24/07/08: Dan MacDonald - Uraih Heep / Wake the Sleeper - dan_mac62@hotmail.com
Rating: 98
Killer album from one of the best hard rock / prog acts of the late 60's 70's & unquestionable quality up till now .This album will do for Heep what "Newz" has done for Nazareth / re-establish their roots without sounding dated .Special kudos to Mickey Box & Phil Lanzon for serving up the guitar / keys thick heavy & traditional .My personal opinion is this is their finest release since 1982's masterpiece "Abominog".
cheers lads & thanks !
WE'RE NOT WORTHY !

10/07/08: Dwayne - Loverboy - Just Getting Started - Shaykespeeer@hotmail.com
Rating: 90
Excellent new release from Loverboy. Wasn't sure what to expect when I purchased this CD, but well worth the money. Recommend to anybody who enjoys straight forward pop rock!

09/07/08: Paul Alex - Loverboy - Just Getting Started - one_severn@yahoo.co.uk
Rating: 92
This came from absolutely no-where and is a huge album. Big production, great writing and Mike Reno's voice is if anything improving with age.

Front runner in best cd of 2007 for me.

19/05/08: DJBOB69 - SAINTS OF THE UNDERGROUND - bobtrish_baker@yahoo.com
Rating: 97
WOW, Most supergroups fail to deliver. Ok that is if you want to call this a supergroup. Yes the Singer and Drummer have been in top ten bands but that was once upon a time. So what make SAINTS OF THE UNDERGROUND (SOTU)differnet. Song writting and sound. It is not a blast of the past but a new sound for today. Jani has a great vioce and his range has not failed over the years. The song writing is top notch. Music is grooveladen and non stop. No sappy tunes and the cover of Tom Petty's American Girl could put the band in top 10 rotation on modern rock radio stations. I hope this is not a one off record. Worth the money and I found it at Best Buy beleive it or not. Check it out.

13/05/08: Paul - Stone Rider - creedfan1@sbcglobal.net
Rating: 0
Stone Rider is a new band that has recently put out an incredible album. A lot of heavy '70s influence here, with a little '80s metal mixed in. Reminds me of two fo my favorite bands, Cry of Love and the Black Crowes...just great, staight-forward, kick-ass rock 'n' roll on this one.

05/09/07: Michael O\'Leary - Russ Ballard - The Book Of Love - steve.walsh@web.de
Rating: 100
The Book Of Love is the album for the smoother melodic rock lover but on occasion it is very hard nevertheless. For me it is the album of the millennium - and it has just begun. I can't think of a lot of classic albums. To name a few: City Boy's "The Day the Earth caught Fire", Giant's "Last of the Runaways" or Survivor's "Too hot to Sleep". This album has long-time-no-hear arrangements. It has overwhelming songwriting. It has unearthly musical talent. It has a perfect production. And it has a huge amount of life experience - concerning life itself - but stays very cool. The album is one golden piece of music (the songs go into another - so they really are ONE piece this way too) and I think it is highly underrated. If you love "Forever Young" by Tyketto do yourself the favour and try "Into the Light" from this album. I don't know why I don't like the latest two albums from Russ Ballard. The bigger was the surprise when this album came along. The only thing you may do is to give it a third try all the music from the beginning to the end.

20/08/07: Todd Carper - Phil Vincent: Calm Before the Storm - metalhead7@msn.com
Rating: 100
This CD is the best so far, and that is saying something!! This is Phil Vincent's 3rd CD and the 4th I reviewed, and it is the best one yet. I read a review for this one back in 1997 and it made me want to try Phil's music out. I will forever be thankful for Hard Roxx magazine getting me started listening to Phil's work. They even provided a listening sample from this (I think it was One Life) but on this disc they could have truly picked anything. Every song is essential and fits so well next to the one before it, only the last track Gone is different from the others and it ROX! It is impossible on this one to pick a favorite, they all work so well. No sure thing opens the disc with a flourish and is a great song to play in your car, and as one song gives way to the next you realize you are in musical nirvana. Turn away has a great keyboard and vocal hook throughout, In the Balance is a great moody piece that constantly shifts gears. Not your addiction is a searing yet melodic piece. What I've become and Never should Have are equally superb and on it goes. Do yourself a favor and seek this one out, and after you do buy every Phil Vincent disc you can. He is a remarkable talent that you will never get tired of hearing and somehow he manages to never sound the same from CD to CD which makes each disc worth owning! Essential stuff!!

20/08/07: Todd Carper - Phil Vincent: No Turning Back - metalhead7@msn.com
Rating: 100
I found Phil Vincent's work through an import music magazine out of the UK called Hard Roxx, and I have never turned back! I own more than 7,000 Cd's ranging from the 1960's to today all mostly of the hard rock genre, so I definitely have a passion for things that go rock. Phil Vincent was something vastly different from most of the music out there; he plays basically every instrument on his CD's to include Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keys, and he is quite a gifted singer as well. Aldo Nova was the first I had seen to play largely everything on his own releases, so I was curious after reading a review in Hard Roxx. Phil's influences were pretty diverse considering it mentioned the Beatles, Boston, Dokken, Talisman, Survivor, and Harem Scarem to name a few. Since I love all those influences myself and own all of their records, I decided to give Phil V a try and boy am I glad I did. Phil has an amazing ability to compose material that has a hook whether it be in the lyric, in his voice, in the rhythm, with the guitar, or the Keyboard work there is something to draw you in, and frankly after hearing his music, you will not want to leave. The music is powerful, melodic, and VERY upbeat in nature but it also has that "IT" factor. If you want harmonies in the vocals, his work is drenched in harmonies. You want intricate guitar work, this release is loaded with it and Phil is very skilled at doing something with his fills and rhythm work. For me, this was a first CD but not Phil's I found out he had at least 3 others before this one which I had a bit of trouble finding. The songs that stand out on this masterpiece include a great opening song Between here and there, Alone, Missing You, She,Game of Fools, Undone, and my personal favorite Outcast. Now you may notice I mention 7 of the 12 trax, that is how strong this CD is, but don't think there is filler. All 12 songs are wonderful, those are just my favorites and that is how strong this material is. Overflowing with hooks, yet with intricate tempo changes and songs that flow together or by themselves. It is hard to find, but very much worth looking for. If you can't find it, just look under Phil Vincent on the web and enjoy this, you will want them all to include his new band Tragik because it truly is an amazing body of work from a melodic rock artist that DESERVES to be a household name Like the Beatles or Bon Jovi. I love those artists so I don't state this lightly, give Phil V a try if you love rock music with an edge but lots of melody; I promise you it will become a CD to treasure!

20/08/07: Todd Carper - Phil Vincent: Life is a Game - metalhead7@msn.com
Rating: 100
This is my 3rd attempt to do the music of Mr. Phil Vincent justice by trying to describe it, but alas I cannot do that. The previous reviewer touched on some characteristics such as Phil's high pitched and very melodic pipes which he compared favorably Brad Delp. Phil certainly has that sort of quality to his voice, one might even mention Don Dokken (though not as raspy) or even Paul McCartney. Wherever he falls in so far as that elite company is concerned, one thing is certain, the man can definitely sing!! As mentioned in my 2 previous reviews for Rising and No Turning back, it doesn't stop there. You want wall of sound guitar work, you WILL find that here. You want rifforama?? You will definitely find that here. Do you want tempo and rhythm changes??? Plenty of textures and different tempos at work on this release. Add in more than a few keyboard hooks and flourishes and some great drum work and you have the perfect mix for Life is a Game. The production quality is a bit "edgier" and a bit more "raw" in places, but in the end melody is rampant in this release. As with Phil's other work, I have some favorites on this one: Letting Go and Evil's Back rock out with a vengeance! Undertow and New Tomorrow hold down the mid tempo ground while Walk Away and No One's there speed it back up a bit. Life is a game is another great track but then they all are pretty strong. There is not a weak track in the lot, and there are 15 tracks on offer here so you get a lot of music (value) for your coin in the more than 70 minutes. I cannot stress enough how essential this is if you like melodic rock. This one has a real bite to it too for those who want a more metal taste to their melody. If you like Boston, Triumph, The Scorpions, Dokken or any of their brethren, you will definitely want to seek this one out to add to your collection.

20/08/07: Todd Carper - Phil Vincent: Secrets - metalhead7@msn.com
Rating: 100
This is CD number 8 for Phil Vincent, and it is just flawless. As with every other release so far it is unbelievable the quality of the material on offer here: great rockers, fantastic mid tempo pieces....in short it is melody overload. Phil Vincent is a very prolific writer and this is further evidence of his brilliance. The hooks on this CD are again in your face front and center. There are no weak tracks at all, with highlights everywhere one looks. It is hard to single any track out, but I am going to try. The remake of S-212 is as stunning as the original, writing on the wall is super as is one good reason, you fool no one, and Love is everything. Differently is a really cool Mid tempo song and Clone a really strong tune with a hard rock edge. If you are searching for a great hard rock CD that will linger in your memory give secrets a try, you are in for something unforgetable!

20/08/07: Todd Carper - Phil Vincent: Thunder in the East - Metalhead7@msn.com
Rating: 100
For the cynics out there, please allow me to set the record straight; I am not a family member and I am not being paid to write these reviews. Phil Vincent gives new meaning to the word prolific with this his 5th CD in 3 years but what is particularly striking is the absolute quality of each release on offer and it continues to climb to new heights on this one. Just when I didn't think Phil could write a better batch of songs, I slip this one on again and I realize he sets a new record for consistency of quality with this one. There are 11 new reasons why I love the music that this one individual is able to create by himself. What is amazing is that Phil apparently has an uncanny ability to put the right melody and just the right hook in the right place every time, it is absolutely remarkable. Friend or Foe starts this one off with a perfect song, and it just keeps ascending from there. When Love is gone is another perfect song if you love melodic rock as is Guilty and Eye to Eye. As one song gives way to the next you realize Phil outdoes himself every time out. Just when you think you have heard the best song, BANG another highlight. The perfect keyboard intro, just the right guitar solo, a perfect bridge or some other vocal hook in the chorus. These songs have it all and then some. As with Calm before the Storm it is hard to pick a favorite because the songs are all that good. Give this disc a try if you love melodic hard rock with metal flourishes, you will be so glad you spent an hour on it!!

20/08/07: Todd Carper - Phil Vincent: Rising - metalhead7@msn.com
Rating: 100
My second experience in Phil Vincent's magic was just as outstanding as the first, but I found out quickly he was not going to sound exactly the same every time. I bought Rising as part of a purchase that included Life is a Game and Calm before the storm which was the first CD by Phil I read a review of. Though I was eager to here Calm since the review was so good, I decided to spin these in the order they were released so I could see how Phil progressed. Since I bought No Turning back first, it was apparent the difference between it and Rising though both had very strong material. Rising was a bit more guitar oriented, but the keyboards figured prominently in the mix here too; No Turning back was more complex and more polished. Since this was Phil's first CD, it was obvious how strong his writing ability is since this one is loaded with strong tracks. It begins with Save Me which rocks it out from the beginning and is followed by and equally strong 2nd track get back to the Real World. Tracks 3 and 4 are my personal favorites; Stargazer attracted me because I thought it might be a cover tof the Rainbow track. Though it is not a cover, I was not a bit disappointed due to its power and amazing melody. The song is one of those that will stick in your head and not leave your memory, though it clocks in at 8:30 and is easily the longest track on the CD it is over before you know it and not a note is wasted here. It is an intricate piece that has several parts and reminds me a bit of Pink Floyd or Boston in places with its shifts in tempo. Great stuff indeed, and it is followed by an equally brilliant piece S-212 which is a bit heavier and still drenched in melody. Fact is, there is not a weak track in the lot as one song segues into the next which is quite a feat really; I Remember You, Without You, Lost, Trapped and Revenge are just amazing but then the whole platter is full of hooks and melody to really stick in one's head. If you like your rock with an edge and lots of memorable songs, PLEASE give this one a try because it will be an hour well spent in hard rock heaven! Rock on Phil!!

05/08/07: Todd Carper - Phil Vincent:Calm Before the Storm - metalhead7@msn.com
Rating: 100
This CD is the best so far, and that is saying something!! This is Phil Vincent's 3rd CD and the 4th I reviewed, and it is the best one yet. I read a review for this one back in 1997 and it made me want to try Phil's music out. I will forever be thankful for Hard Roxx magazine getting me started listening to Phil's work. They even provided a listening sample from this (I think it was One Life) but on this disc they could have truly picked anything. Every song is essential and fits so well next to the one before it, only the last track Gone is different from the others and it ROX! It is impossible on this one to pick a favorite, they all work so well. No sure thing opens the disc with a flourish and is a great song to play in your car, and as one song gives way to the next you realize you are in musical nirvana. Turn away has a great keyboard and vocal hook throughout, In the Balance is a great moody piece that constantly shifts gears. Not your addiction is a searing yet melodic piece. What I've become and Never should Have are equally superb and on it goes. Do yourself a favor and seek this one out, and after you do buy every Phil Vincent disc you can. He is a remarkable talent that you will never get tired of hearing and somehow he manages to never sound the same from CD to CD which makes each disc worth owning! Essential stuff!!

03/08/07: Todd Carper - Phil Vincent - Circular Logic - metalhead7@msn.com
Rating: 100
Simply put, this is Phil Vincent's magnum opus!! 20 songs on 2 CD's and clocking in at over 2 hours, a person couldn't ask for more value. There are a few songs that are re-worked (In the Balanace and Undertow) and they are again outstanding. The melody on this disc and the hooks are just huge. On prior releases Phil played everything. On this disc, he had some help producing and writing the songs from James Kennedy. He also had a bass player and drummer this time, but these songs are Phil's very best work so it makes since he gets a little assistance so he can concentrate on the songs and his vocals/Keyboard work/guitar playing and it really works on this disc. Standout tracks are hard to pick out, because I truly loved all 20 on offer here and all the songs work extremely well together. That said, I will mention a few that are just superior:Rise up, Hit and Run,Second Chance, If you ever want me, Take it away, Torn, In the Balance, Heart of Stone, Undertow, and my personal favorite 3:45 AM which is truly superlative. If you want a CD that will rock your world start to finish, try out Circular Logic because it will not let you down!

31/07/07: Todd Carper - Phil Vincent: Tragic - metalhead7@msn.com
Rating: 97
This review was more of a challenge for me; typically I listen to a Phil Vincent release and I am INSTANTLY in love with the music on hand. On this his 6th release, I actually listened to this several times before I had a strong opinion which to this point has never happened. Only one other release even had a song that didn't grab me the first time I heard it; this one had the usual outstanding production job, great vocal work, superb guitar work, in short musically it was a normal Phil Vincent masterpiece. What was not as obvious at least at first were the melodies and hooks, a person had to give this a second and third listen to be properly rewarded. What became apparent when it did click, is that this is again a very good CD, I just like the songs in a different playing order. Song 3 would have been my lead track on the CD since it is a turbo charged rocker with a great riff and a pretty good hook. Track 4 would be a great 2nd track, and So Sad (track 5) is the best song on the CD and one of his best ever. It is a perfect mid paced track with loads of melody and hooks to burn not to mention some great guitar fills. Tracks one and 2 are very solid tracks as well but they seem to fit me better in the middle of the CD, and Life is a Game is re-worked and though it has a slightly different feel it remains a personal favorite. I like the original just a little better(I believe it is a little longer and the hook is more obvious) but that is a common theme on this CD. After repeated listenings the songs stick with me just like any other Phil Vincent release, which is to say it is one that must be owned and played loud/often! Give it a shot if you love melodic rock, it will not let you down.

04/06/07: Steve Clark - Rush - Snakes & Arrows - hjsimpsoy@sbcglobal.net
Rating: 97
The review given is pretty spot-on, however, I would like to go
out on a limb here and say a few things that some will agree with and some will not. First, Rush is a band that for me, hasn't made
a great album in a long time. They have made good albums with many
great songs, and I have preferred their concerts over the last decade to some of those I saw in the 70's or the 80's because of this
fact alone. The concerts have showcased the best stuff from these
albums and have been stellar because of that. This album however,
is the best record they've made since Moving Pictures. Pick your
jaws up off the floor and if you haven't bought this album yet and
let it sink in, do so. Don't get me wrong here: I have thoroughly enjoyed the catalog and so many cuts are fantastic and better than some that are here on Snakes. But as a whole, this is a fantastic, near perfect Rush album and to my mind, I'll say it again, the best album they've made since Moving Pictures. Aside from this, the other
point I would mention is that love it or hate it, family or not, no
tune by anyone other than Peart, Lee & Lifeson belongs on a Rush album. Yes, it fits. Yes, it's nice. But Rush is Rush - three
guys. Period. I don't want Steven Tyler or Joe Perry's kids tunes
on an Aerosmith album and I don't think Alex's kids' tune belongs on
Snakes. Lastly, I would opine slightly differently and offer that
The Way the Wind Blows and Bravest Face are superior tracks to Armor
and Sword. That said, get out and buy this album! If they deliver
on the promise to perform 9 tracks from it on this tour, it shows
that they know what I believe to be true -- this is a classic and
will be viewed so in time, standing with 2112 and Moving Pictures
as their finest works.

29/05/07: Charles Smith - The Scorpions: Humanity Hour 1 - nun_yo_business_1@yahoo.com
Rating: 98
Melodic yet modern metal that places the band squarely into the 21st century. The disc would fit nicely between say Savage Amusement & Crazy World. This is the disc that fans have been waiting for since the mid 90's. On first listen I was impressed by the song writing, the band shows that even in 2007 they can still write a song with heart & hooks. The disc starts out with "The Game Of Life" a rocker from the same family as "Don't Stop At The Top" from the Savage Amusement disc (A highly underated disc in my opinion) "We Were Born To Fly" is an excellent mid-tempo rocker that would fit nicely with some of the tunes from "Fly To The Rainbow", The piano at the opening of "The Future Never Dies" brings us to the first Ballad of the disc a should be rock radio hit but in this day and age unless your name is Britney or Christina the only way people will hear this great track is by buying the disc and playing it loud until the cops come to your door & force you to turn it down or it causes a spontanious block party. Up next is another killer cut titled "Your Loving Me To Death" reminds me of some of my ex-girlfriends, the tune would be right at home on Crazy World, up next is "321" which opens with a slammin grunge or new metal killer guitar riff, but quickly turns into the sort of sing-along song the band was know for in the early 80's. The next track is without a doubt on of the best tracks the band has written since the Crazy World disc a killer ballad that should be on every rock stations playlist all summer, my 19 year old daughter has it on repeat on her iPod and has listened to it almost non-stop for the last three days. The next track "We Will Rise Again" sounds like something that "Evanescence" would have on one of their discs, new sounding yet still classic Scorpions as far as I'm concern the riff and solo on this track is the best of the disc heavy & mellow all in the space of 3:49. "Your Last Song" is another ballad that my daughter loves even though it's about staying in a love that has died. Yes there are alot of slower songs but after the mess that was "Eye II Eye" this disc is a welcome return to form for a band that ruled from the late 70's through most of the 80's, with a co-production from vets James Michael and Veteran Songwriter Desmond Child, this disc is what any scorpions fan should be craving with a guest appearance from Billy Corgan on "The Cross" who knows maybe radio will pick up on the disc. So on June 3rd if you call yourself a fan get to your local music store and GET THIS DISC, and then start calling your local radio station and let's see if we can't get this CD played all over the world.

05/05/07: Dj - Rush Snakes and Arrows - basketballguru15@yahoo.com
Rating: 91
Great Album Geddy's voice is as awesome as it always was Neil Peart is still Neil Peart and Alex is still doing his thing. This album keeps the sound of Rush and has some tracks that will be on a Rush greatest hits one day

25/04/07: Ray Gayo - DECOY - CALL OF THE WILD - raygayo@hotmail.com
Rating: 100
This website has been the door for lots of new bands and proyects I never heard before. Currently on this site on the CD SHOWCASE you'll hear samples of this cd which is brilliant, filled with excellent songs, guitar work and bass by TORBEN ENEVOLDSEN and vocals by PETER SUNDELL. Hired gun THOMAS HEINTZELMANN does an amazing job in the drum dept. I tell you I bought this before it was released and even though I spent 25 dollars on it after shipping, is the best 25 dollars I ever spent on an import cd. This is a great AOR cd with a tad of proggressive at times.
My favorite songs are DIVIDED, BROTHERS IN ARMS, HEAVY METAL THUNDER, MAKE A STAND, BREAK THROUGH, FOREVER AND EVER, HOW LONG.
This cd is simply my favorite cd out of everything I bought recently.
Anyone that is familiar with PETER SUNDELL'S former work with GRAND ILLUSION please email me.


www.myspace.com/rayguitarshred
www.myspace.com/guitarheroes

05/04/07: StevenB - Brad Gillis - Alligator - steven_bee@hotmail.com
Rating: 100
Unbelievable album that did not get the respect it was due. Incredible well written songs, with incredible instrumentation. Brad really out did himself on this one. His first solo record was good, this one goes to incredible new heights. Gary Moon sounds as incredible as he did on Feeding Off The Mojo. And the melodies, hooks, solos and everything else about this album exude quality. If you do not have this album you need to get it: NOW!

25/03/07: Viktor Svensson - Review: Cornerstone - Two Tales of One T - singingveteran@hotmail.com
Rating: 8
Cornerstone - Two Tales of One Tomorrow

I sit down by my computer, excited as hell about Cornerstone's new album. The previous three studio albums showed off highly professional rockers. And damn it if they don't do it this time.

Cornerstone consists of one singer, Dougie White, one guitarist, Kasper Damgaard, one bassist, Steen Mogensen, one drummer, Allan Sørensen and a keyboardist called Rune Brink.

Dougie and Steen are the "founders" of Cornerstone. Kasper, Allan and Rune came later on. Their first album Arrival gave us an easy introduction to these guys, the songs being a little slow (apart from the swift "Fooled"). Their second, Human Stain, showed off a little harder, faster style, the only slow songs being "Singing Alone", "Sail on Stormy Waters" and "House of Nevermore". The third one, Once Upon Our Yesterdays had this dark tone over it, which made it stand out from the two first albums. So what can you say about the fourth one. Well, you can begin by saying that you definitely not want to miss it.

It opens with "Misery", introducing us to the albums style (which is, by the way, a mix of the three first, and that's not bad). It's not the best song on the album, but it's still a song worth checking out. It continues with "One Man’s Hell", whose chorus gets to your brain (it got to mine) from the first second. This track is also the shortest (04:43) on the album, and that’s something quite surprising from Cornerstone. Anyhow, “Mother of Mercy” sounds completely different from the first two (who didn’t follow each other either) and creates some sort of dark but happy feeling. You know, sand-like. Sand is fun, but you don’t want too much of it. The title track is the second longest (06:20) track and is also one of the best. It has this mystical feeling about it, as it opens up with Arabic-like instruments (they follow almost the entire song). Then after 15 seconds of calmness, they smash your ears (depending on what volume you have) with a dark and long guitar note. The chorus is what makes this song so great; it’s so, something quite alike beautiful, but not really. I can’t find the word for it. Oh yeah, magical. That’s it. The next song “Prey” has this heavy opening riff that I like very much. Cornerstone also makes use of the fact that the words pray and prey sound very much alike. I don’t love or hate this, but Dougie avoids some of the lyric-parts, for example he sings something a little bit different than he should. It doesn’t affect the album’s quality, but it’s a little bit annoying when you’re trying to follow the lyrics inside the booklet. “Blinded” is the closest you can get to a ballad on this album. The opening riff is a tiny bit alike the one of “Misery”, but that is all. Five minutes later comes “Starlight and Mystery”, which opens with Allan hitting the snare drums quite rapidly, then the guitar comes in and the fastest track of the album begins. I like the way Dougie sings that song. Later on comes “The Dance”, which is the heaviest track on the album. I like the way Kasper plays here. He makes it sound very mystical. The track “Wicked”, opens very slowly, but speeds up very early in the song. “We Are The Dead”, the last and longest track (06:45), will definitely have the largest impact on you. It is THE mightiest song Cornerstone has ever made. It opens up very slow and dark, the guitar enters and plays very dark notes. The use of a digital piano is very effective, and very beautiful. The ending always gives me goose bumps.

Closing Comments: Two Tales of One Tomorrow is a great experience for the listener, especially for those who are fond of rock. A note to be taken is that Rune Brink has been given more room for “keyboarding”, which can be both be for the good and the bad, you decide. But to really find out what this is like, you’ll have to get the CD. If you don’t, you’ll be missing one hell of an experience.

Misery: 8/10
One Mans Hell: 9/10
Mother of Mercy: 7/10
Two Tales of One Tomorrow: 10/10
Prey: 10/10
Blinded: 7/10
Starlight and Mystery: 8/10
The Dance: 7/10
Wicked: 8/10
We Are The Dead: 10/10

All in all: 7,7/10

29/12/06: David Walls - ZO2 (Can They Not Get Noticed On This Si - wallsdr@sbcglobal.net
Rating: 95
Talk is cheap – especially in rock ‘n roll! All that matters are the music and the performances. Melding the funk and swagger of the 70s with modern arrangements, harmonies and lyrics, ZO2 is single-handedly infusing the rock world with the energy and excitement it has so long been missing.

ZO2’s highly anticipated second CD, “Ain’t It Beautiful”, including songs such as the politically explosive “Isolate”, the satirically charged “If You See Kay” and the emotive “Comin’ Home”, proves once again ZO2 is a rock n’ roll force with which to be reckoned.

ZO2’s debut independent release, “Tuesdays & Thursdays” won the band surprising attention. Within weeks of its release, ZO2 was on the main stage opening for Kiss and Poison on their entire 40 city national, VH1 sponsored “Rock the Nation” tour and the toughest audiences in the world embraced them with standing ovations every night.

Featuring brothers Paulie Z (vocals, guitar) and David Z (vocals, bass guitar) and Joey Cassata (drums, vocals), the members’ individual musical achievements are noteworthy: David as the bassist for the enormously successful Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Joey in the highly successful and critically acclaimed Blue Man Group and Paulie as a featured vocalist on many of Howard Stern’s infamous song parodies and also as the creator of NYC’s popular ZO2’s Rock Asylum featuring local and national rock artists each month proving that rock n’ roll is alive and prospering and the rock community is still thriving, hungry and begging for more.

ZO2 isn’t resting for even a moment as they bring the party and their personal brand of high energy rock n’ roll to enthusiastic audiences in clubs across the country from NYC to LA. And radio is proving as supportive as the clubs. ZO2 has been featured several times on the nationally syndicated radio show, “The Tourbus”. They’ve also appeared on Mark “The Animal” Mendoza’s radio show on Long Island’s The Bone and made a guest spot on Eddie Trunk’s syndicated radio show with the legendary Joe Lynn Turner.

And what does ZO2 mean? Clearly, it’s the formula for rock ‘n roll.

26/12/06: Clare Kennedy - Koopa \'Three In A Bed With Bobby George - ilovejustin_9@Hotmail.com
Rating: 8
Pop punk is back! It's been a while since the English have been able to do it properly, but Koopa are here to really go for it! The entire EP blasts hard guitar riffs, and catchy lyrics at you with a raw passion that demands you join in. The real gem of the sampler however is the forthcoming single 'Blag Steal Or Borrow', it's something that would appeal to Busted fans, but also has the ability and maturity to catch the attention of fans who are into +44.

2007 is definitely a year to watch Koopa.

28/11/06: Abby Morgan - Karim Fanous \'Perfume\' - littlemissme1234@hotmail.com
Rating: 79
Karim Fanous is a new London based songwriter. His lyrical content is quirky and his instrumantation has a playful intent that is often missing from the solo and acoustic areana. As much a fan of Miles Davis as he is Nick Drake (or at least that’s what I’ve inferred) these three tracks rattle along at breakneck pace and leave you wanting more. He is certainly an artist I’ll be wanting to hear more from!

23/11/06: Susie - Daughtry - AI\'s Chris Daughtry\'s album - journeyroxy@yahoo.com
Rating: 0
True to form, Chris brings his signature style to his album. This is an album I liked immediately and played over and over again. The first single, "It's Not Over", is great, but there are many other gems on the CD. "There and Back Again" is powerful, "All These Lives" grabbed me. If the album is bought on iTunes, it comes with a wonderful bonus track called "Sorry". I highly recommend this album.

17/11/06: Anthony Ricapito - Circle 2 Circle -Burden of truth - aanda92000@yahoo.com
Rating: 95
Just purchased the new album from circle 2 circle "Burden of truth"
I think it is a great album wish it was heavier as their last album "Middle of Nowhere" but still a 95 out of a 100. Best tracks are Heal you, Matter of time, Revelations, Evermore, Messiah, Sentenced, Burden of truth. Zak Stevens great vocals and the band is tight.

14/11/06: M - VAINS OF JENNA - guruofdeals@yahoo.com
Rating: 49
I thought this cd was terrible. I gave it a half of a perfect score because I appreciate their attempt to put out an 80's era album twenty years later. I was a music fan/buyer/listener from that era and own almost a thousand recordings on CD, Vinyl and Cassette, so I figured my review would be valid.

This is your basic rock album that probably won't receive a follow-up like so many other bands of this genre. The songs are easily forgettable without much thought put into them. The lead vocals are the weak link in my opinion; every lead vocal reminds me of the vocal style of the chorus to 'Love can make you blind' by Every Mothers Nightmare. The last two songs of the record are acoustic and really show the bands limitations. Again, I give these guys props for trying to make it in the 80's, but 20 years later. I say save your money but in fairness, hear them yourself at their myspace page.

11/11/06: Paul - KROKUS-- HELLRAISER - paul@pagrebo.com
Rating: 75
Typical Krokus offering, consistent blend of head banging heavy metal with pop sensibilities. Certainly not a great Krokus effort, but there are highlights like the title track, HELLRAISER, as well as ANGEL OF MY DREAMS(why is it that Krokus seems to do a better job with love songs than with anthemic rockers?), and LOVE WILL SURVIVE. The bonus track on the limited edition, WALKING IN THE SPIRIT, is also a top song, making it well worth getting this version. Overall, not Krokus at their best or worst, but worth a listen.

10/11/06: phil 2 - WINGER IV - info@philvincent.com
Rating: 10
Firstly, this isn't your typical Winger release. It's a concept album based on the current wartime atmosphere and it's wrongly calculated plan of attack. It works so well that a casual fan would have trouble believing it's a Winger disc. The band has grown to be one of the tightest rock units around and this CD drips of heavy riffs, odd time signatures and unusual chord progressions. "Right Up Ahead" has a slow "Blind Revolution Mad" groove and sound great cranked to 11. "Your Great Escape", "Disappear", "Livin' Just to Die" , "Short Flight to Mexico" & "Can't Take it Back" are superb heavy rock masterpieces. Kip's vocals are particularly engaging and his vocal hooks draw you in and keep you interested as well as his lyrical stabs at the powers that be and songs of far away fighting and feelings of lonliness. Awesome stuff!! I can only hope this album gets the recognition it deserves because it IS a great, great album.

09/11/06: Archie - Paul Stanley - Live To Win - bulletproofmusic@bigpond.com
Rating: 87
This is definatly one of the Albums of the year in my mind full of hooks and some killer tunes well worth the wait. Title cut is great blend of Modern Hard rock with Kiss overtones , Wake up Screaming , Bulletproof are massive tunes and deserve to be monster radio hits as is the Lift,Loving without you know at first I didnt like so much but now after continual listerning to CD which only runs for 34 minutes I kind of like it...Overall massive chorus's which will remain entreched in your mind once listern too just a nightmare that the local record company didn't press enough copies to push this album past the first week of release, its been 3 weeks one week after release that this CD is out of stock...How sickening were this CD should have been a top 10 smash , The local JB in Melbourne has had trouble getting a copy after selling out in the first week of release...

07/11/06: JonnyB - Shiva - The Curse of the Gift - froloth@hotmail.com
Rating: 99
One thing to take into consideration before you read: If you followed Shiva's previous two albums and were hoping for another AOR effort, you'll be in for a rude awakening when then opening grunts kick in.

The Swedish duo of Anette Johannson & Mats Edstrom return with a full band accompanying them, and man, is it massive! By far, this is their best all-around effort so far, and it doesn't matter if they've turned metal, used a few modern tricks, or added a couple grunts to start things out.

Although Mats does all the songwriting, it is Anette who writes the lyrics and demonstrates her dynamic and versatile vocal ability. With each album she uses a different style of vocal. In AOR, she sings AOR. When singing modern, she's got the aggressive gruffy lungs to go with it. But in 'The Curse,' she does EVERYTHING. She grunts a little on, she does operatic harmonies, she also does the raspy, the aggressive, everything else in-between, and does it with such emotion and passion.

But in particular, she experiments a lot with the lower end of her range. While as I knew of her vocal power, I didn't know her lungs could stretch so far. The 'Prelude' is the first time Anette really demonstrates just how low her range can get. Follow it up with 'Kill the Past' where she grunts a line on her own (it's not just the guest grunter on 'When Tomorrow Never Comes.') 'The Black Widow' has operatic harmonies that are just as good as any opera vocalist in the metal world, and this isn't even Anette's best vocal of the album, and that's what's scary. 'The Curse of the Gift' (referring to the title track) is a Doro-style ballad that out-duels everything that Doro dished out in the past 10 years, (including her new album which I praised highly.)

And then songs like 'The Chameleon,' while simple in design, is sung with such emotion and passion that it lifts the track two notches higher. It might of been a blessing in disguise that the track ends abruptly (the band has told me that a fade-out was intended) because Anette's vocals are that good.

I could ramble on about the greatness of Anette's vocals, but it's best to check them out yourself. If you don't like grunts, skip the first track (which I wouldn't recommend, 'When Tomorrow Never Comes' the best track on the disc IMO.) But after, concentrate solely on Anette. Not only will you appreciate this album more, but you will understand why I praise her so greatly. Shiva "The Curse of the Gift" could very well contend for my female album of the year just on the power of her vocals. Keep in mind I didn't talk anything about the music. I feel Mats' songwriting speaks for itself.

Review Score: 99 / 100

Track Listing
1.) When Tomorrow Never Comes*
2.) Prelude
3.) Kill the Past*
4.) The Black Widow
5.) Part I: The Gift
6.) Part II: The Curse of the Gift*
7.) Part III: The Regret
8.) The Chameleon
9.) The Owner of the Truth
10.) I'm Not the One
11.) So Silently*
12.) The Fly

* Best Tracks

09/10/06: lindacharts - Paolo Pisano - \'Girotondo\' - the new c - lindacharts@hotmail.com
Rating: 80
Paolo Pisano's 'Girotondo'

Tracklist:

01. Intro (the world is collapsed)
02. Girotondo
03. Il cielo
04. From south 2 west
05. Call me
06. U say
07. Great themes
08. Jò voice 2 8
09. Precipito
10. Sisters & Brothers
11. A volte è amore
12. Violins

The indipendent label 'Audiowalk Project' is out now with the new album 'Girotondo' of the italian rock/pop author Paolo Pisano.
The sicilian comes out with a fresh cd. He also signes the production. Paolo proposes a good job appreciated for his musics and lyrics. The new staff sounds between ethnic and rock/pop music with a light touch of world and electronic.
The artist plays and shows good feelings with almost every instrument recorded in the album.
Many inputs are given by the following 12 tracks of the entire work. Included may find two sperimental tracks just instrumental that recalls to minimalism, electronic, house and trip hop.
Over all it's a discrete album, sung in italian (5 songs) and english (4 songs), thematics about war, love and peacefull dreams of a 'union comunion' sense of.
Interesting job that congratulates Paolo's estro.

A nice red and blue colored jewellcase completes the lot including nice mandala drawings and signs, full lyrics of all songs and thanks to crews, musiciants and post production.

07/09/06: Brad - Ty Tabor--Rock Garden - uriahok@yahoo.com
Rating: 98
Wow! In the wake of King's X's decent "Ogre Tones" of last year, guitarist Ty Tabor has released an album that is not only his best solo work yet, it blows away the past few releases of his main band. There isn't a weak song in the set. It has all the usual Tabor trademarks--great melodies and impressive arrangements, all punctuated with Tabor's excellent guitar work. Not to mention, this album is aptly titled. It indeed ROCKS! From the addictive opener "Ride" to the final cut "Pretty Good," Tabor delivers a solid slab of heavy, melodic rock at its finest. Fans of King's X won't be disappointed and even those who aren't KX devotees will find something to enjoy on this fine collection of songs. Check it out!

01/08/06: Erik - Hotwire - Devil in Disquise - erikhardam@planet.nl
Rating: 95
Hotwire returns with a blast. Its the almost perfect mix between Jaded Heart and Casanova. The new singer Andy Urbeck is very talented and sings with the greatest ease. The songs are melodic rock perfection. The cover of T Rex - Hot Love wont leave your mind for days. Together with Brother Firetribe the absolute highlights, within the genre, of 06 so far. Essential. This album deserves a complete review here on melodicrock. Killer album. 95/100

26/07/06: Michael Milburn - Rob Lamothe - Long Lazy Curve - mmilburn@yahoo.com
Rating: 4
After a long wait for another Lamothe release, I was eager to give this cd a listen. I like this cd more and more every time I listen to it. To hear Rob singing unfamiliar (and some familiar) songs again is a beautiful thing. Its been too long! The album is quite diverse but does not stray far from the Lamothesque style we have grown to love and expect. There are a handful of potential singles here. "Aint Broken Yet" is currently my favorite. "Good Enough for Me" and "Broke Down Train" have potential as well. When I hear "No Wonder" and "Goodbye Calgary", I want to grab the wife, a nice bottle of wine and settle down by a warm fire. I hear some of Rob's familiar themes in his very personal "I Dont Walk Alone" and "Til Forever is Over". My only question is the purpose of including the reworked versions of Ashes to Ashes and 12 Moons. Why these 2 songs in particular? Kudos to Rob and his crew for another fabulous masterpiece. Rob, I thank you for the continuous auditory pleasuring.

13/07/06: Petra - HOTWIRE: DEVIL IN DISGUISE - PetraByk@aol.com
Rating: 92
New CD of german based hard rockers form Ingolstadt, the hometown of Bonfire and produced (superb sound!) by Ex-Bonfire member Chris Lausmann.
Their best so far with some great rocking stuff ("Escaping", "Skytrain", "Waterfalls") and ballads ("Feelings") and some midtempos rock songs ("Wonderland").
Great coverversion of T.Rex "Hot love" which sounds like Def Leppard should sound.
Nice Albumcover, too (No dragons, wizards, signs!)

www.musicbuymail.com
www.nehrecords.com

11/07/06: Sook - SHARK ISLAND - GATHERING OF THE FAITHFUL - naturalscience@hotmail.com
Rating: 95
Been waiting a long time for Chinese Democracy? Well, a core group of us have been waiting even longer for SHARK ISLAND'S GATHERING OF THE FAITHFUL (16 years to be exact). It's hard to explain the devotion surrounding this band unless you were a part of the past when Shark Island ruled the Sunset Strip back in the day. This was every fan and band member's best kept secret for years during the late 1980's and early nineties. Although the public got a taste of what a record company thought Shark Island should sound like with LAW OF THE ORDER in 1990, it has taken 16 years since then to get a faithful and glorious rendition of what the band really means and was meant to sound like with this years GATHERING OF THE FAITHFUL. This band has always been about intangibles, feel, and character. Sometimes dark, sometimes light, but forever haunting in a way that can only be attributed to a 20 year song writing releationship between Richard Black and Spencer Sercombe. GATHERING is a modern day version of what records used to be like for us growing up. A soundtrack for timeless memories that has not been tainted by video or terrestrial radio playlists. For the FAITHFUL, this will become the gem that has been missing in their collections to be passed on to true connoissuers of rock. If you have not been converted as of yet, do yourself a favor and spend some time listening to this CD the way you used to - headphones and closed eyes. Finish, repeat.

A true classic.

29/06/06: Scott Ley - \"UNKNOWN ORIGIN\" PHIL VINCEN - sley@aol.com
Rating: 9
I just found out this guy is from the US!!! I figured he was from another country because of the lack of availability here in America for his Cds. Great disc. His voice sounds like Brad Delp,Dokken and Klaus Meiner all rolled into one. There's 8 out of the 12 songs on this CD that should be everywhere!! Huge hook. THANKS FOR NOTHIN', SHOTGUN MESSIAH, GOIN' THROUGH THE MOTIONS, DEAR FRIEND(my favorite), MAKE YOUR MOVE....the list goes on.

29/06/06: sakkeus - Brother Firetribe - sakari.suomikallio@pp.inet.fi.
Rating: 10
Brothers, this is the 1 of greatest since Boston1, Journey´s Escape then came Lillian Axe`s 3 albumn, and 90s best Fair Warning 4.
Final Frontier; Second Wave was the album of the 2004;
but here is the winner and this is what you shoud get: Brother Firetribe´s False Metal.

28/06/06: jack - eden open minds - feelmyassplease3@yahoo.co.uk
Rating: 0
Edens debut album Open Minds. This is the album and the band weve been waiting for on Majestic rock records. This kicks ass from the off then mellows you out for a couple of tracks then kicks your ass again to the end .Some great groove monsters on this album and these guys can do it live to. Saw them at the album release show wohhoooow, can't wait to see them at the little civic wolverhampton 21st july. The muts nuts.

28/06/06: Jimi - Shooting Star - Circles - jtramp4u@msn.com
Rating: 92
Yet another great studio release from one of the most underrated bands in music. Starting off with with new vocalist Kevin Chalfant's searing lead vocal, this CD takes its place among Shooting Star's classic releases, "Shooting Star" & "Hang on For Your Life". While there's a couple requisite ballads (one co written by founding member/original lead vocalist Gary West), the balance is Melodic Vocal Driven Hard Rock at it's finest. Track Highlights include: "Survivor" - this tune has all the components of what should be an AOR hit (If US radio had any brains/guts). The final two Tracks - "Trouble in Paradise" and "We're not Alone", are chock full of Van McClain's tasty Gibson flavored licks as well as some stellar keyboard work from Dennis Laffoon. "We're not Alone" evokes memories of bands that focused on hooks, harmonies and musicianship (Kansas, Journey, etc) and dare I say that Shooting Star has always been vastly underrated in this "Arena" of Rock. If that's your type of music, then this needs to be your next CD!!

16/06/06: Blake - pantera-vulger display of power - Drays92@aol.com
Rating: 100
Man this cd kicks ass best songs on it like walk and cemetery gates which by the way the greatest guitarist that was alive but now dead played in there. Dimebag derral abbott played the greatest solos and just the look of his guitar makes people shiver so just check the cd out and see how u like it im sure youll love it.

27/05/06: 20 Grit - CD Review - 20grit@sbcglobal.net
Rating: 0
Metal Soldiers

Review
By Stephen Blackwell
Metal Soldiers - May 22, 2006


(review) 20 Grit’s BEYOUND DISORDE CD Rocks.
There music is a Heavy, Dark, Powerful, Awesome Metal/Rock
There is not enough words in the diction to describe this cd .

*So let go visual. MEET DR. JECKEL and MR. HIDE!!

MR. HIDE rips you apart with pleasure on hard hitting songs like
Beyond Disorder, Black Ashes, Come Alive, Nothing Will Stop Me,
Round and Round (but this type of pain you will enjoy and say more please!!)

Then the good DR. JECKEL sews you up during Sunset Night, Papa
and Linda\ Jackie. These songs are slower and less aggressive but still
awesome.

The vocalist blows my mind on Round and Round with the evil dark laugh and
then high pitch screams. This mad metal vocalist does not have a rang limit.
]
Then you have Tommy Martian on guitar. He should be on the list of guitar
gods. This dude is awesome and sounds like no other. He must be the best kept
secret in metal and rock. His sound is awesome, his playing is awesome, and
his solos are awesome. I know what I want to be now when I grow up (LOL)

GO ORDER THIS CD AT http://www.20grit.com
And meet the DR and MR.HIDE

25/05/06: Jody - Paolo Pisano\'s Girotondo - jodyaxe@hotmail.com
Rating: 80
Never heard him before, then as soon as I bought the cd for just €12 (as suggested by an italian fried of mine while I was in vacation this last Easter) I must reconize that this man is cute. The album sound like rock-pop of the '80. Then I realized that he lived in London playing almost everywhere with bands he used to gigs around the town. Lovely songs made over the 'Girotondo' (means Ring a ring o' roses) album. 4 songs are in english (Jò Voice 2 Be, Call Me, U Say, Sisters & Brothers) other 5 are in italian and 2 are just instrumentals. Strengthfull voice, hot and rough. If you have the opportunity, just get the cd-album which is cosiderably of good quality. Just visit his website... www.paolopisano.it Thus if you want to know more about his italian songs go to vitaminic website searching for his name.

12/05/06: Dan MacDonald - Saga - Trust - dan_mac62@hotmail.com
Rating: 98
Well here we go again fellow Saga fans a new release from the masters of Canadian prog.
Another inspired offering from my fellow countrymen who have been heartfully adopted by Germany.This album could easily be called "Covering all the Bases " ,which they do very deftly ,unabashedly bringing into play the older Saga bag of tricks & still sounding fresh.It's truly amazing that a band can combine hard rock/prog & pop & do it so effortlessly while changing tempos so easily without interrrupting the flow of the song & on the bigger picture -the album.This has been a Saga hallmark since album # 1.
Album starts off with "That's as Far as I Go" ,a sonically heavy driving syth lead w/lots of twists & turns.Next track "Back to the Shadows" ,finds the guys mining a straight ahead rocker reminescent of newer albums such as Full Circle & House of Cards.Track 3 "I'm OK" may be the feel good track of the album catchy as heck ,would be a single surely if this were the early / mid 80's."Time to Play" ,finds the funk groove ,perhaps inspired by Michael Sadler's hero & main inspiration Freddie Mercury.Jim Gilmour takes the mike(although he is all over this release with harmony / supporting vocals), for one of his signature & touching ballads wth "My Friend".The title track "Trust" is shouted universally by the band come chorus time for a fist in the air vibe."It's Yor Life" , a nice mid tempo rocker with some nice keybord touches.This next track "Footsteps ", sounds like a hybrid between Silent Knight & Worlds Apart- chills on this one ! "Ice in the Rain " ,may be my personal fave on the album,a basic guitar riff w/beautiful keyboard flourishes over the top ,but that could change daily as the complex layers of this album reveal themselves(like a great prog album should !).Last but not least finds Saga doing a little bit of Celtic music for the intro w/Michael Sadler going into newer vocal territory w/ a nice warm chorus.It's all over too fast ! One must respect the fact that Saga can return to their roots unabashadly ,while maintaining a modern sound ,not easy to pull off I'm sure ! Without a reservation I give this album a 95 -Canada's best kept secret.

05/05/06: JONATHAN - BON JOVI - SLIPPERY WHEN WET - jonathan07@interfree.it
Rating: 100
THE BEST ALBUM EVER. THAT'S ALL

02/05/06: Adam W - KING OF THE HILL \"UNRELEASED\&q - CabotimeSTL@yahoo.com
Rating: 90
KING OF THE HILL's sophomore previously unreleased second CD is finally available!!! After being unceremoniously dropped by SBK records back in '92 when grunge took over this completed disc went into the vaults. You can now pick it up via: www.nehrecords.com, www.impulsemusic.com, www.cdbaby.com or at www.slackers.com. If you enjoyed,"IF I SAY","I DO U","ROSES" and "PLACE IN MY HEART" from their '91 debut then you will LOVE the tracks on UNRELEASED! The first half of this 17 track disc contains all the songs from the previously shelved second CD and the remainder of the disc is made up of possible B-sides, demos, and remixes. Frankie's vocals rock and Jimmy's guitar playing is amazing! Stand out tracks include: SAVE IT FOR YOURSELF, WHAT U SEE, HANDS ON U, TONITE, JUST A LITTLE BIT, MAMA, and UNITED. This CD would have been huge in '92 if it had been given the chance! Buy this CD with confidence, you will not be disapointed! For fans of EXTREME,POISON,LENNY KRAVITZ,PRINCE.... WWW.KINGOFTHEHILLONLINE.NET

01/05/06: Robert Downes - Bad Side - Bad Side - info@northernexpress.com
Rating: 98
Bad Side • Bad Side
Vocal firecracker Melissa “Lissa” Krahnke and agile, inventive guitarist Jason Mapes are at the core of their follow-up CD which includes an assist from Dan Furmanik, Rich “Richie B!” Blair, Carol Lee Cooper, Mike Vollman and Wayne
Lawrence.
The result is straight-ahead hard rock with a strut in a mode that carries on with bands such as Velvet Revolver. You have to give Bad Side credit for pursuing an old school direction in the age of hip-hop, alt rock and MCs; yet considering that female-led headbanger bands such as Nashville Pussy are packing clubs in Chicagoland, there’s obviously still a market for that old-time rock & roll.
On that score Bad Side carries rock’s torch high and proud with a shot of blues and some vocal asides borrowed from KLT. Krahnke is better served by occupying the power pop territory of Joan Jett or Pat Benatar where the natural husk of her voice moves the music forward.
She’s an angel, for instance on the soul-searching “I Will Come to You,” a song that makes the listener strain to hear more. “Revenge” has also proved a hit with KLT listeners. That’s the upside on where Bad Side’s good side gets it on the inside.

27/04/06: scott - Cutting Crew - Grinning Souls - fyrflash1969@yahoo.com
Rating: 93
First of all, let me say I thought THE BROADCAST was one of my favorite albums of all time. This album comes approximately 20 years later and only contains the original singer Nick Van Eede. Its really hard at times to judge this album as a cutting vrew album as the accompaning vocals that I loved so much are not there. That being said, some of the songs take you back, some take you forward, and one is simply aweful (Boomerang). For Melodicrock ballads though, this album can't be beat, even by Chicago XXX. Give it a listen to at http://www.grinningsouls.biz/cuttingcrew/index2.htm Give a listen to Silhuette, its amazing. Kevin MacMichael (original member) died in 2002, and his presence is missed, but the music goes on, and although its not the same band, it is still so much better than everything else released recently, don't pass this up.

13/04/06: tina - Buckcherry\'s \"15\" - rockqueenorlando@aol.com
Rating: 85
This album just kicks ass! The lead single "Crazy Bitch": was all over satellite radio about a month prior to release: while it is indeed a crazy party song, the best rocking song on the disc is track two, "Next to you." Some dirty vocals, fresh electric guitar sounds, and the strangely groovy vocals of singer Josh Todd make this a must have record for any serious rock fan! Beware where you look for it-I got mine at Best Buy, and it was listed as "Alternative Rock." DEFINITELY not! Very reminiscent of late 80's/early 90's dirty metal a la Spread Eagle, but not so reminiscent that you feel like the clock is turned back. GO BUY THIS!

11/04/06: Junipero - GARY JOHN BARDEN - jarcunato@yahoo.es
Rating: 99
Absolutely brilliant!! Great atmosphere in "Let me down" track w/ Dr. Michael Schenker playing guitar...Buy and listen!!!

07/04/06: BillyRay - Rhino Bucket - bilhunter@aol.com
Rating: 95
Today 4-7-2006 I just received the new release from Rhino Bucket called "and it got ugly" the release is from www.acetate.com .
These boys are back rockin like before!!!!If you liked the old Rhino you'll like these too. I dont think they have had a new CD for over 10yrs.I just now have to wait till get on tour here in the Phx AZ area. Well friends lets keep on rockin!!!!!!!! BillyRay

31/03/06: jari - queensryche/operation mindcrime 2 - jari_heikkinen@luukku.com
Rating: 5
i have been also listening the promotional copy of this album and it was just what i feared.queensryche is really dead,it has been since 1995.operation mindcrime pt 2 is just the same what they have been doing last 15 years.almost only "light in the dark" is the first single ("i´m american") release which remainds me of "needle lies".grunge sound guitars,no catchy melodies and no point at all,maybe the lyrics continue the story but whats the point if the songs are weak.when the first mindcrime crows at the end this one goes just the opposite way.if you really like queensryche at the era the warning-empire it´s just the waste of money to buy this one.sad but true.

20/03/06: Lat - Def Leppard - Yeah - redcar@yahoo.com
Rating: 0
When you get a band of Def Leppard's stature coving David Essex, Blondie, David Bowie, Even Mott the Hoople something must be wrong .... the originals were better and should have left untouched, this is Rubbish, a complete waste of listening

15/03/06: Dave C - Dark Illusion - \'Beyond The Shadows\' - dpc1@bolton.ac.uk
Rating: 90
WOW !! Stumbled upon this ..... and thank God I did !!!

What an amazing slice of metal that is synonymous with those halcyon days of the 80's, played and produced by top class Scananavian musicians.
Dark Illusion take no prisoners here ... simply 14 pedal to the metal songs with unbelievable riffs and guitar solos of the highest order !!
Every track is a gem, but Secret Journey and Sensational Walk are just unbelievable !!
If you want a 'classic' 21st century album that immediately transports you back to those heady Judas Priest, Iron Maiden et al glory days, then .......
BUY THIS NOW NOW NOW !!!!!!

Dave C

03/03/06: Maxx - Queensryche Operation Mindcrime 2 - Max@djmadmaxx.com
Rating: 80
I've been listening to a promo copy of this great new Queensryche cd.. that's right OPERATION MIDCRIME II !!. A question that many people want to know.. Is it better than the original?? The answer is no, but is is a good follow-up. Geoff is in great shape, the guitar solos are good and it's a very moody, dark & heavy album. My Favorite track is "The Chase" which features the one and only Ronnie James Dio dueling with geoff.

15/02/06: Guido - My Land melodic rock band - pierguid@libero
Rating: 8
MY LAND ‘PROMO CDR’ (PROMO CDR)

A complete surprise from Italy! I received a CDR without any additional info and then you never know what to expect, but as soon as I put on the CDR I knew I was listening to something special, because with some further research I discovered this MY LAND is an Italian band/project featuring lead singer Guido Priori (JOURNEY TRIBUTE) and drummer Paolo Morbini(ex-EVA/BRUNOROCK). They were formed about 13 (!) years ago, but have just recently finished a demo album CDR. Their first CD(R) is filled with very impressive HIGH CLASS AOR in the style of JOURNEY, TOTO, SURRENDER, STREET TALK, RADIOACTIVE, ROXUS, ICE TIGER, ROX DIAMOND, STRANGEWAYS, SURVIVOR… Actually the CD is in the exact same style as RADIOACTIVE, so if you enjoy that band or any of TOMMY DENANDER’s projects this MY LAND is a must-have, although it is a little less polished here and there. 10 songs are included with a total playing time of 45 minutes and the best songs are the song “Love in chains” (classic JOURNEY/STREET TALK uptempo AOR rocker), “Stranger in lonely town” (pure 80s midtempo AOR), “Be mine tonight” (very JOURNEYish AOR) and “Take my heart” (strong semi AOR ballad). Admitted this is still a demo CDR, so the production is not always clean, but the guitarparts (which is very good a la SCHON/DENANDER), 80s keys and high pitched lead vocals (as well as the harmonyvocals) do reveal some strong JOURNEYesque capabilities of this MY LAND. E-mail the main members Paolo Morbini: jedidrum@jumpy.it and Guido Priori: pierguid@libero.it and check out their site at: http://www.mylandproject.com/

(Points: 8.3 out of 10)


Review by Gabor at Strutter'zine

12/02/06: Adam Harrold - Platinum JAR CD Review - info@platinumjar.co.uk
Rating: 100


Glancing across the promotional pictures for Leicester-based melodic rockers Platinum Jar, you’d never believe that the band had been together for about twelve years now. But if you take into account that the band cite influences as bold and important as Deep Purple, Whitesnake and Bon Jovi and that one of the members sports a rather fetching neckerchief, it makes total sense. This is because Platinum Jar aren’t just another young bunch of young squirts desperate to skank about on a stage with only a few power chords and grunts to accompany them; this is a band that have clearly spent a long time working out exactly what they want to do - and apparently it’s rock… not just mimic everybody else around them.

Having said this, the sound of Platinum Jar is far from un-worldly. Instead Jay Lang’s vocals recall Jon Bon Jovi, whilst the band flickers between classic Bon Jovi and prime Deep Purple – certainly “Rock Chick” would slot nicely into Purple’s “Machine Head”. Stand out track is undoubtedly “ Slow Road” which has a similar gargantuan production job as GNR’s “November Rain” in only about one-third of the duration.

Granted, the almost endless list of endearing classic rock influences might sound a bit old hat, but in practice, what Platinum Jar have achieved here is in creating an almost instant air of familiarity without becoming a tribute act. It’s a trick that few bands pull off successfully, due to the talent required in writing, playing and finally singing the stuff, but it’s a credit to their abilities that Platinum Jar are able to play these tracks and not sound ridiculous.

Basically, if you’re a classic rock fan, now’s the time to check this lot out – because sooner or later they’re gonna be a lot bigger and a lot more reluctant to give their music away for free on their website. Top stuff.

10/02/06: Steve Hunt - Square One - Supersonic - steveandnic@iqconnect.net.au
Rating: 98
Australian Pop/Rock band Square One have delivered an amazing album, with their debut "Supersonic". If you love beautiful melodies, top quality vocals and excellent guitars as well as world class song writing then this band is for you.

Songs like "Ups and Downs", "Wings to Fly" and "Free Flow Feeling" are simply brilliant and is in stark contrast to the garbage that litters the top 50 charts. I dare you not to be caught up in the infectious "Love Struck Melody" or the catchy lead song "Tonight"

They have a really unique sound which is hard to define and are one of the best bands to come out of Australia in the last 20 years. Do yourself a favour and buy their album, like me I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

07/02/06: Adrian - PROTOTYP ‘DEMO+DVD’ (INDEPENDENT) - Management@prototypmusic.de
Rating: 90
The German band PROTOTYP consists of a bunch of professional musicians whom all have been active for a long time now. This can also be heard very clearly on the 3 songs counting demo and DVD sent to me. Musically it is a mix 70s Classic Rock, Sympho and 80s AOR, resulting in a sound that mixes the best of JOURNEY, ASIA and THIN LIZZY. “I’ve had enough” happens to be a catchy 80s melodic rocker with good arrangements and nice melodies, while the other songs on the demo CD show the classic 70s melodic guitarsound of the band. Closing track “1959” has some beautiful melodies and is a nice STYX/MAGNUMish piece. This band should be able to release a sensational full-length CD, but in the meantime this demo and short DVD features some of the band’s material of which the fantastic uptempo Melodic Pomprocker “Children of the streets” is a song that hopefully is recorded for official CD release soon, because this is classic MAGNUM meets HEEP! More info at: http://www.prototypmusic.de and e-mail at: Management@prototypmusic.de

Reviewd by Gabor Kleinbloesem Strutter Magazine

(Points: 8.3 out of 10)

01/02/06: dovianax - From MATTADOR to TRIBE - dovianax@hotmail.com
Rating: 100
MATTADOR ex-members Leo Alvarez and Carlos Benites, form a new band with (Lead Singer) George Santiago, Jonathan Rodriguez (Lead Guitar) and Rafael Albertori (Bass) called TRIBE. Go and visit there area on www.myspace.com/tribe2 and listen to there new project.

26/01/06: Tim - Visual Cliff - Freedom Within - rockmetaljazz@hotmail.com
Rating: 89
I havent been this excited about a band in a long time! These guys have put together a great album of rockin tunes! Their catalog is as deverse as anything you will ever come across! Their first three discs are an all instrumental mix of progrock, metal and heavy fusion. No mindless wanking here though. It's all about rhythm and melody and these guys dish it out in spades! Their 4th offering "Freedom Within" contains 3 vocal tracks mixed with 5 instrumental tracks and singer Shane Lankford is amazing! This guy is as soulfully powerful as they come. I can't even begin to compare them to any one band in particular as they are truly unique! Freedom Within is a more all hard rock affair with fusionesque undertones and grooves. The instrumental tracks are incredible. Open, big and dynamic with lots of punch! Rob Perez's guitar playing is at it's best (in my opinion) on this disc! Very soulful and melodic with tasteful bursts of speed that let you know this guy can bring it too! The feel of this disc is "modern old school". It sounds very alive and raw but yet kicks like a more modern sounding guitar record. No crappy nu-metal sounds just good ole chunk with tone to spare! If you have been searching for something fresh and new to add to your collection...this disc is a must have!

26/12/05: Liz - EL84 - One World - ejkrocks@yahoo.com
Rating: 90
Just picked up this EP from Cd Baby. Wow what a great and memorable rocking cd this is. Very raw and organic. this cd is LOUD. Love the title cut "One World" as well as the blues cut "You Left Me"
great stuff from EL84. I would label this as Progressive Arena Rock.

Liz

04/12/05: Jennifer D. - A-ha - Analogue - LynnJen@prodigy.net
Rating: 99
Produced by Martin Terefe and mixed by Flood this is a brilliant album from the boys from Norway. I would have given it a 100% rating if not for the one song that does nothing for me, 'Halfway Through the Tour'. Other than that one the rest of the album is absolutely awesome! The title track, 'Analogue' is addicting from the start and once you hear it you cannot get enough. Cosy Prisons is beautiful and thought provoking. Holy Ground was once a solo song from the lead singer, Morten Harket, and this reworked version is gorgeous. 'Make it Soon' is quite a surprise that I wasn't sure of at first but quickly grew to love, a soft romantic ballad that suddenly surges with powerful guitar and vocals. 'The Summers of Our Youth' finds keyboard/guitarist Magne F and Morten sharing the microphone. This song, like many others on the album, was written by Magne F who's songwriting talent has taken center stage more and more. Analogue is a must have for a-ha fans!!!

21/11/05: Tony - Bad Side - S/T - tkukoc@shipwreckislandstudios.com
Rating: 95
Bad Side at www.badsidemusic.com have just released one of the most original sounding albums of the year... With vocals that rival Pat Benatar to guitar licks that sound like Bill Leverty of Firehouse, this group will go far! This album to me sounds as if it's being played live, that raw feel. From start to finish you'll have fun listening to this album it has classic sounds and modern sounds. Melissa's vocals are simply amazing and Jason does a killer job really moving the songs along and again mixing it up with classic type riffs and yet throwing in some new stuff as well. The writing alone makes this album worth taking a listen to. Make sure you check out their website at www.badsidemusic.com, there you can listen to a few tracks that will help you make a better decision on whether or not to purchase this album if you don't believe my personal comments on it. Overall I really enjoyed this album and I wish this band nothing but the best of luck now and into the future. With talent like this they'll go far, can't wait to hear what they come up with next. You can read the full review for this CD at www.shipwreckislandstudios.com!

10/11/05: Anthony Ricapito - James Labrie- Elements of Persuasion - aanda92000@yahoo.com
Rating: 100
One of the best albums of the year. James Labrie really rocks from the killer opening song Crucify to the last song Drained. His vocals really shine on this album. The musicians on this album are tight. In my opinion this should be what a Dream Theater album should sound like. I didn't like the last Dream Theater album Octov-whatever. If you like soaring vocals, great guitar riffs pick this album up you won't be disappointed.

07/11/05: Jim Johnston/Jaugernaut - Contra Mantra - dimbulbz@hotmail.com
Rating: 0
Reviewer: Don (Grumpy Old Player/Donster)http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jaugernautad
This is for everybody who misses the old AOR days of music. The music is contagious and not cookie cutter. For me, there isn't a higher compliment. This is along the lines of Tommy and Quadrophenia by The Who. Maybe not in storyline, but certainly in that the CD is best measured as a complete work instead of a quick fix to entertain you between Cell-phone calls. Take the time to take this in and appreciate everything going on. It only gets better with each listen... seriously! Personally, going on four days of nothing but, and I'm not planning on changing this out of my CD player anytime soon. Music and Creativity of the highest caliber presented flawlessly! A wide landscape of tones were used as well as recurring musical themes. The waters of this piece run deep! A 'gotta have' for anyone with a taste of music that is more than just churned out of 'the machine.' I give this the highest recommendation I can - it was the best money I've spent on a CD in memory.

04/11/05: Dan MacDonald - Queen + Paul Rogers - dan_mac62@hotmail.com
Rating: 90
I knew this was gonna be good ,but how good ? Well if you like 3" goosebumps & every one of your heartstrings are pulled this is for you . First of all Paul doesn't try to be Freddie ,he does Paul doing Freddie ! By no surprise Brian steals the show - he rips wide open & never looks back . Also Roger comes to the front & does a couple of numbers-you know what there's no point in analyzing this concert if you're a Queen fan be prepared to be takin' every which way but loose ,it's an emotional rollercoaster where the fans & the band win .Essential DVD -go get it !

15/10/05: wilmont - Fitzpatrick - wilmontt12@lycos.uk.co
Rating: 85
Fitzpatrick is a band on an independent label that appears to be mostly the work of the two Fitzpatrick brothers. The CD, "The View from 10,000 Days," is independently produced with a two sided cover. The cover art is very cool - a house in a bubble floating by a planet.
They leave the link to their site in the CD, which contains some information and all lyrics, though it remains a little unclear about who did what.

Now for the music. The songs are solid, well developed, and well written. They range from mid tempo melodic rock to ballads and feature a soulful element. The lyrics are well crafted and often poetic. The band describes itself as a mix between Toto, Fleetwood Mac and Genesis and I'd say that is a pretty close assessment. Keyboards and guitars share about equal weight in the production, with solid key work and some very skillful guitar solos . The two brothers and one female (sister, wife?) share the lead vocal duties in the album and they all perform with precision and great emotion. Background harmonies are prominent and well executed.

I saw them listed on a Christian Progressive rock site. I don't think their music is either very progressive or overtly Christian, though the lyrics do address God in one song. The lyrics reveal some spiritual themes (so if that bothers you...) and the music is performed well and is sometimes complex, but remains accessible to a general listener that appreciates AOR throughout. The songs grow on you, and I am impressed in how they develop a melody and don't rush a song. The CD is apparently only available from their website or cdbaby.com.
http://cdbaby.com/cd/fitzpatrickmusic

They feature samples and I include the link. There is a lot of depth here. Overall I have enjoyed the CD and look forward to their next project.

14/10/05: STEVE15 - JADED HEART HELLUVA TIME - thebassdogtna@yahoo.com
Rating: 80
JADED HEART WITHOUT MICHAEL BORMANN?
YES INDEED ON THE NEW HARDER ROCKING HELLUVA TIME CD.
THE REMAINING MEMBERS CARRY ON WITH A NEW VOCALIST & COME CLOSE TO THE OLDER JADED HEART CDS.
I WON'T GIVE A SONG BY SONG REVIEW BUT...
THE GOOD POINTS ARE WAY MORE HEAVY GUITAR DRIVEN SONGS , LESS PREACHY SAVE THE WORLD LYRICS.

THE BAD POINTS ARE LESS MEMORABLE SONGS! BORMANN WAS A VERY GOOD SONGWRITER THE NEW CD HAS SOME GOOD TRACKS BUT ALSO PLENTY OF UNREMEMBERABLE SONGS TOO!
THE NEW VOCALIST HAS SOME PIPES BUT FALLS SHORT OF BORMANNS JON BONJOVISH MELODIC VOCAL FINNESS.
STILL NOT A BAD CD! THE GUITAR PLAYER IS GOD!

13/10/05: darren perry - evidence 1 - dazp777@hotmail.co.uk
Rating: 99
just got my hands on the evidence one tattooed heart cd wat a blinder the only problem with this cd not enough songs on it in love and war wat a pearler of a track love this cd

12/10/05: Harry - Numbers From The Beast, Iron Maiden Trib - guitarizona@msn.com
Rating: 0
Don't mis this one!!!!! Run to the Hill done by Robin Mcauly and Michael Schenker SMOKES!!! Flight of the Icrus by Ripper Owens, Doug Aldrich, Jimmy Bain and Simon Wright, is the most powerful cover I have ever heard. The choice of vocalist is perfect for every song. Who ever thought you could hear Lemmy Kilmeister do "The Tropper", or that you would ever hear George Lynch do a 1:30 solo in "Waysted Years."

07/10/05: AORAndy69 - SILVER - Gold 2005 - andrea_boggio@virgilio.it
Rating: 98
This is a pleasant surprise !!!! Songs like "All that I wanted" and "Daydream Believers" are real gems in the AOR/Melodic Rock Universe. Great Production, Superb Atmosphere for this record that
I consider at the top of My ranking of this year.

06/10/05: NICKY D - Coney Hatch - Friction - dpnut@hotmail.com
Rating: 95
Why in the world does Coney Hatch's first cd get a Remaster priority over their classic third cd, Friction? Their debut is very good in spots but overall "Friction" is the definitive Coney Hatch cd. It is an absolute killer disc of melodic hard rock with loud guitars & ballads to boot. One of the most classy & imaginative power ballads ever written is "Girl From Last Night's Dream". Furthermore, the rockers such as "He's A Champion", "Wrong Side Of Town", & "This Ain't Love" scorch as hot as the artwork indicates. With all of the average cd's that have gotten reissued again, somebody needs to quickly do the right thing & uncover this lost treasure & give it the Remastered polishing.

06/10/05: Robert Knight - Disturbed 10,000 Fists - rknight66@yahoo.com
Rating: 100
This has to be one of the best Heavy releases in a while! The other 2 Disturbed CD's are great, but this one simply blew me away! Every song is amazing. Yes yes, I know that you might say that this isn't melodic rock, but many of the chorus's are very melodic. I listen to it every day! Maybe Bon Jovi should give this CD a listen, to try to remember how to write a good hook in a song!

04/10/05: Tomas Magnusson - Nocturnal Rites \"Grand Illusion\&q - tomasmagnusson@bredband.net
Rating: 97
This is for sure one of the best melodic power metal albums of the year. These swedes are definitely playing in the same league as Masterplan or Allen/Lande for that matter. 10 songs with world class written all over it. Kicking off with the first single "fools never die" (can be viewed on there webpage nocturnalrites.com)is absolute stunning with Jonny Lindkvist singing his heart out. Before the the album ends you have heard ten absolute kick-ass melodic metal tunes.

01/10/05: BADDOG1 - CORNERSTONE LIVE IN CONCERT - jcs4jbem@comcast.net
Rating: 0
DOOGIE WHITE SAYS IT ALL.THE MAN HAS BEEN ON AT LEAST 4 ALBUMS THIS YEAR ALONE CORNERSTONE IN CONCERT A 2 DISC SET MOSTLY COMES FROM THEIR LAST ALBUM ONCE UPON OUR YESTERDAYS.ALSO ADDS A SONG HE PENNED AFTER THE BREAKUP OF RAINBOW WHO HE WAS WITH FOR THREE SHORT YEARS THEN RIPS IN TO A RAINBOW TUNE.THE ONLY PROBLEM IS IT'S A TAD TO CLEAN FOR LIVE.BUT I HAVEN'T PUT IT DOWN SINCE I'VE GOT IT.
BIGDOG1
jcs4jbem@comcast.net

03/09/05: FAR\'N\'HIGH - FAR\'N\'HIGH \"Day Off\" - david.rey@wanadoo.fr
Rating: 0
HI!
I do it as a member of the band! SO I wont put a note...

I would like you to get a look at our music.

We've made a new album called Day Off. It's simply a good melodic rock album. We made it with the heart: strong guitars (Angra or Evergrey style), melodic clear voice (Europe style or even Muse), strong bass/Drum (more Prog oriented like Dream Theater), a lot of fun and modern stuff (samples and programms).

We wanna get the back of professionnal

We wanna be the new french connection for melodic metal

We really need your all.

Best Regard
David.

01/09/05: Giuliano - Bright Horizon - giolianoariatti@neomedia.it
Rating: 90
Bright Horizon is one of those quirky rock bands which offer up something a little different than the standard progressive fare. The delicious intro Libertango begins the “journey” with a splendid mix of melodic keyboard and guitar work but the real opening of the album is the hard rocking swagger of Burning Hope– a track which rocks from the start.. The bridge picks up a notch and the chorus turns sonically monstrous, with heavy, layered guitars and a strong, aggressive lead vocal.

Virtually all other tracks have their excellent points as well: "Daybreak" is a swift mover, “The Shade of the Hill” is a pure melancholic song with a delicious leading piano, the nine-plus minutes of "Les mystères du chateau hanté" has a cool orchestral part and a very catchy metal riff with an extraordinary rhythm section.

A good ballad (“Illusion meets reality” ) has been included too on “Oneiric Reality”. This softly song allows Rock to showcase a more melodic and passionate side to the vocal talents of Gabriele Toralbo.

“Abitta Funky” , as the title suggests, it’s a Very upbeat, funky groove track. A nice change indeed!

With “Discophobia” and “Opposite Symmetry” the band moves back to a darker sound. ( “The Shade of The hill”)

Definitely I really have enjoyed this album ..Bright Horizon brings a flashy style of progressive rock. I think that Oneiric reality is a Cd that all the lovers of good music should snap up immediately. A great offering for the fans.

28/08/05: Charly Brown - LANDE-ALLEN \"THE BATTLE\" - charly_b@noos.fr
Rating: 100
I bought few months ago the last Masterplan album that is for me one of the best release of the year. I must admit that I was so impatient for "The battle" release that I couldnt help downloading it from the net. I apologize 1000 times and be sure that I will buy 3 of this album in september because it is definitively the melodic metal album of the decade. A huge masterpiece...I never heard so many killer songs on a same Album. Melodic metal fans, order this album to support the talented guys who made it !!!! Thanks to melodicrock.com to help every aor and metal fans in their choice.
For me, The Battle overates Aeronautics !!!

21/08/05: Matt - Dream Theater - Octavarium - bbvd2000@gmail.com
Rating: 0
With ultra-cliche lyrics and extremely bland music, Dream Theater should be ashamed this album ever saw the light of day. Easily their worst album since Falling Into Infinity; and hands down their most disasterous album ever.

14/08/05: Penny Irving - Sixty-10 - pirving@nemours.com
Rating: 98

Wow! What a great EP. Sixty-10 reminds me a lot of a Modern Day Cheap Trick mixed with Weezer. Miss You starts is out perfectly. Powerful yet melodic at the same time. Everything is my favorite on the album even though Miss You & Ever Since are getting the most airplay. It sticks in your hear. Ever Since is pure Powerpop for the nu-breed. This is a band to watch out for in the near future. They will be on a major label soon.

11/08/05: Yulianto Dewata - DOKKEN Long Way Home - davidewata@yahoo.com.sg
Rating: 60
DOKKEN’s Long Way Home was released in 2002. This studio record features debut from bassist Barry Sparks who replaced the mighty 4-stringer Jeff Pilson, also featured the only studio performance from guitarist John Norum (now returned to EUROPE).

The album kicks off with a dark and down-tuned “Sunless Days”, marking a great performance from John Norum. This one is surely would be your instant favorite. “We live in sunless days/no horizon through the storm..”. A perfect album opener! They successfully brought the modern-rock sound in the song. I was beginning to be happy to be able to listen to the band in a “heavy metal” mode.

However, it strucked me to the floor when the second track came ini, “Little Girl”. They were to early to put a mid-tempo track and somewhat-grungy like this. You may want to skip this as well. This one is very much reminding you of the Shadowlife album. I am beginning to really think if this album is worth listening when I am listening to the following tracks such as the cheesy-poppy “Everybody Needs (To Be With Someone)” or the grunge-wannabe “You”. Even the ballad “Goodbye My Friend” doesn’t really help me to resurfacing my mood.

Fortunately, there are a couple more rocking tracks delivered through “Magic Road”, “Heart Full of Soul”, and “Under The Gun”. Especially in “Heart Full of Souls”, this 2-minutes plus song is a funky interesting track. Not my favorite but it surely kills. If you were disappointed with the previous ballad I mentioned, you might be as well pleased with “There Was A Time” and “I’ve Found”.

Overall, I am slightly less-satisfied with this record. John Norum hasn’t got the feeling and hasn’t been able to put his signature in DOKKEN’s musical structure. I would only suggest this record to a completist, not to a real hard rocker who wants a kickin’ ass hard rocking record. There are several memorable tracks, but more are less memorable.

05/08/05: steve glasscock - THE JONES GANG - steviegmuzik@aol.com
Rating: 0
The Jones Gang - "Any Day Now"
First release from a band featuring Rick Wills-(foreigner),Robert Hart-(The Distance,Bad Company)and Kenny Jones-(Small Faces,The Who)and various guests including Dave "Bucket" Colwell-(Humble Pie,Bad Company),Gary Grainger-(Rod Stewart),Richie Barrett-(Tony Hadley,Roger Daltry,Peter Cox)and Ronnie Wood.
How can this album fail? ,with over fifty million album sales collectively,this album has something for every one.Rockers such as the album opener "Time Of Your Life" is a guitar driven beauty with Hart's vocals in top form."Mr Brown"is well crafted with more than a tip of the hat to the bands heritage."Angel" is worth the "ticket price" on its own-already making waves stateside-a classic ballad that will sit well in any AOR fan's collection."She'll Never Know" is an acoustic gem with great harmonies."With You" almost has a Robbie Williams feel,but don't let that put you off !."Gypsy Lane" is another acoustic,capturing classic flavours of the late 70's and a tribute to Ronnie Lane."Lucy" has a big chorus and hook."Six To Midnight" is a classic almost Rod Stewart rocker,with Hart flexing his vocal muscle."Hole In My Soul" follows in a similar style."Where Are You"is another rocker with big guitars and a definite feel of a Who track-a rocker of the highest order !."Red Hot" is a good time rock and roller that could be at home on anything from a Thunder album to any classic 70's era album-but with a modern twist.I've seen these guys live,the songs are written to play live-and these boys really know how to play.NOT TO BE MISSED !

WWW.jonesgangmusic.com www.aaomusic.com

04/08/05: Jonny B - Ra \"Duality\" - froloth@hotmail.com
Rating: 88
IMO, Ra is THE one modern rock band that is closer to the melodic rock roots than any other group. I have broken a few local 80's purists out of their rut by pumping this band into their stereo. Of course, it does help to have a singer who sounds like Sting.

The second effort from Ra takes them to a more melodic direction, but still using the modern roots that they came from. There are more vocal melodies with some melodic-style choruses than the first album (and *gasp* a few bridges AND a guitar solo!!!) Opening tracks "Fallen Angels," "Tell Me," and "Take Me Away," show off some killer vocal harmonies from Sting-esk singer Sahaj Ticotin, (speaking of which, their cover of Sting's "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" is well done!) "I Lost Everything Today," and "Say You Will," could easily be stolen and remade by Harem Scarem and nobody would notice. Some tracks do have fairly average modern verses ("The Only One," "Say You Will,") but eventually break out with some really great choruses. The only weak track on the album was "Superman," the Everyday Formulaic Commercial Modern Ballad Fit For Radio. Ra does NOT do this well.

The melodic direction Ra takes in "Duality" shys away from the heavier debut, and may bring disappointment to their established young modern fans who expected an album of 'Rectifier's. (although the track "Far Enough" comes pretty close.) However, melodic rock fans will find much more to be impressed with in Ra...that is, if they can pass by the 'modern rock' prejudice and admit that these guys are the real deal in today's music scene.

So why rank the album only an 88 if I like this one so much? Because it falls under my 'No-No's' list of what not to do with a rock album: Ending with three straight ballads. The exact same reason why I deducted points off Harem Scarem "Overload." PLEASE, if you're gonna end an album, END IT WITH A BANG, NOT A WHIMPER!

Aside from that little mishap, Ra "Duality" is the TRUE modern melodic rock album of the year. Better vocal harmonies, better melodies, better songs...period. My nu-breed of the year, and Top 10 contender in 2005.

03/08/05: Matt - ASPIRE \"Quest Eternal\" - lordstringmaster@yahoo.com
Rating: 95
This is a must!!! I picked this album quite accidentally and I can't stop listening to it! I can't believe it's an indie record. Everything sounds absolutely professional. The band calls their style "Symphonic Power Metal" and it's pretty suitable. They combine catchy guitar riffs and shredding solos with sympnoic arrangements and opera tenor! The sound is amazing. Also what is nice, ASPIRE do not forget about ballads, and they catch your heart immediately. If you like Edguy, Savatage, Rhapsody or Symphony X, get this album! I bought it from Amazon, but I think you can find it on CD Baby too. Definitely A+

31/07/05: Ashtonmon - Radiocity by Sharp Practise - nigelclo@globalnet.co.uk
Rating: 96
A new release on the Rising Records indie label. I caught the band on tour and tracked the CD down in my local shop.
Reserved undertones but good rock tunes? Check. Sounding like more members than there probably are? Check. Big atmosphere from a simple band combo? Check. Songs to back it up? Check and mate. Sharp Practise are a classic rock band but not an over the top screaming yelling rock n' roll monster, this is the sound of a band who like to keep things quiet and wouldn't say no to an acoustic set, but not tonight: tonight they wanna rock. And rock they do.
Songs like "Bridge Across The Harbour" have occasional guitar licks to make you smile and lift the soul, 'coz it's emotional, well-played music for adults that brilliantly never lapses into AOR territory. It's driven by yearning, commanding vocals and some slashing guitar work and builds meticulously to a memorable chorus. "Morgan's Creek" is slower, softer but not necessarily sombre, unlike the brash and moving anthem "How Katie Feels". Then there's the showstopping, windswept closing "How Do You Take It and plaintive guitar pop, like on "No Thanks" - which with its acerbic lyrical stabs is the kind of thing Neil Finn has made his trademark over the years. It's all generous on the ear, and overall "Radiocity" stands as a very strong album, though if push came to shove, I'd probably choose "Family Of Nations" and "Paint My Dreams" as the stand-out tracks. The former marries an excellent lyrical call for understanding with dramatic Who-style powerchords that come full circle. It's neat, powerful gear, as is "Paint My Dreams", which with its' funky wah-wah and furious discoid drumming recalls INXS before they went crap and got bloated. Urgent, in a word. The titles say it all, but you need to hear them in person to appreciate the band's style. As the album continues, Sharp Practise prove themselves to be adept at loud'n'hooky rockers; "Bed Of Rhythm" is catchy with backing vocals and a sneering guitar sound, and could be the anthem of the summer radio.
It's top stuff from a big thing in waiting that for once isn't surrounded by huge hype and expectations from the British music press.

26/07/05: GAFF - Iommi/Hughes- Fused - Gaffguitars@optonline.net
Rating: 100
This is so far the BEST ALBUM OF THE YEAR. There isn't one bad song. Glenn Hughes sounds great and his melodies are perfect. I was a big fan of the Sabbath album Seventh Star and this blows that away. The 1996 Dep Sessions was good as well but not like this. High points are, well everything. Dopamine, Wasted Again, Grace, I Go Insane is an epic that doesn't let you go. If I had to pick one song that doesn't stick out for me, it would be Deep In The Shell and even that's growing on me. Iommi never sounded better and Hughes, man, the guy can sing his ass off. I hope they tour this album. I can't wait to hear it live.
Bottom line: It just kicks ass!

26/07/05: Big Mike - XYZ - Rainy Days - Bigmike456@hotmail.com
Rating: 85
Man did someone stuff up real bad by not releasing this in the 80's.
Exceptional melodic hard rock. This would have been a killer release
in the day and would have put XYZ up with the best of their day. Unfortunately, their song writing went downhill after this, although the ST album certainly has some good tracks. The production on this CD is sub standard but the songwriting is hard to find. Its melodic rock (not metal or pop). Not sure if top dollar for this production is worth it to everyone. Check out the mp3's on oneflightupguitars.com. My version came with 12 songs.

24/07/05: Richard Möller - xsavior - teddy@aol.com
Rating: 1
Man! What is wrong with my house god göran Edman? He sings like a god in Crossfade but the new Xsavior?? What is that?? He should join the opera...

Richard

14/07/05: Robert Goldberg - Sixty-10 - Roberino@mindspring.com
Rating: 96
I give it a 96 because if they mixed the 3 songs from the EP with the 1st album it would get 100. The 3 new songs including Miss You, Everything and Ever Since are all up-tempo. I know that they have a lot more styles that they will show on their major label debut. It is still great and the production is much better than the debut.

12/07/05: Roger Field - Sixty-10 - Field007@aol.com
Rating: 100
I had a copy of the Chip N'Nuff Produced Debut Album by Sixty-10. The influences of the band are undeniable. You can hear a little bit of Cheap Trick, Badfinger and some Enuff Z'Nuff. When I got the brand new EP, I didn't know what to expect. In late 2004, they released the 3 song EP Say No To Thugs. To my pleasant surprise it is the best 3 song EP that I have heard in many many years. They still have the influences, but Randall has progressed tremendously as a vocalist and the drumming of Tom Corbett make this a much more cohesive effort. It sounds like something that you would hear on a modern rock station, or it can crossover to VH1's Top 20. "Miss You" starts out like a band that is on a mission. If Rick Springfield went punk, you can have a good idea of what Miss You sounds like. There is a reason why it is getting international airplay. "Everything" shows the dynamics of Randall's voice but really has a tremendous amounts of hooks in it. It is my favorite out of the three. It is also getting a lot of airplay. "Ever Since" could compete with Bowling For Soup and Simple Plan in their arena. It is also a tremedous song. It shouldn't be long for Sixty-10 to get the major label opportunity that they have worked so hard for. I would highly recommend checking it out at Sixty-10.com

11/07/05: Joanna Mbramos - Sixty-10 - joannambramos@aol.com
Rating: 99
This is the best EP that I have heard all year. It starts out in Powerpunk fashion with Miss You. It isn't your typical clone of Simple Plan of other Punk-Pop artists. It has a unique style that shines on the new EP. The next song "Everything" is my personal favorite. It shows off Randall's low register, which hans't been seen much until this song. This is the best song that Cheap Trick hasn't written in 20 years. Ever Since is great cruising music and reminds me a lot of the last Jimmy Eat World. Overall I give it a 99.8%, because I can't wait for the next full-length release on a major label. This is the best 3 songs that I have heard in years. Sixty-10 is a band that is going places fast.

08/07/05: vapidbass - Sixty 8 / Sixty 8 - info@sixty8band.com
Rating: 100
Sixty 8's current EP/CD is melodic retro-metal built for baby boomers from the 80's, but with nu-metal influences. This 5 1/2 son disc is a formidable debut from a band with immense potential. The most striking aspect of Sixty 8 is the lead singer Tryg Bundgaard who possesses a perfect hybrid voice between Chris Cornell and Axel Rose and almost limitless range. The interplay between guitarists Kurt Schwartz and James Lee is unbridled and very imaginative. Full lead breaks and dual leads unlike anything you hear these days. The drums and bass by Brett Eurich and Paul Asher York are average and do take away from what could be an incredible band. Hopefully given time everyone will be on the same page from a musical standpoint. Paul Asher York does redeem himself in that he wrote the entire disc and the writing is very good. You can check out the entire disc at www.sixty8band.com

30/06/05: Dean Ohlrich - Journey-Generations - derbydeano@yahoo.com
Rating: 95
What I received as I walked in to the concert last week on the kickoff show was Journey's Generations CD.. WOW. Awesome. Only a little flaw and that is due to my particular taste.

"Faith in the Heartland" opens the CD, and after a drum roll opening, it takes off and soars..Neal Schon's guitar kiterally takes you with him, and the song is up tempo and fluid, complete with the poroverbial Schon solo..."The Place in Your Heart" should already be on the radio, and why it's not is beside me. This tune starts out abruptly, and then takes off with a catchy chorus and a super melodic Neal solo to close the song..The best song since Seperate Ways; in fact in my opinion, it's better. Now, the third song is called "A Better life" and drummer Deen Castranova takes over vocals on this one. I instantly liked it..starts off with a Richard marx like "Hazard: opening, then is moderate tempo, with a sweet smooth voiced Castranova doing an excellent job here..another radio friendly song. "Every Generation" is Jonathan Cains" turn to sing lead. Nothing special, but is a nice solid melodic song..a little Billy Joelish. The Next song was Steve Augeri's solo entry called "Butterfly(She flies alone). Too slow for me, and sounds like it is missing from Arrival..ok song, but I could do without. "Believe" is the next song, and it too rocks..A classic Journey song with a nice chorus. However, to me, the momentum is broken up with "Knowing that you love Me." This too sounds like Arrival, which isn't a bad thing, but could leave off. Now, the rockers come at you, starting with "Out of Harms Way." Killer Neal guitar opening, sounds like a machine gun along with Deenos drumming..great, no, superb lyrics..political song, but supportive of the men and women serving over "there." "In Self Defense" is next, and you may recognize this from a Schon and Hammer album back in the day..Neal torques on this one, and Deen fills in the high pitched vocals..."Better Together" is a real solif tune. I love the lyrics, and to me it seems as though the words are reflective of the band, not the boy/girl scenario..you need to listen to this one..For the next track, "Gone Crazy" I thought ZZ Top was included in this song. Bassist Ross Valory's turn at the mic and he does a good job on it, it just isn't Journey..very hokish and country rock..seriously, sounds like Billy Gibbons doing Journey, or Ross doing ZZ...The final song is "Beyond the Clouds."Real slow, but Schon's guitar melts you like butter, and the chorus is heavy on lyrics..

In rating this cd, I knocked off a few points for the "fillers" "Knowing that you Love Me" and "Butterfly", and for the awkwardness of the Ross song, however, this CD is strong..real strong. If radio would pull their collective heads out of their collective asses, and play this bad boy.. There are anthem songs(Faith in the Heartland), good rock tunes, pop songs(Better Life), and no tissue ballads, I rank this now number #2 in the impressive Journey catalog..yes, behind Frontiers. It's that good. Buy it if you can, or simply go to their show, and get one free!!

Dean

24/06/05: Yulianto Dewata - MSG Forever And More - davidewata@yahoo.com.sg
Rating: 88
This 2003 release from Michael Schenker (under the MSG flag) is quite an interesting compilation. This 2 disc set is a compilation from previous studio and live records, Written In The Sands, The Unforgiven World Tour, The Michael Schenker Story, one instrumental album, and Be Aware of Scorpions. Fortunately, these discs also cover some “old” tracks from the UFO years. Let’s say “Armed And Ready” or “On And On” as well as “Lights Out”, “Rock Bottom”, etc. Surprisingly enough, my favorite tracks “Save Yourself” from the McAuley Schenker Group years is also covered in the disc. If you’re not satisfied (yet), one song from Scorpions is also covered here, which is “Another Piece of Meat”! Wow… this reminds me of Scorp’s heavy metal days.

I have not been very much updated with MSG after the release of their Unplugged album. Thus, these discs are very much important me to catch up with them. I didn’t realize that “Written In The Sand” is a melodic and somewhat romantic track. That’s cool.

I wouldn’t be fair to rate Forever And More with 5 stars since this is a compilation record (of course, selected tracks, good songs blablabla…). But this compilation indeed gives me the confidence of what MSG could achieve the next future. A confidence that once was vanished after I heard that Michael went solo as an acoustic guitar player.

24/06/05: Yulianto Dewata - WINGER In The Heart of The Young - davidewata@yahoo.cm.sg
Rating: 85
Sexy hard rock music. Yep, that’s what I call Winger’s musical direction. Eleven killer tracks from Winger’s second release “In The Heart of The Young” shows their maturity of music. The album opener is “Can’t Get Enuff”, a sexy and rhythmic tune and –of course- full of implicitly sexy lyrics. The second track “Loosen’ Up” perfectly fits into the bill as the first one. I think the one that caught most of the attention in this record is –surprisingly—wasn’t written by the mastermind bassist/vocalist Kip Winger. “Miles Away” is most probably the best ballad ever recorded by Winger. This song was written by keys-man/guitarist Paul Taylor.

Another surprise output from this band, they went a bit darker here. Tracks such as “Rainbow In The Rose” or “Under One Condition”. This is great, since I like dark. Although probably it would be less-commercial for their record sale. Most probably you will love Reb Beach’s guitar-driven signature on “Little Dirty Blonde”, less spectacular than his well-penned signature on “Seventeen” from the first record, but surely this will make you dance for sure.

“Baptized By Fire”, is that Kip’s bass solo in the beginning of the song? Nice job, Kip! I think, the last 2 tracks in this record are great album closers. “You Are The Saint, I Am The Sinner” and title-track “In The Heart of The Young” are among of my favorite tracks down here.

Jeez, I do miss all those hard rock days. I always close my eyes and relive those days when I play this disc at night.

24/06/05: Yulianto Dewata - ALIAS Alias - davidewata@yahoo.com.sg
Rating: 4
As far as I am aware of, this is the only album by this band called Alias. This album was released in 1990. People might remember that their song “More Than Words Can Say” was well-received as a good ballad. Personally, I think that song now stands as one of those songs that we call “classic”. Actually, there are a lot of melodic tunes in this album. Catchy and romantic.

The album was opened with a melodic pop-rocking tune “Say What I Wanna Say”. It is very light and crunchy. A nice opener. The second track “Haunted Heart” is a more up-beat than the first track. A little bit dark but still melodic. The first ballad is “Waiting For Love”. Pretty much reminding me of John Waite’s “Missing You”, especially in the beginning of the song. This one is a killer ballad as well as “More Than Words Can Say”. Too bad it didn’t get much radio play.

The rocking tune “The Power” is pretty much a simple track and almost have nothing to highlight on. Skippable track for me, it’s worth listening though. While “Heroes” is a slow tempo ballad. Continued with the next track “What To Do”, a bass-driven intro track. I think “After All The Love Has Gone” is my favorite rocking track, other than “Haunted Heart”. I think it would be a great show opener as well. “Nothing you can do to make me stay/After the love has gone!” really clinched the emotion within. Track number 8 is “More Than Words Can Say”. Needless to say any comment on that, I suppose. While I would like to pen the next track “One More Chance” as a highlight melodic hard rock track from the band. Did I mention the killer guitar solo in the song? Oh yes, you should keep your ears for the solo parts. The last two songs are mid-tempo yet pop-y “True Emotion” (which seems to make you aware that “hey, we’re approaching the end of our menu”) while the album closer is a rock n’ roller “Standing in The Darkness”. I don’t think it is a nice choice for a closer. But it sure left wanting more for this band. Which in fact, none. However, they have marked their place in the hard rock scene during the early 90s.

24/06/05: Ian Mascall - Hammerfall - Chapter V - mookthebarbus@tiscali.co.uk
Rating: 98
First time l heard this band from Sweden they blew this 45 year olds head apart...
They remind me of good ol Saxon back in the Wheels of Steel days..awesome singer and superb headbanging riffs to keep many a metalhead happy...
Since l got into these l have recently bought there back catalogue and every albums a classic in there own right..
If you get the combination of a great metal singer and superb guitar work...you get a superb album and this to me is one of the best in 2005...
Simply awesome !!!!!!!

16/06/05: greg - Visionary -Strange but familiar shores - gyheat@yahoo.com
Rating: 100
One of the best progressive metal albums ever! LEAD SINGER HAS AN AMAZINGLY BEATIFUL VOICE much like geoff tate and james labrie
musically it is loaded with keyboards and guitars> very cool> buy this album from nightmare records> you will not be disappointed>

16/06/05: greg - Gotthard - Lip Service - gyheat@yahoo.com
Rating: 99
Gotthard just keeps getting better. Awesome rockers and cool ballads. Would have given it a 100 but the ballads on their previos albums are show Steve Lee's vocal range and emotion much more. Still a must have for any melodic rock fan. 14 songs and 1 bonus and I keep wanting more!!!!!

28/05/05: Jonas Svensson - Harem Scarem-Overload - jonas151@hotmail.com
Rating: 100
God, I´m so happy. Harem Scarem back in shape. This is an album that I would rank as one of their best. It´s up there together with Mood Swings, Voice of Reason and Karme Clensing. Truly a perfect album. Thanks guys.

25/05/05: Maricela Gomez - Simply Slang cd - esanena@hotmail.com
Rating: 95
I don't know what the previous post is talking about but Simply Slang sounds NOTHING like the New York Dolls. They have their own unique sound and style. The cd (ep) is pretty good-all the songs rock (I love the vocals!) but my personal favorite is the melodic hard pop/rock of Angeline. The boys in Simply Slang came up with a classic when they recorded this one. Sure, the production isn't too good, but with a song like Angeline, it really doesn't matter.

20/05/05: Teddy - EDDIE LEO : FLIEG MIT MIR - les.deux@t-online.de
Rating: 0
EDDIE LEO : THE LITTLE PRINCE OF GERMAN POP/ROCK MUSIK.


Montaigne wrote one day :„One cannot severe the soul from the body,a man is all that“.The name of the man I met,by chance,on a beautiful sunny day,during the PopKomm 2004 in Berlin,is EDDIE LEO.

EDDIE LEO was just there,besides me,I recognized him and went to salute him.His simplicity is striking,and I was heartily greeted.We exchanged about the outcomes since his victory in the Deutsche Stimme 2003 show,(The German Voice 2003 Show),on ZDF (The Second German TV Channel).Consequently,he presented to me his album FLIEG MIT MIR.EDDIE LEO has talent,and he is a generous man who hasn't lost the normal touch.Maybe it is his practice of Yoga that enables him not to lose his head after his success with the Deutsche Stimme 2003,and the release of his uplifting album FLIEG MIT MIR on BMG Ariola.

Today,EDDIE LEO,alias EDDIE LEO SCHRUFF is 33,and he knows what he wants,a life full of music to share with his public.EDDIE LEO comes from Cologne in Germany,he was a member of the A-cappella Group,THE FRICKLES,for four years,and sang in the german version of the musical : LITTLE SHOPS OF HORROR. His classical training giving him all the tools to handle the challenges that come from the very demanding world of music.

EDDIE LEO's album FLIEG MIT MIR was recorded in six weeks in the studio Kapellmeister in Vögelsen near Lüneburg,and produced by Peter Hoffman,Frank Ramon and Patrick Benzner.This record mirrors the artist's sensibility,versatility and quality touch.Is EDDIE LEO the artistic Udo Jürgens'presumptive heir. About his record,EDDIE LEO says : « …Despite the shortness of the recording process,we save the best for my first album ». Yes,indeed,there are numerous beautifully penned songs in this record,sung with sensibility and emotion : « Flieg Mit Mir », »Aus Dem Freien Fall », »Regenzeit », »Mach Die Augen Zu », »Ich Weiß, Daß Es Dich Gibt »,and not to be forgotten, the delicious ballads : »Warum Bist Du Weg » and « Bleib » .

EDDIE LEO : FLIEG MIT MIR on BMG Ariola.

Internet site : www.eddie-leo-band.de
Internet site : www.eddie-leo.com


(P)2005 Teddy Crispin

17/05/05: oliver - Harem Scarem-Over:Load - oliver.gichert@t-online.de
Rating: 55
99?? Sorry Andrew. Know it´s your favourite band, but imo this isn´t melodic rock any more. Pure hard rock with only a few good melodies. Vocals much too agressive. No remarkable songs. Disappointing!

05/05/05: Randy Steinberg - Dark Sky Living & Dying - randyguitar@juno.com
Rating: 50
For the most part I tend to agree with andrews reviews, but not here.
Besides giving this cd a high rating he also said fans of scorpions and jaded heart should enjot this.I cannot compare this to either of these bands.I think the vocals are terrible and the song writing isn't much better.I tried to listen to this cd three different times
and I thought it got worse each time.

28/04/05: Krystal - Bohemian Rhapsody - The_love@yahoo.com
Rating: 100
Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody is the Greatest song yet!!!!!!!!

27/04/05: vicente muedra - WURDALAK: Desde El Silencio - http://www.wurdalak.net
Rating: 100
"Desde el Silencio" is the second album of the spanish band Wurdalak that comes along after its previous disc "La Llamada". A more elaborated and mature work that from the entrails of traditional heavy metal approaches new directions towards vanguardist and progressive sounds. Each track is a surprising journey, either they take us to their personal epic world with subtle and mysterious atmospheres, or to submerge us in heartrendering spheres of moving lyricism. The voice of MªJose Romero invites to it, because is complex, luminous, intense, vibrant... This vocalist dynamite the climax until elevating us to delightful emotions. Its adaptation coming from the classic field to heavy metal is really commendable, although she is still more comfortable in mid-tempos and high registries.

The musical production of the album is exceptional. The rythmical section sounds aggressive, clean, powerful.... The treatment of keyboard and voice also is outstanding, cause far from being relegated to the rythmical maze they receive high protagonism, showing the virtues of these talented musicians. Similarly it emphasizes the sound of guitars, where the group is faithful to a classic metal concept, with powerful riffs, rushing guitar boths, and baroque arrangements in pure Helloween style.

An atmospheric Intro made by Helder de los Santos with an elegant taste to Alan Parson initiates the disc. Tremendously evocative and enigmatic. Next they delight us with "Atormentado" a song of progressive structure with sharp rythmical guitars - they slightly remember Conception -. "Nunca Moriras" begins with an Elegy sounding intro, pompous guitars and a noticeable protagonism of the keyboard. Very melodic, intense and heartrendering. It is perhaps next to "Camino en una sola direccion" the best structured song.

"Mil Voces" is a speedy metal hit where the brilliants riffs of guitar evoke the best Rainbow epoca. We also should emphasize the collaboration of "El Gamba", singer from Metal Mareny. His interesting voice allows a vibrant duel between both vocalists. In this cut they make an instrumental interlude that relaxes the metal fervor by suggestive orchestal arrangements. "Nyneve" is a midtempo song where the luminous voice of Mª Jose take us to a wonderful epic story. They sound like the last celtic albums made by Richi Blackmore. "No hay adios" is his following cut where they return to flirtear with symphonic rock. The rythmical section - Ignacio Garcis bass player and Rubén Muñoz drummer- is powerful and complex.

"Camino en una sola direccion" is the masterpiece of the disc. begins with an intro with reminiscencias to "Fear the dark", then flies to a gothic atmosphere with certain flavor to Evanescence, to finalize with a hard rock chorus with tenuous celtic shades. The song is in continuous crescendo, looking for a goal, a direction... musical narrative Tension very good acomplished that harmonically goes through the existencial desire of yearnings and dreams that characterize the letters of the band. They finalize the disc with "Hacia a ti" which connects with the enigmatic Intro made by Helder de los Santos, sealing therefore a perfect circle. In conclusion, Wurdalak has obtained a disc of exceptional quality where they reveal their skills in fusing different sorts with total coherence, marking a way to make heavy metal absolutely original.

27/04/05: vicente muedra - WURDALAK: Desde El Silencio - http://www.wurdalak.net
Rating: 100
"Desde el Silencio" is the second album of the spanish band Wurdalak that comes along after its previous disc "La Llamada". A more elaborated and mature work that from the entrails of traditional heavy metal approaches new directions towards vanguardist and progressive sounds. Each track is a surprising journey, either they take us to their personal epic world with subtle and mysterious atmospheres, or to submerge us in heartrendering spheres of moving lyricism. The voice of MªJose Romero invites to it, because is complex, luminous, intense, vibrant... This vocalist dynamite the climax until elevating us to delightful emotions. Its adaptation coming from the classic field to heavy metal is really commendable, although she is still more comfortable in mid-tempos and high registries.

The musical production of the album is exceptional. The rythmical section sounds aggressive, clean, powerful.... The treatment of keyboard and voice also is outstanding, cause far from being relegated to the rythmical maze they receive high protagonism, showing the virtues of these talented musicians. Similarly it emphasizes the sound of guitars, where the group is faithful to a classic metal concept, with powerful riffs, rushing guitar boths, and baroque arrangements in pure Helloween style.

An atmospheric Intro made by Helder de los Santos with an elegant taste to Alan Parson initiates the disc. Tremendously evocative and enigmatic. Next they delight us with "Atormentado" a song of progressive structure with sharp rythmical guitars - they slightly remember Conception -. "Nunca Moriras" begins with an Elegy sounding intro, pompous guitars and a noticeable protagonism of the keyboard. Very melodic, intense and heartrendering. It is perhaps next to "Camino en una sola direccion" the best structured song.

"Mil Voces" is a speedy metal hit where the brilliants riffs of guitar evoke the best Rainbow epoca. We also should emphasize the collaboration of "El Gamba", singer from Metal Mareny. His interesting voice allows a vibrant duel between both vocalists. In this cut they make an instrumental interlude that relaxes the metal fervor by suggestive orchestal arrangements. "Nyneve" is a midtempo song where the luminous voice of Mª Jose take us to a wonderful epic story. They sound like the last celtic albums made by Richi Blackmore. "No hay adios" is his following cut where they return to flirtear with symphonic rock. The rythmical section - Ignacio Garcis bass p