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SURVIVOR ‘VITAL SIGNS’ (ROCK CANDY RECORDS)
Never in my life I would have thought that I would have been able to review what I refer to as the finest piece of music history ever recorded, but in 2011 I do get the opportunity, because the SURVIVOR album ‘Vital signs’ has been re-released on CD. Fully remastered in 2010, the sound is now up to absolute perfection. Originally released in 1984, it saw the band moving into a slightly different direction, as in more keyboardfriendly and hooks/chorus wise as picture perfect as possible. Their previous record ‘Caught in the game’ from 1983 didn’t deliver the goods, so a few ‘vital changes’ were done in order to make a new SURVIVOR record successful again. First of all, the band switched from lead singer, because DAVE BICKLER was replaced by JIMI JAMISON. And secondly it was decided that RON NEVISON was brought in for the production and this combination turned the SURVIVOR sound into absolute AOR MAGIC, something that even beat the back then unreachable AOR level of JOURNEY. Everyone who thought that SURVIVOR was only an one-off band popular for their Rocky anthem “Eye of the tiger” should have a listen to this album, as you will be blown away by the immense high quality of each of the 9 included songs. This re-issue by ROCK CANDY RECORDS is definitely the finest copy one is able to own of the album, because the sound is crystal clear (thanks to the 2010 remastering), there is the addition of 1 bonustrack (“The moment of truth” from the KARATE KID movie) and the 16 pages counting CD booklet contains a very interesting essay on the recording of the album, an interview with JIM PETERIK and some great photos. All together a must-have, especially in case you don’t own the album at all. Every second on this album is Classic AOR, right from the start with “I can’t hold back” until the last few seconds of “I see you in everyone”, although the last track is actually bonustrack “The moment of truth”. Nobody can deny the incredible high level of musicianship reached on this record, because vocally and instrumentally everything sounds crystal clear, thanks to not only the musicians themselves, but of course also RON NEVISON did some of his finest work ever. It is clear that no matter how hard anyone will try, ‘Vital signs’ will forever remain as the finest AOR record ever, as the perfection is so damn brilliant on the whole record. There are only a few bands in music history with a new lead singer to achieve such a high level on their first recording with the replacement vocalist, but AC/DC, MAIDEN, VAN HALEN and SURVIVOR nailed it in the 1980s. This SURVIVOR record contained basically everything needed to make it an AOR Classic and it’s one of only a few records I have ever given the full rating (TOUCH, PREVIEW, HAREM SCAREM’s first, MARK FREE are a few of the others). What better way to start with “I can’t hold back”, one of the absolute finest songs ever recorded. It starts with the use of acoustic guitars only, combined after a few seconds with Jimi’s passionate vocals, before speeding up to become an uptempo AOR rocker with a deadly catchy hook and a beautiful haunting melodic chorus. “High on you” follows and starts really massive with JIM PETERIK’s keyboards upfront, basically kick-ass pure 1980s AOR at it’s very best, can’t go wrong here if you’re a fan of the 1980s. “First night” starts calm, but just like opener “I can’t hold back” speeds up pretty quickly to revolve into a real uptempo rocker everyone can easily sing-a-long to. Things really slow down during one of the most beautiful picture-perfect AOR ballads ever created, namely “The search is over”. If you’re in the situation of convincing the girl you are mr. right (or the other way around of course), well then do put on this song and you’re hooked for life, because this is the ultimate ballad to connect two people in love. Anyway, next 2 tracks are once again SURVIVOR at their very best, midtempo AOR with hooks and choruses to die for, as both “Broken promises” and “Popular girl” are belonging to the best songs this band ever created. “Popular girl” has the typical 80s dut-dut AOR keyboard movement, one of the finest hooklines ever created in AOR history and a chorus that will keep dancing around in your head for days after you heard it. The power ballad “Everlasting” is of course also fantastic, sounding like an AOR version of CHICAGO, but somehow it is the least played track on the ‘Vital signs’ record I think. Up next is “It’s the singer not the song”, a powerful AOR rocker with a very nice laid-back verse that once again shows the brilliance of this record. When you least expect it and think the record just finishes off with a nice little tune, the incredible thing happens that the album’s absolute highlight is kept until the very end with the superb “I see you in everyone”. Actually I re-discovered this song at a later stage, as I was made aware of it’s incredible strength after it was performed live somewhere in 1997 by JIMI JAMISON’s SURVIVOR. That’s when it really grab me and I started to think to myself that this MUST be the best song SURVIVOR ever recorded! It’s got a bombastic, midtempo ‘Rocky’ish beat and a really amazing chorus that just goes on and on without ever getting boring, while during the middle somewhere there is this synthesizer break with a sorta ASIA instrumental sound. Towards the end during the chorus fade out the guest vocalist MICKEY THOMAS of STARSHIP joins in with some nice high pitched yelling and the guitar solo at the very end is also lovely… eventually making this the best track on the whole album for sure! As already mentioned before, ROCK CANDY RECORDS added the bonustrack “The moment of truth”, which was originally also included on the German release of the album, but musically speaking it is just a nice 80s keyboardfriendly AOR tune, however not reaching the incredible high level of the rest of the material. Conclusion is of course quite simple, because any music fan need to get this album in their collection, as it is a piece of music history you truly don’t want to miss out and what better way then to grab this perfect re-issue. So forget about “Eye of the tiger” and grab the real thing here, the best album ever created: SURVIVOR – VITAL SIGNS! More info at: www.rockcandyrecords.com (Points: 10 out of 10)
If ‘Vital signs’ was JIMI JAMISON’s finest hour in SURVIVOR, ‘Caught in the game’ was then original singer DAVE BICKER’s big moment, although the album itself did not turn out to be the big commercial success everyone thought it would be after ‘Eye of the tiger’. However, the album was definitely the best record with Dave on lead vocals and perhaps the 2nd best record SURVIVOR ever cut. In contrary to its successor album ‘Vital signs’, the ‘Caught in the game’ record was definitely more guitar orientated, although still with the typical SURVIVOR type of AOR hooks and choruses. ROCK CANDY RECORDS re-released the record and as always is making it sound better than ever, thanks to a 2010 remastering. No bonustracks here, but the record does not really need that actually, because if you listen to the 9 included tracks you are completely satisfied after hearing them all, and also this particular SURVIVOR record is another one that should be in the top 10 best albums of all times. The album was produced by SURVIVOR Guitarist FRANKIE SULLIVAN and engineered by future GUNS’N’ROSES Producer Mike Clink, whom both clearly opted for a guitar orientated sound, which actually was back in 1983 quite rare, with the keyboard and synthesizer being such a prominent instrument in the music sound. Nevertheless, the melodies in some of the songs here are really like they have been lifted from heaven, which can best be heard in “Jackie Don’t Go” (dut-dut keys take over here and what an amazing song this is, nearly every second has something memorable to offer, a wet dream from every AOR fan!), “I Never Stopped Loving You” (SURVIVOR wrote some of the best ballads ever created on this planet earth and this surely is one of them!), “ Ready For The Real Thing” (midtempo pompy tune with an haunting chorus that easily invites to sing-a-long) and “Half-Life” (starts off with the synths a la “American heartbeat”, but explodes into an excellent AOR rocker with lovely vocal lines by Dave). Definitely also worth mentioning are the final 2 tracks “Slander” and “Santa Ana Winds”, both featuring some of the heaviest guitar riffs in SURVIVOR history and also both very epic ish (and lengthy!), almost reminding of 1970s UFO type of Hardrock, very different from what SURVIVOR ever offered and still also 2 awesome tunes that are probably unknown to most people. In the end, ‘Caught in the game’ was a very ambitious and challenging record from SURVIVOR, which if it had been a success would perhaps not have brought us ‘Vital signs’. The new re-release comes along with a nice booklet consisting of interviews, background info and some nice unseen photos, so a nice package here for the fans. Much overlooked, but definitely an album you may want to explore again, as there’s definitely stunning material on this SURVIVOR record just as well. Together with JOURNEY’s ‘Frontiers’ the highlight of 1983, although only 1 year later SURVIVOR would create an even better album, namely the best record of all times, but you can read all about that somewhere else… More info at: www.rockcandyrecords.com (Points: 9.6 out of 10)
Signed to the well-known DEF JAM, which is part of MERCURY RECORDS and distributed through UNIVERSAL MUSIC and the band’s first CD features guest appearances by ZAKK WYLDE and ORIANTHI, while it was co-produced by CHAD KROEGER of NICKELBACK fame (who also co-wrote a lot of the tracks), partly mixed by CHRIS-LORD ALGE and mastered by TED JENSEN at the famous Sterling Sound in New York City… For a start that ain’t too bad I guess, because this is a collection of some really big names helping out this new Canadian band called MY DARKEST DAYS. Basically you can not go wrong at all here, because the first MY DARKEST DAYS CD sounds huge and perhaps should be labeled as one of the finest Modern Rock releases of 2010! The band’s songs are sounding huge production wise, while the melodies are super tight and damn catchy at times. Although CHAD KROEGER is involved quite heavily here, MY DARKEST DAYS has musically not much to do with NICKELBACK and actually have somehow an own kinda sound. OK, there’s some similarities to THREE DAYS GRACE here and there, a little DISTURBED as well, sometimes HINDER comes to mind and a lot of 30 SECONDS TO MARS references are notable, but the melodic hooks and choruses are actually straight out of the 1980s New Wave ish Poprocksound of bands like PLATINUM BLONDE, DURAN DURAN, GLASS TIGER, 1927, A FLOCK OF SEAGULLS, PSEUDO ECHO, ULTRAVOX, etc. etc. Most of the 10 included tracks are midtempo orientated and feature the typical big downtuned heavy guitar riffs we all know from today’s modern Rock/Metalsound, but this is combined with crystal clear lead vocals and catchy melodic rockish choruses. “Every lie” is the absolute winner here, a superb midtempo Modern Rock tune with one of the best choruses I have heard in 2010! The chorus is so damn catchy and super Melodic (really recalling of the classic 3rd album of PSEUDO ECHO ‘Race’, but then with today’s modern guitar based rock sound added) that I don’t think I am fooling anyone when stating that this could well be the best Modern Rocksong created in 2010! Hoever, all the included tracks are showing that this Canadian band could easily beat NICKELBACK in the Modern Rock scene, because MY DARKEST DAYS is a much better band with a lot more to offer musically speaking than NICKELBACK ever did! The band really hit it big time on the other side of the Atlantic recently, because their first single “'Porn Star Dancing” hit the number 1 in the US Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock charts and in their homecountry of Canada the song became the fourth most downloaded rock song in Canada, while worldwide it was the 60th most downloaded video in iTunes history! All together, very impressive start and who I am to deny that this is a high quality band, which you can check out at: www.mydarkestdays.com (Points: 8.7 out of 10) EB 11’DIY’ (INDEPENDENT/SPAIN IMPORT) Straight from the Spanish Island Tenerife we have a band called EB11, whom are sounding like they hail from the US of A, creating a modern but very Melodic Rock orientated sound that sounds very catchy and impressive thanks to great vocalwork and a bunch of great songs on their CD ‘Diy’, which they released independently. Especially during the semi-rockers/ballads the band is reaching a very high level, with as highlights “Can you hold me” and “Don’t tell me lies”, although the uptempo rockers are really good as well. This band has really got potential and also they somehow have a sorta own sound, which sounds up-to-date and very melodic. A little bit perhaps going into a THE RASMUS/SUNRISE AVENUE/RA/HOOBASTANK direction here and there, while also a few times 90s Alternative Rock influences can be heard. Definitely a band to check out at: http://www.eb11music.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10) MR. HUNTER ‘THE AWAKENING’ (INDEPENDENT/USA IMPORT) MR. HUNTER are coming out of Hoboken, New Jersey, USA and they sent me their 5 tracks counting mini-CD entitled ‘The awakening’, which contains music that is very 1970s influenced. MR. HUNTER is combining classic Progressive Rock structures with very soulful female vocals. Quite an unusual combination actually, because the vocals really sound like they are best suitable for today’s R&B world, while the music of MR. HUNTER really is more going into the direction of PINK FLOYD. Nevertheless, nice to see a band experimenting and doing something new. If it really works… well I think time will tell, but they do have potential. More info at: http://www.mrhunterband.com and e-mail at: MrHunterBand@gmail.com (Points: 7.8 out of 10)
It must have been 7 years ago since I last reviewed something of the Canadian band UNCLE SID, but with ‘Eye Rock’ they are back on track. Strong powerful Female Fronted Melodic Hardrock is the name of the game on this new disc of the Vancouver based band. And then I mean Old School Hardrock riffs and a no-nonsense approach combined with powerful vocals of LOR DANE and some catchy melodies, sometimes even reminding of the legendary HEADPINS. Check out the cool “No more”, which sounds very much like the early 1980s Classic Hardrocksound of HEADPINS and LEE AARON. Lori is definitely a great singer, who brings the Hardrock of UNCLE SID to a higher level. If you’re looking for good old fashioned Hardrock with passionate powerful female vocals, then look no further, because UNCLE SID clearly delivers the goods with their new CD ‘Eye Rock’. More info at: www.unclesid.com and e-mail them at: info@unclesid.com (Points: 8.4 out of 10)
Here we have a really sensational and original sounding band from Salt Lake City/USA. AMERICAN HOLLOW is playing modern sounding Melodic Progressive Metal that instrumental speaking is not even that far away from a mix between TOOL and DISTURBED, but vocally they go for the more melodic clean vocal approach of the Northern European Progmetalstyle. Sometimes they sound like a heavy modern version of ENCHANT mixed with some PURCUPINE TREE, especially during the fantastic “Constant”, which might also appeal to fans of for example TWIN SPIRITS, MIND’S EYE, PAGAN’S MIND when you hear the chorus, minus the neo-classical keys however. The band has got a great singer, who brings forward some incredible melodies and songs like “State of decay”, “Variable” and “Constant” are very strong Melodic Progressive Metal pieces with some memorable haunting melodies, which are backed up by a tough angry quite heavy guitarsound that reveals the TOOL/DISTURBED meets DREAM THEATER influences. The sound/production of the band’s debut CD ‘Whisper campaign’ is set at a high level, so all together this band should really be checked out asap at: http://www.americanhollowband.com and e-mail them at: us@americanhollowband.com (Points: 8.5 out of 10)
MIRROR QUEEN from New York was formerly known as KREISOR, under whom they released 3 albums, but recently they changed their name and release now as MIRROR QUEEN the album ‘From earth below’ on TEE PEE RECORDS. Musically we go back to the rather obscure and experimental groovy hardrocksound of the 1970s, because on this CD one can hear clear influences from BLUE OYSTER CULT, MC5, HAWKWIND and BLACK SABBATH. Mix it all together and one is listening to a very groovy big fat heavy stoner fuzz guitarsound that could be labeled both Doom and Stoner, while others might even attempt calling it Psychedelic Hardrock. One way or the other, this is pure 1970s Rock/Hardrock with a strong focus on the guitarsound, which does not only consists of riffs, but also in a song like “Dark ships arrive” you’re spoiled with long classic 70s style guitarsolos. THE ANSWER and WOLFMOTHER should actually have a listen to this record before they claim to be the saviors of 1970s style Hardrock, because MIRROR QUEEN deserves every right to become the next big thing in the revival of the 35+ years old Hardrocksound. More info at: www.myspace.com/kreisor (Points: 8.3 out of 10)
‘Legacy’ is the 3rd CD of the Italian band TWINSPIRITS. Together with their Swedish lead singer GORAN NYSTROM, who joined them on their 2nd album ’The forbidden city’ from a few years ago, the band has recorded a fantastic record that will be loved by any fan of high class Melodic Progmetal. It is definitely thanks to Goran’s incredible vocal range that TWINSPIRITS is one step ahead of the other bands in this genre. Goran sounds like a perfect mix between GEOFF TATE and ROY KHAN, while also sometimes doing a RONNIE JAMES DIO impression (just a few times, because most of the time he is in the higher octave range) and also musically it is like we are listening to a mix of classic 1980s QUEENSRYCHE and KAMELOT, with here and there also a slight ROYAL HUNT touch. All together, ‘Legacy’ might even become a legendary record, because songs like “Senseless”, “Slave to the world”, “Over and over again”, “I’m leaving this world” and “What am I supposed to do” are really top-notch Melodic Progmetal Masterpieces every home should have. Instrumental and production wise it all sounds picture-perfect and TWINSPIRITS have definitely done something sensational on their new record, so be sure not to miss this release! (Points: 8.9 out of 10)
30 years ago the UK band PRAYING MANTIS released their wonderful debut ‘Time tells no lies’ and to celebrate this event, the band decided to release independently a new EP, which contains new versions of old PRAYING MANTIS classics (all from their debut). Their previous FRONTIERS RECORDS albums were quite polished Melodic Rock adventures, which even brought forward one of the finest semi-ballads I have heard in ages (“Long way home”), but with this EP the band definitely goes for a more raw approach and actually some of the tunes do sound like we’re back in the 1970s NWOBHM period. For example “Praying mantis” and “Panic in the streets” are faster paced uptempo pieces that sound like a SAXONized band. However, the real highlights are the 3 other epic tracks, of which “Lovers to the grave” and “Captured city” are really excellent Classic 1970s Epic Melodic Hardrock tunes the British way, so this means combining elements of URIAH HEEP, RAINBOW, THIN LIZZY and MAGNUM. It’s a real pity that PRAYING MANTIS never got as big as those bands, because with their impressive discography they could have been easily right up there… guess they were not lucky enough in the crowded NWOBHM scene 30 years ago and perhaps should have been active a few years earlier. Nevertheless, their latest EP is a recommended piece, although it sounds rawer and less polished than their melodic rock album from recently. More info at: www.praying-mantis.com/ (Points: 8.4 out of 10)
HANDS OF BLUE RECORDS is a new record label from Germany and one of their first releases is the new CD of the Norwegian band SLAVES TO FASHION. Without a doubt, their CD ‘Artistic differences’ is a very interesting and challenging CD that offers quite a diversity musically speaking. Overall, the band is playing Progressive Metal, but they are definitely incorporating several other styles, such as experimental progrock of the PORCUPINE TREE, pure AOR/Melodic Rock choruses and some modern Rock, ending up reminding me a little bit of DEGREED, yet a little darker and more prog orientated. When the band goes melodic, they go all the way AOR/Melodic Rock on such wonderful and very catchy tunes like “Mrs. Hero”, “Made to meet my eyes” and “Libido ride” (an almost HAREM SCAREMish tune!). However, a lot of times the band is actually going for a rather moody darker edge style progrock, yet with still pleasant melodies and this combined makes them a rather interesting band to check out. They have created melodies that could well be delivered to any given Radiostation across the world, but nevertheless a song like closing track “Facts on the ground” sounds like an amazing journey through the fields of Progressive Rock/Metal and some almost Doom Metalish heaviness, yet with towards the end a beautiful Midtempo Melodic Metal chorus that even recalls TRANSATLANTIC meets SPOCK’S BEARD meets DREAM THEATER! All together SLAVES TO FASHION is a band that might appeal to a lot of rock and metalfans out there. There’s so much diversity going on here, it just needs to be explored asap. More info at: www.hands-of-blue.com and www.slavestofashion.net (Points: 8.8 out of 10)
The Polish band LOVE DE VICE sent me a couple albums they released the past few years. It is quite astonishing to see so many quality bands coming out of Poland the past 10 years, because I remember well that before RIVERSIDE hit it big, which was pre-2000, there weren’t (m)any interesting bands from Poland. A band like TSA never made a real impact outside Poland and it really was RIVERSIDE that put Poland on the map. Of course most of the Polish bands are playing Progressive Rock and also LOVE DE VICE can be put in that direction. The band’s material is very solid and quite melodic, with some excellent musicianship going on. The CD’s they released so far are ‘Dreamland’ and ‘Numatrial’. The production and sound quality is very good and also musically the mix of Melodic Neo- Progrock and Progmetal sounds rather pleasant, kinda like a mix between EVERON (vocally), VANDENPLAS (the melodies) and THRESHOLD (the sound), which can best be heard on the opening track “Once you were a Giant” from their debut CD ‘Dreamland’ from 2009. Somehow that first record sounds a little better and more massive than their follow-up ‘Numaterial’ from 2010. Anwyay, if you’re starting to become interested, then go to: http://lovedevice.pl/ (Points: 8.3 out of 10)
SUPERCHARGER are a band from Denmark with a tough raw honest mean Rock and Roll sound in the tradition of bands like D.A.D., NASHVILLE PUSSY, TURBONEGRO, HINDER, BUCKCHERRY, BACKYARD BABIES, DAKNO JONES… What they are doing on their 2nd CD is of a very high level and fans of mentioned bands will definitely love this record. Maybe not original and here and there quite cliché tingled, this surely is a good straight-up no-nonsense Rock and Roll record, really hitting you right in the face with such anthems like “Rise and fall”, “That’s how I roll” and the AC/DC meets BRITNY FOXish “Rulers of the day”. True Rock and Roll sounding like the 2010s is what to expect on the new record of the Danish band SUPRCHARGER! More info at: www.supercharger.dk (Points: 8.2 out of 10) GINGERPIG ‘GINGERPIG’ (SUBURBAN RECORDS) Now this is what I would call an ultimate tribute to the 1970s, because when listening to the debut CD of the Dutch band GINGERPIG it’s like you’re back in 1971. Opener “Indefinite muddle of conspiracies” sounds like a cross between URIAH HEEP and SAMMY HAGAR fronted MONTROSE, a true early 70s fast uptempo heavy rocker with very strong Hardrock type of vocals, screaming guitars and most importantly, a Hammond Organ, which is a very important instrument in GINGERPIG’s music! Next track “Pipedream” shows the incredible diversity of this band, because this song is a calmer (also pure 1970s) almost Westcoast-ish semi-ballad. Some bluesy, jazzy and even funky licks can be heard all throughout the album and every song of the 8 included offers something different musically speaking, but always clearly in the classic 1970s mood. Definitely a big surprise this band and any real musicfan would be nuts not to check out this band. All info at: www.gingerpigrock.com (Points: 8.5 out of 10) K. PAGE AND SLEEPWALKER’S PARADE ‘BETWEEN THE BRIDGES’ (REALPOLITIK REKORDS/USA IMPORT) Out of Brooklyn, New York comes the somewhat experimental but interesting female fronted rockband K. PAGE AND SLEEPWALKER’S PARADE. K. PAGE is the lead vocalist of this band and she is able to sing very well, a little bit extraordinary here and there, but never out-of-tune. The music is very much in the New York Rock and Roll tradition, reminding of PATTI SMITH, ELLEN SHIPLEY and also more modern female fronted rockbands such as FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE and MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS come to mind. This is typical underground/garage-rock, which in recent years has become a sort of attraction for major labels to sign, because musically speaking these bands definitely have something to offer. Especially in Europe, this kind of music is praised and beloved by both press and audience. The band’s latest CD ‘Between the bridges’ contains 8 well-produced experimental Rocksongs that combine all kinds of genres (Punk, Rock, Blues and New Wave), ending up sounding like a cross between SIOUXSIE AND THE BANSHEES, PATTI SMITH, TELEVISION and FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE. Do not miss this band at: www.sleepwalkersparade.net (Points: 8.2 out of 10)
The Swedish band COLDSPELL makes a comeback with their new CD ‘Out from the cold’, which is another fine piece of classic 80s inspired Melodic Hardrock. DOKKEN, WHITESNAKE, WINGER, HEAVEN’S EDGE, EUROPE and many other 80s acts pass by when listening to this CD. Happily, COLDPSELL gave their own approach to the classic 80s sound, added some proggy riffs here and there and do not sound as polished as for example their countrymen of HEAT, HOUSTON and THE POODLES. Highlights among the 12 included tracks are the fantastic “One in a million” (midtempo melodic rock with a lovely melodic chorus), “Time” (excellent catchy uptempo melodic rock like the very first MASQUERADE) and “Seven wonders” (another catchy uptempo melodic rocker with a classic 1st HAREM SCAREMish beat). “Six feet under” is quite a remarkable track that is hugely influenced by late 80s/early 90s WINGER. It almost feels like Kip recorded this song in 1989, but didn’t put it on one of his records and just recently gave it to COLDSPELL to let them record it! All together a great record here, with a huge sound and surely a must-have for any fan of pure Melodic Hardrock! More info at: www.coldspell.se (Points: 8.5 out of 10)
‘Poe’ is the 2nd album of the Valencia, Spain based band OPERA MAGNA, which was formed way back in 1997. The band has recorded a concept-album based around the stories of EDGAR ALLAN POE, a very popular writer in the Progworld, because his stories have been used many times before. Anyway, OPERA MAGNA is singing in the Spanish language, so I am not able to completely understand the lyrics behind the songs. What I do know is that the music of OPERA MAGNA is pure Melodic Italo Power Metal that sounds quite sensational. Although not really original, because the songs are a mixture between VISION DIVINE, RHAPSODY and LABYRINTH, the incredible high level of musicianship is making it a pleasure to listen to from start to finish. Thanks to the band’s lead singer JOSE VICENTE BROSETA, the band easily reaches the top level of this genre, because his voice is really excellent and can easily compete with for example MICHELE LUPPI. In fact, I do feel that OPERA MAGNA is the best Spanish band in ages and every fan of faster Neo-Classical Italo Melodic Power Metal will instantly love songs such as “El Pozo Y El Pendulo”, “Un Sueno En Un Sueno” and “La Mascara De La Muerte Roja”. Check out this band at: http://www.operamagna.net/ (Points: 8.4 out of 10) LEMURIA ‘CHANSON DE LA CROISADE’ (INDEPENDENT/BELGIUM IMPORT) The Belgian band LEMURIA was formed over 10 years ago and are now releasing their 3rd CD with ‘Chanson de la croisade’, which musically speaking is Melodic Symphonic Black Metal, not really that far away from the likes of CHILDREN OF BODOM. This means that the vocals are in the ‘Black Metal’ department, but happily still understable, unlike most Black Metal bands. The music itself is instrumentally pure Symphonic Melodic Power Metal meets Folk Metal. Surprisingly the sound of the CD is huge, as if this is a major label release, partly thanks to the mastering of the well-known PETER IN DE BETOU. Personally I always hope for some clean vocals, especially since that makes the music a bit more diverse and attractive and who knows in the future LEMURIA might take a step to add a female singer here and there. Nevertheless, the band has delivered a high class record that will surely be enjoyed by fans of CHILDREN OF BODOM. More info at: www.lemuria.be (Points: 8.2 out of 10)
Just like the somewhere else reviewed Belgian band LEMURIA, also the New Jersey based band OF WRATH AND RUIN is creating a sort of Melodic Symphonic Black Metal. The vocals are Black Metal orientated, but instrumental the CD is filled with high quality Melodic Progressive Power Metal of a very high level. You have to accept the Black Metalish vocals, which are made more melodic during the choruses thanks to some light harmonyvocals and amazing guitarwork that definitely contribute a lot to the overall performance. That was however during the first track “Forever unseen”, but apparently the band also recently added a female singer called LAURA TYBURSKI, who shines during a couple of tracks, such as the fantastic “Lust and love”. Nevertheless, still the Black Metal ish screams are present most of the time and the only thing I hope for a future record that the female vocals will be heard more often, because she has a great voice and combined with the superb instrumental back-up, this OF WRATH AND RUIN could deliver a masterpiece. Now it’s more like combining a lot of CHILDREN OF BODOM with a tiny bit EPICA and the instrumental side of SYMPHONY X. Still not bad at all, but there’s more possible here… More info at: www.ofwrathandruin.com and e-mail them at: booking@ofwrathandruin.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10)
At first sight I thought I was listening to the absolute latest sensation in the Progmetalworld, but eventually this was a little bit tempered after hearing quite a lot of Black/Death/Extreme Metalish screaming throughout the CD. This is completely unnecessary, because SPIRES features an excellent melodic clean singer, who here and there really shines, such as during the fantastic “Broken hourglass”, which happens to be an amazing Melodic Progmetal gem a la FATES WARNING, PAGAN’S MIND and WHILE HEAVEN WEPT. Apparantly the band’s singer PAUL SADLER is his name and it’s very nice to see him go from melodic clean to extreme growling, but I definitely prefer him singing the melodic way and nothing more. Nevertheless, OPETH and IN FLAMES get away with this, but still me personally would rather hear clean vocals only. Instrumental SPIRES is of a very high level, pure Progressive Metal bombasticness in a very American way and then it is quite surprising to hear that SPIRES is actually coming out of Manchester!!! If they would limit the use of growling, then SPIRES could become the biggest Progmetalband ever to hail from UK! For now, check them out at: www.myspace.com/spiresmetal (Points: 8.4 out of 10) UNDERRIDE ‘DISTORTED NATION’ (FPI RECORDS/SHOWCASE MUSIC INDUSTRIES/USA IMPORT) Now this is what real Hard Rock and Roll should sound like nowadays! We already reviewed 3 albums of the Washington/USA based band UNDERRIDE in the past, but the new CD ‘Distorted nation’ is definitely their finest one so far. The band is able to come up with a huge ‘major label’ sounding record that combines the rock and melodies of the past with today’s attitude, finding the perfect balance between catchy choruses and big monstrous guitar riffs. The band has 2 new guitarists in their line-up and the 11 included songs on ‘Distorted nation’ sound really impressive. The excellent lead singer REV is reminding me a lot of DEE SNIDER/TWISTED SISTER and even the choruses of the material are close to that legendary New York based band. The music is also clearly influenced by Classic 80s Hair Metal, although with a tough modern approach a la SALIVA/ALTER BRIDGE/STONE SOUR, which can be heard especially during the first couple of songs. The cover of the LADY GAGA song “Paparazzi” sounds really great actually! Here and there UNDERRIDE also goes for the classic 80s approach. They go full-speed late 80s/early 90s Sleazy Metal during “Porn star” that screams out NASTY IDOLS, while the superb 80s Melodic Hardrock of “Don’t walk away” is a mix between ROUGH CUTT and DOKKEN! That last mentioned song is by the way the highlight of the record, although each tune is a winner. For example “Blinded by you” is maybe the finest Hard Rock song created in ages! This record creates a perfect bridge between the past and present American Hardrocksound. An easy winner for both classic 80s Hair Metalfans and people into today’s modern stuff a la ALTER BRIDGE, SALIVA, SHINEDOWN… Make sure not to miss out this release! More info at: www.underride.net (Points: 8.8 out of 10) BIG MESS ‘VARIOUS ALBUMS’ (LORD CASH POCKETS RECORDS/NERVOUS MUSIC/USA IMPORT) The Californian band BIG MESS is keen on playing Classic Rock the 1970s way, so a bit groovy guitar based Hard Rock and Roll, yet with funny lyrics and a humeroustic approach to their songs, which reminds me a lot of classic THE TUBES material, with a quirky THE SPARKS approach sometimes. The band sent me 2 CDs and both do sound professional enough to be checked out. Lyrically speaking they sometimes even go in the STEEL PANTHER direction, while their take on joking out on other bands is also hilarious. The band is all about making fun and have a good time, while still sounding seriously like a true Rock and Roll band. For that matter, their fun Rock and Roll was at a time during the 1970s also very popular with goofy acts like the already mentioned THE TUBES, THE SPARKS, CHARLIE, CITY BOY, CHEAP TRICK and the list goes on and on. BIG MESS should be put right next to those acts, although they are not of such a high level… More info at: www.myspace.com/bigmess1 (Points: 8.0 out of 10)
Earlier in the 2000s we reviewed a couple albums of the Brazilian Progressive Metalband MINDFLOW and now in 2011 they make a major comeback with a stunning new album entitled ‘With bare hands’ that shows a very fresh sounding new approach. Opener “Break me out” is catchy and radio-ready for the American market. In fact, the band is definitely aiming for the American market here, because producer BEN GROSSE stepped in and he is known for his productions of albums by MARILYN MANSON, DISTURBED, SLIPKNOT, MEGADETH…), while the legendary TED JENSEN mastered the album at the well-known New York based STERLING SOUND. Actually this is the band’s 4th CD, but some of the material already appeared on a previous record. Anyway, it is a mix typical modern day American Metal of the DISTURBED kind crossed with pure Progressive Metal. It is very guitar based, so the keys are put away most of the time, but vocally it is clean and very melodic, thanks to the excellent vocals of DANILO HERBERT. The already mentioned “Break me out” is a very commercial tune and a lot of the material goes for that heavy slightly distorted midtempo approach with a catchy melodic chorus, but when the band goes for the classic Melodic Progressive Metalsound they deliver really beautiful material, such as “Breakthrough” and “Destructive device”. The overall sound is huge and should appeal to any modern Metalfan who also adores a melodic catchy touch besides big heavy monster guitar riffs. Definitely a band with a bright future, because they could easily become the next big thing! Check them out at: www.mindflow.com.br (Points: 8.8 out of 10) BIG SEXY NOISE ‘BIG SEXY NOISE’ (ALONE RECORDS/USA IMPORT) Singer of this band is none-other than the legendary New York based Underground/Post-Punk performer, actress and poet LYDIA LUNCH, who has released records since she was 15 years old back in 1976. Now she releases a CD, which is actually in the shape of a band called BIG SEXY NOISE. Musically typical 1970s type of Underground Post-Punkrock/No Wave that is of course reminding of LYDIA LUNCH herself, which is quite experimental most of the time and also sounding a bit like PATTI SMITH and something KIM FOWLEY could have created if he had taken THE RUNAWAYS into a bizarre more experimental direction. However most of all, this is LYDIA LUNCH going undercover as BIG SEXY NOISE and fans of her music will definitely appreciate this new release as well, which offers a little more Rock than her solo-records. The live-DVD that was sent to me contains a live performance of Lydia in Paris, consisting of 4 tracks. More info at: www.myspace.com/bigsexynoise (Points: 7.7 out of 10) NICOLE MARIE ‘TRAGIC ROMANTIC’ (INDEPENDENT/USA IMPORT) Out of the US state of Washington comes singer/songwriter NICOLE MARIE, who releases her 3rd CD with ‘Tragic romantic’. Musically speaking it is clearly influenced by 1990s female fronted singer/songwriter Alternative (light) Poprock that reflects influences of ALANIS MORISSETTE, LIZ PHAIR, FIONA APPLE, JOAN OSBORNE, TORI AMOS, SHERYL CROW, but also pre-1990s stuff of MARIANNE FAITHFUL, SUZANNE VEGA, PATTI SMITH and especially THE PRETENDERS comes to mind when hearing the high quality material of Nicole. She has a good voice and the 9 included songs rock sometimes just a bit harder than the aforementioned similar acts. Although an independent release, any fan of female fronted alto poprock will appreciate this, so go check it out for yourself at: http://nicolemariemusic.com (Points: 8.2 out of 10) THE SOVRAN ‘NO SONG FOR A NON-GENERATION’ (LOGIC IL LOGIC RECORDS/STREET SYMPHONIES RECORDS/ATOMIC STUFF/ITALY IMPORT) THE SOVRAN is an Italian band formed way back in 1997 and in between then and now, they managed to release a lot of demos and promo-CDs, but their official debut CD is currently released on LOGIC(IL)LOGIC RECORDS/STREET SYMPHONIES RECORDS. Musically speaking we are into the typical Punk-Metal-Rock and Roll like we know it from bands such as TURBONEGRO, BACKYARD BABIES, HELLACOPTER, GLUECIFER… They move in the same direction and fans of these bands will certainly enjoy the hard-hitting tunes on the CD of THE SOVRAN. More at: www.myspace.com/thesovran (Points: 7.9 out of 10) HOLLYWOOD KILLERZ ‘DEAD ON ARRIVAL’ (LOGIC IL LOGIC RECORDS/STREET SYMPHONIES RECORDS/ATOMIC STUFF/ITALY IMPORT) Although described as a Glam-Punkband, the Torino, Italy based band HOLLYWOOD KILLERZ is actually a pure Sleazy Hardrockband that reminds a lot of NASTY IDOLS. 13 songs are on their CD and it all sounds pretty professional, reminding a lot of that early 90s Sleazy Hardrocksound of bands like the already mentioned NASTY IDOLS, TATTOOED MILLIONAIRE BOYS, CATS’N’BOOTS… If you happen to be a fan of that raw dirty mean rock and rollsound you will love this CD, more at: www.hollywoodkillerz.net (Points: 7.8 out of 10) RAGDOLLS ‘DEAD GIRLS DON’T SAY NO’ (LOGIC IL LOGIC RECORDS/STREET SYMPHONIES RECORDS/ATOMIC STUFF/ITALY IMPORT) The Italian band RAGDOLLS has a singer who reminds a lot of STEPHEN PEARCY of RATT, but musically they put the Metal, the Industrial and some Punk into the RATT’N’ROLL, making their first CD ‘Dead girls don’t say no’ sounding a lot more interesting than anything RATT has done in the past 15+ years! One can also hear clear similarities to ANDREW W.K., meaning this is a True-Industrial-Goth-Rock and Metak affair, with the approach of a typical Shock-Metal outfit, kinda like MARILYN MANSON doing his version of 80s Hair Metal and 90s Gothic Rock. Check it out for yourself at: www.myspace.com/ragdollsvbg (Points: 8.1 out of 10)
The Italian band SANGE MAIN MACHINE is by far the most interesting band on the LOGIC IL LOGIC RECORDS label. The band features members of TARCHON FIST, DISCODIA, MUPPET SUICIDE and CRYING STEEL. Perhaps not the most well-known bands, I can inform you that some of them have quite a long history, of which CRYING STEEL goes back to the 1980s, when they released a couple albums. Anyway, with this freshly formed act (October 2010), a debut CD has already been created (February 2011) and released within a few months after formation! Further info learns that the band’s singer already wrote the material 10 years ago, so it was more a recording process than actually a writing process. Nevertheless, nice to see such a quick development within a short given period of time and I must say it sounds very impressive! Opener “Hate sower” shows right away we are dealing here with a high quality band. This song is more or less a bit 1980s Hair Metal inspired, but in a good way, because this is SKID ROW meets HEAVEN’S EDGE, so actually pure Melodic Hardrock. The band’s lead singer LUIGI SANGERMANO has a strong melodic clean voice that can easily compete with the old 80s American bands and the accompanied harmonyvocalised driven catchy melodic choruses are a deadringer for fans of the classic 80s US Melodic Arena Hardrocksound. Next track “The demon inside” is one-damn catchy uptempo Melodic Hardrock tune that breathes FIREHOUSE all the way, a really superb catchy chorus and some excellent guitarwork (same story goes for one of the later tracks on the CD called “Thank you”). Happily the whole CD continues this way, so any fan of classic 1980s US Melodic Hardrock of bands like HEAVEN’S EDGE (“Too late for the show” with a more Metalish sound is very close to that band!), MELIDIAN, DOKKEN, FIREHOUSE, KNOW ILLUSION, BRITTON… must grab a copy of the first CD of the Italian band SANGE MAIN MACHINE! The overall sound of the band also has a tiny bit 1980s US Melodic Metal a la LEATHERWOLF/FIFTH ANGEL and LANCE KINGish vocals here and there, which makes them even better than they already are! More at: www.myspace.com/sangemainmachine (Points: 8.7 out of 10) JULIAN’S LULLABY ‘DREAMING OF YOUR TEARS’ (STF RECORDS/GERMANY IMPORT) The Greek band JULIAN’S LULLABY is playing a sort of light-Gothic Metal with Medieaval influences and a little Folk here and there. Although it isn’t bad, their first CD ‘Dreaming of your tears’ does not have the huge sound as EPICA, AFTER FOREVER and NIGHTWISH. The music is also a little bit more laid-back and should perhaps better be compared to a band like REINCARNATUS, although the production is a bit discutable sometimes. Like already mentioned, it ain’t bad at all, but there’s a lot work to do to make it sound really sensational. Vocally they are however very interesting, because JULIAN’S LULLABY has 2 good singing female vocalists and the absolute highlights on the CD are the catchy “Kiss me not (tonight)” and the couple acoustic tingled tracks (like the wonderful “Would it be?”) that really show the strength of this band. Not a groundbreaking release, but perhaps in the future a band to reckon with. For now, check them out at: www.julian-lullaby.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10) PYLON ‘ARMOURY OF GOD’ (QUAM LIBET RECORDS/NON STOP MUSIC/SWITZERLAND IMPORT) High quality Doom Metal of the classic CANDLEMASS and TROUBLE is what we get to hear on the 4th CD of the Swiss band PYLON. The slow tempo combined with the incredible dark BLACK SABBATHish guitar-wall-of-sound is making this band a true winner for any Doom Metal fan. The vocals are clean and melodic, although not as good as CANDLEMASS. Nevertheless, this band delivers a very strong and impressive album that contains all elements needed in a good quality Doom Metal record. Be sure to check them out at: www.pylon-doom.net (Points: 8.2 out of 10) TALETELLERS ‘RADICALIZER’ (METALVILLE/FLYING DOLPHIN ENTERTAINMENT/GERMANY IMPORT) TALETELLERS are a typical German Melodic Hardrock/Metal sounding band and happily they do it with class on their 2nd album ‘Radicalizer’. EDGUY, AXXIS, VICTORY, BRAINSTORM and PRIMAL FEAR are some of the names that pass by when listening to the material of this band, although here and there the band also adds a slight aggressive touch (some gang vocals for example). Like mentioned, everything is done at a high level, so that makes it comfortable to listen to. A song like “The lie” sounds like a real catchy Melodic Metal Masterpiece that combines the best of BRAINSTORM and EDGUY. “Rolling into ruin” is uptempo Melodic Hardrock at it’s finest and also the faster uptempo Melodic Heavy Rocker “Sadistico” sounds like a real crowd-pleaser. Not all of the included tracks are that impressive, but the huge sound/production and the excellent instrumental back-up is nevertheless making this a quality record. The band’s vocalist ALAN COSTA has a good typical German voice (EDGUY) and the guitarwork of STEFAN KUHN is reaching a very high level. Besides, the artwork of the album is very impressive, but not that strange however if you’re aware that it was done by MARK WILKINSON of MAIDEN, PRIEST and MARILLION fame. Fans of mentioned bands will absolulutely love this CD! More at: www.taletellers.com (Points: 8.3 out of 10) FRANTIC EMBER ‘WRATH OF JUDGEMENT’ (INDEPENDENT/SWEDEN IMPORT) There are not that many all-female bands with a female growler. ARCH ENEMY is of course the most well-known of them all and it is probably thanks to them the Swedish band FRANTIC EMBER is sounding the way they sound on their mini-CD ‘Wrath of judgement’. The singer growls as if it were her last minutes on this planet we call earth! Although the vocals are in the death-growling department, the music itself is more classic Power Metal style and I have to admit that instrumental it does sound very impressive. The guitar riffs and melodic guitarolo’s are coming straight outta the classic 80s US Power Metal book. Think it’s best to check out this band for yourself at: www.franticamber.com (Points: 8.0 out of 10) CHIN’S MOJO ‘THE MIGHTY CHIN’S MOJO’ (INDEPENDENT/USA IMPORT) CHIN’S MOJO are a Texas/USA based band with a sort of CHEAP TRICK/THE TUBES kinda retro-late 70s comedy-rocksound. 8 songs are on their CD and it is pretty clear that they can play at a high level, although not all of the songs are really convincing. By far the best tune is the closing track “Betrayal”, which is a very nice fun uptempo Melodic Rocker with even some VAN HALENish guitarwork and a deadly catchy chorus. Save the best for last is probably something that comes to mind when hearing this song. It’s all a little rough and raw sounding, a clear independent kinda case we have here, but who knows a future release will see the band jump up to a higher level musically and production wise. More at: www.chinsmojo.com (Points: 7.8 out of 10) PETER MAYER ‘COLLECTION’ (INDEPENDENT/USA IMPORT) 5 years ago we already reviewed this CD, but 5 new tracks have been added to this re-release. Out of Cincinatti/USA comes multi-instrumentalist/singer PETER MAYER and he is playing typical American Melodic Poprock, early 80s style, kinda like JACK GREEN, TOMMY TUTONE and PHIL SEYMOUR if anyone recalls them. In total 14 songs are now included and some of them are catchy, but it always sounds like a true independent recording, so nothing fancy or big studio sounding stuff here. Just basic American Poprock in the old spirit, very early 80s and with good melodies and some great guitarwork, with as highlights the uptempo “It’s just the energy” (very strong tune), “The downwinders”, “Playing it up” and “The marrying kind” (best song, catchy 80s AOR rocker a la BILLY SQUIER). This is Rock and Roll the way it was made in the USA in the 1980s by artists like CHARLIE SEXTON, JACK GREEN, PHIL SEYMOUR, MICHAEL ZEE and hundreds more. More info at: http://www.petermayermusic.net (Points: 8.0 out of 10) THE LARCH ‘LARIX AMERICANA’ (DENT RESISTANT/USA IMPORT) The Brooklyn, USA based band THE LARCH is very much influenced by the early 1980s British New Wave Powerpop style. THE KNACK meets SQUEEZE would be a rather good description for their rather quirky poprock style on the band’s album ‘Larix Americana’. Perhaps nothing new is brought here and in the UK thousands of bands played this kind of music 30 years ago, the recent revival of the genre is making it very popular and trendy, although THE LARCH already played this kind of music 10 years ago. Lyrically speaking it is also very much back-to-quirky late 70s Poprock of the THE SPARKS and THE TUBES kinda way of bizarre lyrics, such as “The strawberry coast”, “Xmas question”and “Space vacation”. These guys could have been huge if it was still 1978! Anyway, if you’re starting to become interested then turn left and go to: www.myspace.com/dentresistant (Points: 7.7 out of 10)
Now this is a nice surprise, because the Swedish band INTROITUS already released a CD back in 2007, but somehow that record completely passed us by. Now in 2011, the band releases a follow-up and without a doubt ‘Elements’ is a very strong album that contains high quality Neo-Progressive Rock meets Classic Rock, with superb melodic guitarwork and excellent vocals by female singer ANNA JOBS BENDER (who sounds like LANA LANE). Her husband MATS BENDER is co-leader (and keyboardplayer) of the band and together they wrote 9 very impressive tracks. The music fits somewhere in the MOSTLY AUTUMN, FLOWER KINGS, GLASS HAMMER and KARNATAKA area, which means quite melodic songs with long instrumental passages that really sound very relaxing, thanks to the beautiful melodies created on both the guitar and keyboard. This is the calmer side of prog, clearly rooted in the classic PINK FLOYD and GENESIS area, so a bit 1970s orientated, but thanks to the crystal clear sound and the very melodic clean accesable female vocals sounding up-to-date. Be sure not to miss this great album… more at: www.introitus.se (Points: 8.6 out of 10)
Brooklyn/New York is where the band STOLNECKER is settled and they sent me a very interesting high quality CD they released. Musically speaking we are heading into a very dark Doom Metal direction, with here and there some growling and also clear Progressive Metal influences. They sound like a mix between CANDLEMASS, WHILE HEAVEN WEPT, EVERGREY and OPETH, although the overall sound quality of the CD is not of such a high level due to the fact this is an independent release. Nevertheless, I do feel that if they would sign with a major (European) Metal label and likewise then get the opportunity to record under a bigger budget, then they would be able to get into the major level of those 4 acts, so there’s definitely a future for this band. I say so because all 3 lengthy tracks on the CD contain impressive quality Metal that combine classic Doom and Prog elements, with as highlight the lovely guitarwork during the epic Doom song “Seize the day”. The band clearly shows we should keep our eyes open for them in the future, because who knows STOLNECKER might become the next US cult act! Melodic Doom Metal at it’s finest and highly recommended to fans of SAINT VITUS, CANDLEMASS and OPETH. More info at: www.myspace.com/stolnecker (Points: 8.4 out of 10)
The German band SHADES OF DAWN is playing the typical Neo-Prog we have heard by many other fellow German acts, such as EVERON, ELOY and SYLVAN. Instrumental it sounds very impressive and also the included 4 lengthy epic tracks are quite a must-hear for fans of mentioned bands, so basically SHADES OF DAWN is doing everything very well on their new CD ‘Graffity’s rainbow’. Only vocally it’s not that strong, because we can clearly hear the German accent and also some struggling here and there. Instrumentally speaking however SHADES OF DAWN proves to be a professional band to look out for, especially if you’re a fan of earlier mentioned bands. More info at: www.shades-of-dawn.de (Points: 8.0 out of 10) MANNY FREISER ‘BELIEVE’ (INDEPENDENT/USA IMPORT) Multi-instrumentalist and singer/songwriter MANNY FREISER is settled in California and he sent me his latest CD ‘Believe’. Although the name MANNY FREISER does not really ring any bells, this musician has been making music ever since 1964 (!!!). During the 1980s he enjoyed some success as IAN MESSENGER, but basically speaking he never had a huge breakthrough. His new CD shows the man definitely has talent. Musically speaking he is clearly situated in the Midwestern US kinda singer/songwriter pop/rock, with a little bit of Heartland Rock, reminding of BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN and MICHAEL STANLEY during such good songs like “Believe”, “Heart to heart”, “Truce” and “Here lovin’you”. Sadly however Manny also tries doing some sort of robotic style R&B during songs like “Personal UFO”, “Don’t be a stranger”, “You rock”, “Rapper” and “Heart beats”, quite forgettable tunes I’m afraid… so basically the CD has 2 sides and let’s hope Manny understands that the more traditional American Pop/Rock fits him better than the experimental modern R&B Pop style of some of the tracks. So please next time get rid of the drumcomputers and the R&B stuff and focus on what you do best, namely trad Heartland/American Rock and Roll! More info at: www.mannyfreiser.com (Points: -) (All reviews by Gabor Kleinbloesem except where noted) |
SURVIVOR
‘CAUGHT IN THE GAME’ (ROCK CANDY RECORDS) 
MY
DARKEST DAYS ‘MY DARKEST DAYS’ (THE ISLAND DEF JAM MUSIC GROUP/MERCURY
RECORDS/CANADA IMPORT) 
UNCLE
SID ‘EYE ROCK’ (LONG LIVE ROCK RECORDS/CANADA IMPORT) 
AMERICAN
HOLLOW ‘WHISPER CAMPAIGN’ (INDEPENDENT/USA IMPORT) 
MIRROR
QUEEN ‘FROM EARTH BELOW’ (TEE PEE RECORDS/GORDEON MUSIC PROMOTION) 
TWINSPIRITS
‘LEGACY’ (LION MUSIC/BERTUS) 
PRAYING
MANTIS ‘METALMORPHOSIS’ (INDEPENDENT/UK IMPORT) 
SLAVES
TO FASHION ‘ARTISTIC DIFFERENCES’ (HANDS OF BLUE RECORDS/GERMANY IMPORT)
LOVE
DE VICE ‘VARIOUS ALBUMS’ (MYSTIC PRODUCTION/POLAND IMPORT) 
SUPERCHARGER
‘THAT’S HOW WE ROLL’ (VME/GORDEON MUSIC) 
COLDSPELL
‘OUT FROM THE COLD’ (ESCAPE MUSIC) 
OPERA
MAGNA ‘POE’ (RED RIVET RECORDS JAPAN/DFX DISCOS/SONY MUSIC SPAIN) 
OF
WRATH AND RUIN ‘CONQUERING OBLIVION’ (APOLLYON RECORDS/USA IMPORT) 
SPIRES
‘SPIRAL OF ASCENSION’ (SKRATCH THE SURFACE/UK IMPORT) 
MINDFLOW
‘WITH BARE HANDS’ (RAGE ON STAGE MANAGEMENT/LAURA KAUFMAN COMPANY/USA
IMPORT) 
SANGE
MAIN MACHINE ‘READY FOR THE SHOW’ (LOGIC IL LOGIC RECORDS/STREET SYMPHONIES
RECORDS/ATOMIC STUFF/ITALY IMPORT) 
INTROITUS
‘ELEMENTS’ (PROGRESS RECORDS) 
STOLNECKER
‘SEIZE THE DAY’ (MALCAVERNICUS MUSIC/USA IMPORT) 
SHADES
OF DAWN ‘GRAFFITY’S RAINBOW’ (MUSEA RECORDS)