Here's the latest AOR sensation and they are not coming from America. No, this PURPLE CROSS is coming out of Switzerland and their debut CD 'Eyes of the mirror' is filled with fantastic 80s AOR produced material. This band is right up there with other European top AOR acts such as FAIR WARNING, FRONTLINE, ZENO and the newcomers of LAMORNA and EVA. Just listen to the first track "Story of the game" and you're hooked for the rest of the CD. This opening song is a really fantastic 80s typed uptempo AOR rocker with some lovely keyboards a la ASIA. And the rest of the CD continues in the same kind of classic 80s AOR style.

My favourite tracks are "Time is over" (midtempo AOR), "Silver moon" (semi AOR Ballad), "Girl" (midtempo AOR) and "Tonight" (uptempo AOR, pretty close to early ASIA). Very soon an interview with this Swiss AOR sensation. Check out their site at: http://www.purplecross.ch where you can order the CD. You can also purchase a copy through http://www.dsb-aor-world.com E-mail the band at: juerg.mueller@spreitenbach.ch

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

Many of the fans of the old TYGERS OF PAN TANG records will probably deny it, but I have always had a soft spot for the band's 1985 album 'The wreck-age'. The band changed their style into pure Melodic (Hard) Rock and amazingly it worked very well. The album has now been re-issued onto CD for the first time and I am glad that has happened, as this is definitely the band's strongest release. The best songs are "Protection", "Innocent eyes", "Desert of no love", "Women in cages" (superb AOR song!), "Victim" and the closing semi ballad "Forgive and forget". The addition of keyboards by guest musician Steve Thompson makes this CD a winner for fans of true 80s melodic rock.

Lead singer Jon Deverill sounds very different than on previous releases as he now comes pretty close to EUROPE's Joey Tempest. The fans of the old T.O.P.T. records probably don't like this 'melodic' release, but I enjoy both styles although I prefer the style created on this record. Still there are two songs that could've easily been on any of the previous records (the fast rocking "The wreck-age" and "All change faces"). Fans of 80s melodic rock/aor need to get this release of British Hardrock/Metal heroes TYGERS OF PAN TANG as soon as possible!

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

The New live CD of TYGERS OF PAN TANG is the 6th CD released by Neat/Edgy Records. The first 5 records were all re-issues of the band's earlier releases. This Live CD is a new record, although the actual recording took place back in 1981! Most of the songs on the record are of course also from the band's first couple of albums. The band sounded very different than on their later album, although the hard/rock/metal of the band already sounded very melodic.

For a fan of the old TYGERS OF PAN TANG records, this CD is a total must to have as it is bringing you the heaviest TYGERS OF PAN TANG ever put out on record. Not only heavy, but also melodic and just sounding like a typical N.W.O.B.H.M. band. There are 15 songs on the record and if you like the early 80s Metal, then this CD can not be missed. For most people there is a choice to be made in buying the live CD or the re-issue of 'The wreck-age' as both are sounding so different. I like both styles and hear on both discs a band performing some really good music. Hopefully someday they reform and also play both styles (early 80s British HM and mid 80s AOR/Melodic Rock), kinda like PRETTY MAIDS is doing, then we have something more to look forward to!

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

MARVEL is a new AOR sensation and they are coming out of Portugal! Basically this is the first pure AOR band I get to hear from that country. The music of MARVEL is very similar to LA FASE, TERCER ACTO and other Latin AOR Rockbands. In other words, this MARVEL is a fantastic AOR band and the 13 songs on their debut CD are very well performed. The production is also very good, so I can easily say that this is the Portuguese version of JOURNEY and SURVIVOR! The songs are also sung in the Portuguese language, so if you don't speak it, I don't think you understand a word they are singing.

Nevertheless, the melodies and hooklines are just pure AOR. My favourite tracks are the uptempo AOR rockers "Ter a sorte", "A noite eu sei", "Historias de ficcao" and "Imortal eo teu ideal". Also very good are the semi AOR ballads "Alma de um faao", "O teu universo" (superb, very much like LA FASE - Spanish AOR act), "Ate o inverno" and "Darte a ver". There isn't a weak song on the album, so I can only add here that you need to check out this MARVEL a.s.a.p. A total must if you enjoy other Latin AOR acts such as ELYTE, CODA, TERCER ACTO, LA FASE, CARTOON… More info at: http://www.MarvelMusic.com and e-mail at: Marvel@marvelmusic.com Very soon an interview with this band!

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

This is probably a total must for the fans of obscure Pompfreaks as this is the same AVALON that put out 'Voice of life' 23 years ago. The band split up right after the release of the LP back in 1977, but reformed in 1990. The past ten years they recorded a bunch of demos and this '2' is the living proof of the reunion of this Canadian AVALON. All the original members can be heard on this record, even REFUGEE leader Myles Hunter can be heard singing and playing synthesiser.

The CD contains 6 songs and most of them will be a must to hear for people who enjoyed the band's only LP from 1977. Songs like "From the magi" (like KANSAS), "Your forever" (like ROADMASTER meets STYX!), "Angelique" (70s Pomp rock ballad a la KANSAS) and "Hands of the devil" (STYX typed Pomprocker) are all pure late 70s Pomp! But the best has yet to come, because the closing track "The ride to St. Petersburg" is definitely the best song ever recorded by AVALON. This song is almost a Pomprock anthem, because with a playing time of almost ten minutes and featuring all the important aspects for a classic Pomprocksong, this song is a must if you're into ROADMASTER, 70s STYX, ANGEL, ROSE, SPY…

Maybe the production is not superb, the songs are all pure Pomprock Heaven. If you're a fan of the band or mentioned acts, then get this record as soon as possible, more info at: http://www.angelfire.com/ma/nuremburg/index.html and e-mail at: manf41@hotmail.com and the purchase site for the CD is: www.cdstreet.com/artists/fractalrecords

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

ANTIOCH is a Christian AOR band from Ventura, California and their 4 track CDR 'A slice of heaven' is a very good debut. The sound and production quality is not bad at all and the songs are quite impressive. Opener "You will be the reason" is a great semi progressive AOR song. Next track "God bless" is a fantastic semi AOR ballad with some splendid harmonies, this song is right up there with other Christian AOR bands such as HALO, CRY HOLY, WHITEHEART and the first NOUVEAUX. "Heaven is calling" follows and is in the same style as the first track. Closing track "With all my heart" is the longest track on offer here. The song is a semi instrumental progressive rocker.

Not all the songs are pure AOR, but overall you can hear that this ANTIOCH is a band to watch out for in the future. A must if you like the other recent Christian AOR bands such as STEELWIND, CRY HOLY, DOXA and SEEKER. Check them out at: http://www.mp3.com/ANTIOCH and e-mail at: jambread@houston.quik.com

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

Another band making their comeback is HOLOCAUST. Last year we already heard some new stuff of this band and now there's a full new CD. It's not really a melodic album, because 'The courage to be' is a pure Metal album. It's like these guys are trying to re-do the N.W.O.B.H.M. and add some 90s influences. If you're a fan of the old SAXON, then you might want to check out this release, but I rather go for the two TYGERS OF PAN TANG releases.

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

'The truth' is the new CD of German rockers WINTERLAND. The album contains 11 songs of which 3 covers. Musically the band hasn't changed that much, although things sound a little poppier now, partly due to the lead vocals of singer Stephan Hugo who sounds like a singer from an 80s New Wave Poprockband. Anyway, this makes the melodic rock sound rather interesting. The best songs are the uptempo 80s melodic rockers "One man show" and "Reality" that both feature a great catchy chorus. Other good songs can be found at the start of the CD. I am talking about the semi melodic rockers "The truth", "A walk on the sun" and the semi melodic rockballad "Paradise". Much weaker songs can be found during the second part of the album, especially the songs "Snow falling" and the covers "Crazy" and "Angels". A nice record by WINTERLAND, better than their previous record. You can check out the band at: www.winterland-web.de and e-mail at: pfeffer.markus@online.de

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

This is a very good tribute to one of the all-time Classic AOR Rockbands. The production and quality of the covers is from a very high level that actually makes you thinking it's FOREIGNER re-recording their best songs. But the tribute features musicians and singers from mostly Escape Music signed bands such as DEPARTURE, HEARTLAND, THE DISTANCE, CHANGE OF HEART, INTRUDER and even Ray Roper from Pomp legends STONEBOLT.

Everything sounds perfect on this Tribute CD, unlike many other tribute albums that are released these days. I really enjoyed hearing updated cover versions of old FOREIGNER Classics such as "Cold as ice", "Waiting for a girl like you", "Feels like the first time", "Head games", "That was yesterday" and "Prisoner of love" (the only 90s song being covered on the CD). If you're a FOREIGNER fan, then this tribute will definitely appeal to you. This tribute is one of the best I've heard for a long time. An essential release by Escape Music.

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

The project 24K is back with their second release on Z RECORDS. The band consists of PHIL NARO on vocals, Mladen (VON GROOVE) on guitars, keys and harp, drummer Roger Banks, bassist Stan Miczek and keyboardplayer John Rogers.

Musically, 'Bulletproof' continues the style created on the band's first album 'Pure'. So we get to hear a mixture of influences from the 70s, 80s and 90s. The modern typed songs such as "Stone heart", "Pennsylvania" and the faster rockers "Consider yourself lucky" and "Bulletproof" are the songs that didn't do much for me. On the other hand, the melodic songs, such as the two fantastic semi ballads "Anything for you" and "Put the blame on me" are definitely interesting to hear. These last two mentioned songs remind me of DAMN YANKEES, partly due to the wonderful harmonyvocals.

Also very good are the 80s typed fun uptempo melodic rocker "Get it while you can" (CONEY HATCH style), the 70s typed uptempo melodic hardrocksong "Last time I fall in love" (catchy sound and chorus a la THIN LIZZY) and the semi melodic rockers "2000 years" and "Bad day". The only song I haven't mentioned yet is the first track "Black and blue" which is a slow early 70s influenced rock song that even sounds a bit like ENUFF'Z'NUFF. A nice little record that will attract various of rockfans, due to the different influences wrapped into 24K's music. It's a total must if you liked the recent VON GROOVE CD ('Drivin' off the edge…').

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

Californian Melodic rock band formerley known as Shy Tiger who released two albums in the mid nineties. As Shy Tiger they opened up for Bon Jovi, Nightranger, Ace Frehley etc.. creating a loyal following and much state side press for themselves.

"In For The Kill" is chockablocked with frantic no-nonsense powerhouse anthems like 'Deep End', 'Power Of The Heart', 'Goodbye Today', through to American AOR gems such as the supreme radio friendly 'Hate To Say Goodbye'.

Frontman Ryan Freeman has one of the most characterstic voices I've heard in years. Freeman’s diverse vocal harmonies make each song sound very exciting. He shines bright on the albums big power ballads 'Make It Real' and 'Livin A Lie' , the latter is the best of the two where Johnny Rowland's guitar work is more heated than on the clamer 'Make It Real'.

Only a couple of songs don't hold up, namely 'Drift Away'and the dark Pearl Jam inspired 'Out Of My Heart', which I found dull and lacklastre.

Thankfully the rest of the songs have platinum potential which is very rare these days, especially for a band without a record deal! The songs sound real and not manufactured and given to the likes of Bon Jovi, Def Leppard etc and you would have guranteed hits.

Anatomic bring back memories of the glory days of rock music, the band could (with backing) revive the disillusioned rock scene and establish a name for themselves internationally. All that's needed is the support of anyone who reads this review, so go and get this sucker now, pester your local record store to get in, tell your friends to buy it and demand that the radio stations play Anatomic and let's get this ball rolling again. It's down to you my friends, so make the right choice, trust me, you know it makes sense!! Recommended

www.anatomicrock.com

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

Much anticiapted second album from Canada’s 24K, which features ex Chain Reaction and Tals frontman Phil Naro and Von Groove guitarist Malden.

This album just rocks from start to finish, the band deliver modern influences in to the mix, thus the album comes over varied and more mature than the hard rock/AOR by numbers debut.

The songs sound more real and dynamic such as on the excellent ‘Consider Yourself Lucky’ and ‘Put The Blame On Me’, the former is one of the catchiest songs I’ve heard in ages, whilst the latter runs with a beautiful vocal melody from Naro and is a very melodic.

Most of the album plays American hard rock a’la Aerosmith and Steve Stevens’ Atomic Playboys, an example of this can be heard on the excellent pop/metal fun of ‘Get It While You Can’, the chorus is very catchy, and Naro churns out Hagar style impersinations mid chorus.

The title track is pure guitar blazing American hard rock and so is the infectious sub-pop/hard rock leanings of ’Pennsylvania’.

‘Bulletproof’ shows no signs of fillers, the muscianship is of a high standard and the production sound is tip top, throughout the whole album 24K kept me very entertained right until the end paring of the groovy ‘Bad Day’ and ‘Stone Heart’ which is very melodic a’la Triumph and Y and T, check out the mean riff on this song.

Back in May of last year the band put on a stunning performance at the Z Rock festival in England, proving to everyone that they were not just a studio project. Let’s hope that on the standard of this album we don’t have to wait too long for more live shows. Recommended.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Seems as if Finland is slowly becoming the new home for some of the best new bands around, look no further than the excellent Urban Tale for proof, whilst UT dabble with AOR, AURORA K dabble with melodic rock with a sleazy edge.

Aurora K are fronted by gorgeous blonde haired rock babe Katrina Wiiala. Kat’s voice is similar to Pat Benatar and Lita Ford. The bands three track CDR is pretty good but could use a polish in the production ranks.

Their music is whats important though, and the first song 'Black Ice' is a very catchy early eighties hard rock a'la Hellcats meets Rock Goddess with Slash style guitar work from Jussi Rasanen.

'Rosalie'' is a slow burning melodic number that's very enjoyable and the last song 'Wild At Heart' is the best song, a commericalised song with lots of character and a slighty bluesy edge. The track reminds me of Tia Careera's perfomance in the movie Wayne's World. Katrina's puts in an admirable performance and hits some really high notes as does Jussi's great axe work.

Overall Aurora K have lots of potential, they do however need to concentrate on their production sound - I look forward to more songs from this band with great anticpation.

Contact:- jr_aurora@yahoo.com or www.aurorarocks.web.jump.com

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

Falconer are another in entry into the burgeoning metal legions, and thankfully, a good one too. Formed by guitarist Stefan Weinerhall(ex-Mithotyn), and featuring drummer Karsten Larsson(Mithotyn), Falconer specialise in in hugely melodic power metal, threaded through with touches of the classical, baroque, and a sense of light & shade, an effected heightened by the additional female vocals, that too many bands forget about in the relentless quest for the grail of power( There's a song there!)

Opener, 'Upon the grave of guilt' illustrates exactly what this band is all about, with the bonus in singer Mathias Blad, who deals in equal measures of power, melody, and complexity with equal facility, all delivered in, refreshingly, a rich timbred mid-range silk smooth voice, recalling Olaf Bilic(House of Spirits), only better.'Wings of Serenity' rolls in from a classic metal(raise those flippers Long Beach!!)riff into what may best be described as a sweeping, almost stately, chorus, balancing epic with the melodic, whilst 'A quest for the crown' fuses the medieval with a lilting, Lizzy-esque guitar line, and 'Royal Galley( with it's lyrics recalling the Vasa disaster- go see the museum in Stockholm) just crushes all before it.

Metal Blade have picked another winner here! An excellent debut.

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

For those of you who have watched Germany's Jaded Heart progress from TV contest winners to tours with Glenn Hughes and Mothers Finest will agree that with each release the band just got incredibly stronger and stronger thanks mainly to Michael Bormann's classy voice.

If your into "Slippery When Wet" then you will love Jaded Heart who have always stuck to their guns and deliverd fine melodic hard rock albums like "Mystery Eyes" and last years killer "Jaded Heart IV".

"Diary" celebrates the bands ten year history and pulls tracks from their entire back catalouge including cuts like 'Hold On To The Line', 'Live And Let Die' (which is one of Michael's best perfomances, check out the child’s choir intro which works really well).

The high standard continues with ‘Walk On A Wire' the guitar pumping 'In The Night', ‘How Many Tears’and 'Heaven Is Falling' whilst ‘Inside Out' has managed to stand the test of time - the ballads 'What Is Love' and 'Excuse' both provide strong emotional moments of class.

The band include two new tracks and a cover version of The Beatles classic 'Help' to delight fans with. 'Ain't Gonna Play With Fire' was recorded in 1994 whilst 'Champions' is a beautiful semi ballad with a great sing a long chorus.

Bormann is currently working on a solo album called 'First Shot' of which he sent me demo samples of, and I have to say it sounds awesome. Jaded Heart will be back with a new album soon, until then check this out; it’s defintley value for money.

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