 FIREAL
‘THE DARK SIDE’ (WARNER MUSIC FINLAND/IMPORT)
Out of the ashes of the Finnish rockband BLEAK comes a new band called FIREAL and their debut CD ‘The dark side’ on major label WARNER MUSIC in Finland is a smokin’ sensational super melodic yet modern piece of Rock/Metal that sounds very international. In fact, if you would play this CD without any additional info, you would swear this is a North American band. 11 songs are included and all of them are radio-ready and also picture perfect for the American market. Bands like DISTURBED, THREE DAYS GRACE, STONE SOUR, ALTER BRIDGE and such are huge in the USA and this first FIREAL album suits perfectly between those acts. The sound is modern, most of the time a bit groovy and midtempo based, with distorted guitars, but always strong vocal melodies and catchy choruses. The chorus of a song like “Ariel” could even have been on a HAREM SCAREM album actually, so this is sometimes even pure Melodic Hardrock, yet always with the sound of today’s American Rock. There’s no weak track to be found here and combined with a supertight production and many memorable super melodic choruses, this FIREAL is a highly recommended band to fans of Modern Rock/Metal with excellent melodies. More info at: http://thefireal.com (Points: 8.6 out of 10)
The MARK VIGIL PROJECT is a project formed around singer/songwriter MARK VIGIL, who has been working together with GRAMMY AWARD winner STEVE FONTANO (VICIOUS RUMORS, MACALPINE, PHANTOM BLUE) ever since 1982 and recorded an album worthy of material during the 1980s, which now is re-issued onto this CD. Along with several session musicians a full-length CD titled ‘I believe in you’ has recently been released, which not only included the original album tracks, but also several newly recorded tracks. Musically speaking it is clearly 1980s US AOR based. Among the featured musicians are guitarist JOSH RAMOS (THE STORM, HARDLINE) and several members of STARSHIP, SAMMY HAGAR’s band and MONTROSE. The AOR displayed on this record is not too far away from the 1980s solo records of ex-JOURNEY keyboardplayer/vocalist GREGG ROLIE and GLEN BURTNICK. Tunes like “I believe in you”, “Jena”, “You better know why” are very fine examples of that unmistakable sound. However, the real highlights can be found from track 7 onwards, such as the super catchy uptempo Classic 1980s AOR rockers “All night lover”, “Should’ve been the one” and “Dreamer” (best song, AOR like only the Americans can create it), the keyboard-laden AOR of “Loves gone” (a la STAN BUSH) and “Senseless” (very catchy 80s uptempo rocksound, with classic shredding guitarsolo’s) that all remind me a lot of BOB WHEELER, LANCE POWERS, PHIL CHRISTIAN, ROBERT TEPPER and BIG MOUTH if anyone remember those 80s American cult AOR-acts. Not a full-blown AOR classic here, as therefore the lead vocals are not in the same league as for example JOURNEY, THE STORM or SURVIVOR, because Mark’s vocals are more in the direction of KANE ROBERTS, GLEN BURTNICK, PHIL VINCENT, BOB WHEELER, LANCE POWERS and GREGG ROLIE (although even JON BON JOVI comes to mind sometimes!), but nevertheless especially the second part of the CD is very enjoyable pure 1980s US AOR. Thanks to the massive sound/production, which includes classic 80s harmonyvocals, shredding guitarwork and dut-dut keys/major synths, this is definitely an AOR album you need to hear. More info can be found at: http://www.markvigilproject.com/ (Points: 8.4 out of 10) MAXWELL ‘ALL IN’ (FASTBALL/SONY MUSIC/BOB MEDIA) A few years ago we reviewed a CD of the Swiss band MAXWELL and now they are back with a new CD titled ‘All in’. Musically not much has changed and so we can once again listen to well-organized traditional Swiss Hardrock like a cross between GOTTHARD and SHAKRA. The band has a strong raw lead singer and most of the 11 included tunes are quite nice, although it never gets as sensational as the aforementioned 2 brotherly bands from Switzerland. Nevertheless, ‘All in’ has a good big sound with some really good Hardrocktunes all throughout the album. Go check it out if you like GOTTHARD, KROKUS, SHAKRA… (Points: 8.0 out of 10)
Whenever the name of legendary Swedish lead vocalist GORAN EDMAN appears on a bio sheet of a new CD release, then I get very excited, because he is one of the greatest singers of all times! In this case it concerns the first solo-CD of British songwriter/guitarist/producer DAVID MARK PEARCE titled ‘Strange ang3ls’. David played and recorded for several bands and projects in the past, including the OLIVER WAKEMAN BAND, but now he releases his first solo-CD and without a doubt, this is a stunning Classic 1980s orientated Melodic Rock/AORish album. The guitarwork is flashy, utterly fantastic and very melodic, so basically a wet dream for the AOR fans, while the songs itself are really impressive, with of course the fantastic vocals of Goran on most of the tunes (JOHN PAYNE of ex-ASIA also sings some vocals here and there). Songs like “Ang3ls (Help us)”, “Strange ang3ls” and “Tell me why” are marvelous uptempo Classic AOR/Melodic Rock songs with lovely catchy choruses and kinda akin to a classy Scandi sound (read: ALIEN meets MALMSTEEN meets SNAKES IN PARADISE meets SNAKE CHARMER). You possibly can’t go wrong here, as this is quality stuff from start to finish, so no fillers and only exploding non-stop with some of the greatest AOR/Melodic Rock of 2011! More info at: www.davidmarkpearce.com (Points: 8.8 out of 10)
It took the band 4 years, but the Dutch band SUNCAGED with the American lead singer Paul Adrian Villarreal returns with their strongest CD so far. Their 3rd album is titled ‘The lotus effect’, released on LION MUSIC in the middle of 2011 and after repeated listens the only possible conclusion is that this might become the best Progressive Metal album of 2011 (right up there with PAGAN’S MIND’s new one)! The quality of this record is incredible, with each and every second sounding sensational. Instrumental the album sounds picture-perfect, going into a wide range of Rock and Metal styles and featuring many tempo changes, but always keeping it clean, melodic and very Neo-Classical. Vocally Paul is sounding like one of the absolute finest singers active at the moment, because his voice range is just amazing and he reminds me a little of TED LEONARD of ENCHANT, which means that it is a true blessing to listen to! And most important fact is that all of the songs are world class Progmetal in the sense of belting out the most beautiful melodies and then it doesn’t matter if you listen to “Seamripper”, “Tip-toe the fault line”, “Ashes to ear”, “Shades of hades” or any of the other included songs, because from start to finish this is Melodic Progressive Metal at it’s very best! Definitely a TOP 10 record of the year 2011! More info at: http://www.suncaged.com (Points: 9.3 out of 10) VILLAIN’S LAMENT ‘IT WON’T RAIN FOR YOU’ (INDEPENDENT/USA IMPORT) A small band from New York City, but releasing a great mini-CD titled ‘It won’t rain for you’. Only 100 official CDs were pressed and I truly hope this band will be able to record a full-length CD in the future, because the 3 included songs that are on this CD sound really good. These are highly skilled musicians whom are able to write some really catchy tunes and what of course is very important is the fact they have a fantastic female lead singer called LAUREN GEBER (who also plays keys), who reminds me of the 80s FF Melodic Rocksingers from bands like VIXEN, WITNESS, LITA FORD and FEMME FATALE. Guitarist LOGAN GRENDEL also has a pleasant additional voice here and there, but it’s Lauren who steals the show here. The soaring guitarwork is quite good as well and like already mentioned, the melodies are top-notch and actually feel like a Classic 1980s Melodic Hardrockalbum. The band calls it Thrash Pop, but actually the material is not too far away from legendary bands such as BETSY, FEMME FATALE, VIXEN, VYPER, meaning uptempo catchy Melodic Hardrock, yet with a raw edge to it (due to the guitarsound and perhaps the somewhat independent style production). Go check out this band at: www.villainslament.com and/or http://www.facebook.com/villainslament and e-mail them at: VillainsLament@gmail.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10)
Now this is how Melodic Hardrock should sound like nowadays! Just take a bit of the Classic 1980s Arena Rock harmonies, choruses and hooks, add a lot of soaring guitars and finish off the package with a monstrous heavy guitar orientated major modern typical American Rock/Metal production (done by the band’s own lead singer/songwriter/guitarist ARI MIHALOPOULOS). The result is the new album of the American band DESTROPHY, which is the album HAREM SCAREM would be proud of! There are also some similarities to IGNITE, if they would slow the tempo a bit down and go for a more Melodic Hardrock orientated sound. Although DESTROPHY’s new album ‘Cry havoc’ on Chicago’s VICTORY RECORDS label could be described as a Melodic Hardrockalbum, it sounds fresh and modern at the same time and could well become the next big thing, which I do hope, because this is the most modern and yet super melodic sounding album of the past few years! This is the kind of Melodic modern Rock that might appeal to the new young generation and as they will become the future of Rockmusic it would be really great if this new DESTROPHY album somehow would influence them and we then might welcome a whole new generation of Melodic Hardrock orientated bands in the near future. Songs like “We are alive”, “Closer”, “It ends tonight” and especially the closing ballad “Hello” and “What would we say” are fantastic massive sounding tunes that combine the best of the Classic late 1980s Arena Melodic Hardrock (choruses, hooks and melodies) with the present day American major label Rock productions of SHINEDOWN, STONE SOUR, ALTER BRIDGE, THREE DAYS GRACE, DISTURBED, BLACKSTONE CHERRY and also leave a bit of space open for the more melodic side of hardcoreish Punk of a band like IGNITE! Do not miss this one, because this is a real gem that will appeal to different generations (no matter whether you are a FIREHOUSE fan, a SOUNDGARDEN fan or a DISTURBED/STONE SOUR fan, you got to check this out asap because it is a combination of the late 80s, mid 90s and current American Rocksound, can’t get any better!) More at: www.destrophy.com (Points: 8.9 out of 10) THE BUNNY THE BEAR ‘IF YOU DON’T HAVE ANYTHING NICE TO SAY…’ (VICTORY RECORDS/USA IMPORT) THE BUNNY THE BEAR are a New York based band whom seem to combine each and every Pop, Rock and Metal genre on their new album. Metalcore, Death growls, New Wave, Progressive Rock, 80s Discopop and even Symphonic Metal influences can be heard. The result is a very confusing album that might only appeal to some of you, because it gets a bit too Extreme sometimes. A real pity, because a song like “C’est pas si lo’n” sounds very good actually, quite clean and melodic, even reminding a bit of ROBBY VALENTINE somehow! However, besides the nice synths and some clean melodic vocals, there’s so much growling going on throughout most of the songs and also musically it gets out of hand here and there, such as during the discobeat of “It’s a long way...’ that seems to combine Black Metal screams with Death Metal growls with an almost ERASURE sounding chorus. Have to admit that it sounds very original, because this kind of mixture is not done before I think (although BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE comes close), but it’s actually only interesting for the really open-minded people out there, as after a while your head will explode due to the incredible amount of vocal changes that happen during each and every song. More info at: www.thebunnythebear.com/ (Points: -)
Although we have praised a Swedish AOR outfit called HOUSTON the past year, there is also an Italian band called HOUSTON active. Actually they have that bandname in use since 2006 and even released a full-length album a few years ago on a US label. There is however a minor difference, because this HOUSTON from Italy is written as HOUSTON! Anyway, they are back now with their 2nd album titled ‘Mechanical sunshine’, a very professional sounding album that combines the modern American Rock with the typical European Gothic/Industrial way of thinking, with as result a damn fine album that sounds modern and yet also catchy and melodic. Despite a few songs that go a bit too much into the Industrial direction, sounding quite repetitive and monotone (such as “Mechanical breath”, “Generation ‘09” and “My Swedish Baby looks like a star”), this HOUSTON! also offers some excellent superstrong melodies in tunes like “Planet terror”, “Let me shout” (best song!), “One day”, “Velvet pressure” and the beautiful calmer “Cold”. If you’re looking for a combination between THE RASMUS, THE 69 EYES, PAIN, MARILYN MANSON and THREE DAYS GRACE, then here’s your Italian answer! More info at: http://www.myspace.com/houstonband (Points: 8.2 out of 10) BLACK WATER RISING ‘BLACK WATER RISING’ (METALVILLE/ROUGH TRADE/GERMANY IMPORT) Straight out of Brooklyn, New York City comes the band BLACK WATER RISING, whom sound like the next big thing. Their debut CD has been released on the German label METALVILLE and without a doubt, this is quality modern Metal at it’s best. The band has an excellent gifted vocalist called ROB TRAYNOR, who is able to shout, scream and sing clean with a soul and all together sounding very natural. The big fat groovy guitar orientated typical American Modern Rock/Metal with influences from the Alternative Metal of the 90s, the Groovy Hardrock of a long forgotten past and standard American Southern Hardrock is done with American precision. 11 songs are included on the CD, which has been produced very well and in the end is sounding like a perfect mixture between SOUNDGARDEN, THE ANSWER, BLACK CROWES, LYNYRD SKYNYRD and a little DISTURBED, with also a highly interesting part for the superstrong lead vocals that seem to lift up the level of BLACK WATER RISING above the masses in this popular modern Hardrockgenre. Check them out at: www.blackwaterrising.com (Points: 8.4 out of 10) VOICES OF EXTREME ‘BREAK THE SILENCE’ (METALVILLE/ROUGH TRADE/GERMANY IMPORT) ‘Break the silence’ is the 2nd album of the New York based band VOICES OF EXTREME and gladly their bandname does not represent any extreme sort of screaming in the vocal department. In fact, the band has a very strong lead singer called DON CHAFFIN, who has a sort of pure traditional Hardrock kinda voice that suits the Classic Hardrock influenced sound of the band very well. AEROSMITH and WHITESNAKE influences can clearly be heard (especially during the fantastic semi ballads “Tell me what it takes” and “Made of stone”), but there’s also a major typical American touch in a way we saw ALICE IN CHAINS and SOUNDGARDEN doing during the 1990s and something we also hear in the today’s Nu-Metal sound of bands like STONE SOUR, ALTER BRIDGE, DISTURBED, SHINEDOWN and especially STAIND/SEETHER/SALIVA, but if it is done this well as on this new CD of VOICES OF EXTREME, we are very pleased, although the choruses of some of the songs seem to be going a bit too much into the Nu-Metal direction with it’s gangstyle vocals. On the other hand, the band also has a superb guitarplayer in their line-up, namely DAVID MERCADO, who shreds here and there quite amazingly (I guess he would also do well in a Neo-Classical Progressive Metalband!). This is definitely a great band that should be able to have a breakthrough, because the quality is clearly present in both their line-up and on their new CD ‘Break the silence’. Be sure to check them out if you like some good old retro sounding Classic Hardrock mixed with a lot of American 90s Altrock/Metal, with even a tiny bit of GUNS’N’ROSES and VELVET REVOLVER thrown in, while also the current American modern Hardrock/Post-Grunge and Nu-Metalsound is well represented! More at: http://www.voicesofextreme.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10) THE QUILL ‘FULL CIRCLE’ (METALVILLE/ROUGH TRADE/GERMANY IMPORT) The Swedish band THE QUILL was formed 20 years ago and they released their debut album in 1995. If I remember correctly, it was reviewed in one of our first issues of the printed magazine of Strutter’zine. Now 15+ years later the band releases their 6th CD and believe it or not, ‘Full circle’ is actually the 2nd album we review, so it took 1 ½ decade before we would talk about THE QUILL again. Happily, we are now able to review their excellent new CD ‘Full circle’. Good to see that the band never changed their groovy slow Stoner Rock sound, because when they started they played the exact same style as they offer now on their album. Back then there were bands like MONSTER MAGNET, ALICE IN CHAINS and SOUNDGARDEN drawing the same kinda influences as THE QUILL, which was clearly the 1970s sound of LED ZEPPELIN and BLACK SABBATH, meaning guitar based groovy Hardrock with raw vocals. Nowadays you have bands like THE ANSWER, WOLFMOTHER, BLACK STONE CHERRY and ALTER BRIDGE doing the same thing and also being very popular, so I guess times did not change at all in these 15 years! Anyway, THE QUILL have delivered a very strong album that should be eaten alive by fans of especially KYUSS, QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE and of course all mentioned bands! More info at: www.thequill.se (Points: 8.3 out of 10) M.A.D. ‘FOR CROWN AND RING’ (7HARD/TSM SLW PROMOTIONS) If you’re looking for good old KROKUS/QUIET RIOT/ACCEPTish Hardrock with no-nonsense, then look no further, because the new CD of the German band M.A.D. delivers the perfect product in this style. The sound and production is perfect, while the songs and instrumental speaking it is of a high level and even the lead singer is a great shouter in the best tradition of KEVIN DUBROW, UDO DIRKSCHNEIDER and MARC STORACE. If it was still 1983, then this album would have been huge, but we are in the year 2011 and the impact will be not that big I’m afraid. There’s also some reference made to classic MANOWAR in the song “Crown and ring”, so there’s some diversity going on as well. Fans of especially mentioned traditional Hardrockbands will absolutely love this record. More at: www.mad-rock.de (Points: 8.3 out of 10) SANCHEZ ‘RUN THE STREETS’ (7HARD/TSM SLW PROMOTIONS) Although this Swedish band is compared to such big acts like DANGER DANGER, FIREHOUSE and DOKKEN, I’m afraid it is impossible to put the band’s new record ‘Run the streets’ at such a high Classic Melodic Hardrock level. Therefore the material on their album is just not good enough. SANCHEZ is formed around lead singer JOSE SANCHEZ and while reading his bio we learn that he has been in and out of bands ever since the early 1980s, playing support to WHITE LION, THE POODLES and many more well-established acts. Nevertheless, his vocals are a bit too strained to make any impact. Like already mentioned, the Melodic Hardrock of SANCHEZ is also a bit too standard most of the time, so this one is only for the die-hard MHR collectors, but do check them out for yourself at: www.myspace.com/sanchezkicks (Points: 6.2 out of 10) SMIRNOV ‘PRIVET EARTH/ICE ORKESTRA’ (INDEPENDENT/TSM SLW PROMOTIONS) The Russian musician SMIRNOV went to L.A. and recorded an album and a single with several musicians from the L.A. scene and ‘big shot’ ROBB VALLIER (producer of BON JOVI, PAIL MCARTNEY and EURYTHMICS). The result is a modern sounding album that mixes influences from the past 4 decades of American and British Rock. QUEEN is a very clear influence, because we can hear similarities a lot of times throughout the album, although in the end, this SMIRNOV sounds more like THE DARKNESS than other more Classical Music influenced QUEEN acts such as VALENTINE and VALENSIA I’m afraid. THE DARKNESS is a band you either love or hate, so a comparison to that band might take away any doubts whether you might like this or not. In other words, please make up your own mind through www.smirnovmusic.com (Points: 6.5 out of 10) ELECTRIC WOODLAND ‘ELECTRIC WOODLAND EP’ (INDEPENDENT/TSM SLW PROMOTIONS) ELECTRIC WOODLAND is a Norwegian band playing a sorta American Southern Rockstyle like you might hear when going into a bar/club down in some local small town in a US state like Kansas, Missouri or Texas. Comparisons to MOLLY HATCHET and DOC HOLIDAY are very clear, although the band also has a touch of late 60s psychedelica era meets bluesy hardrock, so also influences of DEEP PURPLE and THE DOORS can be heard in especially the uptempo “Sharp angels”. They do a nice job on their EP, of which only the production could be a little bit better. Check it out for yourself at: www.myspace.com/electricwoodland (Points: 7.5 out of 10)
Now here we have something very sensational… The band is called ENSPIER, they hail from Australia and they play Melodic Progressive Metal at a very high level. Although this is an independent release, the included music is very impressive and should be put right next to the other great bands in this genre. The sound/production of their 2008 released album ‘The hall of mirrors’ is excellent and the musicianship is picture perfect, including some fantastic melodic clean lead vocals of singer DAVE GALLUZZO. Songs like “Deliverance” and “Unknown gravity” show the band at their best. Here and there they remind me of ENCHANT, yet a little heavier and more Progmetal orientated, also not that far away from that other Australian Progmetalband VANISHING POINT actually. Also a slight dark approach can be heard, which even brings memories of EVERGREY, although ENSPIER is definitely a bit calmer than that band. Like already mentioned the vocals are very good and a lot of times they remind me of the CITA/GUILD OF AGES singer (and a little GARY HUGHES of TEN as well, although even NEAL MORSE comparisons can be made a lot of times), so mostly singing in a low range, but during the choruses going up quite easily. ENSPIER shows something quite sensational here and the new single “Strange” proves they are a band to keep your eyes wide open for. Fans of VANDENPLAS, VANISHING POINT and any other quality Melodic Progmetalband (with a Melodic Rock touch as well!) will really love this band, because ENSPIER combines strong vocals with excellent melodies while backing it up with an impressive instrumentalisation, so go check them out asap at: www.enspiermusic.com and e-mail them at: costa@enspiermusic.com (Points: 8.8 out of 10) D DRIVE ‘3D’ (MELODIC REVOLUTION RECORDS/TSM SLW PROMOTIONS) ‘3D’ is the 3rd album of the Canadian band D DRIVE and without a doubt we have a quality release here, offering a great deal of pure Melodic Hardrock from start to finish. Of course the band’s line-up of guitarist DON MANCUSO (CHEATER, LOU GRAMM BAND, BLACK SHEEP) and the great singer PHIL NARO (TALAS, 24K) contribute to that, as well as a guest appearance of BILLY SHEEHAN (MR. BIG, TALAS, DAVID LEE ROTH). Maybe this ain’t a classic, it still is filled with some great Melodic Hardrock that is not far removed from MR. BIG, TALAS or PHIL NARO’s other projects. It sounds very 1980s by the way, without sounding really dated, as the sound/production is top-notch. More info at: www.ddrive.com (Points: 8.2 out of 10) TROUBLE TRIBE JAPAN ‘SUPERSONIC STARE’ (INDEPENDENT/TSM SLW PROMOTIONS) A Japanese guitarist, a Japanese bassist, an American drummer and an Irish lead singer, that pretty much sums up the line-up of the band TROUBLE TRIBE JAPAN. They have released a very strong album titled ‘Supersonic stare”, which thanks to the massive guitarsound and great vocalwork is lifted above the masses quite easily. Some comparisons to MR. BIG are clear, but TROUBLE TRIBE JAPAN is heavier and vocally different, because singer BRIAN O’KANE has a typical Irish way of singing, reminding a lot of THE ANSWER. 8 tracks are on their well-produced CD and despite this might not be a classic, it definitely is a quality album that sounds like a cross between MR. BIG, 90s/00s NIGHT RANGER and THE ANSWER. More info at: www.troubletribejapan.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10) SKILLER ‘FOLLOW THE SIREN’ (INDEPENDENT/TSM SLW PROMOTIONS) Massive sound quality on the new EP CD of the Swedish band SKILLER, whom should not be confused with the American band SKILLET by the way. This SKILLER is playing typical modern day Melodic Gothic Metal with Industrial influences and here and there Screamo/Extreme vocals sadly. They do remind a lot of SONIC SYNDICATE and a bit of MERCENARY if they would add more keyboards. The mix of screams/extreme vocals and catchy melodic choruses backed by a massive sound is a very popular combination in the Rock/Metalworld nowadays and SKILLER clearly do it at a high level on their new EP. Check it out for yourself at: www.skiller.se (Points: 8.2 out of 10) SLIDESHOW ‘SLIDESHOW’ (INDEPENDENT/TSM SLW PROMOTIONS) The Swedish band SLIDESHOW released their same titled debut CD in late 2010 and are playing Sleazy/Glam Hardrock in the classic 80s/early 90s LA style. They remind a lot of NASTY IDOLS and most of the 11 included tracks are uptempo. It’s a nice record, although it clearly sounds like an independent album, so who knows a future release recorded in a major studio might see the band developing themselves into an interesting band. Musically speaking a little more diversity wouldn’t hurt. Check out their site at: www.myspace.com/slideshowrocks (Points: 7.7 out of 10)
Just how important is a lead singer in a band? Well, he or she can make the difference and in the end it is thanks to him or her that we can speak of something really sensational. In the case of the Finnish band STARGAZERY, we have a truly excellent lead singer called JARI TIAURA, who is giving the band that extra touch needed to sound sensational. He reminds me a lot of the BROTHER FIRETRIBE/LEVERAGE singer (Pekka Heino). Besides the fantastic vocalwork, also instrumental it all sounds very impressive and most importantly of course, the included material is quite superb produced Melodic Hardrock meets Melodic Metal, like a mixture between German MHR a la ZENO/FAIR WARNING, Finnish Melo Power Metal a la SONATA ARCTICA/THUNDERSTONE and the Classic HR of RAINBOW/AXEL RUDI PELL. Although ‘Eye on the sky’ is the debut album of the band, it’s members achieved more or less fame and fortune in bands like MSG, MASTERSTROKE, SNAKEGOD, POISON BLACK, KALMAH, BURNING POINT, GHOST MACHINERY, etc. etc. The result of this new band/project is really stunning, with songs like “Everytime I dream of you”, “How many miles” and “I am the night” being sensational Melodic Rock anthems in the style of the aforementioned ZENO and FAIR WARNING, combining superb Neo-Classical shredding guitarwork with amazingly catchy melodies! The band also likes to speed up the tempo to uptempo Melodic Power Metal properties in songs like “Eye on the sky” that will please any fan of the old SONATA ARCTICA/HELLOWEEN sound, while RAINBOW/late 80s BLACK SABBATH is also a clear inspiration in tunes like “Dying”, “Jester of Kings” and especially during “Judah”. Besides 9 cracking original tunes, the band closes the CD with a cover of the BLACK SABBATH classic “Headless cross”. After many spins the only conclusion is that this CD is a must-have CD! More info at: http://www.stargazery.com (Points: 9.1 out of 10)
DARK FROM DAY ONE are coming out of the state of Arkansas, USA and without a doubt they have released a high quality CD titled ‘The fire within’. This band is sounding very professional and could have easily been signed to a major label. They have the typical modern day American Melodic Heavy Rocksound a la RA, SHINEDOWN, DISTURBED, THREE DAYS GRACE, BREAKING BENJAMIN, SKILLET, etc. etc. so perhaps not really original, but definitely done at a very high level. Melodic vocals and hooks are mixed with downtuned guitars and most of the included songs are slow to midtempo, reminding a lot of the mentioned bands. Highlights are “Find a way”, “My surrender”, and “The way”. I am quite convinced that these guys could become the next big thing in the USA, because over there they love this kind of Rock/Metal. More info at: http://www.facebook.com/darkfromdayone (Points: 8.5 out of 10)
Released on a French label is the debut CD of the Amsterdam based talented French multi-instrumentalist FRANCK CARDUCCI. He is a singer/songwriter/guitarist/bassist who recorded with several other musicians his very first CD titled ‘Oddity’, which musically is pure 1970s Progrock influenced, very much going into the classic PETER GABRIEL era GENESIS direction, although some of the material is also reminding of the British Neo-Prog style (PENDRAGON). Somehow it also has a slightly more melodic typical 1970s American approach here and there, so we can hear Pomprock influences as well and then you must think about STARCASTLE and STYX, although overall this really is a pure Progrockalbum that also contains a few Acoustic/Folk spots (“The eyes of Age”). The CD contains 7 songs that are quite lengthy and basically each song is from start to finish a wet-dream for the dedicated Progfan. Early GENESIS meets PENDRAGON meets a tiny bit of mid 1970s STYX is basically what you get to hear on this CD. Vocally Franck has a voice that fits somewhere between ALDO NOVA, JOHN WETTON and GREG LAKE, so mostly in the lower range situated. Check out more info at: http://www.franckcarducci.com/ (Points: 8.4 out of 10) LOW BUDGET ORCHESTRA ‘INNERSTELLAR’ (LOW BUDGET MUSIC/FINLAND IMPORT) LOW BUDGET ORCHESTRA is basically a one-man-show around multi-talented/instrumentalist MIKKO MURANEN, who did almost everything on his own on the 3rd CD ‘Innerstellar’ of his own project/band LOW BUDGET ORCHESTRA. Included here is high quality instrumental Progressive Rock/Metal that has a bit of VAI/SATRIANI here and there, although Mikko is more focused on the keyboard parts, which is cool as usually instrumental releases are based around the guitar. Well done and recommended to check out at: www.lowbudgetmusic.com (Points: 8.2 out of 10) 1RONIC MANFRED ‘THE POWER OF JUAN’ (INDEPENDENT/AUSTRALIA IMPORT) 2nd CD of this Australian based band that melts together classic Spanish guitar with traditional rock and metal riffs and end up sounding like a very original instrumental band. I’m quite sure that live on stage these guys could easily steal the show with their mixture of Flamenco, Latin, Gypsy, Mexican and other so-called World Music styles with traditional Rock/Metal riffs. Be sure to check them out if this sounds interesting at: www.1ronicmanfred.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10)
30 years ago the NWOBHM scene had it’s peak, but it was 20 years ago when the band AGINCOURT was formed in the Midlands, England. Sadly back in the early 1990s the NWOBHM style had completely died and even well-established acts like SAXON and IRON MAIDEN had a really hard time during the 1990s, so it was no wonder that eventually in 1997 AGINCOURT split up. They had been able to release a couple independent EPs and even recorded a session for BBC Radio 1, but a full-length album release would have to wait until 2011. The band had reformed in 2008 when their kind of NWOBHM started to become popular again. Nowadays the genre has a few bands that seem to enjoy a huge deal of popularity, even amongst the youth and so AGINCOURT gets a second chance. Their music is very much like the classic early 80s British sound (including the twin-guitars), although clearly more melodic, thanks to some great melodic choruses and also very strong clean lead vocals of singer/guitarist RICHARD E. TOY. They remind me a lot of PRAYING MANTIS, whom have been doing the same kinda style for more than 30 years now and also seem to gain popularity in recent years. Most of the 10 included tracks are uptempo MHR based, of which the finest tunes are opener “Edge of Paradise”, “Come with me”, “Agincourt” (killer tune!) and “Queen of the night”, all featuring some really great catchy melodic choruses. Like mentioned, AGINCOURT is actually more a Melodic Hardrockband with traces of NWOBHM and therefore the comparison to PRAYING MANTIS sets the record straight here. Great job for sure and good to see a band giving it another try and now finally releasing a full-length album 20 years after their formation. Go check them out for yourself at: www.agincourtmusic.com (Points: 8.4 out of 10)
It took the band quite some time to follow up their previous album ‘In your eyes’ which was released in 2006, but here is ‘Obsession’, the 4th CD of the German Melodic Hardrockband THREE WISHES. Not much has changed since they released their debut album ‘Electric bullride’ 10 years ago and so once again we can listen to good clean fun Melodic (Hard) Rock that is clearly in the Classic 1980s German MHR style of bands like CRAAFT, DOMINOE, MASON, MAXINE, DOMAIN, ZENO, SUBWAY, FAIR WARNING, KARO, etc. etc. The production is very good and most of the 15 included songs are a pleasure to listen to, ranging from uptempo rockers to smooth ballads, all in the style of mentioned bands. THREE WISHES has a good lead singer (typical German kinda voice), who is backed up by a very strong line-up of musicians and the result of this combination can be heard on this great new album ‘Obsession’. This could well be their finest album, because the band moves a bit more into the AOR direction, thanks to the heavy use of 80s FM/AOR-keys, massive harmonyvocals, catchy hooks and melodic choruses in songs like “One life”, “Destiny”, “Sally”, “Red, hot and wicked” and “Fight”. If you’re looking for a band with the classic 80s German/European AOR/Melodic Rocksound, then you will not be able to find a better band than this Hamburg based band THREE WISHES. Must-have for fans of mentioned acts! More info at: www.three-wishes-rock.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10)
The finest Spanish band has got to be PIEL DE SERPIENTE, although of course established bands like TIERRA SANTA and MAGO DE OZ should also not be forgotten, but without a doubt every new album of the Valencia based band PIEL DE SERPIENTE sounds better than every new record of mentioned bands. The 2nd PIEL DE SERPIENTE album ‘Inevitable’ starts off with a really awesome catchy uptempo Melodic Metal piece like TIERRA SANTA used to do and actually the whole album goes more or less in the catchy uptempo early TIERRA SANTA style, with as highlights that opener “Corazones Salvajes”, “El Umbral”, “Sangre” and “Ronnie James” (DIO tribute). The band has a great strong lead singer, some amazing guitarwork, the production is top-notch and the songs are a lot of times deadly-catchy uptempo Melodic Metal masterpieces in the Spanish sung Melodic Metal genre. If you haven’t heard this band before, then do check them out at: http://www.pieldeserpiente.net/web.htm (Points: 8.6 out of 10) VARIOUS BANDS/ARTISTS ‘ALKEMIST FANATIX RELEASES/PROMOS’ (ALKEMIST FANATIX/ITALY IMPORT) The Italian promotion agency ALKEMIST FANATIX sent me another huge package with new CDs of all kinds of bands from mainly Italy of course. As usual the Metalcore/Extreme Metal side of life is also presented in the shape of KLL (Finland), MY DISTANCE, THE CONFLITTO, NMI BAND and . These are not interesting for the melodic fans among us and may be skipped therefore. Moving on to the bands that do offer interesting music, we make our first stop with an Italian band called THE LAST FIGHT and their CD ‘Right of wave’. They play pure British influenced Modern Rock and sound not unlike bands such as PANIC AT THE DISCO FLOOR, ARCTIC MONKEYS, KAISER CHIEFS, etc. etc. The songs are catchy and for an independent release this is quite an impressive album. Check ‘em out at: www.thelastfight.net VALIUM is a band singing in the Italian language and they combine Modern British Rock with 1970s Melodic Rock ish choruses and add a sort of ROLLING STONESish Rock touch, reminding a bit of the legendary Italian band DHAMM (what happened to those guys?), yet also going for the typical modern day British way of Rock and Roll. Opener “L’ Infedele” shows right away we are dealing with a high quality and original band, because they combine influences from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s American and British Rock and Hardrock in this tune, while the chorus is very catchy and super melodic. They hit the jackpot on that first track, but the rest of the album isn’t bad either, although most of the time more sounding like a mix between THE KNACK, JET and KAISER CHIEFS, so real Rock and Roll in true British tradition. The only thing that sets them apart from those bands are the Italian lyrics, which in this case turn out very well as it makes them sound different from the rest. Their CD ‘La maledizione sta per arrivare’ has been released on a sublabel ( www.andromedarocks.com ) of the major WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC. More at: www.valium.it Gothic/Electro-Industrial-Wave-Metal can be heard on the CD of DYNABYTE, a female fronted Italian band whom are taking things quite extreme here and there, although some moodier moments are also to be heard. The Industrial influence gets in the way sometimes, MINISTRY meets ASRAI with some death growls here and there is the result of their CD ‘2KX’. More at: www.dynabyte.it Very experimental and quite wicked is the band TALISMAN STONE, which is playing a sort of Underground-Dark-Wave style that contains TYPE O NEGATIVE and PARADISE LOST influences as well, although the music is not really Metalish. Still I’m afraid this is a very average sounding album and the frontcover of the CD doesn’t help either! Fun typical American Emo/Punkpoprock can be heard on the CD of the band BAD STUFF. Not original and perhaps sounding like a GREENDAY copycat, they aren’t bad at all, because they play it at a decent level and fans of GREENDAY and ALL AMERICAN REJECTS might wanna check ‘em out! The 10 catchy little tunes are over before you know it, but better short and sweet than long and boring. More at: www.badstuffmusic.com More Italian sung Rock can be heard on the CD of IBRIDO XN, which musically is a good deal of Melodic Progressive Modern Rock meets Alternative Rock that reminds a little of COHEED AND CAMBRIA mixed with CREED/LIVE/TOOL. The vocals are strong here and the instrumental back-up sounds quite impressive as well and then combined with a bunch of catchy original Rocktunes is making this band a pleasure to listen to. Here and there the band goes a little into experimental directions, but each and every song contains strong melodies as well. Check them out at: www.ibridoxn.com One of the best and perhaps the most interesting band is BREAKTHRU. Sadly only 4 tracks are on their mini-CD ‘Images’, but what we get to hear is quite superb intelligent Melodic Pop/Rock with light Progrock influences. The vocals and melodies are very impressive and it’s actually hard to compare them, but take it from me that this is an excellent band that does have something to offer on their CD ‘Images’. Not a pure Melodic Rockband, but definitely knowing how to write a good melody and I think a future full-length CD might show what this band is able to offer when going for a playing length up to 60 minutes. PINK FLOYD/COLDPLAY influences are definitely there, but happily BREAKTHRU is going for a more uptempo approach. More info at: www.myspace.com/breakthrutheshade
Also a very interesting band is FEVER, whom are playing pure 1980s Melodic Hardrock with also some by-the-number basic Hardrock/Metal tunes on their same titled debut album. However, when they go melodic, then they do it quite sensational actually, especially during the uptempo melodic rockers “Fevernova”, “Lady Lazarus”, “Long wait” and the lovely cloring track “Illusion avenue” that all sound as if they were made by some American band 2o+ years ago. When listening to these tracks bands like FIREHOUSE, DANGER DANGER, KNOW ILLUSION, JET RED and such come to mind, so this is really excellent stuff. On the other hand, we also get to hear some very average Hardrocksongs that keep the score lower than it could have been. The band has a great lead singer and also the guitarist can play a decent note, just listen to the melody he belts out during “Illusion avenue”. Another surprise, but I do feel that FEVER can deliver an even stronger album in the future. Check ‘em out at: www.myspace.com/feverocks
Another surprise is the band DEATH RIDERS, whom release a massive sounding Melodic Power Metal album in the shape of ‘Through centuries of dust’. OK, they are not the new LABYRINTH, SECRET SPHERE or VISION DIVINE yet, but without a doubt what we get to hear here is of a rather high level. The sound is amazing, partly thanks to the mastering by MIKA JUSSILA at FINNVOX studios and the production by FRANK ANDIVER (LABYRINTH, WONDERLAND, etc. etc.). The guitarsound is superb, some of the songs are very memorable and even vocally (VALERIO GAONIO), it is impressive and as we haven’t seen many great Italo Melodic Power Metal releases the past few years, this is quite easily the finest you can track down at the moment! 11 songs are included and after repeated listens you will be humming some of the melodies for sure, so all together this is an interesting release for fans of mentioned bands! More info at: www.myspace.com/deathridersband and http://www.deathriders.net/ VIOLET SHEEP is playing slow atmospheric progressive rock meets doom metal, ending up sounding like a mix between PORCUPINE TREE and BLACK SABBATH on their CD ‘Tortured soul’. Vocally it is however a bit on the weak side, sounding like someone from the 1990s Grunge Rockscene. Not a bad CD at all, but on the other hand it won’t have a huge impact either I’m afraid, as it all sounds a bit too depressive and after a couple of songs also very uninspiring. SPASMODICAMENTE does it much better and are also more uptempo and diverse than VIOLET SHEEP, although they move in the same direction (Prog meets Altrock meets Doom). Problem however is that their lead singer is screaming a bit too much and that is a pity, because he can definitely sing. Singing is not part of THE WAY OF PURITY’s music, which says their bio. Sadly I am not able to play their album, because none of my audio equipment allows to play it. Therefore you have to go on the internet I think… WALLCRUSH are doing it the modern American Emo/Punk way, yet with a slightly more Powerpop and even Rock and Roll approach. Their CD is titled ‘The simple way’ and if the only the vocals would have been stronger, then this record would have stand a chance easily, because instrumental and production wise it sounds pretty nice. Vocally they are safed here and there by the harmonyvocals, but I’m afraid they aren’t doing anything musically speaking more spectacular than for example Dutch bands like DESTINE and DIRECT either, so only interesting for die-hard fans of this endless genre. More at: www.myspace.com/wallcrush Nice Italian sung melodic but slightly alternative based rockmusic can be heard on the mini-CD of the band DEA MADRE. The music is during the verses a bit light and almost STEELY DANish, but during the choruses rocking out and offering some strong melodies. Somehow the band has an own style, which is very melodic and rocks on the light side of life and actually impossible to compare. A very decent band with intelligent melodic music on offer and hopefully we will able to review a future full-length CD, because they are definitely worth checking out at: http://www.myspace.com/deamadre Ska can be heard on the CD of RIOTOWN, so you need a method to your MADNESS here! Punk/Oi! a la THE BUSINESS/BLITZ can be heard on the CD of the Italian band CLAN BASTARDO. Quite raw sounding and vocally not really strong, but on the other hand the 14 songs are all very catchy and perhaps a must-have for fans of this genre! And finally pure Blues on the CD of MOTORCYCLEIRENE. Concluded, a couple of very interesting bands were offered by ALKEMIST FANATIX, especially DEA MADRE, FEVER, RAVENSCRY, INDIGO, BREAKTHRU, VALIUM, DEATH RIDERS and are highly recommended. Italy does have some well hidden secrets and we just revealed a part of it… Info on all mentioned bands can be found at: www.alkemist-fanatix.com (Points: -) (All reviews by Gabor Kleinbloesem except where noted) |
MARK
VIGIL PROJECT ‘I BELIEVE IN YOU’ (RANDEX COMMUNICATIONS/USA IMPORT) 
DAVID
MARK PEARCE ‘STRANGE ANG3LS’ (AOR HEAVEN/GERMUSICA) 
SUNCAGED
‘THE LOTUS EFFECT’ (LION MUSIC/BERTUS) 
DESTROPHY
‘CRY HAVOC’ (VICTORY RECORDS/USA IMPORT) 
HOUSTON!
‘MECHANICAL SUNSHINE’ (TANZAN MUSIC/BOB MEDIA) 
ENSPIER
‘THE HALL OF MIRRORS’ (INDEPENDENT/AUSTRALIA IMPORT/TSM SLW PROMOTIONS)
STARGAZERY
‘EYE ON THE SKY’ (PURE LEGEND RECORDS/PURE STEEL RECORDS/TWILIGHT
VERTRIEB/GERMANY IMPORT) 
DARK
FROM DAY ONE ‘THE FIRE WITHIN’ (TOOL SHED RECORDS/USA IMPORT) 
FRANCK
CARDUCCI ‘ODDITY’ (VOCATION RECORDS) 
AGINCOURT
‘ANGELS OF MONS’ (AGINCOURT MUSIC/INDEPENDENT/UK IMPORT) 
THREE
WISHES ‘OBSESSION’ (3 SONG MUSIC/GERMAN IMPORT) 
PIEL
DE SERPIENTE ’INEVITABLE’ (INDEPENDENT/SPAIN IMPORT) 
INDIGO
is not the most original bandname to come up with, but gladly this Italian
band called INDIGO is offering some great catchy Italian sung Melodic Rock
on their CD ‘Sfumature’. Actually this is one of the few real pure Melodic
Rockalbums that was included in the package of ALKEMIST FANATIX. Opener
“Antiche sensazioni” is a real catchy uptempo Melodic AOR/Poprocker that you
can easily sing-a-long and it sticks in your head right from the start,
which in this case is a good thing! Happily, the band continues more or less
in this style, sometimes a bit rockier and heavier, but always super melodic
and also sounding up-to-date and very fresh for today’s world. Most of the
11 included tracks are uptempo Melodic Rockers and a lot are very catchy
(“Giugno” for example!). The harmonyvocals and melodies during the catchy
choruses are pure Melodic Rock gems (NELSON/HAREM SCAREM style mixed with a
little bit of THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS) and concluded I can only say that
INDIGO’s ‘Sfumature’ is the best release of the whole package and very much
recommended to Melodic Rock/Hardrockfans out there. A huge surprise, for
more info go to: 
A
major label sounding release we get from the band RAVENSCRY, a female
fronted act that is playing the typical modern Melodic Gothic Metal a la
EPICA, AFTER FOREVER, LACUNA COIL… Happily, it is done very well and also
the band’s female singer Giulia Stefani has a great voice, so basically this
is a must-have for fans of mentioned bands. Perhaps most of the material on
this album doesn’t sound very original, but on the other hand, the RAVENSCRY
CD is a very pleasant album to listen to and for fans of mentioned bands
definitely a great addition. Check out this band at: