SILENT STRANGER is a great new AOR/Melodic Rock outfit from Southern California. Their same titled debut CD is a very sensational record. The band combines the 80s AOR/Melodic Rock with the 90s popular radio orientated poprock. I hear many similarities to other newcomers like TEER, TALON, STEAL DAWN, 27 WEST, MILLENYA etc. etc. Still SILENT STRANGER has created an unique own sound that is very melodic, partly due to the wonderful vocals of lead singer Michael Schober who also plays bass in the band. Like I already said, there are some terrific tunes on this disc and a CD like this could be the breakthrough for AOR/Melodic Rock, because SILENT STRANGER is not playing the polished pure 80s AOR, but they introduce the perfect balance between the 80s and 90s.

The CD starts with "Test of time", a fantastic 80s influenced AOR/Melodic Rocker with a 90s groove. Rightaway you can hear that this band is different than most other bands. The chorus is super melodic and actually reminds me of 707! Next track "All around" is a bit more 90s orientated, while still keeping that 80s thought due to the very melodic chorus with it's lovely harmonies. The acoustic short intro "Annella" is up next. "Without your love" follows and is just a great semi melodic rocker with again some amazing harmonies. Things even get better on the following 3 songs.

First there is "Soldier song", a lovely semi AOR tune with a superb melodic chorus. We're totally in AOR HEAVEN with the song "Walk away". This song is a terrific classy 80s uptempo AOR/Radiorocker like a mix between 707 and the first DANGER DANGER. A song like this is just a reminder how good 80s orientated hookladen AOR/Melodic Rock should sound today the day. Up next is another fantastic song, namely the JOURNEY typed AOR song "Alone". A song with some really amazing harmonyvocals, not heard since the late 80s. Things slow down during "Real", a nice calmer semi AOR ballad. Next track "All this time" is another nice semi AOR song. "Chapter five" then again takes us back into the classy 80s hookladen AOR sound as mentioned earlier on in this review. Just listen to the superb harmonies throughout the song.

Also next track "Look into my eyes" has the same spirit and is just another great melodic rocker. After so many sensational songs, finally there's a song that isn't anything special. The weaker calmer poprocker "Behind the waterfall" falls a bit out of place between the other AOR/Melodic Rocksongs. The CD closes with "Saved by love", a great AOR tune. It strikes me to see so many new sensational AOR/Melodic Rockbands coming out of the USA where this type of rock is ignored for the most part.

On the other hand, a band like SILENT STRANGER is not playing the slick 80s overproduced AOR all over again, no, they introduce a new updated rocksound that is very melodic and AORish. Some of the songs on this disc could easily hit the airwaves and turn out to big chartsingles. I think there's only one thing to do for this band at this moment: Score a recorddeal here in Europe! Anyway, more info soon in an interview with this new sensation. For now, check out their site at: http://www.silentstranger.com and e-mail them at: michael@silentstranger.com Next week an interview with the band.

Rating: 9/10

Five years after their Freaks of Nature album and 2 years after their trip with the London Symphonic Orchestra, here's the long awaited new studio album from KANSAS. After he left the band in 1983, main songwriter and guitarplayer Kerry Livgren is back with the pack and that's one good thing. Allthough I admit that the albums without his input weren't bad, I always felt that Kerry L. was and now again is the main man beyond the overall Kansas sound. The question I asked myself many times was, is he gonna bring back the classic Kansas sound of the late seventies and early eighties or would the new Kansas album be as disapointed as for instance the last STYX album or even Journey's Trail by Fire ...?

Well, after hearing the album several times I can confirm that the new Kansas does not dissapoint at all. Especially the first track is a real winner with that classic Kansas sound. Icarus II is a seven minute light progressive song with plenty violins, piano, a strong guitar break in the middle and very good singing by good old Steve Walsh. On this album his voice sounds not as rough as on the other 2 previous releases, mentioned above, and after nearly 30 years in the business he's still one of the best in this genre. Next song, When the World Was Young, continues in the same style and has an impressive instrumental part at the end. If you listen carefully, you can even hear a little piece from Magnum Opus of their classic Leftoverture album.

The Coming Dawn is a very good ballad with emotional singing, maybe the best song Kansas made the last ten years. Myraid has an overal Monolith feeling with again some references to Magnum Opus during the instrumental break at the end. Look at the Time is the most mainstream song, with a Beatlesesque melody and is sung by Billy Greer. Not bad. Distant Vision is 70's Kansas all the way and Byzantium with church hymns, acoustic guitars and violins confirm that after 26 years, Kansas is ready for, I hope, many many more years. Only Grand Fun Alley ( funky ) and Disappearing Skin Tight Bleus (indeed bleusy, but with a nice chorus and good instrumental parts) are not really as good as the others. Both are sung by violist Robby Steinhardt.

Also the closing track called Not Man Big is not that special. Anyway, KANSAS made a real fine album and now we all hope that they come over for some live gigs, that would be a dream come true....

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Willy van Buel)

Well known as husband and inspiration behind our all beloved Lana Lane, main man behind the heavy progressive outfit Rocket Scientists and his appareance on both last Ayreon albums, Eric Norlander now surprises friends and enemies with his second solo album. He's indeed one busy bee. I can tell you, it's one hell off an album and I personally like it very much. Allright, the overall sound has many tangent planes with his band R.S. and also with Ayreon, but the thing that attracts me the most is the massive keyboard sound, dominant present on the entire album. See the man standing between 3 walls off keyboards on the inlay and you know what I mean. Everybody who adores keys, knows what to do ....

Now please don't think this is a pure keyboard orientated album, guitars are present as well, played A.A. Lucassen, the world is small.... There are no weak songs on the album but to mention my personal favourites I can recommend Into the Sunset, Rome is Burning ( sung by Mister Glenn Hughes, man can he sing), Fly (duet with Lana Lane and Edward Reekers on vocals) and the progressive 10 minute epic On the Wings of Ghosts. The songs never get to progressive and contain enough melody to make this album also interesting for the melodic rock or AOR fan. Like I said before, especially if you like keyboards, this is stuff for you, because the album contains several key-orgasms.

If I may compare this with Lana Lane's work or Ayreons music, I must admit I prefer this a bit more because it's almost has the perfect mixture of Lana Lane's more AORisch stuff and Ayreons progressive approach, and of course because I love keyboards. Oh yeah, I love the cover to ! Everything is great on this album, I can't say no more....

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Willy van Buel)

This 1980 band from the Californian sierras is a new discovery on the never ending MP3.com site. They describe themselves as a heavy power pop trio with keys, guitars and drums. They toured at lot opening for artists such as Y & T and the Greg Kihn Band. Now, 2 DAM CD's from this interesting band are available through MP3. COM, each containing 8 songs. The music from this trio isn't bad at all, accept for the production. From the 16 offered tracks only 8 tracks have a listenable production.

All the others have a real bad soundquality and are not really enjoyable to listen to.
The first cd (called Give it To Me) contains 3 listenable songs, the first 2 tracks and the final one. The first song Give it To Me is a smooth melodic rocker with 80's feel and nice electric piano. The second song called Take The Time is a mid tempo pomprock song with great synths, very Roadmaster like, including impressive harmony vocals. The final track, Death By Video, reminds me a lot to Sweet Comfort Band's Computer Age from their Perfect Timing album. The other 5 songs featured on the cd aren't bad, and in the same style, but amost unlistanable due the avarage soundquality.

The second cd (called The Limit) contains 5 songs with an reasonable sound. Track 1, The Limit, is a great pompisch rock song very much like Le Roux, Peace + Quiet and Roadmaster. Great song with nice chorus and keys. Track 2, Please come back is an up tempo rocker with sing along chorus and the fourth track That's the Way has a bit southern rock touch, like 38 Special. Again, great harmony vocals, nice keys and a fine break towards
the end. The 2 final tracks on this cd are both very Roadmaster orientaded songs, especially the last Can't Stop Me contains vocals very simular like these of Stephen McNalle (RIP).

Concluding: very interesting band for those who like pomprock with a real late 70's, early 80's feeling. Especially Raodmaster fans should check out this band.Both cd's are available on the bands MP3.COM site: http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/125/trilogy_kevin_michael_jim.html

Rating: 7/10 (not the soundquality) (Review by Willy van Buel)

'10' is the comeback album of ENUFF'Z'NUFF, a band that had some success in the early 90s with their own style of Glam/Sleazerock. The band sounded like a 90s Sleazy version of THE BEATLES. I remember their debut from 1989 quite well and one year later the band had their videos played on MTV, so they gained some success. During 1992 Grunge became the next big thing and it became quiet around ENUFF'Z'NUFF. Actually the band still kept on releasing albums, but somehow many of them never made it to the press. Anyway, their new CD '10' has been released through the UK Label Z RECORDS.

'10' is like the title says indeed their 10th album which makes me wonder, because I can only remind their first 2 albums, where are their other 7 releases? I believe most of them have been released in Japan only. Well, I must admit that I never really got into ENUFF'Z'NUFF, ok, they sounded different than most other bands, but I always found their type of Sleaze Rock sound a bit average. The new CD is definitely a must for people who like this band, but I am afraid the standard melodic rock/aor fans will not really be interested in '10'. Songs like "The beast" (uptempo melodic rocker), "Wake up" (semi melodic rocker) and the DAVID BOWIE cover "The Jean Genie" are nice songs, but there is nothing sensational about this CD, unless you're a fan of ENUFF'Z'NUFF, then it will be a dream come true. Also recommended if you're interested in hearing mid 70s Glamrock (the British way!) in an updated version, because that is what this is all about after all…

Rating: 7/10

MOSTPOWER is a female fronted melodic poprockband from Austria. They were founded in the early 90s and so far they have put out a full-length CD in 1997 titled 'Mostpower' and a demo CDR titled 'Demo 99'. The CD from 1997 contained 12 songs and features the best songs of the band. The music reminds me of female rockers such as LIZ LARIN and ZIA LINDBERG, so you don't get your typical female fronted AOR. I would rather describe it as melodic poprock with influences from 80s AOR, 90s Rock, but also elements of the 70s groovy rock'n'roll can be heard.

Songs like "Experts" (70s midtempo rock a la JEFFERSON STARSHIP), "Never again" (progressive 80s AOR a la LANA LANE), "Human world" (semi melodic rocker a la HEART) and closing track "Autumn rain" (relaxing melodic ballad with a very long guitarsolo) show the diversity of the band. My favourite track though is the fantastic semi AOR ballad "Darling". This song has a superb pure AOR chorus and this song is in the exact same style as female fronted AOR acts like ALYSON AVENUE, ALLISON, DANTE
FOX and TWO PIECE PUZZLE. If the band would make some more songs like "Darling", then it could turn out to something really sensational.

The band's demo CD from 99 featured 5 new songs. You can hear the band experimenting with Jazz and Pop on songs like "Choice is free" and "Barfly". I rather prefer the AOR style of "Broken heart" which is a very good 80s typed Power AOR ballad with great piano-keys (a bit like HEART, only with a weaker production). Apart from this song, I think the band's debut CD was better. Nevertheless, fans of female fronted melodic poprock, who are not scarred to hear some more updated as well as 70s influenced rockers, should check out MOSTPOWER at: http://www.mostpower.at and e-mail them at: mostpower@gmx.at

Rating: 7/10

The Russian rockers of AZAZELLO sent me their new demo tape 'Upstairs 2000'. The album features 7 songs and the production is rather good. The band signed to the American label Moonchild Records haven't changed much since their debut CD (which I recently reviewed). Again we can hear progressive melodic rock with influences from the 70s. The songs all feature long instrumental passages and will attract fans of 70s progressive rock. This is definitely a band to check out if you're into progressive melodic heavy rock, because a Russian band playing this style is quite unique and they do it very well. Check out their site at: http://www.progressor.net/azazello and e-mail them at a_kulak@hotmail.com

Rating: 7/10

This CAT comes out of the U.K. and their last year released debut CD 'Best kept secrets' is going to be released here in Holland soon. Musically this female fronted acts is playing typical 90s radio orientated female poprock. Although sometimes I find CAT a bit too much 90s based, there is always a good melody to be heard in each song.

My favourites include the radio-ready rockers "Stupid" and "Split" as well as the ballad "Weep" and "Forgiveness" that reminds me of the last LITA FORD album 'Black'. Anyway, if you like typical 90s female fronted poprock, then you will like this a lot, but for the fan of 80s female AOR/rock, I can not guarantee you will like this. One way or the other, check out the CAT site at: http://www.bam.org.uk and e-mail them at: CAT@Bam.Org.UK

Rating: 7/10

BENT AURDAHL from Norway played in a KISS coverband for a while. He also won a contest as best drummer in 1987 held in Oslo. The past few years he has been recording songs on his own. The 6 songs on the demo CDR he sent me are all played and recorded by Bent himself, so actually he is another multi-instrumentalist. The songs are production are pretty nice and remind me of other newcomers such as PHIL VINCENT and JOE ROBINSON, so this is good 80s AOR/Melodic Rock.

Unfortunately the problem why this isn't a sensational record is due to the weak vocals. Like I said the songs are pretty good, but the vocals spoil everything. I am sorry but because of the weak vocals, the music is more recommended to fans of BILLY IDOL and CHARLIE SEXTON who also have that type of quirky vocals. If someone else with a melodic voice would sing these songs, then it could be something sensational.

For now, the songs and production are good and pure 80s AOR/Melodic Rock, but the vocals are very average. A song like "You're crazy" sounds really awesome with it's AOR keys and all, but the vocals lack. Nevertheless, instrumental Bent is in good shape and that can also be appreciated. Check out his site at: http://www.mp3.com/CATATAC and e-mail him at: baur@frisurf.no

Rating: 6,5/10

The band VALIANT from Sweden is really hard to categorise, because the music on their two CDs is ranging from Pop, Folk, to Classic Rock, Progressive Rock and AOR/ Pomprock. The first CD 'Anno dazumal' was released two years ago. The album
features some really bizarre lyrics such as "Crows at the ruined tower" or "Nightfall in endor". Anyway, it's the music that counts and there are some great tunes on the CD such as "Patterns in the sky" (good melodic rocker in 70s style, with some great guitarplay), "Nightfall in Endor" (experimental parts, but still very melodic, the chorus is pure AOR/Melodic Rock, 80s orientated, in general like UFO and SCORPIONS) and "Solid bridge" (some 70s Pomp influences a la early KANSAS, poppy STONEBOLT, the chorus is very good and quite melodic).

The beginning of the CD is pretty nice and features aforementioned 3 tracks. The second part is less interesting and is changing the style into weak 90s industrial-rock meets 60s progressive rock. Songs like "Crows at the ruined tower" and "Shades of blackened white" are really weak and have nothing in common with the AOR/Pomprock of the first couple of songs. The follow-up to this CD has just been released. 'Viscum album' follows the same style as created on their debut, maybe a little less out of the ordinary. The beginning of this CD is very wicked with bizarre experimental 90s orientated progressive songs such as "Potter's field" and "Night time waters".

But then suddenly comes the song "The shroud of not knowing". This is a lovely AOR/Pomprocker with a classy 80s chorus and some great guitarplay. The song reminds me of bands like KANSAS and SPYS. But it's only one song on the whole CD reminding of those great bands. Nevertheless, there are a couple more interesting tunes to be heard on VALIANT's second CD. The progressive semi ballad "Of ever the silver cord be loosed" is quite close to the old KANSAS, both musically and lyrically.

Another great tune is "God speed", a very good midtempo melodic pomprocker a la MAGNUM with again a lovely melodic chorus. On the other hand songs like "Garlic rosary", "An absent ricochet" and "Through the woods" leave me rather cold. I hope to hear some more Pomprockers like "God speed", "The shroud of not knowing" and "Nightfall in Endor" on a future CD. In the meantime, you can still check out this Swedish band at: www.mp3.com/valiant and e-mail them at: ma.mo@bigfoot.com

Rating: 7/10

FREE SPIRIT from Finland sent me their new disc 'Easy days'. The CD starts with a video of the song "Cry of an eagle". This great melodic rocker a la AXXIS and ANGEL HEART was also featured on their previous CD, but it's pretty cool to see the video clip of the song again, because it really is an amazing video. The guys really did a fantastic job and I can't wait to see more videos in the future (they are shooting one soon).

Anyway, there are also 3 new songs on the CD. "Easy days", the titletrack', is one of them, but this is not really something special. Much better is the catchy 80s typed uptempo melodic rocker "Pale sister of light" (a bit sounding like GARY MOORE's "Out in the fields"). The closing track is the lovely midtempo melodic rocker "Strangers of love". This new CD definitely proves that this is one of the best Finish bands at the moment. Avery professional job by these guys and you really need to check them out. Their website is located at: http://www.mp3.com/freespirit and e-mail them at: free.spirit@iobox.fi

Rating: 8/10

This is the same album MTM released a couple of years ago, so not a new album from HEAVENS EDGE. Nevertheless, this is the American release of the band's second CD and this CD contains a few bonustracks that can not be found on the European release. Although these songs are a little sensational, still a nice welcome to fans of HEAVENS EDGE and 'real' melodic hardrock.

My favourites on this disc remain the same and include the DOKKEN/VALENTINE typed 80s melodic rock anthem "Rock steady", the hookladen cheerful 80s melodic rocker "Jacky" (a la AUTOGRAPH, DANGER DANGER), the acoustic AOR Ballad "Just another fire" and the lovely semi AOR/Melodic Rockballad "Just can't cry anymore". I wonder when the guys will release a new album, because 'Some other place, some other time' was really a great melodic rockalbum and a must to have for fans of 80s DOKKEN!

Rating: 8,5/10

The original IRON MAIDEN vocalist has made another comeback (just how many times do they announce it as a comeback, because I believe this is already his 6th or 7th return to the scene). Anyway, this new CD of Paul Di'anno is basically a must for people who dig MAIDEN and PRIEST, because the 11 songs are all in this 80s typed melodic heavy metal style. My favourite song is the slow tempo melodic rocker "The living dead". Though the metal fans will probably go for hard-hitting metal songs like "Mad man in the attic" or "War machine". MAIDEN/PRIEST and DIANNO fans should get this CD as soon as possible.

Rating: 7/10

I didn't notice the return of the Sleaze rockers LA GUNS until this new CD arrived. The CD is titled 'Shrinking violet' and was released last year, but I recently located it. I wouldn't call it a pure 80s Sleaze rock album a la their debut, because there are also 90s rock influences on a couple of tunes. But for the most part this is Sleazy Melodic Hardrock that made LA GUNS popular back in their heydays. My favourite tracks include "Girl you turn me on" (80s Sleaze Rock), "Dreamtime" (ballad), "California" and "Big lil' thing". The weaker songs are "Shrinking violet", "I'll be there", "Decide", "Bad whiskey" and "How many more times". Their first 3 albums are still the best ones LA GUNS did in their long history, still a fan of LA GUNS will be glad to hear the band rockin' very sleazy again!

Rating: 7,5/10

BROKEN TEETH features Jason McMaster (DANGEROUS TOYS) and Paul Lidel (DIRTY LOOKS). Their debut CD is basically a continuation of the simple hard rock style created by their earlier bands. If you like one song, you'll love them all. If you count AC/DC, KINGS OF THE SUN, KROKUS, KIX, DIRTY LOOKS… to your favourite bands, then look no further, here's BROKEN TEETH, an original Hard Rockband with nothing in common with the 90s.

This BROKEN TEETH is playing the hard rock like it used to be back in the early 80s. Songs like "Stick it in", "Two time lover", "Some kinda looser" and "Pull the plug" are good examples of this pure Hard Rock style. If you wanna hear a mixture between KROKUS and
DIRTY LOOKS, then this BROKEN TEETH is just the band for you to check out a.s.a.p. More info on this and other releases on PERRIS RECORDS, visit their site at: http://www.perrisrecords.com

Rating: 7,5/10

USM is a new band featuring original BALANCE OF POWER members Tony Ritchie (vocalist/bassist) and Lionel Hicks (drums). Musically they also sound like BALANCE OF POWER, although I must point out that USM (short for United States Of Mind) is much heavier at times and also captures 90s industrial influences.

On the other hand, there are some very melodic songs on 'Silver step child'. Especially the beginning is pretty nice. Opener "Beneath the low" is a 90s typed melodic heavy rocker that sounds not unlike late HAREM SCAREM. The melodic chorus of "Silver step child" is very good, although the guitars are pretty heavy again. "Believe it or not" has a lovely super melodic chorus that is very catchy, and believe it or not the guitarsolo is totally 80s.

These guys sure know how to write catchy melodic choruses, because also the following track "The time of our lives" has a great melodic chorus, while the song itself is a heavy rocker. Then comes one of the best song, namely the semi melodic rockballad "It's all over now", a beautiful song with even hit potential. Unfortunately the second part of the CD is weaker and more 90s orientated. Songs like "Kiss the sun", "Terrorphobiac" and "That paranoia thing" are weak and nothing melodic. Nevertheless, this USM is worth checking out, especially if you're into BALANCE OF POWER and PRETTY MAIDS.

Rating: 7,5/10

The American one-man band OBEDIENT SON (featuring multi-instrumentalist Tony Inosencio) sent me their new demo consisting of 4 songs. The melodic heavy rock is sounding pretty much updated for the 90s/00s, but happily there is enough melody to please melodic rockfans. The best songs are the uptempo melodic heavy rockers "Take it to the cross" and "Like a thief in the night". "Don't go that way" has a groove reminding me of the 70s, while closing track "A new life" is a weak 90s orientated song with some very heavy guitars. Not the typical Christian rock a la STRYPER, MASS, WHITECROSS… but still worth checking out if bands like BARREN CROSS and BLOODGOOD are up your alley. Check out their site at: http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/69/obedient_son.html and e-mail at: tcio@netzero.net

Rating: 7/10

Escape music have just issued a double cd set from American hard rockers Jester from Edison in New Jersey. The band originally released their debut album 'Tales From The Boogieman' a couple of years ago but up until now the band have never had an official European or UK release. Now thanks to Escape music we get to hear both cd's as one complete package, bargain or what?

Now 'Tales' is one hell of a hard rocking ride similar in style to Van Halen, Guns n' Roses, Def Leppard, Motley Crue, Skid Row, Extreme, Firehouse, Poison etc..There is not a single weak track on 'Tales', listen out for the awesome pairing of 'Ain't What It Used To Be', 'Caught In The Middle', this is 80's pop/metal at it's finest, the production is very big and these two songs rock hard whilst the choruses are simply irresistible.

Also listen out for 'As You Were' a funky 80's rocker remisent to Extreme and their 'Pornograffitii' album, 'Can't Stop The World' is another killer song, check out the awesome harmonies, this song is very much like Firehouse as is the last track 'To The Fire', check out the screaming guitars which are prominent throughout the record. Jester also complete the album with a few ballads of which 'All Out Of Tears' comes out best, being similar to Bon Jovi.

'Digitalia' is the bands latest release and continues where 'Tales' left off. The album features twelve new tracks that start off with some computer effects, before rocking straight into the song 'Digitalia' which is similar to Skid Row and Firehouse and is pretty damn heavy. 'Radio' is more hard rock a'la Skid Row and Motley Crue, listen out for the killer axe work on this one which is very impressive.

Next up is a killer melodic rocker called 'Anything And Everything' which brings back memories of Tesla and Every Mother's Nightmare. You'll be humming the chorus to the sexy 'More Than I Know' for weeks to come, this song is a fantastic power ballad a'la Bon Jovi/Firehouse. 'Voodoo' and 'Rock And A Hardplace' are catchy rockers, the former reminds me of Heaven's Edge and Ratt whilst the latter will suprise listeners with it's stomping drum beats that remind me of Firehouse's 'Hold Your Fire' We get to hear another Bon Jovi inspired ballad called 'Give It Back', which will have fans reaching for their lighters at Jester's concerts.

'Who's Your Daddy?' is one of my favourite tracks, this very catchy 80's arena rock a'la Skid Row and Firehouse which is continued on 'Viva-A-Gogo (Nothing For Free'. Only a couple of songs let the album down, mainly 'Main Attraction' and 'Enter You', but you can't ignore the power of Jester's music, both these albums are a very strong, well produced and hit hard, the band are very tight and sound as if they are having fun, bouncy riffs, energetic singing,and killer guitars make Jester a surefire hit with the legions of hard rock fans. Prepare to be blown away!!Buy and enjoy. http://www.jester.com

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Otherwise known as 'United State Of Mind' USM are a fine new British power metal band featuring Lionel Hicks and Pete Southern from Balance Of Power. Joining the band on vocals is singer Tony Ritchie who sang on BOP's debut album.

Together they play superb melodic rock with tons of staying power and wall biting riffs that bring to mind Ozzy, circa 'No Rest For The Wicked' with guitarist Peter Southern chomping up familiar Zakk Wylde inspired riffs.

The cd has been produced by Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69) and the sound is of a band firing on all cylinders, check out songs like 'The Time Of Our Lives' with it's bone crunching guitars and catchy chorus, the stomping metal appeal of 'Terrorphobiac' through to the awesome eighties sounding power ballad 'It's All Over Now' to the very meaty thunder of 'That Paranoia Thing', if your into Balance Of Power then you will cream your pants with this release. Recommended.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Voodoo Hill is a new project featuring ex- Purple screecher Glenn Hughes and guitarist/producer Dario Mollo. Together with the help of additional musicians the duo will impress listeners as Voodoo Hill grinds with overpowering music, Dario emerges as
the new guitar hero as throughout Voodoo Hill he annihilates his axe with vindictive bombardment whilst restoring a subtle charm for the slower songs..

Right from the opening bluesy riff on 'Sensitive' through to the title track itself, Hughes and Mollo's collaboration reminds me of David Lee Roth, Whitesnake and Talisman.

It's hard to pick out favourite songs as each song creates a welcome buzz, as I said Mollo's guitar shredding is quite dangerous in places and Hughes sings with great passion that somehow makes you turn up the volume even louder, check out 'Spun In Lost Wages' is that Diamond Dave with his classic 'Eat 'em And Smile' line up of Vai, Sheehan and Bissonette? the song also hints towards Rainbow,or how about 'Keep It To Yourself' a bluesier song with similar connections to Wild Cherry's 'Play That Funky Music' as well as oozing flavours of David Lee Roth, Mr.Big and Whitesnake.

'Just Another Monday' and 'Black Leather' also come out on tops, the latter is a brilliant cover of the classic Purple song from 1974, the former is very Whitesnake circa 1987 with touches of Roth. We also get to hear a good balled called Golden One (Gabi's Song)', this is not your usual mushy ballad but is instead powered by an atmospheric melody, when the chorus bursts opens Glenn (in my opinion) sounds very much like Kip Winger and the whole song is just so sensitive.

Also listen out for '24', the axe work hear reminds me of Nuno Bettencourt, '24' is perhaps the most commercial song on the album.

Overall Voodoo Hill is an honest to god collection of nail biting rock songs with a classic touch, thanks to Hughes and Mollo's combined talent Voodoo Hill is already becoming one of my favourite albums of 2000, let's hope that we get to hear more albums from Voodoo Hill in the future.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Having just recovered from the goldness of the recent Brian McDonald release, MTM hit us hard with another album full of quality pop/rock songs to check it out. This time it's good to see the return of ex Jagged Edge/Skin frontman Matti Alfonzetti giving everything he's got.

Fans of Thunder, FM, Brian McDonald, NelsoTyketto, Carl Dixon and all things that rock will be very impressed with this record.

'Ready' features twelve songs that range from slick ballads like 'Don't Let Our Love Go Down', through to a selection of hugely enjoyable songs like ''No Way Out', the Fair Warning-ish 'Am I Fooling Myself?' the killer singalong chorus chanting of 'Let Me In' and a new version of the Jagged Edge classic 'Out In The Cold' which still remains fresh and exciting as do the majority of the songs. There's no doubt about it 'Ready' is a bloody marvelous album that offers the listener huge doses of catchy summertime pop/rock and classy aor. Recommended.

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

Finally the much talked about Rainmaker album featuring a superb selection of well known qualified musicians falls into my hands - enter Swedish jounreyman Tommy Denander, Geir Ronning (Prisoner) and legendary English bass player Tony Franklin (Blue Murder/Whitesnake)

The album has been two years in the making - so does the album live up to expectations I hear you cry? Oh yes is my answer as I wipe away the froth from my lips, Rainmaker is the epitome of European melodic hard rock, each song swiftly sparks out of your speakers propelling a full hard rock sound with choruses and melodies so catchy that you will never forget.

This is an indispensable purchase for fans of 70's and 80's melodic rock. The first song 'Rainmaker' flows with excitement, the riffs are scorching hot and smack you right between the eyes.

'Father Of Your Sins' is a moodier piece similar to Talisman circa 'Genesis'. 'Nancy Hold On' launches itself into thudding riffage, the song is very catchy and commerical, also on a commerical level is the excellent 'Kay' which starts off with solid slabs of melodies, this is another song that explodes out of your speakers and would make a perfect single, 'Kay' is another of my favourite cuts, at this rate Rainmaker have all the qualities to break through into the the big league, there are so many great songs to choose from, check out 'Seriously', the arrangments are pretty complexed on this song, whilst the excellent ballad 'Sound Of My Hearts' threatens to burst into classic Whitesnake territory, in fact the song is very close to Whitesnake's 'Looking For Love'.

'Going Insane' is another hot track, I love this song it's very imaginative and very powerful, almost like Blue Murder's 'Valley Of The Kings' mixed with a hint of Vagabond. 'Blood Brother Run' is fast, furious and very flashy, I like the sound in Geir's voice on this track which he sings with conviction, possibly the albums catchiest and heaviest song.

'Passion Again' is pure melodic rock with an AOR-ish chorus that reminds me of Europe and Talisman, 'Bad Call' is very slick and smothered in melodic hooks, then the last track 'King Of Fools' slides in ending the album on a high, 'King' is rich in melodies and is five minutes of melodic heaven to drool over until we get the second Rainmaker album. Unlike alot of bands around these days Rainmaker posses a certain zeal of excitement that is nothing short of glorious, so make sure you buy Rainmaker pronto.

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

Ahh the return of Nashville based husband and wife team Michelle and Michael Howes from the excellent Blue Moon Junction is always welcomed with open arms. Blue Moon Junction's latest two track single has been produced by ex- Georgia Satellites frontman Dan Baird. The band have taken his advice and dropped the harmonica, thus the songs sound even more lively and addictive. 'Shine' and second track 'No Trains To Nashville' provide rootsy rock 'n' roll with a bit of soul and lots of character

that's actually not to disimilar from the Georgia Satelites themselves mixed with a dollop of Black Crowes, Janis Joplin, Lynyrd Skynard and Vaughn. The band are currently worki with Baird on a brand new studio album due for release sometime next year, until then grab a copy of this by writing to Michael at mhowes@bellsouth.net

Rating: 7,5/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Zero City play catchy light weight hard rock similar to Nightranger, John Taglieri, Kansas and Reo Speedwagon, whilst the standard of the songs could use slightly more imaginative ideas songs like 'Get Up Again', 'Just Another Day', 'What I Want' and the ballad 'Take Me Away' show that the band are heading in the right direction, but for the most part, most of the songs are pretty light weight and go in through one ear and out the other, even their cover of Springsteen's 'Born To Run' doesn't hold up to much.Sorry guys.

You can find out more about this band by going to http://www.zerocity.homepage.com

Rating: 4/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

This is a ten track album that explores the progressive side of metal from New York based outfit Unified Past who sound across between Rush, Annihilator, Faith No More and Dream Theater.Unified Past

feature former Labyrinth guitarist/vocalist Stephen Speelman. Complexed and heavy the album holds up right until the end with only a few disappointments such as the songs 'Head', 'Silent Partner' and 'Resonate'.

Best tracks are 'Tree House', 'Kingdom Of The Stars', 'Just Like That' and the ballad 'Dream Of Love' which all show complexed jazzy arrangements, mystic vocals, catchy riffs, and a big production sound that makes Unified Past an interesting but not essential

http://www.progressiveworld.net/unifiedpast.html or http://www.labyrinthcd.com

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

JAKE MAYHEM is an artist out of New Jersey USA. He is influenced by Dokken, Journey, Icon etc and his debut independent CDR album 'Waiting For Tonight' does occasionally shine towards his influences on songs like 'Waiting For Tonight', 'High Speed To Nowhere' and the ballad 'That's All You Need'. Unfortunately the album is underproduced - Jake's
voice sounds squashed and barley listenable, which is unfortunate as the potential is there, next time Jake try a proper recording studio then we could have something to talk about. Providing Jake can learn from his mistakes then we can safely look forward to a proper professionally recorded album in the future. To contact Jake Mayhem email: Jakemayhem@hotmail.com

Rating: 5/10 Baldrian)(Review by Nicky