The legendary Canadian AOR band never received the status of successful rockband in Northern America, and that's pretty strange, because the songs of the band were definitely Classic AOR and could easily compete with the songs of bands like JOURNEY, NIGHT RANGER and SURVIVOR, who scored many big hitsingles. This release on ATM Records covers the best period of PRISM, namely the last 2 studio-albums of the band in the 1980s. Although many people say that 'Beat street' can not be seen as a real PRISM album (because only one 'original' member was left back in 1983 when the album was released), I still think it's their best effort, because of the many Classic AOR rocksongs included on the album.

Their previous album 'Small change' from 1981 featured the band's new singer Henry Small, who replaced original singer Ron Tabak who died after a fall from his bicycle. It was Henry who also was the only member left from PRISM on 'Beat street', so I guess it's indeed not a PRISM record, but it all doesn't matter now, because the music on PRISM's last 2 records in the 1980s was from a high quality and a lot of famous session musicians were involved, such as BRYAN ADAMS, BOBBY KIMBALL, RICHIE ZITO, BILL CHAMPLIN… This double CD on the German re-issue/re-release recordlabel ATM RECORDS does not only contain both albums, but also unreleased different versions of the included songs and a few unreleased bonustracks.

Although a lot of songs were also released on a CD by RENAISSANCE RECORDS several years ago (also reviewed by me), this disc contains the whole PRISM era from 1981-1983, all their recorded tunes and besides, this CD covers the best PRISM ever recorded, so definitely a recommended double CD. The liner notes from ROCK REPORT writer Rick Huisseune are also excellent and give you the complete story of PRISM, with some interesting notes I didn't know.

What more can I say about these wonderful recordings! Songs like "Don't let him know", "Hole in paradise", "Heart and soul", "Is he better than me", "State of the heart", "Wired", "Blue collar", "Breakin' away" (maybe the best PRISM ever recorded!), "We gotta get outta here", "Don't count me out", "When will I see you again" and "Japanese girl" are all instant 80s AOR Classics, right up there with similar bands such as SHERIFF, FRANKE AND THE KNOCKOUTS, NIGHT RANGER and JOURNEY.

The band also made such brilliant AOR ballads, like "Stay" (the first co-operation between Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance when it comes to songwriting), "Wings of your love" and "I don't want to want you anymore". It's just all there and if you haven't got anything of PRISM, then this is the right place to start! Website: http://www.atmrecords.de

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

American Hardrockers ICON released 4 albums, and 'Night of the crime' is still hailed as their best effort. It's unbelievable why this record never got that much promotion, because ICON's melodic hardrock is as good as anything RATT, WHITE LION, STRYPER and DOKKEN produced in their heydays and they sold millions! The production also wasn't the blame, because with men like EDDIE KRAMER (KISS) as producer and RON NEVISON (SURVIVOR) as mixer, you simply can't go wrong! Although it didn't became a huge success this 2nd album of Arizona rockers ICON, 'Night of the crime' is still one of the best releases in the melodic hardrock genre. Songs like "Naked eyes", "Missing", "Frozen tears" and "Hungry for love" are instant classics, and this re-issue by ATM RECORDS is a good way to pick up one of the best albums of all times!

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

ATM RECORDS is definitely one of the finest labels when it comes to re-issues and re-releases. Their releases are not only musically great, but also come with extent liner notes, mostly written by Rick Huisseune from the Belgium AOR magazine ROCK REPORT. Also this URGENT re-issue comes with some interesting liner-notes from Rick. Did you knew that URGENT guitarist Yul Vasquez became a famous actor? He played in 'The runaway bride', alongside Julia Roberts and also recently in the movie 'Traffic' (although I hated this movie, it won an oscar!). Anyway, musically he and the Kehr brothers formed the band URGENT and released 2 great AOR/Poprock albums in the 1980s.

'Cast the first stone' was the band's best effort and this album has also been re-issued onto CD by ATM RECORDS. Originally released back in 1984 on the EMI Records' Manhattan label, this fantastic album was produced by IAN HUNTER and the late Mick Ronson. This re-issue contains the 10 original tracks, along with a second version of "Running back", the single of the album, which was recorded another time on their 2nd album a few years later. Anyway, songs like "Running back", "Say goodbye", "Cast the first stone", "Love him or leave him", "Dedicated to love" are all instant uptempo AOR Classics from the 80s. You can easily put those songs next to bands like LOVERBOY, AGENT, AVIATOR… Also the album's two AOR ballads "Love can make you cry" (used for the movie 'Iron eagle') and Only you" are unforgettable songs. AOR fans who are still looking for some classic 80s
AOR records need to get this URGENT re-issue urgently!

Rating: 8,5/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

A few years ago also re-issued by AXE KILLER RECORDS, but this ATM's re-issue looks quite different. Musically it stays the same, and I can easily say this was an instant Melodic Hardrock Classic, right up there with DOKKEN, ICON and AUTOGRAPH. 'Ready to strike' was the first KING KOBRA record with a very young Mark Free fronting the band. The original release was in 1985 on Capitol Records. This is a great pure 80s Melodic Hardrock album with very good songs such as "Hunger", "Shake up", "Tough guys" and "Second thoughts". 'Ready to strike' is in the same style as DOKKEN, AUTOGRAPH and KEEL. This album needs to be in the collection of every fan of 80s Melodic Hardrock.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

Besides the re-issue of ICON's classic 'Night of the crime', ATM RECORDS also re-issued the band's debut album from 1984. Maybe not as good as 'Night of the crime', but still a great Melodic Hardrockalbum. This album is a very strong pure 80s Hardrockalbum sounding like a cross between early KEEL, the first RATT and the first KING KOBRA. There's not a weak song on the album, and so if you enjoy the music of aforementioned bands, you will most definitely like the ICON debut with such great songs like "Rock on through the night", "Killer machine", "World war", "Under my gun", "Rock'n'roll maniac" and "I'm alive". The best song however is closing track "It's up to you", a lovely melodic rockballad a la DOKKEN. The 2 re-issued ICON albums are quite different in approach, but both are great melodic hardrockalbums and need to be picked up by fans of that typical strong 80s American Melodic Hardrocksound.

Rating: 8,5/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

When we're talking about AOR Classics, then CHARLIE is one of those bands that will be mentioned. Their 1983 release is still a fantastic AOR album, with many highlights. ATM RECORDS re-issued the album onto CD and gave it a new CD cover. The liner notes give you a good story review of CHARLIE, who just like so many other bands didn't achieve the success with this same titled 1983 release they hoped for and deserved, because this 1983 recorded last official CHARLIE release is an instant AOR Classics. The crystal clear production of Kevin Beamish (REO SPEEDWAGON) and Terry Thomas (BAD COMPANY and of course CHARLIE guitarist) couldn't sound better and songs like "It's inevitable", "Spend my life with you" (speaking of huge AOR ballads!), "Never too late", "You're everything I need" and "This time" are just a few examples of the Classic AOR sound CHARLIE had on their 1983 release. This album is a definite must for anyone into classic 80s AOR and if you still own the LP release, then this is the right time to buy the CD release as it sounds much better and that doesn't happen too many times with re-issues!

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

British legendary AOR/Poprockers CHARLIE started back in the mid 1970s and 'Fantasy girls' was their first album release in 1976. Although it isn't as good as the band's much beloved 1983 album, it's still one of the better CHARLIE releases, because some of the albums between this one and the 1983 record are pretty average (they released 5 albums in between the 2 best CHARLIE records). 'Fantasy girls' was produced by MIKE STONE, who later produced excellent records for JOURNEY, NEW ENGLAND and DNAGER DANGER.

However back in 1976 it was probably one of his first productions and a real good one too, because 'Fantasy girls' is a very good 70s AOR/Melodic Rockalbum, and actually an own sound, because CHARLIE was ahead of their time! Some of the songs are comparable to bands like TRIUMPH, THE BABYS and NEW ENGLAND, but those acts were also just starting at that moment and CHARLIE already had a LP out. Anyway, Despite one Poptune ("First class traveller"), this is mainly a high class 70s Melodic Rockalbum.

The best songs are the uptempo rockers "Fantasy girls", "TV Dreams" and "Summer romances" and the semi melodic rockers "Prisoners" (heaviest song, a la TRIUMPH), "Greatcoat guru" and "Please let me know". "It's your life" contains some excellent guitarplay. This is definitely one of the best Rockalbums from 1976, also recommended if you like HEAD EAST, REO SPEEDWAGON and that sort of midwestern melodic 70s AOR/Rock, but don't let them fool you, because CHARLIE was a British band and not a US band like so many people will think (same story as THE BABYS).

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

'Heads are rolling' was the latest and best release of CITY BOY. Without any doubts, this was the band's only album that didn't had those quirky poprockers they did on their previous releases. 'Heads are rolling' was a mature album, filled with many great 70s typed AOR/Pomprocksongs. They remind me a lot of TYCOON, another much-praised AOR band from the early 1980s. The albumcover was a bit controvert, because it looked like some sort of 'terrorist attack'. In fact, I think the lyrics of the titlesong "Heads are rolling" are a direct link to the attacks in the USA, just read them and you will find out why and we're
really speaking of a song written in 1979 and not after the 11th of September 2001!

But we're not here to talk about politics, so let's move on to the music on 'Heads are rolling'. Almost the whole album is filled with classic 70s typed AOR/Pomp! My favourite tracks are "Mr. Shoes", "Need a little loving" (catchy chorus, one of the best CITY BOY songs, uptempo AOR/Pomp), "Domino" (early 80s Pompy AOR, with lovely vocals/harmonies, kinda like TYCOON, FRANKE AND THE KNOCKOUTS…), "Bloody Sunday" and "You're leaving me" (AOR/Pomprockballad). The only weak song is the quirky rocker "Heaven for the holidays", but the other 10 tracks are classy AOR/Pomp tunes a la STYX and TYCOON. It was unfortunately the last CITY BOY release, and they only managed to release a much-sought single on their own label, before splitting up. But this re-issue is a must for anyone into classy late 70s AOR/Pomp, so go and buy this album if you don't own it yet!

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

British CITY BOY are mostly ignored by fans of AOR/Pomp, because their sound was too quirky, but that's something that needs to be discussed. Especially their last 2 albums, re-issued through ATM RECORDS, show definitely a serious AOR/Pomprockband with a big keyboard/guitarsound, many harmonyvocals, catchy hooks and memorable choruses in their songs. There's still some quirkiness in some of their songs, but still CITY BOY is a very good rocking band on those 2 albums, like a mix of QUEEN, STYX, AVIARY and some quirky 70s Poprock. 'The day the earth caught fire' was released back in 1979 and was produced by ROBERT JOHN 'MUTT' LANGE, who now is a multi-millionaire after earning much success with DEF LEPPARD, SHANIA TWAIN and BRYAN ADAMS as their producer (and husband of Shania). Not many people know that CITY BOY also featured guitarist MIKE SLAMER, who recently released great AOR/Melodic Rock records with STEELHOUSE LANE and in the 80s was one of the leaders of STREETS.

Anyway, he started his career in CITY BOY and on 'The day the earth caught fire' he really proves to be an excellent guitarplayer. The best songs can be found at the start, because the first 5 tracks are the ones that show the CITY BOY like we want to hear them. Especially "Interrupted melody" (semi melodic rockballad), "Modern love affair" (great harmonyvocals at the start, very good Pomprock a la STYX) and "New York times" (very nice semi melodic Pomprockballad) are impressive memorable tunes. On the other hand, the CITY BOY sound wasn't all that well, because the last 3 pieces are a bit too quirky and closing track "Ambition" is a very strange song, kinda like a very quirky QUEEN! Anyway, their best had yet to come, namely their classic last album release 'Heads are rolling', which has also been re-issued by ATM RECORDS.

Rating: 7,5/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

This album of lead singer/guitarist JON BUTCHER is definitely not a 'heavy' record, but on the other hand, most of the songs are very pleasant to listen to. 'Along the axis' was produced by SPENCER PROFFER (KING KOBRA, EYES, VIXEN, WASP, QUIET RIOT) and contains 11 tracks. Musically it is a very light AOR album, not unlike the soft side of JOURNEY. The best songs are "Electricity" (pure 80s semi rocker), "Sounds of your voice" (great calmer AOR like JOURNEY), "Two hearts running" (great midtempo AOR, duet with female singer Ava Cherry) and the lovely classy 80s midtempo AOR "Carrie" (a la JOURNEY and the first MICHAEL BOLTON). A bit too poppy are songs like "Only the fox", "Between the lines" and "That's how strong my love is", all reminding me of HUEY LEWIS AND THE NEWS. Not a bad record, but definitely not a classic. Good musicianship and some good 80s orientated light AOR/Poprock material can be found, so there' definitely something of interest on this re-issue!

Rating: 7,5/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

I never got into the 70s solo-albums of vocalist/guitarist NILS LOFGREN (who played in the bands that backed up NEIL YOUNG and BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN), so this re-issue of one of Nils' last solo-albums from 1979 was the first attempt in his solowork. There are 9 songs on the CD, which was produced by BOB EZRIN (SILENT RAGE, HURRICANE). Some of the songs were (co-) written by Lou Reed and Randy Newman, names that are familiar with the folk/pop genre and not the rockgenre we promote. Nevertheless, there are some interesting songs on Nils' CD.

Opener "No mercy" for example, it starts very slow and poppy, but the chorus changes the song into a good melodic poprocker. Also next track "I'll cry tomorrow" is a good melodic poprocker. The songs "Baltimore" and "Shine silently" (very famous song) are then again very disappointing, because both are pure Pop. "Steal away" then again is a good melodic poprocker. The rest of the CD is a bit too poppy for my ears, and only "I found her" is a nice light poprocker. There are some nice poprockers on this album, that suits perfectly between the JOHN COUGAR and RICK SPRINGFIELD albums released in that period, but overall turns out to sound much poppier than those rockartists, so in the end Nils Lofgren did a better job when playing with Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen.

Rating: 6,5/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

FRANKIE MILLER is the Scottish equivalent of Australian 'Whiskey' Rocksinger JIMMY BARNES. They make the same kind of music (Melodic Poprock with influences from the Blues, Pop and Hardrock genre) and most of all, Frankie has the same voice as Jimmy. ATM RECORDS re-issued one of his albums, his 1985 album 'Dancing in the rain'. This was one of his rockiest albums, on which we can hear drummer Simon Kirke (BAD COMPANY), guitarist Brian Robertson (THIN LIZZY) and guitarist Mitch Perry (MSG). Although not all songs are convincing, there are some nice tracks on this album, such as the uptempo melodic poprockers "I'd lie to you for your love", "The boys and the girls are doing it" (a la MICHAEL ZEE with BRYAN ADAMS typed lyrics) and "That's how long my love is" (AORish) and the bluesy AOR song "Dancing in the rain" (a la BENNY MARDONES). On the other hand, songs like "How many tears", "Shakey ground", "Gladly go blind" and "You're a puzzle" are weak songs with way too much Pop and Blues influences to be of any interest for fans of Melodic Poprock. Still fans of JIMMY BARNES will totally dig this, although Frankie is a bit poppier at times.

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

BILLY SATELLITE was one of those typical 80s melodic poprock acts from the USA, with a sound somewhere between 38 SPECIAL, EDDIE AND THE TIDE and EDDIE MONEY. Their only release from 1984 had the potential in becoming one of the top selling albums in the USA, simply because it was an easy rockalbum, with catchy melodies and a radio-ready rock approach, while the songs were not too complicated and all balanced around 3-4 minutes. Also the line-up of the band was quite interesting, because the 4 members of BILLY SATELLITE were vocalist/guitarist Monty Byrom (famous session musician and NEW FRONTIER founding member), bassist Ira Walker (played with EDDIE MONEY), drummer Tom Falletti (played with AL KOOPER and now part of a Hard Rockband called BARKING AT FLIES, which also features former MONTROSE singer Paul Holdgate) and guitarist Danny Chauncey (who joined 38 SPECIAL in 1987 after the split of BILLY SATELLITE).

The music was like I already mentioned simple but catchy melodic poprock. My favourite tracks are "Do ya?", "I wanna go back" (covered by EDDIE MONEY who scored massive and that's a pity because this version is so much better), "Turning point", "Bye bye, baby", "Pokerface" and "The lonely one". If you didn't buy this record the first time it was released, then this is a good opportunity to pick up this excellent re-issue by ATM RECORDS.

Rating: 8,5/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

As you all know Reb Beach is best known for his work in Winger and more recently Dokken. Reb also played with Twisted Sister and Chaka Khan before his Winger days. He has a fluid finger tapping style that is somewhat revolutionary due to the fact that he plays ascending patterns as often as the more common place descending ones, and his tapping often takes the form of actual scales which facilitates the flowing freeway of notes.

His rhythm work too is just as considered and "The Fusion Demos" is possibly some of Reb's finest guitar work since the debut Winger album. As the title suggests the rhythm of this album is based around fusion and songs like 'Bru-Samba' have rich tones which bring to mind Eric Johnson whilst 'Split Second' has a wonderful imaginative melody and groove and is an inspired instrumental that has fluid almost progressive lines and a delicious construction.

Also hugely enjoyable is 'Sante Fe', it's unhurried structure and simple melody is very effective. I also found the melodic piano/guitar led 'Duxbury Bay' to be inspirational because it's a delightful little ditty played with elegance and class, towards the end of the song Reb's playing is completely dazzling. The playing is simply breathtaking throughout this album which all fans of guitar music should own.

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

"Masquerade" is the new solo album from Winger/Dokken guitarist Reb Beach and it is a fine collection of vocal led hard rock songs with added nu breed twists here and there.

Opener 'Dark Places' is a fantastic number, the song is stomping heavy and melodic which reminds me of a mix of Winger's 'Junkyard Dog' and War And Peace, the playing is really huge and Reb sounds really hungry on this superb song.

The next song is one of my favourite songs of this year, 'Masquerade' is a massive killer blues hard rocker, the guitar has an earthier feel and the song is hugely addictive and kinda reminds me of John Norum and Gary Moore, it really is huge and addictive as hell.

As I mentioned there are some tracks that have a modern nu approach such as 'Ghost' which is bound get Reb some seriously airplay in the US, this song reminds me of The Rembrandts, The Clarks, Supermint etc and is superb, I love the vocal harmonies and swirling guitars a perfect single, whilst 'A Better Shade Of Grey' and 'Bleed' are both modernish songs with a strong Winger edge, especially 'Bleed' which is in the vein of Kip Winger's solo works.

At the end of the day songs are songs, and this album has quality written all over it, each song grabs you from the first listen and the album is varied in styles which makes "Masquerade" stand out because of it's unpredictability to stick to a standard formula.

Saying that, it's hard to get away from the Winger influences, each song has a Winger edge, except that some songs are taken one step further and given a modern heavier feels.. Songs such as 'Fanatic' could have easily have been on "Pull", the song stretches it's musical compounds but remains consistent.

Elements of Reb's fluid finger tapping style is evident on 'I Saw Red' (I think it's called 'I Saw Red' as the track listing doesn't say), the main solo gets pretty complexed, with the instrumentation of drums and bass thundering along frantically and is a fine structured piece and another of my favourite songs on "Masquerade" and live this track will be mega cool.

I am unsure who the singer is on the album, but if it is Reb singing then his voice is remarkably powerful reminding me of John Norum, Kip Winger and Don Dokken, thus the songs are very exciting and I'm at a point now where "Masquerade" just might slip in at the top of my albums of the year list.

Check out the melodic 'Sorrow Stained Eyes'', the sizzling 'Day Of The Eagle', the funky/blusey 'Get Out And Walk' and the beautiful ballad 'Love So True' all make "Masquerade" a pleasant listen with quite a few surprises in store. So what can one say in summary? That Reb Beach is one of the most technically adept and visually impressive guitarists still around from rock's hey day who still manages to captivate the listeners, absolutely will continue to raise his profile higher, thus "Masquerade" is an inspiring album. I predict the new Winger album will be completely massive, I look forward to it and the world tour, see you down the front row!

www.rebebeach.com

Rating: 9,5/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Switzerland based hard rockers D.D.Dogz have released an outburst of colourful stadium hard rock that left me singing along and shouting like a maniac. Their musical style delivers sleazy flavoured rock n' roll a'la from Bulletboys, Fastway, LA.Guns, Spread Eagle, Dokken, Black 'N' Blue to Gotthard, Rough Cutt, Bonfire and Kiss and has been engineered by Many Maurer from Krokus.

I am happy to report that this is one of the best set of independent demos to come out of Switzerland in recent years. What people seem to be looking for nowadays is the good old rocking sound of yester-year, weather it be melodic rock, glam or aor, or whatever, the important fact is that people in general seem to be more open to it all than in the late eighties and D.D.Dogz could very well stand a chance.

The band also gained some favourable press from the likes of Metal Hammer etc..and seem to be creating quite a name for themselves in parts of Europe, which has always been more appreciative of acts such as this than the single minded rock base here in the UK, thus I won't be suprised if D.D. Dogz link a deal with the likes of MTM or Metal Mayhem in the US, but I do stress that a name change would be in order if any deal is linked as that is the only think letting the band down. The band along with Sweden's Bonkyman build a new stepping stone for rock music into the new millenium..Their music combines the sleazy rawness of the aforementioned bands. Check out tracks like the awesome Fastway meets Dokken punch of 'Night After Night', the very Van Halenish 'Bodydance', 'What's Going On', 'Indians' which are all big riff-punching rockers filled with catchy choruses which build and build into huge proportions of riffage headbanging mayhem.

D.D. Dogz are fun, energetic and very cool, this is the business, and rocks big time, outrageously fun and totally over the top bonk rock melodic rock mayhem!! Big choruses, big hair, big everything, this is the shit!!!!! We are going to hear tons from D.D. Dogz in the future.

check 'em out at www.dddogz.com or Email band@dddogz.ch

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

It still amazes me how many bands are out there waiting to be unearthed, like this one from San Diego which is in the vein of King's X, Ozzy, Dokken, Steve Vai, LA Guns, Warrant, Bang Tango, Alice In Chains etc.. Simian Cruise are very talented and their songs bite from the very first listen, Singer John Giambalvo has an amazing powerful voice which makes the songs sound quite heavy a'la Alice In Chains circa "Facelift" such as on 'Up', but musically they are like the bands I mentioned above hit you hard with mega grooving axe work from Willie Powell who has a varied style that gives the songs a punchy gritty edge.

The band deliver a fair share of uptempo rock songs in the shape of 'Wilted' which has an amazing guitar solo and the powerful grind of 'Time To Heal' through to the best track 'Shattered Dream' which reminds me of Hair Of The Dog and is a great gusty hard rocker. Final verdict? A truly powerful hard rock album filled with great musicianship, Simian Cruise's songs are skilfully played and produced, making for a winning formula of hard rock. Check them out @ scmanager@simiancruise.com OR www.simiancruise.com

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Mrs John Norum, the talented Michelle Meldrum( Ex-Phantom Blue) , now based in Sweden, returns after a period away, with the band Meldrum, an outfit which may best described as an amalgam of Alice in Chains' fuzzed up riffery, Masquerade's melodic attack, and latter day Swedish Erotica crunch. Granted some will see 'Alternative' in the down tuned riffs, but not so, it's simply heavy- as in dark, brooding, intense- rock.

The opening duo of 'The Story of Junk' with singer Moa Holmsten crooning like Gigi Hanach with dirt beneath the nails, and AIC call with Zep response of the snotty, ascerbic, 'Aspartame' knock the listener into the next available week; whilst the Lizzy flow of 'Feeding the hope' is hypnotic with a hook that draws you gently in and won't let go as Meldrum lets her fingers do the talking in Gorham approved fashion.

'Through Shattered Eyes' sways into a riff of insistent power like a cobra with a hangover, and carries more than a hint of The Tea party at their most mystical , a them returned to on the minaret through the mist of 'Reign Mantra', and features a a typically first rate contribution from John Norum. Brian Robertson puts in an appearance on the Page but modern 'Attakapa', but as the Wylde-ian attack and poise of 'New World Order' Michelle Meldrum does not need guests on her turf. There's nothing on the album that's truly immediate, it reveals it's treasures in considered fashion, and that is in the longterm a strength, and is a great start.

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Andrew Paul)

You may remember how sad it was when Fair Warning decided to call it a day, and ever since it has felt like something special has been missing from rock music. But don't mourn the loss of Fair Warning forever folks as Dreamtide is a new band featuring Fair Warning guitarist Helge Enegelke and their ambitious debut album "Here Comes The Flood" is a refreshing mixture of musical rock styles that is sure to gain the band alot of respect and also widen Enegelke's fans base.,

This album reminds of the first time I heard the debut Fair Warning, I did step back in complete awe of Enegelke's guitar work throughout Dreamtide which reminds me of a mix of John Norum and Uli Jon Roth. Check out 'Ten Years Blind' which is a very catchy powerful song reminding me of Europe, gloriously melodic rock full of great lyrics, ripping guitars and sing along chorus lines. Also in the Europe vein and possessing plenty of melody is the stunning 'Cross The Line', a joyous memorable piece of class.

New singer Olaf Senkbeil you may recall added some background vocals to some of Blind Guardian's material, thus he adds in symphonic flavours but more in the vein of Symphony X rather than Blind Guardian. 'Come With Me' rises up next, with some tasty harmonic vocal lines and lots of keys. The song has a great groove and here Senkbeil's voice sounds very symphonic and classical and at times beats the shit out of Tommy Heart because Senkbeil has a better range and sounds as if the songs are what he wants to sing, thus the songs sound from the heart.

When I first heard the haunting 'Dreamers' I honestly thought what a powerful song and what a voice, this is a superb killer ballad which wouldn't have sounded out of place on an Uli Jon Roth or Nikolo Kotzev album, very elegant and passionate lyrically and musically Senkbeil is going to be a BIG BIG star, his voice is so huge and powerful that he easily steal the crown from Tommy Heart's head. The other ballad 'Heaven Knows' is equally powerful and beautiful. 'Crashed' is next in, this again is another piece of sophisticated keyboard drenched music, Senkbeil's voice once again is very good here and he carries the song with his great set of lungs.This song is quite commercial, almost AOR orientated, but it works and is a catchy number as is the golden 'I Take The Weight Off Your Shoulders' which is one of the most commercial tracks on the album in the vein of Fair Warning and Terra Nova.

What I really admire about this record is the way that the songs and the music have been carefully thought out, each song speaks for itself. I get the feeling that Helge is a bit of a perfectionists, check out the completely awesome 'Promised Land' and 'Your Life' which is a symphonic piece that features some cool hooks and suprisingly catchy vocals and 'Moment Of Truth' is next and sounds as if Helge has been listening to some Marty Friedman albums as there are some lovely mystical passages flowing out of the piece which is a lovely spiritual song which builds and builds into a stunning song.

Then we have one of the big, big, big songs of the album, namely the excellent 'Sundance'. This is a wonderful song in the vein of John Norum etc, everything works perfectly, it's a powerful almost progressive piece that would make Dream Theater very proud indeed, this is the bands masterstroke the song is lush and grandiose and has everything a lover of music with melody wants, so sit back, crack open a can and enjoy the soothing,yet towering blissful textures of this stunning piece of musical class.

The last track on "Here Comes The Flood" is the totally awesome 'Phoenix Tears', once again Dreamtide, come across in waves of Uli Jon Roth inspired melodies, this is actually a glorious instrumental played with tremendous feeling from Helge ends the album on a magical note leaving the listener wanting more. Overall a most amazing journey of musical genius that should set Dreamtide up as Germany's most treasured band in years. Essential.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

"III" (subtitled The Melodic Rock Strikes Back) is the follow up to 1992's classic "Time To Burn", and this album is as huge sounding as your "Time To Burn" and "Last Of The Runaways" albums.

GIANT are back bigger and meatier than ever, "III" is sure to be welcomed with open arms by the masses of hard rock fans, check out the stirring Eddie Van Halen inspired guitar intro on opening instrumental 'Combustion', Dann Huff as always plays with such excellence and this piece is a simple instrumental which leads into the albums first song 'You Will Be Mine' which has tons of atmosphere and is quite glorious melodic hard rock.

Songs are songs and at the end of the day this album has them in abundance, check out the catchy Def Leppardish 'Over You' whilst the smooth AOR approach of "Don't Leave Me In Love' is one of those dreamy Giant songs where the vocal harmonies just glide past you, stunning song indeed in the 'Save Me Tonight' vein..

Then it's back to the top of the rock with the rather Sammy Hagar meets Nightranger layered rockness of 'Love Can't Help You Now', this song is mega catchy and forces you to singalong.

If melodic rock is dead then Giant are sure to bring it back to the fold with this fantastic album check out the guitar pumping 'The Sky Is The Limit' which is one of my favourite songs because it just bounces along at a frantic pace a'la 'I'm A Believer' and is just simply classic Giant.

'It's Not The End Of The World' is a fantastic harmony layered ballad, Dan's voice is perfect, god has it really been almost ten years since "Time To Burn"? It's as if the band have never been away, I really hope they get to come over and play live to support this record, the market is completely open for them here in the UK.

More Def Leppard influences can be heard on the tongue 'n' cheek 'Oh Yeah' which is another catchy up-tempo rocker and then comes the fantastic big big ballad 'Can't Let Go', this is pure gold and the guitar work is played gently reminding me of Steve Lukather and Michael Landau, thus this song is very much in the Richard Marx vein and is beautifully constructed with some nice little Neal Schon guitar twists here there, classic Giant my friends.

Finally the band bail out in all their glory on the fantastic 'Bad Case Of Loving You (Doctor Doctor)' which is a killer song in the vein of Bad Company, Foreigner and erm Giant, I'm sure I've heard this track somewhere before it's so catchy that Frontiers/Now And Then should issue this as the next single as I'm sure radio would pick up on this.

So there you have it, this is a highly enjoyable album that at the moment I can't stop playing. This album is full of great songs which work on every single song throughout this magic disc, make sure you buy it and let's hope that we don't have to wait another ten years before the next Giant album. Welcome back guys we've missed you.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

This is an interesting little find which features the return of the very underrated Jimmy Lawrence who released a well received solo album two or three years ago, joining Jimmy is Shotgun Symphony's Charlie Clav and their new band Skin Tag, which comes rocking out of New Jersey is now being talked about at various corners of the internet world, so for anyone who loves guitar driven melodic hard rock then pick this album up now as you will love it.

Check out the excellent 'Rainy Monday' which is a superb AOR/melodic rock track showing Journey influences. Lawrence is superb on this song, it's catchy and built around colourful guitar patterns from Dave Tsien.

'You Gotta Love It' is a great rocker with some nifty guitar playing, it's a very catchy piece reminding me of Carl Dixon and Honeymoon Suite. 'All The Way Home' is a classy AOR gem with swirling melodies that reminds me of Bon Jovi, I loved Jimmy's vocals melodies on this track which could have come straight off "Keep The Faith", the song is dead catchy and could even gain the band radio airplay, a very classy song indeed. Also in the same kind of style is 'Remember The Times', whilst 'Under My Skin' is a cool mid paced melodic rocker a'la Shotgun Symphony, Masquerade and Biloxi. This is a song which grows on you with continued listens and is one of the strongest songs on the album.

The melodic 'Forever In My Life' is also pretty good and like 'Under My Skin' needs extra attention paid to it. Then the band get really cool on 'Standing In The Rain', I love this track because the guitar layers are great, another sing along melodic piece in the Journey vein.

'Nothing Left But Time' is next up, this is a gentle catchy ballad that again reminds me of Bon Jove and also David Carl Band, a smooth song that builds into a chorus that sits nicely along side Bon Jove's 'This Ain't A Love Song

The last song 'On The Run' is totally red hot, this song is the best track and is unbelievably catchy, makes me think of Unruly Child and Honeymoon Suite

Overall this is a top class release that deserves to be listened to on more than one occasion, then you will find that a truly splendid album comes in fruitition which I guranteee you won't stop playing. BUY (Interview soon with Jimmy Lawrence)

Rating: 8,5/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

What do you get when you have an album full of massive melodies, luxurious singing, rich keyboards, molten guitar playing and songs of immense standards? First Shot is what you get and the bands debut "From The Hip" is a blinder. Led by lead singer Marc LaFrance (the guys name rings a bell for some reason) First Shot offer no holds barred keyboard driven AOR/pop rock, comparisons are rich with the main factors being Journey, Brian McDonald Group, Toto, Mark Spiro, Loverboy, Metropolis, Rick Springfield, Kansas etc..
'Love Is It's On Way' is synth laden AOR/pop gem, whilst on track three the band ignore the golden rule of having track three as a ballad, and it's a great ballad a'la Toto and Metropolis called 'Lost Without Your Love'

One of the albums highlights is the simply awesome 'The First Shot' which is very much eighties sounding AOR/pop rock that would have graced any movie soundtrack back then, this is in the vein of Shooting Star, Toto, Phil Vincent and is heavily drenched in keyboards. Also good is the catchy 'Caught In A Hurricane', and the smooth AOR of 'I Can Never Stop The Rain' which is very Richard Marx/Mark Spiro sounding.

Then we are into pure AOR territory with my fave track of the album, the very catchy 'Take A Chance On Love' which sounds a little bit like Journey, Stan Bush and Tandym and is brilliant as is 'What's So Good About Him' which is in the similar vein, whilst 'Heartbreak Away' could have graces a Miami Vice soundtrack and is also pretty cool and easy to singalong with.

'No Fun Anymore' I didn't like too much as it sounds very dated, very 70's sounding pomp rock, and the Lynn Allen happy go lucky 'Turn To Me' suffers from an annoying drum machine and spoils an otherwise good track, and the same can be said for 'Action Reaction' which I found again I found a little dated.

I get the feeling that First Shot may be one of those long lost gems that was meant to have been released in the 80's as at time the production sound suffers because of the drum machine that gets used in places, but the guitar work and vocals are fine

Opinions may differ, but for me this album takes about three spins to fully appreciate and only then can you fully appreciate the bands music which is pretty good but not earthshattering and can at times leave a sugary taste in your mouth. But if your an AOR die hard, then you will love this.

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Stiletto are a fantastic new hard rock band from Austria featuring members from King Size who released two well recieved European CD's 2 "No Message'(92) AND 'Timeless'(94). Bassist Gordon McMichael is actually from Scotland and fronted some other bands before departing to Austria to join Kings Size. It was also interesting to learn that an old guitar player friend of one of my friends Milan Polak co-wrote quite a few of the songs on the album, and even though he didn't actually perform on the record he is now however an official member of Stiletto, which is good news as Milan is a very influential guitar player.

The albums style is in the vein of early Krokus, Gotthard, Bonfire, Casanova etc and features thirteen ballbusting hard rock songs that are instantly infectious. 'Ready 2NIte' , D&D' and 'Cum In My Mouth' kick things off and hit you in the face with their muti-layered sing along choruses and fast riffs, all three songs pack a nasty punch and remind me of the above bands. Then we are into a gospel sounding ballad called 'Friends 4 Ever' which is in the vein of Bon Jovi, White Lion and Tuff and is a decent ballad with soothing violin sections.'Stiletto Gang' is a pumping hard rocker with furious Zakk Wylde influenced guitar licks.

I really enjoyed the melodic 'Big Twins', the chorus is meaty and infectious and has an almost Tesla/Slaughter feel to it. '1 More Time' is a good soother tune which reminds me of early Gotthard/Bonfire and even Abba on the vocals harmonies which get really poppy and sound almost Scandinavian

Then smack bang in the middle of the record comes one of my favourite songs 'Nights On Fire' which purrs with fret burning action, the chorus is huge a'la Bonfire, it simply rocks and is a massive song with added anthemic "Woh! Woh" chants during the chorus to shout out, flipping brilliant song. The top rock of this style is continued on the equally fantastic 'WW' where the guitars are fast and bright a'la Steve Vai. And it doesn't end there, check out the furious soloing on 'Concrete' which is a stirring instrumental piece where guitarist Tom Lucas goes for it pure Vai fashion, magic stuff.

Things slow down for 'Over And Over' which is more melodic and is similar to Bon Jovi circa "Slippery When Wet", a good catchy song built for radio airplay. Lastly 'Living On The Seaside' which is a classic piece of melodic AOR. Overall Stiletto rock like a baby in a cradle and this is what rock albums are all about, Stiletto are white hot and I love albums that sound as big as this. The album will win you over instantly with it's electrifying hooks and singalong anthemic songs which will take Stiletto hurtling into the first rock division, they're gonna be massive!! My thanks to Christian Rechling for supplying me with a copy of this album that could have been so easily missed. http://come.to/stiletto or Email : - stiletto@chello.at

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

WOW!! This album is wonderful, the music and lyrics of Miscellane are very deep complexed progressive rock. The band are from Slovakia and lead singer/guitarist Peter Orel has an incredible voice which reminds me of Geoff Tate and John West from Royal Hunt.

The CD features five tracks with tracks 1 'Solstice Story Part 1' running in at 13 mins and track 4 'Solstice Story Part 2' running in at a whopping 24 mins which is quite an amazing achievement in itself, but more importantly the songs hold up and and are exciting to listen, the story of these two songs could make a film script in itself, it really doesn't feel like the songs are that long and there is something magical about them and every time you play the songs you hear something different.

'Solstice Story' is an epic piece that tells a tale of ancient rituals in the days of Solstices over an eighteen year period and tells the tale of a love affair between a Queen of a tribe and a young guy who give birth to a daughter who in the second part becomes Queen and her two brothers fall in love with her, and the story continues with tales of the brothers sacrifice etc.

The other tracks are also very good 'Wings' is in the vein of Savatage and Dream Theater and 'Laments' is powerful and melodic, I really loved Peter's voice on this track which is very much like Geoff Tate whilst 'Few Letter's On A Tomb' is a big progressive piece a'la Dream Theater and is quite heavy with excellent guitar complexity.

The songs despite the lengths of 'Solstice' parts 1 and 2 all have lasting effect and will stand testimony to other albums of this style for years to come, I for one was pleasantly suprised by the power this record has, it is so refreshing to hear an artist/band who are not out to impress the punters, but instead play the music that they want to play

So there you have it an awesome an very effective varied album that is set to make Miscellane a name for themselves. For more info www.distribee.com

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

This set of demos from new band SHIVA are pretty bombastic keyboard driven pompy progressive rock mixed with hard rock. The nice thing about Shiva is that they are very talented and clearly enjoy what they are doing. The first two tracks on this CD are 'Free My Soul' and 'Dow Jones Index'. The two songs are full of majestic and sometimes progressive melodies that twist and change in many beautiful musical directions, especially the latter as it also has a driving arrangement which makes the song sound very similar to Guild Of Ages and Dreamtide

Next up is a cracking hard rock song called 'Shame On You' which reminds me of Bonfire and Giant and is very catchy and commercial hard rock, this style is continues on 'Would You Lie To Me', which is a killer piece of melodic rock a;la Silent Rage, Dare, Bon Jovi and Giant, the arrangement posses a huge hook. This is my fave song by the band, it is just rocks so much and the vocal harmonies are very strong and suit the structure of the song.

I think we have discovered another killer band here, this is just demos yet the songs sound very well produced and I cannot see any reason why Shiva couldn't get themselves a record deal. Check out 'Lead Me On' which is even better than 'Would You lie To Me', this song is in the Europe and Von Groove vein and is excellent, as is the very melodic 'Marilyn' and the superb ballad 'One More Day', this song is passionate and very beautiful AOR ballad with huge vocals reminding me of Heartland.

This band know what they are doing, and they do it with majestic passion so please check them out by emailing ake.edstrom@spray.se

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)