BONFIRE strikes back with their 8th studio album (not counting the live record and a best of album). Musically the guys still play good-old fashioned melodic hard rock like they have done the past twenty years now (before they were called BONFIRE, they released two great albums under the moniker CACUMEN). The production and sound of the albums sounds refreshing and is making the melodic hard rock of BONFIRE sound huge! The material is pretty diverse, because we get to hear (semi) ballads, uptempo rockers, heavy and fast stuff, midtempo songs and even a typical KROKUS/AC/DC typed pure Hard Rock tune ("Good time rock'n'roll").

The band is at their best on the melodic rocksongs, such as the terrific melodic rockballad "Southern winds", the catchy 80s typed uptempo MHR song "Strike back" (welcome back 'Fireworks' style), "Until the last goodbye" (classy 80s uptempo melodic rocker a la DANGER DANGER), "Damn you" (heavy guitarwork from Hans Ziller, but a very catchy chorus can be heard in this midtempo melodic rocker) and the uptempo melodic rocker "Anytime you cry". Like I said the band changes from tempo a lot, just listen to the faster melodic heavy rocker "Diamonds in the rough" (very much like PRETTY MAIDS) and the closing track "I need you" that calms things down as this is a very relaxing acoustic typed ballad. This new CD is definitely one of the best albums BONFIRE has released since their classic 'Fireworks', although I need to admit that 'Point blank' was a great 'American orientated' album as well, but 'Strike ten' shows the BONFIRE most people want to hear!

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

AOR HEAVEN is bringing us a new band and as usual we get to hear quality music. PRIDE is an English band and in their line-up we can find 6 musicians of which 3 can play guitar, so there's indeed enough guitarwork to be heard on the band's debut CD. This doesn't affect the band's music, because even with 3 guitarists, the music of PRIDE is still pure Melodic Rock with AOR influences. The clean production and fantastic songs on this CD makes this CD another winner for fans of 80s typed Melodic Hard Rock. A lot of times I hear similarities to the German band JADED HEART, mainly due to the similar vocals of lead singer Matt Mitchell who happens to sound just like Michael Bormann.

The CD starts with the good semi melodic hardrocksong "This time" and rightaway you can hear where the JADED HEART comparison comes from, but PRIDE performs their music very well and the harmonyvocals during the bridge and the chorus sound terrific. Next song "Saviour of a broken heart" takes us straight into the fun 80s style. This song is a fantastic classy 80s typed uptempo AOR song that sounds like a cross between BRYAN ADAMS and HONEYMOON SUITE, and easily is a favourite already! Up next is the uptempo melodic rocker "Hard to find a reason" that leans towards VON GROOVE. The JADED HEART comparison returns on the great semi melodic rockballad "If it ain't love".

"Hands of a healer" then again is a lovely uptempo AOR/Melodic Rocker, just straight ahead and don't look back, just let the melody speak for itself! The semi melodic rocker "Hold on" follows and I am afraid to once again compare this to JADED HEART, because it sounds a lot like that German band, but PRIDE surely isn't a rip-off. Next track "Beat of me" is a really cool midtempo AOR ballad. PRIDE throws another uptempo melodic rocker on the album in the shape of "Who you gonna love" and right then I come to the conclusion that this band is at their best during the uptempo melodic rockers.

The ballad and midtempo material sound a lot like JADED HEART, but during the uptempo songs the band has an own style that lies somewhere between HONEYMOON SUITE and TAKARA with some 80s BON JOVI thrown in for good measure. For example, "Saintly lies" is a semi melodic rockballad that has a strong JADED HEART comparison. The closing track of the CD is actually the only weaker song of the album, namely the average MHR song "Comin round again", not bad but definitely the only song that didn't do anything for me. But who cares about one filler if the other 9 songs are wonderful melodic (hard) rock songs that are as good as anything we heard from bands like JADED HEART, GUILD OF AGES and VON GROOVE the past decade.

If you really want to check out a great new melodic rockband, then look out for PRIDE. AOR HEAVEN has done it once again and I can inform you the label will continue releasing such melodic rock gems as PRIDE in the future!

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

The excellent Swedish singer PETE SANDBERG (ALIEN, SNAKE CHARMER) has just released his new CD 'Origin' on AOR HEAVEN. I believe this is his third solo CD and I can inform you 'Origin' is his best record so far. Musically it is smoothly performed 80s typed Scandi AOR/Melodic Rock that sounds like a mix between the first ALIEN classic and SNAKE CHARMER's only album. This is definitely a 'safe' record and the CD is completely filled with first class AOR/Melodic Rock that combines melodic guitarwork, perfect vocals, catchy hooks and cheerful choruses.

The material consists of uptempo AOR/Melodic Rock ("Northern light", "Time", "Time and again", "Where there is a will" and "All in disguise"), midtempo AOR ("No way out", "Power of gold", "Can't stop lovin' you" and "Alone"), a melodic rockballad ("Nights in Mexico"), a calm acoustic ballad ("Love in vain") and as closing track, an instrumental piece ("Moods"). There's also a hidden track that is a nice piano-led ballad. Fans of classy Scandi AOR/Melodic Rock in the style of DAVINCI, ALIEN, SNAKE CHARMER, DALTON, TREAT… should put their money on this new album of PETE SANDBERG.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

EYE FOR AN EYE is yet another band from Utah. They hail from SALT LAKE CITY and musically they play pure AOR/Melodic Rock, although the high pitched vocals of singer TONY MEDINA are somewhere balancing in the TNT/QUEENSRYCHE style. I heard similarities ranging from KANSAS to SKID ROW, so this band is very diverse in their rock approach, but they always stick to the melodic side of rock'n'roll (so no 90s typed rock or some like that shit). Opener "Slam the door" instrumentally is perfect midtempo AOR, but the high pitched vocals level it up into a TNT kinda style, not a bad start at all though! Other favourites of mine are the great AOR/Pomp ballad "26 miles from home" that sounds like a unique mix of KANSAS and QUEENSRYCHE.

Also very good is the song "Lifeblood", a track with a very calm start with nice piano/keys, but then bursts out into a classy 80s typed uptempo AOR/Melodic Rocker. After this rocker, the band slows the tempo and brings us a couple of great (semi) AOR/Melodic Rockballads, such as "Nelva J" and the fantastic "Sunsets". The only weak song I could find on the CD is the average SKID ROW typed heavy rocker "One more night, one more town". It's not a bad song, but compared to the high quality of the rest of the album it just shouldn't belong on the CD. The final track is a short instrumental. Another interesting band out of the state of Utah, I think if I pay a visit to the USA, I need to come over to that state as a starter. Check out EYE FOR AN EYE at: http://www.eye4aneye.net and e-mail them at: i4_ni@hotmail.com

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

MAEVE OF CONNACHT is a German band and they have released their debut on the same label as the band ASGARD. Musically it is also in the same style, so we get to hear quality progressive rock/metal with some great melodies. Guest singer on the CD is HUBI MEISEL, a vocalist from Munich and he sang on the 9 songs of the album. I have to admit that Hubi is a really great vocalist, because his vocals lift the level of this CD. Hubi is also working on a solo CD that should be out quite soon and will feature guitarwork from the Dutchman Marcel Coenen, who was voted 'Best guitarist of Holland' some time ago.

Anyway, I really enjoyed Hubi's vocals on the first CD of MAEVE OF CONNACT. One of my favourite tracks is the lovely melodic rockballad "Forever". Also pretty good are the progressive rockers "The gift of life" (some Metal influences), "Broken memory" (good chorus) and the uptempo "Enchanted skies". A must for fans of ASGARD, but also if you like progressive rock with a lot of melodic parts in the vocal, keyboard and guitar sections. More info at: http://www.hubimeisel.com and e-mail at: hubi@hubimeisel.com

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

This American band has released a mini-CD with 4 tracks. Musically PROJECT NORTH MEETS SOUTH is playing 70s typed Rock'n'roll that reminds me a lot of JEFFERSON STARSHIP, which is partly due to the lead vocals of Bonnie McDole on 3 songs. She reminds me a lot of GRACE SLICK. Bonnie sings on the songs "Tell another lie", "Nightmare" and "Dyin' in the sand". The other song is called "Unless you come home" and features the vocal duties of Samantha Robinson. Although the production could've been a bit better, this band does their best in playing their rock'n'roll. I have to say that the song with Samantha on vocals is a bit average song.

The other 3 songs are rockers that sound like an early 70s HEART meets JEFFERSON STARSHIP circa 1974, only a few levels lower. The music of this band is definitely not commercial sounding and may appeal to fans of early 70s rock or fans of female fronted rock, but the AOR/Melodic Hard Rock should keep their hands off this band. You can always check them out for yourself at: http://www.mp3.com/northmeetssouth and e-mail at: AlladinSane1961@aol.com

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

This Stockholm based band is playing pure 80s typed melodic rock with influences from bands like SKID ROW, WHITE LION, SKID ROW, but I also heard some AOR influences on their debut CD. Vocally I have to add that it is a little less melodic, because singer Kent Brandin has a more pop/new wave typed voice that influences the music of QUEEN OBSCENE a bit, but not that much that I do not want listen to it anymore. Opener "City of angels" for example is a good uptempo melodic rocker in the best 80s style and the chorus sounds pretty good and in general it all reminds me of WHITE LION and WILD FRONTIER.

Other interesting tracks are "God bless your child" (uptempo MHR with Glam influences, kinda like POISON in a fight with WHITE LION), "What about feelings" (great AOR/Melodic Rockballad) and "Story from the local bar" (another fine AOR/Melodic Rockballad). The influences of mentioned bands in the beginning of this review can be heard in the straight-ahead melodic hardrocksongs "Killing me" and "Put your ass in the air". The band also walks the poprock road on tunes like "Jack is back" and "Hey, hey Sheila". The songs are pretty good, the vocals could be better and although I admire the variation, a few songs (like "4 am Jam", "Life's like a fairytale", "Jack is back") are not necessary. The band is at their best on the melodic rockballads and the uptempo hardrocksongs, so they should focus on that part in the future. More info on QUEEN OBSCENE at: http://listen.to/queenobscene and e-mail them at: queenobscene@hotmail.com

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

Keyboardist of TERRA FIRMA is Dan Gaudin, who played in the band SWEENEY TODD with BRYAN ADAMS and scored number one hits in Canada. His new band TERRA FIRMA is based in California and the band have released a 4-track mini-CD. The other members of the band have been playing in bands the past 15-20 years, so this is quite an experienced band. The production and sound quality is pretty good and also musically TERRA FIRMA is very interesting.

Opener "I'm no fool" starts as an acoustic tune, but turns out to be a great midtempo AOR/Melodic Rocker with a big sound approach. Next track "In the light" is a nice semi-ballad. Those first two songs are the best tracks and show a very good and melodic rocking TERRA FIRMA. The last two songs are more or less nothing special, there's a short ballad called "The answer" and a groovy 70s rocker "Shine this". Nevertheless, this band offers quality rock and for more info on TERRA FIRMA, visit their site at: http://terramusic.com and e-mail them at: liza@terramusic.com

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

This band comes out of UZBEKISTAN (!!!) and are definitely the first and only band I ever heard out of that country, so to give them an award for being the best band out of Uzbekistan is not that hard. The band was formed in the mid 80s and has already released 5 albums, so they have been quite busy the past 15 years. They sent me a best of and one regular album they released. Musically they play all sorts of Hard Rock, because I hear Metal songs a la ACCEPT, ballads, AOR songs and some progressive pop rock. The first couple of albums are nothing that special, but especially the album 'The love story' from 1995 didn't sound bad at all musically. The production quality is not from a high level, because sometimes it is like you're listening to some old demo tape from the 80s, but we're here to talk about the music and I must say that there were only a few weak songs.

My favourite REIS 09 (what a name!) tracks are "Someone who should come in" (uptempo 80s AOR rocker), "Good bye" (80s typed power melodic rockballad with AORish keyboards), "Strawberry for you" (midtempo 80s AOR with a very good chorus) and "The beach song". This last mentioned song is also the best track of REIS 09. "The beach song" is a great uptempo 80s AOR rocker that has good vocals, great guitar/keyboardwork and overall just sounds perfect. If the band would make more songs in the style of The beach song", I actually think we then could have a winner. Not a bad start for the first band from Uzbekistan. Check them out for yourself at: http://www.mp3.com/reis_09 and e-mail them at: RUZIBAEV@unhcr.ch

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

This is a classy release from one of Sweden's youngest melodic rock bands. Eclipse are from Stockholm and are influenced by Europe, Whitesnake, Rainbow, Talk Of The Town etc. 'Midnight Train' kicks the album open in a fine style and is one of the classiest melodic pieces I have heard for a few years. The song reminds me of Europe, especially the gorgeous harmony vocals and exquisite guitar harmonies. And it doesn't end there as the next track is even better. 'The Truth' is pure Scandi melodic rock, the vocals on this track are just so powerful, the singer is a deadringer for Joey Tempest with hints of Goran Edman and Glen Hughes. Just listen to the gorgeous chorus melodies that pour out of this song, lovely layers of keys and screaming guitars hammer on's, make this song a well classy piece indeed.

'The Only One' is a simple poppy AOR orientated number. Singer Erik Martensson has all the star quality needed in a frontman, and this band could go far given the right promotional push, this song is very remisant of Johan Becker and many other Scandi acts. 'Message Of Love' is a lovely ballad a'la Talk Of The Town, Martensson's voice is so silky on this song and Anders Berlin performs a lovely piano outro at the songs end. 'I Believe In You' rocks things up once again and is a song for all you AORsters out there. This is one of my favourite tracks, the chorus is dead catchy, Martensson almost hits some really high Lou Gramm inspired notes that left me most impressed.

'I Thought I Had It All' is the killer of the bunch though. This song is just perfect and Whitesnake and Europe connotations, similar riffs etc..the great thing about this album is that every song is solid and slick, yes it follows the typical melodic formular but when an album like this has an utterly fantastic production sound built for arenas and has songs with immense arrangements and intense drive who the bloody hell cares? For instance check out the very melodic 'The Way I Feel', this is a subtle and memorable song with some high-tech synth work that leaves a lasting effect, whilst 'Songs Of Yesterday' is a fashionable arena rocker a'la Europe and 'A Little More' is another cracking song with huge guitar riffs and superb vocals in the typical Joey Tempest fashion. Check out the neo-classical guitar parts on this one which gives the song a great edge.

'Too Far' is a buoyant ballad whilst 'How Many Times' is another stomping arena rocker that's a little more rough around the edges than the other material and has a blistering chorus to singalong with remisant of early Europe and is another fave song. The last song 'I Won't Hide' ends the album on a balladic note which features female background vocals. Overall you will find excitement and consistency with Eclipse which I strongly urge you to check out.

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

John Inman as a 31 year old jazz fusion player from Texas who is influenced by Frank Gambale, Brett Garsed, Al DiMeola, Uli Jon Roth, Neal Schon, Eric Johnson, Steve Vai. His compositions are beautifully crafted and the melodies just flow with thrilling passion and inspiration. Inman has already released an album with the band called NO RESPECT who are influenced by Dangerous Toys and Vain which I hope to review very soon. Inman's music is equisite and features layers upon layers of musical experimentation. One of my favourite tracks is the luxurious 'Moodswing' which opens up with a nice piano intro and then mixes Latin playing with electric playing and has great melody, kinda like a mix of Gambale, Shawn Lane, Jeff Kollman and Vinnie Moore.

There are many instrumental pieces that offer a variation of mood and superlative quality such as on the dreamy and exotic 'Blue Horizon', and the Neal Schon inspired 'Test Of Time', add vocals to this tune and I would safely say that this song would in a nutshell be a perfect Journey number, listen to that great harmony picking, awesome. It's the kinda of song that floats around your head forcing you to hum it for days. 'Zen Twilight' is also another great song as is the rockier 'Altered States' which finally sees Inman shredding. This cheerful tune is followed by 'Trip The Light', another moody atmospheric piece which captures the imagination and reminds me of Shawn Lane.

Finally the last track 'Unbound (A Moment Of Reflection)' is a relaxing melodic number a'la Satch. "Moderous Eclectic" is an wonderful guitar album that is easy to absorb which I'm sure fans of instrumental guitar jazz fusion will love. I think Inman could very well find himself signed by one of the guitar labels such as Lion Music, but I also would like to point out to John that I would love to see him try and add lyrics to 'Test Of Time' as this is such a superb piece of music. John Inamn is currently working on AOR project that will feature a "named" vocalist and will be released via Metal Mayhem Music. www.johninman.com OR www.mp3.com/johninman OR Email : - ulknatme@flash.net

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Imagine Ted Nugent, Quiet Riot, Van Halen, Damn Yankees, Firehouse, Dokken etc without the vocals and that's what you get with this rocking instrumental release from Mark B. Schuster who is from Illinois You have to hear track two 'Mostly Mable' which starts of with a Ray Cooder bluesy distorted riff and then bursts into full on energetic hard rock, great licks burn from the mans axe and I can easily think of a whole list of American rock bands that this songs sounds like.I have to say that I was blown away by the piece, I also have to say that track is crying out for some vocals leads. Great pounding 80's riffs a'la Ted Nugent, Michael Lee Firkins make this a superb and fun rock track. As I said add lyrics to this one and it would be a dead ringer for Damn Yankee's "Piledriver".

Mark has been playing for twenty years and he has just such an incredible style that is varied and consistent and never bores the listener as some guitarist do. Whilst he does nothing particularly new in this genre you have to give him merit as each track rocks, check out 'The Devil's Judgement' which hints of Satriani as does the emotive 'Old Friends'. The latter has that vibe which Satch created on songs such as 'Into The Light' and ' The Forgotten', magical stuff indeed. Then it's back to good old axe grinding on the manic shred fest of 'Days Like These', this is another cracking piece crying out for vocals, never the less 'Days Like These' is an impressive instrumental piece which gives way to the sonic 'Semplice Tempo Triste' Now this track has some pretty spooky bass playing and reminds me of the music featured in the John Carpenter movies "Escape From New York" and "Escape From LA" and is an absorbing piece very similar to something that perhaps Stuart Hamm would come up. A very melodic song and one of my faves from the album.

'Alter Ego' is next which is another shower of Satch inspired melodies with the odd hint towards Paul Gilbert which is continued on the fret burning 'The Changeling' which is yet another of my favourites and just burns with enthusiasm and skill. The pace then drops for 'Blue' and the last song echoes elements of Van Halen's "Hot For Teacher" and is another cool song. Overall there is a lot of very impressive playing on this album, Mark Schuster has created an album that's gonna turn on a few heads, I think that soon this guy could become one of the most talked about players as nobody is really playing like Mark at the moment, he deserves to be signed and is destined for commercial success. Watch out for an interview with Mark very soon. http://www.xtreme-zone.com/Mark/mark.htm OR www.mp3.com/markschuster OR Email : - mark@xtreme-zone.com

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

As tribute albums go this one is a competent release as some of the songs featured throughout the CD are ironically better performed than the originals. Dutch based mutli musician Michael Risenbeck has opted for the more obscure TOTO songs than the obvious choice, subsequently the album works and even features Michael's own working of the theme from the film "Dune" of which TOTO wrote the soundtrack. Appearing on the album are such noted underground singers as Phil Vincent who does amazing vocal work with 'White Sister' and 'Hey Little Girl' and Ed James who likewise does a great performance on 'St.George And The Dragon'. Most of the other vocals are handled by Lars Safsund and Gert Kraayenzang who equal any of the great past TOTO vocalists. Should TOTO ever need a new vocalist in the future then Lukather and co should check the guys on this album out Riesenbeck is now working on his debut solo record that will once again feature guest musicians and singers such as Brian McDonald, John Taglieri and Michael Bormann etc, in the meantime this is the perfect introduction to an artist with huge potential and also the tribute serves as great introduction for those of you who have yet to discover TOTO. Email: m.riesenbeck@net.hcc.nl

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

New US heart-throb babe Rebecca Torrellas sent me her debut album. She purveys the smooth glossy sound that one would expect from such artists as Bon Jovi, The Corrs, Gloria Estefan, Kate Bush, No Doubt, Fiona, Marilyn Martin and Romeo's Daughter. The album features twelve songs, some are pop orientated songs whilst others such as the hugely attractive 'Have It Your Way' take on the aforementioned artists. The guitars are supplied by three different players Chris Howland, John Stachley and Jeff Moore and as I said the album mostly consists of great power pop songs. Rebecca has a sufficiently easy going voice similar to Gloria Estefan which is a bonus in my book as I think Gloria happens to be one amazing singer.

Check out gentle summery pop songs like 'Not So Innocent through to darker spiritual songs like 'Turning Blue', 'Brave Is The Soul' which develop into their own identity after several plays. But for me I like it better when the chords strike twelve and Rebecca and co rock out on colourful songs such as the aforementioned 'Have It Your Way', 'Take A Look At Me Now', ' What Is It Now', 'I Don't Know' and the thrilling ballad 'Never Got To Say Goodbye' all show that the band are much better when they are flat out than when they stay parked on the laid back shoulder.

There a couple of songs that screw up the album's feels such as 'Might As Well', 'Running From Reality', 'Corner Pocket' and 'Only To You' which are the albums only fillers, but on a positive aspect, subsequently I honestly think that the talent is definitely there and even though the album has been record on a small budget, the album is Inez a pleasant suprise. The choice as they say is yours. www.rebecca.hispeed.com or Email : - torrellas@bigfoot.com

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

This band pretty much play 80's styled commercial pop metal a'la Bon Jovi, Tora Tora, Tesla, Savannah and Jaded Heart.There are a whopping thirteen songs on "One" and they are all glossed with a decent production sound. The songs are all good solid fun rock songs with catchy singable chourses and good guitar shredding, at times though the album does drag but overall the song are fairly bouncy hard rockers with my favourite songs being the Savannahish 'Headhunter' and 'Full Time Lover'. The latter has some killer riffs and a huge singalong chorus which is continued on the next song 'Secret Dream' which also throws a hint towards some Dave Lee Roth/Marc Torien inspired vocal cries from singer D.D. Fuciarelli. 'Freewheelin' is another fave as is 'She's My Rock 'n' Roll' and the awesome 'Fist In Your Face which is the album best song. The band also try their hand at a couple of bar room Tesla inspired ballads in the shape of 'Mary's Song' and 'Rocky Mounts Way' both are pretty emotive. There's plenty of action throughout this album, and if your a fan of the aforementioned bands then turn yourself onto Wild West as it's not a bad record at all. www.musearecords.com

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

It's says here that Matt Csiszar is influneced by AOR, whilst that may be the case in some parts as Matt's vocals are very remisant of Jon Bon Jovi and Michael Bormann, musically the album is leaning more toward poppy commerical dance music and just lacks any sparkle for my tastes. The album in fairness has a superb production sound but in one review that I read, it said that the music sounds like the them from "Transformers" which we all know was by Lion and there is nothing on this album that makes sense to that remark unless the reviewer was taking the piss. However I'd like to review this album for what it is as the songs are often fark and gentle and do feature huigh tech synth work. The same reviewer also mentioned that Matt's music was similar in some respect to Michael Jackson, now this hit's this comment is true as some of the songs indeed have dancey pop rythms similar to wacko jacko, and for the most songs the album is ok.

I only get annoyed when Matt ries his hand at clubs style anthems such as the horrid 'I Would Never Hurt You'. Overall there is nothing on this album that's gives off any hint of AOR, only one song worked for which was called 'You Got Me' which is like a mix of Dan Reed Network and Prince. Overall It's safe to say that this album is one to stay clear of, but if you want to check Matt out then visit his website at www.mattcsiszar.com

Rating: 4/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

The last album I reall enjoyed by LA Guns was 95's "Vicious Circles" which was a damn fine album which I still listen to a lot today. Also Phil Lewis' solo album was pretty much a continuation from "Hollywood Vampires" as is this new album "Man In The Moon" and it's so cool to hear the LA Guns back on form at long last. I was hooked with this album from start to finish which mixes the first three LA Guns records into one. Each song echoes the classic LA Guns formular of sleazy rock 'n' roll. I can't believe how fresh they sound, out of all the bands who have tried and failed with new albums over the last few years I really feel that it's LA Guns that are gonna ride the wave once again to metal stardom, and rightfully so as they certainly deserve it after all the years of hard graft. Lewis is vocally and lyrically on superb form, he is a vocal pioneer, check out the awesome, 'Man In The Moon', 'Beautiful', 'Good Thing', I love these songs which all have great choruses and scorching riffs from Tracii Guns as does the next track 'Spider's Web' I just love the dark riffs and new boy MUDDY pumps some fine bass chords thought out this and every song on the album.

Each song just thrills me to bits, forget the new Guns 'N' Roses album, buy this instead and lend an ear to the to the moody and very effective 'Don't Call Me Crazy' which is very melodic and similar to 'Over The Edge' from "Hollywood Vampires" and is my fave track on the album. The frantic riffs then pump up on the next song 'Hypnotized' which is just so hard, heavy and crunching, a typical LA Guns stomper that you will just love to death. And the pace doesn't end there as the next song 'Fast Talkin' Dream Dealer' is a punchy shit kicking crowd pleaser, and another classic LA Guns number to play at maximum volume. 'Out Of Sight' reminds me of 'My Koo Ka Choo' and is great song There are so many strong songs buried in this album,some of which are amongst the best song the gunners have ever written, particularly the atmospheric and melodic vampiric charm of 'Turn It Around' which is as mature as LA Guns gets.

The last song 'Scream' ends the album on a rocking note leaving me pleased as punch to have one of my old favourite bands burning back with a magnificent rock 'n' roll album that is destined to become a classic. Now how about some UK shows fellas?

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Asher are another female fronted hard rock band from Ohio and are led by sexy red head singer Theresa Michaels who can hit one hell of a range when she wants to which makes Asher stand out from all the other female bands with say the exception of Haven. Also I noticed that on bass guitar is a gentleman by the name of Danny Huff, now I am unsure if this is THE Dan Huff from the band Giant, but songs such as 'Tears Of Blood' certainly have the same melodic flavour of Giant mixed with a touch of Saraya and Dokken.

This album contains ten songs and has a very sharp production sound.Check out songs such as 'Tonight'. this is a rather pleasant ballad as is the Dare sounding 'Interlude' The latter is a short and sweet instrumental. Vocally Theresa has a similar range as Janine Stange and her voice makes the songs such as this one shine with sparkling elegance. 'Get Out Of My Way' features some rather nifty riffs from Brian Haskins. This song has a sleazy edge to it lyrically and is all about partying and fun, it's a great hard rock song with lots of energy and a catchy singable chorus which goes one step further on the next song which is called 'Turn It Up' which is a nailbiting hard rocker. 'Up All Night', 'Devil Inside', both rock and the last song 'All Wounds Should Heal' is another melodic ballad that is stunning.Overall ASHER have a lot fire in their bellys and ready to kick your arse wherever possible. Check them out you won't be disappointed as "Forces Of Nature" is a worthy purchase. www.asherrocks.com

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Marvel are are Portuguese based pop/rock band with Latin influences. The album has a nice production and the songs are performed well and sung in the bands native Portuguese language. Musically they remind me of bands such as Loverboy, LA Fase, and influences of fellow Portuguese singer Gloria Estefan can be heard in the bands Latino parts. Favourite songs include 'Alcancaro Silencio' which is soothing pop/rock reminding me of Innuendo. The rockier 'A Noite Eu Sei' is much catchier and is an excellent song crying out for English vocals, should the band consider doing this then I feel they shouldn't have a problem in gaining a record deal, until then they are limiting their appeal to their home country, this song is very good and reminds me Journey and Honeymoon Suite. 'Ate O In Verno' is a lovely Latino ballad and 'Tentar Mudar'' is another catchy uptempo pop/rocker that has a great melody.

Better still is the excellent 'Historias De Ficcao'' which is catchy pop metal a'la Loverboy, Norway and is very classy indeed, whilst the shuffle summery 'Dar-te A Ver' is a fun pop song.Another favourite song is 'Imortal Eo Teu Idead' this is a super pop coated song similar to Coda and Bon Jovi whilst he last song is pretty much more of the same. Overall this isn't too bad, but I'd like to urge the band to get some tunes recorded with English vocals because as I said they have the potential to gain a record deal. www.mp3.com/marvel OR http://zip.to/marvel OR Email : - Marvel@popstar.com

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

This is the debut CD from US based Melodic rock band STIFF BOURBON who also go under the handle of NFINITY.The album has many moments of melodic splendour such as on the opening track 'From Out Of Nowhere' which a classic piece of melodic AOR which reminds me of so many bands'Don't You Want Me' is a fantastic catchy pompy AOR song in the style of Boston, Nightranger and Journey, whilst the next song 'One More Time' is a perfect melodic beast of a song with huge vocals, this song has the sound of the very early eighties and has a very attractive bite that fans of the genre will cream their pants over.

Even better is the next song 'Standing In The Darkness' which is a beautiful melodic ballad in the vein of early Bon Jovi and Aviator and has a very strong guitar edge. Another ballad pops up in the form of the beautiful piano/guitar led 'Stay Through The Night' which is a deadringer for Loverboy and Boston and is so delicate and passionate, this is one of those songs that will get the goosepimples standing on edge. The vocals are heavenly sung and the lyrics are filled with emotional heartbreak, this is one of the best ballads I have heard in along while.. Just listen to the chorus and the orgasmic vocals which once again sound like early Bon Jovi and even Icon in places. Wondrous stuff indeed.

One of my favourite tracks is the next song 'Reunion' which rocks big time but retains a melodic edge, the chorus is very catchy and this song lies somewhere between Giuffria and early Bon Jovi and is AOR Heaven.Things get a bit pompy on the next song which is called 'Don't Runaway' which is a mix of Prism, Dakota and Bon Jovi and is dead catchy. The best song though is the utterly fantastic 'Hard Love' which reminds me of Michael Bolton circa "Everybody's Crazy', as I said this song is an excellent hard rock/AOR number with great singable chorus and killer axe work, that even hints towards Robert Tepper and Jeff Paris amongst many more of the AOR greats of the mid eighties. A peach of a song. Overall this is truly a fantastic classy album well worth checking out. www.mp3.com/nfinity

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

I first heard this band when they appeared as THE HUTCHINSONS on one of the Frontiers magazines cd samples a few years back and I can remember at the time being mighty impressed with the bands pop/rock coolness.Now it seems as if leading man Joe Hutchinson has ventured out on his own with the release of this excellent four track cd that comes over in a similar pop rock vein as his old band and also Lemon Cello, Ronan Keaton, Imperial Drag, Marvelous 3, Mos Eisley, New Radicals, Elvis Costello etc...

So if you like those bands you will like super cool hook driven songs like 'So Spaced Out', 'New Hampshire Girl', 'All The Money In The World' and especially 'Stay With Me' which are all amazingly catchy and superbly written and breathe fresh air into the rock scene much in the same way as Mos Eisley. Check Hutch out, you won't be disappointed I promise. Email:- hutchworks@yahoo.com OR www.mp3.com/hutch

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)