MYSTIC CROSS is a band from Houston, Texas. They were formed in 1993 and through the years they opened for such headlining acts such as DOKKEN, SURVIVOR, WARRANT, LILLIAN AXE and lead vocalist Joe Cain even filled in for Mark Slaughter on two SLAUGHTER dates in 1995. So, these guys have already some experience behind them and we can hear that on the two CDs they have released so far. Their first release was 'Visions of time', as released in 1995.

This CD is a very good Melodic Rock album that can be compared to the likes of TOUR DE FORCE, MIRROR, LITTERER, SHOTGUN SYMPHONY (like their first) and THE BURNPOOL. However MYSTIC CROSS is less commercial. Their songs have progressive influences and almost every song features a really cool Pompous Keyboardsolo (from keyboardist Rick Flores). Also the production (by MYSTIC CROSS, Trey Davis and Bryan Baker) is crystal clear.

In other words, MYSTIC CROSS is quite an unique band with a very professional sound. The CD starts with "Victory intro", an intro to "Dying breed", the first song of the album. This is a melodic rocker with some progressive and pomp influences, kinda like SHOTGUN
SYMPHONY. The song has a really wonderful keyboardsolo, but so do have all the other songs on the CD, so I will not mention that anymore, nevertheless this is very cool and unlike many other bands.

Next track "Out of nowhere" has a lovely pompous melodic rock chorus and is right into TOUR DE FORCE/HIT THE GROUND RUNNIN' territory. The beginning of the song is a bit groovy (a la DOUBLE DEALER, ALLIED NATION), but later on the song gets very impressive. Then there's "All outta love", a typical uptempo melodic hardrock that would not have been out of place on the second TOUR DE FORCE ('World on fire'). Following track "Endless flight" is really HUGE! This song is a superb semi AOR/Melodic Rockballad with a classy 80s start. Beautiful harmonies and lovely keyboards make this impressive song a killer AOR tune and a must for people who are into TRIUMPH and SHOTGUN SYMPHONY!

Then we get to hear the first weak song, which is the rocker "Mr. Lonely". Next up is "Alas babylon", a nice semi melodic rocker. Then comes the best song of the whole CD,
namely "Restless heart". This song has great piano-keys at the start (and later on of course the lovely keyboardsolo). "Restless heart" develops into a superb AOR ballad a la WHITE SISTER, CRYSTAL… "Now until forever" follows and in the beginning it sounds the same as the previous song, so great pure AOR piano-keys (a la SURVIVOR). But then suddenly it changes into a good uptempo melodic rocker a la TOUR DE FORCE, ATTRACTION… The CD closes with "Sword of truth", a nice progressive melodic heavy rocker with a very good AOR chorus. A few years later the band released their second CD that is reviewed below, unfortunately some changes have been made in their line-up and their musical style.

Rating: 8,5/10

For their new CD, the band has been undergoing some changes in their line-up and unfortunately not in favour of their music. The only remaining members are vocalist Joe Cain and drummer Austin Gartman. The bassist (Zack Saiz), guitarist (Rob Weaver) and keyboardist (Rick Flores) all left the band and have been replaced by bassist Bobby Cayton and Guitarist Don LaFon. Don now handles the keyboards and unfortunately the keyboards have been put to the back and can only once in a while be heard. A pity, because their wonderful debut featured a lot of lovely keyboardsolo's which made their music very pompous and unique.

Anyway, musically the new CD is less melodic and features the guitars upfront. The band even has added 90s metal influences and so the melodic rock of their debut is sometimes hard to find. Happily, there are still some great songs on the CD. Examples are "Give me a sign" (wonderful late 80s mainstream melodic rockballad a la WARRANT, DAMN YANKEES, TYKETTO… very good harmonyvocals), "Don't walk away" (great slowtempo melodic rocker a la WHITESNAKE, TYKETTO...), "Seventh of never" (classy 80s uptempo melodic rocker, at the end a bit progressive) and the re-recording of "Endless flight" (from their debut, and back then the best song, just like now).

From the other 10 songs, a lot are weaker 90s inspired metal tunes such as "Your life", "Break down the walls", "Over the edge", "Falling apart", "Stand your ground" and "Shadows in the mind". Songs like these are really not my cup of tea and have also less to do with the MYSTIC CROSS I heard on their great debut CD. It's a big question to me why the band has changed their style so much in five years. Anyway, I would recommend to buy their debut, but you can still try this new CD too. More info on MYSTIC CROSS at: http://www.mystic-cross.com and e-mail them at: KDLEWIS9999@email.msn.com

Rating: 7/10

HEATHER'S GONE comes out of Southern California and 'New beginning' is their second CD release. Their first one was titled 'Again' which was released in 1995, but actually that record is a pure 90s rock/alternative album that I rather not discuss over here. Their new album is indeed a 'New beginning', because this album is much more melodic rock orientated and also very radio-friendly. I also noticed that the lead vocals on this one are much better and are pretty good actually. On their debut the vocals (and sound) were very 90s orientated, but this new record is clearly an improvement.

The first two songs ("Control" and "Save me lady") are nice pop/rocksongs with a 90s edge. "Gray man" follows and is a pretty good semi melodic rockballad. Next track "I can't breathe" is a bit weak, but then we get to hear a really superb song suddenly. The song is called "Without you" and this is a fantastic classy 80s uptempo melodic rocker like DOKKEN, CONDITIONED RESPONSE… I never expected a song like this from such a 90s typed band. Wouldn't it be great if the band could come up with some more songs in this style on their upcoming new CD (scheduled for release later this year).

Anyway, the CD continues with "New beginning", a QUEENSRYCHE typed semi melodic rockballad. Following track "Sunset addiction" is a funky pop/rock tune, while "Around I go" is weaker and sounds like the band's debut record. After the short instrumental "So beautiful", the CD closes with "Revelation", a good semi melodic rocker. I look forward what the new CD will bring, for now, e-mail the band at: Jagward12@aol.com

Rating: 7/10

SOLID BLUE comes out of Sweden. They sent me a promo CD featuring 3 original songs of the band. Musically BRYAN ADAMS, TOTO and other FM-Rock/Westcoast bands influenced them. The first song of this demo CD is "Heavenly beauty", a fantastic pure AOR tune a la GARY HUGHES, SINGAL… This is a great start!

Next track "That's the way" is a nice softer westcoast typed song with female lead vocals, a bit like 70s HEART. Closing track "Heaven in my hands" is a pure 80s Power AOR ballad with influences from RICHARD MARX, TOTO, CHICAGO ('21')… A good effort and I really look forward to an official CD release in the future. In the meantime, you must check out this great new AOR band at: http://www.mp3.com/solidblue and e-mail the band at: lazze_a@hotmail.com

Rating: 8/10

This band out of North Carolina released their debut CD back in 1997. The album contains 5 songs and musically this is 80s typed melodic hardrock a la RATT/SKID ROW. Though the sound has a few 90s influences and also tends to sound pretty groovy at times. The best songs are "Livin' it up" and "Will to run", two good melodic rockers in the 80s style. The other three songs are a bit weaker 90s orientated rockers.

The band also sent me a CDR with 5 earlier demo songs from 1996. And actually this CDR features the best SALT LICK songs such as "Temptation valley", "Walk that mile" and "Take me back", three good 80s typed melodic rockers a la early SKID ROW, WINGER, RATT, early SLEEZE BEEZ, WHITE LION…

Hope the band writes more songs in the future in this style, would be pretty cool! Check out the band at: http://www.oocities.org/computer1_us and you can buy it at www.mp3.com/saltlick for the price of $9.99 for 8 songs.

Rating: 7/10

KAOS FROM ORDER is a new American Female Fronted Rockband. Lead vocalist Pam Dixon really has a great voice and has already been compared to the likes of PAT BENATAR, ANN WILSON and ELLEN FOLEY, some of the great female rockers from the 80s. Happily, also the music of KAOS FROM ORDER is pretty nice to hear and so I had a great time listening to their 6-track promo-CD the band sent me.

Opener "Revolution" is a good semi melodic rocker like BRATZ INC., HEADPINS, HEADMASTER, IF ONLY… only with some 90s influences. Next up is the ballad "Off we go". In the same style as opener "Revolution", we can hear another fine uptempo melodic rocker titled "Truth". Another uptempo melodic rocker is following track "Cat in the heat", definitely one of the best songs on the album. Up next is the only weak song, which is
"Woodman", a weak bluesrocker with male vocals.

Closing track "Murder" has a very good hookline and is another good uptempo melodic rocker. This final track also features some very nice harmonies. Concluded, this KAOS FROM ORDER needs to be checked out by all fans of female fronted melodic rock. Website: http://www.inch.com/~bellevue and e-mail: ANIMAL@BESTWEB.NET

Rating: 7,5/10

CAT ROOD is a hard-rocking female guitarist originally from Ohio. She is also a mult-instrumentalist, because on her debut CD 'Guitarplay' she did everything on her own. Only the drums were done by someone else and there are no vocals on the album, so this is an all-instrumental CD. A very nice album to listen to.

The CD is a fine mixture of Rock, Pop and Melodic (Hard) Rock. There are 10 songs on the CD, and my favourites are the melodic rocksongs "The end of the world", "Calm before" and "Take the detour". This lady surely knows how to play her instruments. Check out her website at: http://www.cat-rood.com and e-mail her at: guitarplay@cat-rood.com

Rating: 7/10

LOSER is a band out of Tacoma, Washington, USA and they released this same titled debut CD back in 1998 on the label Lost Music. The CD contains 11 songs and musically we are into Melodic Power Poprock territory again. I hear influences from bands such as LITTLE AMERICA, THE OUTFIELD, THE KNACK… Especially opener "Tonight's not right" is in this style, a great uptempo melodic poprocker. Instrumental this opening tune is very 80s based, but vocally there are some 90s influences, though the harmonies are pretty nice to hear. Next track "It's so you" is very 60s influenced, especially the harmonies. The following two songs are the best ones on the CD.

First there is "Kick me", a pure early 80s typed fun melodic poprocker like RICK SPRINGFIELD (circa the early 80s) and a very cool guitarsound as well as a tight beat. "In my hands" follows and is like BEATLES meets 70s rock and it really works great, because this song sounds very good. "In my hands" reminds me of PIPER and BILLY SQUIER.

The rest of the CD is weaker and much more 90s pop/rock inspired ("19 digits", "Birthdays", "Widower", "Told you so", "Enjoy the fire"), but happily a few are again nice uptempo melodic poprockers ("Come on" and "Invisible man"). For more info, check out their site at: http://www.losergroup.com and e-mail them at: LOSERINWA@AOL.COM

Rating: 7/10

This is probably the first band from Luxembourg I review. They look like some sort of 70s comic book rockband (read: KISS meets ALICE COOPER) and also musically there are some comparisons to those acts. But actually EVERYDAY ZULU can more be seen as a Classic Rock (the early 70s) typed band, because I hear clear influences from bands such as NAZARETH and the very early URIAH HEEP.

There are 10 songs on the album. The best ones are "Missin' you" (semi melodic rocker), "Welcome to my kingdom" (uptempo rocker), "Prove your love" (semi melodic rocker) and "Time seller" (best song, great melodic rockballad). The rest of the CD is a bit weaker rock, and you should try out this band if you like any of the mentioned bands. What sets them apart from those bands is the fact that one member of the band is playing Flutes and Harp, something which you wouldn't expect in a rockband. More info at: http://www.come.to/everyday-zulu and e-mail them at: FROSSI@PT.LU

Rating: 6,5/10

THE EL CAMINOS come out of Atlanta, Georgia and they sent me a CD and two 45" singles which was really cool, because that's a long time ago I received (and played) one of those. A nice supply to the thousands of 45" I still have from the past. God, I miss those cool records! Anyway, back to the music, because THE EL CAMINOS are not a Melodic Hardrockband. These guys add a lot of energy from the late 70s Punkrocksound to their material and sometimes it works out well.

Happily, there is plenty enough of good melodies to be heard in their songs, so I wouldn't call this a pure Punkrockband, they just added influences from there into their Hard Rocksound. On the CD are 16 songs and yes the songs are short, but they rock! If you like one, you'll love them all. My favourite track is the 70s typed KISS rocker "Penetration" (I haven't had the time to read the lyrics, but I understand what this song is about). Check out this EL CAMINOS by e-mailing them at: elcaminos@mindspring.com

Rating: 6,5/10

Earlier this year we were surprised to hear Z RECORDS signed former TYKETTO vocalist Danny Vaughn. There were plans to release the new album under the TYKETTO name, but in the end that didn't came through and so now there is the first album on Z RECORDS by Danny under the name VAUGHN. The band also features the TYKETTO members Michael Clayton on drums and Jaimie Scott on bass. Although there are 3 members of TYKETTO in the band, this VAUGHN is musically different than the melodic rock of TYKETTO. That band released a fantastic debut CD filled with classy Melodic Rock. The albums that followed were not really something special.

Now the first album of VAUGHN has actually not much to do with Melodic Rock. Fans of the 'Don't come easy' album of TYKETTO will definitely have to listen a couple times to this album, because the classy 80s melodic rock is hard to find. VAUGHN is more like Danny's side-project with Mark Mangold called FLESH AND BONE. Anyone that liked that record from a few years ago on Frontiers Records, will totally love this CD. Although there isn't much melodic rock, the music is played very well of course and there are some nice tunes, such as "Is that all there is?". This song is the best one of the whole album, 'cause it's the only real classy 80s typed AOR/Melodic Rocktune to be heard on 'Soldiers on riverside'.

"Is that all there is?" is a very cheerful polished uptempo melodic AOR rocker, somehow reminding me of the 80s 38 SPECIAL with Jim Peterik co-writing the song. Also the last NELSON album ('Life') comes to mind when hearing this superb song, I wonder why Danny didn't make more of such songs for this album, because it would have made it a much better record than it is now. Besides this song, the first part of the CD is very Bluesy, Groovy and even Funky. Songs like "Bad water", "Healing hands" and "A handful of rain" sound like the 70s BAD COMPANY and are heavy slow Bluesy/R&B groovy rocksongs and have nothing to do with the cheerful melodic rock of TYKETTO.

Happily, the second part of the CD is more melodic hardrock orientated (a la MR. BIG) and songs like "Shadowland", "Soldiers and sailors on Riverside" are even nice to hear, because these are good melodic rockers like the second TYKETTO album. This VAUGHN record has nothing to do with TYKETTO, only the vocals of Danny are still the same (and very good). The songs are very bluesy and are sometimes quite close to bands like BAD COMPANY (70s), BADLANDS and most of all FLESH AND BLOOD… Recommended if you like such Bluesy Rock.

Rating: 7,5/10

THE LIGHTS is a French band who put out this CD two years ago on their own label. 'The survivors of the legend' is their second CD. I never heard their first, maybe soon. Anyway, this female fronted band reminds me a lot of that other French Female Fronted band called HEADLINE. They play the same style, which means Progressive AOR/Melodic Rock, although THE LIGHTS is a little softer. For example opener "Mercury's song" is a weak silly poprocker.

Next song makes it up, because "Glimpse of eternity" is a great AOR ballad a la 80s HEART, HEADLINE. This song has a great professional sound (so has the whole CD) and you can hear that lead singer Natacha Rosier really has a great melodic voice. Some more songs in this AOR style on a future CD would be great. My favourite songs after this great ballad are "Hell's train" (uptempo progressive AOR) and "The death row" (semi melodic rockballad).

Most of the other songs are a fine mixture of Progressive Pop/Rock and AOR. It reminds me of a cross between HEADLINE and JANINE STANGE. More info on THE LIGHTS can be found at their website at: http://www.mp3.com/thelights Pretty soon the band has their own site at: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/arts.music.production

Rating: 7/10

CONCERTO MOON is a very professional sounding band from Japan. 'Rain forest' is their third album, but I believe it's their first European releases. Fear not, because their first two CDs will be released by Limb Music later this year. They play Progressive Melodic Heavy Rock/Metal with clear influences from YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, RAINBOW, DOKKEN and DIO. There are 14 songs on the CD and it all sounds very professional. Although some songs sound quite heavy, this is still a very melodic band.

My favourite songs are "Lonely last journey" (great 80s typed melodic rocker, like DOKKEN/MALMSTEEN), "Fight to the death" (RAINBOW influenced melodic rocker), "Live on the memory" (classy 80s melodic rock guitarsound, wonderful song) and "King of the judas" (ncie melodic hardrock, like NATION). This band is a real recommendation to people who are into the progressive melodic heavy rock of acts such as ROYAL HUNT, STRATOVARIUS, 80s MALMSTEEN, RAINBOW…

Rating: 8/10

It's always a cause for celebration when an album featuring our hero Danny Vaughn emerges, "Soldiers And Sailors" marks his return into the ranks of Tyketto, with a quick name change to VAUGHN, it's as if he never left the ranks of the band seven years ago. VAUGHN consists of Danny Vaughn - the voice, harmonica, Michael Clayton Arbeeny - drums, Jamie Scott - bass, P.J. Zitarosa - lead guitars, Kyle Cummings - keys.

This album is a humble expression of where the band are headed, which is forward, and the fact that they haven't repeated "Don't Come Easy" must be honored as that would have been the most easy thing to do, it's nice to see that there are still some top class musicians out there who are simply doing it for the love of the music, therefore this record does not stench of a cash in.

This in fact has more in common with FLESH AND BLOOD and STRENGTH IN NUMBERS, than "Don't Come Easy", the songs are full of R & B swagger, CRY OF LOVE, KINCAID, BAD COMPANY, MR.BIG ,AEROSMITH and MARK MANGOLD's own solo material come to mind as well as loads of swaggering bluesy based bands.

This is a highly enjoyable album, the songs are powerful and Danny gives everything that is expected from him, my favourite songs are the title track itself, "Gandy Dancer", "The Voice" and "Shadowland", "Soldiers And Sailors On Riverside" kinda reminds me of "Janie Doesn't Live Here Anymore" mixed with JOEY TEMPEST's "A PlaceTo Call Home"single from the album of the same name, the song is beautifully sung and is quiet sassy and pure whilst "Gandy Dancer" is fun rock and roll that will be great to hear live, and "The Voice" is a very cool accoustic ditty, listen to the way Danny sings this track, his voice goes all over the place and is quite amusing.

One note worth mentioning is guitarist P..J. Zitarosa, I haven't heard of this guy before, he looks like Bruce Kulick, but he's a very good guitar player and has his own style which in turn helps to give the songs the feel and richness that will make them absolutely stunning live. All in all this a great album with lot's of widespread musicality, how the die-hard TYKETTO fans will react to this remains to be seen, it should be ok though as we all fell in love with FLESH AND BLOOD didn't we? but the fact of the matter is that this is far grander than "Don't Come Easy" and deserves it's own respect. Can't wait for Z ROCK!!!

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Through The Storm are from the United Kingdom and play no nonsense hard hitting rock in the style of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal And Hard rock sound of the early eighties...Rich Davenport's vocals are very instant and growly a bit like Lemmy from Motorhead mixed with the polished vocal deliviroes of Kal Swan from Bad Moon Rising/Lion, the music has a very raw live feel that could use the benefits of a fuller production sound.

This taster tape represents a nice little collection of hard rock songs,that you can check out via mp3.com.Give them ago, as Through The Fire rock!!! Check out their site at: http://www.mp3.com/throughthestorm or email: davenport@cablenet.co.uk

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

What is the point in a band going to the trouble of spending lots of money on recording an album and sending out promo packets to the press, and then when contacted for an interview several times, the request get's ignored, how many times do I have to come across this? this is another band that have failed to contact me after going to the trouble of sending me this brilliant cd, guys I want to interview you, please get in touch, I have sent you loads of emails etc...what's up???

Anyway enough ramblings Switz mob ME AND THE REST are a hard hitting sleazy rock band, the songs are punchy and raise your fists into the air, we get to hear four tracks "Stand Up For Rock And Roll", "Strangers", "Say I Love You" and "I'm Sailing" which all have catchy hooks like XYZ, BONFIRE and EVERY MOTHER'S NIGHTMARE. Best of the best is "I'm Sailing" which is a sweet and sexy ballad, you can really feel the emotion pouring out of singer Jurg Theiler's voice, this song sits alongside da Skid's "Wasted Time" very nicely indeed.

ME AND THE REST are a great new band that have loads of potential, guys are you listening? Get in touch A.S.A.P. you can try and reach them at their website http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepage/rbiefer and if they contact you, tell them to contact me. RECOMMENDED.

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

Recently I have noticed that Wisconsin's Bad Boy have been creating a bit of a dust storm in the far reaches of the internet, so I decided to contact my good friend Sandy Serge of Serge Entertainment to find out what all the sudden fuss was all about. Bad Boy have already released three albums "Private Party", "Electric Eyes"and "Girl On The Run" in the seventies and eighties, and this obviously serves as a taster for those unfamiliar with the groups music (myself include).

The band play simple no frills hard rock, the production could use a bit of a polish but the songs never the less are very entertaining. So what we have on offer is fourteen songs of party hard rock, crank up the volume and enjoy songs like the rocking "Private Party", this track mixes ROXX GANG and MOTLEY CRUE with the guitar craziness of TED NUGENT and CC DEVILLE, funnily enough this also reminds me of fellow Wisconsin rockers DAS.

It's all good rocking fun, but for me my favourite tracks are excellent "Cheat On Me", which is more melodic than the other material, and has a very singable chorus and "Girl On The Run", another addictive and catchy rocking number. For more information on Bad Boy go to http://www.serge.org/badboy.htm or email SergeEnt@aol.com

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

Our heroin Jaime Kyle is back with an awesome three track EP, the songs continue on from where "Back From Hollywood" left off, as always the songs are given the classy Kyle touch, and you end up just falling in love with the pure poppy aor and slightly modern pop rock that the wee lass sings with all her gorgeous heart, "Revelation" is by far the best track, this song is a summery, fun n' bouncy tune, Jaime's voice is immaculate and on "Revelation" she reminds me of FIONA's"Life On The Moon" and many of the other songs from Fiona's "Squeeze" album. These two ladies should do a duet or write a song together, never the less "Revelation" is one of Jaime's best songs which force you to singalong to every note. Jaime Kyle is class, make sure you check out this EP RECOMMENDED.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)