 GOTTHARD
'DOMINO EFFECT' (NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS)
For more than 15 years the Swiss band has been making high quality Melodic Hardrock. They reached their peak with the previous CD 'Lipservice', which was one of the best releases in 2005. Now 2 years later GOTTHARD returns with their 'Domino effect'. Slightly different approach this time, with down-tuned guitar quite modern, but still melodic and catchy. Let's keep it on the fact the band has released a record that mixes the style of 'Lipservice' with their mid 1990s records and with the addition of some modern influences. It does not always turn out well, because songs like "Bad to the Bone" and "Domino Effect" are just OK. Nevertheless, a lot of the 14 included tracks are still very strong high quality Melodic Hardrock. The album is not a copy of 'Lipservice', but the band is now doing what HAREM SCAREM has been doing all these years, which is changing it's sound a bit, while still retaining the GOTTHARD signature. The song "Now" is in heavy rotation at out office, because this is an amazing catchy classic melodic rocker with a superb chorus that sticks in your head forever after hearing it, a real winner when played live! Other highlights are "Master of Illusion" (uptempo melodic hardrock), the ballad "The Call" and "The Oscar Goes to You" (uptempo melodic hardrock). Without a doubt, another strong GOTTHARD album and probably the next number 1 album in their homecountry, which would be their 11th one! (Points: 8.9 out of 10)
PHIL VINCENT released many solo-CDs (9!) within the past 10+ years, all of which were reviewed by us and almost always these records were filled with high class 80s AOR/Melodic Rock like a mix between DOKKEN (the vocals/harmonies), BOSTON (the guitarsound), BON JOVI (the catchy choruses) and ARC ANGEL (the whole sound). The past few years have been a bit quiet, although Phil continued making music, doing some projects here and there, such as this TRAGIK. Escape Music have now released the TRAGIK album 'Poetic Justice', which not only features multi-instrumentalist Phil Vincent on all Vocals, Guitars, Synthesizers, Organ & Piano, but also Dirk Phillips on Drums and Damian D'Ercole on Lead, Rhythm, Electric & Acoustic Guitars/Bass and as special guest DAVID ZYCHEK (AIRBORNE & NIGHTRANGER) on Lead Guitars on a couple of songs. 'Poetic justice' is a solid Melodic Rockalbum and with 15 tracks quite a long journey. Although opener "Show the world" is not such a strong start, most of the rest of the CD is featuring some very good catchy melodic rock, with as highlights "Never stand alone", "Test of faith", "Caught in the moment" and "Here in my heart". Great mix of BOSTON and DOKKEN! (Points: 8.4 out of 10)
German Melodic Rockers BONFIRE have released a very interesting DVD titled 'Double vision'. It contains a concert filmed in November 2006 during the Firefest festival at the Rock City venue in Nottingham in the UK. This festival by the way was organised by FIREWORKS, the UK Melodic Rock magazine named after the famous BONFIRE Classic album of the same name! Anyway, the concert was excellent, which can be seen on this DVD. Professionally filmed, sound quality excellent and BONFIRE sounding better than ever, with songs from their latest record 'Double X', but most of the setlist was made up from songs of their 80s records 'Don't touch the light', 'Fireworks' and 'Point blank'. Their 1990s and early 2000s albums have been forgotten as the band is now focused on either their latest effort or their first 3 albums, but that is not really a surprise, because those are the best BONFIRE albums by far! Anyway, this DVD has a bunch of bonus footage, such as videoclips of the songs "Starin' Eyes", "Sweet Obsession", "Sleeping All Alone", "Hard On Me" and "Sword And Stone" and the band's performance at WDR-Rockpalast's 'Rock Gegen Rechts' with the songs "Sweet Home Alabama", "Proud Of My Country" and "Under Blue Skies". The CD version also contains 4 live acoustic performances and the Rock For Asia performance. All together a great package of one of the most underrated Melodic Rockbands from Germany. More info at: http://bonfire.de/ (Points: 8.8 out of 10)
So Melodic Metal is quite popular nowadays and labels are keen on signing acts from Europe playing Melodic Metal, especially Sweden and Finland are represented a dozen times. DAYDREAMER is coming out of Switzerland, but sound like they are coming out of Germany or Sweden, because EDGUY, AXXIS, DESTYNATION and DIONYSUS are clear similarities. The band was formed 2003 and within 4 years they have developed a strong Melodic Metalsound, not really original, but rather good for what it is. We reviewed one of their earlier demos and it is clear the band has since then made a step upwards. The EDGUY/DESTYNATION style melodic metal is very strong, with as highlights on the band's debut CD the songs "Secret Desire" and "You better run". Check out this band asap if you like any of the mentioned acts, more info at: http://www.daydreamer-band.ch/EN/index.htm (Points: 8.3 out of 10) SONIQ THEATER 'SEVENTH HEAVEN' (PROMO CDR) Multi-instrumentalist ALFRED MUELLER once again completed an album under the SONIQ THEATER moniker. Just like all the other albums of SONIQ THEATER, Alfred did everything himself. Musically continue making semi-instrumental prog/rock/sympho like YES/IQ meets TANGERINE DREAM, sounding quite good and really feeling like a band-CD, although Alfred did really everything on his own. Check it out for yourself at: www.soniqtheater.de (Points: 8.1 out of 10)
ROBYN is a 24-year old female singer/songwriter from Michigan/USA, who is best comparable to the recent KRISTIN GLASGOW CD we reviewed. Kristin is also doing some backing vocals on this CD of ROBYN BONUCCHI (full name), so the connection is easy to make. What we get to hear musically is pure 80s inspired AOR/Melodic Rock that has strong similarities to PAT BENATAR in her early days, yet with a slight modern approach. Some really great vocal melodies, piano/keyboardwork (by co-songwriter Rich Vogellehner) and very nice guitarwork of Paul Kramer can be heard throughout the 11 included songs. “I can’t wait” is one of the strongest songs here, pure 80s AOR Rock, but also a song like “Standing in your shadows” is just pure 80s AOR (“I found someone” style/ so WARREN/CHILD/RANDALL style). This album is a must-have if you long back to the 80s female fronted AOR days of CINDY CRUSE, CONNIE SCOTT, DONNA CHRISTY, COASTLINE, ALYSON AVENUE… More info at: http://www.myspace.com/robynbonucchi and http://www.myspace.com/robynbonucchi (Points: 8.1 out of 10) POWND ‘CIRCLE OF POWER’ (NIGHTMARE RECORDS/SILENT PLANET PROMOTIONS) POWND is a band from Richmond, Kentucky, United States playing a Classic 80s inspired Melodic Hardrock/Metal style that reminds me a bit of DIO/ROUGH CUTT, yet a bit heavier and more up-to-date sounding. Some of the melodies on the 11 included songs are very impressive, such as the very strong uptempo melodic metal tune “The stand”. Some Prog Metal influences can also be heard (“Changes” and “Never means forever”) and the band is actually quite diverse, both interesting for prog and melodic rock/metalfans! Although the start of the CD is just OK, throughout the CD the band gets better and better, with as result that this is a very good album after all, with strong vocalwork. Check out all about this band, which released their debut ‘Circle of power’ on the US label NIGHTMARE RECORDS, at: http://www.myspace.com/pownd (Points: 8.3 out of 10)
SUSPYRE is a band formed in the summer of 2001, releasing their debut ‘The silvery image’ independently, also reviewed by us. That album featured some high class Neo-Classical Melodic Prog/Power Metal in the style of SYMPHONY X/STRIDE… Now with their new record ‘A great divide’ they blow away anything they have done in the past 6 years, because this is a fantastic album all fans of especially SYMPHONY X will absolutely love! Strong melodies, big guitar riffs, neo-classical keyboardwork and changeable vocallines (very strong) are all put into the 12 included songs on the band’s 2nd CD ‘A great divide’, released on NIGHTMARE RECORDS. Right from the start with the song “The singer”, SUSPYRE shows they are now in the upper league of Prog/Neo-Classical Power Metal now and with the songs “April in the fall”, “Blood and passion” and “Subliminal delusions” the band delivers 3 SUPERB NEO-CLASSICAL MASTERPIECES like SYMPHONY X, ARTENSION and ROYAL HUNT forgot to make the past 5 years! Actually this is an epic album divided into 2 long songs, but these 2 long songs are also divided into separate tracks. Anyway, this is a highly recommended album and better check out their site at: http://www.suspyre.com and http://www.myspace.com/suspyre (Points: 8.8 out of 10)
‘Blackenday’ is already the 7th CD of the Italian band. Although they changed their sound a bit throughout the years, they have always blended Modern Rock/Metal influences with strong melodies and basically put it all into a Progressive Metal format. Their last album was leaning more towards Progressive Melodic Rock, but with ‘Blackenday’ they are back doing some heavier more modern sounding stuff without losing the strong melodies and prog metal style. 12 songs are included and fans of the band will definitely also appreciate this new ELDRITCH CD, which has it’s highlights in “Black rain”, “Silent flame”, “The fire” and “The child that never smiles”. Check it out asap if you’re a ELDRITCH fan, but if you never heard of the band, maybe it’s best to start with one of their earlier records, which showcased the best songs of this Italian band. (Points: 8.3 out of 10) FIINKY PIE ‘RUST’ (BRENNUS RECORDS) The French band FIINKY PIE was formed sometime ago and already released 2 albums in the past. Their latest album ‘Rust’ is a very strong album that combines influences of 80s Melodic Party Metal (CRUE/KISS) with a more updated sound of today, although opener “Welcome to the show” is a real Party Rock/Metal Anthem that QUIET RIOT, SLAUGHTER, KISS, MOTLEY CRUE would be proud of. The rest of the CD is a little heavier and more pure Metal orientated, kinda like ACCEPT/SINNER, but then with a more modern approach and happily always with strong melodic catchy choruses borrowed from the 80s American Mainstream Hardrocksound. For a French band, they sound very professional and very American. The overall sound quality is pretty good and better check out this band for yourself asap at: http://www.fiinkypie.com (Points: 8.2 out of 10) HELLIXIR ‘WAR WITHIN’ (BRENNUS RECORDS) The French band HELLIXIR is playing Thrashy Power Metal that sounds like it has been recorded in the Bay Area of the late 1980s, ANTHRAX, FORBIDDEN, TESTAMENT, DEATH ANGEL, etc. etc. That is the style to compare this band with, so with no remorse and with huge guitar riffs, while the vocals are very MEGADETH like. ‘War within’ is their debut CD and I am quite sure fans of this genre will like this HELLIXIR a lot. More info at: http://hellixxir.free.fr (Points: 7.5 out of 10)
The Amsterdam/Holland based band PROFOUND released a very good album in 2003 on the Italian label STEELHEART RECORDS, but before that they released an even more sensational album under the moniker BLACK KNIGHT in 2000. Through the years they changed their sound a bit, because it all started with pure MAIDENish Melodic Metal, but on the new PROFOUND CD we can hear pure Progressive Rock/Metal like a mix between 90s FATES WARNING, 80s QUEENSRYCHE and RUSH. Sounding very professional, the band is now ready to make a big impact on the Progrock/Metal scene with this fantastic sounding album that contains 10 tracks in total. PROFOUND is by far one of the better sounding Progbands in Holland and their talents can be heard on this new CD ‘A world of my own making’, which will be released independently, because the band was not happy with their previous label. This did not affect the sound and quality of the band’s music, because it is of a very high level, just listen to the amazing “Hidden treasure”. Highly recommended to fans of MIND’S EYE, PAGAN’S MIND, VANDENPLAS, FATES WARNING, QUEENSRYCHE… The twin-guitarwork sounds excellent and so does the material, very impressive to say the least, although QUEENSRYCHE circa ‘Empire’ was probably a huge influence for the band, but who cares if it is done this good! Better check out the new PROFOUND CD is any of the mentioned bands is your favorite one! More info at: http://www.profound.nu and e-mail at: info@profound.nu (Points: 8.3 out of 10)
Aussie label SUNCITY RECORDS is focused on doing some excellent re-issues of unheard 80s US Glam/Hardrock and so we are looking at a couple of new releases of the label. First up is KIDD HAVOK, a band of which probably not many of you are familiar with, but musically they were as good as WARRANT, POISON, WHITE LION and CRUE were back in the late 80s. Not really original, but their typical 80s American Party Hardrock sounded pretty good. The Florida based band was formed in the early 90s, of which the recordings on this CD also date back to, but happily the sound quality is excellent, so anyone into bands like WARRANT, HERICANE ALIVE, SVEN GALI, SKID ROW and whatever they were called during the pre-Grunge, groovy Hair Metal days of MTV around 1990, this undiscovered band can now be heard on 11 songs on their CD ‘Roll the dice’, released on SUNCITY RECORDS. The label made a real gem out of this, because not only soundwise it is very impressive, but also the booklet is superior. Better check it out asap if you’re into any of the mentioned bands! More info at: http://www.suncityrecords.com/main.php?page=Pages/Bands/Kidd%20Havok/Kidd%20Havok.html (Points: 8.3 out of 10)
Originally starting as a band in Cleveland, the band PRETTY VACANT soon moved to LA, Sunset Strip around 1988 to enter the clubscene and found themselves scoring a deal with NEW RENAISSANCE RECORDS, on which they released their debut album. After a few years, the band members went their own way and started other projects, but now SUNCITY RECORDS gives them their first CD release, which contains music that sounds somewhat like the late 80s American Glamrocksound, with a touch of ENUFF’Z’NUFF as well. The band looked like any other Sunset Strip band in the late 80s, so pure Hair Metalish, yet their sound was poppier, hookier than most of the other bands. Not sure how they look like today, because the pictures in the CD booklet look like 1988 to me. Anyway, sound quality is good and with songs like “Welcome home”, “Can’t stop” and “Born 2 Lose”, this CD is a must for anyone missing the 80s American Glam/Party Metalsound, but the band PRETTY VACANT also goes a little poppier here and there. I believe the band has reformed and is working on new material as well, so keep your eye on them. In the meantime you can check out all info concerning this CD at: http://www.suncityrecords.com/main.php?page=Pages/Bands/Pretty%20Vacant/Pretty%20Vacant.html (Points: 8.2 out of 10)
Yet another lost band from the 80s US Metalscene. They were called BLACKBOARD JUNGLE and came out of New Jersey. The band released 2 albums between the late 80s and early/mid 1990s, but never made it big. Musically they were less Glamrock, but more Sleazy Rock and Roll. VAIN was one of the comparisons, but somehow they were rawer and edgier than that. I guess the band had sort of own sound, although their material was not strong enough to really have that lucky break, especially in times when Grunge entered the scene. Now there is a CD available of the band, which also includes rare material the band recorded in Japan back in 1992 I believe. The fanatic Sleaze/Rock and Roll fans will love this CD for sure, but the other new releases on SUNCITY RECORDS are more interesting (PRETTY VACANT/KIDD HAVOK). More info at: http://www.suncityrecords.com/main.php?page=Pages/Bands/Blackboard%20Jungle/Blackboard%20Jungle.html (Points: 7.5 out of 10) UDO ‘MASTERCUTOR’ (AFM RECORDS) UDO is back with yet another new studio-CD. Musically absolutely nothing has changed and so the UDO/ACCEPT fans are gonna eat this new one alive without any problems, but fact is how long can UDO continue making these kind of albums, because there has not been much diversity in style since he started a solo career back in the late 1980s. On the other hand, ‘Mastercutor’ is a quality album which will please anyone into ACCEPT/UDO, because the level on this album is as high as any of the other albums UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER cut in his 25+ years career. (Points: 8.0 out of 10) PHARAO ’20 YEARS’ (ARMAGEDDON MUSIC) A band formed in the days when Germany was split into a western and eastern part, but most of the recordings took place afterwards, so I guess this is after all a German band and also their sound is typical German, sounding like a mix between HELLOWEEN, EDGUY and AXXIS. I had never heard of PHARAO, but apparently they have recorded music for 20 years now and this CD is a very nice summary. It is a 2-CD set, with in total 32 songs! Musically in the beginning very Melodic Hardrock orientated, like AXXIS, PC’69, MAD MAX… but through the years more leaning towards Melodic Power Metal. Not bad at all actually for an undiscovered band, so many great songs and especially recommended if you like EDGUY, DIONYSUS, DESTYNATION, DREAMLAND… More info at: http://www.pharao-rockband.de (Points: 8.2 out of 10) WE ARE I ‘WE ARE I’ (CHIPSTER ENTERTAINMENT) Out of Boston Comes WE ARE I, a band that combines influences of Emo, Punk, Metal and pure Progrock the same way as COHEED AND CAMBRIA does and actually their mini-CD sounds pretty good. Songs like “One choice”, “Inside” and “Sorry” are very melodic and very catchy. The only pity is that the 6 songs are very short and so the CD is over in a minute. Nevertheless, recommended if you like COHEED AND CAMBRIA. More info at: http://www.wearei.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10) SOULDRAINER ‘REBORN’ (MASCOT RECORDS) Although SOULDRAINER is another quality band from Sweden, the vocal department is constantly Death growling, so therefore a bit less interesting for the fans of melodic vocals. Nevertheless, the sound of their debut CD is high class and recommended to fans of Doom/slow Death Melodic Metal, sort of MOONSPELL meets THERION, without clean vocals. The CD was recorded sometime ago, but I guess fans of this dark Metalgenre will probably like this band a lot. More info at: http://www.souldrainer.com (Points: 7.9 out of 10) RAZORBALL ‘RAZORBALL’ (MASCOT RECORDS) RAZORBALL is a band the pure Rockfans will absolutely love, because they go back in time with their retro groovy 70s Hardrocksound as if it was still 1975. The band is made up of 4 musicians whom already made a name in the business, because included in the line-up are producer/guitarist GREG HAMPTON (major producer of many big names), producer/guitarist REEVES GABRELS (TIN MACHINE/DAVID BOWIE), lead singer ROD JACKSON (SLASH’S SNAKEPIT) and drummer/keyboardplayer STEFAN SVENSSON (HAMMERFALL, GRAHAM BONNETT…). The CD this 4-some recorded is filled with high class original 70s Hardrock that sounds like a mix between GLENN HUGHES, MOTHER’S FINEST, LENNY KRAVITZ and WOLFMOTHER. Without a doubt, this is a CD, which will be praised by the Rock Press and I completely agree, although for the more Melodic Hardrock orientated fans it might sound a bit too groovy here and there. Best comparison I can come up with is SOUL SIRKUS meets BOOGIE KNIGHTS, yet less melodic. If this interests you, better check out their site at: http://www.myspace.com/razorball (Points: 8.2 out of 10) THE MANGES GO DOWN ‘THE MANGES GO DOWN’ (WYNDNA RECORDS/SONIC RENDEZVOUS) Weird name, but nevertheless this Italian band comes up with a damn catchy Punkpoprecord that gives nostalgic memories of THE UNDERTONES, THE BOYS, THE RAMONES, the sort of Punkrock I personally enjoy very much. The songs are short, melodic and very catchy, exactly the way it should sound and due to the fact the band has a strong singer (guitarist Andrea) and the songs contain catchy hooks and melodic memorable choruses, this CD is a must-have for anyone missing this classic Punkpoprocksound. It is NOT like all the American bands and not even like THE CLICK FIVE, nope, this Italian band has listened very well to the classic debut albums of THE UNDERTONES and THE BOYS and came up with one of the best releases in the Punkpoprocksound in ages. A song like “Another day” says it all, this is Punkpoprock at it’s very best! Check it out asap! More info at: http://www.manges.it (Points: 8.5 out of 10) THE WHITE BARONS ‘UP ALL NIGHT WITH THE WHITE BARONS’ (GEARHEAD RECORDS/SONIC RENDEZVOUS) California based female fronted band playing Punky Rock and Roll that sounds like a mix between classic BLONDIE, DEADLINE, THE RUNAWAYS and with a raw edgy touch a la THE PLASMATICS, although the songs are very melodic and almost touching Punkpoprock here and there. The CD does not have such a long playing time, but I am sure fans of mentioned bands will like THE WHITE BARONS, because their songs are catchy and mostly uptempo with some nice melodic guitarwork as well. Check ‘em out for yourself at: http://www.myspace.com/whitebarons (Points: 8.1 out of 10) THE KRUM BUMS ‘UP ALL NIGHT WITH…’ (TKO RECORDS/SONIC RENDEZVOUS) Punkpoprock has been popular in California since the mid 1990s and actually it was the follow-up to 80s Hair Metal/Glamrock. However in between there were also bands that wanted to play something heavier and THE KRUM BUMS are indeed not playing the typical Californian Summer Punkpoprock, but instead are much edgier/heavier, more akin to the classic 80s underground Hardcore/Punksound of DEAD KENNEDYS, also a California based band. THE KRUM BUMS are not inventing something new, but nevertheless their fast aggressive Hardcore-Punk is highly recommended to fans of the early 80s sound of GBH, EXPLOITED and DEAD KENNEDYS. What stands above it all is the melodic guitarwork and also the fact they have a sound not many other bands have these days in California is making them rather unique. More info at www.redeyeusa.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10) LOWER CLASS BRATS ‘LOUD AND OUT OF TUNE CD+DVD’ (TKO RECORDS/SONIC RENDEZVOUS) CD+DVD of this live recorded concert the band LOWER CLASS BRATS gave. They were formed in Austin, Texas in January 1995 and already released a bunch of albums. Musically pure Raw Punk as if it was still 1977 in the UK. This American band has a real classic UK Punkrocksound with Oi! influences as well and this CD/DVD live recording is the living proof, from scratch with the catchy “Ultra-violence” until the closing track “Orphans don’t run” of this 17 tracks counting CD. Fans of THE BUSINESS, CHELSEA, GENERATION X, BLITZ and you name it further, this band is a must-have and although I am not familiar with them, this CD and especially the DVD gave me a good introduction to this rather great band! More info at www.myspace.com/lowerclassbratsrule (Points: 8.2 out of 10) SHIFT ‘CREATING A MONSTER’ (INDEPENDENT) New project of former members of the band MYSTIC FORCE. With SHIFT the band goes in a more modern direction, although still with references to classic 80s US Power Metal. Sort of mixing DISTURBED with JAG PANZER, while still trying to be as original as NEVERMORE, this CD is a typical American Metal record, nothing more, nothing less… The CD has a huge sound, with some monster riffs and that is exactly why anyone would like this CD, because SHIFT is all about Metal riffs in the PANTERA style, yet more melodic songwise, like JAG PANZER and such. Check out the song “Gone wrong” to exactly hear and understand this band’s sound at it’s best, pure American groovy modern but Melodic Metal. More info at: http://www.shiftallaccess.com and www.myspace.com/shiftallaccess and e-mail at: rdmanysmachine@comcast.net (Points: 8.1 out of 10) THE CURSED ‘ROOM FULL OF SINNERS’ (LOCOMOTIVE MUSIC) US band with a raw edgy Rock and Roll sound that contains riffs straight out of the 1970s (read: ZEPPELIN/SABBATH), but vocally a bit rawer. I thought I was gonna listen to a Thrash Metal album with a name like THE CURSED and bandmembers looking like such a bunch, but THE CURSED is really all about retro-Classic Rock! Not a coincidence by the way they look like a Thrash Metal band, because the band features in their line-up members of OVERKILL and HADES, 2 legendary Thrash Metalbands! Anyway, with THE CURSED they do something else and they do it very well, although after a while the songs start to sound the same, although still being very groovy 70s Classic Hardrock, yet with vocals that sometimes even remind me of LEMMY. By the way, do not confuse this THE CURSED with the same named Canadian Hardcore band… (Points: 7.6 out of 10) RIEFENSTAHL ‘INSTINKT’ (RUDE RECORDS) Due to the popularity of RAMMSTEIN, many new German bands start singing in the German language and here we are looking at yet another one. They are called RIEFENSTAHL and although the are more Melodic and more pure Metal orientated, one can not help feeling this is a RAMMSTEIN clone. Nevertheless, I worked my way through the CD and in the end concluded this was a nice album that combines Melodic Metal with modern influences, while the singing is in German. Check out this band for yourself at: http://www.riefenstahl-music.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10)
Time goes by fast or not really? Fact is that the Danish band MANTICORA released an album last year and already came up with another within 1 year, because ‘The black circus part 2’ has just been released on the Spanish label LOCOMOTIVE MUSIC. Although not a bad album at all, original it isn’t, because the comparisons to BLIND GUARDIAN are very easy to make with MANTICORA’s Melodic Power Metal. 10 songs are included and like the title says this is indeed part 2 of their ‘The black circus’ epos. Nice album with even a very strong song here and there, such as the catchy “All that remain”, but I think it will disappear between all the other releases done each month. Nevertheless, must-have for die-hard BLIND GUARDIAN fans! (Points: 8.0 out of 10) UNITOPIA ‘UNITOPIA’ (UNICORN RECORDS) This must surely be the first band ever from Australia to play pure British Neo-Progressive Rock. UNITOPIA’s debut CD ‘More than a dream’ dates back to 2005 and is a very strong album that will definitely please fans of JADIS. In fact, songs like “Fate” (AORish chorus) and “Justify” (with PETER GABRIELish vocalwork) are dangerously close to JADIS, without losing it’s own identity. The band’s songs are very melodic, but still very proggy. The band was formed in 1997 and are working on their new CD ‘The garden’ at the moment. Without a doubt, this CD is a must-have for the fans of British/Dutch Neo-Progressive Rock! More info at: http://www.unitopiamusic.com CD was available independently for some time, but now US label PROGROCK RECORDS has released it officially. (Points: 8.3 out of 10) THE GOURISHANKAR ‘2ND HANDS’ (UNICORN RECORDS) A very atmospheric CD of this Russian band. Sometimes you get drifted away with their instrumental new age ish music, but on the other hand the band can also make some great high quality progressive rock. RENAISSANCE and TANGERINE DREAM are clear similarities to make and for sure their CD is something you might want to check out if those bands belong to your favorites. 71 minutes long one can enjoy the excellent musicianship of this band. It is semi-instrumental, but for the main part they are focused on doing some great instrumental work. More info at: www.gourishankar.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10) KARFAGEN ‘THE SPACE BETWEEN US’ (UNICORN RECORDS) KARFAGEN is another Russian band on the Canadian Proglabel UNICORN RECORDS. Their new CD ‘The space between us’ is filled with a semi-instrumental mixture of progressive music and Jazzrock, otherwise said Fusion. The songs are quite laid-back and it sometimes drifts away quite far from rockmusic, but if you liked this band’s earlier records you will love their new one. More info at: www.karfagen.by.ru (Points: 7.8 out of 10)
Already the 5th studio-CD of the Swiss band SHAKRA. The band was formed in the mid 1990s and are getting better and better with each release, although I must admit that their 3rd album 'Rising' from 2003 is still their finest effort, because the album 'Fall' from 2005 was slightly disappointing. Happily, the new CD 'Infected' is once again a very nice album that shows the catchy Melodic Hardrocksound of SHAKRA. 13 songs are included and besides some great uptempo rockers like "Make Your Day", "The One", "Look At Me" and "Playing With Fire", the band also found time to record a ballad ("Love Will Find A Way"), although I somehow remember this song being one of their first songs on a demo I received more than 10 years ago. Anyway, despite a go for the Eurovision Songcontest 2007 in Helsinki, which failed, the band is now making a great comeback with their new album 'Infected'. Recommended to fans of WHITESNAKE, GOTTHARD, KROKUS and such... (Points: 8.4 out of 10)
On most of the releases of guitarist JK NORTHRUP the lead vocals were handled by PAUL SHORTINO. However, this time Paul is not included, but nevertheless there are some really interesting lead vocal spots filled in this time by KELLY KEELING (BLUE MURDER, MSG, BATON ROUGE, ERIK NORLANDER), JOHNNY EDWARDS (FOREIGNER, KING KOBRA), TED POLEY (DANGER DANGER, TERRY ILOUS (XYZ) and newcomer vocalist David Zaragoza (CATEGORY 7). Further musicians are drummers Glenn Hicks (JK Northrup, Paul Shortino) and another newcomer, DanZoid (Mood Groove, W.N.G.C.) who played drums on 7 tracks and finally Michael T Ross on keyboards. JK plays guitar, bass and keyboards as well. Musically it continues the bluesy Melodic Hardrock of his past recordings. Besides the bluesy groovy Hardrock of songs like "Black Moon", "Wired In My Skin" and "Big Blue Sky", there is also room for very melodic ballads such as "The Road" and "So Long", on which Terry of XYZ shines as lead singer. If you enjoyed the man's past work you will certainly love this new record! (Points: 8.3 out of 10) MILVAINS ‘GERMINI’ (INDEPENDENT/KICK AGENCY) Italian band formed in 2001 and releasing their full-length debut CD with this record titled ‘Germini’. Musically a bit Alternative Rock sounding, yet with a slight Classic Rock touch. Band sings in their own language, but none of the 10 included songs, which by the way are sung in their own language, make any impression. Check out this band at: http://www.myspace.com/milvains (Points: 7.2 out of 10) KID ON MOON ‘KID ON MOON’ (INDEPENDENT/KICK AGENCY) KID ON MOON is an Italian band with a pure American sound that melts
Emo, Hardcore and Punkrock, sounding melodic but a little modern too.
Comparisons to MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, AFI, FALL OUT BOY and such are easy to
make, although the 4 songs on their EP do not sound as good as those bands.
Interested people should go to:
http://www.kidonmoon.eu IRA ‘DAWN OF WORLD REDEMPTION’ (INDEPENDENT/KICK AGENCY) Italian band formed 10 years ago and so far only demos released, with the latest one called ‘Dawn of world redemption’. Musically not really interesting, because IRA moves into the Extreme Death/Thrash Metal genre, like KREATOR and EXODUS, with some SODOM and SLAYER thrown in for good measure. (Points: 5.6 out of 10) SOSPIRINARIA ‘SOSPIRINARIA’ (INDEPENDENT/KICK AGENCY) Italian band formed 2 years ago and already a full-CD out. Band is playing a sort of Melodic Rock style with talian lyrics, not far removed from the DHAMM sound. People not familiar with that Italian band should be aware that was a very famous band in Italy during the mid 90s when they released about 3 albums with the same kind of music as this new band. Especially the song ”Paimei” is a very catchy uptempo melodic rocker that also reminds me a bit of WILD FRONTIER, yet with Italian lyrics. Nice band to check out at: www.sospirinaria.it (Points: 7.5 out of 10) WOT ‘WOT’ (INDEPENDENT/KICK AGENCY) This Italian band has a pure British sound, coming dangerously close to the sound of the KAISER CHIEFS, ARCTIC MONKEYS and such. 5 tracks are included on their CD and although they do not reach the level of mentioned bands, fans of such Rock will definitely love WOT. More info at: http://www.wotmusic.it (Points: 7.0 out of 10) SURGERY ‘LÁLTRA EDUCAZIONE’ (INDEPENDENT/KICK AGENCY) Electro Goth Industrial is what to expect from the Italian band SURGERY. Not really interesting at all I am afraid… Only for fans of MINISTRY, NINE INCH NAILS and such… (Points: 4.3 out of 10) NEVERDREAM ‘CHEMICAL FAITH’ (INDEPENDENT/KICK AGENCY) Formed in 2000, the Italian band NEVERDREAM has now released a very strong album that contains really great Melodic Progressive Metal in the style of VANDENPLAS, TIME MACHINE and such. The melodies are very strong, the band’s got a very good singer and their album is a concept album based on a true story. 9 songs are included and without a doubt fans of Melodic Prog Metal will love a song like “Slave of loneliness”. Quite a surprise this NEVERDREAM, because they are as good or even better than their countrymen of ELDRITCH and TIME MACHINE, so definitely a band to watch out for. Highly recommended to Melodic ProgMetalfans! More info at: http://www.neverdream.it (Points: 8.3 out of 10) INSIDE PROCESS ‘INSIDE PROCESS’ (INDEPENDENT/KICK AGENCY) Metalcore from Italy, yet with Emo melodicness in the chorus department, only interesting for fans of AFI/FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND… (Points: 3.7 out of 10) SPIL ENGINE ‘SKINNERBOX’ (APACHE PRODUCTIONS) Belgian Metalband but sadly the wrong side of Metal, because they play aggressive Metalcoreish Metal a la KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, CHIMAERA, MACHINE HEAD, PANTERA, SOILWORK, SHADOWS FALL, so sort of Thrash Metal of the 2000s with endless screaming and zero melodies. Recommended to fans of mentioned bands. More info at: http://www.spoilengine.com (Points: 5.3 out of 10) BRIAN HOWE ‘DIVERSITY’ (INDEPENDENT) Several years ago we reviewed a demo of BRIAN HOWE and just like back then, once again I have to add here that this is NOT the BRIAN HOWE who also releases solo-albums (and sang with BAD COMPANY for a while), also comes out of the USA and even musically is doing the same thing as this BRIAN HOWE from Maine/USA! What we can hear on the new CD of this BRIAN HOWE, the guitarist/songwriter, is a variety of rockstyles, although mostly AOR/Melodic Rock meets Bluesrock orientated. A song like “Steppin’ out” is a very strong AOR rocker a la SHADOW KING/FOREIGNER, very LOU GRAMMish. But not all songs feature vocals, because there are also quite a few instrumentals and Brian used different vocalists on his songs, so therefore the diversity in styles. Instrumental also owing some to STEVE LUKATHER, yet with a bluesy touch. You will not find uptempo rockers, but more a laid-back rock based style and I think fans of JOE BONAMASSA and STEVE LUKATHER might appreciate this a lot! More info at: www.brianhowe.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10)
Last year the Danish band IRON FIRE released a sort of comeback album titled ‘Revenge’ and now halfway 2007 the band releases another new album. Musically not changed and surprisingly very impressive sounding this time around, the new record ‘Blade of triumph’ contains excellent Melodic Metal a la DREAM EVIL, NOCTURNAL RITES, BLOODBOUND and such. Produced by FREDRIK NORDSTROM, he gave the band a superb Melodic Metal sound in which especially the lead vocals of MARTIN STEENE stand out, because his voice is really amazing! He makes this record sound very sensational and a must for any fan of mentioned bands. 11 songs are included and although lyrically it is all very cliché, the songs itself are very strong Melodic True Metal anthems with very strong melodies, of which the highlights are “Dragonheart”, “Dawn of victory” and “Follow the sign” (almost pure Melodic Hardrock a la EVIDENCE ONE/PC’69). Highly recommended to fans of HAMMERFALL, DREAMLAND, NOSTRADAMEUS, DREAM EVIL, BLOODBOUND, NOCTURNAL RITES… (Points: 8.5 out of 10)
4 years ago the Dutch band SUN CAGED released a very strong debut CD, which featured high class Melodic Progressive Metal. Somehow it became quiet around the band, members leaving and now in 2007 the band makes a comeback with a wonderful new CD. On the other hand, SUN CAGED’s line-up has changed a lot and only founding member MARCEL COENEN on guitars is present. Musically it has absolutely no influence, because with the amazing new singer (American born Paul Adrian Villareal), the band sounds once again very sensational. This is Melodic Progressive Metal at it’s very best! 10 songs are included and especially the song “Departing words” is a superb tune, probably one of the best Melodic ProgMetal tunes of 2007! Good to see SUN CAGED back with such a strong album, a must-have for any ProgMetalfan, even better than the new THRESHOLD and perhaps even beating DREAM THEATER’s upcoming new album! (Points: 8.7 out of 10) MILAN POLAK ‘STRAIGHT’ (LION MUSIC) Austrian guitarist MILAN POLAK has a new CD out. This time not an instrumental record, but with vocals and musically going into a heavy Bluesrocksound, sort of WHITESNAKE meets BAD COMPANY. It is raw, yet still melodic and very groovy in the guitar department. Milan is best known for his work with FALCO and HADDAWAY, but his solo-albums show a different side of him, what he really is able to do, which is making high quality Classic Rock. Check out the man’s new CD ‘Straight’ to hear his fine solo-work. (Points: 8.0 out of 10) KORPIKLAANI ‘TERVASKANTO’ (NAPALM RECORDS) Very well-known in their homecountry Finland, KORPIKLAANI has been releasing albums for 10 years now and the last 3 years every year a new album emerges, with this ‘Tervaskanto’ being their latest effort. Musically always the same, which is a mixture of Mediaeval Folk Music and Melodic Power Metal, sort of mixing BLIND GUARDIAN with some sort of 17th century European village ensemble. Result is funny, very funny to say the least and fans of MAGO DE OZ, FINNTROLL and such will absolutely love this record, although it is something you got to appreciate, because it is sounding very different than any other Metalband. It is best loved if you also are into Eastern-European Classic Metal and Teutonic Metal, because then the mix of Folk and Power Metal is easier to understand. Well done, probably an instant hit in Finland for sure! (Points: 8.2 out of 10) ABANDONED ‘THRASH YOU’ (DOCKYARD 1/ROCK INC) German band playing Thrash Metal the way it used to be played in the Bay Area in and around 1987. Bands like FORBIDDEN, TESTAMENT, EXODUS, KREATOR and such come to mind when hearing the band’s 2nd album. They released their debut last year and this new one will definitely please anyone who misses the days of the Bay Area Thrash Metal, because the 14 included songs here represent that style perfectly! (Points: 7.9 out of 10) AMETHYS ‘ASMETHEE’ (BRENNUS RECORDS) In 2003 the French band AMETHYS released their debut and now we see a follow-up, which kinda surprised me because it sounds very impressive actually. Although compared to EDGUY, ANGRA and such, I think this AMETHYS has an own sound, which ix a mix of Melodic Rock and Progressive Metal with strong vocalwork of both the male and female singer (Jean-Philippe and Myriam). Production is very good and melodies in songs like “Black minds” and “Yellow ways” are really great. The band reminds me of KAMELOT, but most of all it sounds a lot like the Austrian band SERENITY, so if anyone loved the recently released record of that band, well then this French band is a must to check out as well! (Points: 8.2 out of 10) DEAFENING SILENCE ‘BACKLASH’ (BRENNUS RECORDS) French band formed 10 years ago and now releasing their 2nd CD. Musically pure European Melodic Metal, close to EDGUY, HELLOWEEN, AXXIS and such German Melodic Metal. 12 songs are included on their new CD and some of them have strong melodies (“Too young to die”). However be aware that this DEAFENING SILENCE is not bringing anything new to the genre, just your basic uptempo Melodic Metal, which still sounds pretty good and I guess people who like bands such as EDGUY, DESTYNATION, DIONYSUS and such will like this band too! (Points: 8.0 out of 10) MAGIC PIE ‘CIRCUS OF LIFE’ (PROGRESS RECORDS) 5 years ago MAGIC PIE was formed and with ‘Circus of life’ this Norwegian band releases their 2nd CD, which musically is pure Progressive Rock, a little heavier than their influences of THE FLOWER KINGS, YES, SPOCK’S BEARD… The band is a 6-member piece, with 3 lead singers, whom together are able to sing some very strong harmonies, which makes this band standout for sure. Their progressive rock is very melodic, although instrumental they are bringing enough complexity to keep the average progfan interested. 7 long songs are included on their new album and without any doubts the progfans are gonna love this high quality record! (Points: 8.2 out of 10) (All reviews by Gabor Kleinbloesem) |
TRAGIK
'POETIC JUSTICE' (ESCAPE MUSIC) 
BONFIRE
'DOUBLE VISION DVD' (LZ RECORDS/NL DISTRIBUTION) 
DAYDREAMER
'DAYDREAMER' (ESCAPE MUSIC) 
ROBYN
‘WHO I AM’ (DISC MAKERS) 
SUSPYRE
‘A GREAT DIVIDE’ (NIGHTMARE RECORDS/SILENT PLANET PROMOTIONS) 
ELDRITCH
‘BLACKENDAY’ (LIMB MUSIC) 
PROFOUND
‘A WORLD OF MY OWN MAKING’ (INDEPENDENT) 
KIDD
HAVOK ‘ROLL THE DICE’ (SUNCITY RECORDS) 
PRETTY
VACANT ‘WALKING ON A TILT’ (SUNCITY RECORDS) 
BLACKBOARD
JUNGLE ‘WELCOME TO THE BLACKBOARD JUNGLE‘ (SUNCITY RECORDS) 
MANTICORA
‘THE BLACK CIRCUS PART 2’ (LOCOMOTIVE MUSIC) 
SKAKRA
'INFECTED' (AFM RECORDS/ROCK INC) 
JK
NORTHRUP 'WIRED IN MY SKIN' (NL DISTRIBUTION) 
IRON
FIRE ‘BLADE OF TRIUMPH’ (NAPALM RECORDS) 
SUN
CAGED ‘ARTEMISIA’ (LION MUSIC)