KEVIN CHALFANT has finally returned with a pure AOR record. His new project TWO FIRES also features his co-member of THE STORM, Josh Ramos. Together they have made a wonderful pure AOR record that will easily find it's way to anyone that adores bands like JOURNEY, HUGO, THE STORM, SURVIVOR, FM… The production of Kevin himself with George Tutko (ALIAS, 707, XYZ) is really massive and huge, pure 80s Arena Rocksound with many hooklines, beautiful vocals/harmonies and big (really big) choruses.

The guestlist on the album is also quite impressive, because there are appearances by Kenny Aronoff (JOHN COUGAR, JOHN BON JOVI), Willy Weeks (ROD STEWART) and Jim Peterik (SURVIVOR). Jim also co-wrote one song called "River of destiny", a superb 80s typed midtempo AOR tune (a la SURVIVOR). The other song Jim and Kevin recorded a little while ago ("The sum of our hearts") is not included on this CD unfortunately. Anyway, what sets this record apart from earlier recordings that featured Kevin on vocals, is the fact that this album contains 13 songs that were all written by Kevin himself (or in co-operation with people like Josh Ramos, Alby Odum, Steven Fontano and Joseph Marquez).

'Two fires' is a masterpiece and features Classic AOR only. From the start with "My love will be there" till the end with "Rivers of destiny" the high level remains and I don't have so anything further about this record than to add that this TWO FIRES will be one of the top albums of 2000! It's hard to pick favourites, because all 13 songs are favourite tracks of mine. Outstanding tracks though got to be "Alyssia" (uptempo classic 80s AOR like the third THE STORM album), "Never stop loving you" (big mid-80s AOR sound like the MICHAEL BOLTON, late STARSHIP, THE STORM), "River of destiny" (the Jim Peterik co-written tune), "Summer of love" (classic JOURNEY uptempo AOR) and "I believe in you" (AOR Ballad, hello JOURNEY and HUGO!).

All fans of pure AOR and especially those who are into THE STORM, KEVIN CHALFANT, JOURNEY and HUGO can not miss this record. Get this CD a.s.a.p.!

Rating: 9,5/10

VINNY RECORDS is a new Spanish AOR label that is going to release CDs of Spanish AOR bands. In the past, only a few AOR bands came out of Spain, bands such as LA FASE, JUPITER… Those were also pretty good bands, but furthermore there weren't much more acts. Nevertheless, this new label has found a few very interesting Spanish AOR bands and SEVEN LTD. with their album 'Reset devices' is the label's first release. And actually this CD is a very good release and can easily be seen as one of the best pure AOR releases from the past few months. SEVEN LTD. comes out of Barcelona and their first CD is a definite hit for all fans of pure AOR.

Unlike many other bands from Spain, France and Italy, SEVEN LTD. is singing in English, so there are no lyrical problems. The production and sound quality of the CD is really superb. The songs bring back memories of the 80s Classic AOR albums of bands such as FM ('Indiscreet'), STRANGEWAYS (their first 3 releases), JOURNEY, STAN BUSH… This SEVEN LTD. is really sensational! The album starts with "Endless goodbye", wonderful 80s midtempo AOR with great keys and vocals, very much leaning towards early STRANGEWAYS/JOURNEY…

Next up is "The infinity of your smile" which brings us right back into that cheerful uptempo AOR/FM-Rock from around 1986/1987 (like STAN BUSH/FM). Some more classy 80s AOR can be heard in "Shine your light on me", a hookladen AOR rocker a la early FM, CHANGE OF HEART, WHITE SISTER… This song also features some lovely harmonies. Next track "Seven" is a bit weaker and is more Progressive Metal orientated with QUEENSRYCHE influences, still a great melodic chorus. These progressive influences are caused by the fact the band has been hugely influenced by RUSH and therefore some songs have some Progressive Rock influences, but most of the time this band is playing pure 80s AOR.

The CD continues with one of the best songs on offer here. I am talking about the brilliant Classic AOR Ballad (in the vein of SURVIVOR/INTRUDER ballads) titled "Worlds apart". A song like this gives you tears in your eyes, because it is so beautiful. This very emotional song has so much potential in becoming a huge hit, but unfortunately that will not happen, partly due to the radio/tv-media that completely ignore AOR music. Anyway, still I can recommend every AOR fan to check out this superb ballad of this Spanish AOR band,
because it can't be missed. But the CD continues and so does the pure AOR music, because songs like "Man behind the mask" (STRANGEWAYS typed AOR), "Feel your love" (superb piece of classy 80s Euro-AOR like first FM, TREAT, SHY, FIRST AVENUE, TERRA NOVA…) and "Matter of trust" (semi AOR ballad like JOURNEY, PRMOTION…) are really wonderful.

This band can easily be called a sensational band, because their debut CD 'Reset devices' is filled with many terrific AOR tunes. A definite must for fans of bands like INTRUDER, STRANGEWAYS, PROMOTION, JOURNEY (couldn't resist mentioning them too). A great job by Vinny Records and hopefully we'll get to hear more of such releases in the near
future, then we can easily call Vinny Records the fifth melodic label based in Europe! Check out the website of Vinny Records at: http://www.vinnyrecords.com and e-mail them at: info@vinnyrecords.com for all info on SEVEN LTD. and other upcoming releases on the label. Also check out the interview somewhere else on this site.

Rating: 9/10

Do not confuse this FROZEN TEARS with the same named Australian AOR band. This FROZEN TEARS comes out of Germany and actually they have released a very impressive CD titled 'Voodoo' which contains 4 songs. Musically they can be compared to FIREHOUSE, DOKKEN, BONFIRE…, in other words this is your typical Rock'n'roll band playing very well-produced 80s typed Melodic Rock. The CD opens with "Wolf among sheep", a great melodic rocker a la 80s DOKKEN, and right away you can hear that this band knows how to write good songs and also produce them very well, because the sound quality is really superb, especially for an independent band.

Next up is "Reach for the sky", a huge sounding melodic rocker a la DOKKEN, FIREHOUSE, BONFIRE… The CD continues with the semi melodic rockballad "Fall" which is a pretty good tune and reminds me of JADED HEART and FAIR WARNING. Closing track "Voodoo ain't enough" is a very good 80s melodic rocker, kinda like WILF FRONTIER. And then it's not over yet, because if you put the CD in your CD-ROM player of your computer, you'll be amazed how much effort these guys have put in one CD. The multi-media show appearing on the screen after you started the CD ROM, is from a very high quality and fun to watch too.

So, this band is playing great 80s typed melodic rock, the 4 songs have a superb production (as good as any major label act) and on the CD is a very good looking multi-media show to watch on your computer screen. Nothing stands in my way to give these guys a high rating. E-mail them at: voodoo@frozentears.de and visit their site at: http://www.frozentears.de

Rating: 8,5/10

I haven't got any info on this American band, and that's a shame, because they really have released something interesting. The band's debut (?) CD is titled 'Bootleg on Broadway'. There are 5 songs on the CD and there is a lot of variety in musical approach on the record. The CD starts with "Piece 'o' cake'", a very weak funky and groovy popsong.

Then suddenly we are into 80s AOR rock territory on the next song "All things". This song is a totally hot superb pure 80s AOR/Melodic Rock a la TOUR DE FORCE, SAVANNAH, SLYBOYZ… Very unexpected, but nevertheless a superb tune, so is the following track
"Spending a life". Also this song is wonderful 80s AOR/Melodic Rock in the style of mentioned bands. These two songs are quite sensational and if the band put more of such songs on a future record, then the European labels will be waiting to sign them.

Unfortunately the closing two tracks of this CD are again weaker and even show some Blues/Southern-Rock influences. There's only one thing to do for this band and that's writing a full CD with material in the style of their songs "All things" and "Spending a life". Then we can easily welcome the latest new AOR sensation from the USA! For now, visit their website at: http://www.masqueband.com and e-mail the band at: fishduck@masqueband.com

Rating: 7,5/10

The Christian band AGAPE comes out of Texas, USA and they sent me a demo tape that consists of 16 songs. Musically the band is playing quite a few Rockstyles. You can hear instrumental Progressive Pop/Rock, Melodic Rock, light AOR, Symphorock and even Pomprock! Opener "Choose to live" is a nice Progressive Symphonic lighter AOR tune with influences from STYX, ASIA, IT BITES… "The choice" follows and this is a very nice instrumental uptempo pomprocker in the late 70s/early 80s style (SAGA meets TOKYO).

Then comes the best song of AGAPE, namely the uptempo melodic rocker "Heaven is calling". This song is in the classic 80s Christian Melodic Rockstyle of bands such as HALO, HYBRID ICE, SURE CONVICTION… It would have been great if the band had put some more of these uptempo melodic rockers on their album. Maybe on a future release, who knows! Anyway, the following songs are a bit weaker and also quite soft.

For myself, I have to wait until track 9 when I finally hear something AORish. This is the song "God bless", a nice keyboard dominated 80s typed midtempo AOR tune with some great harmonies (like NELSON). The bonustracks added to the album are actually very weak, because they are all very Pop orientated. Anyway, for more info on this band check out their site at: http://www.Christjam.com and e-mail them at: jambread@houston.quik.com

Rating: 7/10

DENISE ROSIER was born in Japan, but raised in the USA. She now lives in California and 'Only a whisper away' is her first CD. On the CD musicians who played with artists like DAVID FOSTER, Leonard Cohen, Bruce Hornsby, Jennifer Warnes and Randy Newman back her. There are 11 songs on the CD and musically it all starts very pure Pop orientated.

Songs like "Only a whisper away", "That's the day", "Out in the storm", "The wonder of it all" and "Alchemy of love" are pure 80s Pop Ballads like AMY GRANT, CONNIE SCOTT and even SHANIA TWAIN made famous. Songs like these are not really interesting for the fans of female fronted AOR/Rock. Happily the second part of the CD features some more Rock based material and actually those songs sound pretty good and are in the JAIME KYLE style. "Going home" is a nice calmer westcoast typed ballad like JAIME KYLE. And "The color of grace" is nice pop/rock with some 90s influences.

But the real rockers can be found between the last five songs of the CD. First there is "Waiting", a great semi AOR ballad like JAIME KYLE, and this song features a nice guitarsolo. Next track is the best song on the whole CD. I am talking about "What in the world", a great uptempo AOR rocker like the first CONNIE SCOTT album, MARGARETH BECKER (her first two albums) and JAIME KYLE. Also the song "The fullness of time" is in this style, but a little softer.

I hope a future CD will feature some more uptempo rockers (like "What in the world"), because this is Denis Rosier at her best. Anyway, for people who don't mind a mixture of pure Pop and Rock, should surf to: http://www.DeniseRosier.com where you can buy her CD. E-mail Denise at: littlebun@yahoo.com

Rating: 7/10

Out of New York City comes LEE J. BOICE AND THE PROMISE, a band that combines Melodic Rock and Bluesrock. The band sent me a 7-track CD and the start is very promising. Opener "Life without you" is a great slowtempo melodic rocker with a very good melodic guitarsolo. The chorus of this opening tune is really good, although it takes a while before it kicks off.

Unfortunately the rest of the CD is not so melodic rock orientated and the band mostly jumps into pure Bluesrock on songs like "The river" and "Angel". The mixture of bluesrock and melodic rock works in the song "Promises". But I had rather heard some more melodic rock typed tunes a la opener "Life without you". For more info on the band, you should visit their website at: http://www.leeboice.com and e-mail them at: stratman@mail.idt.net

Rating: 6,5/10

5 songs are on the CDR the band SABINAS REX sent me. They come out of Brooklyn, New York and are playing a pure 80s style. I find it rather hard to describe this band. They are influenced by the Classic Rock acts from the 80s such as KANSAS, DEF LEPPARD, ASIA… but I think their music is slightly different than these acts. This is partly due to the
gothic/epic typed lead vocals by Jana, the female singer of SABINAS REX. Instrumental this is pure 80s AOR and sounds actually very good.

But the vocal part has nothing to do with Melodic Rock. Not only are they gothic/epic sounding, but they are also produced at the back and so the music is upfront and sometimes you can't even hear the vocals that well. A really shame, because if the vocals were more upfront and melodic (a la HEART, PAT BENATAR), then this would've been something special. Anyway, on one song ("People one and all") the vocals are more upfront and melodic. And rightaway, the band sounds very good and makes this song a winner for the fans of female AOR/Melodic Rock.

Yet, the other 4 songs are instrumental pure AOR, but vocally more reminding me of BERLIN, DEVICE… The other thing I regret is the fact that no real drums are used and so this is actually a pure 80s hi-tech pop/rock-sounding band. E-mail them at: SABINASR@AOL.COM

Rating: 6,5/10

Athena Lee was born in California, but now lives in Florida. Her 3-track demo-CD is an acoustic album. The album only features a girl and her acoustic guitar singing melodic songs. Although I prefer some plugged in material, this isn't bad either. Athena has a really great voice and musically she is comparable to JAIME KYLE.

Opener "Beyond the end of time" is a great melodic tune and if it was backed by electric guitars, it would have been a typical female rocker. "Goodbye" follows and is a very soft acoustic song. Closing track "Broken promises and empty words" is a very good ballad. I hope in the future, Athena uses some electric guitars to back her music, because her vocals are really good, the songs are great and if it sounded a little rockier, this could turn out to something sensational. E-mail her at: athenalee54@hotmail.com

Rating: 7/10

MERE IMAGE comes out of Arizona, USA and they sent me a 4-track demo-CD. Musically they play 90s typed heavy rock and a song like "Can't take the bass" is a bit too 90s for me. The acoustic ballad "Down again" also has nothing to do with Melodic Rock. Happily, the song 'Who's to blame" is a nice semi melodic rocker.

Closing track is the QUEENSRYCHE typed ballad "Madman". Well, I find this band a bit too 90s and also quite heavy in some spots. However if you're interested, then visit their site at: http://www.mp3.com/mereimage and e-mail them at: NIGHTFALLAVE@prodigy.net

Rating: 6,5/10

AERIALE is a Female-Fronted Rockband out of Colorado, USA and they released a CD titled 'Stargazer'. The band consists of two members, namely Stephanie Sante on guitars, vocals and bass and Gregory Davis on keyboards, drums and bass. Musically it sounds very much like the 80s hi-tech AOR/Poprockstyle of acts like DEVICE, SEPTEMBER, PAT BENATAR (after 1984), LUBA, DALBELLO… This can best be heard in the songs "Only light", "Racing the wind", "Modern world", "Stargazer" and "Memories". These are also the best songs.

However, the best song of the whole CD is the closing track "The road home", this song is totally different than the rest of the CD and is a wonderful uptempo pure 80s AOR rocker. If the band could make somre songs in the style of the last track, then they would be a sensational band. For now, check out AERIALE at their site: http://www.mp3.com/AERIALE and e-mail them at: aeriale2000@hotmail.com

Rating: 7,5/10

This CANVAS comes out of Ohio, USA sent me a CD titled 'Canvas 2000'. The album features 8 songs of which 6 are instrumental. The first two songs feature vocals, but are actually the weakest songs, they can be described as 90s typed pop/rocksongs. The remaining 6 songs are nice instrumental Symphonic AOR tunes a la ASIA. The best song is "Castle in a modern world" which has a very cool 80s sound. More info on CANVAS can be found on their website located at: http://www.mp3.com/canvas1 and e-mail them at: Canvasms@Yahoo.com

Rating: 7/10

Out of the Northeastern of the USA comes JOE, a band playing a sort of updated 90s Rocksound of bands like KINGS OF THE SUN, JUNKYARD, AC/DC, MUD SLICK… There are 12 songs on their CD and with bands like these, it's either you like them or not. If you like this kind of Straight-ahead Hard Rock, then you will definitely want to shout and scream along with JOE. 'Rock'n'roll man' is a real Hard Rock CD, for anyone missing this type of rock, check out their site at: http://www.joetown.com and e-mail them at: joe@joetown.com

Rating: 6,5/10

On the same label as above reviewed JOE, comes AMERICAN TRASHED. This band also features Joe, the guitarist/vocalist of JOE. Hardly surprising, this AMERICAN TRASHED is playing in the same Hard Rock style of JOE. However, I think this AMERICAN TRASHED is better, just because they are a little more melodic rock based.

There are 4 songs on their debut CD. Opener "Timebomb" is a terrible 90s typed alternative rock and falls out of place between the rest of the album. The following two songs ("Starbaby" and "Snake charmer") are nice late 70s typed rockers a la AC/DC, KROKUS, KISS… Closing track "Nice" is a faster partyrocker. More info on AMERICAN TRASHED at: http://www.americantrashed.com and e-mail them at: awaldman@hotmail.com

Rating: 6,5/10

Out of Florida comes multi-instrumentalist Rick Renstrom. He sent me two albums he recorded the past few years. The first one is an EP titled 'The fire within EP', which featured 3 songs. This EP saw Rick playing as guitarist along with a drummer and bassist. But on his new CD 'Future intense' he took over that part and so did everything on his own. Musically Rick is playing instrumental Melodic Heavy Rock with a lot of Classical themes. Yes, there's only one guitarist who influenced Rick and his name is YNGWIE MALMSTEEN.

Rick has listened very well to Yngwie and you can clearly hear that in songs like "Forgive and forget" and "On top of the world". A total of 10 songs I heard from Rick and they all sounded very well. Rick sure knows how to play all the instruments and these records can't be missed by anyone who likes YNGWIE MALMSTEEN. More info can be found on Rick's website at: http://www.mp3.com/rickrenstrom and e-mail him at: rickrenstrom@juno.com

Rating: 7,5/10

Alyson Avenue are a fantastic pure AOR/pop band, the main power behind the bands force is singer/songwriter Anette Ohlsson, this girl has a voice that will make even the hardest metal fan fall to his feet, she has a voice that is up there with the likes of Dianne DeWitt, Debbie Davies, Leigh Mattey, the pop band Wilson Phillips, Roxette, Allison Lindsay, Mari Hamada, Sue Willets and Anna Svhed.

The songs are brilliantly produced and you can also imagine Mark Free or Tim Feehan singing these magical songs. A.A. released a batch of demos between 1992 and 1994, these new songs are more mature, four tracks are featured on this cdr demo, and I must say, i'm incredibly impressed with the bands sound, some of you may remember the song "Walk Away" from those early demos, this song is almost a classic and makes the likes of DANTE FOX look rather lame indeed, the new songs are just so full, it's impossable to really pick any highlights, if I had to pick one then it would be "Tell Me You Love Me (Or Leave Me), this is a spunky keyboard led song (played by Niclas Olsson), that has a classic chorus similar to ROMEOS DAUGHTER, SIGNAL, FM and FIONA.

Anette's voice is so pure, she's an angel ready to become a goddess. The future looks very bright for Alyson Avenue. I await more new songs with great anticiaption. Email the band at: oniclas@hotmail.com

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

The only thing that I can be picky about with the new Britton album is the production, but apart from that it is an absolutely essential purchase.

There are two bands going around under the BRITTON moniker, and as this is my first taster of the band I cannot tell you which one this is. But what I can tell you is that songs are as smooth as a baby's bum, check out "Destiny Finds Us" a super semi-ballad a'la FERGIE FREDERIKSEN, HARLAN CAGE, this is such a dreamy song, as is "I Wanna Know" a'la
NIGHTRANGER, VAN HALEN (Hagar era).

On "Barfly" it's time to rock with perhaps the catchiest chorus I have heard all year. The riffs are colourful and the song sits nicely alongside bands like SLYBOYZ, KIX, ATTRACTION, HEAVEN'S EDGE, ARACDE, DEF LEPPARD, SLAUGHTER, DANGER DANGER, PASSION RISK, VALHALLA, LIXX ARRAY, KINCAID and BILOXI, an essential song that is perfect to be included in any rock club DJ's playlists.

If this was the years between 1989 - 1991 then BRITTON would be over here touring with bands like WHITE LION, EXTREME, AEROSMITH, BON JOVI or appearing on some movie soundtrack album....well we can all dream, but listen up this is good album full of bouncy catchy songs like the infectious "Body Shot" and "Sambala" both of which are good rocking although "Sambala" tends to be a bit more poppy like maybe DURAN DURAN. Another fine release from the label that bought you the latest and greatest PHIL VINCENT and FAITH NATION albums. Recommended!

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Larisa is from Los Angeles, and this album contains ten original and uplifting accoustic rock songs that show resmeblances to the excellent FIONA APPLE, THE CORRS, KATE BUSH, ALANNAH MYLES, JANE SIBBERY, PAULA COLE, LIZ LARIN, KATHY FISHER and the style BON JOVI played on their last album "These Days", I can even go as far to say that DARE could create an album like this too, take songs like "I Lied", "Living In Your Eyes", "Innocence","Heaven" and "Blue Mountain", all the mentioned songs showcase Larisa's dark and sexy voice and songwriting skills, her music isn't easy to catergorise as there are snipets of all stlye of music featured on "Moment By Moment". And that is what makes her music most impressive and appealing.

David Tickle produced the album, David is famous for producing such top bands as U2, FOUR NON BLONDES and PETER GABRIEL, "Moment By Moment" is essentially a pop album, but it's so strong and unique that I feel it has elements that rock and AOR brigade will enjoy, the album amazingly is the first album to be recorded in the new DTS format. DTS is the channel used for surround sound for major motion pictures, so you can imagine how this album sounds. This is an intresting new format which is going to take music to the next level, my only hope is that the record labels who are famous for releasing
melodic rock etc. will take note of this new level in entertainment. Just imagine how TEN or DARE could sound using this format. Overall Larisa Stow is a very classy artist, her songs are gorgeous and very inspirational with the fantastic "I Lied" being the best song on offer. RECOMMENDED! http://www.larisastow.com

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Swedish power metal mob Impale release a fairly impressive DOKKEN, MALMSTEEN, ROYAL HUNT, BRAZEN ABBOT, CONERTO MOON, esquiste three track EP. The songs are gloriously catchy and show all the elements of a band ready to take the world by storm.

"Keeper Of The Flame" itself is an impressive song, singer Anders Larsson hits out some really high ranges, but the songs star is actually drummer Johan Strende. This man has a huge amount of pounding energy, his drum patterns are so complexed that your left thinking that the guy must have eight arms and is really an octopus.

Peter Henninsson is a neo-classical style guitar player, not a typical Yngwie clone I would like to add, more instyle with your JOHN NORUM'S and MICHAEL SCHENKER's of the world. The next track "Remember (Fighting The Lord)", open up with some tasteful keyboard pomp, the song then goets all majestic and strikes a resemblance to such bands as VIRGIN STEELE and obviously King Malmsteen.

The final track "Mankinds Call", is brilliant, pure and melodic.All the songs are superbly played and the production is crisp and clean, I don't know who produced it, but it's a quality sound that is sure to get IMPALE noticed by the masses. Let's keep our eyes open for the bands forthcoming debut album. Good effort. Contact Impale at: contact@impale.cjb.net or http://www.cjb.net

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

Taking much of what was hinted at on Bozzio/Levin/Stevens' "Black Light Syndrome" to a logical conclusion, "Flamenco.a.go.go." sees Steve Stevens with the aid of guests such as Greg Ellis(Shark Island/Jerusalem Slim), Howard Jones, and Azam Ali, producing an album of moods,light, shade and at times, utter and joyful exuberance.Opening with the title track with it's-and I'm sorry- flamenco technique and modern latino loops, we've got something that with vocals would be a hit.

There's something joyful in Stevens playing, he seems to be doing exactly what he wishes to do now, a point emphasized by the Pat Metheny in Spain mood swings of the delightful "Cineitta"."Our Man in Istanbul", with haunting vocals from Azam Ali, drives and twists into one's memory like the best movie soundtrack, and is best summed up as Led Zeppelin meets Mission Impossible, with some jaw-dropping guitarwork from Stevens, and an insinuating melody.

Like the recent Alex Masi album, "Flamenco.a.go.go." fires the imagination of the listener. It takes us on a journey from the hills of Andalucia to the teeming city where Europe meets Asia by way of superb musicanship, excellent song-writing, and a certain unquantifiable something, a magic if you will.The cool edgy jazz of "Feminova" will as it claims in the song 'twist your heads', and the live in Japan masterpiece of "Dementia" will have you wishing you had been there to that night.Granted this is not a rock album in the accepted sense, but it is a wonderful piece of work by a rock player with a good many strings to his bow. Give it a try after we all need something a little different now and again. One of my personal albums of the years thus far.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Andrew Paul)