Here's another very interesting new German Melodic Rockband. TURN is coming out of the city of Kircheim and their debut mini-CD counts 5 songs. The production is very impressive and just couldn't be better. Also the melodic rock/AOR of TURN sounds pretty good. The first two songs are the good midtempo melodic rockers "Change the letters" and "Crazy mama" (a la ALIEN). Unlike many other German bands, TURN has a very good melodic singer Steffen Lauth, who definitely is as good as American or English singers. I also must add the great paino/keyboardwork of keyboardplayer Markus Metzger who does a great job here.

The third song is one of the best songs on the album. This is the superb midtempo AOR song "Dream dancer", with it's very catchy melodic chorus. This song is perfectly suitable in becoming an AOR Radiohit as it is in the same style as acts like BAD ENGLISH, STREET TALK, ROKBOX and a little JOURNEY. The AOR style as created on "Dream dancer" is continued on the wonderful next track. This is the beautiful semi-AOR ballad "Honesty". Closing track is the nice midtempo melodic rocker "Living in darkness".

This band is a winner for fans of quality AOR/Melodic Rock and without any doubts they are one of the best independent German AOR/Melodic Rockbands around today! Pretty soon an interview with TURN, but for now check out their website at: http://www.turn-music.de and e-mail them at: management@turn-music.de

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

ANGEL EDGE is not really a new band, because the 8 included songs on their CD 'Revisited' were recorded back in 1989. ANGEL EDGE is one of the many American AOR bands that only recorded some demos, released an independent label and was close to secure a major record deal, but unfortunately it all fell through and so there's finally after 12 years a CD release of the band's material. I have to add that the music of ANGEL EDGE is very good and is a mixture of pure AOR (AVIATOR/JOURNEY/AVION) and 80s Melodic Rock (DOKKEN, VALENTINE, HEAVENS EDGE). I think we have a winner over here, because it all sounds pretty good, not only the songs are from a very high quality, but also the production is in good shape. The first two songs are really impressive. "All a game" is a fantastic uptempo melodic rocker a la VALENTINE, DOKKEN…

Up next is the superb 80s typed midtempo AOR ballad "Incessant love" with it's killer vocals and harmonies (a la JOURNEY). The high quality of the first two songs isn't reached on the following two tracks. First off there is the instrumental "Headin' to Sound City" and then there's the uptempo 80s American Hard Rock song "License to thrill" (just a nice song, nothing more, nothing less). The band is back into AOR HEAVEN with the lovely semi AOR ballad "Broken hearts and shattered dreams".

The last 3 pieces ("Will you be there", "Realm of darkness" and "All that's left is goodbye") are all good melodic hard rock songs and stylish moving into HEAVENS EDGE territory. I really enjoyed this typical late 80s sounding AOR/Melodic Rockalbum. Recommended if you like band such as HEAVENS EDGE, VALENTINE, DANGER DANGER and DOKKEN (80s material). There's a chance to reunite again, so let's hope we can enjoy more of this Santa Fe based band. In the meantime, check out their website at: http://www.mp3.com/AngelEdge and e-mail them at: rrrortiz@juno.com

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

THE TRUTH from Pittsburgh is the follow-up to the band STONE ROMEO. That band released an awesome AOR album in the best 80s style (a la NIGHT RANGER, AVIATOR, AVION, REO, JOURNEY...). Now, 10 years later, the band has changed their name into THE TRUTH and put out the record 'Dying to live'. Musically the band hasn't changed much happily, so this CD is also a very interesting AOR album. There are 10 songs on the record and the production is better than the STONE ROMEO album. The CD starts with the good semi melodic rocker "Dying to live".

Next track "Three margaritas" is a great fun uptempo AOR rocker. Then comes the lovely AOR ballad "Desire", one of the best songs on the album. Up next is one of the few weaker songs, namely the poppy "Nothing in particular". The good semi melodic rocker "Water Street" follows. "Don't put your X on me" starts a bit 90s rock orientated, but develops into a fine AOR song, especially because the chorus is pure AOR. Another favourite song of mine is the semi AOR ballad "Calles de muerte". This song has Latin influences, and contains an excellent chorus. "Sunday morning" is a calmer ballad, while the bluesy "One of those things" is nothing special.

The CD closes with the simple boogie poprocker "Farmer's daughters". Although the last 3 songs are nothing special, the rest of the CD is really great AOR/Melodic Rock. It's not pure 80s AOR, but the band has an updated radio-friendly sound that sounds super melodic. Check it out at: http://www.truthrock.com and e-mail them at: thetruth@truthrock.com

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

TOM PALMER from California has an awesome voice, comparable to STEVE PERRY, DAVE BALDWIN, TIMOTHY LEWIS… Only his songs are not that sensational, not because they're bad, but partly due to the fact that they are very soft and calm. The electric guitar is an instrument that is necessary to write some pure AOR, and unfortunately almost all songs miss that. On the other hand, don't let that put you off, because TOM PALMER is a very talented guy who has released a great soft AOR/Poprock album. The vocals, hooks and harmonies in all the songs on the CD are simply beautiful and from a very high level. Also the production is very impressive, so nothing stands in your way to check out this wonderful release.

The only thing is that there are no rocking tunes on the album, as Tom has a soft spot for calmer (semi) AOR/Poprock ballads. You can best compare this album with the likes of JOHN TAGLIERI, JESS HARNELL, DAVE BALDWIN and BON JOVI. Like I already said, between the included 11 songs, we can hear a lot of (semi) ballads. My favourites are "Seven sisters from heaven", "Invitation", "Just how it feels", "A place in your heart", "Alone with you" and "Can't let go" (wonderful song!).

The only song that isn't a ballad is the poprocker "The man I left behind" that sounds like a cross between NELSON and INNUENDO. The best song of the whole CD is definitely "Listen to my heart". This song has some beautiful 80s AOR based piano/keys and also finally has the electric guitar pushed up to the front. The song itself is a classy superb 80s Power AOR ballad a la JOURNEY/BAD ENGLISH/TIMOTHY LEWIS. If Tom would make some more of such songs and add some rockers with more electric guitars, then we can easily speak of the new AOR sensation.

For now, his songs are a bit too soft, but believe me, they are not bad at all. I only miss that electric guitar after a while. Tom's vocals on the other hand are superb and that's something that also needs to be mentioned here. Anyway, check it out for yourself at: http://www.tompalmer.net and e-mail at: monkeybeanmusic@yahoo.com

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

This band comes out of Helsinki, Finland features 3 girls and one guy (who plays guitar). Musically they play energetic 80s typed melodic hard rock with raw vocals of female vocalist Katriina Wiiala. There are 3 songs on the band's demo. Two uptempo rockers ("Black ice" and "Wild at heart") and a semi rocker called "Rosalie" that made it to the top of the Heavy Metal charts on mp3.com! Not a bad start for a band founded late 1999. More info on this Finish band at: http://www.mp3.com/aororak and e-mail them at: jr_aurora@yahoo.com

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

This is not a new album of this Swedish melodic metal band. 'Stargate' was released in 1998, but only in Japan, so this European release is kind of new for the Europeans. The CD has two bonustracks, so even more interesting for the fans of this band to check out the album. Hearing this oldie (only 3 years old!), I must say that their latest CD is a little bit better than their earlier works. It's not bad what we hear, but the songs of the band's last CD 'Resurrection' are just better than the songs of this second CD. This is also partly due to the fact that STORMWIND had a different singer back then, namely female singer Angelica Haggstrom. Nevertheless, there are still plenty good melodic heavy rocksongs on the album, such as "Stargate", "Cry for your love" and the very impressive AOR/Melodic Rocker "Drive my way home". If you didn't bought the Japanese release, then this European release is even more worth the money…

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

FLAMBOROUGH HEAD is a Dutch Sympho/Progressive Rockband and the band just released their new CD 'Defining the legacy'. The songs of the band have a lot in common with the old MARILLION albums from the early/mid 1980s, so you really hear something good on this disc. The production is also very impressive and almost all the 7 songs have a playing near time around 10 minutes, so there's a lot to enjoy on the new record of the band. Keyboardplayer Edo Spanninga and guitarist Andre Cents are doing some very interesting instrumental duels with each other on every song.

My favourite tracks are "Garden of dreams" and "Impulse", two great sympho/progressive rocksongs a la JADIS. The other songs are also pretty nice and can more be compared to MARILLION circa 1983. Especially the first song "Defining the legacy" sounds a lot like MARILLION in their early days. Just listen to the wonderful keyboardwork and the guitarsolo in this first song and you know how MARILLION sounded when they made really good progressive/symphonic Rock. I must add here that FLAMBOROUGH HEAD is not a MARILLION copy, because they have a sound of their own and they do it really well. I rather hear this band then the last couple of MARILLION albums. This CD is a total must for every fan of Progressive/Symphonic Rock! Check out their site at: http://www.oocities.org/SunsetStrip/Backstage/5383/home.htm

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

German Melo-rockers DOMAIN are back with a hot new release entitled 'One million lightyears from home'. The titletrack opens the album. This first song is sounding like an old DOMAIN anthem with a chorus that grabs back to medieval times! The band hasn't changed at all, so they still perform good quality melodic rock in the best 80s tradition. My favourite songs are "Can't stand (what you do to me)" (semi melodic rocker with a very catchy chorus a la JADED HEART), "Wings of destiny" (semi ballad a la JADED HEART again), "New horizon" (fantastic 80s AOR rocker) and "When it comes to love" (beautiful keys are being used in this lovely semi AOR ballad in the best 80s Power ballad tradition, the harmonies of the chorus are very close to JADED HEART again).

Although the whole CD has a pure 80s melodic rock vibe, the band also added some modern influences. These are the weaker 90s typed rockers "Price of time" and "Blistered soul". Last song I would like to mention is the closing track "Gary-boy", a tribute to GARY MOORE. This instrumental ballad sounds indeed a lot like GARY MOORE's "The loner", so the band has really done a good tribute song to the legendary guitarist. The new DOMAIN CD is a very good record and if you're into 80s European Melodic Rock (read: JADED HEAT, DOMINOE, ZENO), then you really need to buy this album. More info at: http://www.domain.de

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

KORE is a French band from the city of Nantes and they sing in Esperanto (the international language) on their debut CD. Musically they play a mixture of AOR, Progressive/Symphonic Rock and Pop/Rock. The band has a very good singer, but unfortunately I couldn't find his name, due to the fact that everything on the disc is written in Esperanto. This is probably the first Esperanto band I review and I have to say it sounds pretty good. The band sounds very melodic and at times pretty sensational. The CD counts only 7 songs, but they are all worth listening too.

First track "La testo" is a very good semi-ballad with AOR and Progressive elements. Up next is the pop orientated "Jhaluzo". "Sen ghu" follows and is a good uptempo progressive AOR song a la ASIA. Then we get to hear a dance beat in the song "Vivo-riske", but the song itself is actually a melodic rocker. The catchy chorus and the dance beat could easily make it a winner for today's radio-stations.

The ballad "La songoj" starts pretty calm with some very nice keys, but develops into a very impressive Power AOR ballad with a great guitarsolo. "La songhoj" is definitely one of the best songs included on the disc. Next track is "Pasanta pasio", a weaker modern sounding pop/rock song. Closing track "Malkonsento" starts a bit modern, but the chorus is very melodic and sounds pretty good.

KORE is a very good band that offers quality music in which a lot of styles are present. Fans of LAFASE, CODA, TERCER ACTO also need to check out the album, because I think there's a chance they will like it as much as I did. More info at: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/elkore and e-mail them at: vinilkosmo@esperanto.org

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

TRACER is a band from Illinois, USA that changed their name into TRACER X for their second CD 'Tracing the heavens'. But first I'll discuss their debut from 1997. This CD is filled with some very good 80s typed American Melodic Rock with great vocals and songs a la TYKETTO. The best songs are the calmer melodic semi ballad "Evening tide", the uptempo melodic rocker "Winter nights" (TYKETTO meets early 80s Hard Rock, a very catchy chorus) and the semi melodic rockballad "Midnight sun". There were only 6 songs on the band's debut, but it is a recommended Melodic Hard Rock album. Read further below how the story develops…

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

A slight change in bandname, from TRACER into TRACER X and a new CD. 'Tracing the heavens' was released last year and there is also a slight change in style. The songs are heavier and less melodic than their debut. That's a pity, because the band sounded very strong on their debut. I even compared them to TYKETTO, but that comparison can not be made on the band's new CD. Songs like "Deep in space", "Here I come" and "Master of pain" are very heavy rocksongs with a 90s attitude. The second part of the CD is much better and contains some good melodic hardrocksongs, such as "Kingdom I am", "Sins of the father" and the Shock/Party-rocksong "License to rock" (pure 80s, a la RATT, WASP, LONDON). I prefer the melodic rockstyle of their debut, but if you're into an updated heavy sound, you might also want to check out TRACER X' latest release. The band is currently working on the follow-up to 'Tracing the heavens'. More news will follow… Check out their site at: TRACER_X and e-mail them at: TRACER@mindspring.com

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

This band is situated in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA and is signed to the UK label A2 RECORDS. This label will release the band's debut CD next month, so this is a sneak preview. The only negative thing I have to add is the production that could have been a bit fuller in general, but on the other hand, the music of KNIGHT CRAWLER is very impressive 80s typed AOR/Melodic Rock. I hear similarities to bands like AVIATOR, TOUR DE FORCE, CAPTIVE HEART, HIT THE GROUND RUNNIN' and even the early 707 records… So, this CD is quite a sensational record filled with killer AOR tunes and not a single weaker song.

My favourite tracks are "World of make believe" (80s uptempo AOR a la TOUR DE FORCE, CAPTIVE HEART), Leave it where it is" (perfect pure AOR a la AVIATOR), "Heartbreaker" (hello 80s L.A. Melodic Rock, very much like LOUD'N'CLEAR), "If U want me" (great semi AOR ballad) and the early 80s typed AOR/Radiorocker "Tumblin' dice" (a la early 707). The whole album kicks ass and if only the production would sound bigger, than this would be one of the best releases of 2001 so far!

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

This band is formed around the Italian guitarist Alex DeRosso. His new CD is entitled 'Ossimoro' and features the vocal talents of Adam Cook, bassist Nick Barbuti and drummer Dave Zanetti. Musically we hear well-performed melodic heavy rock. The best songs are the semi rockers "Displaced", "Change of soul", the calmer ballad "'Til I know" and the semi melodic rocker "Tell me why". This CD is recommended to those of you who like Classic 70s typed Hard Rock with melodic overtones (kinda like the old RAINBOW). The star of the CD is without any doubts guitarist Alex DeRosso who proves to be a huge talent. Only the songs are not always convincing, something to improve on a future record. Nevertheless, a fine release by this LA based band around the Italian guitarist.

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

Third and best solo album based on the novel "Lord Of The Rings" from ex Magnum singer Bob Catley. As with his previous outings "Middle Earth" has been co written by Ten frontman Gary Hughes (who also plays on the keyboards) and also features Vinny Burns on guitar. I have to say that I enjoyed Vinny's playing throughout this album, it feels as if Vinny has been let loose alot more than on previous recordings and his playing has a somewhat classic rock feel throughout "Middle Earth". The albums songs are varied and very keyboard orientated, and there are times when the trio of Caltey/Hughes and Burns almost show vintage progressive edges such as on 'The Fields That I Recall' which is broken down into three segments and is defintley one of the albums best tracks.

What I like about this album is that it has a very dark epical feel which explores many musical roots, the songs are easier to get on with and the melodies are simple but effective throughout, check out the very catchy 'The City Walls' and  'Against The Wind'. Now I really like this song which features Tracy Hitchings, again it's a simple keyboard orientated song with a great chorus and could be released as a single. Next up is the rather beautiful eight minute long epic 'Where You Lead I'll Follow', which is one of the best songs that Gary Hughes has written and like 'The Fields That I Recall' this song is broken down into segments including 'Stormcrow And Pilgrim' and 'Where You Lead I'll Follow (reprise)' and is beautifully sung by Bob, you can actually feel the emotion in his voice as the song cries out from his heart.

'Return Of The Mountain King' is another brilliant song whilst the haunting piano melodies, lyrics and orchestrations of 'The End Of The Summer (Galadriel's Theme)' show elements of early Magnum and is another of my favourite songs. Now then, I mentioned earlier that "Middle Earth" has progressive twists, well look no further than the inspirational 'This Gallant Band Of Manic Strangers' for evidence. This song works brilliantly and is yet more class from the pen of Gary Hughes and is defintley a classic piece of epic rock. The last song 'The Fellowship' ends "Middle Earth" on a softer balladic note. I'm not sure if the time is actually right for a Magnum reunion right now as both Bob and Gary Hughes have a great chemistry that needs to be explored further. Overall this album is a grandiose affair and is the best album of Bob's solo career so far. Recommended.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

We do tend to rant and rave about alot of bands here at Strutter, addmitdley on occasion there have been a few bands that gained slightly over the top reviews, but for the most part if we enjoy something then it deserves our praise, and from the reports I have been getting 8/10 times we are correct, even other magazine such as Voltz and Fireworks in the UK, Rock Report and Worldy Remains in the US are starting to acknowledge what we are trying to do here, which is to get bands noticed by the record buying public and record labels which we have been pretty succesful at.

I know alot of our readers are interested in finding out about new and upcoming bands, whilst other readers accuse of us raving about EVERYTHING. I hear from these people who come back to me saying they are dissapointed with some of the bands we have raved about. At the end of the day we can't help liking what we personnaly find enjoyable, thus you can't please everyone, as everyone has different tastes, I personally try to be constructive in my reviews, but at the end of the day our job is to let everyone now about these new bands good or bad, the choice is yours and you can always check out most independent bands at mp3.com or listen.com before actually buying the albums, but we do our best to give you some indication of an albums style and structure.

Now then whilst on the subject of "ranting and raving", I have to stress that Tennesse based AOR sensations PRIMAL HEART deserve your attention if your a fan of bands like Alias, The Storm, Journey and mid eighties AOR. Whilst at times a little to wimpy with far too many ballads, Primal Heart for the most part play pure AOR HEAVEN with songs like 'The Ghost Of Elvis' and 'I Need A Miracle' coming across as good as any eighties AOR song from any of the afforementioned bands and the big power ballad 'How Were We To Know' being a deadringer for The Storm and Alias. The most important factor of Primal Heart is singer Robby Owen. Robby has a fantastic voice in the vein of Freddy Curci, Kevin Chalfant, Steve Perry and Timothy Lewis that makes these songs stand up.

As I said this is an almost faultless album, the songs are lyrically strong and foot tappingly catchy, but I find that the drums tend to spoil the albums feel, the drums are either played live or come from a drum machine which spoils the albums feel. But I'll say this now, despite this minor quibble Robby's voice is what true AOR kings crave for, defintley a singer inspired by Freddy Curci and all the greats. Despite being riddled with ballads "Just Once" is a quality album which I hope the band can take one step further on their next release. If they do, then they are guranteed a deserved record deal. Check Primal Heart out at www.listen.com or www.mp3.com

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)