In the early 80s this English band had a huge following and released two LPs and two singles back then. Now in the year 2000 GASKIN has made a comeback with a new CD release on NEAT RECORDS. The only difference is that GASKIN is not a band anymore, because leader Paul Gaskin has almost done everything on his own for this new record. I must say that the CD made a big impression on me, because there are some great tunes on it. At first, I thought this was gonna be one of those really boring heavy metal records with a very dated sound, but 'Stand or fall' sounds super melodic and is totally recommended to AOR/Melodic Rockfans.

The CD starts pretty heavy with "The man is back", very fast melodic metal a la PRETTY MAIDS. The rest of the CD is just pure AOR/Melodic Rock that reminds me of bands like SANTERS, TEN, CONEY HATCH and even PHIL VINCENT comes to mind occasionally. "Tomorrow today" introduces us to a classy 80s Melodic Hardrocksound (in the 80s DOKKEN style). The midtempo melodic rocker "Still got the hunger" follows and reminds me a lot of WHITESNAKE and LION.

Then comes the superb pure 80s uptempo AOR/Melodic Rocker "Don't talk about love" (even a bit like the first MICHAEL BOLTON record!). A tad heavier, but in the same style as the previous track is "City of lights", a song in the 80s DOKKEN style again. Moving on with another great midtempo melodic rocker titled "Only the brave". Up next is the titletrack "Stand or fall", this is pure SANTERS melodic hardrock. Paul Gaskin really has a very good melodic voice and especially in the uptempo melodic rocker "Breaking my heart" this really shines through. This song is really fantastic and sounds like a cross between TEN, RAINBOW and SANTERS.

The hard rock anthem "England my England" follows and is in the KEEL style. 80s KISS typed rock can be heard in the following track "Take 'em off". Then comes the best song of the whole CD, namely the lovely pure 80s AOR rocker "Still in love" (SANTERS meets CONEY HATCH). The closing track "Why the gun?" is also wonderful and is melodic rock a la PHIL VINCENT. This new GASKIN has surprised me a lot and I can really recommend it to any AOR/Melodic Rockfan. Maybe the first track scares you off, but take it from me, the rest is simply great Melodic Rock a la SANTERS, CONEY HATCH, TEN, PHIL VINCENT.

Rating: 8,5/10

THE CREEPS come out of Finland. Their debut CD 'Never heard" features some excellent melodic hardrock with influences from SCORPIONS (late 70s/80s period), UFO and TRAMPOLIN. There are 10 songs on the CD and it all sounds pretty good. Opener "Somebody" is an excellent 80s uptempo melodic rocker in the classic SCORPIONS style, and features a very catchy melodic chorus. "Nameless creeps" follows and this semi melodic rocker also features a very catchy melodic chorus.

Next track "My destiny" is another very good song, this is a lovely melodic rockballad. While listening to this song you can hear that vocalist Juha Karvonen really can sing very well. He has a very melodic voice, perfectly suitable for this type of music. The CD continues with "No, no, no !!!", a weak groovy 70s rocker and the first disappointment after the first 3 songs. Next up is the calmer semi ballad "In my life". "Over again" is a nice uptempo melodic rocker with a simple chorus.

Next track "Cemetery song" is a nice semi melodic rocker. The last 3 songs are again very impressive and from the same high quality as the first 3 songs. "Hang on" is a great uptempo melodic rocker (old SCORPIONS meets UFO). "Shining" is a terrific melodic rockballad
with some very good harmonies at the end of the song, again very much like late 80s SCORPIONS. Closing track "Angel of doom" is a good uptempo melodic rocker. THE CREEPS is a very interesting Finish Melodic Rockband and worth checking out. Their website is located at: http://www5a.biglobe.ne.jp/~S-planet/ and e-mail them at: tm200149@saunalahti.fi

Rating: 8/10

Legendary UK Hardrock/Metalsters HOLCAUST also made a comeback on the NEAT RECORDS label. Not really a comeback, because in the 90s the band also released a couple of albums. But these two new releases on NEAT RECORDS will please a lot of the older Metal fans, because these are two re-issues on CD of the band's first two albums. These two albums are held high as Classics of the NWOBHM movement.

The live record from 1983 shows that the band sounded heavier live than on record, this CD is a pure Heavy Metal release and a must for a fan of the NWOBHM movement (and you'll get two bonustracks).

The other CD, 'The nightcomers', was originally released in 1981. This was the debut record for HOLOCAUST and musically a fine Melodic Hardrock album with some 70s Glam/Rock influences. GIRL was one of the few Glam typed bands in the NWOBHM movement and sometimes HOLOCAUST reminds me of that band. Rather I would describe this band as a bridge between GIRL and the harder edged metal typed bands.

My favourite songs are "Come on back" (early TWISTED SISTER influence), "It don't matter to me" (70s GIRL typed rocker), "Cryin' shame" (good melodic chorus, a bit like BLACK'N'BLUE), "Love's power" (straight ahead HR a la AC/DC) and "Only as young as you feel" (Melodic Rocker).

The last two mentioned songs are bonustracks. Besides being a must for fans of the NWOBHM movement, this band can also be seen as one of the pioneers of Glam/Party influenced Hardrock who influenced bands like TWISTED SISTER, LA GUNS, BLACK'N'BLUE to perform this type of Hardrock in years to come.

Rating: 7/10

Back in 1980 Guitarist/bassist/vocalist RANDY HANSEN releases his debut LP on Capitol Records. A few years before the LP release he made some demos at the Automat in San Francisco. Charles Tapp from EYE/TIMMY was brought in for the drum parts and former CHICAGO vocalist Bill Champlin sang backing vocals. RUDOLF MUSIC, the same label that brought you the sensational TIMMY and EYE releases, has now released this demo.

Most of the included songs also appeared on Randy's debut LP, but still these are the original versions and there's also one unreleased song. This is the titletrack of the CD,
"Thinking of you", a nice late 70s melodic rocker like BAD BOY, HARLEQUIN with a very catchy chorus that features very good melodic harmonyvocals (a la REO SPEEDWAGON). "Dancin' with me" follows and is JIMI HENDRIX influenced groovy rocker. "Don't pretend with your friends" is up next and bring back memories of the pop ballads from ALICE
COOPER in the late 70s, not really a song to look out for.

Much better is the following track "Champagne & cocaine", a nice uptempo melodic rocker with a 70s approach (a la ACE FREHLEY). In the same style is "Millionaire". The remaining four songs are demo jams from Randy that see much of his Hendrix guitar influences. More info on this or any other Rudolf Music release at: http://www.rudolfmusic.com

Rating: 7/10

Another return of a British Metal band. SAVAGE already has 3 albums out on Neat Records, this 'Xtreme machine' is a new CD of the band and musically they are really pure Metal. I have to pass on this release, because this has nothing to do with our beloved melodic rockstyle. If you're a SAVAGE fan, you will probably like this CD a lot, but melodic rockfans are better off with the other new releases on NEAT RECORDA, such as the brilliant new GASKIN release.

Rating: -

This is definitely something different from TIMMY member Charles Tapp. Together with guitarist Rob Neumann, Charles released this CD back in 1997. Musically very hard to describe, but nothing close to the AOR/Pomp Heaven from TIMMY and EYE. The first two songs are very weird and almost pure New Wave. "Mental disorder" is much better, a midtempo melodic rock based song (but still very different).

Really good is "Lead me on", this is an outstanding pompous 80s AOR tune a la WHITE SISTER, TIMMY, EYE… But this is the only song in this Classic AOR style, because the rest of the CD really is too New Wave/Pop based for me. Songs like "To a better place", "Every day's Friday" (a la DEPECHE MODE) and "In other words" are examples of this weird New Wave influenced Popsound. Charles did something very different musically on his solo-CD, but I had rather heard a full CD with songs like "Lead me on" or in the style of TIMMY/EYE. More info at: http://www.rudolfmusic.com

Rating: 5,5/10

CAT is short for Catherine McLean, a female multi-instrumentalist from California who sent me her two solo-CDs. The first one, simply titled 'Cat', contains 9 songs written and performed by Cat herself. Musically CAT is playing 80s typed melodic poprock with some quirky moments every now and then, she reminds me a lot of SHANDI, LUBA and DALBELLO. Opener "Jerry's head" is one of the better sounding tracks, a nice melodic poprocker with a good chorus. The following two songs ("Go" and "Perfect") are uptempo quirky poprockers that remind me so much of that SHANDI record from 1980.

The best songs can be found towards the end of the CD. "I want you" is a great uptempo melodic poprocker (no quirky influences) a la early PAT BENATAR and LAURIE AND THE SIGHS. Closing track "Important" is a classy 80s uptempo AOR rocker a la 80s HEART, only the chorus lacks a bit. Not a bad record, a must for fans of quirky early 80s poprock (LUBA, SHANDI, DALBELLO).

But CAT released another CD, this one is called 'Have a nice day'. This new CD is definitely more 90s rock orientated unfortunately. Songs like "Sorry", "Month of sundays", "I want to see you again", "Serious" and "Be the one" are very 90s rock based and do nothing for me. Much better are the melodic poprockers "Really bad" (early BENATAR style), "Stalker boy" (catchy chorus, very much like LAURIE AND THE SIGHS, best song), "Forever", "Lucky" and titletrack "Have a nice day". This new CD of CAT is a mixture of pure 90s rockers and early 80s poprockers. Check out CAT at: http://www.catmclean.com

Rating: 7/10

From Iowa, USA comes GRAVITY CRUSH, a female fronted rockoutfit. The band sent me a CD with 3 of their originals. First there is "Last stone", a great uptempo melodic rocker like JOSETTE, VIXEN, VXN… This is a very good start and it all looked very promising. Unfortunately the other two songs are less interesting. "Know why" is an acoustic tingled poprocker. Closing track "Surreal" is a 90s typed weak alternative rocker. If the band could make somre more songs in the style of their tune "Last stone", then they would be a lot more interesting. Check out their site at: http://www.gravitycrush.com and e-mail them at: ej@stayhealthy.com

Rating: 7/10

This band out of the Boston area sent me their third CD with 12 songs that I musically describe as a mix of 70s/80s straight ahead hard rock and 90s typed rock. Songs like "Out of control", "Outta sight", "The unknown" and "Get ready" are the 80s typed straight ahead hard rock songs and to me these are the best songs on the CD.

Other songs like "Rocket", "Shockwave" and "Born to die" are more in the 90s rockstyle, not bad, but just o.k. to me. I really like the melodic guitarsound of the song "Outta sight", this is a 70s/80s typed melodic rocker a la BAD BOY and definitely the best song of the whole CD. I hope the band can make more songs in this style in the future. Check out their site at: www.mp3.com/jozlinbones or www.bostonsoundcheck.com/jozlinbones or www.mp3.com/nomoreexcuses and e-mail them at: bsm@gate.net

Rating: 7/10

'Trinity overture' is the second CD of the Swedish band MAJESTIC. This band has a very professsional sound which contains elements of Melodic Rock, Progressive Metal and Classical music. Sometimes the band sounds like a typical 80s Swedish Melodic Rockband, but most of the time this is prime-time 90s Progressive Melodic Heavy Rock.

MAJESTIC can be seen as a mix between RHAPSODY/STRATOVARIUS and 80s MALMSTEEN/DOKKEN. There are 10 songs on the CD and to me the best ones are "The rapture of canaan" (very melodic with the keys/guitarsound almost AORish, very much like 80s DOKKEN), "Resurrection" (midtempo melodic rocker like SNAKES'N'PARADISE) and "Confusicus" (lovely classy 80s uptempo melodic rocker like 80s MALMSTEEN/ DOKKEN). These 3 songs are super melodic and would not be out of place on a melodic rockalbum.

On the other hand the band also has some very fast progressive melodic heavy rockers on their CD such as "Voodoo treasure", "Curtain of fire" and "Approaching the storm" that all sound like RHAPSODY, ANGRA and STRATOVARIUS. MAJESTIC is one of the better sounding progressive band that will also appeal to fans of melodic rock. Check out the site of their label MASSACRE RECORDS at: http://www.massacrerecords.com

Rating: 8/10

SPYRE are from Australia and their debut CD 'One' contains 4 songs. Musically they are playing Melodic Rock, although some other influences can also be heard. Opener "What for" is a weird ballad styled tune and has not much to do with melodic rock. Next track "Nightmare" is much better, this is a nice uptempo melodic rocker that reminds me a little of German bands like JADED HEART and PINK CREAM 69. The midtempo melodic rocker "Devil in Georgia" follows. Closing track is the 70s typed groovy rocker "The rock star". The band has a lot more originals as well as covers, so I hope to hear and review more of this Australian outfit soon. Check out SPYRE at: http://www.mp3.com/spyre and e-mail them at: spyre@ozemail.com.au

Rating: 7/10

Out of Ohio comes guitarist/vocalist David Meese (not to confuse with David Meece, the Christian rocker). His CD 'Hold on!' is basically filled with 80s typed American Melodic (Hard) Rock. Instrumental it all sounds very good, partly due to the help of multi- instrumentalist Stephe who also produced the record. He did a very good job, but the only thing I need to add here is that the lead vocals of David are a bit average.

The CD starts with "True lovers", a slow tempo rocker with some 80s partyrock references (a la CRUE). A nice first track, but the best songs can be found towards the end of the album. These are "I know you are the one" (cheerful uptempo melodic rocker) and "Time" (midtempo melodic rocker). In these songs the vocals of David sound better and also the sound is pure melodic rock. Weaker songs are tunes like "I need love", "Bring it on home" and "Come on". Check out David's music at: http://stephe-wilson.home.att.net or
http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/119/david_meese.html and e-mail him at: Arel-Recording@att.net

Rating: 6,5/10

First signing of a brand new band to John Kalodner's Portrait label which surely means that out favored genre of melodic hard rock and AOR is about to make a big comeback.

Mars Electric play catchy melodic rock and AOR pop, elsewhere on this website you can read Andrew Paul's in-depth review of "Beautiful Something", and he had it spot on, there is not really anything else I can say that hasn't already been said about Mars Electric, except that every rock fan of all genres will fully appreciate this excellent record, so hats off to Mr. Kalodner for attempting to take the chance with Mars Electric.

I cannot fault "Beautiful Something" at all, this is an essential record full of Harem Scarem equisite melodies, only more interesting. Get it bought pronto.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Interesting new release from Los Angeles based band who remind me of Tyketto's "Shine" album mixed with a subtle hint of Henry Lee Summer, Eric Clapton, The Rembrandts, 38 Special, Cheap Trick, The Hooters, Paula Cole etc.

The album is filled with amazing catchy songs with subtle pop arrangements, from the catchy opening track "Here Before" through to the last track "Further On Up The Road", the whole album is embellished with an excellent production that is sure to see Stone getting respect and world wide acclaim.

US magazine Metal Edge has already sited this band along with hard rockers and Strutter faves Atello as one of the stars of tomorrow, and I honestly believe they are right.With Mars Electric, Atello and now Stone, rock music has a chance of making a big comeback. Three bands with original styles that are defintley worth checking out. Recommended.

http://www.stonelive.com

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

The first song of R.A.I.N.E. is "Rainmaker"which starts off with some tribal drumming and tropical rainforrest sounds, singer Daivid Lindland sings like the god of AOR, which is backed by some cool keyboard work and fluid guitars from Jay Stone.

The next song is called "I Am", this has a nice melody and chorus line which makes alot of today's bands sound dull and lacklustre. Next up is "Everytime", the intro to the song is played by violin virtuoso Mark Wood from Celion Dion's band, (Mark himself has recorded one or two solo albums which are worth checking out), the song also features some tunefull keyboard horns similar to Dream Theater's "Another Day", the song is very smooth and has a glorious chours.

The keyboard sound to the next songs intro rips off Van Halen's - "I'll Wait". "Without You" is quite a heavy song and features some huge vocals from David. The song however is nothing like the afforementioned Van Halen song, but is instead a cool melodic rocker with lots of keys and guitars, once the chorus kicks in you can imagine that this could be Diving For Pearls, Hugo and House Of Shakira, the best song of the album so far.

The next song is called "2 AM" and has some cool bass work, the vocals seem to have been pushed back in the mix a little on this track, however this is still a great song which reminds me of so many other bands. "Miracles" is the obligatory ballad that has some delecate piano playing from Scott Murray. This will delight many AOR fans.

The next song is the first real pure aor song, "Lost Angels" this is the best song of R.A.I.N.E and will suprise most people because "Lost Angels" was written by Steve Perry and Cliff Magnus. Danger Danger's Kasey Smith plays the keys on this song, listen to David's voice on this song as he hits those high notes. Next up is the guitar crunching "What I'd Rather Be" another fave song of mine. "Inside Out" starts off with some cool vocals effects, this is slightly progressive aor and reminds me Shotgun Symphony.

Another ballad is next, "I Believe" is a silky song where everything fits just right. Finally the album blasts into view with "Never Alone" which starts off slow, and then pumps into yet another pure aor song with a killer chorus and high pitched vocals from David, which almost comes up to the standards of TNT's Tony Harnell, and continues with some cool riffs and keyboard playing. This is a very good album, what I have heard is enough prove that R.A.I.N.E. are a pioneering band with songs that fans of all of the genre will enjoy, perhaps one of the most promising new bands of 2000.

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Latest from the prog ice queen, "Secrets Of Astrology" is unbelievably Lana's tenth record, "Secrets" is a breathtaking shooting star ride of symphonic rock, built around huge keyboard work and astounding guitar melodies and mystical lyrics. Lana's voice is as usual dark and seductive as she pours her heart out into each song.

Lana's latest work is a hugely satisfying album which features contributions from David Victor (Velocity) and Tony Franklin. Perhaps not as challenging as "Queen Of The Ocean" and "Garden Of The Moon" but still a huge burning rock comet to die for, now Lana how about another Icebreaker record?.

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

Three years on from Treason's excellent self titled debut album, and the band are back with their brand spanking second album "Code Of Silence". This band have been helped along the way by Billy Sherwood and Alan White from Yes

Things blast off with "Last Stand" this is a very powerful song with lots of keys and great axe work from Karl Haug. Treason remind me of loads of different bands, this song is amazing lots of power and energy, reminding me a bit of Mars Electric, World Trade,Harem Scarem/Rubber, Voxen, Spocks Beard, and Hit The Ground Running, a glorious start.

The second track is a beautiful piano led song that has a slight Kings X similarity on the vocal front, these guys rock, and this song suddenly leaps into gear when Jason Saunders steps up his voice to a level that sits alongside Gary Schutt. Great song, great lyrics.

"Supercool" is superfantastic, "Spinning" is a ballad, and a bloody good one, "State Of Grace" is heavier a'la Spock's Beard and Arena, "Deff Bendir" is a spacey tune that you may find Dream Theater or Steve Vai recording, "Kali Ma" is a little different in style,
"Holy Water" is one of the albums best tracks, this song has lots of guitars etc.."Visual" is a super atmospheric song a'la Spock's Beard and Yes.

"Cold Tears" is a huge song, very much like Whitesnake, especially on the vocal front, this is my favourite song of the album. The final track "Lethal" is also a top song. Treason have made a totally superb record, I'm finding myself playing this over and over again, there is so much to enjoy with "Code Of Silence", so if you want to check it out, and I stongly urge you to, then contact the band at http://www.treason.net

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

Sweden's Two Piece Puzzle follow up their highly respected batch of demos from last year with this brand new excellently produced six track cdr demo. This band are from stupid, they are classy and play slick aor/pop a'la Robin Beck, Berlin, Dante Fox and Alyson Avenue.

Two Piece Puzzle is a six piece band featuring the sexy Ann Savhed - Vocals, Rickard Johansson - Bass, Jesper Rosdahl - Keys, Jesper Ohlsson - Guitars and last but not least Jonny Persson on Drums. The band have matured in the song writing department, now the songs have more finesse and character about them. My favourite songs are "Moments" (calmer Dante Fox), and "Love Ain't Enough". Now "Love Ain't Enough" simply slays me everytime I hear it, Ann's voice is immaculate, your immediately drawn towards her amazing and very sexy voice. This song deserves to be a hit, alot of thought and effort has been
put into Two Piece Puzzle's music, and it amazes me that they still remain unsigned, why for gods sake? Some buttons need to be pushed here I think, as the labels are missing out on a band that have loads of crossover appeal

Here we have a very talented band, so please do yourselves a favour and check them out, you won't be disappointed. One of my fave bands so far this year. Recommended.
http://www.tpp.nu oe Email: jespero@mac.com

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

What an amazing little album this is from Dallas based rockers Tragic Hero. Even though they follow all the usual cliches Tragic Hero are defintley doing something right, I think they have alot of good things going for them, decent musicians, a good vocalist and cool songs. This is typical US radio rock very melodic and harmonious.

Erich Von Colberg pours out some Gary Hoey style guitar flashiness which nods in tune to Chuck Williams imploring slick voice. Tragic Hero are a very mainstream band, waiting to be accepted, if your a fan of Valentine, The Storm early Danger Danger, Trixter, Innuendo and early Masquerade, then you will love Tragic Hero. There are loads of songs on "Wing And A Prayer" that have dance floor stamina and will get your feet tapping with their great choruses.

There are a number of songs that push all the right buttons, it's actually quite hard to choose favorites as I really do enjoy this record, there are a couple of mediocre moments but even those are a cut above most other bands. The overall impression that I am left with is one of a complete album, bare in mind that Tragic Hero don't have the recording budget of their idols, but if a label were to sign Tragic Hero then I predict huge sales, perhaps a label such as Perris Records, Kivel Records or MTM could establish a relationship with this band and give them a shot at the mainstream rock audiences?

http://www.tragichero.com Email: hotstrat@flash.netn

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Formally of Y And T fame, Burn's debut solo album is nine tracks of pure melodic guitar instrumentals. The last time I heard a guitar album this good was from ex- Megadeth virtuoso Marty Friedman.

Burn's doesn't get hot blooded with tons of throwaway shred work outs,like most of his contemporaries, he keeps the melodies sweet and simple and in doing so he has created a monster guitar record that never causes the listeners attention to wonder for a second.

Email: atrheia@trernila.it Website: http://www.atrheiarecords.com or http://www.stefburns.com

Rating: 8/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Oh yes, I frigging like this mini album very much, it took me a few spins to fully appreciate it, but "Voodoo" is a hard hitting footstomping anthemic hard rock mini album full of singalong songs in the style of Bonfire, Dokken, Firehouse, Atello, Heavens Edge etc....

My only complaint is that it's only four tracks long, so hopefully there is alot more riffage to bounce out of this Karlsruhe five piece. For instance the power ballad "Fall" is really really cool, lots of cool vocal harmonies from J. Tears. This reminds me of Bonfire's "Proud Of My Country" from "Fuel To The Flames" and Mr.Big and is a sweet song.

If your a fan of progressive rock, then you may want to listen to the first song "Wolf Among Sheep", this song opens up sounding like Judas Priest's "Turbo Lover" before the commercial symphonic keys break in a'la Balance Of Power, and is a very cool song that builds into a great chorus.

"Reach For The Sky" is typical eighties gun slinger and the final track "Voodoo Ain't Enough" is a Firehouse, Atello, Heavens Edge style rocker with lots of hair raising drum pounding, a song that almost heads into bonk rock territory. I think we'll be hearing alot from Frozen Tears in the future. Defintley one to watch.

Email: voodoo@frozentears.de Website: http://www.frozentears.de

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

Another promising band to watch out for are Denmark's Wicked Suburbs. They play melodic rock and AOR. The band are Josh - The Voice, Andy - Keys, Jan - Drums, Tom - Guitars, and Stefan on bass guitar.

"Out Now" is a four track demo which reminds me of Survivor, David Carl Band, Stan Bush and The Mark Allen Band amongst others, lots of lovely keyboard playing a'la Jonathan Caine like on "Last Train To Bulawayo", now this is a catchy song a'la Stan Bush , "L.T.T.B" has a nice chorus to singlaong to and sits tidily alongside most melodic rock and AOR bands.

"M.E.L" is a calmer song, again oozing familiar chorus lines that you know you have heard somewhere else before, never the less, this is another nice song. "Forget" is an up-tempo rocker that clams down a bit for the chorus and reminds me of Faith Nation. The only song that I didn't really enjoy was "By The Way..." this opening track has a seventies vibe with jazzy keyboards that somehow doesn't fit in with the other three songs.

This is an acceptable record from a nice band whom I'm led to believe have actually sold over 700 copies of this release, the band have been playing live for the last four years and seem to be building up a loyal following throughout Europe, so don't be suprised if we get to see a full album on one of the majors this year or next. Recommended.

http://www.wicked-suburbs.de Email: boelicke@wicked-suburbs.de

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

If you miss your fixx of Skid Row, Dokken, Gary Schutt, and Motley Crue hair rock, then it may be worth your while checking out Passadena's Wicked Sins.

This four piece outfit can really rumble up a kick arse fist flying cheesy rock anthem with the best of them. Their self titled debut album features nine tracks, which are all very catchy and loud like the debut Skid Row album. "Firewater" is the bands "Youth Gone Wild" and "One More Night" is their "I Remember You" and "Wasted Time". The rest of the songs pack plenty of punch like the Gary Schutt-ish "Girls Want It Too"which should appeal to fans of the Hard Rock genre. This is a cool album, check it out and check them out at: http://wickedsins.iuma.com

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

This is a grand little album from American singer/songwriter Jennifer Onesto. Her music is light weight accoustic rock music a'la Jaime Kyle, Liz Larin and some Fiona. There are twelve tracks on this record, track one "Isn't It Funny" is a very catchy tune, great chorus to sing along to. "Picasso" continues this style whilst "Love Changes Everything" is a poppy ballad, some of this songs instrumentation features some steal drum playing which makes "Love Changes Everything" one of "Twenty Houses" stand out songs.

"Fractured Queen" takes on the Alannah Myles route and "When The Train Comes" is a lovely soothing song with a country slant. We finally get to hear some guitars during "Here In The Darkness", now this is where Jennifer shines, this is very in tune with Jaime Kyle and a great great song with lots of warmth.

"Answers" again is an accoustic poppy song a'la Liz Larin, "Masquerade" is another contender for top song of the album award, this song is very catchy and addictive.
I could have done without "Last Dance" and "Give Me 'Til Morning", both of which do absolutely nothing for me. This is a nice album, apparently Jennifer now has a proper band project in the works so it will be most interesting to hear which way her style has developed. "Twenty Houses" is a nice album. If you interested in purchasing "Twenty Houses" then Email: gjennings@home.com for more information.

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

I've been tipping this New Jersey hard rock band for sometime now. Two years ago the band gained much interest in the music press with their great debut "The Message".

The new songs on this nine track demo tape show the band doing what they do best, playing hard rock for pure fun. The new material will sound very hot once they have recorded it properly and these demos show similarities to Judas Priest, Saxon, Accept, Dokken, lots of big time hair chorus and chunks of cranked up guitar action that will leave a smile on your face.

The sound at the moment is very raw and rough and needs to be polished up a touch, there are a few musical experimentations mixing hard rock with country that didn't really wet my appetite, but it is nice to see Position branching out and challenging themselves to do something a little different, but somehow the song didn't seem to fit in so well with the bands heavier material. All in all this is an album to look forward to. Look out for a full release and interview from these guys before the year is out.

Contact: positionnj@aol.com or http://www.members.aol.com/positionnj

Rating: 7/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)

Coty Rivers play accoustic pop and rock songs similar in style to Bryan Adams, John Cougar Mellencamp, Bon Jovi etc.

This record contains ten tracks in all, the songs are balanced out nicely with each other, which makes "180 Degrees" quite an enjoyable record, but it's perhaps a little bit to light weight and safe for my tastes, you however may think differently. Coty does have a nice voice that is crisp and understandable, check out opening track "All The Best" a nice singable song which reminds me of Bryan Adams' "In To The Fire" album, so basically the overall big picture is of an album structured in style for the over 30's and 40's market. Check it out though as it's worth a listen. Contact http://www.mp3.com

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

Interesting band from Slough in the United Kingdom (not to be confused with the early nineties Jagged Edge/Skin) who play accoustic based rock and indy rock with the sound and attitude of the seventies.

Jagged Edge's debut features six songs in all, so this can be considered somewhat of an ep rather than an album.Best track of Jagged Edge is "Lights Off" which has some nice guitar.

Jagged Edge are not bad and have a nice calming flavour about them, but they aren't a patch on the original and much missed rockier Jagged Edge who eventually became chat toppers Skin.

Email: jagged-edge@anage.com Website http://www.jagged-edge.8m.com

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

Now then this is the next band to start talking about. Karnataka are from my home town of Swansea here in Wales. I had not heard of them until my friend at my local record store introduced me to their music. To say the least I was completley blown away by the albums sheer musical quality.

This is the best band I have ever heard from Wales, maybe even the UK, they play melodic rock and aor with touches of light weight prog a'la Marillion, Spock's Beard, R.A.I.N.E etc.., but the great thing is is that Karnataka are taking the music one step further, very much like what Blackmore's Night are doing.

The band have already released one album and have played with various bands throught out the UK, and later on this summer they are heading out to the US to play various festivals. So they are more popular than what I originally thought.

Lead singer Rachel Jones has an amazingly profound voice, that is sexy and subtle, thus she adds purity to the songs and can sing anything, that is thrown at her.

Rachel reminds me of a Lana Lane, Stevie Nicks, Kate Bush and Sandi Saraya, also try to imagine the music of Dare with female vocals and you'll get the picture.

The music is alarmingly spiritual with lots of atmosphere which captivates the listener with each beautiful note that pours out from the musicians. Every care has been taken into getting the right sound quality for Karnataka's songs, the sound is hugely impressive, very elegant and classy.

"The Storm" opens up with the gentle sound of waves, judging by the cover artwork, I must asume that this was actually recorded from my local surfing haunt of Llangenninth beach, anyway the song sets the mood for the album as track one gently rolls in shore. "Heaven Can Wait" is a very beautiful song, Rachel's voice on this one reminds me of Belinda Carlisle's "Circle In The Sand" single, the music is very haunting and the guitar work from Paul Davies is clear and concise, when you hear Paul's guitar playing you will understand what I mean by the comparisons to Dare.

Next up is "Dreamer" not the best of tracks and the only weak track on the album, "Dreamer" is then followed by "The Journey" this song is moody and sensuous. Next is "Hay", this song is beautiful with an almost "harp" sounding guitar intro. "Love And Affection" pops up next, this song has some nice key work and sits nicely alongside such noted artists as Paula Cole and Stevie Nicks. This song is dead catchy with a nice chrous to sing along to.

"I Should Have Known" is another song with different layers of mood, next up is "Everything Must Change", now this song is very spiritual and has some wonderful instrumentation, just listen to the power and Rachel's seductive voice, excellent song, this
is continued on "Shine" which has some great grooves and lyrics.

"Writing On The Wall" reminds me of Lana Lane and Clannad and "The Storm" rounds up the album, this song is sheer musical poetry which ends one of the classiest albums I have heard from a British band in years.

As with the beginning of the album "The Storm" fades out with the sound of waves.

You too will like Karnataka and it's finally so rewarding to find a band from my home town, can't wait to see them perform live.

http://www.karnataka.ndirect.co.uk or Email: karnataka@ndirect.co.uk

Rating: 9/10 (Review by Nicky Baldrian)