Swiss melodic rockers GOTTHARD return with a new studio-CD entitled 'Homerun'. Their previous album 'Open' sold very well in their homecountry Switzerland, putting them nearly as popular as KROKUS used to be back in the 80s. The fifth CD is called 'Homerun' and this new album is a good follow-up to the previous record. Musically they play the same musicstyle happily, so again we can hear great melodic rock with aor influences. Chris Von Rohr (KROKUS) and guitarist/keyboardplayer Leo Leoni have produced the new CD.

The tempo changes from time to time, as the CD starts with a great semi melodic rocker titled "Everything can change" (a la FAIR WARNING) and is followed by two uptempo songs. "Take it easy" is a nice fun summer typed uptempo melodic rocker and "Light in your eyes" is a great uptempo AOR rocker with a slight BON JOVI influence. Then we're right into AOR HEAVEN with the beautiful radio-friendly AOR ballad "Heaven". This is one of my favourite tracks and shows a very melodic and polished side of GOTTHARD. The acoustic ballad "Lonely people" is a very laid-back song a la EXTREME. Then we get to hear two midtempo rockers, namely "Eagle" (a la JADED HEART) and the groovy "End of time".

The last 4 tracks belong to the best songs of the whole CD (together with the earlier mentioned "Heaven" of course!). First there is the great semi AOR ballad "Say goodbye". Then there's the fantastic midtempo AOR song "Reason to live", kinda like Norwegian HUSH (when's that new album coming?). The fun is back on the uptempo melodic rocker "Come along". Closing track is the very good semi melodic rockballad "Homerun". This final track is not only the titletrack, but also the longest song on the CD that has a cool part during the middle of the song. During that part of the song, you can hear parts of old GOTTHARD songs instead of the good old guitarsolo.

Anyway, a fine return by one of the best Swiss melodic rockbands ever. This new CD of GOTTHARD has already reach the highest position in Switzerland and it will probably be one of the best selling albums in that country. Now let's hope also the rest of Europe and abroad will understand that this GOTTHARD is a band to keep your eye on…

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

Who would have thought we had to wait for the first CD release of the Drummer of NIGHT RANGER to hear someone performing the good old Melodic Rock/AOR we used to hear from that legendary AOR band. After disappointing releases of NIGHT RANGER, the terrible SHAW/BLADES one-off record and a nothing too special BRAD GILLIS release, it is the first CD of the NIGHT RANGER drummer Kelly Keagy who takes a step back in time and proves that AOR ain't dead at all. 'Time passes' should have been the NIGHT RANGER album they never recorded in the 90s as a comeback record.

The CD counts 11 tracks of which a lot of them sound very much like the good old 80s days of NIGHT RANGER, yet with an updated guitarsound every now and then. I like this record a lot more than the 3 NIGHT RANGER albums from the last decade that were basically all rubbish! This CD contains some wonderful classy AOR/Melodic Rocktunes written and co-written by AOR legends such as KEVIN CHALFANT, JIM PETERIK and even Jack Blades (who seems to still like AOR/Melodic Rock!).

The first couple of tracks ("Anything goes", "Before anybody knows I'm gone" and "Acid rain" are good uptempo MHR songs that capture the old classic NIGHT RANGER style, yet with a bit heavier guitarsound and rawer vocals of Kelly himself. Kelly seems to be singing very well and comes rather close to Jack Blades' style of singing with NIGHT RANGER back in the 80s. My favourite tracks are the semi AOR ballads "Too much to ask", "Too close to the sun", "Where there's a woman" and "The journey" (superb classic 80s AOR like SURVIVOR meets 80s NIGHT RANGER).

The writing help of Jim Peterik seems to have given this CD a very AOR style direction. People who have been waiting for NIGHT RANGER really returning to their roots, the wait is finally over, because it is drummer/singer Kelly Keagy who has released a good AOR/Melodic Rockalbum that easily beats the last 3 NIGHT RANGER albums (not counting the live record!). The last thing I need to add is that the CD will be released on April the 23rd, so you have to wait a few weeks, before purchasing it from your local record shop.

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

High quality Progressive/Symphonic Rock from my own country, The Netherlands. The band's first CD is titled 'Quest for the heartland' and counts 4 songs. The band sounds very professional and also their CD Booklet looks pretty impressive. The artwork of the CD was done by Mattias Noren from Sweden who also designed artwork for ARENA. The production is very good and some songs are really sensational. The band sounds like the perfect mixture between ARENA, JADIS, ASIA and IQ.

The first song of the CD is called 'The code'. This song is divided in two parts, the first one is called "Doorway", while the second part is named "Memories". That opening track is a good progressive melodic rocksong a la JADIS with excellent lead vocals of singer Erwin Boerenkamps. Up next is the Symphonic AOR/Melodic Rocksong "Life in your mind", a song with a beautiful chorus.

Then we get to hear some fantastic cheerful 80s typed keyboards in the lovely uptempo Sympho-AOR tune "Your pride". This very catchy song has some clear ASIA references, while the keyboardwork of keyboardplayer John van Heugten is huge. This is the best track and also the most polished song of the record, a song that will be a welcome to hear the band playing live on stage.

The CD closes nicely with the titletrack "Quest for the heartland", a nice calmer progressive song that has influences from JADIS and IQ. RICOCHER is a band that is a must for people who like Sympho/Progressive Rockmusic, but also the AOR fan will enjoy all the melodic elements of this wonderful band.

There are many more Dutch progressive/symphonic bands out there at the moment, but this RICOCHER is one of the finest. Pretty soon an interview with them, for now, check out their site at: http://www.ricocher.com and e-mail them at: John.van.Heugten@bkl.nl

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

This LA based band is definitely one to check out as soon as possible, because this is music from a very high quality. I need to add that some of the bandmembers already gained some popularity. For example, the Swedish members of the band, Marten Andersson on bass and Jonas Hanson on guitar and keys, both played in several popular Hard Rock acts such as LIZZY BORDEN, TAKARA, SILVER MOUNTAIN and ALCATRAZ. The demo CDR LEGACY sent me is a very impressive rockalbum with some great 80s typed Classic Melodic Hard Rocksongs (imagine a mix of MALMSTEEN, TNT and DOKKEN).

Just listen to the opening tune "Troubleshooter" and you'll be hooked for sure. This first track is a great uptempo melodic hardrocksong that sounds like the classic mid 80s (with a bit of TAKARA). Not as good, but still nice heavy rockers are the following two songs ("Underdog" and "Tool"), both sounding a bit more updated for today's rockformat. Then we're dropping into classic 80s melodic rock with the song "Autumn rising". BY far, this is the best song of the whole record, because it features everything to make it a classy piece of 80s Hard Rock. The MALMSTEEN typed guitarsolo's, the brilliant vocals of singer Chris Roseberry and the catchy chorus (a la DOKKEN, VELOCITY) make this uptempo melodic rocker a true winner.

Next track "Mission of mercy" is a very good strong 80s typed uptempo US Melodic HR song (a la ICON, LION). "Leave it alone" follows and is a bit weaker, but the following 3 songs are quite convincing again. First up there is the instrumental melodic rocker "2.4.1." (Better than the last MALMSTEEN record!). Then there's the lovely semi melodic rock (ballad) "Can't remember love". And there's the good MHR song "My last sunrise". The closing two songs are both nice instrumental tracks.

This LEGACY is a big recommendation worth and it would not surprise me if some recordlabel offers them a record deal, because this demo CDR proves they are an act to be watched out for! More info can be found at: http://www.legacylive.com and e-mail them at: webmaster@legacylive.com

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

'Tragic' is the sixth studio album of this American AOR 'legend' PHIL VINCENT. I think that this new CD is his best effort, because everything seems to sound perfect now. I wonder how long it will take for people to discover this amazing AOR talent from Rhode Island. Just listen to the first couple of songs and you'll be hooked for the rest of the album and will be desperate to play them over and over again. Songs like "Stand or fall", "Where do we go from here?", "So sad", "Hard to say goodbye" (a la RUSS BALLARD's 1984 album) and "Life is a game" (re-recorded song) are just wonderful pure 80s AOR/Melodic Rocksongs that belong to the best this genre has to offer at the moment. Towards the end of the CD, the songs are a bit less sensational, such as the nice rockers "My life", "Long night" and the 90s inspired "Changing faces". Nevertheless, this CD remains to be a must for all the fans of quality AOR/Melodic Rock. Also check out Phil's website at: http://www.philvincent.com

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

48 ROSES is made up of members of local Swedish Melodic Rockbands. They just released their debut CD. The CD counts 4 tracks and musically it basically is in the same melodic rockstyle as BLACK ROSE. Opener "Beauty and the beast" is a good uptempo melodic rocker. Next track "Do you believe" features some cool keyboards, while the song itself is a great uptempo AOR rocker (a la ALIEN, AMAZE ME). A bit experimental and heavier is the AOR song "Child of the war" that also has a catchy chorus. Closing track of this good mini-CD is the instrumental melodic Pomprocker "Time". A fine release by 48 ROSES, let's hope they will release more stuff in the future. For now, check out their site at: http://go.to/48roses and e-mail them at: 48roses@telia.com

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

This is not the same BRIAN HOWE who sang on a couple of fantastic BAD COMPANY records during the 80s. That Brian also released a solo-CD, but unfortunately he got stuck into Pop territory on that album. This BRIAN HOWE on the other hand is definitely playing Rockmusic and is working on his debut CD that should be finished later this year. He sent me a demo CDR with 5 demo songs that eventually will end up on his debut CD. The CDR starts with the rocker "In the name of rock&roll". This first song has a great melodic chorus and has some groovy rockinfluences.

Next track "Balls to the wall" is very groovy and also weaker. Then we get to hear the best song, namely "Steppin' out" (a great uptempo early 80s AOR/Radiorocker). The semi-ballad "The kill" is up next, while the good semi melodic rocker "Racing into nowhere" closes the demo CDR nicely. Brian has recorded some good tunes and I already look forward to his official debut CD release. For now, more info at: http://www.mp3.com and e-mail him at: howeb69@hotmail.com

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

THE REIGN OF TERROR already has released two albums, namely 'Light in the sky' in 1995 and 'Second coming' in 1997. I never heard those albums, so the band's third CD release 'Sacred ground' was quite a welcome as it was a very impressive melodic metal record. The band consists of guitarist JOE STUMP (4 solo releases), vocalist MIKE VESCARA (LOUDNESS/MALMSTEEN), bassist Jay Rigney and drummer Matt Surfield. So with this impressive line-up you can't go wrong and 'Sacred ground' is indeed a very good high quality melodic heavy rock/metal record.

The CD starts with the faster melodic uptempo metal tunes "Save me" and "Sacred ground". Later on the CD we can hear some more of such songs, but the band also has some great melodic rocksongs on their new CD. The song "The unknown" is a fantastic 80s typed melodic rock with a great catchy chorus and a sound somewhere between DOKKEN and CITA/GUILD OF AGES. Other favourite tracks of mine are the slowtempo melodic rocker "When will we know", the semi melodic heavy rocker "Last time" and "Still holding on" with it's very long instrumental guitarwork.

The guitarwork of all songs is very impressive, but that's due to Joe Stomp's performances who does a great job like he always does on any record he plays. And of course Mike's vocals are perfect for this type of music. Combine MALMSTEEN, RAINBOW, LOUDNESS and heavy melodic acts such as STRATOVARIUS and LIZZY BORDEN and you're somewhere close to the sound of THE REIGN OF TERROR.

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

The first full-length CD of this German band is not really showcasing the style we usually get to hear from LIMB MUSIC. GUN BARREL is nothing more than a typical German Rock'n'roll/Metal band in the mouth of RUNNING WILD, SADO, RAILWAY, RESTLESS with standard uptempo metal songs that have a lot of screaming and at times they throw in a melodic rocker (such as "Gone with the wind" that is akin to PINK CREAM 69). Don't let them fool you when you hear that people who worked with KAMELOT, ANGRA, AXEL RUDI PELL also helped GUN BARREL, because musically this CD is filled with standard Hard Rock/Metal that never is impressive. Only recommended if you want to hear Rock/Metal a la SADO, RAILWAY, RUNNING WILD, D.A.D., and SAXON and so on and so on…

Rating: 6/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

ENFORCED is a band from Utrecht, Holland and their debut CD is called 'Can U feel', a mini-album with 4 songs. The production is not sensational, but the songs are pretty nice. The band has created an own style that sounds very melodic during the chorus lines. Opener "Understanding" is a good example of the band's sound. This uptempo rocker has a very good melodic chorus. The following two songs ("Sad goodbye" and "Bridge 1 part 2") are both ballads. Closing track is the rocker "The answer". I think that this band sounds much better live, but with a better production and more melodic stuff such as their song "Understanding", we can add another fine band from The Netherlands. More info at: http://www.enforced.net and e-mail them at: niels@enforced.demon.nl

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

I remember a Swiss band called IRON CROSS that delivered us one nice melodic heavy rockalbum in the mid 80s and then disappeared into obscurity. This American IRON CROSS is a different story, because they hail from Columbus, Ohio (a place where many bands come from). They released a CDR titled 'Deliverance'. There are 9 tracks on the record. Musically we get to hear a mixture of 80s Hard Rock, 90s Rock and elements of the groovy 70s rock. The production is not that sensational, but we can live with it.

The best songs can be heard towards the end of the album. These are the good uptempo melodic rocker "Time after time" and the great 80s typed melodic rocker "Without you". If you like straight-ahead 80s Hard Rock (with AC/DC riffs), then be sure to listen to the song "All hell…it's gonna break loose" (just read out the title and you're listening to KISS covering an AC/DC tune, only a few levels lower of course). The weaker songs are the 90s typed rockers "Broken glass" and "All the same". Check out IRON CROSS for yourself at: http://www.ironcrossrocks.com and e-mail them at: ironkk@aol.com

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

MARK 1 is situated around multi-instrumentalist Mark Sipin who did almost everything on his debut record. Mark has been playing music for the past 20 years and recorded, played and performed with a few bands, so he has a lot experience. Unfortunately I never heard music of these acts, so this is the first time I am facing his music. I have to say that the production and sound quality is not good on the record, because songs like "The awful truth" are sounding like old demo tapes. A lot of times it reminds me of workaholic Rick Ray, of whom we reviewed a bunch of albums the past couple months.

The CD contains Rock, with influences from Hard Rock, 70s Groovy Rock and some instrumental parts. The best songs are the semi melodic rockballad "Would you" (with guest singer Ben Hill on vocals) and the good uptempo 80s melodic rocker "Jesus is arrested". I wonder how it all would sound with a better production and guest singer Ben Hill singing on all songs, because he has a much better voice. If that would happen on a future record, then I am looking forward to hear it. For now, check out for yourself how MARK 1 sounds at: http://www.mp3.com/marksipin and e-mail at: UnityStylus@hotmail.com

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

I received another 5 CDs by multi-instrumentalist RICK RAY. The CDs are titled 'Living in an insane world', 'Looking into the past', 'Clone man', 'Atomic soldiers' and 'Balance of power'. Rick has released about 16 (!!!) CDs in nearly two years, so I guess you can say that the man is a workaholic. But on the other hand too many releases will also show the man's weakness. The production is pretty average at times and after hearing so many songs of the same guy really is giving you the old 'where did I hear that before' idea.

Nevertheless, some of the songs on the CD really sound o.k. to my ears as they indicate good performed 70s typed progressive hard rock. If I have to say which album is the best out of these five, I would pick 'Balance of power'. This CD has a lot of good produced instrumental melodic rockers. You can check out more info on Rick at: http://communities.msn.com/GuitaristRickRay&naventryid=100

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

This American band is playing pure 80s inspired Melodic Hard Rock and their 4-track mini-CD sounds pretty good. The production is also sounding very nice, so I guess you can add here that this is an interesting band well worth checking out. The first song, "Hurricane" is a bit groovy, but the melodic chorus is very nice. Up next is the best song, namely the 80s melodic rocker "Don't give up the fight" (a la DANGER DANGER, VON GROOVE). "Trick or treat" follows and is a nice ROUGH CUTT typed Hard Rock tune. The CD closes nicely with the tough straight-ahead 80s Hard Rock song "Tunnel of love" that brings back memories of the first RATT mini-LP from 1983. A good band that has got my recommendation if you're into any of the mentioned acts. Website: http://www.masquesfunhouse.com and e-mail: masque@masquesfunhouse.com

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

GRANDESOL is a band from Chile, and actually it's the first band I ever hear from that South-American country. Their debut CD 'Enter' sounds pretty good, as it has a good production, melodic vocals and nice songs. Opener "Sol" is one of the best tunes. This first track is a great relaxing 80s typed uptempo symphonic AOR song with some very nice keyboardwork. Weaker are the pop orientated pieces "Pureza y perfeccion", "Apenas te dejas ver", "The perfect match" and "Hazme ver el sol", all 4 being very modern pop based.

Songs that impressed me a lot more are the uptempo AOR/Melodic Rocker "Dolor", the good instrumental uptempo progressive Pomprocker "Prog" (nice keys again), "Angel de lagrimas" (great 80s AOR, best song of the whole CD) and the calmer progressive AOR ballad "Aqua dulce". GRANDESOL is the first band from Chile and I have to say that it all sounds pretty well for a Latin-Rockband. Check out their site at: http://www.grandesol.scd.cl and e-mail at: grandesol@hotmail.com

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

STYGMA is an Austrian Metal band that already released two CDs under the name BIG HEAT and two records under the STYGMA bandname that they are still called. The new CD is titled 'Phobia' and is released through the German label RISING SUN RECORDS. Musically they play a mixture of 90s Progressive Metal and 80s Heavy Rock/Metal. There are some very heavy songs on the album such as the fast opener "Isolation" and the slow (depressing) "Fool ID". The best songs are the very melodic "Ricochet" and the 80s typed Hard Rock/Metal songs "Inhumanity" and the MAIDEN cover "22 Acacia avenue" (both sounding like VIRGIN STEELE). This new CD is recommended if you're into pure Heavy Metal like a mix between MANOWAR (the heaviness) and IRON MAIDEN (the melodies).

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

PULL are from New York and their CD 'Ahead' is a very heavy CD that seems to have more in common with METALLICA then our type of music. Still I have to say that they try to play an own style and above all, unlike many other indie bands, PULL has a monstrous production. The beginning of the CD intends to sound very heavy, because songs like "Down", "Brain damage" and "Road rage" are pure 90s Alternative Metal songs with a lot of METALLICA influences.

The second part of the CD features a lot more melodic songs. The track "Let me down" is basically a great melodic rocksong (with even keyboards!). Also closing track "Last breath" is a pretty good Hard Rock song with a good melody. These last two mentioned tracks show a very melodic PULL that still sounds heavy, but just much better than the first couple of tracks. Put the two together and you have a very diverse record. Hopefully the next CD will bring some more melodic tunes a la "Let me down" or "Last breath". Nevertheless, this PULL need to be pulled by the fans of heavy 90s metal with a melodic rock influence slipped through in some songs. More info at: http://www.pull.iwarp.com and e-mail them at: pull_rocks@hotmail.com

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

This American act is formed around singer Paul Galante, guitarist Brian Blose and a band called THE REST. Recordings took place between 1986 and 1998. Musically it is 80s typed melodic (Hard) Rock, not unlike BAD BOY and STREETHEART in their younger years. The best song of the whole CD is definitely the fantastic early 80s typed AOR/Radiorocker "Call" with it's cool keyboardsounds and very melodic approach.

Most of the other 13 songs are just nice (Hard) Rock tracks, with as best ones the rockers "Who'll stop us now", "Answers", "I need your love" and "The time is right". I have no clue what these guys are up to right now, but check this recording out for yourself at: http://www.mp3.com/GBtheRest and e-mail them at: bkbmusic@ptd.net

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

Next week this CD of American guitarist Iain Ashley Hersey will be released in Europe through Frontiers Records. The album has already been released in the USA a few years ago, but now also the European fans may enjoy the talents of this guitarist. Singers on the record include PAUL SHORTINO, MIKE STONE and DANTE NARCHI. The music is pretty diverse and ranges from Classic Hard Rock (a la RAINBOW), AOR/Melodic Rock and Instrumental tracks (a la GARY MOORE). I've got a soft spot for the fantastic AOR/Melodic Rocksongs "Distant memories" and "Hold on" (with a very emotional Paul Shortino singing on the top of his lungs).

People who enjoy Classic Hard Rock a la RAINBOW/DEEP PURPLE may enjoy a lot the songs "License to kill" and "On the edge". You can also hear some bluesy melodic rock a la WHITESNAKE in the song "Over my head", while the fans of instrumental guitarwork will like the 4 instrumentals on the albums, with the closing track "Moriah" sounding a lot like GARY MOORE. All sorts of styles appear on the record and if you like STUART SMITH for example, then this might be a good alternative to check out, because Stuart's new record may take a few months.

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

This American outfit is one of the few bands on the Escape Music label that actually has absolutely nothing to do with AOR music. ASHES TO ASHES are sounding like a cross between the 90s rock (MATCHBOX 20, COLLECTIVE SOUL) and the quirky 70s poprock (CITY BOY, CHEAP TRICK). I must say that this is not really my kind of music, but ok, here and there, we can hear some nice tunes on the band's debut CD. The first two songs ("Dead wrong" and "I will make you mine") are good uptempo melodic rockers with catchy harmonyvocals during the choruses. Very average sound the 90s typed alternative poprockers "Underground", "Radio red" and "Wetter".

Most of the songs really sound like CHEAP TRICK and CITY BOY during their 70s years. The CD is full of 90s radio poprock influences, so I am not sure if Escape Music is trying to
switch from their true AOR genre to a modern rocksound with this release. I guess AOR fans will not really be interested in ASHES TO ASHES, but on the other hand, if you're fed up with AOR and are interested in checking out something melodic with an updated 90s rocksound, then this band might just be perfect for you.

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

This is a good old American MHR band with a sound that basically was huge in the late 80s. I hear similarities to bands like TESLA, GREAT WHITE, SKID ROW, WINGER and even some DOKKEN. The first couple of songs are pretty good, such as the late 80s uptempo LA MHR song "After the rain". This straight-ahead 'hair-metal' song sounds like a heavier version of DOKKEN. Other good tracks are the melodic rockballad "Dreamin' my life away" (SKID ROW/WARRANT ballads), "Mirror mirror" (straight-ahead HR) and the semi-ballad "Kenna". The second part of the CD is a bit weaker with such groovy HR songs like "69 me" and "Outta here". The CD closes with the acoustic ballad "Fly away" that vocally fails a bit.

Nevertheless, the band sounds pretty nice and if you like late 80s Am. Mainstream Hard Rock in the veins of SKID ROW, WARRANT and with the grooves of TESLA and GREAT WHITE, then this MIRROR MIRROR might be the band you have looked for. More info at: http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/200/mirror_mirror1.html and e-mail them at: mirror22@excite.com

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

'Anomaly' will be the title of the full-length debut CD of the Milwaukee settled progressive hard rock/metal band STRANGE LAND. This CDR contains rough mixes of 3 tracks that will probably end up on the band's first album. "Not for this world" and "Nothinghead" are both very progressive and also quite heavy in approach, nevertheless they sound very professional and should gain them a position up there with other progressive metal acts. The third song on the other hand is the best song on offer here. The song is called "All things considered" and this is a great progressive melodic rocker with a stunning chorus that combines perfect melodic vocals and harmonies. Some more of these catchy progressive tunes and this STRANGE LAND may be counted as one of the latest sensations from the USA. I look forward to their debut CD, in the meantime, for more info, visit their site at: http://www.strange-land.net and e-mail them at: strange-land@apexmail.com

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

'Ten from 2' is the stunning album of American Christian AOR rockers CRY HOLY I reviewed last year. I also interviewed the band and this all led to more attention for the band here in Europe. The CD is now distributed in Europe, completely with a new CD-cover, a booklet and all songs have been re-mastered. There is even a new track on the album called "On the move", a nice instrumental track with some TOTO references. CRY HOLY is definitely a band to check out if you're into classic 80s AOR in the SURVIVOR, JOURNEY, PREVIEW, LE ROUX, FRANKE AND THE KNOCKOUTS territory. Just check out the lovely uptempo AOR rockers "Masquerade ball", "I wanna be free", the beautiful "Shadow of my wings" and the ballad "Life with an angel", then you're hooked for sure. Maybe the production isn't as good as the big bands from the 80s, but on the other hand you'll get to hear a band performing the perfect classic 80s AOR we all miss so much.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

Actually this is a re-issue of some demos this late 80s US band made. Do not confuse this CHEETAH with that female fronted Hard Rock band (from Australia?) from the early 80s. This CHEETAH came out of the state of Georgia and on the CDR we can read that all 8 songs were written back in 1989. The band split up in 1994, but the members continued to write music, and pretty soon we can expect a solo-release of guitarist Ken Knight. Back to CHEETAH and their 8-track CDR.

Musically they played your typical late 80s LA Hard Rock a la KEEL, BLONZ, BRITTON… The best tracks are the good uptempo melo rockers "First time love", "You had it comin" and "Cheetah" that are in a BRITTON/DANGER DANGER kinda style. The rest is more Hard Rock based and just nice, but nothing special, unless you're a big fan of KROKUS and KEEL. More on CHEETAH at: http://www.mp3.com/jamminken and e-mail at: jamminken@prodigy.net

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

Robin Vaugh is a brilliant multi instrumentalist from Ostergotland in Sweden whose style of music is very AOR and melodic rock orientated. The album hits off with the very catchy 'In The Heat Of The Night' whcih is pure melodic rock and AOR a'la Aldo Nova and Harlan Cage whilst the next song 'Born Yesterday' is a straight ahead catchy AOR rocker similar to Journey, especially the Neal Schon influenced guitar parts. 'Sands Of Time' takes the Journey influences one step further and features lots of keyboards and also reminds me of Styx, Michael Bolton, Prism and Giuffria and other early eighties bands is a great song.

Track four is a little bit of a classic melodic AOR song, this song is called 'Sleepwalking' and reminds me of Phil Vincent, Dokken, Robert Tepper, Harlan Cage, FM, Paul Sabu, RTZ, Unruly Child amongst others and is a very slick keyboard orientated song with a chorus that will leave you singing along with, very classy indeed. Robin's cd is a demo cd, but I have to say that the production is very good, could be even better if one of the AOR/melodic rock labels can get behind him and polish things up more, perfect for MTM or AOR Heaven I think.

The next song 'Hypnotized' continues in this style and is a super song a'la Passion Street/Strangeways that is unfortuantley spoilt by the drum machine. 'Rebecca' is a song that oozes references to Survivor/Harlan Cage and is a killer song, very eighties sounding and very catchy. 'Alone In The Dark' features huge keyboard melodies as well as female background vocals, for some reason the song makes me think of early Shy and the David Carl Band and is another catchy song. Robin then rocks things up a little for the next song which is 'Bluecollar Proud' a stomping arena rocker in the style of Aldo Nova, Robert Tepper, an excellent eighties hard rocker that I know you will love.

'Tricky' is another great song in the AOR pop vein and has lots of keyboards and again reminds me of Harlan Cage and Phil Vincent.The last track finishes the album off on a melodic note. The song is called 'Book Of Shadows' and is a song influenced by seventies melodc rock. The vocals here remind me of Paul Stanley, so the song has a slight Kiss vibe to it. Great song, very different from the other material. The songs on this album are very good, apart from the production and the drum machine I really can't find anything wrong with Robin's music which has come as a nice suprise as there is something on here for everyone to enjoy, the only thing I advise Robin to do is to get a real drummer in, I honestly can't fault this release and don't be too suprised if you find Robin signed fairly soon. Recommended. www.mp3.com/robinvaugh or email : silfvenius@ebrevet.nu

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

New US melodic rockers 1984 suffer from a very dark production sound which doesn't make the songs very inspiring at all. So I spent some time with this release to see what good I could find in the band. What I found is that the band are promising musicans and songwriters who I feel are trying to find their own identity with songs like 'Take Me Home', 'Rematch', 'Heartbreaker' and the very melodic 'American Dream', 'Monomaniacal', 'Causal Hello' , My Eyes', and the balladic 'Rain In Memphis' which all take a trip back in time to the mid 80's, thus the songs sound like a dark mix of Ted Nugent, Quiet Riot, Van Halen, Y And T, Keel and Hair Of The Dog.What I like about 1984 is that they do show a sense of originality and hopefully next time if they can achieve a fuller and more colourful production quality then I think the best is yet to come. In the meantime you can check them out via their website www.angelfire.com/oh2/1984 or email : 1984rocks@angelfire.com

Rating: 6/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

This band who are all dressed up like transvesties look like something out of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show". Young And Fabulous play catchy glam rock similar to Pretty Boy Floyd, Tigertailz, Wrathchild etc...The glammer rock shines on songs like 'Your 15 Minutes Are Over', 'The Party Starts Now', 'Daddy's Money', the excellent 'Black Madonna', 'Pick Me' and 'Hail To The Fabulous', glossed with a nice production the band for the most part deliver songs which can be a little cringe worthy and cheesy. Still if you like this sort of thing then check them out, but be advised the band are no where near as good as da Crue, Pretty
Boy Floyd etc.. check out www.youngandfabulous.com

Rating: 4/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

The red head on the front of the cover looks like one of my ex girlfriends, only she didn't dress so smutty as this leather booted chick. All The Pretty Horses play a mixture of dark goth punk and glam rock and are actually pretty good at their art which is sonically powerfull and topped with a superb sound. Tarrie B. has finally met her match with this lot as they are much better and the singer can actually sing instead of screaming, thus some of the bands material comes across like Megadeth, The Bangles, Dalbello, Snowball or like a female version of The Cult, songs like 'Dream Mask', 'For m', the ballbusting 'Sister Mercy', 'Poison' all show a variety of style that keeps the listener interested until the end of the album.
Best songs for me though are 'Walking Dead', 'Love Song To No One' and the utterly fantastic 'Burn My Eyes'. I advise the girls to send their cd to Century Media as this label seems to be putting out releases of this vein in the form of Lacuna Coil, The Gathering etc.. and I'm sure they would show interest with this band, as not only is the material good but also packaged very well. If you love this style of music then check ALL THE PRETTY HORSES out as soon as possable by visiting their website www.prettyhorses.com

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

Now this is a suprising pop album which brings to mind Gloria Estefan, Britney Spears and Mariah Carey. There are only four songs on this cd which start off with the catchy pop of 'Baby Oh Baby' which is a song that could have been heard in 80's movies such as "Dirty Dancing" and has a nice Spanish feel. Next up is 'Home To You', a great song which is spoiled by the drum machine samples, once again Linda's vocals are in the Gloria Estefan and this song is very good except for the annoying drum machine. 'Come With Me' goes into sonic power techno pop, another good song that is ruined by the techno dance beats.

Take away the techno beats from most of these songs and leave in the keyboard and we would have a great pop album a'la Pat Benatar which is a path I think Linda should try following in the future, as her voice is quite similar to Benatar as well as Gloria Estefan and hints of Madonna. The song fades out with a Spanish song of the title track. Overall, not a bad little release, Linda Vogel certainly has a great way of piecing songs together which work effectively, just take away those goddamn drum machines and samples babe!! Email : - stradarecords@prodigy.net or visit www.stradarecords.com

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Australian club band who are good in their own way, I'd sooner here these guys than most of the crap I hear in trendy nightclubs, even so this is not really my cup of tea. Except maybe for the track 'Submission' it hardly feels as if it's worth reviewing this album, this one track has some cool guitar riffs and if your into dance club bands and indy rock then you may like this, but for me, I'll pass - sorry guys. Email : Artstate@ozzmail.com.au

Rating: YOU DECIDE (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Finally managed to give this album a spin. These guys are quite spiritual and melodic and remind me of some 80's indy pop bands mixed with 80's rock bands and isn't too bad an album but not essential. There are three problems that this band suffer from, production, song identity and a poor singer, It takes until track five 'Cum With Me' for the rock to start rolling. This song is a catchy number with a cool guitar edge similar to that of Pearl Jam, Warrior Soul only more poppy a'la Fields Of The Nephilm and New Model Army.

'Broken Mirrors' is a bit better and has a good solid back beat whilst 'Dreams' is quite possibly the cd's best track. This is an acoustic based track which is unfortuantley ruined by Toby McDonough's dull voice, and that is the major part of the problem with this band. Guys get yourself a new singer and we will talk again. http://members.aol.com.hotguy4u27/urban_senses.html

Rating: - (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

This band play fantastic pop rock similar to Ed James, Pearl Jam, The Clarks, Mars Electric with even the odd hint of Sammy Hagar, Live and The Counting Crows etc.. such as on superb songs like 'Faith', 'Rise Of The Dead', 'What About Lucinda' (best song) and 'Incorrigible'. So what we get with this cdr demo is five pretty diverse songs showing a whole lot of influences that I can't help liking. Check them out at www.the_rug.com

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

Another independent band showing potential is America Gomorrah who mix together progressive elements with classic rock a'la Yes, Genesis, Rush with touches of Ozzy Osbourne and is fairly enjoyable and excellently produced ten track cd. Best song for me is the rather catchy classic rock feel of 'More Than A Carpenter' that features nice keyboards and a great chorus to singalong to. Also check out great tracks like 'Yamiso', the progressive crunch of the excellent 'Better Man', the beautiful 'Prelude', and the funky/progressive 'This Present Plague' which all make for a recommended release. www.americagomorrah.com

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Now this is a good band who play fun good time pop/metal a'la Warrant meets Mick Jagger etc. The songs are very catchy and well performed and I'm suprised that the band haven't been picked up by such US labels as Metal Mayhem and Perris Records. The band are slightly lighter than Jani Lane and co, and the songs can at times be a bit cheesy, but that's the greatest thing about this album, it's just great candy floss fun, and I bet live the songs are just brill. Check out 'Dress Upl', 'Hollywood', 'More Tears', 'Crack The Whip' (best song), 'Lost Child', 'Widowmaker' (another great song) and the superb bouncy opening track 'Pills' for a fun packed album that you can check out via www.temptressrocks.com I'm looking forward to the bands next release...

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

California's Teen Machine consist of four girls and three guys and are a great power pop band who come across like a mixture of Ed James, Imperial Drag, Cheap Trick and Abba with a strong guitar edge. Singer Angel has a similar voice to Spice Girl Mel C and one of the best songs is the killer 'School's Over' (Spice Gilrs eat your heart out). Throughout this excellently produced disc the band take turn sharing vocals, thus Teen Machine come across as a fantastic band with great songs who are going to become massive soon, check out songs such as 'I'm Gonna Steal Yoour Girlfriend', the excellent 'Training Wheels', 'Popstars', 'Sissies' and the superb 'Yummy, Yummy, Yummy' and the aforementioned best song 'School's Over' which all deserve to be over the radio and put and end to such trash as The Spice Girls and Popstars etc..My money is on this band for future stardom, Teen Machine are the real deal and not a record company manufactured band. Excellent release, I want more!! www.teenmachine.net

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

This set of demos from German band Yuri is pretty commerical orientated pop rock, I hear a whole list of bands in Yuri's music such as Bon Jovi 'One And Only Love', 'Always On The Run', 'Right From The Stars', the fantastic country rock shuffle of 'The King Has Lost His Crown' or the catchy pop rock of the Bryan Adams/Def Leppard influenced 'Goin Down', there's something on this disc for everyone to enjoy. It really is good stuff, and very well produced and perfromed to. Listen very closely to the huge ballad 'That's Why I Love You' and I swear blind that this song is a deadringer for the Guns N' Roses classics 'November Rain' and 'Don't Cry', a very very powerful ballad with amazing vocals.

We then get to hear some laid back pop tunes similar to Henry Lee Summer and Robert Murcock on 'It's Me' and 'Someday', whilst the only turkey on the disc is the song 'Hang Man'. I didn''t like this song so much as this song heads too far down the country road for it's own good and just sounds lifeless against the bands other material. Fear not though as Yuri get back to their melodic roots on an excellent Bonfire/Little Angels influenced song called '2061 (Keep On Rocking)' whilst the last song 'Won't Be The Same Again' is a soothing ballad that ends the album in style really leaving you wanting more and more and more, in which case you start playing the whole damn thing over again. Yuri are a fantastic band worth checking out and you can do so by emailing them at www.yuri-stuff.com or EMAIL : me@yuri-stuff.com

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

I'm afraid I haven't got any information on this band, but they sure sound very American. 'Business Toys' is fantastic hard rock album in the style of AC/DC circa "Who Made Who" and Cinderella.All the tracks follow the paths of the aforementioned bands and hit you hard in the face from the first listen, some may say that the band are ripping off these classic bands, but they do it well and there's plenty of dirty rock 'n' roll fun in the form of 'Talk To Me', ''What I like', 'Fighting', 'Don't Walk Away' to the shit hot stomp of 'Godzilla' and the 'Gypsy Road' strut of 'So Hard', this album just rock's from start to finish and is topped with a crystal clear production, yes we've heard it all before but who cares, we need new bands like this to take over from ageing dinosaurs like AC/DC and Cinderella and breath new life into scene. Excellent album, get it bought!!

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Southern rockers Van Zant return will a fantastic new album that kicks off with 'Oklahoma' which would make an ideal choice as first single. It's a very cool song with a very addictive chorus to singalong with.'Get What You Got Comin'', is another strong song that has a blusey feel a'la Jeff Healey and Robin Trower as does the song 'Baby get Blue', whilst the piano led 'Heart Of An Angel' is a wonderful power ballad that could gain the band a hit if released as a single.Another great ballad to check out is the very last song 'Alive' which is very powerful and atmospheric song that sounds as if it should be in a movie and gets catchy towards the end in a kinda Jimmy Barnes and Richie Sambora way.

'Alive' is also my favourite of the two ballads The relaxed pop of 'Is It For Real' is another winner and then the full on cowboy western effect can be heard on 'Imagination', a song that I can imagine Richie Sambora performing on one of his solo albums. Once again it's a catchy song with dreamy vocal lines from Johnny and Donnie Van Zant. One of my favourite tracks is the next song 'At Least I'm Free', this is a heavier song that has a cool ZZ Top vibe, another hit. The radio friendly 'What's The World Coming Too' wins top song award though and is just pure southern rock n' roll, great chorus, guitars everything you could wish for if your a fan of this genre. The only weak song I found was 'Wildside' which isn't exactly as the song suggests. Anyway this is a truly wonderful album with a great prodcution sound that is well worth buying.

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

Albums like this confirm a growing sense that rules are being dumped, and categories losing meaning, and about time too. Recommended by a good friend, California deal in widescreen, roots aware Americana, allied to technique, melodic sensibilities, and a knack of a hook that snags the listener. Imagine a mixture of Jeff Keith(Tesla/Bar7),Chris Robinson, with a nod and a tip of the brim at messrs Jagger, Costello, Petty,and you've got lead vocalist John Gregory(finally sacked from the Villa!), who from the off, the 'Little Suzi'esque 'Kid from California' and the pop swagger of 'Rollin'(which features a fine contribution from Michael Lord on keyboards) delivers tales of sin, salvation & dreamers and redeemers like he's been there and back again, and decided there is pretty fine after all.

'Higher than this', with it's just right slide guitar from Steve Norton, who is excellent throughout, could have been written by Ronnie Van Zant, 'Is everybody happy now?' could be a fable from Mellencamp, whilst 'Lost Highway' is a two lane black-top Springsteen rocker, stripped of all the baggage.'Which side of the Sun'( which features a co-write from Mladen-a good song from him?) is a Terrell-esque purr through a barfly tale with a Ry Cooder groove, and one of the best vocal deliveries you'll hear all year, and 'Precious' mixes the Stones with Chris Issak soundtracking a Tarantino film. An album to savour, a distillation of all the good to be had in rock music.

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

Alive, formed in 1991, come from Genoa, Italy, and were brought to my attention by Andrea Bertamino of Flash magazine.The band features two lead vocalists in Marco Carbone, a cleaner Claus Lessman with a touch of Tate, and Alessandra Borri, who sing in Italian, a musical language but a move that might restrict their market outside of Italy-it's not right, but it's life-and an excellent guitar team in Massimo Zunino & Alberto Laiola who combine Lynch punch, Schenker melody, with Robertson Gorham dovetailing.

Opening salvos of 'la Notte' & 'l'isola che non c'e' bring to mind a hybrid of primtime Bonfire and an Italian band from a few years back, Zero( what ever happened???), whilst 'La Legge di Lara' echoes a punchier Dokken with Doro referring vocals from Borri.Andrea mentioned that 'Vivro Libero' occupied a slot between Dokken and early Tyketto, and he's right, whilst the final track 'Ditto al Cuore' in arrangement and feel veers towards melodic Queensryche territory, which is fine by me.A very promising effort, and worthy of some attention. Contact the band by emailing Marco at kamar@libero.it or write to Alberto Laiolo, Via Chiaravagna 23R, 16153, Genova, Italy.

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Album number five from one of Colorado's top melodic rock bands who you all know were previously known as C.I.T.A..The band were forced to change their name to Guild Of Ages, and as Guild Of Ages this is the bands third release, and oh boy does this rock. "Citadel" is defintley a more consitant release than the first two Guild Of Ages albums which I personally found to lack the sparkle of the first two CITA albums. I'm happy to report though that the band have found their creative spark again and "CITADEL" will please fans of the C.I.T.A. phase.

'This Could Be You' is a glorious melodic rock song featuring lovely Tony Harnell style vocal harmonies from Danny Martinez mixed with TNT, Pretty Maids and Harem Scarem style melodies. They continue this style on the utterly fantastic 'How Many Times', the driving 'How Can I Just Say' and the best song of the album which is 'Reaching Out' Guild Of Ages then take on the American market with 'That's Why'. The riffs are more chunky, this particular song reminds me of Lynch Mob when they had Oni Logan, mixed with XYZ, Sven Gali and maybe even traces of House Of Lords can be heard on this great commercialised rocker.

'Until The End' is a subtle melodic ballad a'la TNT, once again Danny's Tony Harnell flavoured vocal harmonies will raise the goose pimples on your skin and is a lovely ballad. From 'Wicked Game' through to 'How Can I Just Say', "CITADEL" is an excellently produced record, the songs are all strong, thus "CITADEL" is probably the best album the band have done to date. Recommended

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)