BILL EVERMAN comes out of Aston, PA, USA and he is another new multi- instrumentalist performing AOR music. The list of influences is very impressive, because he added bands like SHOOTING STAR, PETRA, TRIUMPH and BOSTON. The AOR on 'Choice of weapons' is not that sensational, but still there are some great tunes. I think I can better compare Bill Everman to other multi-instrumentalists from today such as LEON EVANS, PAUL HARRIS, JOE ROBINSON, PHIL VINCENT, JAKE MAYHEM who all play the same type of 80s inspired AOR/Melodic Rock.

The beginning of the CD is pretty good actually. Songs like "Free" (great semi AOR/ Melodic Rocker), "Love is" (very good semi AOR Ballad) and "Don't wait" (lovely cheerful uptempo AOR a la PHIL CHRISTIAN, THE PROMISE, STAN BUSH…) are pretty impressive and are without any doubts recommended to the AOR fans. The production isn't superb, but I can live with it and maybe the vocals aren't sensational, still songs like these are definitely worth checking out and can be labelled as pure AOR. The second part of
the CD is a bit weaker.

Songs like "Through a mirror darkly", "I'm not God", "Call out to you" and "Somebody somewhere" are average pop/rocksongs. However, towards the end of the CD we can hear a few more 'sensational' AOR songs, namely the lovely AOR rocker "Pleasure pit" (like JEFF PARIS) and the closing track "Lead me home" (best song, classy 80s AOR/ Radiorock a la PREVIEW). Concluded, the debut of CD of Bill Everman contains some wonderful AOR tunes (a la JOE ROBINSON, PHIL CHRISTIAN), but there are also weaker pop/rock songs (like JIMMY MARTIN, RICK CUA) to be heard.

If a future CD of Bill would feature more sensational AOR songs with a better production, then it could turn out to something special. Nevertheless, this CD is still worth checking out at: Listen to the songs http://www.mp3.com/billeverman or http://www.billeverman.homepage.com/billeverman and e-mail him at: BEVERMAN@ICDC.COM

Rating: 8/10

Also due for release next week is the debut CD of Canadian melodic rockers HEAVENS FIRE. This band is definitely playing in the style of their fellow countrymen of HAREM SCAREM, VON GROOVE and EMERALD RAIN. The songs are mostly uptempo melodic rockers, 80s influenced, but still they sound very updated. Songs like "Beyond", "Future's waiting", "Can you believe", "The outside" and "Long way" are good examples of this typical 90s Canadian Melodic Hardrocksound as created by bands like HAREM SCAREM, TEER, TALON, MILLENNIUM, EMERALD RAIN etc.

My favourite songs are the last two songs. These are "Now's the time" (fantastic intro with very catchy harmonyvocals) and "Tears". These two songs are simply classy 80s hookladen cheerful uptempo melodic rockers a la DOKKEN, DANGER DANGER, AUTOGRAPH… Just one listen to these songs and you're hooked, this is the typical 80s rock we all love (d) so much. HEAVEN'S FIRE has released a very good melodic hardrockalbum that is a must if you like any of the mentioned bands.

Rating: 8/10

It seems like FRONTIERS RECORDS wants to getaway from the 'AOR', because also this release has not much to do with AOR music, except from the covers presented on the album. Anyway, lead singer Jorn Lande comes out of Norway and has sung with VAGABOND, THE SNAKES and ARK before he released this solo-CD. He is also the new singer for American rising melodic rockers MILLENNIUM. His solo-CD 'Starfire' contains a few covers, while his own songs does sound a bit like old rockacts such as RAINBOW and DEEP PURPLE. The FOREIGNER cover ("Break it up") and JOURNEY-cover ("Edge of the blade") as well as the JEFFERSON STARSHIP-cover ("Just the same") sound pretty good actually.

It seems like Jorn is a very impressive vocalist, because it is not easy to sing songs that were originally sung by AOR heroes like STEVE PERRY, LOU GRAMM and MICKEY THOMAS. Other covers on the CD include DEEP PURPLE ("Burn") and CITY BOY ("The day the earth caught fire"). Jorn's own songs are a bit experimental, such as "End comes easy" (with the jungle sounds), "Gate of tears" (a la DEEP PURPLE) and "Abyss of evil".

The remaining two songs are the best songs as written by Jorn himself. First there is opener "Starfire", a nice calmer AOR/Pop song a la MARK SPIRO and JOHN ELEFANTE. This song is very radio suited and could turn out to a big hit if it got some airplay. The other song is the KANSAS influenced acoustic ballad "Forever yours". Especially the vocals sound very melodic in this song and remind me of STEVE WALSH. Hopefully some more own songs on a future record, although I must say that these covers also impressed me very much. Jorn's next album is probably MILLENNIUM's new CD.

Rating: 7,5/10

VOODOO HILL is formed around Italian guitarist Dario Mollo. The debut CD is released through Frontiers Records and none other than DEEP PURPLE singer GLENN HUGHES handles the vocal duties on the CD. The album will be released next week through the Italian label, so I think this is one of the first reviews of the album. The album starts pretty good with the 80s typed melodic hardrocker "Sensitive". You can hear rightaway the vocalist is Glenn Hughes, because the man's vocals really stand the test of time through pure rockers like this first track. Unfortunately the following couple of songs are weaker, tunes like "Disconnected", "Golden one", "Spun in lost wages" and "Keep it to yourself" are just average rockers. Nothing sensational here. On the other hand the songs are played well and Glenn's vocals are very impressive, but it's just that the songs don't click.

The second part of the CD features the best songs like "24" (nice semi-ballad) and "The gypsy" (best song of the whole CD, this song really captures the rockstyle created by WHITESNAKE and RAINBOW in the late 70s/early 80s). This is definitely something different than most of FRONTIERS other releases. Still I am glad to hear Glenn Hughes singing rocksongs again. A must for people who have waited for Glenn returning to his rock roots!

Rating: 7/10

First off, do not confuse this RAIL with the Pompous 80s typed Melodic Rockband who were also called RAIL (and actually still are because they just released a new CD!). Nevertheless, this RAIL comes out of Texas and they sent me their demo tape. I have to inform you that the quality of the sound is very bad and that's a pity because the songs of the band are really great 80s influenced melodic rockers (think DOKKEN, DANGER DANGER, BLACK'N'BLUE). Maybe it's the tape recording I got, but I really hope the band comes up with a better sound quality on a future recording, because they really have the potential to make it to the European melodic rocklabels.

Anyway, the beginning of the tape is very good. Opener "Rock my blues away" is
a great 80s typed melodic rocker with 70s typed guitarwork, not unlike NETWORK. You can hear right from the start that the musicians are professional, because the lead singer (Joe Gannon) has a great melodic voice and the guitarists (Greg Griffith and also Joe) sure know how to play their solos. The tape continues with the melodic rocker "I'm so tired" that sounds like a cross between DOKKEN and RATT. "No more heroes" follows and is a pretty good semi melodic rockballad.

Back into RATT/DOKKEN territory with the melodic rocker "Help me to realize". Then we can hear two party melodic rockers titled "I cried" and "Down in Texas", both sounding very much like BLACK'N'BLUE. After the instrumental "Sapphire", the tape closes
with 3 nice semi-ballads ("Shis", "Trini Dane" and "Talking to the angels"). The last mentioned track is the best one of these 3 final songs, it reminds me of late 80s ballads by BON JOVI and SKID ROW. RAIL from Texas is a great melodic rockband and a must for fans of mentioned bands. The only negative comment from me is the average sound quality, I can't tell if this is the production, but if the band improves this on a future recording, then we need to keep our eyes open for another sensational band. For now, check out their site at: http://www.mp3.com/rail and e-mail them at: shiajoe@cs.com

Rating: 7,5/10

FLIES is a Finish all-girl rockband. Their 3-track mini-CD 'Flying high' is a very 90s orientated rockalbum. The songs are titled "Flying", "Rain on me" and "I love you". Maybe a fan of JOAN JETT or THE RUNAWAYS might enjoy this, but I think for must of us this is way too 90s. Nevertheless, the band has a good updated rocksound and will definitely appeal to fans of this rockgenre. More info at: http://www.angelfire.com/rock/fliesflyhigh and e-mail them at: flybabes@hotmail.com

Rating: 6/10

Another multi-instrumentalist from America. He is called Nick Corsetti and comes out of California. His debut CD counts 13 songs and after hearing them all, I can inform you that this man is very talented and the music will attract a lot of people, because there is a huge diversity in styles. The man's vocals remind me of JOHN WETTON (ASIA), while the music is very diverse and moves somewhere between Pop and AOR/Pomp. The beginning of the CD is pretty calm. Opener "Win or lose" is a calmer AOR song that sounds like JOHN PARR circa mid 80s. The Poprock of "Long way from home" is in DANNY TATE territory. Then we can hear two pure Popsongs ("Bearded man in the sky" and "There is love").

The CD switches back to AOR with the pompous AOR rocker "You'll feel wonderful" (a la ROBBY VALENTINE). But I started bouncing from track 6 on, because then we are in pure AOR territory. The song is called "Don't you cry" and this is a lovely 80s Power AOR Ballad like a mix between SHERIFF and REO SPEEDWAGON. Just listen to the magnificent harmonyvocals during the chorus and you'll be hooked. Next track "Hot sugar" introduces some great guitar riffs (finally) and is definitely one of the other highlights of this CD. This song is a wonderful early 80s AOR rocker and is reminding me a lot of 80s FOREIGNER and SANTERS, while a riff of BAD COMPANY can also be noticed.

"Still my life goes on" follows and again it is pure AOR, because this tune is pure mid 80s midtempo AOR with references to SURVIVOR, HARLAN CAGE and HIT THE GROUND RUNNIN'. Then comes the last pure AOR song, namely "For a lifetime". This is a really wonderful AOR tune a la WHITE SISTER, JOURNEY, STONE SOUP, and SAVANNAH… So we had 5 calmer aor/popsongs and 4 fantastic pure AOR songs.

Unfortunately the 4 closing tracks are less interesting, because these are all soft popballads like BILLY JOEL, ELTON JOHN. Maybe only the ballad "Don't want nobody else" has an AOR touch, partly due to the John Wetton typed vocals that makes this song sound a bit like ASIA. Basically, this is a CD with a part for the fans of pure AOR, but also a part for Popfans. So this makes it hard to categorise. Nevertheless, I hope to hear some more of those AOR typed songs on a future record. In the meantime check out Nick's site at: http://www.mp3.com/NickCorsetti and e-mail him at: Artlifemusic@aol.com

Rating: 7,5/10

SYN CITY is a melodic rockband from Belgrade, MT, USA. Their debut CD contains some great songs that sound like DANGER DANGER. The CD starts with "Ghost", a very good semi melodic rocker with a very catchy super melodic chorus. This first track is a very good start and is in the same style as other newcomers in this genre such as TEER, TALON, SKY HIGH… Up next is the semi melodic rockballad "Father of sleep", a nice song. "Money" follows and is weaker, an EXTREME typed funk rocker. Much better is the following track "She's all alone", this is a great semi AOR song in 80s DANGER DANGER style. I love the keyboards used throughout this song.

Next track "Family reunion" is a weak groovy heavy rocker. Back to the wonderful classy 80s AOR/Melodic Rock is the following track "I'll wait for you". This fantastic 80s Power
AOR/Melodic Rockballad is in the style of FIREHOUSE, VELOCITY, DAMN YANKEES… "Doorways" follows and is nice uptempo 80s Hard Rock. Then comes another Power Melodic Rockballad in the shape of "Big Richard". Next track "Perfect love" is a nice semi melodic rocker a la old WINGER.

The closing track is one of the best songs of the whole CD. The song is called "The wish" and this is a lovely midtempo AOR/Melodic Rocker with some great piano/keyboardwork a la SURVIVOR. The CD has it's ups and downs, but in general speaking this SYN CITY is a pretty good band. Check out their site at: http://click.mp3.com/c/o_990/u_artists.mp3s.com/artists/4/syn_city.html and e-mail them at: cameradali@mtnconnect.net

Rating: 7,5/10

CRY ACTION released this CD last year and actually they can be seen as the follow-up to SYN CITY (review above), because this band features the same members as SYN CITY. Musically CRY ACTION is also playing 80s typed Melodic (Hard) Rock that reminds me a little of APRIL WINE, UFO, SCORPIONS and there's also a slight LOVERBOY reference
to be heard later on the CD. The album starts with "Nothin' ever changes", a nice 80s melodic rocker a la RATT, KEEL, BLACK'N'BLUE… Following track "Runaway" is a cool late 70s melodic rocker like BAD BOY, APRIL WINE, STREETHEART…

The semi melodic rocker "3" follows. "Silent game" is up next and again this is a good melodic rocker, this time the guitarwork sounds like a cross between UFO and SCORPIONS. Next track "Spirit moves you" is a nice RATT/KEEL typed melodic rocker again. The second part of the CD is a bit more melodic Power Poprock orientated, partly
due to the keyboards as on "Into the pit". This is a fine example of 80s Melodic Power Poprock that got popular back then with bands like LOVERBOY. The following two songs ("Hear the thunder" and "8") are nice melodic rockers, but nothing that special.

The final track of the CD is the best song of the band. I am talking about "9", a great early 80s melodic poprocker/radiorocker that is totally 80s LOVERBOY. Concluded, this CRY ACTION CD is pretty much a great record, maybe the production is a little bit average, musically these guys are playing good old 80s melodic rock'n'roll. More info at: http://www.missinglenk.com/bones and e-mail them at: cameradali@mtnconnect.net

Rating: 7,5/10

Do not confuse this VISION with the 4 other ones out there. This VISION comes out of South Carolina, USA and their fifth CD 'A little faith' is a nice little record. The production is pretty good, so no complaints about that. The music of VISION is melodic poprock that sounds updated, while still holding that 80s melody. I hear comparisons to THE OUTFIELD, BUZZ CLIC… but on the other hand there are also some influences of 70s hardrock. Actually this VISION has an own style, because really good comparisons are hard to make.

My favourite songs are "I want you for myself" (70s hard rock a la KROKUS, RATT, HELIX), "Everybody's stupid" (80s typed poprocker a la THE OUTFIELD, BUZZ CLIC) and "Can't sleep" (another 70s hardrock song with some great guitarplay). If you like melodic poprock like 70s meets 80s meets 90s, then this is the band to check out a.s.a.p. Their site is located at: http://www.visionmusic.net and e-mail them at: flash1999@aol.com or info@visionmusic.net

Rating: 7,5/10

For the uninitiated Kip Winger shot to fame in the late 80's - early 90's and enjoyed a top ten US hit with the song 'Miles Away'. Winger went on to perform at many festivals in the US, finally they made it over to the UK supporting Scorpions before playing a set of headlining dates in the UK with aorsters Heartland. Before this Kip enjoyed success with Alice Cooper
amongst others, Winger were put on ice in 1993 and Kip went about setting himself up with a solo career which resulted in his first album 'This Conversation Seems Like A Dream' in 1996 ,a superb show at The Gods festival in 1996 soon followed, this was then followed swiftly by an unplugged greatest hits album called 'Made By Hand'.

'Songs' continues from where 'T.C.S.L.A.D.' left off with the majority of the material following a personnel and spiritual path which may disappoint fans of Kip's earlier work. For the most part 'Songs' is an album of thought provoking intelligent songs that are often experimental in structure, thus 'Songs' takes numerous spins to fully appreciate.

'Sure Was A Wild Flower', is much like 'Angel Of The Underground' from 'This Conversation..', it's mysterious outlook and chilling melodies provide the perfect theme which could be used for 'The X Files' , 'Faster' is catchier with some nice guitar and
keyboard melodies, 'Free' experiments with a string quintet.

it's an instrumental piece that has an Eastern feel that's fits in nicely with the other songs, ' Broken Open' is one of the few rockier songs resembling Winger of old, Kip's voice is most expressive on this song and the lyrics are superb. 'Everything You Need' is structured around simple acoustic guitar layers, and a wonderful chorus which reminds me of 'Who's The One' from the 'Pull' album mixed with a hint of George Harrison, an excellent song that is very pure, this style is continued on 'Resurrection'. The ballad 'Two Lovers Stand', is a killer, that is again built around a string quartet, this is just a beautiful song where Kip sings with amazing heartfelt passion.

Other songs to listen to include ''Crash The Wall', featuring another catchy chorus to singalong to whilst 'Landslide' and 'Song Of Midnight' are both experimental songs that take time to fully appreciate, both are very spiritual especially the latter which starts off like The Dead Can Dance before building into chilling melodies. Continuing the spooky factor is the ballad 'Only One Word' the piano melodies and music are quite enchanting.

Overall 'Songs' is a very ear pleasing album which is about the songs and music which offer the listeners a little look into Kip's personnel life, Kip's old band members Reb Beach and Rod Mogenstein show up on various songs and guitarist Andy Timmons is also featured throughout 'Songs'. 'Songs' is a wonderful album, but as I mentioned it may take a few spins to sink in, but once it has you won't put it down. And the good news is that Kip will play live at The Gods In England this November in support of 'Songs', make sure your there!! Check out Kip's website http://www.kipwinger.com

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Silverspoon are a killer new melodic rock band from Norway led by the clear vocals of Tony Harnell soundalike Nils Kvalerue. What is nice about Silverpoon's material is that the album sounds like a mix of American pop metal and Swedish melodic rock, the songs are all pretty powerful and for a debut album the production is of a very high quality. From the opening track 'Sink Or Swim' through to the cover of the Kiss classic 'I Was Made For Loving You', each song is classy melodic rock all the way that never gets boring, check out 'Vanished Love', think Dokken, TNT, L.A. Guns, catchy chorus killer axe work the lot, a pretty damn fine song, so is the awesome 'Silverspoon' which reminds me of Seven Wishes, TNT, Dokken, check out the pounding drum attack from Stian Kristoffersen and the superb guitar playing from Thorstein Aaby. Also check out 'Destiny' for more of the same.One of my favourite songs is 'Take Me Away', this one has some really cool riffing a'la Zakk Wylde, the chorus is very melodic a'la TNT.

The whole album rocks actually, most of it plays like a mix of Dokken's 'Under Lock And Key' and TNT's 'Intuition' 'Take Me Away' is a prime example of this, whilst 'Sunset Strip' is a throwaway cock rocker a'la Cinderella, Kix. Silverspoon deliver a melochony ballad called 'Tell Me' which is in the style of Silent Witness and Lost Weekend and is pretty enjoyable, like the whole album really, I cannot find fault with this album at all, an undiscovered classy album.

Contact: http://www.listen.com or email: Silverspoon6@hotmail.com

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

Riding high on the success of Canadian act 24K's recent appearance at Z Rock in May comes the reissue of 24K frontman Phil Naro's 1995 solo album 'Press Play' which has now been upgraded to a whopping 20 tracks making this superb value for money.

Naro's music plays like a mix of Coney Hatch, Damn Yankees, Mr.Big, The Outfield, Von Groove etc. some of the new songs on 'Press Play' serve as short instrumental interludes, whilst songs like 'Jessie' and 'Hashimoti' are both respectable catchy melodic rock songs, 'Ephemeral' however, is the one that sweats of a thousand clenched fists punching their way in tune to the songs melodic beat and catchy hooks, this one like many on 'Press Play' is fun packed arena rock, if you enjoyed the 24K album and the afforementioned bands then you will love 'Press Play'.

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Isn't it fun when an album catches you unawares blowing you completley away- well that's what 'Dance In The Fire' did for me. This album is beyond what I was expecting, each song on this twelve track moster perfectly marries melodic rock and pure AOR just how you love it, rich harmonies, orgasamic vocals and a production that any other other British rock band would kill for. Yes UK based singer/songwriter Steve Newman has outdone himself with his third studio album.

Vocally Newman reminds me of David Coverdale, especially on the opening duo of 'Every Moment' and 'Jealousy'. The former is pure melodic rock, check out the gorgeous keyboard playing and the equally stunning guitar work, the latter mixes Magnum with Whitesnake, check out the pompy keyboards and majestic chorus, excellent.

We also get to hear a couple of nice power ballads, 'Anything At All' is totally gorgeous boasting comparisons to Stan Bush and Def Leppard, whilst the guitar playing reminds me of Eric Johnson, it's got that pop/metal feel of the late 80's and would have been a big hit. The second of the ballads is called 'Angel', this song is built around an uptempo chorus a'la Nightranger, Bad English. Newman's voice is huge and this song is quite possibly the ballad of the year.

Other songs to check out are the commercial AOR-tastic title track ' Dance In The Fire', 'Call My Name' and 'Do You Remember', all feature luxurious FM tinted harmonies and addictive chorus lines to sing along to, whilst an ozzing of melodic class can be heard on 'Follow Your Heart', which plays once again like a mix of Whitesnake and Shy.

My favorite song of the whole cd is 'Prey' which I think will suprise many of Newman's fans, it's quite a heavy song and the keyboards float around the songs melodic grooves, thus 'Prey' come across like Lion and perhaps Ken Tamplin, an awesome song and one that will be a firm live favourite. 'Not Your Lover' continues in this style, but is not as heavy as 'Prey'. 'Dangerous' reminds me of Survivor and FM, this is AOR at it's finest and the chorus is dead catchy. Finally a mention must also go to a wonderful song called 'Love Is The Drug' where once again the Whitesnake and Shy comparisons coming flowing in, but it's the
afformentioned 'Prey' which simply kills me everytime I play it that wins top honours. Melodic rock and AOR albums don't come much better than this, everything from the production by Heartland's Chris Ousey to the songwriting and musicanship is perfect, I guess I'm just biased with this album.

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

'Hell raising live show' is promised on the cover sticker, and this gem tracked down in the vaults delivers exactly that. Recorded on the 20th April 1979, it sees the Hatchet cracking down with the ferocity of a full tilt band, honed in the live arena and the juke joints of the South.

Opening up with the swaggering "Bounty Hunter", and following immediately with the supple crunch of "Let the Good Times Roll", it sees a band at it's prime, Danny Joe Brown crooning gravel rash vocals like a wolf howling at the nearest available moon, off the guitar scratch patterns woven by Dave Hlubeck,Duane Roland & Steve Holland.

This is an album for the eternal Saturday night, it makes you feel damn good, like a good slug of Uncle Jack! "Gator Country" with it's nod and a wink to the other Southern bands, or epic "Dreams I'll never see" send prickles up the back of your (red)neck. And the sentiment of "Boogie no more" still holds true today, probably even more so than in 1979.

A sweet reunion to hear this band again, and don't forget their drummer had the best name ever for a drum master-Bruce CRUMP we salute ya!!

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Andrew Paul)

Now here's a rare event, a new UK band operating in the progressive/technical field. Formed in 1999 by the guitar team of Chris Allen and Nicki Robson, who seem to combine the precision of DeGarmo and Wilton with the attack of, say, Crimson Glory or Smith & Murray, and joined by Belgian singer Rogue M, a man whose voice operates just above the rim of the known stratosphere. The press release mentions messrs Tate and Midnight in connection with Rogue, but I'm not so sure, hearing elements of John Cyriis(Agent Steel) and Alan Tecchio(Watchtower). Additionally, some of his phrasing and attack suggests formative years spent listening to a good number of late 80's thrash bands. Excellent drummer Dave Edwards and bass player James Daley complete the line-up.

Produced by the band & Threshold's Karl Groom, "Corruption Within" is technically orientated metal of the first order, and with a strong thread of melody running through each song, opener, "Dark Tower" being a case in point providing light and drama, great playing ,with a hook that cracks you over the skull like a boulder dropped from said tower. "Death:a new horizon" combines Queensryche melody with an unlooked for but welcome Jon Lord keyboard flourish from Clive Nolan, whilst the title track's vocal arrangement reminds me of Leatherwolf of all people.And "Murder" builds into towering snarling drama thanks to
Allen and Robson's expert interplay, which is first class,and worth the price of admission alone, whilst "Inner Sanctum" with it's Maidenesque ebb and flow just emphasises the point.

So, a very promising start to what should be a rewarding career. Oh and look out for the hidden track, a version of Queensryche's "Queen of the Ryche".

Rating: 8,5/10 (Review by Andrew Paul)

Joe Cannon is another US mutli-instrumentalist who plays 80's hard rock and AOR with an alternative edge. Joe was kind enough to send me two of his cdr's, if you like bands like Boulevard, Lynn Allen, Richard Marx, Dan Reed Network etc. then you may enjoy Joe's music, most of the songs are pretty catchy but are let down by the poor sound
quality, songs to listen out for from 'Only Tempory' are the catchy Lynn Allen-ish ballad 'You Don't Have To Cry', 'Goin' Back To You' which has a nice gentle chorus and is backed by some nice keyboard work, the other songs are ok but nothing to spectacular and for the most part play as catchy power pop numbers.

The 'Over The Top' record features twelve songs best of the bunch is 'Stonefire' this is a pretty good song, big power pop a'la Dan Reed Network/Electric Boys with a hint of Duran Duran, also listen out for 'Island Of Povert' which is one of Joe's best song, this is killer 80's power pop, very catchy with a nice chorus.

Also good is the claming and sexy ballad 'Without You' where Joe's voice reminds me of Europe's Joey Temest. Cher and Cameo get the nod on 'You And I', which is an other catchy song, as the album progresses we hear some blusey tintet sings like 'Music, Music' Music' that don't seem to fit in to well with the rest of the music. As it stand these two records are basically demos, so if Joe could choose the best cuts from both albums and roll it all into one then we could have something to talk about. Until then you can reach Joe thorugh http://www.listen.com or email him at Joecannon@mindspring.com

Rating: 6/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Canada's Silent Exile play technical progressive metal and melodic rock a'la Dream Theater, Freak Kitchen and Emerald Rain. The album is quite diverse with lots of musical experimentation taking place like on 'Walls Of Society', which is a wierd mix of symphonic keyboards and jangly instrumentation that bring to mind the afforementioned Freak Kitchen.

Most of the material is fairly enjoyable, check out the songs 'Broken Dreams' and 'Images Of War'. The former reminds me of fellow Canadian melodic rockers Emerald Rain, this track is layered with nice keyboard playing and has a very catchy chorus, theres almost a hint of John Waite on the vocals.

'Images Of War' mixes symphonic rock with AOR, very similar to the MTM band A.C.T., three minutes into the song and the singer lays out one hell of an impressive scream.

I like Silent Exile alot and they have lots of potential, the production is very clear and the musicianship is classy and enjoyable. This band are smack in the middle between progressive rock and AOR. Recommended. Email: Silent_Exile@hotmail.com or http://www.silentexile.com or http://www.listen.com

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Brand new album, brand new label, the return of Chicago's finest is currently causing a bit of a stir within the rock scene, and rightly so as these guys have evolved from eighties cock rockers to cult icons with tons of musical ability.

I remember when Enuff Z'Nuff first came out and the press were going nuts over them when they released their debut self titled album to critical acclaim way back in 1989. Anyone remember their bizarre video for 'New Thing' which sported more colour than CC Deville and Bret Michael put together.

They also scored a big hit with the ballad 'Fly High Michelle' which to this day remains a classic. The band got labelled with the glam image along side bands like Poison, Vain, L.A. Guns etc.. but by the time they released their second album 'Strength' in 1991 the band had evolved into a serious musical force, songs like 'Mother's Eyes', 'Baby Loves You' and 'Goodbye' showed the band exploring Beatles-esq harmonies and Cheap Trick style melodies which has remained to this day and become a part of the bands trademark.

A string of UK shows followed the release of 'Strength' in May 1991 with defunct rockers The Throbs in tow.(Mr.Big were originally going to play before their album 'Lean Into It' took off big time).

The band have since released numerous albums over the years and have met with huge success in Japan, but it was 1996 that the band played their last shows here in the UK with Ten, so the promise of them headlining Z 2001 next May is a mouth watering prospect which I'm pretty sure will be greated with triumphant success.

The new album like all it's predecessors won't let the fans down, it grows with every listen, all the twelve songs explore the bands trademark of Beatles-esq harmonies with pop and metal melodies which make '10' a fantastic quality record.

Check out songs like the awesome 'Everything Works If You Let It', The Rembrandts-ish 'There Goes My Heart','What Can I Do', the gloriously catchy power pop of 'Bang On', the excellent cover of 'The Jean Genie' (which was originally recorded by DAVID BOWIE), the charismatic charm of 'Holiday' through to the wonderful ballads 'Suicide' and 'Wake Up' for proof of the bands artistic genius. '10' is a superb album that takes a few spins to get into, but the whole thing is Enuff Z'Nuff as you have always loved them. Enuff Z' Nuff at the end of the day are original and always provide hook-laden catchy music and with a new label and quality album behind them the future of melodic rock does indeed look 'Z' shaped. Recommended.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

'Eurasia' is the fourth album from German power metal band AVALON whose last album Vision Eden' met with a huge response from European audiences.

There are twelve songs in all on 'Euarsia' that explore many different styles of music like on the opening track 'Aurora' which is a two minute long piece of New World music with a strong Eastern sound, thanks mainly to the use of the classical Indian sitar. 'Aurora' leads into the first proper song called 'Burning Souls' which is much like Dream Theater and Yngwie Malmsteen, this style continues into ''Temujin'.

One of the cd's best songs is called 'Eternal Flame' the music is pretty technical and complex in a typical Dream Theater style, but just take a listen to the chorus and you will be hooked, the chorus floats around your head forcing you to singalong, and the songs hooks are just as irresistable.

Also look out for for the killer keyboard and guitar work on 'The Stranger', whilst 'Kyrie' is another song following in the path of Dream Theater, and like 'Eternal Flame' the song is very catchy, almost becoming melodic and reminding me of Zeno, a great song. 'The Painting' also suprised me, this is a calming ballad, the guitar riff sounded familiar and had me scratching my head before it dawned on me that they have borrowed the accoustic guitar riff from Van Halen's '316' ditty. A beautiful song that's builds up into a catchy chorus before dropping back in pace, 'The Painting' is another of the albums highlights.

The album finishes as it started with a tasteful an rather subtle instrumental outro called 'Semaruma'. This is grand album that keeps the listener interested right the way through until the end. Buy!!

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

Fans of Dokken,Skid Row, Million, Voxen, Red Sea, Conditioned Response and Millenium may want to check out Portuguese melodic rockers Evidence and their debut album 'Truth From A Lie'. The band were put together in 1995 and by 1998 they were playing the major summer festivals in their home country.

They cut a demo which led to this debut thirteen track album, and what I find impressive is the care that the band have taken in not just the sound quality of their songs, but also the albums sleeve artwork, obviously the band are trying to secure themselves a record deal and have gone about putting everything together as perfectly as they can, basically this album is ready for release buy any of the majors labels.

Evidence have made a very good record indeed, sometimes songs such as 'Shankar Song Part Two' and ' Lalabia' go nowhere for me, but for the most part Evidence play 80's melodic hard rock that I know you will enjoy.

Best songs on the album are 'Ignorance', 'Never Too Late', 'My Last Day', 'The Wicked' and 'Madhouse' which is just a fantastic song. All the songs on 'Truth From A Lie' feature a great combination of classy

unknown musicians, check out the killer guitar work from new shred hero Vasco Martins, listen out for the stomping bass work from Pedro Antunes, the intense power drumming from Rui Lino and of course the awesome singing from Sergio Sabino who reminds me of Don Dokken, Michael 'O Mara from Talon and Seb Bach amongst others.

From the beginning until the end Evidence bring out the best in solid hard rock songs of a very high standard. To contact the band please send an email to Sergio evidencemetal@hotmail.com Recommended.

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

A couple of years ago New Jersey singer/songwriter Tone Antone released a very catchy hard rock tape that at the time was compared to Danger Danger, Tyketto etc.....

Antone's new three track demo seems to have lost the sparkle that his earlier tape showed, I think the problem is that songs seem a little weak and a little dated, reminding me this time of Lynn Allen.

Tone is a good singer but the songs don't do him the justice, take the first song 'Nothing More From You ' theres very little substance in the lyrics and instead the song just keeps repeating the lyrics for almost five minutes and becomes tiresome after numerous plays not to mention cheesy.

'I Want Everyone To Know' fares slightly better,this song is pure AOR reminding me of Steve Perry, Savannah and Rokbox with a nice guitar tone, but without a fuller production sound Antone's music will be nowhere near as good as the afforementioned bands.

The final song 'Number Off The Wall', is quite catchy and reminds me of Enuff Z' Nuff's 'Hot Little Summer Girl' and the aforementioned Lynn Allen.

Apart from the cheesy 'Nothing More From You' the songs are quite nice, I feel that Antone could use a little better sound in the production, once he has achieved this then I think that Antone can start approaching labels such a AOR Heaven to help build up his career, the potential is there that much is certain. If you would like to contact Tone Antone then please email him lpand45man@aol.com

Rating: 6/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

I got into Heartland after seeing them supporting Winger way back in 1991. I bought their debut A&M records album which was a classy piece of melodic rock and pure AOR, featuring such
gorgeous songs as 'Carrie Ann' and 'Fight Fire With Fire' amongst others.

The band then joined up with Escape music a few years later and have since released a catalogue of high quality releases, the only problem was that although those albums were good, they often contained some mediocre songs as well as great songs, 'As It Comes' squashes all those albums with ease and is defintley Heartland's best album since that debut.

Chris Ousey's voice sounds as if he means it again, he sounds very much like Eric Martin all over 'As It Comes', especially on 'Love Resurrection, this song is very melodic and the chorus is very easy to singalong to, 'Too Good To Be True' is another high quality song. Tracls like 'Whatever Gets You Through The Night' is a gorgeous piece of pure AOR that I know Heartland's fans will be going crazy over, but the albums best songs for me are 'One Love' and Conquer All', the former is very very catchy and includes some very nice guitar playing, the chorus is really catchy and features some nice seventies sounding keys, the song is quite heavy and will be a definite live favourite in years to come. The latter is my favourite song, you can't knock the bands musicanship on this hugely influential track, an awesome song which I'm playing to death.

A mention must also go to 'You Make Me Smile', this is another huge song with some rather tasty guitar ditty's a'la Eric Johnson. Actually the song reminds me Johnson's 'Cliffs Of Dover' from his 'Ah Via Musicom' album.

All in all I'm very impressed with 'As It Comes', each song on this album is classy and is easily the bands best album since the debut. Recommended.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)