I am proud to present you the new AOR sensation and they are coming out of Italy! EVA is the name of the band, and the members are vocalist Angelo Grassi, keyboardplayer Stefano Brusa, guitarist Andrea Brusadelli, bassist Claudio Corazza and drummer Paolo Morbini. They released an awesome debut at the end of last year, but as far as I know this is the first time one of the AOR magazines/sites has picked it up and like many other hot new AOR CDs, Strutter'zine is proud to present them as one of the first. Pretty soon an interview with these guys, because their debut is filled with huge 80s typed AOR with a lot of keys, harmonyvocals and catchy hooks, perfectly done and similar in approach to bands like WHITE SISTER, CRYSTAL, early FM, TOUR DE FORCE and even a little BAD ENGLISH can be heard in the songs.

The only negative point is that there are only 8 songs on the album, but what you get are 8 classy AOR songs and with a fantastic production, this CD is more than a must to have if you're into this type of pure AOR. The first song takes us right into AOR HEAVEN. The song is called "Angel" and this is a very impressive superb classic 80s uptempo AOR tune with just the perfect hooks, chorus and harmonies. It reminds me a lot of the first FM record and also sometimes ROXUS comes to mind.

The next track "Inside out" is a great midtempo AOR song a la STREET TALK and BAD ENGLISH. "Blue sky" follows and is againa brilliant 80s AOR and this time a lot like WHITE SISTER and CRYSTAL. The followign two songs are just nice, but not as sensational as the first couple tracks. The songs are titled "Holdin' on" (uptempo AOR/Melodic Rock) and "Call the heart" (pompous uptempo FM Rock).

Then we're right back into AOR heaven with the song "New day" and again the similarities to WHITE SISTER and CRYSTAL are inevitable. Another nice uptempo AOR rocker is "Too late". Closing track "I'll be waiting" is performed live, and although the sound quality is a little less good, still you can hear that this is a good semi AOR ballad. I can only say that I really enjoyed the debut CD of Italian AOR newcomers EVA and I can easily recommend it to everyone to have a listen to their songs on their site at: http://web.tiscalinet.it/eva and then you will agree with me that this is one of the best European AOR bands at the moment! You can e-mail them at: evaworld@supereva.it and you can also buy the record through TARGET RECORDS at: www.target-records.de For now, check out EVA a.s.a.p.! Next week an interview with the band on this site.

Rating: 9/10

For many years I had a demo tape of a band called THE VIEW and although the sound quality was very bad, I played it a lot, until now! FRONTIERS RECORDS has released an album that contains those songs from the band's 80s demo tapes. The band is now called VU, but the music remains the same. The songs were recorded in the 80s, only the sound is now so much better and it sounds totally updated. THE VU was (and still is!) also a so-called supergroup, because the line-up is most impressive. THE VU is Ross Valory (JOURNEY/THE STORM) on bass, Prairie Prince (THE TUBES) on drums, Steff Burns (Y&T) on guitar, Tim Gorman (THE WHO) on keys and of course lead singer Kevin Chalfant (THE STORM, 707, TWO FIRES).

Musically THE VU is totally Classic 80s AOR and they are very similar in style to THE STORM, not only due to Kevin's vocals. Still this comparison is hard to believe, because most of the songs were written in and around 1983, the year after Kevin's departure from 707 and later on STEEL BREEZE. The album contains 10 songs and most of them are just a must for fans of that huge Classic 80s AOR sound. My favourites are "Who you gonna believe", "Keys to the city", "Save it for me", "If I had you back", "Dreaming your life away" (can't get any closer to pure 80s AOR) and "Walk through the fire". This CD is a must for anyone into THE STORM and classy 80s AOR, get it a.s.a.p.!

Rating: 9,5/10

'Then and now' is the new CD of lead singer Freddy Curci who released 3 CDs in the past. In 1982 he released the AOR Classic SHERIFF and 8 years later it was the ALIAS record that turned out be another AOR classic. Unfortunately both bands released only one record, so after the split of ALIAS we had to wait again a while. In 1994 Freddy released a solo CD entitled 'Dreamer's road', an album split in an AOR part and a Pop orientated part. Freddy gained much succes in the past with his bands SHERIFF and ALIAS, but never was able to keep these bands together. The past couple years he started a solo career which can be called the start of a new career.

The first solo-record from 1994 was the introduction and this new CD is the follow-up, but also a look back to the man's past. 'Then and now' consists of the best ALIAS songs as well as songs from his solo debut 'Dreamer's road', and to rest of the CD is filled with unreleased songs and a couple Italian versions of Freddy's originals. The CD starts with the only included SHERIFF song. It's a live version of SHERIFF's number one hit single "When I'm with you", a Classic 80s AOR ballad that introduces us to Freddy's wonderful vocals. The following 4 songs are all ALIAS originals and included of that CD are their best songs "Haunted heart", "More than words can say" and "Waiting for love", all 3 charted very high in the US charts back in the early 90s.

Then we're into the stuff from his first solo CD 'Dreamer's road', with "Into the fire" and "Perfect world" being the best ones, because these are two great ALIAS typed AOR rockers. The last song was also released under the ALIAS moniker for the soundtrack of the movie 'Don't tell mom the babysitter's dead' (starring Christina Applegate!). The two unreleased songs are the poppy ballad "Finally" (also featured in an Italian version) and the midtempo melodic rocker "Bare necessity" (a song that didn't make it to the ALIAS record). Further we get to hear two more Italian songs, namely the acoustic unplugged ballad "Senza te" (a song that really is showing how good Freddy can sing) and "Ti sposero" (Italian version of 'Real love' from Freddy's solo debut, this is very good midtempo AOR).

Fans of Freddy Curci will really enjoy this release, but unfortunately only one song from SHERIFF's classic is included. Maybe they couldn't get hold of the label rights, but if that's the story, then they could have at least put another live version on the CD, because the live version of "When I'm with you" is also very interesting. Anyway, a fine return of Freddy, one of the best AOR singers ever! Freddy promises us a whole new record next year, until then, you should get this CD in your collection.

Rating: 8,5/10

English melodic rockers PRAYING MANTIS return with a new CD. This band has been on the scene ever since the early 80s when N.W.O.B.H.M. was dominating the Hard Rock scene. Although the band has updated their sound, they still play melodic rock like they have always played. This time similarities to bands like ASIA, RAINBOW, FAIR WARNING, ROYAL HUNT, BALANCE OF POWER are being made and I can see why, because 'Nowhere to hide' is a classy piece of melodic rock that indeed reminds me of those bands.

You also might want to add TEN and DARE on fantastic uptempo AOR/Melodic Rockers like "Nowhere to hide", "Cruel winter", "The clocktower", "Future of the world" and "You'll never know". Besides these songs, also a highlight is the superb AOR/Melodic Rockballad "Whenever I'm lost". Fans of MAGNUM should check out "River of hope".

This well-produced CD is a must for PRAYING MANTIS fans and now also the regular AOR/Melodic Rockfans need to check out this band that has been too long unknown by fans of the AOR genre, simply due to the fact that most of the band's previous albums were only released in Japan. Now Frontiers has released the new PRAYING MANTIS in Europe and here's your chance to get to know this wonderful band.

Rating: 9/10

About five years ago I reviewed the debut CD of this band from Florida and back then I was really surprised by the band's qualities. I heard a band performing a very melodic yet agressive rockstyle, comparable to HAREM SCAREM in many ways. Especially the harmonies and chorus of their song "Vampire's lullaby" stick to my mind every day. Now the band has released their first CD in Europe. The album is simply titled 'Teer' and apart from two re-recorded songs from their debut, this is a whole new record. Also the sound has changed a little, and I doubt if it is for the better, because I think their independent sounded better.

The production of the new CD is not that impressive if I might add here. The songs on the other hand are from a high class here. The only pity is that the band has changed their sound a bit, it's now moving rather close to the first two FIREHOUSE records. Nevertheless, songs like "Heaven's not enough", "Romeo", "Man of the world", "Tell me it's over", "Monday mourning" and "Heart on a string" are great fun late 80s typed melodic rockers. Fans of bands like FIREHOUSE, DANGER DANGER, SLAUGHTER (circa their debut) and other bands of that genre, should check out TEER.

Rating: 8/10

Italian Progressive Melodic Metal wizards RHAPSODY returns with a new CD entitled 'Dawn of victory'. The band's previous album even entered the German national album charts and has sold 250,000 times, so you can easily add here that this band is very popular. The new CD continues the style created on their earlier records, so again we get to hear progressive 'classical' metal that sounds pretty melodic, yet it has a definite own style that can not be compared to any other band. Maybe if you mix HELLOWEEN, MALMSTEEN and DREAM THEATER you're close to the RHAPSODY sound, but this band brings in other influences that can not be found in the music of previous mentioned bands. Besides, lyrically these guys are writing about dwarves, trolls, wizards and other 'magical stuff'.

While listening to the CD, you'll get captured in the fantasyworld of RHAPSODY, because you can hear so many different aspects that you won't find in any other band. This new CD will become another favourite of the people who already bought their first couple of albums. Additionally, the CD will also attract newer fans who want to check out this band, because RHAPSODY is becoming one of the best selling melodic metal bands at the moment.

Rating: 8/10

MOB RULES from Wilhemshaven, Germany has just released their second CD entitled 'Temple of two suns'. Although LIMB MUSIC is a label with many progressive heavy rockbands, this band can also be labeled as a pure melodic rockband, because some songs on their new CD are pretty much in the vein of bands like PINK CREAM 69. My favourite tracks on their self-produced CD are the catchy uptempo melodic rockers "Outer space", "Evolution's falling" and "Inside the fire" that all 3 feature excellent melodic guitarwork and feature excellent choruses.

Also very good are the semi melodic rockballad "Celebration day" and the lovely AOR ballad "Hold on". "Hold on" is featured in two versions on the CD, first off there is the piano/keyboard lead version that could easily become a big radio hit, while the second version is fully orchestrated that sounds rather impressive. The band also throws in some faster melodic progressive rockers on the CD such as "Pilot of earth" and "Eyes of all young". Concluded, this is a very good album that needs to be recommended to the fans of pure melodic rock, but also progressive metal fans may find something of interest in this band.

Rating: 8/10

This band is coming out of Munich, Germany and they did 5 covers on their CD and actually they did cover them pretty well. Especially FOREIGNER's "Feels like the first time" has been covered very good and it actually sounds like an early 80s Pomprock (a la ROADMASTER) now, just listen to the pompy keys/synths! The other covers include the Classic Rockers "Tush" (ZZ TOP) and "Some kind of wonderful" (GRAND FUNK RAILROAD).

Also a cover of GOTTHARD's "Mighty queen" is done and the CD closes with the JIMMY BARNES song "Drivin' wheels", another favourite of mine, especially because this is such a catchy AOR tune and ROUGH ENOUGH covered it very well. This band does play covers very well and I wonder if they could write own songs in the style of these covers, this could be interesting to hear! Anyway, check out their site at: http://www.roughenough.com and e-mail them at: roughenough@gmx.de

Rating: 7,5/10

THE BSE is a band formed around Brian Statom who actually does everything on his own, including the production, writing and instruments. So he is yet another multi-instrumentalist. His CD is filled with good instrumental Hard Rock that sounds straight to the point a lot of times that makes it easy to hear. Just listen to songs like "Symphony of the night", "Burning inside" and "Threepain" and you'll hear fine rough Hard Rock songs that all are in the same vein. Not all the songs sound rough, because there is also time for a calmer moment, such as on the melodic ballad "Moonlight". I wonder how a song like this would sound with a vocalist. Anyway, this CD is recommended if you want to hear instrumental straight-ahead Hard Rock and not the MALMSTEEN typed instrumental sounds. More info at: http://www.mp3.com/thebse or http://www.mp3.com/somberslay and e-mail him at: aceinet@earthlink.net

Rating: 7/10

Out of Los Angeles, California comes guitarist/vocalist Aeron who sent me his new CD-single, simply titled 'Aeron 00'. The new single is the follow-up to last year's discussed 'Aeron 99'. Unfortunately I forgot how that record sounded, so I'll just talk about the two new songs here. Firstly I noticed that actually AERON 00 is totally different than any other 'standard' AOR/Melodic rockband. Musically he is playing pure AOR/Melodic Rock, but the drumcomputer sounds like a disco/house act! What you get to hear are all the typical 80s AOR sounds such as catchy choruses, melodic vocals and still rough guitarwork, but the drums and bass lines are sounding like a discoact. Normally I don't like something like that, but this time I have to add that the songs still sound catchy and are pretty good.

The two performed songs are "Only in dreams" and "Runnin" (EDDIE MONEY style) and both of them are catchy AOR/Melodic Rockers, only the drumsound make them sound quite unique and sets them apart from any other act in this genre. Although I prefer the standard AOR/Melodic Rock sound with normal drums, this might also attract other people to get into AOR/Melodic Rock. Check the songs out for yourself at: http://www.mp3.com/aeron and e-mail him at: aeron99@yahoo.com

Rating: 7/10

Vince Neads comes out of Middlesex, UK and his project MENDOZA issued the CD 'Escape velocity'. Vince played, recorded and produced all the songs on the CD, so actually this is a one-man band. Musically this is 80s Rock, but not pure AOR/Melodic Rock, it's more like Rock in the style of CHOIRBOYS, THE KNACK… The first part of the CD really is like this type of rock should sound, just nice standard rockers. The second part of the album is better and songs like "Renegade", "Dreamland" and especially "Stoney hearts" can be labeled as good melodic rockers. Maybe not sensational, but still nice to hear this MENDOZA record. Hear the songs at: http://www.binaryazylum.com and e-mail at: vin@binaryazylum.com

Rating: 7/10

This is a Swedish band and 'Beyond reality' is their first CD. They just recorded the album, so the 3 songs on the CD are pretty new and actually this sounds very good to me. FATAL SMILE is playing melodic hardrock and doesn't overlook a 90s influence, but still have an ear for a good 80s typed melody. Musically they can easily be compared to late HAREM SCAREM, MILLENIUM and EMERALD RAIN who all do the same kind of rock.

The songs "The saviour" and "Love has mysterious ways" are great melodic rockers with some very catchy memorable choruses. Besides, the production and sound quality of this CD is very impressive, so this band is definitely worth signing! The only song I haven't mentioned yet is the titletrack "Beyond reality" which was the only track that was a bit average, a bit too much 90s rock orientated. Nevertheless, the other two songs are pretty sensational and very much worth checking out if you're into any of the mentioned bands. Check them out at: http://www.listen.to/fatalsmile and e-mail them at: yuksel.unutmaz@swipnet.se

Rating: 8/10

Out of Japan comes keyboardist Yusuke Yamaguchi who is playing in a band called TRANQUIL MINE as well as making solo music. He sent me 3 songs of his solo-project and 3 songs he did with his band. Musically they are pretty close to each other, although the 3 songs of his solo-project are a bit more AOR orientated. From the solo-project, the songs "The Promised Land" and "The rusted sword" are faster progressive melodic heavy rockers a la BLIND GUARDIAN, RHAPSODY and STRATOVARIUS.

The other songs of his solo-project is a Japanese AOR song called "Possibility". Instrumental it sounds good, but vocally I think it's just too average. On the other hand, the songs of his band TRANQUIL MINE are sounding better due to the vocals, because lead singer of the band (Kazua Yakushi) has got a pretty good melodic voice. Secondly, songs like "Midwinter sky" and "What we must do" are good BLIND GUARDIAN/RHAPSODY typed songs with catchy choruses and a melodic sound. Fans of mentioned bannds should really check out this Japanese band at: http://www.mp3.com/TRANQUILMINE and e-mail them at: machi-rin@mtb.biglobe.ne.jp or overture1928@mail.infoseek.co.jp

Rating: 7/10

Here's another multi-instrumentalist who has released a CD. BURNING BUSH is formed around Emilio Sanseviero who has played all the instruments on his debut CD. Musically he is playing 80s typed Hard Rock/Metal and although the songs doesn't sound bad, it's the sound quality that is making this very hard to listen to.

Songs like "Social opportunity", "Futures present", "God take me" and "Last stop" are nice tunes that have that 80s typed Hard Rock sound written all over, but it's the sound/ production that destroys it unfortunately. Vocally I find Emilio also a bit on the weak side, so these are the two things that need to be improved in the future. Then we may hear something good, but nevertheless you can check out Emilio's music at: http://artists2.iuma.com/IUMA/Bands/Burning_Bush/ and e-mail him at: sub13@bellsouth.net

Rating: 6/10

THE MIDNITE JAMMER BAND from Colorado, USA is back with a new release. Their previous 3 CDs were reviewed some time ago by yours truly and actually these were all pretty good melodic rock orientated. Unfortunately the new CD changes the style into a Bluesy Southern-Rock typed sound. The CD was mastered and mixed by Randy Hansen and he may be the cause for this change, because if he is the same guy who released a solo-CD some years ago, then I am pretty sure he has given the MIDNITE JAMMER BAND that Bluesy Southern style.

Anyway, if I would have to pick out the best songs, I would have to add here "The answer", "Now that your gone", "Concrete blues" and "Yesterdaze news". On the other hand songs like "Throw me a line", "The better day" and "Tears gone bye" are too Bluesy and Southern for me, but a must for fans of MOLLY HATCHET perhaps. I really hope that in the future the band focuses again on the melodic rock they used to make instead of this Southern Rockstyle. Check out their new album at: http://midnite_jammer.tripod.com/index.html and e-mail them at: jammer01@uswest.net

Rating: 6,5/10

AGELESS is a German band and their demo release 'Through the years' contains 5 songs. Musically they play calmer melodic rock with some progressive influences. Most of the songs are (semi) ballads. My favourites are "Now you're free" (AOR influences) and "Schlafe ruhig" (German language). The only rocker is the closing track "Straight ahead", a nice poprocker that sounds quite melodic. Check them out at: http://www.mp3.com/ageless and e-mail them at: Knauer-Iserlohn@t-online.de

Rating: 7/10

Out of New York comes HASTINGS, a band playing a mixture of 70s Blues and Rock, a bit like BAD COMPANY, but yet more updated and Hard Rock orientated. The production on the band's second CD is pretty good and also the songs are reasonable to listen to. Nothing sensational here, but songs like "Too dazed, gone" and "Check you out" are fine examples of pure 70s Hard Rock songs, but they don't sound out of date at all. This band is really playing 70s Classic Rock, so if you're a fan of that Rockgenre, then you need to check out HASTINGS a.s.a.p. at: http://www.hastingsband.com and e-mail them at: kevin.walgate@dynabrade.com

Rating: 7/10

Savannah are one of those bands that come along every once in a while with absolutely everything lovers of pure melodic rock could wish for.

The bands self titled debut received critical press acclaim and this new CD is beyond beautiful! The list of what's right with it would fill pages.

Produced by ex-Stryper frontman Michael Sweet, 'Forever's Come And Gone' sparkles with flowing strength and positive energy with memorable melodies, gorgeous vocals, intelligent lyrics and wonderful musicianship from the opening track of 'One More For The Road' to the last song 'The Questions'.

Earle Lord's intoxicating voice can do it all, he sounds fantastic no matter what the tune or tempo. Comparisons, well you can make your own mind up, unfortunately I find this CD so incredibly good, best tunes are too difficult to isolate and single out. The slower songs are particularly a strong point with Savannah, the band settle back and let Earle's vocals fly for a more relaxed and energetic flow on songs like 'Forever's Come And Gone', 'Last To Know', 'Make Time' and the incrediable 'The Questions' which all glide magically through your living room, making the hairs on your back tingle, particularly 'Forever's Come And Gone'

Savannah have made a commercially viable and catchy record, this CD is overloaded with
great melodic rock songs like 'All Or Nothing', 'Live To See Tomorrow', 'Backs Against The Wall', 'Day After Day And Night' and the superb 'Fight Your Way Out Of Love' which is sure to become a future crowd teaser.

Savannah's new album makes you want to listen to it over and over again and is sure to sell like hot cakes, it's been well worth the wait folks. Recommended.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

The second part of a work of ambition and scope at last sees the light of day, a work that deals with the eternal themes of politics, ambition, conflict between humans and Gods, the supplanting of the old by the new, vengeance, justice,chaos, all woven into the story of the fate of family of Agamemnon, Greek war leader at the epic siege of Troy, and themes as valid today as they were on the day Agamemnon returned home to a less than glorious fate..

Vocalist, keyboard player, lyricist David "The Lion" DeFeis has woven all of that into a coherent narrative, whilst maintaining the position and value of the pieces/songs in their own right, thus an instrumental such as "Nemesis" or the almost baroque hymnal "Hymn to the Gods of Night" whilst acting as fulcrums within the whole are individual pieces to treasure and enjoy at the same time. Additionally he twists his remarkable voice, at it's most delicate a touch of Freddie Mercury, at it's most powerful, a demanding leonine(sorry) roar, into the demands of the characters he plays within the narrative, for example on the heady, rampant "Wine of Violence" when being Orestes he rips up his throat in the challenge, and delivers a supremely melodic hook at the same time, whilst in "Summoning the Powers" as Klytemnestra's spirit, he ranges from a gentle malice to a bitter, rage.

Divided into two cd's, it is remarkable to note how the consistency is maintained across 33 pieces and songs, and how high the melodic quotient is, the chorus of something like "Flames of thy Power" will lodge in one's mind and you will find yourself singing it at at all sorts of times, especially when you bear in mind how the song is a discourse between Erinyes-defined as the pursuers of those who transgress- and Orestes. And let's face many bands cannot write strong melodies when dealing with the usual subjects of lyrical insight(irony), let alone with a tale, an idea, as the one we have here. Stunning.

Taken both in context and isolation the piano based- "Arms of Mercury" where Orestes acknowledges and faces his fate, is poignant in the extreme, so much so, that you listen to it almost holding your breath as you do. The vocal arrangements are simply world class.

Ably supported by excellent guitarist Edward Pursino, and drummer Frank Gilchriest, David DeFeis has created a masterpiece, a body of work that, although in simple terms is heavy metal( and great metal at that!), transcends any one genre of art and becomes art, for we have here, theatre( "The House of Atreus" has been performed in Germany by a full cast!!!), poetry-read the lyrics!, musicianship of the highest quality, and narrative command of the front rank.

I urge you to listen to this album, whether you like Stratovarius or Journey, if you approach this with an open mind you will be rewarded beyond measure, for Virgin Steele are very special, and have created the album of this or any other year. It is a privilege to listen to such art.

Rating: 10 (Review by Andrew Paul)

Now this guy is a multi instrumentalist who plays late 70's early 80's melodic rock and AOR similar to Angel, Ratt, Sabu, Extreme, Flame, Treat, Tim Karr etc..

'I Like To Rock' is an eight track cdr demo with the only critical complaint being the annoying drum machine, but you know this can be overlooked as Franky Dee's music is very good and stands head and shoulders above some recent label releasesl..

Track one 'I Like To Rock' does just this, fun fulled guitars which pour out of your speakers with a chorus that forces you to singalong. 'I Can't Fall In Love With You' is more of a blusey classic rock song a'la Bad Company. 'Memory With You' slows the tempo down for a melodic semi ballad that reminds me of Savannah and Vision 180 amonst others. The songs gentle feel will no doubt sound magnificent with a glorified production.

'Too Hot To Handle' reminds me of Warrant, Steelheart and Extreme and is a bouncy eightties flavoured hard rocker that MTV would have been all over in the eighties.

'Bye Bye Baby Baby' is a ballad that suffers from a poor production sound, 'Hot And Ready' is a great had rocker similar to Danny Danzi, 'Miss Lonely' is a gentle ballad and the last song 'Don't Take Your Love Away' again oozes Warrant circa 'D.R.F.S.R'.

Overall this guy has a lot of potential, more work is needed on some of the songs which I'm sure will come with time. Until then this is still woth you checking out and you can Email Franky direct

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

If your a fan of guitar work mixed with a bit of modern rock then you may find this independent release entertaining. The first song ''Fiji Theme' is a strange instrumental played by the bands guitarist Jeff Roop who also handles vocal duties. Roop's voice is similar to Lemmy from Motorhead, the first song proper 'Crimson' could almost be a detuned speed metal song, it's not bad and the chorus is quite catchy. The albums pace jumps up and down offering more of the same throughout that very rarely cacthes fires and makes you go wow. There are a few selected tracks that bring to mind Steve Vai's 'Flex-able' era such as the afforementioned 'Fiji Theme', but for the most part the album does nothing for me whatsoever. Approach with caution.

Email: angelsvsaliens@hotmail.com or http://angelfire.com/va/battyrecords/avsa.html

Rating: 5/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

The Clarks are a sensational band from Pittsburgh who play catchy rock 'n' roll a'la John Mellencamp and The Rembrandts through to modern bands such as Neve, Nine Days, Stone Temple Pilots, Ocean Colour Scene, and Marvellous 3 making for a very interesting and entertaining release.. This is the bands sixth studio album and the band have already shifted 93,000 units in the US.

There are twelve songs on this album, check out 'Better Off Without You', the guitars are sitting up in the mix and the chorus hits you from the first time you play it forcing you to singalong to lead singer Scott Blasey's excellent voice. Things get laid back on the luxurious 'Born Too Late', the melodies on this song are pretty breathtaking and have a slight modern Bryan Adams feel.

Other songs to listen out for are the dead catchy 'Think Of England' , 'Let It Go', 'Chasin' Girls' and 'Highwire' . The calmer 'Butterflies And Airplanes' and 'If Memory Serves' are both beautiful songs that I know you will adore. The Clarks have also been praised by the editors of Playboy magazine and have been performing sold out shows with audiences of up to 18,000 throughout the US. Make sure you check these guys out.

Contact: awan@razorandtie.com or clarkspgh@aol.com

Websites: http://www.clarksonline.com or http://www.razorandtie.com

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

Vinnie Moore was born in Delaware in 1965 and begun playing the guitar at the age of twelve. In 1985 Moore won a spot in a Pepsi Cola advertisment where he was filmed playing at high speed, causing the caps on the bottles to blow!!

Vinnie also played that year on the Vicious Rumours album 'Soldiers Of The Night' and released his debut instrumental solo album 'Mind's Eye' the following year.

Vinnie is inspired by Al Di Meola, a renowned jazz rock/latin player from New Jersey, as well as composers like Bach, Vivaldi and Mozart. Moore's fondness for classical theme's is illustrated in his subtle touch to picking, where as players like Paul Gilbert and Marty Friedman play with an agreesive approach, Moore prefers to paint his music with feeling.

Another hot emerging player called Tony MaCalpine played keyboards on 'Mind's Eye' which also featured ex Whitesnake bass player Tommy Aldridge,

Sponsored by Ibanez guitars Vinny often plays throughout the US, touring guitar clinics.

In 1987 he released the his second instrumental album 'Time Odyssey' which featured Joey Franco from Twisted Sister and drummer Carmine Appice. This was the album to gain Moore huge recognition especially in Japan and Europe where the album met with enthusiastic press reviews. Songs like 'Piano Concerto No 5' through to the jazzy 'Pieces Of A Picture' were at the time described as thematic mini stories, which includes a suprise instrumental version of George Harrison's 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps'.

After a short break Moore returned to the spotlight in 1991 with 'Meltdown' which was a mix of blues based instrumentals and boisterous songs such as 'Cinema' and 'Deep Sea'. The album showed commercial values and Moore even ended up shooting a promo video for the song 'Meltdown' which he then followed up with a guest spot on Alice Cooper's 'Hey Stoopid' album and subsequent tour.

'Out Of Nowhere' and 'The Maze' albums soon followed which proved again that Vinnie's records remain complexed and experimental but always fresh and different from all the other players out there.

'Live' Is Moore's first live offering, featuring twelve tracks recorded during May of 1999 at The Edge in California. He scales his way through his records to an enthusiastic response from the crowd with the song 'Vinnie's Brew' sounding like a crowd favourite.

You cannot fault Vinnie Moore's technical ability, he is a great player whose style is developing with each record. Moore remains to this day one of the most aspiring guitar players, and this live album shows Vinnie at his best and serves as a neat introduction to his abilities, if you have not heard him before.

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Slydog are from Las Vegas and play fun heavy rock a'la Faster Pussycat with a modern twist. The albums opens up with an excellent song called ''Down To The River', which starts off contemporary, then once the lyrics crash in bands like Every Mother's Nightmare, Faster Pussycat and Spread Eagle come into view, even Vinnie Vincent's Invasion. This is a great song that the band should sell to Guns N' Roses.

Next up is 'Flesh Hangover' this song is groovy but suffers from a poor production, 'Black-N-Blue Collar Man' is bouncy and funs with lots of guitars and reminds me of Hanoi Rocks, much better is 'Whip It Up', singer Carl Hampton comes across like Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and indeed the song is very catchy and apes Aerosmith's 'Walk This Way' and is quite a cool song.

'My Way' stomps along a'la Posion and Aerosmith whilst 'It's Not Me' is your obligatory ballad.

'Over The Edge' is one of the heaviest songs on offer and is a straight ahead rocker, great guitars, killer chorus and the best song on the cd. The album finishes off with 'Into Your Eyes' which is another eighties inspired power ballad.

Suprisingly this album works really well and I thorughly enjoyed the bands songs despite the odd flaws every now and again in the production sounds, it's one of those albums that stands up, so check them out by emailing:- mccrecords@aol.com

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

'Sway' is a seven track mini album from Germany's Casanova that offers fun pop rock songs. Track one 'Sway' starts off with psychedelic melodies, then Michael Voss's voice crashes in and the song builds and builds into a wonderful mix of Cheap Trick mixed with Richard Marx and Inxs with a modern power pop edge, a brave step that works alarmingly well.

'I Want You To Want Me' is a superb cover of Cheap Trick's classic hit and 'Need A Little Loving' is a very catchy power pop number reminding me of Richard Marx's last album 'Flesh And Blood', the chorus is just killer. 'Renegade' unfortuantley spoils the feel of the album with the use of drum machines and samples,'Annie' bares influences of The Beatles and Elvis Costello, whilst 'All That Matters' gets things pumping and is pure melodic rock and one of the best Casanova songs to date.

The last song 'It's Over Now' reminds me of Michael Bormann's solo album mixed with some modern Bon Jovi and Cheap Trick colourings and features a huge vocal performance from Voss that could easily slip into the mainstream charts.

This is great mini album worth forking out for, go on treat yourselves, your worth it.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

The Third Degree come rocking out of North Carolina and play seventies inspired rock n' roll. 'Impact' is a cdr home recording and contains seven tracks which kick off with 'Round', a catchy song with lots of character reminding me of Talas and Keel.

'Wouldn't Understand' is up next, this song reminds me of L.A. Guns and maybe a small hint of David Lee Roth, a catchy song that only suffers from poor sound quality.

'Mindwarp' is more funky and reminds me of King Of The Hill and 247-Spyz, Neil Crook's voice is almost psychedelic on this song, but it's sill pretty catchy, but again suffer from the production quality which I hope the band fix should they decide to pop into the studio to record their debut album.

'Menace' again bares comparisons to L.A. Guns and so does 'Medicine Man' and 'Watch Your Back' which also hints comparisons toward Tesla. Revolution is perhaps the best of the seven tracks and features some great bass and guitar work.

Overall The Third Degree have alot of potential, they even been on the road supporting Slaughter, LA Guns and Jeff Keith's Bar 7. Interested parties can contact the band via email thethirddegree@alltel.net

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Formed in 1991 Austria's Mostpower have their roots set firmly in the hard rock style of the late seventies/early eighties. I find myself being drawn to the bands music, particularly leading lady Andrea Gelsinger who has one of the most sexy voices I have heard from a woman since Sandi Saraya burst onto the scene. Her vocals are alsosimilar to Lana Lane, Kelly Breznik from Private Life, Ruby Faith and Pamela Moore from Radar amongst others.

What's great about Mostpower is that the arrangments of the songs are simple but very effective, check out the awesome opening track called ' Experts', the song reminds me of Private Life's 'Fallin' Apart' and is very catchy.

'Never Again' is a great pompy song, 'Coming Home' reminds me of Lana Lane, whilst the guitars get pumped up for 'Fate' which is a heavier song and has a touch of sleaze about it a'la Nancy Luca.

'On The Way To You' is one of my favourite songs being very catchy and features a superb chorus to singalong with, which is continued on to the excellent 'Winter' which for some reason reminds me Montrose and Ted Nugent. Another favourite song is 'The Trench' which is lovely ballad with killer vocals from Andrea.

The band were kind enough to send me five brand new songs from their forth coming album, track one 'Choice Is Free' has a latin feel, this is quite catchy and could have been used in a film such as 'Dirty Dancing', 'Beast Of Prey' is slightly experimental space age rock, 'Broken Heart' is a superb ballad with tons of heartfelt emotion, 'Barfly' is really great song, Andrea vocals are pretty diverse on this song and is one of my favourites from the band so far. That leaves 'Rien Ne Va Plus' which again is an experimental number a'la Kate Bush, Lana Lane. I get the feeling that the band are trying to decide if they want to play it safe or experiment more and play progressive rock They certainly have alot of interesting ideas floating around which makes for a refreshing listen.

Mostpower have a lot of potential and if you want to check them out them email: mostpower@gmx.at or http://www.mostpower.at

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

27 West are a new band from New Jersey USA and their debut album is a pleasant ear pleasing selection of mid-tempo AOR and melodic rock songs that remind me of a soother Tyketto and Freddy Curci/Sheriff.

There are twelve songs to choose from, the production which the band did themselves complements each song. with the best songs being 'You Never Know', 'Look For The Light' and the ballads 'Stay On The Ground' and 'Hard To Walk Away'.

'You Never Know' is a catchy up-tempo number, John Merjave's voice sits very close to Danny Vaughn, Joey Tempest and Freddy Curci, this song is just so very catchy, it's suprising how much this album works, the songs all have something to say and they never get boring for a single second like on 'Look For The Light' which reminds me of L.A. Cowboys and Toto amongst others, the chorus is superb, the ballads are also hugely enjoyable, check out 'Stay On The Ground' which starts off with lovely pianos and builds into a beautiful number reminding me of Tyketto, mainly due to John's vocals. 'Hard To Walk Away' is the killer ballad though, this song sits along side Alias and many a Kevin Chalfant song, the guitar playing is beautiful and the whole song simply kills.

This is a wonderful record that you must check out if your a fan of the above bands and you can contact the band direct twentysevenw@earthlink.net or visit their website http://www.27westmusic.com

Buy and enjoy folks. Recommended

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Oh yes, I like this record alot, and you wanna know why? Well Bar 7 features one of my favourite singers of the rock world Jeff Keith formerly of Tesla, whom I have the utmost respect for.

Tesla next to Van Halen were and still are one of my favourite rock bands, and it's so good to hear Keith's voice again, yes Jeff we have missed you welcome back my friend.

Keith is joined by another ex Tesla member guitarist Tommy Skeoch. Joining the duo are Ray Hinkley, Steve Smith and Denis Bostock and together they have created a very strong record that will be welcomed by Tesla's army of fans who are still craving for a Tesla reunion.

The album kicks off with 'Freaked' and it's not a good start as 'Freaked' experiments in industrial influences, the guitar work is pretty blitzering and the song as a whole is pretty heavy, Keith's sings in a similar range to John Corabi and Motley Crue's 'Power To The People'. We get to hear a couple of other songs in this style manily ''She Don't' and 'No Show', but for the most part we get to hear some fantastic hard rock songs with pleanty of edge that are not too far away from the Tesla we all love, check out 'Got A New Life', this is fantastic song which gets those classic Tesla melodies flowing as does the awesome 'Lady
Bug', Keith's voice is just as you remember him, all smokey and husky, 'Love Is Such' reminds me of the accoustic style Tesla messead around with on the live '5 Man Accoustical Jam' album. 'American Dream' is simple classy fun rock 'n roll song whilst ''All Natural' is quite beautiful and reminds me of Tesla's 'Love Song'.

Most of the songs on 'The World Is A Freak' are a neat balance of songs that work well and can only be admired not just by Tesla's worldwide fans, but fans of contempory metal too. Until the Tesla reunion - pull up a stool kick off your cowboy boots and enjoy a pint of rock n' roll called Bar 7.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Ahhh good old Motorhead return with their latest smoking barrel of heavy metal madness which kicks off with 'See Me Burning', this track relies on speedy guitars and is a very heavy fist clenching rocker built for massive stadiums. A good opening song that kicks major arse. There is a slight vibe of moderness on this record, like on the next track 'Slow Dance', this is
actually a great song with a killer chorus, the Lemster's gritty dirty vocals are hugely enjoyable and 'Stay Out Of Jail' is an old school Motorhead song that is sure to become a future live favourite. I saw the band live when they played in Swansea in the summer and they just rocked, for a man of Lemmy's ageing years he certainly shows the younger bands how to rock.

People keep saying to me that you shouldn't be playing old school metal records like these in this day and age, you should be listening to crap like Korn, Deftones etc, I, like Lemmy and co say fuck that, what's amazing is that Motorhead still sound fresh and convincing, this is viable record that wakes you up, you just can't ignore the power these songs offer, from the tounge in cheek humour of 'God Save The Queen', to ballbusting rockers like 'Wake The Dead', 'One More Fucking Time', '(Wearing Your) Heart On Your Sleeve' and 'We Are Motorhead prove that the band know what their fans want and they deliver an army of metal heaven time after time after time.

One track that stands out is 'Stagefright/Crash & Burn', a superbly arranged lighter song that Lemmy, Philip and Mikkey play with feeling.

This is a great album from of Britian's metal legends whom I feel will be around for a long time to come.Mines a shot of JD Lemmy!!

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

Another obscure US band that play melodic pop rock with a modern edge. This is the groups debut four track ep that kicks off with a great song called 'Tired Of Living'. This track has a great beat and Neil Robertson's vocals almost sound English, thus the song comes over sounding like many English bands,.such as Level 42, through to Australian bands like Inxs and Mental As Anything, the song has a strong guitar presence which makes it's enjoyable.

Next up is a song called 'It's Called Love' that has a touch of Ocean Colour Scene and The Rolling Stones about it, still very catchy and the back up female vocals help to give the song commercial values. A touch of Aerosmith can also be heard.

'Who's In My Place' continues in this style and is a simple catchy song with a brilliant chorus, and the last song 'Phobia' is a calmer acoustic led song with a seventies vibe. All in all a very pleasant little ep. You can contact the band via http://www.mp3.com or http://www.listen.com

Rating: 6,5/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)