This Danish band (with a Dutch vocalist) already released two CDs in the past. Those both albums were good melodic hard/heavy rock albums as I recall, but I can guarantee you that the band's new CD is a killer hookladen pure AOR record. The style of the songs on this album is totally different than the style on their previous albums. Maybe it's the switch from record label, because their debut was released through the Metal based label RISING SUN RECORDS and now they are signed to an AOR label.

Anyway, this new CD of PRIME TIME is a fantastic record that mixes the spirit of 80s Scandi AOR with modern melodic rock. The songs remind me a lot of the old CITA (now GUILD OF AGES). Most of the songs are uptempo AOR orientated and there's not one track that sounds weak. This album stands like a rock! My favourite tracks are the summer-AOR typed rockers "Until tonight" and "Forever you and I" (wonderful radio-ready chorus). These are the kind of songs that make you happy, because just everything sounds perfect and I need to say it, it all sounds very polished…

AOR fans really need to check out the new record of PRIME TIME, because it sounds awesome and is as good as the AXE and GUILD OF AGES records being released these days. Fans of the first two PRIME TIME albums will be surprised to hear this new CD as the melodic heavy rock of the band's earlier records has almost vanished. Nevertheless, I really like this album and I think most AOR fans will agree with me. A very good release by Frontiers Records!

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

GLASS HOUSE was a Californian band that existed between 1983 and 1992. Recently one of the bandmembers made a compilation CD of some of the band's demos they recorded through the years. 'Shards: the demo archives' is the result and I must say that some of the included songs really surprised me. GLASS HOUSE combined pure 80s AOR/Pomprock with some slight Progressive and Pop overtones, although most of the time they did sound like a true 80s Pomp band.

The first song, "As long as we're together", is a fine example of the band's original 80s Pomprock sound. This fantastic uptempo early 80s AOR/Pomprocker sounds like the perfect cross between SUGARCREEK (a lot!), RATHSKELLER, PATRIARCH and PASSENGER. Man, I have to add here that this opening tune is a real Pomp killer for fans of mentioned bands. The sound and production quality isn't bad either, so nothing stands in your way to go and check out this gorgeous song a.s.a.p.

By the way, this first track was recorded back in 1985, so therefore these comparisons as it really also captures that period sound. Anyway, the CD continues with the semi progressive ballad "Walkin' on water" from 1993 that sounds not unlike KANSAS and JADIS. The following track is called "Hungry heart" and this is a damn beautiful late 80s semi AOR ballad in the style of ROXUS, SHOOTING STAR and ROX DIAMOND. The band jumps over to a progressive rocksound on "Hold out your hand" (again a JADIS/IQ reference can be made here).

Then comes the late 80s semi AOR rocker "This time", a pretty good song. The only weaker song is up next and is "Old hat" (progressive pop/rock). Next track "Can't say no" is a nice Progressive AOR song like JADIS meets ASIA. A change of style on the following two songs that were both recorded back in 1985, so a step back into the glorious 80s again. First there is "I might get lucky", a great uptempo mid 80s light AOR/Poprocker a la HAYWIRE.

Then there's the fantastic relaxing late summer-night AOR tune "Don't come cryin" (a la THE AUTOMATIX, FRANKE AND THE KNOCKOUTS). The CD closes with one of the band's latest recorded songs, namely the progressive AOR/Rocksong "Great with the new". This band reminds me a lot of the bands EYE and TIMMY I discussed last year, so if you know those acts, you might want to check out this band as well.

Furthermore, I would recommend the fans of Pomprock with Progressive influences to look for this band a.s.a.p. as they did some great stuff in the time they existed. More info at: http://www.mp3.com/GlassHouseSR and e-mail at: jmarsco@hotmail.com

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

With the help of Gary Hughes of TEN fame, BOB CATLEY has released his 3rd studio album. The CD will be out late march, but I already received a promotional CD of Bob's label Frontiers Records. GARY HUGHES wrote all the songs as well as producing the whole CD. His inspiration came from one of the biggest masterpieces of English literature of all times, that is to say J.R.R. Tolien's 'Lord of the rings'. Musicians to appear on the record are the already mentioned Gary Hughes on keys, Bob himself on vocals of course, Vinny Burns from TEN on guitars, Steve Mckenna from TEN on bass and Jon Cooksey from DANTE FOX on drums. Also, TRACY HITCHINGS (female performer of symphonic rock) appear on backing vocals and so we can mention that this CD is made by British musicians only and that doesn't happen that much lately!

Anyway, musically Bob is still making the same good old Symphonic AOR/Melodic Rock as on his first two solo records. The TEN influences and MAGNUM comparisons are easy to make, but that's inevitable I guess. My favourite tracks are opener "The wraith of the
rings" (can't find the lyrics of this track…), "City walls" (great keys throughout this pure 80s AOR song), "Where you lead I'll follow", "Return of the mountain king" and "This gallant band of manic strangers". If you enjoy TEN, MAGNUM and the first two solo records of Bob, then you can not miss this new record of Bob. But also to every other decent AOR/Melodic Rock fan I can record this album as it surely sounds great (both the songs and the production).

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

BRAD GILLIS is best known for being the guitarist in the AOR band NIGHT RANGER. Now he has released his second solo CD and I have to add here that this record has not much in common with AOR, but that was also the case with the last couple of NIGHT RANGER albums, so I guess you can say that Brad has waved goodbye to the AOR music since the 'Man in motion' release of NIGHT RANGER from 1988. There are some traces of AOR to be heard on this new solo-CD, such as the uptempo rocker "Heart-shaped wings" and the semi-ballad "Bigger than life", but in general this is just a Rockalbum with not many highlights.

The best song has got to be the uptempo melodic hard rock song "Eyes". There are some really average songs on this record, like the industrial metal of "Chain gang" and the heavy rocker "Leap of faith". Where are the days of NIGHT RANGER when they did such terrific Classic AOR songs like "Don't tell me you love me", "When you close your eyes", "Four in the morning" etc. etc. You can't find any of such songs on this record, but for people who like to hear the guitar virtuoso Brad Gillis, this sure is the right record to check out as it features a lot of great guitarwork.

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

SOJOURN was a band that released in the 80s two albums that were pressed onto CD a few years ago. Now they are back with a new CD release. Musically the band is still playing a mixture of 80s AOR, Pomp Rock and Symphonic Rock. They are best described as a mixture of MAGNUM and HARLAN CAGE. The CD counts 10 songs and it all starts very well with the HARLAN CAGE typed AOR rocker "Heart of a poor boy" and the midtempo AOR/Pomp tune "Losing track of time" that captured some beautiful harmonyvocals during the chorus. These two songs are definitely the best tracks of the album, although the rest isn't bad either.

Pomp Rock freaks will totally love the last 3 pieces of the disc. These are the songs "Seen a lot in my life" (late 70s uptempo melodic pomprocker a la ANGEL), "Stand up" (70s influenced STYX/KANSAS pomprock ballad) and "Changes in the world" (great chorus and very nice pianowork as well). There are also a couple songs that didn't do much for me, such as the weaker rockers "Down in the city", "One more nail in the coffin" and "Dear cousin Eddy". The new CD of SOJOURN has a variation of styles and may attract fans of all types of AOR and related rockstyles.

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

SOCIETY'S CHILD is a Californian female fronted rockband and their self-produced debut album 'Tempting fate' is a very nice record. The CD counts 12 songs and although the production is not superb, it still sounds pretty good for an independent record. The CD starts with "No mystery", a song with an updated 90s sound, but still it is a great female fronted melodic rocker with a very catchy chorus that sounds very radio-friendly. The song reminds me a lot of German newcomers SCARLET ROSE. The following 3 songs are not really sensational and I really need to mention the early 70s-typed ballad "Cry" that reminds me of JEFFERSON STARSHIP. Especially the vocals of guitarist Mary Letchworth are quite similar to Grace Slick. Mary is not the only one singing on the record, because also drummer Tess Jackson and bassist Steve Langston are doing lead vocals on a couple of songs. Tess and Mary sing most of the songs, so I guess you can easily call this a female fronted rock record.

Anyway, back to the CD, where we can hear another rocker with an updated but melodic rocksound. The song is called "No time for love" and this song has also a catchy chorus, just like the opening track. Then we get to here the best song of the whole CD, namely the fantastic uptempo early 80s classy AOR song "Desire" that is a must if you're a fan of TANTRUM, VXN and TORONTO. This quality song is unlike the rest of the CD pure AOR/Melodic Rock in the best 80s tradition. If the band would throw some more songs in this style on a future record, we could easily call this band another interesting female fronted rockband from The States.

Next track "Disillusioned" is weak, while "Give me tonight" is a pretty good semi melodic rockballad a la LITA FORD (80s sound). The uptempo melodic rocker "Be mine" has some nice harmonyvocals, and the last 3 tracks are not really something special. The CD has its ups and downs. SOCIETY'S CHILD is a good band, but I hear that they can do even better and I think the future will prove I'm right. Check out the best tracks of this CD and you'll hear a good female fronted melodic rockband. Website: http://www.childrock.com and e-mail at: tess@childrock.com

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

This American band released two records back in the early 90s, but got stuck in the Grunge scene that followed sometime after the release of their second CD. Now, about 8 years later, EVERY MOTHER'S NIGHTMARE strikes back with the release of their third CD 'Smokin' delta voodoo'. Musically they have changed a bit and their sound is updated, but happily they still sound pretty melodic. The Sleaze/Glam influences from their debut are almost vanished and only a few songs have the LA GUNS/SKID ROW comparison (songs like "On display" and "Kerisene").

Most of the time, EVERY MOTHER'S NIGHTMARE sounds like a modern melodic rockband. The best songs are "Somehow" (semi melodic rockballad with a very good chorus), "Delta voodoo" (MHR a la BEGGARS AND THIEVES), "Sympathy" (semi rocker) and the midtempo rocker "Garden". A fine return of EMN, let's hope the next album will not have to wait as long as it took to release this CD. Website: http://www.emnonline.net

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

This tribute to AEROSMITH has been released through the American 80s typed Hard Rock/Metal/Glam label PERRIS RECORDS. The CD contains 10 well-performed AEROSMITH songs by members of bands like VAIN, KEEL, GUNS AND ROSES, LITA FORD, DANGEROUS TOYS and on drums we can hear Carmine Appice. Vocalists that appear throughout the CD are PAUL SHORTINO, DEREK ST. HOLMES, DAVY VAIN and RON KEEL. In other words, this album is a very professional sounding tribute to Hard Rock legends AEROSMITH. Especially the 70s songs of the band can be found on this tribute, such as "Mama's kin", "Rock in a hard place", and "Walk this way". Available through http://www.perrisrecords.com

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

ALBERTO SALA comes out of Italy and plays everything on his own on his debut CD 'Countdown to freedom'. Instrumental it all sounds pretty nice, but the vocals of Alberto are pretty average. The best song is definitely "Ready to die", a good 80s typed L.A. typed melodic Hard Rock song in the style of RATT, KEEL and DOKKEN. Alberto's vocals in this song are much better than on the other tracks, so if he could make some more songs in this style on a future record it would be much more interesting. Other nice songs are the instrumental AOR song "Run" and the ballad "The answer". Check out his music at:
http://www.mp3.com/alberto_sala and e-mail him at: asala@katamail.com

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

Before I start this review, I must add here that this is not the Canadian JON FIORE who sang on the terrific AOR records of PREVIEW and FIORE in the past. This JOHN FIORE is coming out of the USA and his debut CD 'More than a million things' is a nice light AOR/Poprock record along the lines of other newcomers such as JOE ROBINSON, PHIL VINCENT, JAKE MAYHEM…

The CD hasn't a big production and the hi-tech drumsound is not working really well, but happily some of the songs are interesting to check out as they refer to our beloved music genre. The best songs are "It's not too late" (semi AOR/Melodic Rocker a la JOE ROBINSON/PHIL VINCENT), "Isn't it maddening" (catchy chorus) and the 3 early 80s typed AOR/Radiorockers "Time after time", "Still in love with you" and "One more heartache" that all 3 remind me of PRISM, including some great guitarwork. These last 3 mentioned tracks are definitely worth checking out and if John would make more songs in this style on a future CD and add real drums to his songs, then this could turn out to something sensational. If also the production would be better, than I can't see why this JOHN FIORE could be signed.

For now, some things have to change and also please next time no more of these useless acoustic tingled pop/rock tunes such as "Because of you", "Walk away again", "Colors" and the boogie poprocker "All over me". The debut CD of multi-instrumentalist John Fiore has it's ups and downs, go check it out at: again http://www.mp3.com/JohnFiore and e-mail him at: jayeff_2000@yahoo.com

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

Swedish rockers HUMAN RACE return with the release of their second CD 'Dirt eater'. The band switched from label. In 1998 their debut was released on Z RECORDS, but as the band sounded a bit too heavy probably, they are now under MASSACRE RECORDS on which they will release this week the new CD 'Dirt eater'. Musically not much has changed, although the sound is a little more modern and Metal orientated than their melodic hard rock of their debut CD. The band is clearly influenced by RAINBOW and BLACK SABBATH on the faster melodic metal songs "Paralyzed", "Free your mind", "Lost in the shadows" and of course the RAINBOW cover "Tarot woman". My favourite track is the Melodic Hard Rock song "This is who we are" that has a very nice melodic chorus. Overall, I find some of the material a bit too 90s Metal orientated, but I still think fans of Classic 70s Hard Rock will find something to enjoy on this record.

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

This band formed around guitarist Rick Ray (who released about 15 solo-records!) sent me one of their CDs. The band is playing pure 70s Hard Rock and Progressive Pop/rock with some groovy overtones. I smell some clear THIN LIZZY influences on a few songs. The beginning is pretty good with good solid 70s typed uptempo hard rock songs such as "Red tape" and "She could win an award". The following songs are slower and also weaker, such as the progressive pop/rock of "Good to be here" and "They're only words". Then a song like "Dial nine" is a whole lot better and grabs back to the good solid uptempo hard rock style of the first couple of songs. This is the style that shows RIOT ACT at their very best. I think we can expect a lot more of Rick Ray and Riot Act in the future, so e-mail at: Hobbelshnimp@hotmail.com

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

New Zealand is not really a country to look for Rockbands, but there are exceptions, such as guitarist/bassist/ vocalist TONY KORETZ. He has released a CD titled 'Destiny' that sounds pretty nice actually. Tony himself has produced the album very well. Musically it is not pure AOR, but I would rather call it early 80s mainstream rock'n'roll in the style of early BENNY MARDONES, JIMMY BARNES, LIFE ('Cocoon') and BILLY SQUIER. This is just pure Rock with raw vocals, a big guitarsound, but still melodic songs, well, I think you'll get the picture… There are 12 songs on the album.

The best songs are the heavy semi melodic rockballads "Ever after now", "Destiny", "Hotline" and "Crazy life". Most of the songs have a slow tempo, but there's one song that can be labelled as uptempo and that's the melodic rocker "Hot coals". This last mentioned song is the best one of the whole record and sounds like Jimmy Barnes fronting SANTERS back in the early 80s! Anyway, there aren't many weak songs to be found on the CD or it should be the acoustic tingled songs "The wilderness", "The way of love" and "Gnos citsuoca". Check out the songs at http://www.mp3.com while you can get a copy of the CD through http://www.cdstreet.com and e-mail him at: rocksure.soundz@zfree.co.nz

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

WILD DESERT are coming out of the beautiful city of Aschaffenburg (Germany) and their demo CD contains 3 tracks. They are a very young band as some of the members are barely 20 years old, but anyway they sound pretty good actually. The first song is called "King of the night" and this is a very good midtempo melodic rocker (a la FAIR WARNING/ AXXIS). Next up is a nice piano ballad called "Hostage of my own". The third song is "Rock'n'roll circle" which was nothing special.

But that first song "King of the night" is very impressive for a young band like WILD DESERT. Hopefully they can make more songs in this style in the near future, so we can enjoy listening to yet another fine German melodic rockband. Check out their site at: http://www.wilddesert.de and e-mail them at: Wild_Desert@hotmail.com

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem)

Wildely admired German melodic rock band who released three albums 'Our Kingdom', 'Before The Storm' and 'Crack The Wall' in the late eighties return with a persuasive new disc.Guitarist Axel Ritt is the sole remaining member of the original line up. On this album he is joined by German singer Carsten Schulz, keyboard wizard Erdmann Lange, bassist Dirk Beckers and drummer Edgar Schmidt.They say there is strength in numbers, together the new line up rocks and resembles Scorpions and Europe, such as on illustrious catchy arena rockers like 'Move On', 'Can't Stand', 'New Horizon' and emotive power ballads like the gut wrenching hanky drainers 'When It Comes To love' and 'Wings Of Destiny'.

A couple of instrumentals are also thrown in - 'Gary-Boy' is an elgegant blues based piece whilst 'Fumble Fingers' results in a Mozart inspired neo-classical work out. Domain have delivered an exceptional album, songs like the title track are approached from an epical angle, but for the most part all the songs are powerful melodic rockers and power ballads performed in the classic 80's tradtion.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Long Island’s Arabia play ambitious guitar driven melodic rock straight from the eighties. Songs like ‘The Heart Is The Lonely Hunter’ and ‘Dark Side Of Love’ bare comparisons to House Of Lords and other bands of this calibre.

‘1001 Nights’ is a gorgeous slab of solid melodic rock a’la House Of Lords and Dio, paticularly John Blaze’s vocals, which are very much like James Chrsitian.

‘Til The Day I Die’ kicks off with a stomping drum solo and great guitar licks and is pure melodic rock graced with a catchy chorus, if you don’t singlong to this song then you might as well as be tone deaf. One of the catchiest songs on the album.

The blusey orientated ‘So Tired’ hints toward Whitesnake, whilst ‘Runaway Renee’ is a lovely melodic ballad that echos memories of Whitesnake and House Of Lords.

‘I Wanna Be King’ once again heats things up and hits hard and then we get to hear ‘Waiting’ which is another killer stomping melodic rocker which will leave you humming along.

‘Mariah’ is an interesting track and perhaps my favourite of the album simply because the vocal and musical melodies flow spectacularly, an almost epic track that once again reminds me of House Of Lords circa ‘Sahara’

The last song ‘Brother Love’ didn’t convince me at first but ended up growing on me after repeated plays, the simply chorus and melody becomes quite attractive. The only song that didn’t work for me was ‘Love Me Do’, but with supreme melodic rock songs like ‘1001 Nights’ and ‘Mariah’ all eyes will be watching the future progress of Arabia with great delight. Possibly the melodic rock find of 2001.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Kivel records continue their high standards with the latest release from Virginia hard rockers Smilek. You thought Attraction kicked your arse, well prepare to be blown away with this release folks. The first thing that hits you is how close the band sound to Bon Jovi and Firehouse which is mainly due to Marty Smilek's husky vocals.

The whole sound of this album is big summetime driving arena rock, oh not another one I hear you cry, yes afraid so, but look these guys have a sense of honesty with their music and it's dead catchy and easy to singalong with, and I highly advise you ro check this band out as each song is just great fun catchy summertime rock n' roll, nothing more nothing less. Check out the fantastic 'Shot Of Your Love' and 'Sentimental Highway' and picture sunkissed audiences singing along at ther top of their voices with fists in the air as the song rides sky high up the charts. 'Shot Of Your Love' is addictive and very close to Bon Jovi,a killer hard rocker with great chorus.

Next track 'Heartbeat In A Heart' has asimply melody which reminds me of White Lion's 'Little Fighter' and is a great song that should get the girls down to the stage front. Another favourite track is the awesome 'Roxy', this one marries Bon Jovi, Poison and Firehouse and has a great chours.

The heat rises on the next track 'Vain' which brings back memories of Trixter and that first Von Grrove record, whilst get ready to shout it out and rock it out on 'Almost There' complete with "woah woah" chanting, this one sits closely to Bryan Adams.

'Fire It Up', 'Wind And Reign', 'Devil's Dance', 'Christened By Fire' and 'Tears Of Blood' keep the pace going and are all supeb arena rockers, whilst 'Lay Down Your Guns' is a smoking ballad in the Poison/Lillian Axe vein. The only track I couldn't get to grips with was the sallon bar feel of 'Don't Say Goodbye' and is way too close to Jon Bon Jovi's 'Sante Fe'.

Other than that this is a fantastic album, full of a catchy arena rockers. There's not many albums out there at the moment this good, so get SMILEK bought pronto! ESSENTIAL.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Zonata are another high energy heavy band from Sweden who play typical Scandanavian/ European progessive/power metal a'la Helloween, Hammerfall, Gamma Ray and Judas Priest. The songs are in the eighties neo-classical metal vein, thus during alot of the songs we hear classical parts which gives the album a powerful progressive edge.

I have to say that Johannes Nyberg is a killer keyboard player and almost parps as fast as virtuoso Mistheria of which this band sound very similar. Johannes vocals are also very powerful and come across like a higher range Goran Edman and Michael Kiske, whilst guitar player John Nyberg is a very complexed neo-classical inspired mad man.

I really enjoyed the heavy 'Divided We Stand' and 'Wheel Of Life' which Malmsteen, Maiden and Helloween fans should really enjoy, great chorus lines and musicianship. There are a number of great songs to listen out for such as 'Forever' (Halford style vocals) the frantic speed metal of 'Illusion Of Madness' and the shining complexed melodies of 'the almost epical 'Dimension To Freedom' and 'Gate Of Fear' which are all powerfull metal and progressive pieces that will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up.

The bands combined talents make for a very powerful and enjoyable release that never gets boring like some progressive metal albums and keeps this listener very entertained right until the last song. Recommended.

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

New start, new label for one of the unluckiest but most essential bands of recent years. Formed in 1989, Sweden’s Million have so far released three respectable albums of which this cd represents a selection of tracks pulled from each album.

The band play anything from hard rock to progressive rock and inspirations such as Queensryche and eighties power metal can be heard on songs like 'Shadow Of The Cross’, 'Mother Earth', the ballbusting 'Wrong Side', 'Opinion Machine' and the delicious screaming metal of 'Candyman' which is my pick of the bunch.

Million are hard at work on their fourth album due out later this year and if you haven't heard the band yet, then buy this and prepare to "Get Millionized".

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

This is the brainchild of guitarist Eric Sands who has opend up live for the likes of Van Halen, Sheryl Crow and Steve Vai.

Project Ibanez, features is a compilation of instrumental songs performed by various artists. We start of with two tracks from Eric Sands himself. 'Moe' and 'Hanglider' are both supreme instrumental tracks in the traditon of Vai circa'Passion And Warfare', Satriani and Neil Zaza. So if you like them you will love Eric Sands, both these songs are superbly constructed and performed, making for an all new guitar hero star.

Next up we get two songs from Rusty Cooley which are more agressive and possibly influenced by Marty Friedman and Zakk Wylde. The second of the two songs 'Dominion' is a striking neo-classical piece which bring back memories of Tony MaCalpine.

Next up is two tracks from Alex Lessertisseur which mess around with samples and Indian influences, and then we get to hear a really kick arse piece called 'Plastic Sin' which reminds me of Randy Coven and Blues Saraceno and is utterly fantastic and dead catchy. This track is performed by Ken Burtch.

'Release' performed by Eric Nelson is a little on the techno side which spoils the songs feel, whilst Steve Stavropoulos is another marvelous talented player with a style of his own. Both his songs 'Stagger Street' and 'Threshold' are very inspirational.

Adam Fox is next and is nothing sensational and like Eric Nelson his style is suffered because of the use of samples etc..

Matt Brabender finishes the album off, his song is pretty good and the melodies just flow, he's an excellent player and his ideas make his song sound inspired by Satriani.

This cd is pretty cool and showcases some fine guitar talent, especially Steve Stavropoulos, Matt Brabender, Rusty Cooley, Ken Burtch and Eric Sands. Eric Sands is currently recording a track for the Jason Becker Tribute cd due out in April.

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

High octane guitar based metal band from Los Angeles that feature former members of Lizzy Borden, Takara, Jonas Hansson Band, Silver Mountain, Alcatraz, Dio etc..

The album features eleven tracks some of which remind me of Blue Murder, Thin Lizzy, Crimson Glory, Dokken, Nazareth etc, so what we get is band that plays suprisingly good 80's style rock and metal. Check out 'Tool' which is a brilliant song that just bounces along with stomping, bulging riffs and a great chorus in the vein of Dokken.

'Autumn Rising' is a smouldering classic rock track which starts off as a ballad before bursting into a Badlands meets Dokken meets TNT catchy melodic rocker. Vocalist Chris Roseberry has an amazing voice similar to Tony Harnell and Don Dokken which can be powerful and also very subtle. This particular song is one of my favourites which also has some very cool twin guitar parts.

Of the musicians appearing on this record we get famed guitar player Joy Basu, Marten Andersson (bassist with Lizzy Borden, Takara etc), guitarist/keyboardist Jonas Hansson who you may remember from Silver Mountain and Alcatraz and drummer Stephen Emig. All this makes for a very powerful release, with songs such as the excellent Dokken inspired 'Mission Of Mercy' giving the band an edge that should see this album selling well to fans of this genre.

'Mission Of Mercy' is very catchy as is 'Troubleshooter', the bluesy stomping Ozzy-ish 'Leave It Alone', the ballad 'Can't Remember Love', the guitar pumping 'My Last Sunrise' and the instrumental pieces '2.4.1', 'Astral Sundown' and the Jason Becker/Marty Friedman inspired 'Thank You' all make for what will hopefully become one of the most talked about bands of 2001.

Check them out via www.legacylive.com or email :- info@legacylive.com

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Well hear it is folks, the long awaited arse kicking debut from the most talked about underground band on the internet.

If you’re into catchy wall bouncying high energy, rifftastic stadium rock straight from the eighties school of heavy metal madness, then you will love Feel.

The first two songs ‘Hardcore’ and ‘The Fear Inside You’ show the bands Megadeth meets Metallica influences, whilst track three ‘Desperate’ is a true highlight a’la Dokken where as ‘Bye Bye’ adds in horn sections. Both these songs are fantastic rockers with sharp hooks, punching chorus lines to hum along to.

Do you like Skid Row? Then try the frantic ‘Blame It On Me’ the superb fist clenching ‘Not Love’ (which is one of the albums best songs), and the melodic rhaspy ‘Tripped Up Ways’.

The following songs ‘Circles’ and the catchy ‘Innocent’ are in the Tesla vein, singer Michael Alaric is vocally similar to Jeff Keith, thus many of the songs show obvious comparisons to Tesla.

‘Switch’ is to dark for my tastes, but then things heat thunders on with‘Thank God For Grace’ which is another killer song in the Tesla vein.

"Against The Grain" has been excellently produced with the whole sound being very BIG so do yourselves a favour and check these guys out. Shit we need a new band like Feel to help turn things around, fresh young and pumping with inspiration.

website www.Feelrocks.com AWESOME!

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

Bumblefoot is the project put together by respected guitar virtuoso Ron Thal who also handles the vocals whilst brother Jeff handles the drum stool. The production is excellent and the bands style will appeal to fans of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Freak Kitchen, Faith No More, Zappa, Bowie and maybe Extreme.

Check out great tracks like the very catchy and zany 'Backfur', which takes you on a trip into RHCP and FNM territory. It's a bass driven song which reminds me of the Chilli's song 'Love Rollercoaster' only more psyched up, a great song. Also 'Brooklyn Stakehouse' is another favourite. This song gets very wierd musically but is actually dead good. Ron Thall is also a killer singer and this song could almost be a progressive FNM or Mr Bungle, very cool song,

On 'Chair Ass' we hear a more solid guitar based song, the solo's are pretty bizzare, one moment Ron goes for jazz fushion and the next he's into thrashy stuff whilst the song itself is kinda rap metal influenced a'la Chilli's and FNM but is a toally killer groovy song, and I'd much rather here something like this, than crap like Korn, Fear Factory and the Deftones.

Pure Zappa influences can be heard on 'Noseplugs', whilst 'Dirty Pant'loons' is more agressive and similar to Sepultura.

'Drunk' is defintley from the Zappa/Mr.Bungle school of humorised rock n roll, it's almost a ballad, and I have to say that Ron's vocals on this are very cool.

'Shrunk' is very catchy and has a great big silly groove, infact all of this album is very exciting, there's always something going on which makes for a very interesting and entertaining work of artistic genuis.If your looking for something different then this is it.

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Welcome to the second Bumblefoot cd which has just come out. This is even more bizzare and fun than "Hands". For example the band take on rap stars House Of Pain with 'Go', this is a catchy song that I love to death.

'T-Jonez' is a weird jazz/swing meets modern metal piece, just listen to Ron's vocals on this song. I'm sure he is taking the piss out of some famed singers, the song then bursts into interesting and diverse ideas that is most entertaining.

'My World Is You', 'Girl Like You' and 'Delilah' are just vocally crazy, Ron's voice drops ever so deep on the former. Then we get to hear 'Crunch' which has the same vibe and feel as David Lee Roth's 'Don't Piss Me Off' and is very catchy and cool.

'I Hate Me More Than I Love You' is funky a'la Chilli's with a 70's vibe, whilst 'Kiss The Ring' is also in this vein. The funky 'Dominated' is er - dominated by a solid guitar and bass edge. Both '13' and 'R 2' are instumental pieces with the latter being my favourite, this piece is a great guitar instrumental that flows with interesting and fresh ideas. The last track 'We Don't Care' is similar to Faith No More and Bad News and is quite fun.

Overall Ron Thal's brilliance is way ahead of his time and he will no doubt become a major influence on future artists of this calibre.Watch out for Ron on the fourth coming Jason Becker Tribute cd. L

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Italian progressive band based around the talents of keyboard maestro Mistheria, who is one of the most gifted keyboard virtuoso's I have ever heard.

Fans of Yngwie Malmsteen, Dream Theater and early Tony MaCalpine will love this album as it's very much a progressive work of art, especially as this collection of thirteen inspiring songs are basically demos, imagine what these songs would sound like with record company backing!!

The songs featured here are vocal and instrumetal pieces influenced by the classical composers of the 18th and 19th centurys.

A star is born in both Mistheria and singer Ced. Ced comes over as the new Goran Edman and magically carries songs such as 'Feeling Nothing' to great hights, this song starts off in a ballady note before bulging into an eye popping progressive piece. Also guitarist Maxe Freeman is a master in his own right and together the band so tight.

'My Dear Chopin' just explodes into your face and is a grandiose/keyboard affair with classical influence, the way Max and Mistheia combine their talents is quite mindblowing.

'Devil's Steps' features the most amazing keyboard virtuosity I have ever heard, you almost think it's the guitar and is completley mind melting stuff.

'Distances' is a completley beautiful and inspiring piece of piano balladry, whilst 'Power' shows off the bands Dream Theater influences and technical brilliance.

The towering vocal led 'Loosing Me' takes the band on an epical progressive journey, whilst 'Dancing Alone In The Midnight' is a straight ahead Malmsteen/Axel Rudi Pell style rocker, where Ced's voice sounds like a mix of Joe Lynn Turner and Goran Edman which is continued on the brilliant 'I Must Have Been Crazy'.

'The Sin' calms things down, and is superb ballad and 'Make Your Choice' head off once again into Dream Theater territory.

A big suprise was 'Feeling Nothing' - a technical keyboard/guitar duet with classical influences and is most inspiring.

'What Love Should Be' is another powerful progressive piece with great lyrics and beautiful harmonies.

Viracocha are supreme musicians whom I think you will be hearing alot about in months to come and I really hope that a label can get behind them and give even more life and power to these great songs. Mistheria will be appearing on the fourth coming Jason Becker Tribute cd. Be sure to check them out.

Email Mistheria @ mistheria@libero.it

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

This is a pop/ballad-flavoured album from a very talented lady. Already Natasha’s music has been compared to the likes of Belinda Carlisle and Gloria Estefan and heavily features synths.

There are eleven songs in the vein of eighties chart pop such as the excellent opening track ‘Looking For Mister Right’, which is in the style of Belinda Carlsisle, Fiona and Aina and is a cracking catchy song.

Also in this vein are the songs ‘Anytime, Anywhere’ and ‘Whatcha Gonna Do With My Love’, The next track ‘I Can’t Say No’ is power pop with a swing whilst the keyboard led ‘Summer Nights’ is a ballad in the style of Belinda Carlisle.

An interesting song for me is ‘I Ain’t Gonna Cry No More’, this song feels very spanish orientated and reminds me of Gloria Estefan and is cracking song that would have sat nicely in eightie’s movies such as Fame or Dirty Dancing. Also in the Estefan vein is ‘Party Music’ which isn’t so good.

We get hear some more nice ballads called ‘WhatsA Matter Baby’, ‘This Diamond’ and ‘Midnight Again’ - but one of the most suprising tracks on Natasha’s album is a cover of EUROPE’S ‘Open Your Heart’, which is a duet between Natasha and Donny Vox which is absoloutley superb and a great way to finish this album that serves as a taster of great things to come from Natasha. Recommemded.

www.keynotemusiccorp.com/

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Illinois based quartet who plays high-energy guitar metal. This is the bands debut, which is more melodic based than their second album. The debut was released in 1997 and features a variety of fired up rockers and silky melodic ballads that are all in the style of Dokken and bands of their calibre.

The best songs are ‘Die For Your Love’ and ‘In A Dream’ with the soothing ‘Evening Tide’ following close behind. The band went on to open up for such acts as Enuff Z’Nuff and Missing Persons and have began to establish a name for themselves stateside.

Last year the band followed up their debut with the excellent and much better ‘Tracing The Heavens’. This album features twelve songs, which continue on from where the debut left off. The songs this time have a more rounded and harder metal edge a’la Loudness, Judas Priest and Racer X, and the band benfit from it as songs like ‘Rectifier’, ‘Deep In Space’, ‘Master Of Pain’, the guitar heavy ‘Frozen’, ‘The Game’ and the excellent ‘License To Rock’ will please guitar fans.

The bands diversity and melodic side come to light during songs like the excellent ‘Kingdom I Am’ and ‘Here I Come’ and ‘Eye Spy Up In The Eye’.

Sometimes though the band do sound average with some of their songs coming across uninspiring and unoriginal, but I feel that come album number three the band will hit their stride full force.

What we get though is two decent guitar based albums that shows signs of a band waiitng to fire on all ten cylinders. Well worth checking out.

www.mp3.com or email tracer@mindspring.com

Rating: Ist album – 7/10 and 2nd album – 7,5/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Meanwhile down under in Australia you can find Kim Cannan. Cannan plays guitar, flute, percussion, keyboards, cello, mandolin, celtic harp and violin. Influnced by Joe Satriani her debut album "Intrinsic", is a thoughtful and beautifully crafted instrumental album.

Her subtle acoustic based melodies remind me of the calmer side of Satriani’s work, such as on ‘Surrender’ and ‘The Refreshing’ where elements of Nuno Bettencourt and can also be heard.

What I like about Kim’s style is the little ideas she comes up with her in her songs such as the use of flutes and synths etc, which make her material easy on the ears and almost of soundtrack appeal.

‘Bronze Flame’ is a song based around medieval ideas similar to Richie Blackmore’s "Blackmore’s Night" band and Clannad, where as ‘Gabriel’ is a soothing spiritual piece that also features Kim playing the cello.

Other favourite tracks include ‘White Wind’ which is played with tremendous feeling, whilst the utterly fantastic ‘The Legend’ wins the best song award and features perhaps one of the most under used instruments in this genre of music – the Harp, which is one of my favourite instruments and why I love this song so much.

‘Strategies’, ‘Panoramic’, ‘Sunset’ and the gorgeous ‘Ode To God’ all keep the standard and quality high which make for a very elegant and classy instrumental album that I urge you all to check out.

Email : - aliengig@primus.com.au

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

Canadian born DAVID MARTONE is a student of the famous Berklee College Of Music and Fanshaw College. He is endorsd by Roland and Ernie Ball guitars and teaches music at various workshops.

Martone has won numerous awards and as has also appeard on the Jeff Beck and Joe Satriani tribute cd’s. David has also been featured on the "GUITARPALOOZA" compilation with his song ‘B52’. This song features the keyboard talents of David’s brother Paul Martone. It’s an aggressive experimental piece that dabbles with techno influences.

Martone’s playing is remisent of Satriani and Frank Gambale and his ideas throughout his debut album ‘Zone’ are diverse and entertaining.

Check out the enchanting ‘Missed Birthday’ and ‘Let’s Dream’ both of which offer soundtrack style atmospherics whilst ‘Fish to LA’ is heavy and funky a’la Satch and Jeff Scheetz.

Another catchy number is the Michael Lee Firkins inspired ‘Free Bop’ whilst ‘Bach-Tone’ dabbles with neo-classical elements.

All of Martone’s songs show a great sense of skill and passion, a must also mention the frantic ‘Eight Notes’ which has a commerical edge to it a’la Satriani and is a great instrumental piece.

Martone is also recording a song for the Jason Becker tribute cd, and you can contact him via his website at www.divanmusic.com

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

BYRON NEMETH is a name that you will be hearing about in months to come. Byron is from Ohio USA and he is one hell of a talented multi-instrumentalist who has an original fresh style that is very pleasing on the ear.

His new album '2000' is a slick guitar orientated piece of genius that features ten superb instrumentals that follow in the styles of Jason Becker, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Van Halen, Steve Stevens etc..

Byron's style is hard to criticize, each song is proffesionally performed and produced. Byron knows exactly when to go for it and when to settle back and just let the melodies flow, which makes this album even more enjoyable than most instrumental albums I come across these days.

Even though the guitar playing is huge, their is a subtle side of influences to be heard such as on 'Sangre Del Toro' and 'November Rain'. The former mixes in Mexican influences whilst the latter is a beautiful sentimental piece. Also influential is the track 'Machines Of Ice' that features synths, this track reminds me of Berndt Steidel and is very cool.

The album explores many different styles of composition, which captivates the listener all the way through to the albums end which is very rare in guitar albums in this day and age, check out 'Sonic Dreams' for neo-classical class and the awesome Jason Becker influenced 'High Speed Life'. 'Summers New Day' has a great groove which cries out for vocals, killer song, love harmonies similar to Neil Zaza, overall '2000' is a killer influential album. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Byron Nemeth will be appearing on the fourth coming Jason Becker Tribute album on a song that will feature Ron Thal.

www.byronnemeth.com

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)