these TWISTED SISTER classics being performed live again in the present day. The only pity is maybe that it all would have been complete with some more old footage, from back in the day, because you can imagine that this band with it’s 15 years of stage performances during 1973 and 1988 must have had a lot of never-before seen footage in their basement. Besides, what about all those classic videos from the 80s, such as “I wanna rock”, the best video ever made in Rock History! I guess that’s an issue concerning the owner rights, which probably belong to their old major label ATLANTIC RECORDS (now in hands of UNIVERSAL if I’m correct). One way or the other, this TWISTED SISTER DVD should be in the hands of every Sick Motherfucker out there (speaking in DEE SNIDER language!). (Points: 8.8 out of 10) If all goes well, the New York based band JUST SURRENDER, who were formed just a few years ago (2003) when the members were still in highschool, will release their official first full-length CD on WARNER MUSIC. Their signing to a major label is due to the fact they became one of the most popular bands on the website http://www.purevolume.com where their songs were downloaded 400,000 times. Anyway, JUST SURRENDER is not original, because what we get to hear is that typical Nu-Breed/Emo/Punkpop which is currently rockstyle number 1 in the USA, actually ever since GREENDAY broke through this has been the favourite musicstyle of the young kids. Well, thousands of new bands followed and JUST SURRENDER is the latest addition. Happily, what I hear on their promo advanced copy CDR for their first full-length CD release is quite good, because the melodies and hooks are very strong on each and every of the 10 songs included. Best songs are “Of all we’ve known”, “Tell me everything” (deadly catchy chorus a la THE CLICK FIVE/THE RASMUS), “You tell a tale” and “Forgotten not forgiven”, but actually all songs are in a similar style, so anyone into GREENDAY, THE CLICK FIVE, THE RASMUS, SWIRL 360, SR-71 and even fans of the recent HAREM SCAREM sound will love this JUST SURRENDER. I am quite sure this band will become huge in the USA pretty soon, because they have that perfect sound which radio loves to play so much, so don’t be surprised to see them in the charts when this album is released. In the meantime, more info at: http://www.justsurrender.net (Points: 8.2 out of 10) DISTANT PAST ‘EXTRAORDINARY INDICATION OF UNNATURAL PERCEPTION’ (KAYFABE SOUNDS) Clearly influences by early 80s Hardrock guitar riffs, this Swiss band offers an own kind of style, which combines classic melodic hardrock with NWOBHM and some Gothic vocals a la HIM, very original such a mixture and therefore this DISTANT PAST deserves a bonus point. Still none of the songs really grab ya (with the exception of the very strong “Crystalline terror” which sounds like a classic from the NWOBHM movement), but still the 11 songs are nicely original classic melodic rocksongs with a slight depressive touch in the vocal department. The production could have been a bit better, but you should check out this DISTANT PAST for yourself at: http://www.distant-past.ch and e-mail at: info@distant-past.ch (Points: 7.8 out of 10) ALLIANCE ‘NEW HORIZON’ (EPILOGUE RECORDS) Catchy 80s AOR/Melodic (Pop) Rock is what we get to hear on the CD of the band ALLIANCE, who are coming out of the US State of New Hampshire. The CD was released 8 years ago, but still available and therefore worth reviewing, especially since the catchy 80s AOR/Melodic Rock of ALLIANCE is quite impressive sometimes. Do not confuse this ALLIANCE with all the other same named bands, but still do check out this CD due to the fact it has some really great pure 80s (read 1983 AOR/Radiorock) orientated songs on it, which will please any fan of bands like AIRRACE, PREVIEW, THE PROMISE, RICK SPRINGFIELD… Highlights are “Another another”, “Her mister”, “Jackie Metal” and “The meaning of life”, all catchy uptempo AOR/Radiorockers in the style of mentioned bands. The band also offers a few quirkier/poppier tunes as well some heavier melodic rock material, although most of the time this is early-mid 80s AOR/Melodic Poprock with very good melodic clean lead vocals (really good singer in old LOVERBOY/FRANKE&KNOCKOUTS style) and catchy choruses, so let’s say if you liked TANDYM (another independent band that released records around the same time as this ALLIANCE record) then this is a must-have. More info at: http://www.nzc.com/alliance.htm and e-mail at: nigelzett@newenglandtalent.org (Points: 8.2 out of 10)
Hit potential all over the place here, kinda like a mixture of modern American Rock and Classic 70s Hardrock (THIN LIZZY twin-guitars), sounding very catchy in songs like “It’s over” (best song, definitely huge US Radio potential!), “Angels”, “Alone”, “Cast away” (another really great song) and “Falling”. But what do we have here actually? Well, it concerns a band called ORANGE SKY and they come out of Trinidad & Tobago! Yes, you read that well, and this is probably the first time I ever heard something musically out of that country! Needless to say is the fact that this band has reached superstardom in their country. It seems like Trinidad has now been in the picture with not only a World Championship Soccer ticked for next year, but also this great band called ORANGE SKY. Most of the 12 included songs are midtempo rockers with some prog twists and also here and there some of the Latin influences (such as Reggae), ending up sounding like a straighter version of COHEED AND COMBRIA. The CD has a big sound/production, thanks to the help of JEFF GLIXMAN (well-known US Producer of dozens of 70s and 80s aor/rockalbums). It is safe to say that this is a great album, which has serious potential in becoming big in the USA or elsewhere. More info at: http://www.theorangesky.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10) TRAVERS & APPICE ‘LIVE AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES’ (ESCAPI MEDIA/ROCK INC) These old Rock veterans joined forces and played (together with bassist TM STEVENS) a show at the famous House Of Blues club, which was recorded and currently being released on CD, with a bonus DVD included as well. The CD contains 12 songs and musically legendary guitarist/vocalist PAT TRAVERS and drummer CARMEN APPICE are playing a mix of Classic Hardrock and Bluesrock. Without a doubt, it’s all played to perfection, sound is also good, but still Pat’s vocals are not really outstanding or anything like that. This is basically a nice package of Rock history, pure Classic Rock and Blues can be heard on this live CD. For the fans a must, but I had expected a little bit more, but I guess seeing them live on stage is better than just listening to an audio CD version. PAT TRAVERS know what to do, because for them this is exactly the kind of stuff he has been doing all his life, making Classic Rock and Blues at the same time… (Points: 8.0 out of 10) I honestly thought former CRIMSON GLORY guitarist BEN JACKSON had joined forces with a female singer, because at the frontcover we can see a beautiful lady, while at the back the same lady stands between the 4 other male members of the BEN JACKSON GROUP. However, the band has a male singer, who sounds a bit raw here and there, so quite different from CRIMSON GLORY. What we can hear on the new album of the BEN JACKSON GROUP is groovy guitar riff orientated Melodic Heavy Rock. It does sound quite strong and probably a zillion times better than the recent solo album of that former CRIMSON GLORY vocalist MIDNIGHT, who apparently makes a guest appearance on this record as backing vocalist. Anyway, 10 songs are included and most of the songs go in a same kind of path, which is a mix of big guitar riffs, raw pure Metal vocals and classic 80s Melodic Hardrock choruses. I can’t help it mentioning SKID ROW as comparison, because a song like “Mean machine” could have been on ‘Slave to the grind’. So in that direction you must think, although in places it is more melodic (even DOKKEN similarities!) in both the choruses and the awesome guitarwork, which is bringing an 80s Metal/Power Metal influence (so there’s the CRIMSON GLORY connection!). Highlights are “All over you” (YES, fantastic midtempo Melodic Rock with a very strong commercial chorus and superb twin-guitarwork, pure late 1980s US style, best song of a CRIMSON GLORY member since their 80s classic releases), “Ghost in the mirror’ (what if SAVATAGE would be crossed with SKID ROW!), “Rock and roll heaven” (80s Hardrock Anthem) and “Eyes of ice” (very strong Melodic Hardrock, lovely chorus a la VICTORY!). Concluded, a nice little album of former CRIMSON GLORY guitarist BEN JACKSON and his group. (Points: 8.5 out of 10) What do we have here then? Well, GARY WEHRKAMPF is the mastermind behind the fantastic US Progressive Rock/Metal band SHADOW GALLERY, with whom he recorded 5 CDs so far. The guitarist/songwriter and producer was interviewed in the studio and on this DVD we can witness this event. With not much additional footage (except some behind the scenes footage and studio footage), this DVD is all about the man behind SHADOW GALLERY and happily this talented musician speaks perfectly and his stories are interesting to listen to, so the interview goes by very quickly, although the playing time is 2 hours, which is quite long for just an interview. However, I can understand that a full DVD with only an interview might be boring if you’re not a true fan of the musician, but in this case we can listen to a really talented musician who has some serious interesting notes to tell about his musical career and of course SHADOW GALLERY. More info at: http://www.lonewolfmusic.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10) Here we have an American band which sounds classic 80s and modern at the same time. PAISTY JENNY features a very good lead singer called GREGG LEE (also guitarist) who reminds me a lot of ALICE COOPER, sounding very strong, almost like someone from a major band. The music this band is playing is a sort of 80s retro Melodic Hardrock/LA Metal style with a touch from the current Nu-Breed/Emo genre, although most of the time it’s like we’re listening to the latest answer to RATT, CRUE and SKID ROW Hair Metal days from the late 80s, because after all these bands have been making successful comebacks lately, so why not introduce a new band with an old sound. Then again PAISTY JENNY sounds updated for today’s standards, but still melodic and catchy enough to appeal to the Melodic Hardrockfans. All 5 songs on their mini CD are strong tunes, which will please any melodic hardrockfan. This is the way Rock N Roll used to sound from an American band. Best song is closing track “Belief”, a catchy 80s melodic glamrocker. People who like JOHNNY LIMA are gonna love this record for sure… More info on the band at: http://www.paistyjenny.com (Points: 8.1 out of 10) 4 good looking girls from Hollywood are on the big picture in the press package sent to me from the other side of the world. There’s also a CD included and guess what, we have another kick-ass all-female Rock n Roll band. Heavier than THE DONNAS, but a little more polished than SLUNT was, however, fans of these bands should definitely check out this COCKPIT, because they deliver no-nonsense guitar driven uptempo Hard Rock N Roller like THE RUNAWAYS did in their heydays. 2 great songs are on their promo CDR (“Gun for hire” and “City tonight”). Can’t wait to hear a full CD of this awesome all female Rock N Roll/Metalband from Hollywood, the place that was the place to be for this kind of Rock/Metal 20 years ago! Good to see new fresh acts coming from there once again, so better watch out for the female version of CRUE! More info at: http://www.ilovecockpit.com and e-mail at: terrii@ilovecockpit.com (Points: 8.2 out of 10) Straight out of the underground from Phoenix, Arizona, USA comes something sensational. It’s a band called TYKKUS, whom are keen on playing Classic 80s Christian Melodic Hardrock/White Metal in a sort of STRYPER meets BARREN CROSS style (and also reminding a lot of TEER and TALON if anyone remember them!), with some awesome guitarwork here and there. The 4 included songs are very impressive and if this band had delivered this demo 20+ years ago they would have no doubt released their first full length CD on a bigger label, but it’s 2005 and some might call TYKKUS dated, but I can easily call them a strong 80s influenced Melodic Metalband. Check out their site at: http://www.tykkus.com and e-mail at: info@tykkus.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10) Quirky Poprock at it’s most quirkiest way possible, because that’s what we get to hear when listening to the 11 songs on the CD of multi-instrumentalist TODD LERNER from Michigan/USA. The opening song “Song for free” is a free song indeed, because it is available for download at: http://www.songforfree.com Anyway, although it isn’t a bad CD, I think this CD is drifting a bit too much in a sort of ELVIS COSTELLO meets REM kinda style, which is not really interesting for melodic rock/metal fans. Still interested, better go to: http://www.toddlerner.com for more info and e-mail Todd at: info@toddlerner.com (Points: - ) Another Michigan/USA based band. This band is called CRUD and musically this is Sleazy Industrial Metal. Sometimes it sounds a cross between ADAM BOMB and MINISTRY. The band apparently has been making progress in publicity and promotion activities, with appearances of their songs in VH-1 and MTV shows. Nevertheless, I think their music is a bit too much Industrial, even RAMMSTEIN similarities, so not really interesting for the more melodic fans out there. Only people who are into Industrial Metal (a la NINE INCH NAILS, MINISTRY, etc) should check out this CD. More info at: http://www.motorcitymusic.com dana@motorcitymusic.com (Points: - ) Good clean quality AOR/Melodic Rock from the UK is what to expect on the CD of TYTUS GROAN. It’s good to see new bands from the UK playing classic Melodic Rock once again. This band does it quite well, with as positive notes their very good lead singer and catchy memorable choruses which are filled with harmonyvocals. There are strong similarities to NIGHT RANGER (“Love at speed”) and REO SPEEDWAGON (“Whisky heaven”), but also a bit VAN HALEN or BON JOVI/DANGER DANGER here and there. The titletrack by the way is by far the best song on the CD, because this is an awesome semi AOR ballad with superb chorus. The rest is good AOR/Melodic Rock, sometimes very good and at other times a bit average, but nevertheless this TYTUS GROAN is a must for the melodic rockfans who collect quality melodic rock/aor bands from the UK, because this band is at times as good as the much praised acts SACRED HEART, DOUBLE CROSS and PRIDE. More info at: http://www.tytusgroan.com and e-mail at: info@tytusgroan.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10) Here ya go! A great independent Melodic Rockalbum, which took the Illinois/USA based band EXIT quite a few years to finish, but the result is finally there. Basically EXIT is playing a mix of 80s and early 90s US Mainstream Melodic Hardrock like a mix between DAMN YANKEES, FIREHOUSE, TESLA and SLAUGHTER. 10 songs made it onto the record and my favourite tracks are included towards the end of the CD. At the start things are quite groovy, very early 90s, with as best song “Towards the sun”, a great groovy melodic rocker like early 90s GUARDIAN, TESLA meets BON JOVI, with a really good strong catchy chorus. However, the best songs on the CD are definitely the catchy uptempo 80s type of fun melodic rock/aor songs “Runaway Missy’, “You feel right” and “Sea of love” that sound like a mix between JET RED, JOURNEY and DANGER DANGER. Check out EXIT at: http://www.exitrox.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10) Here’s a superb guitarist from the US state of Illinois. His 2nd CD is filled with high class instrumental guitar orientated neo-classical hardrock like early MALMSTEEN (think debut). Lou is an excellent guitarist and these are the kind of instrumental CDs which are a pleasure to listen to, because you can clearly hear some high quality musicianship. Lou recorded the CD earlier this year and for anyone into instrumental guitar based shredding should check out this CD. More info at: http://www.loudibello.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10) High quality Melodic Progressive Rock is all I can say about the wonderful new CD of the Georgia, USA based band AGENT COOPER. I remember reviewing their previous album, but I think this new record will make an ever bigger impression. The band has a very good lead singer (guitarist Doug Busbee) and the band’s music is original, mixing progressive rock with melodic rock elements. They actually have a sound of their own, which probably consists of influences by bands like RUSH, JOURNEY, KANSAS… RUSH is definitely the best comparison… Although they are certainly not a progressive metalband, they sometimes borrow the riffs and even raw way of singing from the Metal scene. 10 songs are included and without a doubt we have a great album from start to finish here. Songs like “East Indian sun”, “…In the bottle” (catchy hooks and chorus), “The heat” (strong melodic rock chorus) and the STYXish “She screams” (hello STYX 70s Synths!) are lovely progressive rocksongs with strong melodies. More info on AGENT COOPER at: http://www.agentcooper.com (Points: 8.4 out of 10) After years of silence the German band LEE Z returns with a new CD release. In the meantime they slightly changed their style, because their earlier albums were filled with pure 80s AOR/Melodic Rock, while their new record ‘Shadowlands’ is definitely a step into Melodic Progressive Metal. Similarities to VANDENPLAS, DREAMSCAPE, PAGAN’S MIND and TIME MACHINE are very clear. Maybe this slight change in style has reflected in this new album being their best release so far. 10 songs are included, some of which are very radiofriendly, but still the songs are all very nice to listen to. This is one of those CDs that might be loved by fans of both AOR/Melodc Rock and Progressive Metal. The band mixes complex structures with beautiful melodies, resulting in a couple of fantastic songs, such as “Save me” (awesome!) and “Nights in Dover” (lovely!). The release was done a few months ago already, but hopefully this review will give it some more attention, because this is basically a very impressive album at times, which might attracts fans of VANDENPLAS, but also people who are only into JOURNEY might find something of interest in here. (Points: 8.5 out of 10) Quality band from the New York area with an own original sound which is calmer Progressive Pop/Rock with some Pop elements and here and there strong melodies from time to time. Somehow the band sounds like a mix between JADIS, SPANDAU BALLET, QUEENSRYCHE and SAGA! How original! Well, their singer (Craig Abbott, who also plays guitars) sounds a lot like GEOFF TATE of QUEENSRYCHE, while the melodies are coming straight out of a SPANDAU BALLET book and the progressive rock part comes out nicely to life in the JADIS type of guitar melodies with the experimental movements of SAGA to sum it all up. That’s the best way I can describe the band LIKE SONIA! A song like “Holding images” is a very sensational original semi Melodic progressive rocker a la EVERON, ENCHANT, JADIS… SAGA fans should have a listen to a song like “Keeper of my desires”, but actually I think SAGA fans will be most pleased with most of the songs on the CD of this LIKE SONIA, because over and over again I hear comparisons to that Canadian band, but also the fans of the calmer QUEENSRYCHE songs (read “Silent lucidity”) will like this band a lot (just listen to a song like “Cross country”). Therefore please go to the band’s website at: http://www.likesonia.com and e-mail at: likesonia@likesonia.com (Points: 8.2 out of 10) Not original, because thousands of bands from Brazil play progressive metal, but after listening for a few minutes to the CD of the Brazilian band YNIS VITRIN it was like I was listening to a new sensational CD of a really huge band. It was like if this was a major label release from a major band that sounded like QUEENSRYCHE in the late 80s with a sort of DREAM THEATER touch and not forgetting to add a bit of JOURNEY, JOSHUA and MALMSTEEN for the melodies, ending up sounding like a TIME MACHINE, VANDENPLAS, ARTENSION or THRESHOLD record from the present day. Anyway, forget it, this is a new band from Brazil that has released a truly awesome Melodic Progressive Metal meets 80s Melodic Rock release. The sound is huge, the (mostly midtempo orientated) songs are sensational with beautiful melodies (classic guitarsound, melodic vocal lines and awesome choruses filled with harmonyvocals) and very important, the band has a SUPERB (terrific, amazing, us any word you like here!!!) lead singer (bassist Benthu Vieira Lima) who sounds like IAN PARRY or JOHN WEST. All together this is one of the best South American releases since ANGRA’s latest record ‘Rebirth’. This record surprised me so much that I have been playing it quite a lot since I got it. Especially songs like “Shattered days” (midtempo melodic progmetal) , “Remains of life” (midtempo melodic progmetal), “When the moon lost it’s shine” and “Crossfire” (2 superb faster uptempo tunes like LEATHERWOLF meets ROYAL HUNT) and “Awake” (epic masterpiece a la ARTENSION in their heydays) are shocking classic 80s melodic rock anthems mixed with modern progressive metal, like JOSHUA meets QUEENSRYCHE meets MALMSTEEN meets VANDENPLAS. This is definitely a highly recommended 70 minutes counting album to both 80s melodic rockfans and proggies that prefer old QUEENSRYCHE and maybe most of all, it is a record that beats the last couple of ARTENSION and ROYAL HUNT records! More info at: http://www.ynisvitrin.com (Points: 8.9 out of 10) Another double DVD release from Doom Metal legends CANDLEMASS. This time the Swedish band delivers us a full-length concert and a mix of performances throughout Sweden. As the title predicts, the full-length concert footage was shot in Stockholm and with 15 tracks well worth checking out as CANDLEMASS delivered the best they could back in 2003 in Stockholm, which can be seen during the 90 minutes of DVD. Shot professionally, this is a perfect concert to watch on your DVD player. The 2nd DVD is interesting because it features a mix of CANDLEMASS performances from the past, mostly shot in smaller Swedish villages, but seeing a performance from the band in as far back as 1987 and 1989 is definitely something you just gotta see. Must-have for true Doom/CANDLEMASS fans! (Points: 8.4 out of 10) The early to mid 1970s were a very busy period for new UK bands, because in order to find a new sensation due to the split of THE BEATLES and the departure of all the other 1960s bands, labels signed new bands on and off. This resulted in hundreds of new releases each month and at one point people could simply not keep up, so a lot of the albums from UK bands released in the period between 1970-1975 simply disappeared into obscurity. However, the past few years a lot of records have been re-issued onto CD. The band SASSAFRAS is one of those early-mid 1970s UK bands with 3 releases done in the period 1973-1976. Now 2 albums are available on a 2-CD set by GOTT DISCS. What we get to hear is a good deal of typical 70s Pop/Rock, not too heavy, kinda like STATUS QUO meets WISHBONE ASH, with some more standard Pop and Rock elements added. Vocalwork was very good (by a certain TERRY BENNETT) and although not all the material is really sensational, there is some good stuff on these 2 CDs, which definitely belong to classic 70s pop/rock, such as the songs “Ohio” and “New York collapse”, both very lengthy epic songs with good guitarwork a la WISHBONE ASH. There is a big difference between the 2 albums on this double-CD set, because the 1975 ‘Wheelin’n’dealin’’ record was a clear UK kinda Pop/Rock affair, while the other record, ‘Riding high’ saw them clearly move into a US Westcoast Pop/Rock area. You could hear influences from THE EAGLES, LITTLE RIVER BAND etc. on this disc, which meant slide guitar and westcoast close harmonyvocals thrown in each and every song. Despite the slight change in style (which was actually in favour of the band, because that final record ‘Riding high’ was their finest release), both albums are worth checking out, so try this re-issue if you like 70s classic pop/rock. More info and availability of the CD through: http://www.gottdiscs.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10) Originally landed as another Southern Rockband, the band ATLANTA RHYTHM SECTION (ARS) soon became a band which played many various styles, ranging from pure Blues, Westcoast, Country to even pure AOR (their later 80s records were really pure AOR). There were a lot of comparisons to 38 SPECIAL and VAN ZANT sometimes, especially since they all came out of the city of Jacksonville I believe. The 2 albums they released in the mid 70s, ‘Dog days’ and ‘Red tape’, are now both available on 1 CD. In total we can find 16 songs which present the diverse styles of ARS, sounding very 70s, mixing the best of AOR, Country, Pop, Westcoast, Blues and Southern Rock. There’s a lot of space built in their songs for instrumental breaks. Although it all does sound quite nice (with some really good vocalwork) they are nowhere near as good as 38 SPECIAL, but are more sounding like PLAYER with a couple of good songs here and there (mostly on their 1976 record ‘Red tape’ such as the awesome Westcoastish “Free spirit” that sounded exactly like DAKOTA). The band went on releasing better records in the years to follow the 2 releases on this re-issue. More info and availability of the CD through: http://www.gottdiscs.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10) Catchy 80s Melodic (Pop) Rock is what I would like to call the 2 albums of this LITTLE AMERICA, which have both been re-released by GOTT DISCS as a 2-CD set. LITTLE AMERICA was a very underrated band that released those 2 albums in the mid-late 80s. They didn’t had a rich keyboardsound, so they were never labelled as a pure AOR outfit, but to give them the Rock label would also be unthinkable, because they were very melodic rock orientated. So they had a sound which sat nicely between EDDIE AND THE TIDE, THE OUTFIELD”, BRYAN ADAMS and HONEYMOON SUITE. It’s good to see the band getting some renewed attention in the shape of this new 2-CD set which contains 23 original LITTLE AMERICA songs, probably all the songs they officially recorded. What is clear that this was actually a great band, which should have been bigger definitely. The catchy Melodic Poprock could be heard in so many of their songs, especially “You were right”, “That’s the way it stays”, “Perfect world”, “Maryjane” and the DIANNE WARREN co-written “Where were you”. Difference between the 2 CDs is that their debut was a straight-forward original Melodic Poprockalbum, while the follow-up ‘Fairgrounds’ was a more polished almost AOR kinda affair, sounding like a cross between BRYAN ADAMS, TIM KARR and JIMMY DAVIS. Nevertheless, both albums are quite good to track down, especially since they are now available on a 2-CD set. Just like any other release on the UK re-issue label GOTT DISCS, also this release comes along in a nice packaging with extensive liner notes in the CD booklet. Definitely a must for fans of catchy 80s Melodic Poprock! More info and availability of the CD through: http://www.gottdiscs.com (Points: 8.5 out of 10) What about this CD then? Well, PAGANINI is a Rockband from Switzerland, whom released some good melodic rockalbum in the 1980s, but after about 15 years of silence there now is a new CD available from the band around vocalist MARCO PAGANINI. Musically it sounds more updated, with a lot of Industrial Metal influences, so the Party/Fun/Melodic Hardrock from the 80s has vanished almost completely. The semi-ballads on the CD sound like ALICE COOPER, while the rest sound like a calmer version of MARILYN MANSON. It’s really a pity the melodic hardrocksound of the earlier albums has completely been washed away on this new record. Only the remake of the PAGANINI classic “Berlin by night” sounds inspiring, because the rest of the CD (including many more remakes of old PAGANINI and VIVA songs) are sounding like some sort of Industrial Metalband doing Glamcovers (just listen to the RATT/ALICE COOPER meets MINISTRY type of song “Spending money”). I really don’t know what more to say about this CD, because it shows a completely different PAGANINI. Only for the die-hard fans. More info at: http://www.paganini.ch (Points: 6.0 out of 10) High quality stuff from Australia. The band is called ENTER TWILIGHT, sound like a cross between NIGHTWISH and KAMELOT, so here’s a portion of female fronted Gothic Power Metal meets Neo Classical Melodic Metal. The sound is huge and the 7 included songs make up an enjoyable 54 minutes of playing time. Basically, everything sounds awesome and I truly think this could well be the next Aussie band to be signed in Europe (we have seen so far, DUNGEON, PEGAZUS, BLACK MAJESTY, VANISHING POINT). It’s definitely one of the first female fronted bands I ever hear from Australia, Fans of NIGHTWISH, AFTER FOREVER, DELIGHT will absolutely love this record. Absolutely one of the better female fronted acts in the underground scene. More info at: http://www.enter-twilight.com.au (Points: 8.4 out of 10) 2 albums re-issued onto 2 CDs packed in a nice luxe edition by the UK label GOTT DISCS. The 2 albums of violinplayer JEAN-LUC PONTY were recorded in 1969 and 1970. Musically it is pure Jazz with some Rock influences, so at times Fusion, but mainly this is a Jazz affair. None other than FRANK ZAPPA helped Jean on the albums, especially on the 2nd record ‘King kong’ which saw Frank written almost all songs. After the release of these albums some 35 years ago, Jean released a few more solo-albums before he became the most famous violinplayer in contemporary music in the following years. Looking back, these 2 albums were the starting point of a successful career, and now both have been re-issued onto CD. More info and availability of the CD through: http://www.gottdiscs.com (Points: 7.5 out of 10) Lead singer/guitarist STEVE HARLEY is one of the few artists with new CD releases signed to GOTT DISCS, because most of the time this label offers re-issues/re-releases. Now it is once again time to review a new CD of STEVE HARLEY, who is best known as being a member of COCKNEY REBEL, a 70s Glam/Punkrock band who were very successful 30 years ago. Anyway, this new CD is labelled under STEVE HARLEY& COCKNEY REBEL, so apparently he found the original members willing to play along with him. Musically we get to hear a mix of 80s AOR/Poprock and calmer epic Popsongs. However, it seems that Steve is nowadays most comfortable in making AOR kinda material, because songs like “The last goodbye”, “Saturday night at the fair”, “No rain on this parade”, “When the halo slips” and “The last feast” are all nice aor/poprocksongs which sound like a mix between JOHN PARR, MARK SPIRO and CHARLIE SEXTON. In between this AORish material we can also hear some more calmer Popsongs (a la STING) in “Journey’s end”, “The coast of Amalfi”, “A friend for life…” and “Save me”. Definitely one of Steve’s better releases so far. More info and availability of the CD through: http://www.gottdiscs.com (Points: 8.2 out of 10) Nice compilation CD filled with underground 80 British Alternative/Gothic Rock. Bands that never made it big, but tried to play their own original style, although most of them were clearly influenced by acts like THE CURE and NEW ORDER. The only band I knew was THE FALL, but their song “Wings” included here is the elast interesting track actually. Most of the 13 featured bands played in the same kinda style, which was non-commercial Alternative Rock (80s style, so still melodic). Highlights come from the bands THE NIGHTINGALES, A WITNESS, PIGBROS, THE EX and THE GREAT LEAP FORWARD. There’s some really bizarre music on this compilation as well, such as the very wicked songs from INCA BABIES and BIG FLAME, both uncategorisable. However, fans of 80s Alternative/Gothic Rock from the UK will be very interested in this release. More info and availability of the CD through: http://www.gottdiscs.com (Points: 7.9 out of 10) DEVO was a really quirky New Wave band in the 1980s. Actually this was the first time I was exposed to their music. ‘Live 1980’ is a new release of DEVO, which is a DUAL DISC release featuring a live concert of the band shot in 1980, both visually (on DVD) and audio (on CD). It’s only a pity the music of DEVO was not good, because this was the kind of quirky New Wave which gave 80s music a bad name. The DVD and CD are both of a high quality, but only interesting if you happen to like this DEVO. Then I had rather seen something of THE TUBES, a band who were able to combine visual quirkiness with good rockmusic. More info at: http://www.musicvideodistributors.com (Points: 7.0 out of 10) It isn’t Punkrock. It surely isn’t Glamrock. It also ain’t Melodic Rock. So what is this band all about then? Well, TEENAGE CASKET CO. combine the best of late 70s Punk, Glamrock and Melodic Rock into an exciting catchy Powerpopstyle. 10 songs are included and most of them are really catchy uptempo rockers that sound like the perfect mix between THE BUZZCOCKS, POISON and early 80s RICK SPRINGFIELD. Especially the songs “Down on luck” (very melodic, almost sounding like JOHNNY LIMA), “Bad girl” (Glamrock at its best), “Another part of me” (catchy melodic poprock), “Ain’t got nothin’ on me” (even a slight DANGER DANGER similarity in here) and “Beautiful” are really strong. Definitely a surprise here, recommended to fans of late 70s UK Punk, Glamrock and even Melodic Rockfans who really like the last couple of HAREM SCAREM records will find something of interest in this UK act called TEENAGE CASKET CO. More info at: http://www.teenagecasketcompany.com and e-mail at: info@teenagecasketcompany.com (Points: 8.4 out of 10) I believe this band has been around for a very long time now, but this new live CD release is my first exposure to the Argentinean band ESPIRITU. The band is playing pure 1970s Symphonic Rock, although some Neo-Prog can also be heard. Best comparisons to be made are IQ, PALLAS and PENDRAGON, yet with the big differences that this ESPIRITU sings in their on language and the songs are slightly more straight-forward (even some 80s ASIA influences in here, such as in the great opener “Nada que decirte”). Anyway, they sound very good live, as can be heard on the 12 included tracks on this 77 minutes counting CD ‘Espiritu en vivo – 2004’. Although the band is a Symphonic Rockband at first hand, some of the songs (such as “Una palabra” and “Ciudad de locos”) also offer some strong AOR influences, both by the way being the best songs on this CD. Concluded, this band is a nice Melodic Symphonic Rockband, on which more info can be found at: http://www.espiriturock.com.ar and e-mail at: info@espiriturock.com.ar (Points: 8.3 out of 10) A band from New Jersey/USA with a darker mid 90s Progressive Metalsound (without keys). The band is mixing all kinds of influences, although they remind me most of all of mid 90s act VISIONARY (if anyone remembers them!). The music is dark, with even some ALICE IN CHAINS type of harmonies reflecting a sort of Grunge meets Psychedelic 1970 approach, but still melodic enough to call it Progressive Metal, and actually the band is also melodic rock orientated with some awesome guitar and vocalwork. 9 songs are included and we definitely are listening to a high quality release. The band has a superb lead singer (Tom Ragusa – this guy can really sing very well, especially on a song like “Quote – Unquote”), who reminds me of SEBASTIAN BACH meets LANCE KING and some of the included songs are really impressive, such as “Open eyes” (catchy tune actually, like RUSH meets FATES WARNING, very melodic rock orientated as well with strong chorus, great vocal and guitarwork) “I don’t know”(80s melodic rock type of song, like RUSH/TRIUMPH) and “Fire in the sky” (a pure DREAM THEATER type of song, with even JAMES LABRIEish vocalwork). Despite a slight 90s dark Grunge touch (really not much actually), this band mostly moves into a style that sounds like a mix between 90s guitar orientated progressive metal and 80s melodic rock choruses. Only the production could have been better but do check out KILLING WORDS at: http://www.phillysplash.com or http://www.cmeg.tv and e-mail at: Larry@phillysplash.com (Points: 8.2 out of 10) Formed in the early 90s, CHALICE made a name within the Melodic Rock community with their first couple of CDs, ‘In wonderland’ in 1995 and ‘Persistence of time’, both reviewed with a high rating back in the early days of our magazine. Then it became quiet, although the band managed to release 2 further albums at the start of the 2000s, but somehow they failed to impress as much as their earlier records did. Now they make a real comeback with their 4th CD ‘Shotgun alley’, which continues the classic 80s influenced Melodic Hardrock of their earlier albums. Although not truly original, because the Melodic Hardrock of CHALICE is similar to VICTORY, BONFIRE, CRAAFT, BOYSVOICE, PINK CREAM 69, etc, still the 13 songs on their new album ‘Shotgun alley’ offer enough listening pleasure if you’re into this typical German Melodic Hardrocksound, with even a slight late 80s US Party Hardrock (read: CRUE/SKID ROW) influences here and there (“Kick it”). The production by DENNIS WARD makes it a good sounding standard Melodic Hardrockalbum, with as highlights the catchy uptempo melodic rockers “Hollywood daze” and “Sweet taste of life”. More info at: http://www.chalice.de (Points: 8.1 out of 10) None-other than KEN TAMPLIN (solo Christian Rock performer, but also once a member of JOSHUA!!!) takes care of the promotional activities for the upcoming female talented vocalist/guitarist DAIZE SHAYNE from Hawaii. Besides, Ken co-wrote all the 14 included songs on the CD and also produced the record. Still, do not expect something completely similar to KEN TAMPLIN’s music, because this CD s a more radio-friendly typical ‘present day’ female fronted melodic poprock record, although happily not as polished as that of the likes of KELLY CLARCKSON, ASHLEY SIMPSON, AVRIL LAVIGNE… No, do expect a more rawer edgier approach of the typical 2000s female fronted melodic poprock, with even a sight touch of classic 70s/80s rock, because some songs recall memories of classic 70s HEART. This is much more mature melodic poprock than the standard stuff usually done by female fronted acts from America. The CD is actually guitar orientated, with some good riffs here and there (such as the SABBATH/ZEPPELIN riff in “Naughty girl”) and well, basically this s a high quality CD release from a young beautiful musician out of L.A. Highlights include “Naughty girl”, “All I want to do”, “Can’t have just a little” and the CHRISSY STEELE orientated “Live your dreams”. Definitely a must-have for anyone into female fronted rock! More info at: http://www.daize.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10) 2-piece band from Michigan, USA with a full-length CD release. The band consists of vocalist/keyboard/piano-player MELISSA KRAHNKE and guitarist/keyboardplayer JASON MAPES. Together they have recorded 13 raw edgy groovy classic hardrock orientated songs with as most remarkable fact the raw female lead vocals that sound like SASS JORDAN and DARBY MILLS. Most of the songs fall in the same kinda style, so if you like one tune you will love them all for sure. The songs not only feature the raw female lead vocals (finally a girl who can sing like in the old days, which means with a lot of soul in her voice), but also memorable melodic choruses and strong guitarwork. Some might compare this to ANOUK, but I think the material is more akin to a sort of 70s meets 80s retro rockstyle a la ZINA LINDBERG, DARBY MILLS (HEADPINS) and even CHISSY STEELE, with as highlights the beautiful semi AOR ballad “See now” which even has some WITHIN TEMPTATION similarities and the uptempo rocker “I’m a moron”. More info at: http://www.badsidemusic.com (Points: 8.1 out of 10) Very confusing complicated experimental Rock is what we can hear during the 4 songs on the demo of the band IDIOVERSE from the UK. The band sounds like one of those underground bands from the 80s whom were against every commercial approach inside the musicworld. Nowadays, there seems to be little bands out there making this kind of music, but IDIOVERSE is definitely an example of that non-commercial rocksound. You can not call it rock actually, because the music is almost sounding like a bunch of noise, very experimental and only interesting for people who are fed up with every existing musicgenre. More info at: http://www.idioverse.net (Points: -) Not original for the European audience, but definitely new for the Americans, because OPERATIKA is playing pure European female fronted Gothic Power Metal, which sounds dangerously close to NIGHTWISH, including the high soprano female vocals (which is so European and never heard before in an American act) and awesome neo-classical guitar shredding (also very European) of guitarist BILL VISSER (of Dutch origin I assume!). This band sounds as European as you can get, but they truly come out of Brooklyn/New York. The band sent me their amazing 4-track CD and a nice press package with some very nice pictures of the band. Formed in 2002, playing in front of established acts like KROKUS, SONATA ARCTICA, THERION, SAXON, NIGHTWISH, MALMSTEEN, EUROPE, MSG, HELLOWEEN and even TWISTED SISTER, this band now has an official mini-CD available which could lead to something bigger (label deal?) because it sounds very impressive. This high level demo/CD will definitely attract a lot of people, especially the fans of NIGHTWISH, DELIGHT, AFTER FOREVER, EDENBRIDGE and those kinda female fronted Goth Power Metal bands from Europe. The band’s lead singer/soprano (Slava Popova) is as good as the singers from mentioned bands, and also the 4 included songs are of the same high quality, so what we have here is a new sensation from Brooklyn. Better check out their site at: http://www.operatika.com and e-mail them at: info@operatika.com because this band might become big if they have that lucky break! (Points: 8.8 out of 10) In the mid 80s thousands of bands in the Los Angeles area were fighting for that record deal that could lead to superstardom. Only a few managed to do so (CRUE and GUNS’N’ROSES are the best examples), but it all could have turned out differently if the label managers had chosen other bands. ROCK CITY ANGELS could have been huge, but there were a lot of stories in the GEFFEN RECORDS camp going on instead of promoting their own band ROCK CITY ANGELS. Eventually their Geffen release from the later 80s ‘Young man’s blues’ didn’t gave the band a breakthrough. Instead, it was the beginning of the end of a band, which once competed with GUNS’N’ROSES for a record deal and even had a young musician in their line-up (JOHNNY DEPP). However, after the band left LA, Johnny quit and became an actor, maybe for the better, because after that the band never reached the success they wanted to achieve in the first place. Admitted, their material just wasn’t as strong as a GUNS’N’ROSES or MOTLEY CRUE. The band played a sort of Retro Rockstyle, which sounded more like a poor man’s THE CULT or BILLY IDOL instead of the typical LA Sleaze or Glamstyle. Anyway, after all these years, now there is a CD available which contains all of ROCK CITY ANGELS recordings, even a JOHNNY DEPP written track (“Mary”) from back in the day he was in the band’s line-up. Looking back, this was just a nice standard Rockalbum that nowadays should attract fans of LA GUNS, BILLY IDOL, THE CULT… Raw rock instead of catchy 80s synthesizerized melodic rock is what you get on the ROCK CITY ANGELS CD and it is now available on CD through GOTT DISCS. More info and availability of the CD through: http://www.gottdiscs.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10) VTR ‘CINEMA’ (VTR MUSIC) VTR stands for bassist ROSS VALORY (JOURNEY), guitarist GEORGE TICKNER and keyboardplayer STEVIE ROSEMAN. Together they started working on this project in the mid 1990s, but now finally in 2005 the VTR project has released their CD ‘Cinema’. The album is filled with instrumental Jazz/Fusion, which is very different than the JOURNEY stuff of ROSS VALORY, although JOURNEY has songs that could easily be classified within this genre, but this VTR project is truly based on Jazz and Fusion kinda material. It’s experimental and calm/relaxing at the same time. There are also some influences from Reggae and Popmusic, but mainly we have some good instrumental Jazz Music, which is perfectly suitable as background music actually. If you’re starting to become interested please go to: http://www.rossvalory.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10) Here we have a surprise in the shape of a very impressive new Progressive Rockband called NO NATION. This 3-piece band around keyboardplayer Stevie Roseman, vocalist Ed Ulibarri and drummer John Hernandez got additional help from some well-known musicians, like (amongst others) bassist ROSS VALORY (of JOURNEY), JON ANDERSON (YES) and guitarist STEF BURNS (Y&T). Together they recorded a very strong album, which contains original Progressive Rock with Melodic Rock/AOR influences, kinda like a mix between RUSH, TRIUMPH and JOURNEY, with the rhythm structures of DIXIE DREGS. Starting off with the very progressive “Fear not”, the band switches to a JOURNEY/TOTOish semi AOR balladstyle on the following track “Pillars of stone”, a song which also shows that these are talented musicians with some awesome vocalwork by the way, starting as a semi-ballad but developing into an uptempo rocker a la KANSAS. Other highlights are “In the upper room”, “Return to love” (superb tune, high quality progressive aor, pure JOURNEY!) and “Ocean of light”, all songs that are more calmer aor based. In fact, after the progressive rocking opener, the rest of the CD is much more laid-back with a strong JOURNEY approach. Without a doubt, this is a high quality release, recommended to both prog and aor fans. More info can be found at: http://www.rossvalory.com (Points: 8.6 out of 10) Originally released in 1980, this was apparently the final album of the band ATOMIC ROOSTER, a UK band that had been very successful in the 1970s as a Progressive/Psychedelic Rockband, but somehow this album sounded like a complete different band, more a NWOBHM sounding band with some strong similarities to URIAH HEEP as well. The Hardrock orientated album was also untitled back in 1980, so it is no surprise why it took 25 years to re-issue it, because simply the true fans of the band have probably never admitted that this album was a ATOMIC ROOSTER record and while listening to the rough edgy Hardrock it is indeed a drastic change in style. Nevertheless, the material was quite good, resulting in 10 good strong songs and on this re-issue we can even find 2 unreleased bonustracks. With good re-issues come extensive liner notes and this is also the case with this particular ATOMIC ROOSTER release. Typical early 80s straight-forward guitar orientated Hardrock is what you could hear on the final ATOMIC ROOSTER album, which was nothing like the original Progressive Rock the band stood for when they started in the late 1960s. Nevertheless, this CD is a nice way to get to know a different ATOMIC ROOSTER than the band for which many will remember them. Available through: http://www.angelair.co.uk (Points: 8.3 out of 10) Lead singer ROGER CHAPMAN (ex-FAMILY) has been a successful musician for over a long period now, but apparently the 1982 live release ‘He was…’ was his finest record. Now 23 years later it has been re-issued onto a 2-CD set. Unfortunately I don’t know what the fuss is all about, because I don’t find ROGER CHAPMAN’s music groundbreaking, because this sort of FRANK ZAPPA kinda music is maybe for the fans of Roger and Frank interesting to track down, but there’s not much to be happy about when listening to this average record. Still, ANGEL AIR did a good job, which will probably please all the fans of Roger. CD available through; http://www.angelair.co.uk (Points: 6.1 out of 10) One of the few labels worldwide to offer legal free full mp3 downloads from their site. Also their compilation CDs are freely distributed. This CD contains 6 songs, which musically are classic 70s Rock n Roll/80s Glam. Best bands on this compilation are DIAMOND DOGS, THE PARIAHS and RED LIGHT RIPPERS (very catchy 80s bubblegum Glamrock a la JOHNNY LIMA, very melodic!). You can get this and more free downloads at: http://www.fadingways.co.uk (Points: - ) Prior to the release of their one and only self titled album in 1985, which was recently re-issued by the same label, we can now enjoy the prior demo recordings of the band SNOWBLIND, which was one of many bands out of the ashes of NWOBHM movement being thrown in a more Americanised melodic rock affair. The band’s pompous AOR/Melodic Rock sounded along the lines of every other UK band at the time (read: LIONHEART, SURFACE, SHY, AIRRACE, STRATUS, TOBRUK, TERRAPLANE, JAGWIRE, EXPORT, RAGE, RIO…), also on the demos prior to their debut. Those demos have now carefully been restored and released as a CD titled ‘Democracy’, good move as a lot of people are really into this classic British melodic rock/pomprockstyle. Out of all those bands only one had a real shot to fame, because that was MAGNUM. However, that band were probably the first AOR/Pomp/Melodic Rockband from the UK in the first place, starting before the NWOBHM movement, mixing influences from RAINBOW, URIAH HEEP with STYX, so you can actually say all the 80s UK acts followed MAGNUM. Anyway, SNOWBLIND definitely offered some great stuff and with a better production, these demos and any other song of their official album release could have become much bigger. This demo showed their mature more guitar orientated Melodic Pomprock approach like RAINBOW, URIAH HEEP meeting MAGNUM. Especially songs like “Possession”, “City dreams’ and “Mountain high” sound like timeless classics, although they appear for the first time on a digital recording! Fans of mentioned bands can easily buy this pure 80s sounding (yes, these are demos from 20+ years ago, so we have a real 80s sound on this CD, nothing huge, but classic) CD, which holds together 10 songs that are a nice addition to the original SNOWBLIND album. (Points: 8.1 out of 10) 2005 seems to be a really good year for the AOR fans, because each month has brought us quality releases in this genre, with even a lot of newcomers to the scene. For example, LINE OF FIRE, a complete new band out of North Carolina, USA, whom release their debut filled with high class AOR/Melodic Rock straight out of the 80s, comparable to the classic late 80s New Jersey Melodic Rocksound a la pre-1988 BON JOVI. I hear very strong similarities to WHITE SISTER, DANGER DANGER, INTRUDER, BLUE TEARS, MESSAGE, PROPHET, JET RED, MELIDIAN, TOUR DE FORCE, and closer to the present day, also FIREHOUSE, CHANGE OF HEART, FINAL FRONTIER, SHY, 91 SUITE come to mind when listening to this CD. I think you’ll get the picture, this is pure late 80s catchy fun melodic rock with flashy guitarwork, high pitched melodic lead vocals, catchy hooks, memorable choruses filled with big harmonyvocals and this is all packed in a radio-ready strong impressive big sounding Melodic Rockstyle if the late 80s were still going on. Some might call it dated, but you can better call it fun classic timeless melodic rock, because after all, DEF LEPPARD, JOURNEY, BON JOVI and DEF LEPPARD are still the most popular Rockbands in the USA and they play Melodic Rock! Anyway, back to the debut CD of LINE OF FIRE, an album which is a great 80s Melodic Rockalbum, nothing more, nothing less. Songs like “Live&Let go”, “Paradise” (this song has a deadly catchy AOR hook and chorus, could well become a classic in the genre!), “Remind me” and “Morning light” are all very good AOR/Melodic Rocksongs in the style of mentioned acts. The band has a TED POLEYish lead singer called Shawn Pelata. The leader of the band however is guitarist/bassist/keyboardist Nikki Dimage, who wrote most of the music. Named after the famous JOURNEY song, this LINE OF FIRE will guarantee a good time if you’re into late 80s Melodic Rock a la DANGER DANGER, 91 SUITE, MELIDIAN, TOUR DE FORCE, PROPHET… More info at: http://www.myspace.com/lof (Points: 8.6 out of 10) Not exactly an anthology release, because after all, the one and only STEELER album from 1983 is still only available (and hard to get) as LP. Instead what we have here is a collection of demos and live recordings, very rare, from the early 80s, prior to the album release. Sound quality is not good, especially the live stuff is not of CD quality, BUT it is of course very rare stuff, because this is the only existing CD release, which contains one of the first recordings on which YNGWIE MALMSTEEN shines as a guitarist. This was his first band as a 18-year old kid from Sweden in Hollywood, already showing his skills on a song named “Yngwie is God”. Without a doubt, a must-have for the YNGWIE fans, despite the bad sound quality, because this man was already a God even before he had recorded something. STEELER was a short lived band, with 1 album release (why not re-issue that record?) and a bunch of demos and live recordings. The live and demo stuff have now been released on this CD, which is 46 minutes long and is a must-have for both YNGWIE MALMSTEEN and RON KEEL fans. Both went their separate ways, Yngwie joining ALCATRAZZ for a short time and then going solo for 20+ years now, while Ron formed his own band KEEL, which was taken care of GENE SIMMONS in their 80s days. However, MALMSTEEN became a God in the guitarworld, while singer RON KEEL had a short popularity period in the mid 80s when he told us he had ‘The right to rock’, but in the 90s he had to take a step back, although more recently his new band IRON HORSE saw him making a good comeback with more melodic rock orientated music. The diversity in style of STEELER is also notable on this CD, as we get to hear a mix of NWOBHM type of material (“Ready to explode”), tough LA Party Hardrock (“Last chance to Rock”) and American Melodic Rock (“Dying in love”). Sounding like a cross between early DEF LEPPARD, GRIM REAPER and KEEL, you probably understand how this sounded. Final note I always wanted to mention about the funny connection between the 2 bands named STEELER. On the other side of the planet around 1983, we had at the same time as this STEELER also a German band called STEELER. Guitarist of that band was AXEL RUDI PELL, who went solo as well, just like MALMSTEEN, and guess what the connection is, both had JEFF SCOTT SOTO as their singer on their solo albums once, so I guess it’s a small world after all… (Points: 8.0 – music, 9.0 – uniqueness, 6.0 – sound quality, all
together make this CD worth 8.0 points out of 10) From out of nowhere another new sensational band from Australia. This time the band is called CRIMSONFIRE and their superb 80s MAIDEN influenced Melodic Metal is as good as those other Aussie sensations from the past few years (PEGAZUS, BLACK MAJESTY, BLACK STEEL, DUNGEON, EYEFEAR, VANISHING POINT). It seems like these bands influence each other, because they all bring high quality Melodic Metal in more or less the same kinda style. Very MAIDEN influenced, but still original, such as CRIMSONFIRE, because they add a rich keyboardsound and strong harmonyvocals, with a pumping double-bass/drumsound to make their Melodic Metal sound really huge! The band has a fantastic BRUCE DICKINSON type of high pitched lead singer and most of the 10 included songs on their debut CD, which was surprisingly released on the AOR re-issue label MAJESTIC ROCK RECORDS, are sensational uptempo Melodic Metal Masterpieces (the so-called MMM songs!). Highlights are “Eternal days”, “A new dawn”, “Reign in fire” and “The rising sands”, but actually any new song on this CD is sounding very impressive. The band also throws in some slight Neo-Classical Progmetal type of songs a la SYMPHONY X (“Morning of the magician“ and “Darkside to Sanity”), but the band sounds at their best during the uptempo pieces, where they absolutely proof to be a superb sounding high quality band. Concluded, what we have here is a sensational Melodic Metal release out of nowhere, which is a must-have for people who like strong tough classic 80s MAIDEN influenced Melodic Metal with strong high pitched vocals and catchy memorable choruses! (Points: 8.7 out of 10) Surely the times have changed, but the Spanish band 91 SUITE doesn’t care, because their 2nd CD is filled with high class late 80s New Jersey type of catchy Melodic Rock. Sounding like a cross between early BON JOVI (debut/2nd album) and DANGER DANGER (circa their debut), this 91 SUITE has some great stuff to offer on their new album on a new recordlabel (VICIOUS RECORDS). Somehow the beginning of the CD is just good clean quality Melodic Rock, but the real highlights can be found towards the end of the CD in the shape of wonderful strong catchy uptempo melodic rockers like “Wings of fire”, “Hard to forget” and “Remember the good times” and also the beautiful AOR ballad “Stand beside you” must be mentioned. The final 5/6 tracks of the CD make it a true winner for AOR/Melodic Rockfans. Nothing new, nothing original, but all played from the hear and at times very good fun catchy late 80s melodic rock, one to own if you want to have a good time! More info at: http://www.91suite.com (Points: 8.7 out of 10) It took the band 15 years before it was officially released, but 2005 marks the official release of the unreleased gem SURRENDER recorded in 1990. In a time when everything needed to sound rich and big and bands like FIREHOUSE, WINGER, WARRANT, DAMN YANKEES and ALIAS ruled the MTV airplay time, a small band from New York called SURRENDER had a shot to fame with their demo recordings, but unfortunately their album was never released and so we are now 15 years further in time to announce the official CD release of the rare SURRENDER material. The bandname SURRENDER surely isn’t an original one, but who cares if the included music is high class 80s AOR/Melodic Rock that sounds like the perfect mix between JOURNEY, SURVIVOR, WHITE SISTER, PROPHET, HYBRID ICE (‘No rules’), RED DAWN and the very first DANGER DANGER! This is how melodic rock/aor sounded in the late 80s and we have seen many releases in the past few years of material which was recorded 15+ years ago, but never officially released (thinking of NETWORK, TOUR DE FORCE, SUNSHINE JIVE, STONE SOUP, MYSTIC HEALER…) and it all sounded great to finally hear, never disappointed and with this SURRENDER release we basically have another must-have for the fans of that classic late 80s sound. Melodic Rock with catchy hooks, memorable choruses, rich keys, melodic high pitched vocals, flashy guitarwork, big harmonyvocals, it’s all present on the CD of SURRENDER. The production/sound is also very good, which has a whole story behind it, because it was recorded in a Reggae Studio in 1990, which was destroyed by a fire in 1995 and apparently the mastertapes of SURRENDER were saved (there is a God somewhere!). Anyway, this is the way AOR/Melodic Rock should sound, with some really sensational songs here and there, such as “Never” (uptempo AOR/Melodic Rock), “Sunrise goodbye” (midtempo AOR), “Feel the burn” (lovely semi AOR ballad a la SIGNAL, ROXUS, FM), “Last time I say goodbye” (very catchy chorus like Q5 meets FRONTLINE), “One tough city” (midtempo AOR) and the uptempo “Later”. 12 songs in total, of which the latest 3 are new to most of you, because they weren’t available on the CDRs that have been circulating around for 15 years! Concluded, every freak of 80s AOR/Melodic Rock should get this CD instantly. Available through: http://www.surrendertunes.com (Points: 8.9 out of 10) Released some 10 years ago on the NOW&THEN RECORDS label, I am glad to see this underrated classic being re-released, because back then only the small existing AOR community tracked it down, which is a big pity, because the CANNATA album ‘Watching the world’ is a masterpiece, which should be in the collection of every musicfan. Multi-instrumentalist JEFF CANNATA has released 4 albums the past 22 years, but these are all classics, especially the ARC ANGEL release from 1983, which still hasn’t been properly re-issued in Europe. Anyway, this album from 1993 I believe has now been re-released by the Spanish label ARISE RECORDS. Added are 2 bonustracks and all together this record is a masterpiece made by one genius. The music is a superb mix of 80s AOR, late 70s Pomprock, Progressive Rock and a slight touch of Hi-Tech Pop/Rock, with enough guitarwork to please the rocker and some truly beautiful AOR melodies. I find this album to be the perfect mix between MAGNUM mid-late 80s, RUSS BALLARD 1984 solo record and 70s GENESIS/80sMARILLION, which means bombastic Melodic Pomprock with strong vocals (a la PETER GABRIEL/FISH), catchy choruses (a la RUSS BALLARD) and melodic guitarwork (a la MAGNUM), while the songs have some great complex breaks. All together a masterpiece, which sometimes close to that ARC ANGEL of Jeff from 1983, which was one of the best releases done in the 1980s, so after this release I can only hope the ARC ANGEL album will finally be re-issued officially in Europe! In the meantime, do check out this re-release, which has some terrific classic songs on it, such as “When it’s love”, “Watching the world”, “The hunter” (MAGNUM meets GTR), “Just you and me” (beautiful ballad) and the bonustrack “Will the sky begin to fall” (from his 1988 record ‘Images of forever’). Concluded, now up to the re-issues of ARC ANGEL and CANNATA’s ‘Images of forever’ albums, but first do check out this re-release in case you missed it 10+ years ago! (Points: 9.1 out of 10) Not long ago I reviewed the re-release of this gem, the debut solo record of GARY SCHUTT, which now has now officially been re-released in Europe through ARISE RECORDS. Here follows the review once again… It was originally released 11 years ago by the now defunct German Melodic Rocklabel LONG ISLAND RECORDS. I reviewed it back then in one of our first issues of the printed magazines, in a time when Melodic Rock was completely dead and we were probably the only melodic rock magazine around! Many years later I reviewed a copy of the CD when it was re-released by Gary himself on his SHUT UP PRODUCTIONS label. Now we are in the year 2005 and GARY SCHUTT decided to give his best record from 1994 another re-issue in the shape of this release, which now features an additional 3 unreleased bonus demo tracks. To me it is all a nostalgic trip, but for other people maybe an undiscovered gem. Despite the fact that this is a GARY SCHUTT release, a very talented musician who proves to be able to play all the instruments very well, this particular CD of him is his finest release due to the fact none-other than JEFF SCOTT SOTO sang the lead vocals. 11 years after it’s first release it still is a fantastic release, but also a very diverse release, because no other recording of JSS features pure Progressive Rocksongs (a la RUSH). I am talking about the wonderful 8-11 minutes counting epic melodic progressive rockers “In some other lifetime” and “Fault line”, both very impressive songs. Actually the whole CD is great, mixing classic hardrock, aor and melodic rock, with as highlights besides the already mentioned songs, uptempo melodic rockers “Stranded” and “She’s letting go”, but the absolute moment supreme here is the amazing AOR ballad “I guess I’m still in love”. This JOURNEY type of ballad is an absolute classic which sadlyis underrated, because I never see anybody mentioning it. This song alone makes the purchase of this CD worthy. JSS fans who miss this release better get it now, because the new version contains 3 unreleased songs (“Highway to nowhere”, “Mental ward” and “Act of sympathy”). More info at: http://www.GarySchutt.com (Points: 8.8 out of 10) Here we have a high quality release from a band out of Italy called BORGOGNA, named after the lead singer Tomas Borgogna, who happens to have a very good strong voice without any accent. The music is late 80s US Arena Melodic Hardrock in the style of FIREHOUSE, DANGER DANGER, STRYPER, DOKKEN… It is all done very well and fans of mentioned bands will absolutely enjoy the 5 songs on this CD. It definitely sounds like if it is an American band, thanks to the superb vocalwork (why hasn’t this guy sung on more records, because he simply blows away almost any Italian singer I ever heard!) and strong Melodic Rockers like “Too much love” and “Two times is tough”. Better check it out asap at: http://www.borgognamusic.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10) Here we have a band settled in Kansas City/USA playing Classic 80s
Melodic Rock/Metal, US style, think DIO. Their debut CD has just been
released independent and I can easily call this a high quality release
with original Hardrock/Metal played at a very high level. The band has a
great guitarplayer (Art Kirkendoll) who can play solo’s perfectly while
also throwing in some cool BLACK SABBATH guitar riffs, but more
interesting is they have a fabulous lead singer, who sings with an
incredible diversity, which ranges from calm and very melodic (AORish)
during the calmer songs right up to screaming like DIO in his best days!
In fact, this singer (Rick Gillis) has got the perfect Metal voice when
he starts screaming, a real Pure 80s Metal voice not heard since GRIM
REAPER and sounding like a cross between JEFF SCOTT SOTO and RONNIE
JAMES DIO. Screaming in my book is screaming like the 80s Metal singers
did, which is raw with a sort of soulful tone. The music is pure 80s US
Melodic Metal, yet with a touch of Melodic Rock and Groovy Bluesy Rock
here and there (“Black jack blues”). The DIO similarities are very clear
most of the time (“On my way”), although a song like “One night stand”
is pure 80s Melodic Rock. However in general this is pure DIO/GRIM
REAPER 80s Melodic Metal where we raise our fists in the air and shout
out loud along with the lyrics of each song. The music alone is very
impressive, but their lead singer makes this band score even a bit
higher, because this guy has got all it takes in becoming America’s best
new pure Metal singer! Only point I need to add is the fact that the
songs are a bit short, with just 32 minutes for 10 songs, so make the
songs a bit longer next time, which should be not that hard if you
consider the fact that the band has a great guitarist in their line-up.
The band is already working on a new CD which I can not wait to hear.
More info on LOCAL STRANGER at: http://www.localstranger.com and e-mail
at: locstranger@hotmail.com or
artkirkendoll@yahoo.com Russian band formed in 2004 by ex-ARIA (most famous Russian Metalband ever) multi-instrumentalist Sergey Terent’ev and now unleashing their debut CD ‘Fly to the light’. Please note that this is translated to English, because the CD is completely sung in Russian. Happily, the music itself is very good, but different than ARIA. Where ARIA never stops making the same kinda records, which is 80s MAIDENish Melodic Metal, this new band ARTERIA is clearly going for a more modern approach (note: the keys have a Techno sound), but fear not, the songs are still all deeply firmed into high class Melodic Hardrock, think of SCORPIONS. Excellent guitarwork, good vocalwork and some very strong memorable choruses, all reminding me of DIVLJE JAGODE actually. 10 songs are included and together with a strong production, this is a rather impressive Melodic Hardrockalbum with a modern sound and after a few spins maybe one of the best Russian releases in a long time! Check it out for yourself at: http://www.artteria.ru and e-mail at: bolt@artteria.ru or nkorshunov@mail.ru (Points: 8.5 out of 10) (All reviews by Gabor Kleinbloesem) |
TWISTED SISTER ‘LIVE AT WACKEN OPEN AIR 2003- THE REUNION DVD DUAL
DISC’
JUST SURRENDER ‘IF THESE STREETS COULD TALK’ (PROMO ADVANCED
COPY/WARNER MUSIC USA) 
ORANGE SKY ‘UPSTAIRS’ (GRANITE RECORDS/UNIVERSAL)
BEN JACKSON GROUP ‘ALL OVER YOU’ (ESCAPI
MEDIA/ROCK INC) 
EXIT ‘DISTRESSED’ (INDEPENDENT)
AGENT COOPER ‘BEGINNER’S MIND’
(INDEPENDENT) 
LEE Z ‘SHADOWLAND’ (ESCAPI MUSIC/ROCK INC)
LIKE SONIA ‘I WAS UN UNKNOWN’
(INDEPENDENT) 
YNIS VITRIN ‘A DARK LAND’ (INDEPENDENT)
SASSAFRAS ‘WHEELIN’N’DEALIN’/RIDING HIGH’
(GOTT DISCS) 
LITTLE AMERICA ‘LITTLE
AMERICA/FAIRGROUNDS’ (GOTT DISCS) 
DAIZE SHAYNE ‘LIVE YOUR DREAMS’
(INDEPENDENT) 
OPERATIKA ‘DREAMWORLD’ (INDEPENDENT)
ROCK CITY ANGELS ‘YOUNG MAN’S BLUES’ (GOTT
DISCS) 
NO NATION ‘ILLUMINE/A ROCK OPERA’
(ILLUMINE RECORDS) 
SNOWBLIND ‘DEMOCRACY’ (MAJESTIC ROCK RECORDS)
LINE OF FIRE ‘LINE OF FIRE’ (TRIBUNAL
RECORDS) 
STEELER ‘METAL GENERATION – THE ANTHOLOGY’
(MAJESTIC ROCK RECORDS) 
CRIMSONFIRE
‘CRIMSONFIRE’ (MAJESTIC ROCK RECORDS) 
91 SUITE ‘TIMES THEY CHANGE’ (VICIOUS
RECORDS)
SURRENDER ‘BETTER LATE THAN NEVER’
(ZENTUNES) 
ARC ANGEL CANNATA ‘WATCHING THE WORLD’
(ARISE RECORDS) 
GARY SCHUTT ‘SENTIMETAL’ (ARISE RECORDS)
BORGOGNA ‘OUTBOUND’ (INDEPENDENT)
LOCAL STRANGER ‘IN THE SHADOWS’
(INDEPENDENT)