Review Ratings
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Depswa Depswa EP Geffen
Album Details
· Released: US
· Genre: Modern Rock
· WebLink: Depswa
81%
Review
Depswa are a band on the rise and Geffen have released this 3 track EP to the press to start building hype. These guys are a fine modern rock outfit, with a very commercial sound, which should find them on FM radio in quick time.
Opening track This Time has all the elements of a radio hit, while Not Responsible relies on vocal filters and a far heavier guitar tone, with a likeable chorus hook. The last track Needles is another strong album track.
These guys will find a lot of fans when the time comes - those into modern rock, modern production techniques and the hint of industrial heaviness should watch out for them.

Crush Here
Album Details
· Released: CA
· Genre: Nu-breed
· WebLink: Crush
70%
Review
Crush are another Matchbox Twenty style nu-breed / rock outfit. They play pleasant, non-harmful, easy going radio rock, with a slightly more stripped back/acoustic driven approach to that of MB20.
There's a few good tracks here - when they crank it a little and close in on a SR-71 sound, they are much more appealing than the otherwise blander slower numbers.
Not an essential purchase, especially given that there are far better nu-breed purchases about, but not bad either.

Irwin Thomas The Evolution Of Irwin Thomas BMG Australia GOTH02042
Album Details
· Released: AU
· Genre: Modern Rock
· WebLink: Irwin Thomas
75%
Review
Irwin is the real name of former Southern Sons frontman Jack Jones. This is his long awaited solo debut. And it's very good...but...you seriously have to be into modern rock / alternative pop to appreciate it.
It has some fine nu-breed style melodic moments, but other more experimental pop elements that I really don't appreciate. There's no denying that Jack's a first class song-writer, you just have to be attuned to his way of thinking to grasp his musical concept. If you have previously appreciated singer/songwriter style modern rock, do check this out, as it is musically interesting. Just not for fans of straight ahead AOR or melodic rock. And no, it's nothing remotely like Southern Sons!

Xoch The One Indie
Album Details
· Released: US
· Genre: Pop/Nu-breed
· WebLink: Xoch
85%
Review
Anyone who enjoyed Tiffany's come back release from last year, which saw her go all contemporary / adult pop should jump on this release immediately.
Xoch has an unusual name and a contemporary look, but she sings a very melodic brand of pop rock that should see her name continue to be featured in many conversations.
The songs on The One range from uptempo Cheap Trick style rockers, to a less aggressive, but similarly styled Avril Lavigne type tracks, to simple feel good pop, in the vein of the previously mentioned Tiffany.

3 Doors Down Away From The Sun Universal 440 064 396-2
Album Details
· Released: US
· Genre: Modern Rock
· WebLink: 3DD
82%
Review
3DD have been around a few years now. This is their second album following their debut, which contained the breakout hit Kryptonite. Another modern rock release, this one is a little closer to the mainstream middle ground occupied by Nickleback, Train and the like. There doesn't appear to be anything as instant as Kryptonite on here, but the consistency of the record is undoubtable. Produced by Rick Parasher and mixed by Randy Staub, the sound is immaculate.
I'm not a huge fan of straight up modern rock - a little bland for me. Nu-breed and modern pop are far kinder to my ears.
A strong and consistent record that fans of the debut should embrace.

Ra From One Universal 440 066 093-2
Album Details
· Released: US
· Genre: Modern Rock
· WebLink: Ra
84%
Review
Ra are (yet) another new modern rock outfit. Thankfully they are another bands that feature a decent singer, which is great news for those that don't mind modern rock, but hate the nasal ass singing from the likes of Creed.
Not as melodic as the likes as Depswa or 3 Doors Down, this album features a tough guitar sound, tight production and plenty of angst ridden lyrics. The consistent sound and song quality means modern rock fans should enjoy this release, but it's not going to cross over to melodic fans as easily.

Michael Monroe Whatcha Want SPV
Album Details
· Released: EU
· Genre: Hard Rock
· WebLink: Michael Monroe
86%
Review
Monroe's back with his first solo album in a while and the first since the tragic death of his wife. It's great to hear him at his powerful best, his vocals ruling this record from the opening bars. For long time fans of Michael, there's a little of everything here. The record contains some of the melodic hard rock of his best ever record Not Faking It, some sleaze from the Hanoi days and most of all, plenty of punk attitude from his other projects like Demolition 23. Nothing else quite as catchy here as the opening track Do Anything You Wanna Do, but still plenty of high-octane, energy charge hard rock-n-punk.
A welcome come back, but hopefully the next album will be all original, rather than just 3 or 4 new tracks like this album.

Hanoi Rocks 12 Shots On The Rocks
Album Details
· Released: EU
· Genre: Hard Rock
· WebLink: Hanoi Rocks
89%
Review
If one album featuring Mike wasn't cool enough, here's two - the long time coming new Hanoi Rocks album. And how to the guys sound after all these years? Like they never split. It's obviously not the very original line-up, but the guys come close to the energy and legacy of this famous Scandinavian hard rock outfit.
And boy does this rock. It's pretty menacing in places, with tracks like Whatcha Want really going for the jugular. There's lots of attitude filled sleaze/glam/heavy rock with a few mellow more introspective tracks, which in typical Hanoi fashion, push the envelope a little.
Add in plenty of those Monroe satirical and attitude filled lyrics and a new chapter has been started. A very enjoyable listen that most Hanoi fans should be satisfied with.

Deeds Deeds Knight Records
Album Details
· Released: EU US
· Genre: Hard Rock
· WebLink: Knight Records
85%
Review
This is UK hard rockers Dirty Deeds under their new name. Produced by Iron Maiden's Steve Harris, the album is essentially a NWOBHM influenced riff fest, in the vein of Saxon and Maiden and the great bands that came before them.
The strong, gruff vocal and the hard guitar-riff attitude combined with the tight production mean that this album sounds heavy, yet remains melodic and will appeal to all fans of traditional British hard rock.
It's nothing highly original, but in the absence of many other albums like this, it will come as a breath of fresh air to fans of this genre.

Martin Stenmarck One
Album Details
· Released: EU
· Genre: Pop Rock
· WebLink: martin Stenmarck
92%
Review
Martin Stenmarck is another new artist capable of writing and recording catchy pop/rock songs. As if there isn't enough of them already, Martin joins the swag of other classy Swedish melodic rock artists with his independently released debut.
Fans of a solo Joey Tempest or the more pop/rock/nu-breed artists like BBMak, Taxiride, Invertigo and the recently featured Mikael Erlandsson will love this. It's pure pop joy, with uplifting harmony and melody filled tracks, delivered in a semi-acoustic style - filling the album from start to finish. A very highly recommended buy if you like it soft and fluffy and have a taste for some of the great pop releases available right now.

Rob Lamothe Above The Wing Is Heaven Grooveyard
Album Details
· Released: CA
· Genre: Acoustic Rock
· WebLink: Rob Lamothe
84%
Review
The always classy Rob Lamothe is back with another acoustic pop album filled with heartfelt ballads and forlorn observations on life. Also present is the expected intelligent lyrical content, which Rob never lets us down with.
Of particular interest is the acoustic ballad version of Black Sabbath's Paranoid, which is worth the album price alone. The interactive packaging makes it even better value, but after several similar releases, I'd now love to hear Rob rock out!

Jackyl Relentless Humidity Records
Album Details
· Released: US
· Genre: Hard Rock
· WebLink: Jackyl
77%
Review
There's never going to be any surprise in wondering what a Jackyl record will comprise of. The guys have made a good career out of high energy AC/DC style, American hard rock and despite them now being an independent artist, this is more of the same. The only thing that changes is the quality of the songs and the production style.
Well, Relentless features the same old songs - nothing too serious and lots of screaming vocals! That's ok, but it's not for everyone. If you are into that, this will please. The production is the other thing - that's a little up and down here - some tracks compare favorable to the band's past material, while others sound like they were recorded on a shoestring budget. An ok release, but nothing that will resurrect rock n roll.

Sometimes X Zero 2 Hero Chavis Records
Album Details
· Released: US
· Genre: Hard Rock
· WebLink: Chavis
50%
Review
Thankfully this Chavis release is available at a budget price, as it's only 7 tracks. Sometimes X are a hard rock outfit playing a fairly recognizable brand of modern, but melodic American rock. The production is ok and the harmony vocals are nice, but the lead vocalist lacks any real punch and the music is rather bland. There are no big guitar riffs and no killer hooks in any of the 7 tracks. It just sounds a little safe and a little too far from anything original or memorable to be of much interest to site regulars.

Animal 900lb Steam Perris Records
Album Details
· Released: US
· Genre: Metal
· WebLink: Perris
75%
Review
Animal features Rich Lewis on lead vocals, who has to be a relation of LA Guns' Phil Lewis, as the vocal style is very similar. The sound at times, is also a little like LA Guns - the more intense, heavy and in your face Guns that is.
Animal's album is all in your face modern hard rock, with a big fat chunky guitar sound and some heavy, raspy lead vocals. The unfortunate thing here is a very average production quality, masking some good heavy songs in a muddy and distorted sound. It does take away from listening pleasure, but if you like some heavy metal/sleaze in your life, check it out.

Reign of Terror Conquer & Divide Lion Music LMC 066
Album Details
· Released: EU
· Genre: Metal
· WebLink: Lion Music
80%
Review
ROT features guitarist Joe Stump and vocalist Michael Vescera. One can guess the style - flat out melodic heavy metal, with a frantic beat and furious guitar riffing throughout. It's the band's 4th album - second under the sole Reign of Terror banner.
In the true tradition of European melodic power metal, these guys know what they are doing and it shows in the performance. This is one of the better examples of this genre, out of the many titles available right now.
Featured is lots of shredding and best of all, the great vocals of Vescera. Keyboard wiz Mats Olausson guests.

Mad Margritt New Sensation Perris Records
Album Details
· Released: US
· Genre: Hard Rock
· WebLink: Perris
80%
Review
Mad Margritt are basically a no frills, stripped back, honest American rock n roll band, with a guitar driven sound that takes one back to the mid-late 80's. The guys have included 2 interesting and enjoyable covers, one short instrumental and 6 other originals on this release. The guys are mid-tempo rock - not too heavy, not too light and write a catchy tune or two. The only things against them are the 34 minute running time and the lack of a bigger budget to improve production quality. Importantly though, song quality is definitely present.

Rusty Cooley Rusty Cooley Lion Music LMC 067
Album Details
· Released: EU
· Genre: Instrumental
· WebLink: Lion
76%
Review
Rusty's album is a good example of American shred-metal. This instrumental album is in the fine vein of Yngwie, Jason Becker, Paul Gilbert and the like.
Lots of fast rhythms, shredding solos over heavy riff foundations, all at varying paces throughout the album's tracks.
An album for serious fans of guitar instrumentals and shred fests. But of all the albums available in this genre, Rusty's lines up with some of the better I have heard. Lots of melody and well timed chord changes, but not too much over the top wankiness, complimented by a decent production sound.

Joop Wolters Workshop Lion Music
Album Details
· Released: EU
· Genre: Instrumental
· WebLink: Lion
70%
Review
Joop is another hard rock instrumentalist, but not quite as frantic or shred orientated as Rusty Cooley or his peers such as Yngwie. This is a more technical instrumental album, with a slower pace, more varied style and mood and some softer ballad-esque instrumentals. Again, it is one for guitar fans and players alike, this one better for those that like it a little more laid back and reflective. Another good example of it's genre and another solid production job.

EMN Live Songs From Somewhere Perris Records
Album Details
· Released: US
· Genre: Hard Rock
· WebLink: Perris
72%
Review
EMN have been quite prolific since joining Perris Records. This new release is a live album recorded from all eras of the band's touring history, pieced together for this release. Taking songs from 3 different albums and adding a couple of covers, the release is primarily a fan only affair. This is very raw, pretty rough around the edges and thoroughly unpolished. But if you like the band and love the atmosphere of truly live albums - this will impress. It could do with a slightly better sound, but that said, I'd take this over a studio enhanced live album any day.

Jetboy One More For Rock N Roll Perris Records
Album Details
· Released: US
· Genre: Hard Rock
· WebLink: Perris Records
79%
Review
Jetboy are back - well, sort of! This CD is a compilation of demo's, unreleased, acoustic and alternate versions of the band's songs. Given that the songs are from different sources, the quality is quite varied. It's a little rough in places, but as this is another release aimed at die-hard fans, I can see most of those it applies to getting into it. Jetboy were always a good band that never quite broke through. This compilation highlights some great songwriting that should have taken them further, if luck had of been on their side.

Uli Jon Roth Legends Of Rock - Live SPV
Album Details
· Released: EU
· Genre: Classic Rock
· WebLink: SPV
78%
Review
Quite an impressive line up on this double live CD. Uli is joined on stage by a band consisting of Don Airey, Pete Way, Phil Mogg, Michael Schenker, Jack Bruce, Barry Sparks and Clive Bunker. A lot of egos on one stage! The guys run through a collection of tunes from all careers represented - UFO, Cream, Hendrix etc Recorded at Castle Donnington, the often instrumental CD sounds sonically great and will appeal to guitar fans, Uli die-hards and classic rock heads in general. Not for everyone though.

Wild Frontier Stick Your Neck Out Prime/Point
Album Details
· Released: EU
· Genre: Hard Rock
· WebLink: Point
87%
Review
German hard rockers Wild Frontier are back with album number 2. Their first was well received and #2 should be no different. The opening track is a real winner. Wild Wind Blows has a killer hook and launches the album in fine style.
And so it continues...the album is filled with good European rock songs - all better than the debut and all with solid hooks and melodies. The guys aren't overly heavy - this is straight up European melodic rock. Throw in a couple of classy ballads and a very good album is complete. Recommended for fans of Jaded Heart, Fair Warning and the like.

Locomotive Breath Heavy Machinery Sweden Rock Records SRR-001
Album Details
· Released: EU
· Genre: Hard Rock
· WebLink: Sweden Rock
81%
Review
Locomotive Breath offer something along the lines of a heavier, rougher, rawer Dogface, just without the more commercial and melodic vocals of Mats Levin. The Swedish heavy rockers have been around for some time and have produced a good sounding new album, with plenty of chunky riffs, good melodies and a hard hitting rhythm section.
If you are a fan of Swedish metal/heavy rock, Locomotive Breath need to be investigated. If you prefer it more melodic or on the softer side, don't!

Spearfish Affected By Time Swedn Rock Records SRR-002
Album Details
· Released: EU
· Genre: Hard Rock
· WebLink: Sweden Rock
78%
Review
Another hard rocking Swedish outfit here - although a little different than your typical straight up sound. These guys feature a slightly more modern-friendly sound, featuring the slightly unusual high-pitch vocals of singer Thomas Thulin.
His vocals are almost American glam/sleaze friendly, while the music is more modern Scandi hard rock. It's an unusual mix that will require a taste for the diverse. Not the catchiest thing I have heard and not ones for "safer" melodic music.

Seventh Avenue Between The Worlds Massacre Records
Album Details
· Released: EU
· Genre: Metal
· WebLink: Massacre
79%
Review
Seventh Avenue are typical of fellow Massacre Records artists - European in style, melodic metal, slightly progressive and featuring those double kick drums running at a frantic pace underneath some Halford style metal vocals.
There isn't much pace variation here - it's all fast or faster. The vocals are strong though, as is the production quality. But enjoyment will depend on taste and how many other albums you own that sound like this already.

Edenbridge Aphelion Massacre Records
Album Details
· Released: EU
· Genre: Hard Rock
· WebLink: Massacre
81%
Review
Edenbridge are another Massacre act and therefore are another European melodic metal act. But one difference here - female lead vocals. It has a slightly gothic sound, mixed with the traditional elements of double kick drum, shred fest soloing and an Iron Maiden style approach. I am not a fan of the vocals, as it isn't Doro style singing here - it's a higher octave and more dramatic/progressive feel. But with that said, it's somewhat original and definitely one of it's kind in the marketplace. That should help it find some listeners.

The Flower Kings Unfold The Future Inside Out / SPV
Album Details
· Released: EU
· Genre: Progressive
· WebLink: Inside Out
80%
Review
There's no way I can do a review of a 2CD / 2.5 hour long Prog-rock release in this little space. In fact, it's not my forte as a reviewer, but I'm sure regulars know that. What I can say is that the Flower Kings have been at the forefront of progressive music in Europe and especially in their native Sweden.
This album is their boldest and biggest release to date, with songs ranging from 3 minutes to 8 minutes, with three other tracks clocking in at 14, 24 and 30 minutes each respectfully. So there's a lot of listening to do here. If Toto were a semi-instrumental European prog rock band, Flower Kings might come close to what you would get. Very interesting for the musically adventurous!

Fast Machine Suddenly Indie
Album Details
· Released: US
· Genre: Rock
· WebLink: Fast Machine
75%
Review
This is the band name for White Sister's Gary Brandon's new project. This is a two track promotional only release that Gary is using to get the band name out there. Suddenly is the lead track - a very atmospheric number in the vein of Yes and Pink Floyd. A demo for the second song Do Or Die is next - this track again soft in nature, but more Westcoast in style. An interesting change in pace and direction for Gary and not something that all melodic fans are going to take to. If you like it laid back and thought provoking, in a layered synth driven atmosphere - check this out.

Peter Friestedt The LA Project Indie
Album Details
· Released: EU
· Genre: Westcoast
· WebLink: Peter F
83%
Review
Peter Friestedt's LA project is a soft Westcoast album featuring a number of talented musicians, playing a brand of Chicago/LA Cowboys/Toto/AOR/Talk Of The Town style jazzy pop. Guests include vocalist Bill Champlin (3 tracks), Joseph Williams (1 lead vocal, 1 backing vocal) and Bill Cantos (2 tracks)
It's immaculately produced, sounds very crisp and would make ideal late night relaxation music.
If you like it soft, smooth and thoroughly laid back, check this release out.

Opus Atlantica Opus Atlantica Regain Records
Album Details
· Released: EU
· Genre: Hard Rock
· WebLink: Regain
70%
Review
Opus Atlantica is yet another Swedish band, featuring Pete Sandberg (Alien) and Jonas Reingold (Flower Kings, Karmakanic). Basically this is a step in the heavier direction for Sandberg, pedal to the metal in fact.
Basically this is neo-classical/speed metal with some pompous/epic moments. Great lead vocals, but the frantic tempo of the songs is a bit much for me and possibly the average melodic rock fan.

Karmakanic Entering The Spectra Regain Records
Album Details
· Released: EU
· Genre: Prog Metal
· WebLink: Regain
86%
Review
This is better! But again, it's not for the faint hearted or those that aren't into the progressive metal side of things.
Song times run from 3 to 12 minutes on this concept album featuring the great talents of Goran Edmon, Jonas Reingold and Roine Stolt (Transatlantic).
I've heard it compared to a mix of Spock´s Beard meets Ayreon - which means progressive fans should mark this one down as a must get. The melodic-friendly vocals of Edmon only add to the atmosphere. Great production and even mix make it even easier to listen to.

Symphony X The Odyssey Inside Out
Album Details
· Released: EU
· Genre: Prog Metal
· WebLink: Symphony X
90%
Review
Some are calling this Symphony X's best release to date and as it has been released for some time now, most should be aware of it. Another epic album plays out over 8 tracks, with the final track running at 24 minutes. Another example of how progressive metal should sound, with a great production, impressive vocals and intelligent songwriting that's varied, but doesn't get too cleaver. One for the fans of the heavier side of life, with a strong progressive twist.

Bangkok Babes Locket And Chain Chavis Records
Album Details
· Released: US
· Genre: Hard Rock
· WebLink: Chavis
84%
Review
These guys play a brand of attitude filled American hard rock that could fit in most eras - late 80's through to the late 90's and even today. The guitar driven rockers have a touch of sleaze about them, mixed with a bluesy rock edge.
Guns N Roses come to mind, especially with the vocals, with that strong LA sleaze edge constantly popping up.
Might be one to check out for fans of Salty Dog, Asphalt Ballet and Guns n Roses. Certainly a strong release, the songs themselves are the strongest suit, with production quality above average for an indie/small label release.

Ray C Walking Into Walls RSR International
Album Details
· Released: US
· Genre: Melodic Rock
· WebLink: Ray C
76%
Review
Ray C is an independent LA singer/songwriter who has released this CD. The sound is along the lines of commercial pop/rock. Ray is obviously freakishly talented, playing all instruments and producing and mixing the album himself.
It at times has a moody feel to it, with his dark brooding vocals suiting the tempo and the feel of the songs. There's a slightly programmed feel to the music, which comes from one-man-band artists. But the songs are pretty strong and could do well in a bigger budget environment. Fans of the singer/songwriter genre in a pop/rock mould should check Ray's website out.

Dungeon A Rise To Power Metal Warriors
Album Details
· Released: AU
· Genre: Metal
· ArtistLink: Dungeon
· WebLink: Metal Warriors
80%
Review
Aussie metal outfit Dungeon released this album late last year, but there's never a bad time to discover new music. If you like it heavy and fast in the Judas Priest vein, these guys might have something to offer.
The Australian metal scene is influenced by both the US and Europe, so it's normally the case that bands have their own blend of originality mixed with a little something from these outside influences. Such is the case here. Its melodic metal, no doubt…very good melodic metal. The album features a tough production sound, tight mix and some great vocals mixed with a powerful rhythm section and a mix of heavy shredding and riffing. Well worthy of investigation.

Various Artists Munich's Hardest Hits Volume 1 Pangg Dist.
Album Details
· Released: EU
· Genre: Hard Rock
· WebLink: MHH
75%
Review
MHH is a radio show and this compilation from them takes in several lesser known and unsigned artists on this 15 track CD. And good stuff it is too - proving there is a lot more out there than the better known artists of the genre and still new artists that want to continue the legacy of the scene.
Due to the different sources, the production quality varies, but to be honest, that's not a big deal as the songs themselves have been well picked. A very enjoyable listen for fans of new melodic artists.

Various Artists Munich's Hardest Hits Volume 2 Pangg Dist.
Album Details
· Released: EU
· Genre: Hard Rock
· WebLink: MHH
78%
Review
And Volume 2 is even better! More of those great unearth and little known tunes, with the big bonus of an unreleased Roxus tune. Can't ask for more than that. A great companion to Volume 1 and dare I say if one is bought, so must the other be!

Various Artists MTM Rock Ballads Volume 4 MTM Music 0681-67
Album Details
· Released: EU
· Genre: AOR/Hard Rock
· WebLink: MTM
83%
Review
MTM's 4th collection of ballads gathered from it's recent releases, sees tracks included from Ignition, HTP, Street Talk, Loud & Clear, Wicked Sensation, Joe Lyn Turner, Biloxi and more.
The added bonus is preview tracks from Brian Howe and Firefly and previously unreleased bonus tracks from Radioactive and Soulful Dreams.
Not as essential as past compilations, but still a great listen - especially for when the mood suits.

Ferrigno / Leal / Kuprij Promised Land Lion Music LMC 071
Album Details
· Released: EU
· Genre: Instrumental
· WebLink: Lion Music
70%
Review
When Vitalij Kuprij is involved, you always know it will feature some fantastic keyboard work. This is no different, so fans of his should immediately take note of this release. Ring Of Fire's Philip Byone also appears on bass. The other two chaps I am less aware of, but the standard of musicianship on this release is very high.
Certainly one for fans of neo-classical / progressive metal to check out, although this is not metal as such, rather mid-tempo guitar orientated material.

Mattsson Power Games Lion Music LMC 070
Album Details
· Released: EU
· Genre: Melodic Metal
· WebLink: Lion
85%
Review
Lars Eric Mattsson is back with his next album, the 8 track 60 minute progressive metal epic Power Games.
Picking up from where he left off last time, this album again features some shred-fest driven powerful neo-classical metal, with lead and backing vocals from Lance King. The vocals are a highlight, as are Lars' always epic guitar riffing abilities.
A strong production and the fact that not every track is flat out makes this album one of the more enjoyable of the genre's in recent times.

Legacy Legacy Chavis Records
Album Details
· Released: US
· Genre: Hard Rock
· WebLink: Chavis
30%
Review
Interesting release. This is a big arena hard rock album with some crunchy guitars and attitude driven approach. But the sound is well below par for what is expected these days. Sounding hollow and suffering a budget production, the otherwise good songs are somewhat devalued. I like the sound of the vocals, but quite often here he just doesn't cut it - at times grinding on the ears rather than pleasuring them.
Good attitude, good songs, some strong melodies, but not combining for a worth release after it has all been packaged together.

Stage Dolls Good Times - The Essential Universal Norway
Album Details
· Released: EU
· Genre: AOR
· WebLink:
94%
Review
The Stage Dolls have compiled 32 of their favourite tracks onto this 2 CD set, added nice artwork and remastered the lot of them. Well done chaps! Even better is the addition of 3 new songs. You're The One is a cool uptempo feel good pop/rocker that sounds like a big hit - given the chance.
If This Is Love is a typical Stage Dolls mid-tempo ballad, with a slightly updated production style and the last new track is Shooting Star, a cover of the Bad Company classic - tastefully done here in the band's own style.
Did I mention how fantastic the tunes sound remastered? Bring on an entire catalogue overhaul please!

Visionary Strange But Familiar Shores Nightmare Records
Album Details
· Released: US
· Genre: Hard Rock
· WebLink: Nightmare
77%
Review
Visionary are a US outfit that play a brand of heavy American rock with some progressive elements to their sound. Just enough to vary the sound and style up a little, but still with a strong melodic edge.
A touch of Dream Theater and Rush mixed in with more traditional elements of the 4 minute hard rock song.
These guys will appeal to those that are looking for a different sound/approach with their music, yet aren't looking for anything overly technical or something that loses sight of the original melody. An interesting release.

Defyance Transitional Forms Nightmare Records
Album Details
· Released: US
· Genre: Hard Rock
· WebLink: Nightmare
82%
Review
Defyance is the new hard rocking project from former Balance Of Power vocalist Lance King.
In the tradition of BOP, the riffs come thick and fast and the vocals are strong, in the higher-pitch range and the main feature of the album.
Musically it's in the finest tradition of melodic heavy metal - double kick drums, soaring vocals and Iron Maiden-esque riffing. A good example of the genre if you are looking for a heavy, fast paced and melodic album to check out.

Wave State Of Mind Warner
Album Details
· Released: CA
· Genre: Pop
· WebLink: Wave
87%
Review
Wave are a Canadian pop outfit that specialize in commercially friendly feel good pop songs in the same vein as BBMak, Nelson, Invertigo, Martin Stenmarck, Hall & Oates and Mikael Erlandsson. If any of those have appealed to you in recent times, add these guys to your want lists. It's very light weight, very sweet and definitely pink and fluffy, but there has been a recent upsurge in great songs delivered in this vein. Wave are good at what they do and know a good hook.
So, like I said, if you like it light and soft, but with a passion and strong melody - check these guys out. BTW - This is their second CD.

July For Kings Swim MCA
Album Details
· Released: US
· Genre: Rock
· WebLink: July For Kings
83%
Review